𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 | 𝐝.𝐦.

thirty three

The stream of people at the train station slowly begins to recede as the train's horn begins to honk again, resonating throughout the platform and creating an awful ring in everyone's ears that Betty is versed in.

" - and remember, mum loves looking out the window in the brink of the evening. I think it helps keep her mind peaceful," Betty instructs as she grapples with the strap of the heavy trunk she carries.

Remus is nodding lazily with a tedious smile plastered on his face, while his wife, Tonks has her hand placed reassuringly on Betty's shoulder.

"She's also deathly afraid of sudden movements in front of her eyes... things smashing and people fighting, so you can't - "

Tonks sends her a warm smile. "We understand, Betty. We'll do our best to take care of your mother, make sure she's in good health when you two return," she says, cutting Betty off politely.

"Now, go on, or you'll be missing the train," Remus pipes in, gaze darting around the place anxiously.

The corners of Betty's lips quirk up, she bends down to her brother, Theodore, who meagrely surveys the surroundings of  scant parents, all having fearful, nervous expressions staining their faces as they send their children off.

Theodore does not appear sad or thankful that his sisters are leaving, only glazed as he assesses the dreary, unbecoming mood that fills the air in the platform.

"Keep an eye on mum and Remus for me, will you? Especially, Remus. He's the most trouble," she tells the quiet boy.

This invokes an affronted scowl that steals the smile away from Remus's face. But he remains quiet as the siblings envelope each other in a sullen hug, Josette unwillingly dragged in.

The horn chimes once again, making Josette slip away from the hug and enthusiastically rush Betty.

Betty ignores her sister's jittery jumps on the floor. "Thank you, you two, for what you're doing for us. Really appreciate it," she says, before Tonks is pulling her in for a hug.

Remus only shrugs, contempt still skimping his features. "I'm starting to think you're only stalling for time here so you won't make it to the train," he says, pulling his wife away from Betty.

Betty frowns at his words, though a part of her thinks he might be correct.

"That's what I've been thinking too," Josette chimes in, earning a subtle, sideways glare from her sister.

"No, I'm not - I'm just..." Betty stammers, which causes Remus to raise his eyebrows.

"Prove me wrong," the auror smirks, then glances at his wife and the young boy. "Everyone turn around and don't speak to either of them while they leave."

Betty scoffs, her mouth forming a circle at the man's childish behaviour. Unfortunately, the other two of his accomplices decide to follow his instructions, begetting playful grins on their lips as they do so.

She finds herself staring at the three backs and receiving multiple curious, gladdened glances.

"Come on, Betsy," Josette says beside her, slapping her arm repeatedly as they both begin to heave their trunks up and saunter to the train's narrow doors.

Betty glances over her shoulder, sees Remus peeking slyly over his own shoulder too.

When they are in the safe sanctuary of the train, dragging their trunks through the tapered corridor, the younger sister turns to the older one.

"Remus is right, you know," she tells her, speaking as they walk and bump into the doors of the compartment wearily. "It does feel like you were stalling time so we would miss the train."