Caress - A Remus Lupin Fanfiction

Where I Stand

It's September 1st, and I run through the barrier at platform 9 3/4 with an excited sprint following my older brother.

The platform is crowded with 11-year-olds like myself and returning students with their families. This isn't my first time seeing this sight, but the experience feels new because this time I'm actually boarding the Hogwarts Express this time to start my education at Hogwarts.

My older brother, Ty, is in Ravenclaw and will be starting his third year. He got an owl when he first started school and I have to depend on him to send my letters home this year. His cart is full with his trunk, owl cage, and books he plans to share with his friends. He turns around after making it through the barrier to hug mum, dad, my little sister, and I. He wishes me good luck and says that I should find a compartment before they're all taken.

"Bye mum, bye dad, I love you guys," he says as he hugs them both and kisses mum goodbye. I can see that they're both very proud of him. My brother is naturally bright, you see, he manages Os and Es on all his exams and is destined to be his class' head boy.

He turns to our little sister, Jordon, and hugs her. We're all two years apart and she won't be starting school until I'm a third year. "Bye Ty, we'll miss you," she says in her quiet and sweet voice. She wasn't that excited about being the only child at home while we're off at school.

"See you later," he says brightly to me with a grin and shadow of a dimple.

I nod.

I watch him walk away. The stereotype, mum once told me, for Ravenclaws is that they're cold, calculating, and snobby. But Ty is the opposite. She was a Gryffindor, so was my dad, but didn't pressure us into being in the same house as them. Although, my family thought Ty would be sorted into Gryffindor when he started school because of his outgoing personality and sometimes smothering bravery. But, he's in Ravenclaw for his sharp wit and intellect. He definitely made the family proud because he'll influence others with his kindness all while making top marks.

I want to be in Ravenclaw.

My whole family is rather smart and I've always been praised for being a clever thinker. I want to be in Ravenclaw to show to everyone I'm intelligent and capable of being more successful than my brother.

I turn to my family, and I try not to cry as I say goodbye because this will be the first time I'd be away from home.

"Don't worry, Joan, sweetie, you'll be fine. You've always been independent and I'm positive you'll strive for the utmost excellence." My mum says as she hugs me and kisses my cheek.

I hug Dad and he says he's proud of me.

Finally, Jordon and I hug. It's quite difficult because her and I have always been really close. She starts crying and I tell her I'll write her when I get there.

I push my cart to the train and find a compartment. My palms are sweaty and I wipe them on my shirt.

The compartment I decide to settle in is at the back of the train, it's quiet and empty.

I pull out a book, a muggle book, the first installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's difficult to understand because the universe the author created is much different than my own. I found the book lying around at home and I've only read about 20 pages so far.

While I'm trying to find out what a word means, I hear boys in the compartment next to mine yelling stupidly.

I huff in annoyance and stand up to tell them to be quiet. I mutter, "Boys are so stupid."

Before I open the compartment door, I see a boy with black hair and a red-haired girl through the glass ready to knock on the compartment door. I open it.