The Dursleys finally arrived at King's Cross after a very long and nerve-wracking drive through the busy streets of London, along with one extra passenger.
"Dudley," Petunia said as she turned to face the rear seat of the car, "you are late for school, and it's too late to notify your homeroom teacher, but tell him tomorrow that I just didn't want to leave you alone in the house."
"You did at least put up a good fight with your husband so that you could run back in and take me along," Dudley smiled just as they entered the station, where thousands of people were bustling about as they waited for their trains. "Thank you, Mom."
"You're so welcome, my sweet Diddykins," Petunia warmly replied and kissed Dudley's head. "Now let's make our way to the platform."
"Well, here we are," sighed Vernon a few minutes later as they approached the pillar between platforms nine and ten. He then turned to Dudley. "This brings back memories of when we had to get that stupid pig's tail surgically removed from your buttocks by the doctor."
"Hello," a wizard employee dressed in Muggle clothes greeted them. "It seems that you are intending to travel to Hogwarts?"
"Uhh, er, y-yes," Vernon shakily replied.
"All you have to do is to walk through the pillar," the wizard smiled and began to walk away. "Have a great day."
"Walk through the pillar?" Vernon spluttered in the wizard's direction.
"It looks pretty solid to me," Petunia said.
"How about this," Vernon suggested, looking at Dudley. "You and your mom go together, and then...I suppose I'll go."
"Sure?" Petunia asked worriedly. She grasped Dudley's hand and faced the pillar. "Here goes nothing."
They began to walk towards the pillar, and they were jostled by people who were on their way to platforms nine and ten. They broke into a run as it came nearer and nearer, and they braced themselves for the crash...
They were still running. They opened their eyes.
A huge cloud of white steam drifted over the platform, where a majestic, scarlet steam engine stood. They looked behind them, and they saw an iron gate with the words "Platform Nine and Three Quarters" on it.
Petunia and Dudley were completely awestruck, turning their heads to look at every inch of the platform and the Hogwarts Express. The platform wasn't terribly crowded since most of the students' parents were either just arriving at King's Cross or already aboard the train.
Suddenly, they were thrown to the ground as a huge man tripped and landed on top of them. Thank goodness that ruddy giant didn't have to push one of those stupid trunks that the freaks had in their possession, Petunia thought, otherwise the situation would have been a lot worse. It was only then that she identified the man as her husband.
"Don't just stand there!" Vernon growled at Petunia and Dudley, who were groaning in pain as he picked himself up. Looking at the overhead clock, he noticed there were seven minutes remaining until departure.
"Ah, well, we made it in time, at least," Vernon sighed, wiping the sweat from his eyebrows.
"Come on, Dad!" Dudley yelled in excitement as he grabbed Vernon's and Petunia's hands and took off for the nearest door. Despite him not showing it, Dudley secretly admired Harry's tales about Hogwarts, and he grew more excited now that he was actually visiting his cousin's school.
Once the Dursleys found an empty compartment, they sat down, made themselves comfortable, and closed the sliding door. After about ten more couples boarded the train, a loud whistle sounded as the Hogwarts Express began to move, huffing and puffing as it slowly gained speed. Leaving the now-empty platform behind, the train rounded a corner before the station vanished out of sight.
"It's only for a day," Vernon mumbled to himself while looking out the window. They hadn't left London yet, as dense neighborhoods were still flashing by. "We'll just be there for a day and then we'll be able to go back home."
A few seconds later, a clattering noise was heard from the corridor. A plump woman slid open the door as she pushed a trolley that was piled high with sweets.
"Anything from the trolley, dears?" She offered.
"Ohhh, yes, yes, yes," Dudley grinned, rubbing his hands together. This train ride was probably one of the best experiences he had so far in his life, and he was sure their destination would be just as good as this, if not better.
Author's note: Thank you so much for the favorites and reviews. As of this moment my story is on hiatus, but only temporarily as I'm trying to think about what might happen in the following chapters. Suggestions and ideas are welcomed and appreciated. :)