what we shared

Chapter One

On July 1st of 1971, on Laurie Aldine's 11th birthday she was awoken-much earlier than she would have liked- by her best friend and neighbor James potter.
This of course wasn't an uncommon occurrence, however the grounds of the invasion certainly were, even if it'd been in the works for years.
James bounded up the stairs, letters in hand.
"Thankyou Mrs. Aldine!"
"Margate, please. And happy birthday James."
James practically teleported to the end of Laurie's bed, he was there in a flash, waiting expectantly and not so patiently.
"Well good morning to you too." She said sleepily, rubbing her eyes.
"They came." When James got excited he was like a puppy. Eyes wide and sparkling, struggling to sit still.
"What came?" Laurie knew full well what he was referring to but the look on James' face, the now gaping mouth and wide eyes got her every time.
"Y-" He finally clocked the look on her face. "You're mean."
Laurie burst into laughter.
"I'm sorry, you just make it so easy. Pass me the letter."
The smile returned to James' face as he handed it over.
"There was a newspaper in your mailbox too, I dropped it on the way up, do you think your mum will mind? Oh, and happy birthday of course." This was only the beginning of his incessant chatter but Laurie didn't mind. Things had been like this ever since they could talk, and they'd been best friends for even longer.
They immediately delved into the details, "We get to go to Diagon Alley!"
"I'm going to buy everything."

When James finally headed back home Margate knocked on her daughters door.
"Come in!"
"Wonderful news about the letters darling, you and James must be so excited." She perched on the edge of the bed. "Though of course there was a never a doubt." She smiles as she says it and Laurie pretends she doesn't notice the hint of hesitancy in her mothers voice.
"Definitely mum. Though I reckon he's more excited about the shopping beforehand."
A small laugh, "of course. Come downstairs when you're ready and we'll go out for your special birthday breakfast."

September 1st 1971

At King's Cross Station spirits were high. With parents doting on their children, older kids chatting with friends, squirming to get away.
"Are you sure you don't want us to come through with you?" Euphemia asked, seeming nervous, although trying to hide it. Fleamont had his hand on her shoulder. They'd taken both of the kids to the station, talking the entire way there.
"Come on Effie, Laurie and James know what they're doing."
Euphemia and Fleamont embraced their son once more. And his cheeks turned a deep shade of red but grinning from ear to ear.
"We expect a letter at least once a week, at least in the beginning." James nodded. He'd probably have agreed to anything if it meant getting away faster.
He wriggled out of his mothers grasp and Laurie grinned, giving her a quick hug and a thankyou.
"Alright, alright, have a safe trip. Have fun. But not too much fun!" But they were already off.
"Ready?" James cocked his head.
"Ready."
Laurie ran through the wall to platform 9¾ after James, eyes shut. Which probably wasn't the smartest thing to do because next thing she knew there was a clanging of metal as her trolley collided with someone else's.
"Oh 𝘣𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳. I am so sorry, I really need to watch what I'm doing, James keeps telling me so-" She looked up, coming face to face with a pair of blue grey eyes and unruly dark hair, similar to James' but longer, coming down to his shoulders.
"You're alright." The boy shook his head, a kind smile on his face. "Sirius Black." He reached out a hand. His clothes were expensive, almost regal looking, with good posture, an air of elegance around him. Definitely pureblood, Laurie could tell. She took his hand and shook it.
"Laurie Aldine. Nice to meet you, and sorry again about the," she gestured at the trolleys. "Well."
They were interrupted when James came over, a skittish looking blonde haired boy at his side.
"Laurie this is Peter, D'you mind if he sits with us- Oh hi, my name's James." Now James turned to Sirius. A grin plastered to his face. He'd always been one for socialising, making friends in a heartbeat wherever he went.
"Sirius, pleasure to meet you." The group exchanged introductions as they made their way onto the Hogwarts bound train.
Sirius was indeed a pureblood, his godfather had even been a headmaster at Hogwarts years ago. 'A right grumpy git mind you.' He was also heir to the the Black dynasty. Laurie had heard of Walburga and Orion Black briefly, most likely during one of her mum's drunk tirades. She bit her tongue, not wanting to speak out of turn but Sirius didn't seem to care in the least.
"Stupid traditions," He mumbled biting into a chocolate frog, one of which he'd graciously bought everyone in the carriage. "And even more stupid ideals, about purebloods and what not." After this he shot a nervous look to everyone. "None of which I agree with, if y-"
Peter shook his head fervently, still looking somewhat nervous. "I'm a pureblood."
"Same here, not that it matters 'course." James nodded too, nudging Laurie with his knee in a reassuring way. All eyes were on her now, not exactly judgmentally, but expectant.
"My mum's a witch, I've never known my dad so it's anyone's guess, and mum acts like he doesn't exist." This seemed to satisfy the boys and they returned to conversation.
James and his eagerness to one day become Quidditch captain, Peter who just wanted to do better than his sister, Sirius who wanted to cause trouble and 'have as much fun as bloody possible.' Laurie smiled at this and Sirius winked at her.
"With all your help of course. We're mates now."
Now it was James' turn to grin and he nodded.
"Mates."
The look on Peter's face made it look like he'd never had friends before and he gave a sheepish smile.
"Mates."
Laurie nodded too.
"Mates." She couldn't help but laugh.