Chapter 3: A Mystery

Hermione looked partially shocked as she finished reading the letter; even Ron looked concerned. Harry, restless and in deep thought, walked towards the window, thinking. How did Petunia use an owl to send the letter? Was she a witch?

Becoming more aware of Ron and Hermione, he said, “But why did they hide it from me? Why didn’t they tell me about it? I knew that something was suspicious when Petunia got the howler from Dumbledore after the dementors attacked me.”

Harry, angry and confused, crushed the paper in his clenched fists and threw it out the window. Suddenly, the train jerked to a halt, and Harry fell backwards onto the seat. He got up, rubbing his head.

“Are you okay, Harry?” asked Hermione, worried and walking forward. 

“I’m fine,” replied Harry, still massaging his forehead. Ron snorted and left the compartment without another word.

Harry watched Ron as he left the compartment, looking positively stunned. Hermione, understanding Harry’s thoughts, said, “He’ll be okay, Harry. He’s just a little overbearing after your incident. Anyway, you should get dressed, while I catch up with Ron.”

Hermione gave Harry a friendly hug and left. A few minutes later, as Harry was changing out of his school robes, he saw Draco Malfoy passing the corridor. Malfoy stopped walking and looked at Harry. After hesitating for a brief moment, he entered Harry’s compartment and said, “Well, Potter. I just wanted to say that I’m… sorry, for what I did to you over the years.”

Before Harry could reply, Malfoy was gone, probably out of the train.

When Harry left the train a couple minutes later, he saw Mr. Weasley, a tall and slightly balding man with Ron’s distinct red hair, standing with Ron, Hermione and Ginny. As Harry approached them, Mr. Weasley said, “Harry, c’mon. We need to get to our house. Molly has made a delightful meal for everyone, especially you.”

Mr. Weasley began to walk towards the exit, but Harry didn’t move. He said, “But I can’t go to Burrow now.”

Mr. Weasley stopped and turned around, looking shocked. He replied, “What?”

Harry simply said, “I have to go to the Dursleys. It’s important.”

Mr. Weasley, looking bemused, said, “But Harry…”

Harry, shaking his head, replied, “Sorry Mr. Weasley, I have to go. It’s urgent.”

Mr. Weasley looked at Hermione and Ron, raising his eyebrows, and said, “And I expect you two are going with him?”

 Both Hermione and Ron nodded, though Ron nodded slowly.

Mr. Weasley hesitated and said, “But why do you want to go there?”

Harry, waiting for Hermione to answer, said, “Well, I got an owl post from them. I don’t know how they sent it to me, but they want me to meet them.”

Mr. Weasley, surprised and confused, said, “How could they send it to you? They’re muggles.”

Harry, looking at Mr. Weasley, replied, “Well, that’s a mystery.”