Sanctuary

Chapter 4: First year begins

September 1st, 1971

Remus had checked his trunk four times that morning, but he checked it again, just to be sure everything was there. He couldn't quite believe it was true. He was going to Hogwarts. To learn magic. With other people his age. Like a normal person. He glanced around his room, looking for anything he might have left out, but saw nothing. It was unlikely he would have forgotten anything if he were honest; he'd been making lists for weeks.

'Remus, are you ready? It's time to go,' his mum shouted.

His heart leapt with excitement. Grabbing onto the end of the heavy trunk, he dragged it into the living room where his mum was waiting for him by the fireplace. When he reached her, he bent over with his hands on his knees to catch his breath before returning to his room for his owl. She was already perched in her travel cage, and she whistled at him softly when he picked her up.

'Don't worry, Rieka. You won't be in there for long. You'll have the whole owlery at Hogwarts and the freedom to go for a fly whenever you like.'

She whistled again, and he assumed she understood and wasn't mad at him. He carefully carried the cage out to where his mum was waiting for him, trying not to jostle her.

They were taking the floo to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, much to Remus' dismay, but nothing could spoil his mood today. He placed the cage down and grinned up at his mum.

'Ready!'

The two of them travelled through the floo and emerged on the platform at quarter past ten. It had been Remus' suggestion to arrive early to avoid the crowds, and his plan had worked out well. The platform was almost empty. There were only a few early arrivals dotted about, and it was close to silent, so his mum crouched down to speak to him.

'Now, remember, you need to be careful. Try to eat your meals when there are fewer people in the hall and avoid crowded places.'

'I know, Mum. Don't worry.'

He was getting annoyed with the constant reminders. He knew what he had to do to stay safe. It was his life on the line if he messed up, not hers. Yet she kept telling him again and again like he was stupid.

'Good. But try to have fun too, sweetheart, and don't forget to write.'

Remus nodded.

'I'll owl you tonight.'

'I'll look forward to hearing all about it then. You better get on the train before more people arrive. I love you, and I'm so happy for you.'

She stood up and smiled at Remus, clasping her hands to her chest. He smiled back, feeling a tad guilty for his uncharitable thoughts a moment ago and wishing he was allowed to hug her. But knowing it was impossible, he turned and grabbed his trunk and his owl instead, hauling them onto the train in search of a secluded compartment.

-o-o-o-o-

Sirius was running late. Kreacher had apparated him to the platform at 10:55 am, despite Sirius having been ready since ten o'clock. The crotchety house-elf had deposited Sirius' trunk next to him and disapparated without a word, leaving him alone on the platform.

The place was crowded, people swarmed the platform in groups, talking loudly and pushing trolleys full of belongings. Sirius couldn't see anything. He didn't know which direction the train was in, and he only had five minutes to board. He panicked.

'Don't I know you?' a female voice said close to his ear.

Sirius whipped his head around in surprise and saw an old woman with grey hair. She was bent low to speak to him. He didn't recognise her, but she might be able to help him.