The Unlikely Quartet

Chapter 2: Long Way From Home

September 1st 1991

The Summer felt like it had barely begun when suddenly it was over, the Quartet were excited for their third year at Hogwarts though because it meant the famous Harry Potter would be joining. Anyone and everyone knew his story and they felt a deep sense of joy that they'd get to share the castle halls with him, hoping with everything that he was as cool as the stories their parents told them made him out to be.

Spending the last couple of weeks together had been great for the girls, it'd brought them closer together and they felt they knew each other a lot more. Ruby had let Georgia use her barn owl Ziggy to keep in touch with her parents, who were back to work and very busy. The stay had been a real learning curve for Georgia, it amazed her to see magic used at home for everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning.

5am, Devon

"Wake up! It's time to go" The two were abruptly awoken as Rosa came into the room they were sharing, throwing the curtains open causing sunlight to flood the room. Georgia groaned, there was no way she'd be able to continue to sleep now.

"Up. You cannot miss that train" not a morning person Ruby rolled over and pulled the pillow over her head. They still had a few hours before it left yet and they could always magically get to the station if needed.

"Come on girls, I want to see you both up, packed and ready for breakfast in an hour"

Knowing she had packed her trunk the night before Ruby buried herself deeper under the covers allowing Georgia to use the bathroom first to get ready. "Your turn Roo" she announced returning to the room.

"How'd you have so much energy when it's so early GiGi" Ruby whined rolling out of her bed, her bare feet hitting the wooden flooring

"Because we get to go back to Hogwarts today and see all our friends" she replied moving towards the mirror hanging on the wall so she could start doing her hair. They'd taken longer than an hour but finally they'd met Ralph and Rosa downstairs in the kitchen to have a final breakfast together before leaving.

"Right, in the car. Let's go" Rosa announced once she was satisfied the girls had been fed enough to last them a full day of travelling.

During the long ride to Kings Cross station the girls were given their list of do's and don'ts. "Muuuum, we go over this every year. I'm 13, I know how to behave. Besides nothing bad ever happens at Hogwarts" Ruby loved her mum but she really was quite a worrier. Rosa turned to glare at her daughter, knowing fine well who she was best friends with and that it meant her getting up to no good and landing herself in trouble.

Georgia nodded her head in agreement. This was going to be their third year of attending. Hogwarts was like home. They were safe there. Well except when the Weasley twins decided to pull pranks. Reaching the station Ralph parked the car haphazardly into a free space earning him a tut from his wife. Stepping out of the car Ruby watched her friend with a knowing smirk. She knew she was looking for a sign of bright red hair. Their trunks were pulled out of the boot of the car and the girls ran to grab trolleys to take their stuff to the train. Upon reaching Platforms Nine and Three Quarters Rosa began brushing down her daughters clothes, and making adjustments to her hair. Ruby waved her hands away "Honestly mum! I look fine" she huffed before throwing a glare at Georgia who was laughing at her.

"Just making sure, honey. It's gonna be awhile before I can fuss over you again" Rosa replied teary eyed. "You'll be back for Christmas right?"

"Course mum, wouldn't miss it for the world" Ruby replied reaching out to hug her mother.

"Oh, come here" Rosa pulled both girls into the hug kissing the tops of their heads. "Take care of yourselves and don't forget to write home!"

"We will Mrs Wilkins. Thanks again for having me"