The Hidden Snake of the Lions (Harry Potter SI): Chapter 12

“Hagrid, you oaf!”

I cursed under my breath as I slowly walked through the massive King’s Cross station, heading towards the train that would take me to Hogwarts.

Why am I cursing the half-giant? It was because the scatterbrained brute left me hanging after bringing me here, not even bothering to guide me to the platform from which I would board the train.

While I did read up on the changes in the Wizarding World over the years since my death, which also covered how the train had changed from what it was during my time, it would have been better for me to be guided by someone in the know during my first travel, making this easier.

Especially since I did not know where Platform 9 ¾ was in this day and age.

While the Hogwarts Express existed in my time and the Platform did as well, in those days, travelling through trains was not that common, and neither was the population of Muggles as large as it is in this day and age, which means that the platform is almost certainly hidden in some way from mortal eyes.

I felt Vritra hiss gently and send comforting thoughts, making me smile a little and pat the pocket of my coat.

“Thanks, baby girl. Let’s see if we can’t find our destination without any help.”

“Worst comes to worst, I can just brute force my way to the train.”

Again, my snake hissed in glee before going back to sleep, leaving me to wander the rather large station by my lonesome.

Compared to my time, today's world does everything in a rather different way and on a larger scale.

While it was nothing compared to what I remember the world being in the 21st century, a time of unchecked capitalism running rampant, Dictators and fanatics crawling out of the woodwork and the World teetering on the brink of war, thanks to conflicts, worsening climate changes, and overpopulation, this time was still rather uncomfortable for someone like me who had grown used to the rather rural and easy going life of the 19th century.

Watching the people moving to their destination, living their happy lives but still sporting the signs of what would come to be known as corporate slavery in the next century, I moved towards Platform 9, hoping to make my way to the train from there one way or another.

And as luck would have it, I did find a way.

For a second, I felt my breath leave me as I saw a veritable horde of a family, all sporting red hair, move through the station rather hurriedly while the older woman, probably the mother of the group of children, shouted out terms that only a Wizard would know.

Just from the feel of their magic, the hair colors, and their general demeanor, it is clear to me who they are.

The Weasley family.

I smiled as I hurriedly followed them with my cart.

It feels good to see that the family of one of my professors, Matilda Weasley, the woman who was the closest to a mother to me in the latter half of my previous life, and Garreth Weasley, one of my closest friends in that life, is still thriving to this day.

Especially since the official records that I managed to find state that the Weasley family is struggling to meet their needs these days financially, due to various issues dating back to the publishing of that stupid book ‘Pure-Blood Directory’, which excluded their family and mine from the so-called Sacred Twenty-Eight, greatly diminishing the Weasley family, Potter Family and various other Pro-Muggle families’ political power.

Soon, I found the group as the oldest boys ran through a pillar between Platforms 9 and 10.

I see. That’s how they concealed the Platform for the Express. Quite clever.

I smiled and approached the older Weasley.

“Excuse me, can you help me get through as well?”

My voice caused the older woman to jump a little in surprise, making her reach for her wand on instinct.

Good. Looks like their financial situation has not diminished the Weasley’s power and skill in the slightest.

In a single instant, I saw her eyes watch my face with caution before she caught the rather large scar on my face. Instantly, I saw her recognition, pity, and concern mix together before she smiled warmly. I also saw a little anger in her eyes, although that particular emotion was not directed at me, so it was not of my concern.

“First year? Dear? I’ll help you get to the platform. My son is a first-year student as well.”

She motioned towards the youngest of the boys, who waved a little shily at me, which I returned with a friendly nod.

If my previous life’s fragmented memories have taught me anything, it is the fact that it is always a blast to have a Weasley by your side, especially in terms of pranks and doing things that we are not supposed to be doing.

Which I will be doing a lot this year due to my reluctance to go through the bureaucratic nightmare that is the Ministry for all of my needs.

“It is rather easy. You just have to go straight between 9 and 10. Remember, you must not stop and move forward as quickly as you can. Give it a try.”

I nodded in gratitude at the warm older woman’s words.

“I am Harry. Thanks for the Help, Mrs. Weasley.”

Surprise flickered on her face as I said her family name. She must have thought I would be ignorant of her family name, which is confusing since most of the Wizarding World knows the older family names, their traits, and traditions by heart.

Questions for another time, I guess.

The woman whose magic felt just as warm as the previous holders of her family name smiled at me.

“My, what a polite young man. I am Molly Weasley. Now, go on or we will be late.”

I nodded and did not hesitate to rush forward, having watched the older boys from before as they crossed over.

I could have simply waited for the Weasley family to pass through before doing so myself, without interacting with them.

However, like I said, Weasleys are a fun bunch to have around. It also helps that they are the most loyal friends someone could hope to have.

As much as I hate to admit it, it would be good for my mental health to have someone to talk to, a friend or a companion. And what better friend can I find than a Weasley?

Within a second, I passed through the wards that separated the Hogwarts Express from the rest of the world, allowing me to lay eyes on the train for the first time in this life.

…..Honestly, it's an underwhelming feeling. Especially since I can see that there have been no major changes made to the train since my time. A few cosmetic changes and quality of life things? Yes, but major changes? No.

Shaking my head, I started moving towards the train.

I’ll think about the laziness and lack of innovation in the Wizarding community at a later date.

First, I need to get to Hogwarts.