Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Some of the conversations in this chapter are taken verbatim from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
A/N: Thanks for your patience with me. True to form, I have waited until I had a paper to write for class before I finished this chapter rolls eyes at self I hope you lot appreciate my procrastinating ways. Thanks also for the reviews of Chapter 3 )
On September first, the entire Dursley family drove to London to see Harold off on the train. Vernon was suspicious of the ticket Hagrid had given their son. Platform 9 3/4 indeed, he snorted under his breath at intervals. Petunia, for her part, was more apprehensive than indignant. Suppose Harold had to wave that wand of his around in front of everybody at Kings Cross? She felt sure she would perish of humiliation.
Dudley was looking around nervously, as if he expected an evil wizard to jump out from behind a pillar. The third time he jumped at the sound of an approaching train, Vernon rested a heavy hand on his son's shoulder and turned to his wife.
I think I'd better take Dudley back to the car, Pet. He's not looking well. If her husband saw Harold roll his eyes, he pretended not to notice. He turned instead to his adopted son and, letting go of Dudley, clapped the younger boy heartily on the back. Well, you're off then, son. I don't want to hear about you getting into trouble, but make sure you show those nutters a thing or two about what a real man is like, eh?Yes sir, Harold replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Bye Harold, Dudley mumbled, then grinned. Harold grinned back and the next moment they were wrestling on the floor, each doing his best to pound his brother into the ground.
Petunia shrieked, Stop that at once! She lowered her voice to hiss fiercely at them. You're causing a scene and dirtying your clothes. Now get up!
The boys scrambled up, panting and laughing. Dudley grabbed Harold's hand for a last handshake that looked rather painful to Petunia, although Harold didn't complain. Then her husband and son walked back the way they had come, leaving Petunia alone with Harold in the station.
Let's see, Harold ... There's Platform 9 over there, 9 3/4 must be nearby. She craned her neck in all directions, but no fractions of any sort were in evidence. Turning to her son, she found him watching a large group of redheads intently.
... packed with Muggles, of course, one of them said.
Harold grabbed Petunia's arm and steered her towards the family.
Now what's the platform number? said the mother, a plump, matronly figure.
Nine and three quarters! a small girl piped up, Mum, can't I go ...You're not old enough, Ginny, now be quiet. All right, Percy, you go first.
Petunia and Harold had frozen a few metres from the family and listened intently to their conversation. They had to be some of them! Petunia stared as the tallest boy marched towards the barrier between platforms nine and ten, but a swarm of tourists crowded in front of him and by the time they had passed, the boy had disappeared. Petunia frowned. She didn't want Harold disappearing like that.
The family continued to banter and several more sons disappeared, but Petunia could not figure out how they had done it. She noticed abruptly that Harold was no longer at her side - he had walked up to the redheaded family!
Excuse me, he was saying to the woman.
First time at Hogwarts? Ron's new, too. She gestured to her remaining son. Petunia marched up, attempting to smile.
Harold said. This is my mother. I'm Harold Dursley.Pleased to meet you, the woman responded. She peered at Petunia's outfit, then smiled warmly at Harold. Is it your first year? said Harold. The thing is - the thing is, I don't know how to -How to get on to the platform, Petunia interrupted. She was beginning to feel entirely too comfortable with this woman.
Not to worry, the woman responded cheerfully. All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Don't stop and don't be scared you'll crash into it, that's very important. Best do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous. She turned toward Petunia. I'm afraid you won't be able to follow him, only wizards can do it, you know.
Petunia's lips tightened. She listened as the woman instructed Harold to go on, then turned to him and gathered him up in a tight hug.
Don't get into trouble, now, she murmured in his ear. I don't want that school sending us any more owls.No, Mum, Harold said, wriggling out of her arms.
Write me letters, if you can send them the normal way. And - be safe.I will. Harold was shifting his weight from foot to foot. Petunia supposed she had better let him go. She resisted giving him another hug and pushed him gently toward the barrier.
Go on, then. I love you! She called after him. Harold turned back, waved, and ran towards the barrier. Petunia winced, shutting her eyes, and when she opened them again, he was gone.
The plump woman sent her own son off, then turned back to Petunia.
I imagine you'll have lots of questions about Hogwarts, she said. Would you like to come for tea sometime?No thank you, Petunia said coldly. She didn't want to be trapped in any of their houses, and particularly not that of the woman who had made her son disappear. I really must be going. My husband is waiting in the car.
The woman's eyebrow raised, but she smiled pleasantly and shook Petunia's hand. Good luck to you son. I'm sure he'll have a wonderful year. Just send me an owl if you change your mind, I'm Molly Weasley. Petunia answered and walked off towards the car. As if Harold could have a wonderful year with those ... people! She brushed the tears from her withered cheek and walked on.