The steam train was slow as ever. Night had fallen by the time it reached London.
Will did not get off with Terry Brown. He was among the last to leave the train, and few people remained on the platform. King's Cross Station was not particularly busy when he emerged from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Hobert had not come to meet him this time—Will had told him he would spend Christmas at Hogwarts.
But less than two minutes after Will came out, a sharply dressed man with an imposing air approached him. It was Rock Rowle, Vice President of the Society for the Promotion of Alchemical Excellence.
Even if other Wizards saw Rock contact Will, it would not raise any questions. Will was a member of the Society for the Promotion of Alchemical Excellence, after all.
"Mr. Behrens, please come with me." Rock Rowle was exceedingly respectful, as though Will were his superior. "Mr. Malfoy has arranged the trip."
Will followed Rock Rowle out of the station and straight to the parking lot.
A black Daimler stood out. It was the sort of car favored by England's aristocrats and the political and business elite.
As the old saying went: aristocrats drove Daimlers; upstarts drove Rolls-Royces.
Will approached the car, and the rear door opened. Lucius was sitting inside. "Mr. Behrens, please get in. We shouldn't let anyone see us together."
It seemed old Lucius had substantial holdings in the Muggle World, too.
Rock Rowle took the front seat. The driver started the car and pulled away from the station.
Lucius handed Will a paper bag containing a Hooded Cloak and a note.
The note read: The driver is a Muggle. Please put on the Cloak. We'll be going to Diagon Alley shortly.
Will put on the Cloak and pulled up