It's Christmas Time Again: A Time-Traveling TMS Holiday Extravaganza

Christmas Holiday, 2011 (Part Five)

Harry stood on Platform 9 3/4. The air was cold and biting my face, a winter sleet clicking against the high glass windows far above. Harry had magicked my mittens to stay warm and he gave me a hug, patting my back.

"Have a good term, alright?" he said.

I nodded, "I'll do what I can."

"You know, I was picked on some in my fourth and fifth years, but the important thing to remember is that the opinions of other kids - they don't matter, they're probably scared or else there's something about how their own life is that they're intimidated about. You're a great kid, Tedders, and you're loved so, so very much, alright?"

"Thanks," I said, even though I knew that was all just a load of crock. After all, Harry had no idea what my life at Hogwarts was like, and I had a feeling he assumed I might be exaggerating the no friends thing. Even though I wasn't. But at least I had Dobby now.

Dobby sat in a carrier strapped to my back, peering out through a plastic bubble. I couldn't see him back there, but I could feel him moving around and every once in awhile he let out a plaintive "meeeow?" as we'd walked. He hadn't much liked when Harry disapparated us onto the platform from Gran's house.

The train whistle sounded and I took a deep breath, starting toward the train.

Harry caught my hand, stopping me.

I turned 'round to look at him.

"Did you look in the briefcase pocket?" he asked.

I felt my cheeks go warm and my hair start to turn.

"I didn't think so. Please do, alright? I think - I think what you find will... make things a bit easier for you."

"Alright," I said.

Harry nodded. "Write me this term, you little shite. You didn't much last one."

I laughed, "Alright, I'm sorry. I'll do better."

"Brilliant," Harry replied.

I waved and started toward the train.

"Bye Dobby," Harry called and I glanced over my shoulder at him.

"He says bye," I told Harry, and pulled myself up onto the train.

I ducked into the old Marauders compartment and sat down on the bench seat, glancing up at the etched letters on the board above me. Then I took out my copy of the Philosopher's Stone and got to reading.

"Hey Lupin, I saw you in the Daily Prophet."

I looked up.

A boy wearing a plaid scarf and worn jacket had slid into the compartment. I'd been so engrossed in the book that I'd not even realized anybody had come in. He hovered by the door, looking a bit nervous.

"Hi," I said.

"Your father was granted the Order of Merlin, 'ey? That's really cool."

"Yeah," I said.

He stood there a moment, then said, "First werewolf to ever be given an honor like that, isn't he?"

I nodded.

He stood in the door way a few moments more, then he pointed at the bench across from me. "Alright if I sit here?"

"Nobody else is," I answered.

He slid slowly down onto the seat.

"So you're Teddy."

I'd turned back to my book already, but I nodded when he said my name. "That's me," I murmured.