Whilst many are aware of the origin of the name Hedwig, as a medieval saint (not due to any association with heads or wigs!), I decided to look a bit more into her. The historical figure Hedwig of Silesia was canonised by the pope in 1267, known for being extremely pious and religiously zealous. Her attributes are holding a church or pair of shoes in her hands. None of this has any relevance to the owl Hedwig, but it does spark my curiousity as to why this woman was written about in A History of Magic, as it doesn't appear that she was a witch. In fact, magical association has historically been a reason for persecution by various religions, including Christianity. 

Of course, seeing as this is the chapter that introduces Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, I looked up whether there was any significance to the number. It appears to be random. It does make you wonder whether there are other magical platforms in-between the whole numbers of Muggle platforms, like a platform seven and a half, or something like that. 

When learning how to get onto the platform, Mrs Weasley comments, "Don't stop and don't be scared you'll crash into it, that's very important." (p. 99). We already know, as exemplified by the described instances of accidental magic, that one's emotions play a role in how one interacts with and uses magic (which, jumping ahead a little, we will see more of in PoA, with the Boggart-Banishing Charm and Patronus Charm). Yet later down the page, we see that the prospect of going through the wall makes Harry anxious. So how did he get onto the platform? I imagine it has something to do with his nature as a Gryffindor. Despite his anxiety, he pushes through it, and as we all know, bravery is not a lack of fear, but acting in spite of it. 

The chapter, as well as being the introduction of the Weasleys, also introduces a key character in Voldemort's second rise to power: Scabbers, a.k.a. Peter Pettigrew. In Ron's words: "His name is Scabbers and he's useless," (p. 106). This is almsot ironic when we look back and know how useful he ends up being to the most evil wizard of all time. Then we have an out of character moment of heroism from the rat, when he bites Goyle on p. 117. Could this possibly be what Pettigrew refers to in the end chapters of PoA, when he pleads with Ron, claiming he was a good pet? 

As I mentioned with Hedwig being a known Muggle historical figure, who may or may not have been magical, we get something similar when we are introduced to Chocolate Frog cards. Other than the famous Dumbledore card, which is set-up for his acquaintance Nicholas Flamel, we are also told Agrippa and Ptolemy have cards. both of these figures are known in Muggle history, Ptolemy as an Ancient Greek astronomer, and Agrippa as a Roman lieutenant. Could this possibly be implying they were, in fact, wizards? We also first learn of Dumbledore's famous duel with Grindelwald here, which doesn't come into play again until Deathly Hallows. (this is all on p. 109)

In summary

• The name origin of Hedwig


• Why the number Nine and Three-Quarters?


• Bravery, fear, and going through the barrier


• Introduction to Scabbers


• Chocolate Frog cards