Harry's Uncle

Platform 9 3/4

Parseltounge

Harry and his uncle (M/N) made sure they enjoyed the time they had left before Harry left for Hogwarts. (M/N) remembered how Lily got to her train, but as he was only a mere muggle, (M/N) couldn't go with. The barrier surrounding Platform 9 3/4 never let muggles pass, so Harry would, unfortunately, have to go alone. (M/N) told Harry everything he knew and remembered about when his sister was at Hogwarts, but his nephew was scared about not being 'magical enough' to pass through to the train. "Harry, look at me. You are the most amazing kid in the world, there's not a doubt in my mind that you will do great things. And Hogwarts will help with that, but you've got to trust yourself. You've got this, and no matter what happens, I'm proud to have you as my nephew." Harry looked up at his uncle, misty-eyed, and hugged him. "I love you, Uncle Bear..." (M/N) chuckled. "Love ya too, Cub." Harry giggled before pulling away, a look of determination now donning his face as he pushed his trolly towards the barrier, picking up speed as he went. Then, he was gone.

Harry looked around in wonder, amazed at the beautiful scarlet train awaiting him and his fellow students to board. He went to the very back, as to not be disturbed, and struggled to get his trunk into the compartment. Luckily, a pair of redheaded twins came over to help him. With the twins' help, Harry's trunk was as last tucked away in a corner of the compartment. "Thanks," said Harry, pushing his sweaty hair out of his eyes. "What's that?" asked one of the twins suddenly, pointing at Harry's lightning scar. "Oh, that's just a scar I got when I was little. My name's Harry Potter, by the way." He introduced himself, holding out his hand to the older two boys. They gaped at him for a bit before shaking themselves out of their stupor. "I'm Fred..." "...and I'm George!" The two introduced themselves as well, shaking hands with the boy-who-lived. Just then, a voice came floating in through the train's open window. "Fred? George? Are you there?" "Coming, Mum!" They gave Harry one last look before jumping off the train. Harry sat by his window, Salazar slithering out of his cage to wrap around Harry's neck loosely. "Hey there, Sal." Harry pet him. Sal hissed back. "Master... they are talking about you..." The large snake nudged his head towards the window, where a family of redheads stood together. "Let them talk. Maybe we'll get some useful information from them."

Soon enough, a whistle sounded, signaling that the train was about to leave. As the train moved, Harry relaxed in his seat with a book, Salazar fell asleep and Hedwig sat on top of her cage, watching over her boy. It was quiet, but peaceful. At around half past twelve there was a great clattering outside in the corridor, causing Salazar to stir. His scales shimmered before disappearing, yet Harry still felt the snake around his neck. A smiling, dimpled woman slid back his door and said, "Anything off the cart, dear?" Harry, a little peckish as it had been a while since his breakfast, decided to get some snacks. He got some candy and paid the woman what he owed before returning to his seat, Salazar shimmering back to reveal himself. Harry continued reading, snacking on the sweets he had gotten himself as his snake and owl settled down. Hedwig started drifting off as Salazar took over watching Harry. He doesn't know how long it had been, but at some point, his compartment door slid open again. Sal, once again, shimmered out of sight. A girl with lots of bushy brown hair was there, with a round-faced boy hiding partially behind her. "Have you seen a toad? Neville's lost one," she said in a bossy sort of voice. "No, sorry, but I'll be sure to keep an eye out." Harry responded, knowing that he ought to be respectful. At least, until she gives him a reason not to be. "Oh, what book are you reading? I've already read all of our course books and learned them by heart." "It's a book about Ancient Runes. It's rather interesting, I can lend it to you once I'm done, if you'd like." The girl smiled brightly at him.

The two talked for a bit, and the three introduced themselves to each other. Harry decided to get up and help the duo look for Neville's toad. Salazar was the one to find him, though he remained invisible. "The toad is in there, Master..." "Thank you, Sal." The two hissed to each other quietly, so no one could hear them. Harry quickly went to where Salazar told him and grabbed the toad, regrouping to where Neville and Hermione were looking. "Here, Neville." Harry gave the struggling toad back to his owner. "Trevor! You've found him! Thank you thank you thank you!!" The three then retreated back to Harry's compartment, sharing in the treats they all had gotten from the cart lady. Soon, Neville and Harry had to change, Hermione on the other hand had already put on her robes. After the two boys changed, the three quickly settled back down to converse further. A few minutes later, a voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately." Harry unlocked Hedwig's cage, letting her fly on ahead, as he joined his new friends in the corridor with the rest of the crowd.