Taking the Train

"I... I was wrong, Mom!"

Ron knew he couldn't win an argument with his mother, and he agreed that bringing a friend home meant taking responsibility for their safety.

This time, Ron admitted he was wrong so quickly that Molly couldn't deliver the lecture she had prepared.

"I'll make some nourishing porridge in a bit. Take some up to Harry!"

"Okay, Mom!"

Ever since Harry had become "the patient," Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had taken care of his every need. It gave him a sense of family warmth he had never known before. If he could, he wanted to spend next summer at The Burrow too.

But he could see how tight money was for the Weasley family. Another mouth to feed would only add to Arthur's burden, so when he left on September 1, he didn't ask to come back next summer.

On September 1, they took the car Arthur had modified to King's Cross Station. They had allowed plenty of time, but Ginny and Ron had forgotten a few things, forcing them to turn back. By the time they reached the station, it was already eleven!

"Hurry! Faster! Ron, don't forget your things next time!"

Mrs. Molly urged them on, holding Ginny's hand.

"Mom, I wasn't the only one who forgot something!"

"Mom, I'm sorry!"

Ginny was so upset with herself that her eyes had gone red.

"It's not your fault. It's your first time going to school, so of course you're nervous. Once you get there, spend more time with Fr—Percy. He'll look after you!"

Fred and George were far too rowdy. They'd be a bad influence on sweet little Ginny!

They rushed all the way to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Percy, Arthur, Fred, George, Ginny, and Molly passed through the pillar one after another.

Luo Bin