New chapter! Thanks for all the support!
x
The Dursley family spent a very happy month together.
During that time, the four of them lived in rare harmony.
Aside from their daily studying and training, they went out together, took short trips, and made the most of the time they had left.
Hogwarts did have holidays.
But this would be their first long trip away from their parents.
During that period, Dudley often went over to Hermione's house to study with her.
Naturally, he brought Harry along, which meant Harry was forced to get well ahead in his schoolwork.
Hermione also visited the Dursleys from time to time, which made Petunia extremely pleased.
The two families even arranged the occasional fishing trip together.
The fact that the children were attending the same school brought the households even closer.
Of course, the news that Dudley had started his own company shocked the Dursleys.
Especially when they found out that the famous writer "Jerry" was actually their son.
They had always believed Dudley was outstanding.
They just never imagined he was outstanding to that extent.
Still, their ability to adjust was remarkable.
After all, their son and nephew were about to become wizards.
Compared to that, starting a company almost seemed normal.
And just like that, September first arrived.
Departure day.
…
"Dudley, Harry, did you pack enough clothes?"
"Dudley, are you sure you need to bring all that?"
"Harry, don't forget Hedwig's feed. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are from the white bag. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are from the green one. Sunday is the yellow. Don't overfeed her. And when it runs out, write to me."
Vernon loaded the luggage into the car.
Petunia repeated her instructions over and over.
And she always ended the same way.
"That's exactly how Lily did it when she studied there."
Hedwig was Harry's owl.
"I know, Mom."
"Got it, Aunt Petunia."
The two boys nodded like obedient little chicks.
Petunia made excellent owl feed.
According to her memories, Lily's owl had loved it.
The result was obvious.
In just one month, Hedwig had gotten noticeably plumper.
If someone asked who she liked most in that house, Harry would probably rank second.
…
"It's strange that wizards take a train to school," Vernon muttered. "I thought they'd use something more magical. Carriages pulled by unicorns. Or flying ships."
During that month, both Harry and Vernon had been forced by Dudley to train every morning.
Vernon's belly had visibly shrunk.
"It's time to go. What was the platform again?"
Harry answered.
"Eleven o'clock train. Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. King's Cross Station."
Vernon blinked.
"Never heard of it. Well, at least it sounds mysterious."
…
About an hour later, they arrived at the station.
As expected, the Grangers were waiting at the entrance.
The two families went in together.
"This is platform nine, and that's ten. So where exactly is nine-and-three-quarters?" Vernon asked.
"It must be like the Leaky Cauldron," Mr. Granger suggested. "Some kind of spell that keeps us from seeing it."
Hermione answered before anyone could say more.
"I read about it in Hogwarts: A History. The entrance is between platforms nine and ten."
She pointed to the second pillar before platform ten.
"Hermione is so clever. She knows everything," Petunia said fondly.
Then she shot Dudley and Harry a sharp look.
"And you two? All you ever do is fool around."
Hermione reminded her of Lily.
So studious.
So dedicated.
Dudley thought it was unfair.
He studied just as much as Hermione.
Sometimes even more.
But that was how it worked.
Other people's children always seemed better.
…
"Dudley, you're strong and you're a young man. Aren't you going to help Hermione with her luggage?"
Petunia moved part of Hermione's baggage onto his trolley.
"Take good care of her at school. Don't tease her. And don't let anyone bully her."
Hermione turned bright red.
She said goodbye to her parents and walked straight through the pillar.
She disappeared.
Dudley and Harry followed right behind her.
Petunia sighed.
"Hermione is so delicate."
If Dudley had heard that, he would have strongly disagreed.
Hermione liked studying.
But delicate was not the word he would use.
"Hohoho, Dudley is excellent too," Mrs. Granger said. "So intelligent and athletic."
"Hohoho…"
The two mothers exchanged polite compliments.
Meanwhile—
"How about a drink?" Vernon suggested.
"I know a new bar," Mr. Granger replied. "They serve something strong."
"Let's go."
The two families left the station.
…
On the other side of the pillar, the scene was completely different.
The platform was wide and packed with people.
A bright red steam locomotive gleamed beneath thick clouds of smoke.
"Hogwarts Express" was written along its side.
Where there had once been only a handful of people, there was now a sea of students dressed much like those in Diagon Alley.
Cats wove between people's legs.
Owls hooted loudly.
It was obvious that everyone there was headed to Hogwarts.
Dudley took a steady breath.
His journey at Hogwarts was about to begin.
x
x
x
If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to add it to your library and drop some Power Stones.
Your support really helps the novel grow!