Mesmerizingly

Chapter III; Platform 9 3/4?

"Ophelia, are you coming?"

Dad stood at the bottom of the stairs while I tried to gather the chestnut locks on top of my head. I managed to get a hair clip in it, and I briefly straightened my skirt. It tended to creep up, but that was probably my own fault. I knew Dad thought that this skirt was a bit to the short side. But it did go to just above the knee, was that really so bad? - I had always tried to do my best to look presentable and dress decently.

I grabbed the most important things I had packed to take with me and ran lightly down the stairs.

"I'm ready now," I said, slightly breathless.

I really should work on my form, it was terrible. However, I had never really been into sports. But the couple of times I've tried to play Quidditch with my friends, I found that I wasn't all that bad at it. Not to mention how many times Mum had tried to explain to me how important exercise was for my body. A "I'm just running for fun" marathon runner can tell you that, can't she?

"Ophelia, don't just stand there. You need to go to the car with your stuff so you and Dad can get going."

I looked up at Mum, she moved closer with wide eyes, they looked a little glossy.

"Mum, it's okay. There will soon be autumn holidays, and then I'll be home again. I'll be fine," I said and gave her a smile.

"But I will not go if you're going to be crying now, Mum!"

I could feel a tear pressing on. I hate to see people I care about cry.

"No, no, no way. You have to go; it will be good for you. I know it will," she said, exhaling.

"It's just me being a little all over the place, you've grown so much. It's scary how time slips away from you like that."

She really knew how to make everything sound a lot more serious than it was. I mean, it's not like she has one foot in the grave, so why would she say it like that? I gave her a hug before a car horn sounded from the road.

"Well, that must be Dad," she said, "you'd better go and see him. See you honey, I love you." She kissed me on my forehead before letting me go.

"I love you too mum. I'll see you soon," I said before disappearing out the door and strolling to the car.

I took a deep breath before opening the car door, putting the bags in the back seat, and getting into the back seat. I looked over at the house and in the living room window, Mum stood waving as the car just as quietly trundled away. This was it. I was officially on my way to a whole new chapter in my life. Everything was going to change now. I could feel my palms getting a little sweaty and the butterflies had moved back into my stomach. They should definitely start paying rent soon. Outside the window, the countryside flew by, the small province that was now my home quickly replaced by the cityscape. The green meadows became suburbs and small towns that quickly turned into the big city. The city grew bigger and bigger the closer we got to King's Cross station. Even though we had just been here when we came to England from France, it was still hard to get used to the big city when you were used to the countryside and the lush nature.

I had never seen so much traffic and so many people at once before. Car horns broke through the constant din of traffic, and there wasn't much room to move in the narrow streets. I was overwhelmed, but also impressed by the enormity of the city.

When we finally reached King's Cross, I got out of the car and looked up at the impressive facade of the station. There were so many people running back and forth that I almost felt lost in the crowd. I didn't let myself be intimidated. I knew this was a chance to experience something new and exciting, despite my pounding heart that was going 120 miles per hour.