Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

3. Platform Plans

Cassiopeia met up with Harry every day for the rest of August, telling him more about the wizarding world each time.
"So, are you ready for tomorrow?" Asked Cassiopeia.
Her and Harry were sat on a park bench, soaking up the summer sun together, before Harry left for Hogwarts the following day.
"Not really" admitted Harry.
"Well, it is hard for me to cram a lifetimes worth of knowledge into a few weeks. But I don't think I've done that bad a job" replied Cassiopeia.

"It's not the lack of knowledge that scares me, because you have done a good job preparing me in that department" admitted Harry.
"Then what does frighten you about tomorrow?" Quizzed Cassiopeia curiously.
"Stepping into Hogwarts not knowing anyone there, and having everybody else already knowing everything about me" revealed Harry.

"Hey, listen, they don't know everything about you. They know your name, and that you defeated You-Know-Who as a baby. But that is all they know. And the Muggle-borns won't know anything at all about you. Some of the half-bloods might not either. They will all get to know you overtime. You have the chance to show them who you are, when you arrive, so make sure you give off the right impression" informed Cassiopeia.
"I want people to like me, so I will try my best" promised Harry.
"I know you will. You don't have much to worry about though, because you are just like your parents. And they made friends very easy. They fitted into Hogwarts perfectly, and I know you will too" reassured Cassiopeia.
"I hope you're right".

"I am... So, are you all packed, and ready to go?" Questioned Cassiopeia.
"Not yet. I will pack my stuff tonight. I want to read some more of my textbooks, before I pack them into my suitcase" answered Harry.
"And have you arranged your transport for tomorrow?" Asked Cassiopeia.
"Yes, Uncle Vernon is going to drive me to King's Cross tomorrow"
"That's awfully generous of him"
"He's only doing it because he is already going to be in London on that day. He's having Dudley's pig tail removed at a London hospital. Uncle Vernon told me that he wouldn't take me to the station, if he wasn't already going up that way for Dudley".

Cassiopeia smiled, "I would love to have been there when Hagrid gave your cousin a pig's tail. But unfortunately I wasn't able to follow you to the hut on the rock. So, I will just have to imagine the beautiful scene in my mind".
"It was pretty funny" ginned Harry.
"I bet. After the way he's tormented you throughout the years, a pig tail is the least he deserves. If he wasn't a minor, I would teach him a lesson myself, for treating you so poorly".

"How would you do that without magic?" Quizzed Harry.
"When you don't have magic, you learn how to defend yourself in other ways. And when you live on the streets, you have to learn how to use your fists, if you want to survive" explained Cassiopeia.
Harry rasied an eyebrow, "No offence, but I don't think you could take Dudley in a fight".
"Just because I'm small and thin, it doesn't mean that I'm weak. Your cousin only fights for fun, but I fight to survive, which means that I am better than him, because I am more determined. And one day I will prove it to you, that I am the superior fighter".

Harry smiled, but then his face dropped, "I wish you could come with me tomorrow, so that I didn't have to go to Platform 9 and ¾ by myself".
"You know I can't. I'm not welcome there. Squibs are not welcome in magical spaces" replied Cassiopeia, spinning the truth slightly.
"You could wear a disguise" suggested Harry.
"It would still be too dangerous for me to go to Platform 9 and ¾, even in a disguise. I couldn't risk anyone recognising me"
"Why would it be too risky for you in particular?".

Cassiopeia sighed, "If you must know, I committed several crimes in the wizarding world, which is why I am homeless and can't get a job. I am on the run from the wizarding police, whom we call aurors. And if I'm caught, I will be given a life sentence for my crimes, and placed in Azkaban prison".
"You must have done something pretty bad, if you are supposed to be serving a life sentence right now. What did you do?" Questioned Harry.

"I made one bad decision, when I was backed into a corner, many years ago, and it's a mistake I am still paying for nearly 10 years later. If I could go back and undo what I did, then I would, but I can't" revealed Cassiopeia.
"What exactly did you do?" Asked Harry.
"You should know that I can't answer that, Harry. I can never give you specifics about my life, or exactly what happened during the wizarding war. So please don't ask me to lie to you, because I don't want to. You just have to accept that there are somethings that I cannot tell you" replied Cassiopeia.

"Why do people always keep things from me? My aunt and uncle hid the truth about me being a wizard, from me my whole life. Hagrid refused to tell me everything I need to know, and so do you. Why don't I deserve to be told the truth?" Demanded Harry.
"You do deserve the truth, and I'm sorry that your aunt and uncle didn't tell you about the wizarding world. I'm also sorry that I can't give you all the answers that you seek. But the truth is complicated, and it's painful to remember it all, which is why I don't like talking about it" admitted Cassiopeia.

"I don't care how complicated it is, I want to know the truth" insisted Harry.
"Then I will tell you when you become an adult at 17" promised Cassiopeia.
"Don't you mean 18?" Frowned Harry.
"No, those with magic come of age when they turn 17. And when that happens for you, I will tell you everything. But not until then. You are still just a child, and the truth I hold dear, is dark. Which is why I won't tell you about it, until you are older".

"Fine... Are you really going to hide in the shadows forever then, never going near wizarding world areas, for fear of getting arrested?" Quizzed Harry.
"It's the safest thing for me to do" sighed Cassiopeia.
"Hmmm... I never imagined that one of my dad's closest friends, was actually a coward" mocked Harry.
"If you knew what I have gone through in my life, then you would not call me that!"
"Well, you are the one who's too scared to go to a train platform".

"So, you want me to get arrested do you, and thrown in Azkaban?" Snapped Cassiopeia.
"No, of course not, you're the only person who can give me knowledge about the wizarding world. I need you. But if you wear a disguise, no one is going to notice you, on a busy platform" replied Harry.
"Fine. If you want me to come then I will. But if I get recognised and taken to Azkaban, then you won't get to hear anymore about your parents, for no one who is still alive, knew them like I did" informed Cassiopeia.

"Thank you Cee. It means a lot to me that you are going to come" smiled Harry.
"It's a good thing I care enough about you, to risk my freedom to wave you off to school" sighed Cassiopeia.
"Well, you are my godmother. You did promise to put me before you" reminded Harry.
"Yes, I know. And here is me, keeping that promise. I will see you on Platform 9 and ¾ tomorrow morning at 10:30 sharp. Don't be late"
"I won't be. I promise"
"You had better not be... Well then, I will see you tomorrow. Sleep well Harry, you are going to need it".