𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐏A𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄, jp

𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

Isabella walking onto platform nine and three quarters with a slight wobble in her step and shaky hands. How she was even able to leave her room, she wasn't quite sure.

How on Earth had her relationship with her brother gotten so bad that she felt violently sick at the idea of going to school?

"Moony!" The voices of James Potter and Peter Pettigrew called out, bright smiles on their faces as they raced over to their friend.

"We're finally back at school!" Peter said excitedly, "think of the pranks!"

"Less of the pranking, mister," Oswald Pettigrew chuckled from beside his son. "How are we all? Long time no see, Lyall!"

"Isn't it just! It's Izzy here's first day today!" Lyall said proudly, nodding towards his daughter - failing to mention the details as to why it's her first day.

"Oh bless her," Meredith Pettigrew smiled, "it's Clara's first day too! Starting in first year. You'll love it, I promise! And you've got the boys, I'm sure they'll look after you."

Remus scoffed, and James nudged him in the ribs.

"Morning all!" Mia Potter waved, "you all ready?"

"Ready for the letters from Minerva to flood in," Hope rubbed her forehead tiredly, dreading the thought of it.

"Don't you know it," James smirked, and Euphemia tapped him on the forehead lightly, laughter escaping her lips.

"Come on you lot," began Lyall, "the train'll be leaving soon."

Isabella turned to her mother with a frightful look on her face as everybody went their separate ways to say goodbye to their parents. Lyall nodded Remus away from his wife and daughter as he rubbed his forehead tiredly.

"Don't ruin it for her, Remus," he said firmly, "you know this is her only option."

"Well that's her bloody fault!" Remus cried, "if she pisses me-"

"Don't use that language with me, son," the man shook his head. "Please, I don't want to argue, I just want you both to be on your best behaviour."

"I will if she does."

"Remus! Please!"

"Okay, okay," Remus glanced around the platform, gathering his senses before he looked back at his father. "It's just...it's hard."

"I know," Lyall pulled him in for a hug, wrapping his arms around the boy, "please, just keep it together. If not for her sake then for your mums?"

"I'll try my hardest," he sighed, "I promise."

"Thank you. I love you."

"Love you too, dad."

Isabella have her mother one final hug, wiping her eyes as she turned to hug her father.

"Write to me, Iz," he said softly.

"I will."

Isabella closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and then headed over to the Hogwarts Express, her eyes weary and her body still trembling. She found an empty compartment, put her trunk on the racks and sat down. She took her rucksack, removing a copy of Jane Eyre from inside.

"Excuse me," a hurried voice said from the door. Isabella looked up to see a blonde standing in front of her. "I wouldn't usually do this but we're really late, and well, we were wondering if we could join you?"

"Yeah, course," Izzy nodded as the train began to move, taking her bag from the seat.

Isabella, still a bit nervous, found herself enchanted by the lively group that entered the room.