Secrets

on the train

I took a deep breath as I walked into King's Cross Station. I still couldn't believe that my parents actually let me transfer schools. I had crammed as much information into my head about Hogwarts throughout the few weeks before the term started. From what I read, it seemed so different from my old school. But it would be a nice change. The only thing I was unhappy about was the fact that I wouldn't see my friends for a whole year, and they might not want to be my friend when I see them again.

I had always been a little shy, so I just hoped I would make some new friends quickly. My mom told me not to worry about that. She said, "You don't have to worry about being lonely. Just promise you'll visit me and your brothers at least once."

I agreed to that. Of course I would visit them. Especially my brothers. Especially Michael. He was an auror, and was seriously injured and in the hospital. My other older brother, Henry, is a healer at that same hospital. They're twins.

As I approached Platforms 9 and 10, I realized I didn't even know how to get on the train. I probably had read it at some point but just forgot... maybe it was in my acceptance letter. But that was in the bottom of my bag. How could I be so stupid?

But then something caught my eye; I saw a wand peaking out of a bag being carried by a pretty red headed girl who looked about the same age as me. She was hugging an older woman, who looked to be her mother, then started walking away. I decided to take my chances and ask her how to get on the Platform. I would just obliviate her if she turned out to be a muggle.

I walked briskly towards her, and said, "Excuse me?"

She stopped walking and turned her head around towards me.

"Yes?"

"Well, I was wondering if you could show me how to get on the Platform?" I asked hopefully.

Her eyes widened, then she smiled and nodded. "Platform 9 ¾?" she whispered.

I exhaled, relieved, and nodded back.

"Sure. You just run straight through that wall. But how do you not know how to get on yet? I mean, you look about my age."

"I'm transferring for my last year."

"Ah. Well, I'm Ginny. I'm in my last year too."

"I'm Rose."

I looked at the wall. That looked pretty solid. Looked like a real wall that I did not want to be running into.

Ginny noticed my apprehensive expression. "Here, er-I'll go at the same time as you."

"Okay."

"On the count of three. One, two, three!"

I ran forward with Ginny, kind of scared, but I trusted her. When we stopped running, I looked around and could see a huge scarlet train, and a sign that said: Hogwarts Express.

"Wow," I breathed. I couldn't believe I was actually going to Hogwarts. The school where Voldemort was defeated. This was incredible.

"Come on, let's get on the train," Ginny said, surprisingly gloomily.

She hesitated to move, and suddenly looked very sad. I walked up to her, and when I looked at her, I could see tears forming in her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded, wiped her sleeve on her eyes, and walked forward.

"Come on, I'll introduce you to my friends."

I could tell she wasn't okay. But I didn't think I knew her well enough for her to tell me what was going on. Besides, I had only met her five minutes ago. I guess I could figure it out later...