The Mystery of the Chamber of Secrets

Chapter 2: The plot thickens

The children in the Green household spent a very pleasant two weeks after Dobby's visit enjoying the summer weather, which was glorious. It was still very warm when everybody boarded a train to London to catch the Hogwart's express on the 1st of September. People on the train stared at Harry, carrying Hedwig who did not like train journeys. 

Etta had her cat with her in a basket on her lap. She had named it Pterano. Etta chose the name from one of her dinosaur books. Pterano seemed quite unruffled by the train journey. His mistress was calm and therefore, he was too. They had a special, close connection and could read each others thoughts when they had eye contact. Pterano could also understand human speech. When Etta had chosen Pterano at the magical pet shop in Diagon Alley, she had known he was the right cat for her as soon as she looked into his blue eyes. A voice in her mind had said, "I have waited a long time, but I knew you were coming. I belong with you."

Ron had his rat Scabbers inside the pocket of his jacket. Pterano hissed whenever he was near Scabbers. He had communicated to Etta that there was something unusual and duplicitous about Scabbers. The rat did his best to stay clear of the cat at all times.

The journey was otherwise uneventful and the train arrived on time in London. Travelling on the underground with an owl and huge old fashioned trunks was even worse than being on the train but luckily they only had to go three stops to Kings Cross. When they arrived in the station, they headed to platforms nine and ten. Ron and Hermione went through first, followed by Mr and Mrs Green.

Harry tried to go through the barrier but his trolly bounced off the wall with a very loud crash. Hedwig screeched indignantly in her cage.

"What's going on? Why can't I get through the barrier?" Harry asked.

"Let me try," said Etta.

Harry moved aside and Etta approached the barrier with her trolly. 

Etta thought to Pterano, 'This has been magically tampered with. We need to break the spell to allow Harry to pass.'

Both were concentrating hard as they approached the barrier. Etta felt something snap, like a very strong piece of elastic coming apart as she and Pterano passed through. Harry followed a few seconds later.

"Thanks," he said to Etta quietly as they stood together on Platform nine and three quarters.

"What happened?" said Mrs Green, hurrying towards them.

"The barrier sealed itself when Harry first tried to get through," Etta said in a whisper, "So, I went through first with Pterano, using a severing Spell. I needed Pterano to help me as the barrier was blocked by strong unfamiliar magic. Harry was able to come through after that."

"Let's not dwell on it now, you two need to get on the train or you'll miss it. Ron and Hermione have already got on," said Mr Green.

"Remember to look out for potential dangers to Harry and don't ignore your dreams," said Mrs Green, in a whisper to Etta, "Ask me if you're worried about anything. Send me an owl an often as you like." She gave Etta a quick hug. and guided her and Harry towards the train. 

Harry and Etta could see Ron and Hermione waving from a carriage window further down the train. They hurried along the rapidly emptying platform. Ron and Hermione helped them get their luggage on the train. The whistle blew, they waved once to their foster-parents and they were off.