Chapter 20
The morning of September 1st dawned bright and clear. Harry opened his window so Hedwig could get a quick flight in before the two-hour car ride she'd be taking to King's Cross Station in her travel cage. Harry had already packed, having found some use to his mother's charms. One in particular kept all his potion ingredients and other breakables in and extra-strong cushioning charm as well as secure straps on the one side of the trunk's compartment.
His trunk and Hedwig's cage in the hall, alongside Dudley's Smeltings trunk, were waiting to be loaded while the boys are in companionable silence.
Finished, they both washed up, looked around their rooms one last time, for things forgotten or to be missed in the coming term. Then, they went downstairs and out the door, lugging their trunks, and in Harry's case, a pet's cage, to Vernon's waiting car. Trunks loaded, the boys both climbed into the backseat, Harry with Hedwig's cage on his lap, while Petunia sat in the front next to Vernon.
An uneventful car ride later, they arrived at King's Cross Station. Vernon got Harry a trolley while Dudley helped Harry unload his trunk. "Hope you have a good term, Harry." said his cousin. Surprised, Harry replied, "Thanks Dud, you too!" and walked off with his uncle.
"Alright, Harry. You know where to go from here?" Harry nodded. "Um, do you need spending money or anything?" asked Vernon.
"No, Uncle Vernon, I have some money in the wizarding world. But thanks." smiled Harry
"Okay, well, if you need anything, I'm sure your Aunt can get Owl Mail." he said, looking a little faint at the idea.
Harry smiled again, "Thanks, Uncle Vernon. I probably won't send much, maybe just the articles about that book thing," said Harry.
Vernon chuckled, "Alright then, have a good term Harry".
"Thanks" said Harry and he turned towards Platforms 9 and 10.
He knew where the entrance was, thanks to Gringotts and his spell-sense, so he walked confidently towards the hidden entrance to Platform 9 ¾. As he approached, he saw a group of redheads he knew to be Weasleys looking around. 'Probably looking for me.' He snorted at the thought. He had never realized how deep the betrayal and how far the web of deception spread in his life. 'Here's Molly Weasley and all her brood.' He thought to himself, 'trying to worm their way into little Harry Potter's life without him knowing it. Plus, giving Ginny her first real look at her 'Hero'. Argh, did it ever end?' thought Harry, as he ducked into a group of likely students.
Hurrying through the barrier, he finally saw the scarlet train, the Hogwarts Express. As he looked around, a familiar face stuck out of a doorway nearby.
"Hey Harry, you getting on or what?" grinned Draco Malfoy.