The hidden side of the Wizarding World

Chapter 29: Goodbye, inferior and a new house

01 September 1992

The sun hung low in the sky over Platform 9 ¾, casting a warm glow on the nearly empty platform. Harrison Potter-Black stood beside his trunk, flanked by his best friend, Neville Longbottom, who was nervously adjusting his own bag. The familiar rush of energy buzzed around them, but a bittersweet feeling lingered in Harrison's chest as he prepared to leave.

"Are you ready?" Neville asked, glancing up at Harrison with wide eyes.

"Not really," Harrison admitted with a small smile. He was excited to see Hogwarts again, but the thought of leaving his newfound home made his heart ache.

Evelyn Black stood nearby, her gentle presence calming. She smiled at both boys, her black hair catching the light as she stepped closer. "You two are going to have a wonderful year," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "Just remember, if you ever need anything, you can always call or write."

Harrison nodded, feeling gratitude swell in his chest. "Thanks, Mum," he replied, the word rolling off his tongue comfortably now. It felt natural to say it, especially in the way she looked at him—like he truly belonged.

Sirius stood a little off to the side, hands in his pockets, looking a bit unsure. He offered Harrison a smile and ruffled his hair. The connection between them was still tentative, but they were working on it.

"Just remember to stay out of trouble, Harrison," Sirius said, his tone light, though there was a hint of seriousness behind it. "No pranks until after the first month, at least."

"Right," Harrison replied with a smirk, glancing at Neville, who was biting his lip nervously. "No trouble until after the first month."

Evelyn rolled her eyes playfully at Sirius, then turned to Neville. "You take care of him, okay? Keep him out of trouble."

Neville nodded vigorously, his face brightening a bit. "I will! I promise!" he said earnestly, glancing at Harrison.

Harrison chuckled softly, cheeks having a hint of pink. "I'll try to stay out of trouble, mum."

Evelyn reached out and pulled Harrison into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Harrison," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "You're going to have a great year. Just be yourself, and don't let anyone make you feel like you don't belong."

Harrison felt his heart swell at her words, a sense of warmth flooding through him. "I will, Mum," he replied softly. "I'll make you proud."

As she pulled back, he noticed a hint of moisture in her eyes, and it made his own throat tighten. He wasn't used to this—having someone care so deeply, so openly. It was a new feeling, and he cherished it.

Harrison turned back to Sirius, who gave him an encouraging nod.

"Have fun, Harrison. I'll see you at Christmas," Sirius said, his voice gruff but affectionate.

"Yeah, see you," Harrison replied, feeling a bit of pressure ease as he recognized that, despite their differences and past troubles, Sirius was trying to be there for him.

He glanced at Neville, who was nervously checking his things. "Ready for another year?" Harrison asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Neville nodded, his expression brightening. "Yeah, I think so. It'll just be a bit weird without you in Gryffindor. We'll still hang out, though, right?"

Harrison laughed, nudging Neville's arm softly. "Of course! You're not getting rid of me that easily, Nev?"

With that, they put their luggage away and boarded the train.