Chapter -33.
The Dursley family had a lovely month together, enjoying each other's company. They got along really well, spending their days studying and exercising, but mostly just having fun and making the most of their time together before the big adventure ahead.
Even though Hogwarts had its own holidays, this was their first long trip, and everyone was excited!
During this time, Dudley often popped over to Hermione's house to study, and of course, Harry tagged along. This meant Harry had to get a head start on his textbooks, but he didn't mind too much.
Sometimes, Hermione would come over to the Dursleys' place to see Dudley, which made Aunt Petunia really happy. The two families even went fishing together a few times, and since they all went to the same school, they grew even closer.
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley were pretty surprised to hear that Dudley had started his own company. They were even more shocked to find out that the famous "Jerry" was actually their son! They were so proud but didn't quite know how to express it. They always thought Dudley was great, but this was something else!
Still, they were pretty good at rolling with the punches. After all, their son and nephew were about to become wizards, so starting a company didn't seem like such a big deal anymore.
Then, September 1st finally arrived—the day Dudley and Harry were set to leave.
"Dudley, have you packed enough clothes?"
"Dudley, are you sure you want to bring that?"
"Harry, don't forget Hedwig's food! On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, feed her from the white bag; on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, use the green bag; and on Sundays, the yellow bag. And don't overdo it! After she eats, make sure to write to me!"
Vernon was busy loading up the car with their luggage while Petunia kept reminding them of all the little things they needed to remember, always adding, "Lily was just like this when she was in school."
Hedwig, Harry's beloved owl, was definitely enjoying the special food Petunia made. According to her, Lily's owl used to love it too! In just over a month, Hedwig had gotten quite plump. If you asked who she was closest to at home, Harry would come in second after Petunia.
"Wow! Wizards actually take a train to school? I thought they'd use something more magical, like a giant pumpkin carriage pulled by winged horses or a flying pirate ship!" Vernon said, shaking his head in disbelief. He and Harry had been working out together thanks to Dudley, and they were both feeling a bit lighter.
"It's about time to head out! By the way, which platform is it?"
Harry thought for a moment and replied, "The train leaves from King's Cross at eleven o'clock from platform nine and three-quarters."
Vernon looked a bit confused. "Never heard of that platform. Well, at least it adds a little mystery to the wizarding world!"
King's Cross Station was about an hour's drive from the Dursleys' home. When they arrived, they were surprised to see the Grangers there, and the two families decided to go into the station together.
"Here's platform nine, and there's platform ten. So where's platform nine and three-quarters?" Vernon asked, pointing at the signs.
"Is it enchanted like the Leaky Cauldron?" Mr. Granger wondered.
Just then, Hermione chimed in, "I read in 'A History of Hogwarts' that the entrance is between platforms nine and ten." She pointed to the second-to-last pillar near platform ten.
"Just like Lily, so smart and knows everything," Petunia said, looking at Hermione with a warm smile. She was really starting to like her, but then she shot a glare at Dudley and Harry, "And look at these two, always playing instead of studying!"
Hermione's studious nature reminded Petunia of her sister Lily, who had also loved reading and studying. Back in the day, their relationship was pretty good—until something happened that put a strain on it.
It was all James's fault, that troublemaker who led Lily astray!
Dudley felt a bit caught in the middle; he was just as diligent as Hermione, often even surpassing her. Maybe that's just how it is with other people's kids—they always seem so impressive!
"Dudley, you're a strong boy; can't you help Hermione with her luggage? Show off your gentlemanly side!" Petunia said, a bit exasperated, as she piled Hermione's bags onto Dudley's cart. "And make sure to look after Hermione at school. Don't bully her, and make sure no one else does either!"
Hermione's face turned bright red as she quietly said goodbye to her parents and pushed her cart toward the barrier of Platform 9¾, disappearing into the pillar. Dudley and Harry followed closely behind, each pushing their own carts.
As Petunia watched the three kids vanish, she remarked, "Hermione is such a quiet child."
If Dudley had heard that, he would have disagreed loudly; sure, Hermione loved to read, but she was far from quiet!
"Ha ha ha, Dudley is the quiet one; he excels in both academics and sports!"
"Ha ha ha!"
The two mothers praised each other's kids, as it always seems like other people's children are just a bit better.
On the dads' side, things were much simpler.
"Wendell, want to grab a drink? How about the Leaky Cauldron?"
"The drinks there are unique, but a bit too weak for my taste. I know a new pub that has stronger drinks."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
The two families decided to leave the station.
On the other side, after successfully passing through the pillar, Dudley felt the space open up around him. The narrow platform widened, revealing a deep red steam engine that looked nothing like a regular train, with "Hogwarts Express" written in big letters on the train sign.
The once quiet area between platforms nine and ten was now bustling with people, all dressed in a way that reminded Dudley of Diagon Alley. The thick smoke from the steam engine swirled above the crowd, and various cats weaved through the throngs, with the occasional hoot of an owl echoing in the air.
Clearly, these were all students heading to Hogwarts.
Dudley's exciting journey to Hogwarts was about to begin!
Tl/N: If you want to read more [upto Ten chapters] while supporting me, you can join me on patreon.com/EmptyThoughts ;Thanks.
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