Rescued

Platform Nine and Three-Quarters: Harry

Today is the day! I woke up at five, like usual. Lily trotted in right when I woke up, and I gave her a big hug. I heard the familiar clattering of dishes and the smell of bacon, like every morning, reached my nose. I packed my trunk and brought it downstairs. I smiled as I passed the kitchen. Same old Moony, making breakfast without magic. He had been doing that for as long as I could remember.

Hedwig hooted at me from the kitchen. I guess Moony had brought her down. I hugged Remus and grabbed three plates, laden with eggs and bacon.

Remus poured coffee into mugs for Sirius and him, and I breathed in the deep smell of coffee.

"I'm going to Hogwarts today, Moony," I told him.

"I know." Was that a tremor in his voice? I didn't say anything.

"Whatup, Prongslet! You'll have so much fun. Now remember what I told you about the entrance to the kitchen, and when you get to Gryffindor common room-" Sirius began.

"Sirius!" Remus snapped. "You don't know if he'll be in Gryffindor or not."

"What do you mean? Of course he will. He's James's son, isn't he?" Sirius smoothed back his hair with a comb, and adjusted his leather jacket.

"Well, there have been people where both their parents have been in one house and they were sorted into another," Remus said, slurping coffee.

"Yeah, but Harry will definitely be in Gryffindor." Sirius replied, shoveling eggs into his mouth.

"Stop! It doesn't matter which house I'm in, right? There's no need to fight," I said, irritated.

"Of course not," the two chimed.

After breakfast the trunk was strapped to Sirius's giant motorcycle, and an Engorgement Charm was placed upon it by Remus. Helmets magically appeared out of thin air, and Sirius lifted Lily and Hedwig on first.

"Don't let go of Hedwig," he told her.

The ride to Kings Cross Station was fast. Very fast. Remus, who was behind me, was gripping me very tight. He said it was to keep me on the bike, but I think it might've been for a different reason. Sirius, on the other hand, was whooping and hollering the whole way down.

The whole. Way. Down.

When we finally arrived, Remus hopped off as fast as he could and ran for a bush, looking very green. Sirius took off his helmet very carefully, and took a mirror out immediately to check his hair.

Lily hopped off, holding a cage with a very ruffled Hedwig. Her fur was sticking out everywhere, and I laughed as I smoothed it out.

We walked to platform eight, and stood in front of the wall separating eight from nine. Remus was gripping my shoulder very tightly, his face a little pale, and not so green.

"Remember what to do, Prongslet?" Sirius whispered.

"Yep." I pushed my trolley towards the brick wall and tried hard to think about Hogwarts, and the train, and seeing Ron...

I didn't crash.

I opened my eyes to see mist clearing and the regal looking Hogwarts Express.

I turned to see Remus and Sirius walking towards me with Lily. Hedwig hooted, and I pushed an owl treat at her. She greedily snatched it. I smirked and stroked her wings. "Greedy bird," I said. She nipped my hand playfully.

"Harry!" Ron was waving at me, with Fred, George, Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley behind him. Ginny was holding on to Mrs. Weasley's skirt, and smiled shyly at me.

"Hullo, mate," said Fred and George, lifting my trunk from the trolley. "Gotten taller, little bugger has," George said playfully, mussing my hair and winking.

"Hey, Harry! Aren't you excited? Whoa," Ron exclaimed, as Lily jumped and licked his face.

"She still remembers you, Ron," I said, pulling her down.

I looked over. Remus was talking with Mrs. Weasley about something, and Sirius and Mr. Weasley were shaking hands.

"Well, Harry," Mr. Weasley said, turning to me, "your first year at Hogwarts!"

"Yes, sir," I replied. "It'll be fun," I added.

"Oh, yes it will. Harry, you'd better not listen to your hooligan uncles and study hard, work hard, and get good grades," Mrs. Weasley said sternly, glancing at Sirius, who was whistling and polishing his fingernails.

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley. I'm sure I will." I said, and she grinned and quickly hugged me.

The train blasted a warning whistle, and students began hurriedly boarding the train. Platform nine and three quarters resounded with goodbyes. I looked at Moony and Padfoot. Remus was smiling sadly, and Sirius was desperately trying not to show any emotion. I ran to hug them both, and found they were gripping me tightly already. I sank into their arms, so thankful for everything they had done.

"Study hard, and work hard. Hogwarts has many secrets, Harry," Remus said.

"Goodbye, Prongslet. Send me a letter right away, and don't forget everything I've told you!" Sirius exclaimed. I broke away from their arms, said that yes I would study and I wouldn't forget, gave Lily a quick pat, said goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and ran onto the train to where Ron was waiting.

The train began to move as soon as I stepped on. I ran to an open window with Ron and waved. "Goodbye, goodbye," I heard. I waved and smiled, and ducked back inside as the train began to speed up.

The journey had just begun.