Platform 9 and Three-Quarters

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Summary: In which Terry Boot is happy to see a friend as he enters Platform 9 ¾ for the first time.

Rating: K

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"Do you have everything you need Terry?" His mother asked as they neared the entry way to Platform 9 ¾.

"Yes mom," he automatically replied as they waited in the small queue for their turn to phase through the brickwork and out onto Platform 9 ¾. "I have everything."

"Your father was planning on being here. To see you off Terry," his mother began as they inched closer to the brickwork, "but being called out to that forest all the way over in Gloucestershire -"

"It's alright mom. Really." Terry reassured his mother for the third time that morning since his father was paged out to investigate an anomaly deep within the Forest of Dean. Just as he was about to explain that he understood that his father's work was important he heard his friend Anthony Goldstein's voice two families behind them.

"Mother please stop worrying. I will be fine."

"I'm a mother. I have to worry." Mrs. Goldstein replied dusting off her only son's coat. "I wish your father had closed up shop to be here. What's more important? Seeing his son off to boarding school or selling clothes I ask you."

Terry couldn't help but smile upon hearing his friend having to deal with his mother like Terry had to as he ran through the brickwork pushing his luggage trolley before him.

His smile broadened as he saw the Hogwarts Express before him. This was it. He had finally made it.

"Terry? Terry!" Anthony called after he had also phased through the brick barrier that separated the rest of King's Cross from the platform they were now standing on. "Where's your dad?"

"He was called out to investigate something," he briefly explained as their mothers exchanged pleasantries. Terry looked over at the cage that sat on top of Anthony's luggage and noted the small brown dotted owl housed within. "I didn't know your parents finally agreed to you having an owl. What his name?"

"She's a Little Owl. I'm thinking of calling her Esther or Sarah. Haven't decided yet."

"Esther," Terry voted as he wished he had been allowed to bring his dog Jeff along. He had been told that he could buy a new pet to bring along, but that Hogwarts just did not accept dogs. He had no desire to buy another pet so he hadn't. Not wanting Jeff to think he had been replaced.

"Which subject are you most looking forward to?" Anthony asked, quickly changing the subject when he noticed the slight frown on his friend's face. Which reminded him Terry had wanted to bring his black Labrador Retriever along but couldn't.

"Transfiguration and charms," Terry answered thankful for his friend changing topics, "and you? I bet you're looking forward to History of Magic."

"Maybe, but I am actually looking forward to astronomy."

They continued talking as they began unloading their luggage trolleys and boarding the train. Pausing to bid farewell to their mothers. Even bringing up pros and cons concerning all core required classes as they settled into their compartment. Dressed in their school robes and their black school issued hats on. Both boys ready for the adventure to begin.

Fini

Disclaimer: For the full disclaimer please refer to the first installment.

Submission for: 1991 Challenge at HPFFC.

Prompts:

September Event Prompt: Plot – Meeting a friend at King's Cross Station

1991 Challenge Prompt: Terry Boot. Forest.

Word Count: 544