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How did Tom Riddle know how to get onto platform 9 3/4, and why didn't Dumbledore tell him?

Science Fiction & Fantasy Asked on March 16, 2021

In the 6th book, Harry sees Dumbledore’s memory, where he visits Tom in the orphanage and tells him he is a wizard. Dumbledore then departs from Tom:

"All the details are on the second piece of parchment in your envelope," said Dumbledore. "You will leave from King’s Cross Station on the first of September. There is a train ticket in there too."

Dumbledore doesn’t tell Tom how to get onto the platform, and we know it wasn’t written in the letter, because also Harry didn’t know how to get on.

It doesn’t seem likely Dumbledore would forget to tell him such an important detail. Was it intentional? And how did Tom figure it out?

One Answer

As the section you quoted states, Tom Riddle's letter contained a second piece of parchment with "all the details" on it. I believe this is standard procedure for students who are unlikely to know about the wizarding world, as (IIRC) Riddle didn't prior to Dumbledore's visit. Presumably, this included instructions for how to get onto Platform 9 3/4, therefore Dumbledore didn't need to tell him.

Harry's letter (or rather, letters) didn't include that second piece of parchment because it was believed that he already knew "all about Hogwarts", including how to get onto Platform 9 3/4. It was only when the letter was actually delivered to him that it was discovered just how little the Dursleys had told him. Why Hagrid didn't tell Harry how to get onto the platform is another matter entirely (but would be a separate question).

Answered by F1Krazy on March 16, 2021

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