Heaven knew how Harry felt when he saw that Uncle Dursley had come to pick him up instead of the Black he had been longing to see.
His little face fell at once.
Su Er, on the other hand, was very happy. Mr. Ellison and Angel were waiting outside the platform, hand in hand.
"Dad." Su Er went up and gave Mr. Ellison a big hug, then took the opportunity to ruffle his little sister's hair.
"You've grown taller, Angel."
"I won the community piano competition, big brother." Angel's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.
"I put the certificate in your room."
"Really? You're amazing." Su Er generously gave Angel a big thumbs-up.
"Uncle Ellison." Hermione stood to one side and greeted him prettily.
By now, the smiles on Harry's face had transferred to Su Er and Hermione. Harry was full of confusion and displeasure. His Uncle Dursley stood beside Su Er's family with an oily smile, looking at him impatiently.
Despite his impatience, Mr. Dursley still wore a perfunctory smile as he spoke to Harry in a tone he had never used before.
"Potter, what's wrong? Don't you recognize your uncle anymore? Hurry up, we should go home. Your aunt and cousin are already there."
His tone made Harry shudder involuntarily, and he dragged his feet as he reluctantly approached.
Black lied to me? That was the only thought in his mind.
"We'll be off, then, Harry. Remember to write to us. Merry Christmas." Su Er waved to Harry, then left with Mr. Ellison.
People bustled through the station. Fun candy cane props hung over the platform, along with banners bearing pictures of Christmas Grandpa, filling the place with happiness and joy.
But Harry's heart was ice-cold. Under Dursley's increasingly impatient gaze, he sighed, tightened his grip on