Ronald Weasley and the Mysterious Magical Rock

Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

"Hurry up, we'll be late!" Mum exclaimed. Our family was speed walking down the train station towards the magical barrier between Kings Cross Station and Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. I noticed that were getting a few funny looks from the surrounding muggles, as our luggage, particularly the owls, seemed a little out of the ordinary. 

"This is what happens when we run late, station's packed with muggles of course. We'll be lucky to get there on time," Mum muttered, "What's the platform number?"

"Nine and three-quarters!" chirped Ginny as the family stopped at the space between platforms nine and ten. Ginny started whining about not being able to join us. Again. For about the millionth time. I felt bad for her the first few times she complained, after I'd felt the same way when everyone else got to go to Hogwarts while I had to stay home, but now, it was getting annoying.

"You're not old enough, Ginny, now be quiet. Percy, you go first," Mum snapped.
I watched in amazement as Percy marched towards the divide between the platforms— and passed straight through it, disappearing to  the other side. 

"Fred, you next," said Mum to Fred.

"He's not Fred I  am," said George, who was standing behind his twin. I smiled. The twins loved to play this game with Mum.

"Honestly, woman, you call yourself our mother," tutted Fred, shaking his head in disapproval. 

"I'm sorry George, dear," 

"Just kidding I really am Fred," Fred said as he escaped through the wall before his mother could say anything. George quickly followed suit. I couldn't help but chuckle at his mother's look of exasperation.

"Excuse me," an unfamiliar voice said. I quickly turned my head to see a scruffy dark-haired boy about his age. He wore glasses, which looked like they had been hastily mended with sellotape in several places. 

"Hullo, dear," Mum said kindly, "First time at Hogwarts? Ron's new too."
Mum pointed at me, and I nodded in polite greeting.

"Yea," the boy stammered, "The thing is — the thing is, I don't know how to —"

"How to get on to the platform?" Mum smiled, "Not to worry, all you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Don't stop, and don't be scared you'll crash into it, that's very important. Best do a run if you're nervous. Go on, go now before Ron." I watched the boy nervously run at the wall and disappear into it. I think he was probably a muggle-born. 

"Go on, your turn," Mum said and I ran at the wall, squeezing my eyes shut, and bracing for impact that I knew wouldn't come. I opened my eyes and gasped at the sights around me. The Hogwarts Express itself majestically waited beside the platform. I spotted Fred and George hanging about one of the entrances of the train, and headed towards them. 

"Fred? George? Are you there?" I heard Mum's voice from behind me and the twins emerged from the train entrance. 

"Ron," Mum said, pulling a handkerchief from her purse and spitting on it, "You've got something on your nose." 
I immediately attempted to escape, but Mum had grabbed me and started to rub ferociously at my nose.

"Mum, that's disgusting—gerrof," I groaned, squirming out of her grasp.

"Aaah, has ickle Ronnie got somefink on his nosie?" teased George obnoxiously.

"Shut up," I muttered, feeling my ears grow red.

"Where's Percy?" Mum asked.
As if on cue, Percy strode into sight, his black robes billowing dramatically behind him, and his prefect's badge glinting proudly in the sun. He looked positively peacock-like.

"Can't stay long, Mother," he announced, puffing his chest out, adding to his already peacock-like appearance, "I'm up front, the Prefects have got two compartments to themselves."

"Oh, are you a Prefect, Percy?" Fred exclaimed with mock surprise, "You should have said something, we had no idea!"

"Hang on," George chimed in, "I think I remember him saying something about it. Once —"
"Or twice —"
"A minute —"
"All summer —"

"Oh, shut up," snapped Percy.
Kissing Percy on the cheek, Mum wished him a good term. Then she promptly wheeled around to face the twins.

"Now you two — this year, you behave yourselves. If I get one more owl telling me you've blown up a toilet or —"

"Blown up a toilet? We've never blown up a toilet"

"Great idea though, thanks, Mum."

"It's not funny. And look after Ron."

"Don't worry, ickle Ronniekins is safe with us."

"Shut up," I grumbled. Despite them being a full two years older than me, I would never trust them to take care of me. They could barely keep themselves under control, and I'd probably end up as a tester for one of those prank inventions they were working on.

"Hey Mum, Guess who we met on the train?" Fred piped up, "You know, that black-haired boy who was near us at the station? Know who he is?"

"Who?"

"Harry Potter~" the twins sang. Ginny squealed in delight. 

"Oh Mum, can I go on the train and see him, Mum, oh please," she pleaded.

"You've already seen him, Ginny, and the poor boy isn't something you goggle at In a zoo. Is he really, Fred? How do you know?" Mrs Weasley asked.

"Asked him. Saw his scar. It's really there – like lightning."

"Poor dear – no wonder he was alone, I wondered. He was ever so polite when he asked how to get onto the platform."

"Never mind that, do you think he remembers what You-Know-Who looks like?"

A dangerous look fell across Mum's face.

"Don't you dare ask him Fred, as though he needs reminding of that on his first day at school."

"All right, keep your hair on," Fred muttered.

A whistle sounded, and it echoed around the station. A sound that promised good times and great adventures.

"Hurry up!" Mum urged, and the twins and I scurried onto the train. I reluctantly leaned out the window to allow his mother to kiss him good-bye, and Ginny began to cry.

"Aww, we'll miss you Ginny," I said, smiling, "I'll send you loads of owls."

"We'll send you a Hogwarts toilet seat."

"George!"

"Only joking, Mum."

The train began to move, and I waved good-bye to my mother and sister, who grew smaller and smaller, until they were just specks in the distance. I turned and surveyed the train around me, and felt a leap in my chest. This was going to be awesome!

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A/N

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