Chapter 8 – Platform Nine and Three Quarters

A/N: Here it is! The next chapter. Really took me a while huh? (A HUGE understatement) I wouldn't be surprised if everyone gave up after a year and no one is actually reading this right now, but I'll still update for the sake of those who's still waiting as well as my own curiosity at how the story would end. So the product is this chapter! Ta~dah!

BTW, I decided that even though this is technically Ariana's story, I'm still including bits and pieces about the rest of the Dumbledore family. Because, let's face it, they're a really interesting bunch.

I actually loved how this chapter turned out. I dunno why, but I'm really obsessed with Albus and Aberforth's rocky relationship. It's fun to see those two interact so awkwardly, nevermind that I'm actually the one who wrote it. I hope you find it okay as well. :)

~O~

"Excuse me, I'm looking for a certain Mathilda Gunshot?"

It was the next day, and Kendra immediately headed to the Gunshot's house to talk to the woman who spoke with Aberforth. She was apprehensive, rumors spread quickly after all. The woman might've already told others about Ariana's state. Kendra gave two sharp raps on the door and prepared herself on how she normally greeted outsiders: with a stern and serious demeanor.

The old lady who opened the door looked quite confused. "I am sorry, but I'm afraid I don't remember any Mathilda Gunshot here. Although there is a Bathilda Bagshot."

"Oh? Will you let me speak with her?"

"She is right in front of you dear."

Kendra blinked once, quickly taking in the old woman before her. Aberforth said she was an old lady right? He must've misheard her name. At least she looked decent enough, but still, she had to make sure.

"Are you the woman who trespassed into our house yesterday and stunned my daughter?"

The old woman—Bathilda—just stared at her intently. Kendra waited for a few moments, projecting a stern façade to hide her uneasiness at her gaze. She almost sighed in relief when the old lady spoke again, "Yes, I am. Your son looked like he needed help, so I lent a hand. I apologize for barging into your house without notice though, but I am sure you would not like that episode getting to the neighbors."

"Of course not. That would be most dishonorable to our family name." She inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, at least their secret's still safe.

Bathilda smiled gently and her eyes briefly hinted that she knew something. Spoke too soon. "No need to act so high and mighty Mrs. Dumbledore, I know how much you and your husband loved that little girl of yours. I wouldn't delve deep into your private family matters without your permission though, so your secret's safe with me."

Kendra held her gaze, analyzing Bathilda intently. She looked sincere enough… and she could always Obliviate her when things go wrong…

"At last you smiled! It certainly suits you better than that scowl of yours. Come on in, would you like some tea?"

Kendra couldn't seem to remove the smile on her face. At last, she finally had someone to share this secret with. Someone who might know what to do with the situation more than her. She nodded politely, and Bathilda ushered her in the house, talking about random things on the way. It helped her mood quite a bit, and she exchanged a few words with her in return, planning to observe this woman more carefully before she jumps to conclusions.

~O~

A few months later…

The train whistled loudly in the distance, alerting all the students to the fact that the train is leaving shortly with or without them. The station was full of the sounds of laughter and tears, of goodbyes and farewells. Everyone was happy and excited, people are bustling back and forth, trying to deliver forgotten things to their relatives at the last minute. Families are hugging and crying happily, wishing their children good luck. It's all so lively that it seemed impossible for anyone to be sad. But there was one particular family who stood out, judging from their solemn and serious faces, they seemed terribly out of place. People gave them a wide berth, not wanting to be caught dead with this particular family. Everyone sent them glares of hate and disgust, and all the muggle families who were there easily sensed that something is wrong, and settled for avoiding them as well. One of them was clearly unhappy about this, but the other two remained stubbornly blank. All three were just silently staring at each other, like they have their own little world amidst the cheerful crowd.

People were too far away to make out any of the words they were saying, which was good enough for Albus. He hated eavesdroppers, who wants them? Especially now that they're discussing a sensitive topic they want no one to hear about.

"I still think I should've stayed with Ariana, mother. You can see Albus off by yourself anyway and I don't exactly trust that Mathilda woman."

"Aberforth, this discussion is not up for debate. You're already here and Bathilda is already taking care of Ariana back home. She can be trusted, I'm sure of it. And as for Albus, you are to see your own brother off as you will not be seeing much of him for a whole school year. Won't you miss him?"

"But I will see him again on Christmas anyway and he would most likely send us a whole bunch of letters everyday about all of his boring lessons. We won't exactly be missing on a lot!"

"Aberforth Dumbledore, apologize to your brother right now!"

*grumble* "… sorry Albus."

Albus sighed when he saw Aberforth's intense glare directed at him, now made clearer and brighter by his brand new glasses. He knew they weren't exactly on the best of terms, and he also knew that parting on that note would most likely make their already shaky relationship worse. But he also knew that he was no good at making peace with his highly antagonistic brother, and would most likely screw everything up, but he was willing to try. For the sake of their mother.

Albus finally nodded and tried to flash him a smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Apology accepted Aberforth." But then he knew instantly that he made his already moody brother angrier. He didn't know what it is about him that was disliked by his brother, he seemed to get angry at everything Albus does, even the things he deemed as good ones. But he was still determined to make things right between them before the train leaves. "Thank you for at least coming to see me off," even though it took a lot of persuasion in mother's part. "I will leave mother and Ariana to your care. I trust you'll take good care of them until I get back. You're responsible now, and I hope you will help mother at anything to the best of your abilities." At his words, Aberforth's scowl just seemed to go deeper and deeper into his face until he was pretty sure it would leave a permanent mark. Aberforth didn't seem to care, so Albus continued, albeit softer and quieter, too low to be heard even by their mother. "Aberforth, take care of Ariana for me. Please. Promise me."

To his surprise, Aberforth's eyes seemed to soften a little. But it was quickly replaced by a cold glare that seemed to burn through everything. But strangely enough, Albus couldn't bring himself to care about the gaze currently burning a hole deep in his glasses. Just that tiny change in Aberforth's eyes made him realize that maybe, just maybe, things will be alright between them soon, and this petty sibling rivalry is going to come to an end.

"Yeah yeah, but I would even if you didn't make me promise." Aberforth grumbled lowly, getting the hint and trying to keep their mother from hearing. "Just…" Here, he sighed in defeat and fidgeted, Albus trying all the while to suppress a smile at how adorably awkward Aberforth looked when he did that. He would probably kill him if he knew what his older brother was thinking, so he desperately schooled his expression to stay blank. Luckily, Aberforth didn't appear to notice and just continued his mumbling. "Just… take care and come back soon, okay?"

Now Albus barely managed to hide a grin threatening to take over his face, and judging by Aberforth's scowl, he wasn't doing a pretty good job of it. It probably killed Aberforth to say that. But Albus was delighted. This was the first time in a long time Aberforth ever acknowledged him without a sarcastic remark always tagged in the end of his sentences. It honestly made him feel better, knowing that they both at least tried, and that they'll be parting on good terms.

"I will. Thank you Aberforth." He told him sincerely. Aberforth just continued to scowl but he soon nodded in acknowledgment and began taking a few steps back. Now it was their mother's turn.

"Albus." Their mother, Kendra, slowly knelt in front of him, her beautiful brown eyes leveling with his own bright blue ones. Her gaze was filled with plenty of happiness and pride, though there was a hint of worry and guilt in there too. He noticed then that her eyes were quickly becoming glassy, and was caught unprepared when she suddenly hugged him. Albus glanced at Aberforth to see him watching with a grave expression, his face neutral and blank. Slowly, Albus brought his arms up and hugged her back, possibly even tighter than hers. Suddenly, the full implications of what was happening suddenly came crashing down on him, leaving him shocked and frozen.

He was really going to Hogwarts! The thing he had always dreamed of since his father told him entertaining stories all about his school days. He's going to a magical school, get sorted into one of the four houses (he's hoping for Gryffindor), sleep with people he'll hopefully become friends with, attend the lessons he spent the past few months reviewing about, and learn proper magic! He's positive that he's going to top everyone in their classes. He's going to be the best wizard there is!

And then maybe he could find a way to help out Ari.

No, he will find a way.

Suddenly, he became aware of Kendra releasing him from her hug, holding his shoulders at arm's length. Once again, he was held in place by her gaze, only this time, his mother was smiling and tears were glittering in her eyes, only her proud outer façade preventing them from falling down completely lest someone sees.

"Words cannot describe how happy and proud I am right now, seeing my oldest son going off to Hogwarts. I know you've dreamed of this for a long time Albus," Albus felt his own eyes sting, but he didn't acknowledge it and tried his best to speak without stuttering. "T-Thank you mother. I'll do my best." Albus flashed her a shaky smile. "I'll make you and father proud."

Kendra only smiled. "You already have, Albus."

The train suddenly whistled loudly, making the Dumbledore family jump. That train has the worst timing ever… Albus thought as he accepted another tight hug from his mother and a nod from Aberforth. For the first time in his life, he never wanted to separate from his only remaining family. He always wished to go to Hogwarts, so much that he nearly neglected both Aberforth and Ariana. But now it seemed small compared to everything that has happened.

"I'll miss you. All of you." Albus said and hurriedly turned away, trying not to let them see his tears. But judging from the quick glance at Aberforth, he still saw it. But strangely enough, he doesn't mind.

Albus entered the train and quickly broke into a run, trying to find an empty compartment before the train began moving. Most of them were already full and bustling of students, but thankfully, Albus found one that was occupied by only one student, his head bowed and his whole body completely covered by huge clothes, gloves, and a hat that no patch of skin was visible as far as the eye could see. Albus thought it was a little odd, but thought nothing of it and proceeded to ask for permission.

"Excuse me, can I stay here? All the compartments are full."

The boy jumped and almost raised his head, but stopped when he realized that it probably wasn't a good idea. He only nodded almost imperceptibly. Now Albus thought that was weird. He can't be that shy he would hide his whole body and face from the world.

"Yeah, sure. Uh... go ahead." The boy mumbled and buried his head deeper in his nest of clothes. If he was extremely shy, Albus planned to make it his duty to bring him out of his shell.

Besides, it was a long train ride.

"Thank you." Albus smiled at him even though the boy can't see it and proceeded to the window, where he saw his mother and brother still standing among the throngs of people. He saw Aberforth staring at him, and Albus immediately smiled and waved slightly. Kendra smiled and nodded, instantly acknowledging him, while Aberforth, to Albus's surprise, waved.

Did Aberforth just wave?! At him? Albus couldn't believe it! His open jaw must've shown that because Aberforth instantly noticed and scowled.

Quickly trying to make up for that accidental mistake, even at the cost of his own pride, Albus waved more frantically, instantly ruining his ever polite and behaved image. Judging by Aberforth's own jaw, he was doing a pretty good job of it.

The train whistled yet again to signal the departure, cementing Albus's belief that it really has the worst timing ever. The train slowly began to move, the loud whistle nearly beating the wild and tearful goodbyes of the students aboard. Albus didn't cheer or shout, he only watched as his family slowly began to disappear from the distance until they left the station completely.

It would be the last time they will ever see each other until Christmas later that year.

He misses them already.

"Is that the Dumbledores?"

Albus almost jumped for the second time that day. He completely forgot about the boy! He turned and saw the boy's head still bowed, but Albus could almost sense the questioning glance sent at him.

"Yes, they are."

Albus assumed a tense position and waited with bated breath, waited for the insults, the disgusted looks, the scathing remarks, the looks of pity, anything. Since that incident, their family has been the main subject for rumors, concerns, and gossips. None of them good. This boy is probably a pureblood or a half-blood, because even with all the rumors circulating around, no muggle-born should've recognized them almost instantly. But right now, Albus almost wished for a muggle-born, because if this boy ever showed him any of those looks, he's out of here. It's too early in the year to even think about fighting with someone.

But to his surprise, Albus saw none of those.

"Oh. Okay. I heard they're famous. Since you know them, I assume you're family?"

Now Albus was struck speechless. Practically everyone he meets gives him dirty looks and insults. This was entirely new. He wondered if he was only a half-blood, because no pureblood would ever act to him like that.

"Yes. They're my mother and younger brother."

"Then that makes you Albus Dumbledore, the eldest son right?"

Now that wasn't hardly surprising. Practically everyone knew who he is. The only difference was that the boy still hadn't lifted his head to look at him properly to suddenly make that assumption.

"Yes, that's me. May I ask who you are?" Albus asked politely. He might know his blood status judging by his family name.

"My name's Elphias. Elphias Doge."

Albus blinked. Doge. The Doges are a pureblood family. They're not biased or prejudiced, thank Merlin. They're one of the very few decent wizarding families out there. Maybe it wasn't much of a surprise to not hear a Doge insult a Dumbledore.

"Well, you already know my name Elphias, but it's nice to meet you." Albus smiled and held out a hand for him to shake. To his confusion, Elphias only shifted uncomfortably, his outstretched hand remaining untouched.

"Umm… not to offend you or anything, but I would prefer if you don't touch me." At this, Albus's eyebrows rose in confusion, irritation, and slightly, disappointment. Did this mean the Doges are perhaps a bit prejudiced?

As if Elphias knows what he was currently thinking, he hurriedly explained. "It's not because of you, I swear! It's actually because of… me…"

Albus's eyebrows went higher. "You?"

"Yes, me." He fidgeted in his seat, his clothes practically burying him. Now that he thought about it, why was Elphias covered in that much clothing anyway?

"I had Dragon Pox." Elphias mumbled. Albus's eyes widened.

"Dragon Pox?"

"Yeah, that." Slowly, Elphias raised his head and met Albus's confused gaze with his own, embarrassed ones. Quickly, Albus realized what the boy was talking about. Elphias's whole face was practically covered with pockmarks and his face has a definite greenish tinge to it, the obvious signs of someone recently diagnosed with Dragon Pox. Well that certainly explains the clothes.

What worries Albus is the fact that Dragon Pox is highly contagious.

"But wait a minute, you said had." Albus pointed out.

"You're right. I said I had Dragon Pox, so don't worry! Dragon Pox isn't contagious if I'm free of it. I'm freed several weeks ago, so it should be alright. But I guess you still won't be comfortable touching me…" He mumbled sadly.

But Albus surprised them both by quickly taking Elphias's hand in his own and shaking it.

"It's alright Elphias. Nice to meet you." Albus said sincerely and gave him a small smile. At this display of kindness, Elphias's whole green face lit up.

"T-Thank you Albus! You're the first one who ever stayed near me for that long. Much less touch me. Everyone else's been treating me like an outcast, though I couldn't blame them."

I know how you feel Elphias. Albus couldn't help but think. They're both outcasts. Elphias because of his appearance and the Dragon Pox, and Albus because of his father's current reputation of being a Muggle-hater and a murderer. Never mind that his father did it out of revenge for what his sister had suffered.

Trying to banish those thoughts from his mind, he proceeded to smile sincerely at Elphias again. "Well, judging by our situation right now, it would be foolish if we wouldn't be friends right?"

Judging by Elphias's face, he obviously caught his double meaning. But he said nothing of it and instead smiled and nodded eagerly. "I would like that Albus."

Albus laughed at his enthusiasm, and he instantly knew he found a good and loyal friend. "Well then, friends it is."

~O~

I hope it wouldn't take me a year to update again, but I'm just so busy right now with school as well as other stuff. Please oh PLEASE review so I can be encouraged to write more! They really make me happy. :D