The morning of September 1st, Harry made breakfast while Petunia made lunches as was common. Petunia tucked a some scones into his lunch kit and then set a large thermos of tea with two cups attached on the counter next to it, in addition to the bottle of water and juice box Harry had already set aside. At his questioning glance she said, "I'll explain later." The family had a quiet breakfast, Petunia got the car keys and she watched as Harry packed the last loose items from his room in his trunk. Harry took the photo of his parents from the desk and was about to tuck it into his trunk when his aunt asked, "What is that?" without a word Harry handed it to her.
Petunia examined the picture in its silver frame. It reminded her of a family picture session she and Vernon had had with Dudley when he was a baby. It also reminded her of a similar moment between herself and Lily when Lily was a baby. She sighed "Lily" almost under her breath.
Harry opened the window and took Hedwig from her perch. "Go to Hogwarts girl. I'll see you there." He cleaned her perch and threw away the litter that sat it the tray under it. Then he tucked it into his trunks third compartment. His room now looked unoccupied.
Petunia reluctantly handed the picture back to Harry. "You're very like her you know. Outwardly you're like your father but deep down you have her heart and mind." Harry took the photo back and tucked it in his trunk. He swallowed.
"Will you be coming back for Christmas? It will be at Marge's."
Harry shook his head no.
"Easter?"
"Probably not. I think I'll want to stay and study."
"This will still be your home, and I think Dudley will miss you."
"I know, but you and I both know Uncle Vernon won't. It's better I'm only here for the summer break from now on."
Petunia reluctantly nodded. It was odd, there was a heavy feeling in her chest she couldn't describe. "Let's go."
They loaded the car. Half way to London, Petunia couldn't handle the silence. Normally silence was the normal state of things between her and Harry, all their previous trips to London had been silent.
"Your mother was so excited to go to Hogwarts, she couldn't sit still. When she came back her stories were so fantastic I got horribly jealous. I wanted to see and live in a castle. It didn't help Lily was always everything I wanted to be smart beautiful, talented. She even got to marry a lord. That was always one of my childhood dreams.
"Her stories included that once winter hit the castle was cold, so cold she suffered from chilblains until an upper year took pity on her and taught her a warming charm… She talked about the train and the candy on the trolley. You and I both know that between your sensei and I, you aren't fond of sweets so I sent the three orange currant scones with clotted cream and tea to tide you over until the feast at school. The thermos with extra cups is in case you make some friends… Write let me know how things are. If you need something let me know." She pulled into Kings Cross. "Alright your ticket, does it say which platform? I remember it was between platforms but I don't remember which ones."
"Nine and three quarters."
"So between nine and ten. Forty-five minutes. Do you want to wait on this side or just go through?"
"I'll go through."
"Alright Harry, good luck." Petunia shocked herself and him by giving him a brief hug. "You walk through the wall between the platforms as if it isn't there. Do write." She watched as he disappeared then turned and left the station.
Harry thought he would remember that brief hug always. He did as he was told and soon found himself beside a scarlet steam engine with the excitement his Aunt mentioned his mum feeling, rising like the tide. He climbed a board and stowed his trunk. He sat by the window and observed the students arriving. Some arrived out of nowhere hanging onto a parent further down; that was apparition according to the books for the muggleborn. Many others seemed to arrive out of a fireplace on the platform not far from where he was sitting. Flooing. Still others came through from King's Cross. At twenty until eleven he noticed a stately older witch with a large red handbag a long green dress and a tall hat with a vulture on it, come through the fireplace. She was shortly followed by a chubby blond boy that looked to about his age and slightly distressed. "Come along, Neville. I don't have all day."
"Sorry Gran, I just wanted to keep a good hold on Trevor as we went through the floo."
"Yes, yes, of course although honestly, what was your grand-uncle thinking, a toad. You can barely take care of yourself. Here I've un-shrunk your trunk. Have a good term and do nothing to disgrace the family. Study hard and mind your manners if Minerva has to send me one bad report…"
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