The roommates exchanged glances, each shaking their head. "Haven't seen them…"
Hermione's brow furrowed, anxiety sharpening her voice. "That's so strange… Where could Harry and Ron have gone?"
"I've asked so many people already. Even Percy, Fred, and George said they haven't seen them…"
"Even Fred and the others?" Wyzett looked surprised. "Mr. Weasley picked up Harry over the summer—they should all be together, right?"
Luna had woken at some point, hugging her little pillow and quietly listening to the conversation between Wyzett and Hermione.
Hermione explained, "They left late this morning and had to drive to the station. They were only a few minutes away from missing the train."
"Mr. Weasley took Ginny through the barrier first, then Percy, Fred, and George followed…"
"So maybe Ron and Harry just didn't make it in time?" Wyzett caught her meaning. "That shouldn't be a big deal, right? Harry still has his owl with him."
"They might not send a letter, though." Hermione raked her fingers through her hair, making her already bushy curls even wilder—she looked for a moment like a flustered, brown ragdoll cat.
"Fred told me just now, if it were him and George, they'd take the chance to drive off in Mr. Weasley's car and have a bit of flying fun."
"That does sound like something Fred would do." Wyzett chuckled. "But if it's Ron, I doubt he'd go through with it…"
He thought for a moment before adding, "Last time, when he remembered his dad's job, he actually canceled the whole flying car plan himself."
"Oh! I remember them mentioning that." Hermione recalled. "Good thing you talked them out of it—otherwise it would've been way too dangerous!"
"So there's really no need to worry." Wyzett smiled reassuringly. "There are Ministry officials at the station, so it'd be hard for anything truly bad to happen."
"And as long as they wait where they are, Mr. Weasley and the others will come out and sort something out."
"That's true—there's always a way…" Hermione nodded, visibly relaxing. "I'll go tell Percy and the others not to worry either."
After Hermione left, Luna spoke softly, "She really cares about Ron and Harry."
Wyzett rubbed his earlobe, which tingled a little. "That's why she was so anxious."
Time rewinds: Harry and Ron dashed at the barrier, but instead of passing through to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, they slammed straight into the solid wall.
Hedwig tumbled from her cage, wings flapping and hooting in distress, drawing the attention of nearby Muggles.
Harry clutched his ribs, gasping for breath, and finally managed to stagger upright.
Faced with the suspicious stares of the crowd, he could only mumble, "My trolley got away from me…"
After a struggle to gather their scattered luggage, Harry glanced up at the station clock. As the second hand crept toward twelve, his heart seemed to freeze.
"We're done for…" Ron said blankly. "We've missed the train to Hogwarts."
Unwilling to give up, Harry pressed against the barrier, his cheeks red with effort, trying to force his way through.
No miracle came. The barrier was just cold, unyielding brick and stone—just as cold as his sinking heart.
Hedwig was still flapping, trembling from the shock of the crash.
More travelers shot them questioning looks. A security guard started heading their way. Harry edged closer to Ron.
"Ron, let's go back to the car. Hedwig won't settle down, and we're drawing too much attention."
"The car?" Ron's eyes suddenly lit up. "We could fly to Hogwarts! In Dad's car!"
"That car can fly?" Harry's eyes widened. "I thought it just had magic seats—so they're bigger inside."
Dragging his luggage, Ron explained as they left the station, "When you were stuck at the Dursleys, we almost flew the car to rescue you…"
"George wanted Wyzett to come too, but after he asked a few questions, we gave up the idea and let Dad pick you up."
"So you know how to drive?" Harry was getting excited. "I've never done it…"
"I've practiced! Just step on the gas, turn the wheel…" He leaned in, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Dad did loads of magic upgrades—driving's dead easy!"
"Are you sure it's safe? Is it even magic?" Harry was both thrilled and a little nervous. "You know I just got a warning from the Ministry…"
Ron heaved his trunk into the boot. "It's Dad's car. We're just getting in and starting it up—we're not using magic ourselves."
"Yeah, that's right!" Harry shut the boot, left Hedwig on the back seat, and buckled his seatbelt. "We're not using magic!"
But as Ron gripped the steering wheel, a sudden chill ran through him. He remembered what Wyzett had said: If something went wrong, if Muggles noticed, the Ministry would blame Dad…
He pictured Arthur coming home after a night of overtime, dark circles like smudges of ink under his eyes, exhaustion etched on his face…
Ron shivered, guilt prickling at him. He glanced at Harry. "Harry… maybe we should wait. Dad should be back soon."
"Wyzett also said Dad could give us good advice. He went to Hogwarts too—he must've been in this kind of mess before."
Harry's excitement faded, replaced by a calmer, more thoughtful look. "You're right. Flying a car to school is probably a bit too risky."
Ron managed a weak smile. "Besides, term hasn't started yet, so we won't lose any house points. And Hermione won't have to worry."
...
They sat in the car for quite a while, until at last Arthur's surprised face appeared at the window.
"What are you two doing in the car? We've been searching the platform for ages!" Arthur cried, flinging open the door. "What happened?"
Ron explained as he rolled up his sleeve, revealing a fresh bruise. "The barrier was sealed—we couldn't get through at all. Look…"
"You've grown up! Our Ronald is all grown up!" Molly sniffled, pulling Ron into a tight hug and showering him in kisses.
"Mum, not out here… please…" Ron's face and neck turned scarlet, his ears matching his hair.
Seeing Molly's proud, teary smile, Harry felt a mix of envy and relief.
If they really had flown the car to Hogwarts, he couldn't imagine how much worry they would've caused Molly…
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