When Vernon didn't miss - Sahits

Chapter VITuesday, September 1, 1992Escorted by Jason, Harry and Hermione arrived at Platform 9 3/4 forty-five minutes early.Hermione, on the verge of full adolescence, was overwhelmed by Jason and intrigued by the nowlean,muscular, and studious Harry. Hermione may have already read through all of Lockhart'sbooks, but he would never stir aheartbeat.The pair settled into their compartment quickly. Neville found them some ten minutes later. Anumber of other students in their year came by to say hello to Hermione, and then to Harry as well.Harry was impressed that Hermione seemed to know everyone in their year. Even two Slytherins,Tracey Davis and Daphne Greengrass, said hello politely.The Weasleys surged onto the train with just a few minutes to go. Ron looked through the cars untilhe found Harry. He was trailed by his sister and a tiny nervous blonde with long hair. "Hey, Harry!"Ron said, dragging his caged rat in. "Neville, Hermione."He looked back at Harry. "Why didn't youever write?""I did," Harry answered tightly.Ron frowned. "Hedwig never showed up.""My relatives killed her," Harry said pointedly while the others glared angrily at Ron. The Dursleys'killing Hedwig had been in the news reports, along with the stories about Harry. Ron, however, hadnot really read them. "I had a letter delivered to you in mid-July. It was placed on your pillow andspelled so that only you would really notice it.""Really?" Ron concentrated for a moment. "Oh, I remember now. Ithought it was some joke of Fredand George's. Sorry." With that, Ron dismissed the summer and turned around. "Don't you two havesomeplace else to go?" he demanded."No," Ginny retorted. "I don't want to sit with Percy, or Fred and George for that matter, any morethan you do.""Mum said you should sit. . . .""With one of my brothers. If you aren't my brother, say so now,"Ginny pouted."That doesn't work on me like it does Dad, Bill, and George," Ron retorted. He glared at Luna."And what's your excuse, Loony?"Luna recoiled slightly. "I don't know anyone else," she said nervously. She had not been away fromher father for more than afew hours since her mother's death. She had hoped she might find somefriends."Ronald, don't be a prat," Hermione commanded. "Come in, you two, there's room."Luna sat next to Hermione (who was next to Harry), while Ginny sat next to Neville. Ron came inlast, as both girls had kicked him on the shin (Ginny twice) and it took him a minute to recover.After everyone introduced themselves, Luna asked, "If you don't mind, are the stories about you this