Platform 9 and 3/4

[redlena_web]

No: HPFGUIDX 112736

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "meriaugust" wrote:
<snip>
> Mrs. Weasley asks aloud, "What's the 
> platform number again?" and Ginny replies "Nine and three quarters." 
> Now it is entirely possible that this was just a sort of staged 
> conversation in order to confirm to Harry that these are in fact 
> wizards going to Hogwarts, but this still strikes me as a weird 
> thing to ask. After all, Mrs. Weasley has allready escorted Bill and 
> Charile to school, so why is it that in Ron's first year she needs 
> reminding of nine and three quarters?

Although I do think that JKR included that question and answer as something additional 
for Harry to overhear (beyond the previous thing he hears about Muggles) and recognize 
that he's listening to a wizarding family, I think there is additional interpretation to this 
exchange.

I don't read it as Mrs. Weasley doesn't remember the platform number.  I read it as Mrs. 
Weasley's wants to know if the children remember the platform number.  The sort of 
motherly quizzing that is very in keeping with the character.  I can imagine an earlier 
exchange at the Burrow going something like this...

     Mrs. Weasley: Ok, now, when we're at King's Cross I want you all to stay together.
     But if we do get separated, we're going to Platform 9 and 3/4.  I don't want any 
     of you missing the train to Hogwarts.  Fred? George? Are you listening to me?

     Fred: Yes. of course woman, we're going to Platform 4 and 3/9, isn't it?

     George: No, I think she said Platform 3 and 9/4.

     Mrs. Weasley: No, no, no. You two are going to confuse Ron and Ginny. It's 
     Platform 9 and 3/4.  Now, go upstairs and get your trunks.  Ron? Ginny? 
     Now, what platform is it?...

So I see it as having the dual purpose of giving Harry something more to overhear to allow 
him to connect with the Weasleys and also to help establish the character of Mrs. Weasley.

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "meriaugust" wrote:
<snip>
> Is this perhaps and 
> implications that there are other WW train platforms hidden in 
> King's Cross?

I have always thought that there must be other wizard tracks/platforms in between the 
other Muggle ones.  But I have never expected them to be brought into the Harry Potter 
stories.  I just envision them there as part of the complete world.