Good Luck Wishes Aren't a Safety Certification

King's Cross Station, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

Steam billowed from the red engine of the Hogwarts Express, shrouding the people seeing students off in gray-white mist.

Trolley wheels rattled over gaps in the paving stones. Owls flapped in their cages. Several first-years shrieked because they couldn't find the entrance—

All those sounds blended into the familiar bustle of the platform.

Cordelia had arrived early.

She stood halfway down the platform, her silver-blond ponytail striking against the steam, her Dragon Hide Suitcase at her feet.

Every so often, she glanced toward the entrance.

Mr. Rowle stood beside her with a cup of hot tea from the station café, watching his daughter's every move with curiosity.

The way she was acting today—

Very interesting.

When Gavin emerged through the brick wall pushing a trolley, Cordelia's eyes landed on him, then went past his shoulder and lingered on the entrance behind him.

Even when Gavin reached her, she was still looking past him. She kept watching until the last few students with luggage came through the wall and no one else appeared.

"What are you looking for?"

"No—nothing." Cordelia drew her gaze back and let out a breath.

A possibility occurred to Gavin, and he tested it.

"My mum didn't come."

Cordelia's gaze snapped to his face, her cheeks faintly pink.

"I—I wasn't looking for her."

"Mm, I understand."

"I was only thinking she might come to see you off." Her voice was steady, but she avoided his eyes.

Mr. Rowle leaned over from beside them and blinked.

"So you won't get to use that 'Hello, Mrs. Gu' you practised all the way here?"

Cordelia turned to glare at her father, a little annoyed.

"I did not practise it all the way here!"

"Of course, of course. Only seven times," Mr. Rowle teased.