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They were roused by Mrs. Weasley at the first crow of the rooster.
Nine people, seven large trunks, three owls (belonging to Percy, Harry, and Orli), one rat, and an array of clattering cauldrons and bottles formed an impressive procession.
Simply getting all the children fed and dressed consumed an enormous amount of time. After finally leaving, they had to return three times:
First for George's Filibuster fireworks, then for Ron's "Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2," and finally for Ginny's new quill.
By the time they finally departed, they were cutting it dangerously close. They reached King's Cross at ten forty-five, with Mr. Weasley dashing across the road to fetch trolleys while everyone hurried with their belongings toward Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
"Percy first!" Mrs. Weasley called anxiously, eyeing the clock. They had five minutes to slip through the barrier inconspicuously without attracting Muggle attention.
"Wait, Harry, you go first," Orli insisted, almost rudely pushing Harry to the front of the line.
She couldn't risk Harry and Ron flying that car into the Whomping Willow again, which would result in Ron's broken wand and Mr. Weasley facing a disciplinary hearing. That was absolutely out of the question!
Harry gave her a puzzled look before hunching over and running toward the barrier. Orli discreetly made a house-elf commanding gesture beneath her robes, whispering:
"Dobby! I know you're here. Don't you dare stop Harry from crossing!"
Five feet... three feet... one foot... Harry was through!
Orli finally exhaled, watching as Percy and Mr. Weasley followed through the barrier.
She caught a flash of large green eyes in her peripheral vision, but when she turned to look, they had vanished.
"What's wrong?" Ron had heard Orli's whisper and was looking around. "Did you say Dobby? Is that house-elf here? Is he up to something again?"
Harry had told them about Dobby during their time at the Burrow.
Orli nodded and crossed through the barrier with Ron.
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Without Dobby's interference, there was no flying car incident, and the journey was remarkably peaceful. Even Malfoy didn't appear to cause trouble.
Percy headed to the prefects' carriage, the twins went to find their friends, and the four companions settled into one compartment.
Orli had wanted Ginny to join them, but she was suffering from an acute case of "fangirl syndrome," blushing furiously before fleeing. Orli could only let it be.
"Who knew you had such matchmaking skills, Orli," Ron said teasingly, watching Ginny's retreating figure. "Perhaps you should get Harry's autographed photo for Ginny."
"Shut up, Ron."
"Shut up, Ron."
Orli and Harry spoke simultaneously.
Hermione frowned over her copy of "Wizards and House-Elves: Origins" while they discussed the Dobby situation over snacks.
"So, a house-elf named Dobby thinks something dangerous is going to happen at Hogwarts this year, Harry's life is in danger, and it's somehow connected to Malfoy?" Ron mumbled through a mouthful of custard cream.
"And his idea of protecting me was to intercept all my mail and try to seal off Platform Nine and Three-Quarters," Harry said with a wry smile.
"I don't think this is over," Orli sighed. "House-elves can still appear at school. Even with Harry at Hogwarts, Dobby might keep interfering. We need to watch out for both Malfoy and him."
"House-elves can appear at school?! Does Hogwarts have house-elves?!" Hermione latched onto an unexpected part of Orli's statement.
"Yes..." Orli explained wearily. "The food that appears on the Great Hall tables, our laundered clothes, the clean common rooms... think about it..."
Judging by Hermione's expression, Orli suspected the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare might be making an earlier appearance than expected.