Alexander stood with his father near the entrance to Platform 9 and 3/4. On his baggage trolley sat three suitcases and a birdcage housing the owl he'd had since he was a child, a barn owl named Peregrine. He spoke to his father in a hushed voice, watching as his father checked his watch constantly. "Dad! I won't miss the train!" He complained. His father just scowled and responded in a cold tone, "Better safe than sorry, my son."