Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 2: Platform Nine and Three Quarters

Once they reached Platform Nine and Three Quarters, Harry left Ginny and Lily with Hermione and set off in search of Albus. He found him fairly quickly, toward the end of the platform clinging to Draco Malfoy's robes. Gregory Goyle stood nearby, looking confused.

"What on earth?" he asked them. "Albus, what are you doing?"

"He's gone," Albus moaned. "We looked and looked and asked everyone and ... he's just gone."

"Who?"

"My ... Scorpius. Please find him, dad!"

"What do you mean, gone?" Malfoy asked in annoyance.

"He never got on the train. His trunk did - it's with mine - but he didn't."

"Potter, what is he playing at? Where is my son?"

"I've no idea, Malfoy. Albus, can you bring us to your trunks?" Albus nodded and led the way onto the train. Once they had determined the trunks were untouched, they sat on the benches to talk. Harry did not comment when Albus sat beside Malfoy instead of him. "Now, Albus, tell us when you last saw Scorpius."

"We ate breakfast together in the Great Hall, then went back to our room to finish packing. After, we walked together toward the carriages and talked about playing exploding snap on the train. Scorpius almost always wins, but that's okay. We got to the carriages and Rose asked me to sit with her and James-"

"Who are?" Malfoy interrupted.

"My cousin and brother. I said okay and invited Scorpius along, but he declined. They're always mean to him, so I was upset, but not surprised. He said he'd ride with some of our classmates, so I hugged him and told him I'd see him on the train. I looked for him both at the station and on the train, but I never saw him. I don't know what happened to him."

"You last saw him in Hogwarts' courtyard?" Harry asked gently. Albus nodded tearfully. "Okay, both of you wait here a moment. I'll be back soon."

Harry had barely stepped off the train when his niece Victoire waylaid him. "There is a boy who saw Scorpius at the station," she said.

"Hogsmeade Station? Who?"

"Yes. His name is David. He's a first-year Ravenclaw. Come."

Harry followed her over to a timid looking boy whose mother stood with a hand on his shoulder. "Madam, my name is Harry Potter and I'm an auror. Do you mind if I ask your son a few questions?"

"Not at all. Is it about the Malfoy boy?"

"Yes. David, do you know Scorpius Malfoy?"

The boy nodded. "We had some classes together."

"Did you see him this morning?"

David nodded. "Twice. Once in the Great Hall with Albus Potter and once at the station."

"Was he with anyone at the station?"

"A tall man I never saw before."

"Would you describe the man for me?"

"Taller than my da with white skin and grey hair. He had a thin beard too, like grandpa, and hollow cheeks. His wand looked like ash, a little shorter than mine, and he had bony hands."

"Was his wand pointed at Scorpius?"

"I don't know. He held it between them."

"How did Scorpius look?"

"Like ... nothing. Not scared or upset or happy or anything. I was surprised Albus wasn't with him because they're always together, but then I forgot about it."

"Where were they?"

"By the loo. The man was talking, but I couldn't hear what he was saying. Maybe he used Silencio or something. I didn't try to listen."

"Thank you, David. Madam, do you mind if we speak with your son again, should it become necessary?"

"I wish to be present at the time."

"That can be arranged. Thank you, madam." Harry talked with a few more people on the platform, including several aurors, but no one had any further information. He returned to the train and handed Malfoy a piece of parchment. "This is my floo address. Should you find out anything further, contect me immediately either at the auror office or at home. In the meantime, think of everyone you can who would have a motive to kidnap Scorpius. I will contact you within the next couple days."

Malfoy took the paper without comment and together they got the trunks off the train. Shortly thereafter, Harry headed home with his family and tried vainly to comfort Albus.

~O~

15 June 2018 continued

I met your dad. He doesn't seem to like my dad much, but I don't think he minded me. I told him everything I knew about today, but it wasn't enough. Now dad's worried about me and I had trouble getting away long enough to write. I promise I will keep writing every day, even if you cannot read any of this for a long time.

I'm so sorry, Scorpius. If I'd gone with you instead, you would be okay right now. I'm scared and sorry and guilty and I don't know what to do. Please forgive me; it's all my fault.

I hope you have your coin with you. I don't know what I'll do if you lost it. Please be okay. I'll never forgive myself if anything bad happens to you.

Please come home.

Your lost friend, Albus

Author's Note: I have no idea what the rating should be, so if you think it should be higher, let me know. There is some violence later on.