Harry Potter Lessons Learned, Chapter 6: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Just when things couldn't get any more exciting in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry goes to Hogwarts. He doesn't get there yet--that's for next chapter--but this chapter covers everything up to the moment when Hagrid knocks for entrance. There's a lot of anxiety in this chapter, but the great thing is that it's shared around. It is a lot to take in, but they do it together and that is part of the inherent magic of the Hogwarts Express.

"Firs' years over here!"

One of the great things about this chapter is that there is such realism in the middle of something extraordinary. Yes these are hundreds of kids off to a school for witchcraft and wizardry, but they remind us of someone we've known or someone we've been. On any first day of school, there's someone who is anxious to prove themself, someone who is in the shadow of a sibling, and someone who has misplaced half the things they packed last night. I, myself, have been all three as a distracted-but-gifted student with three really awesome siblings.

I also relate to Harry's initial anxiety about all of this being a prank. I remember starting professional training in a similar state; I had been looking forward to it for over a decade and was convinced that I'd arrive at the front desk and be told that I wasn't supposed to be there at all. All that Harry has been introdced to so far seems too good to be true. Not only is he given permission to learn about his powers, but he's been given the tools to do so. I love that he names his owl after someone he read about in A History of Magic. Harry claims in later books to have never opened the book, but he connected to something in that book.

Set as a contrast is Mrs. Weasley. She is the capable adult at King's Cross Station, who nevertheless has seven children to corral and is looking for the platform. Some think that she's a little bit absent-minded, but I believe that the wife of a known Muggle-lover goes to King's Cross each year and mentions the platform in case a Muggle-born student needs to identify with someone of their own kind. I have less sympathy for her being able to be pranked by Fred and George

Speaking of which, it's not fair that people claim Ron is Harry's first friend on the Hogwarts Express. To quote their older selves, "What are Fred and [George], next-door neighbors?" They are the already-lovable goofs who help Harry onto the train and that's not an insignificant thing.

I do see Ron as Harry's immediate saving grace. Harry hasn't been great so far at feeling at ease, even with Hagrid in Diagon Alley. I love that, knowing what it's like not to have a choice of food, Harry offers to eat one of Ron's corned beef sandwiches. (I personally love them, so don't understand the aversion.) As he says, "It was a nice feeling, sitting there with Ron, eating their way through all Harry's pasties, cakes, and candies." Before this, Harry has already connected with Ron on the fact that this is the first time he's ever had something he could afford.

Let's take a moment and appreciate that bushy-haired girl who isn't so sympathetic to Ron. Hermione is a bit annoying in shaming him for shoddy spellwork, but she is the only person who seems to care that Neville Longbottom has lost his toad. Every school year needs someone who is a little more observant than we're comfortable with and thank goodness for that.

Lesson Learned: Share the load

It's completely normal to experience apprehension and something that Harry does in this chapter resonates with me in a different way. One of my passion projects is that I volunteer as a crisis counselor and we are constantly encouraged as counselors to validate feelings. We don't have to share the feelings to understand where they're coming from. Harry's budding friendship with Ron Weasley is built on the way that he does just that. It's a really lovely detail.

And, of course, Hagrid helps with other intangible needs. He gives a welcome to everyone, not just Harry, but I love him finding Trevor. Perhaps he overheard about the lost pet or noticed Neville's distress or maybe Hermione had a quick word with him about a lost item. Either way,, he makes sure that one of his first-years has the burden of anxiety eased a bit.

Come back next time for "The Sorting Hat."