Hey little train, we're jumping on.
The train that goes to the kingdom.
Hey little train
O children
O children
(Nick Cave and the bad seeds, oh children.)
August 1st.
Dear Remus lupin
We're pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Please find and enclosed list of necessary supplies you will need for your coming year at the school.
Yours sincerely
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster and Hogwarts.
Naturally Remus parents were ecstatic with the news. His mother squealed with joy and his Father looked down at him proudly, his eyes twinkling with happiness.
His mother had never attended Hogwarts, nor did she have any magical abilities;but still she was the most excited he had ever seen her. And his fathers look gave Remus more then enough confidence. Lyall Lupin didn't smile with his mouth, but with his eyes yet when Remus received his letter; the tall, lanky mans face was plastered with a grin.
September 1st.
And so a month later Scrawny little Remus found himself standing face to face with a brick wall.
"Where is it?" Hope asked his father bemused.
"I mean surely there must be a platform. Lyall have you been pulling my leg all these years?"
She chucked lightly at this, but it filled Remus with dread.
Was this whole thing a lie? Had it been one of his fathers more elaborate jokes?
"Just run at it son. It won't do you any harm. See I'll show you, Hope love wait outside eh."
And to Remus and his mothers disbelief Lyall Lupin sprinted at the brick wall and swiftly disintegrated into it.
His mother screamed in shock, causing a few of the passers by to look at her with distain.
She hugged and kissed her son goodbye, her eyes wet and cheeks red from the tears.
"Oh darling, write to me everyday! I'm so very proud of you!"
Remus clutched his mother so tightly he was afraid the poor fragile woman would break.
"Yup, I promise! Bye mum!"
And with that he sprinted at the wall, holding his breath as he did so. He braced himself, waiting for the impact of the stones.
But there was no longer a barrier, there was a platform.
Remus blinked a few times and stood in shock.
He looked at his father in bliss for a few thoughtful seconds before averting his gaze to look at the glorious red steam engine before him.
It was shining in the light, wizards and witches stood there clutching their children while other students waved from the train. Some in floods of tears, some in pure happiness.
People were holding cages with cats, frogs, rats. Any animal you could really think of. Remus wished he'd brought his dog, he loved dogs.
"Get on that train and don't you dare look back Remus." His father whispered in his ear. "Spent the best years of my life at Hogwarts, pure bliss if you ask me!"
"What about my problem?" Remus asked, he'd been riddled with anxiety and doubt about his monthly little furry occasion since he'd received his letter.
"Schools got it sorted son, safest place in Britain, maybe even the world!"
He felt at ease with this new information, of course Remus had done his research on the place but he was still worried about this full moon issue.
"Ok, I should probably get on the train now."
He smiled weakly at his father.
"You should, don't forget to write! Do not look back."
His father patted him on the back lightly and Remus entered the train. Not daring to look back at his Father.
A whistle blew and the train jolted forward, pushing Remus to the floor.
Great start to a new chapter in his life, he thought to himself grimly.
He sat on the floor for a few moments before a hand reached forward to help him up.
"Cheers." Remus said, his clammy hand grasping the other boys.
Once he was back on his feet he was face to face (well not face to face. He towered above the other student; but you get the idea) with a short chubby boy with mousy hair, buck teeth that stood out and watery eyes.
"No worries! Merlin you're tall! I'm Peter." The shorter boy replied. He had a friendly smile and Remus could tell they'd be friends.
"Remus! Are you a first year too?"
"Right so! Absolutely crapping myself for the sorting though, surprised I'm even here; most of my family's squibs!"
Remus smiled at him warmly, Peter was easygoing and seemed sweet.
The two first year boys made their way to an empty compartment and sat opposite one another.
"Reckon I'll be a Ravenclaw, my dad was." Remus said.
"I think I'll be a Hufflepuff, both my parents were. My sisters a squib, should've seen the looks on mum and dads face when she didn't get the letter. Priceless."
Remus laughed, a good hearty laugh. Making friends seemed easy.
"Anyways, you said your dad was Ravenclaw, what about your mum?" Peter said lightly.
"Mums a muggle, she was so pleased when I got the letter though."
Peters face flicked with confusion and then returned to its usual happiness.
"Half blood eh? Never met one of those!"
Merlin, If only Peter knew what else Remus was. He'd be shitting bricks.
They chatted for what seemed like years, and by the end of most of their conversations Remus felt as though him and Peter had been friends for an age.
He checked his watch. Merlin they'd only been on the train for 15 minutes, they were going to run out of things to talk about soon.
As remus thought this the compartment door swung open, Remus and Peter jumped at the sight of too extremely ruffled raven haired first year boys. One with slightly askew glasses and hair that looked like he'd just been electrocuted. The other with high cheekbones, and a mane of wavy black hair.
