The Platform

The fiery Hogwarts Express stopped beside the platform, its massive body gleaming in the sunlight.

Steam billowed from the chimney, carrying the distinct metallic scent of old steam engines, forming white clouds above the platform.

Even though she had ridden it once before, Lucretia stood there, her eyes wide.

Little Barty noticed her reaction, and an inexpressible joy welled up inside him.

These were things he was already accustomed to, yet in her eyes, they seemed to hold a completely new feeling.

It seemed their plan to secretly take her to explore the Hogsmeade passage could be moved up.

Mr. Crouch's appearance immediately caused a subtle shift on the platform.

The previously noisy conversations quieted down a bit, and people began whispering to each other.

Some wizards deliberately turned away from his gaze, as if afraid of being noticed.

Others quickly adjusted their robes and hurried forward to greet him.

"Mr. Crouch! I didn't expect to see you here."

A well-dressed middle-aged wizard walked over quickly, respectfully extending his hand.

Mr. Crouch gave a brief nod, "Ravens, has the council been going smoothly recently?"

The wizard, called Ravens, smiled before his gaze fell on Lucretia, "Thanks to you, everything is proceeding as planned. And this must be...?"

Mr. Crouch placed his hand on Lucretia's shoulder, "Lucretia Crouch. She's starting at Hogwarts this year."

Surprise flickered in Ravens' eyes, but he quickly regained his polite smile, "Oh, that's wonderful. I hope you have a great time at Hogwarts, Miss Crouch."

Similar conversations repeated.

Every few steps Mr. Crouch took, a wizard would step forward to greet him.

Little Barty was used to all of this, but he didn't miss the slight unease on Lucretia's face.

He whispered to her, "Don't worry, they're just interested in Father's position. It won't be like this at Hogwarts."

Soon, the train's whistle sounded, reminding everyone that departure time was approaching.

Mr. Crouch handed several bags filled with Galleons to Little Barty and Lucretia, nodding at them, "Remember to write, and this is your pocket money for the school year. Let me know immediately if you need anything."

This was probably the warmest farewell he could offer.

Lucretia handed the bags to Little Barty and said to Mr. Crouch with some gratitude, "Thank you for sending us off, you and Mother."

Madam Crouch gave Lucretia a gentle hug, whispering a few words in her ear about staying warm and taking her medicine on time, then turned to Little Barty, looking at him as if she had something to say but couldn't.

Little Barty said calmly, his voice softer than usual, "We'll see each other again soon, Mother. I'll take good care of her too."

Amidst the chaos on the platform, Little Barty held Lucretia's hand, ensuring she wouldn't get lost in the crowd.

"Stick close to me later. The seats on the train will be taken quickly, and we need to find a less crowded carriage first."

Lucretia wasn't listening to Little Barty at all, still looking around curiously, her gaze captivated by everything around her.

A little boy's pet owl flew out of its cage, and he jumped up and down frantically, unable to catch it.

A few older students were showing off new flying broomsticks they bought during the summer.

A little further away, boys in Gryffindor red robes were throwing small items that exploded with colorful smoke, causing the passing girls to roll their eyes.

As they moved through the crowd, Little Barty felt countless eyes on them.

Some were purely curious, some were scrutinizing, and others were whispering.

The new member of the Crouch family had always been a hot topic within the Ministry of Magic, and now there was finally a chance to see her in person.

Suddenly, Lucretia stopped, staring at the other side of the platform.

"Is that Lily Evans that Mr. Potter often mentions?"

Little Barty followed her gaze and saw a red-haired figure talking with another girl, looking cheerful.

If you like this book, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

And a few steps away, James was acting like an idiot, holding a bouquet of brightly colored magical flowers, deliberately trying to get their attention.

"Potter is wasting his efforts again."

As James approached to offer the bouquet, Lily didn't even glance at him, walking straight past him. Her long red hair swished through the air in an arc.

James froze in place, the magical flowers still held out in his hand, his expression as if he'd been hit by a Petrifying Charm.

The bouquet drooped powerlessly in his hand, and a few petals drifted to the ground.

"Mr. Black said last time that she rejected him seventy-eight times."

Little Barty's tone was laced with sarcasm, "Seventy-nine times. Potter certainly has perseverance, proving with his actions what it means to be repeatedly defeated but never give up."

"Barty! Sister!"

A familiar voice rang out in the noisy crowd, carrying a sense of reassurance.

Regulus was extricating himself from a group of Slytherin students, waving at them.

Seeing a familiar face, Lucretia's tense shoulders relaxed, and a look of relief spread across her face.

"Brother Regulus!"

Regulus stepped forward and gently patted her back. "It's okay, I'm here."

He then turned back to Little Barty, and the two exchanged a brief nod.

"Did you come alone?"

Lucretia asked Regulus, noticing that no other members of the Black family were around him.

Regulus nodded, an unreadable expression flashing across his face. "Mother was furious with Sirius. Kreacher brought us."

Little Barty's gaze swept over the group of Slytherin students behind Regulus.

They were curiously sizing up Lucretia, some whispering amongst themselves with a judgmental look in their eyes.

One older girl even appraised her clothing from head to toe.

Little Barty's tone was much colder than when he usually spoke to them. "We're getting on the train, don't block the way."

When the students met his gaze, they couldn't help but take a step back.

The three dragged their luggage towards the train, Regulus proactively helping Lucretia with her trunk.

Little Barty followed closely behind the two, scanning their surroundings.

The train corridor was much narrower than Lucretia had expected, already crowded with students. Or perhaps Professor McGonagall had brought her on from the very back, so there weren't many people.

They exchanged positions.

Little Barty led the way, impatiently pushing aside younger students who were in the way.

Regulus shielded her with one hand, while using his wand with the other to maintain the Levitation Charm on their trunk.

Regulus pointed towards a compartment ahead that seemed to have an empty seat.

"Barty? There should be..."

His words were interrupted when a red-haired girl suddenly poked her head out from a nearby compartment, anxiously looking around.

When she saw the white cat in Lucretia's arms, she instinctively patted her arm.

"Oh, not that poor little Annie."

After saying this kindly, she took a few more glances at Luna.

"Wow, your cat is beautiful."

Luna seemed to enjoy the compliment, elegantly licking her paw.

Lucretia looked up and found herself facing Lily, surprised for a moment.