SOLSTICE

013

[At King's Cross Station, up on a crossing bridge, Harry, with his cart of his baggage, equipment and Hedwig, walks beside Hagrid. A couple look at Hagrid, suspiciously.]
Hagrid: What're you looking at? [He then checks watch] Blimey, is that the time? Sorry, Harry, I'm gonna have to leave you. Dumbledore will be wanting his, uh... well, he'll be wanting to see me. Now, uh, your train leaves in 10 minutes. Here's your ticket. [hands the train ticket] Stick to it, Harry, that's very important. Stick to your ticket.
[Harry looks at his ticket.]
Harry: "Platform 9¾?" But, Hagrid, there must be a mistake. This says Platform 9¾. T/.here's no such thing, is there? [Harry looks up, but we now see that Hagrid has vanished and Harry all alone with his cart.]

And then everyone was staring at Hagrid and he fiddled with his fingers wondering why did he forgot.

"Hagrid, you don't leave a child like that."

And then there were whole lot of complaints.

"I am sure, Hagrid didn't do it intentionally. He is just a forgetful person." A soft airy voice of Pandora commented.

"And careless." Someone muttered to themselves.

"So not fit for the job, just like Black said." A Ravenclaw commented.

Sirius glanced towards Regulus. Feeling his eyes, Regulus turned towards him, raising his perfect eyebrow, daring him to unleash whatever bollocks he had in store. But, instead, sirius internally huffed and turned his head, face void of any reaction.

[Harry is walking down a lane between trains. A man rushes by.]
Man: Sorry.
[Harry sees a guard.]

"Oh, no, no, no, that's a bad idea sweety."

"Shouldn't there be some sort of guide for muggleborns to find their way to the platform?"

"Well, it's never been a necessity, as the assigned Professor usually takes them to Diagon Alley and gives 'em the whole nine yards on how to get to the platform."

Harry: Excuse me, excuse me.
Guard: Right on your left, madam.
Harry: Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me where I might find Platform 9¾?
Guard: [incredulous] 9¾? Think you're being funny, do ya? [he walks off, muttering] "9¾."

"Way to go, Harry."

"Yeah, go ahead, expose us all."

"Lay off, all of you," James intervened, his tone firm. "He's just a kid. I'm proud of him for not panicking, considering he's hardly been out and now left alone in this massive crowd."

As James defended his son, Harry felt a warmth and security wash over him that he had never experienced before. This was what it felt like to have parents, to have them stand up for you, even when you'd made a mistake.

For the first time, Harry understood the concept he had only heard about—feeling protected. Despite a life spent constantly on guard, whether dealing with the Dursleys, navigating Hogwarts' challenges, facing the Second Wizarding War, or even witnessing Muggle conflicts, Harry welcomed the cocoon of protectiveness that emanated from his father.

[Harry then notices a woman, daughter, and four boys walk by, pushing carts.]

Mrs. Weasley: It's the same year after year. Always packed with Muggles, of course.
Harry: Muggles?
Mrs. Weasley: Come on. Platform 9¾ this way! All right, Percy, you first.
[A tall boy with red hair, called Percy, comes forward and runs towards a brick wall. Amazingly, he disappears right into it. Harry is amazed.]

Prewett twins whistled loudly.

"Looks like you've got your own Quidditch team right there, Molly!"
Molly's eyes widened as she gazed at the group of children. She couldn't help but marvel at just how she managed to pop them out. But, nonetheless, she was happy seeing them.