Alone.

Train whistles pounded into the air.

People hustled into train cars carrying bags, pushing trolleys and chattering with their fellow passengers.

Cassie slowly pushed her trolley, silently searching for platform 9 3/4.

She people-watched, watching the mannerisms of others and listening for anyone who could be talking about the entrance to platform 9 3/4.

"Come along Molly, you'll be late for the train if you keep walking at that pace." An older, ginger haired lady said hurriedly as a smaller replica of her followed behind, pushing a trolley with an owl in a cage on top of it as well. "The Hogwarts Express doesn't wait for everyone y'know."

Cassie's head turned as she heard the older lady mention the Hogwarts Express. She slowly pushed her trolley behind the ginger duo, following a few feet behind.

She watched as the younger girl, Molly as it seemed, followed behind her mother, lined herself up between platforms 9 and 10, and then disappeared into the brick wall.

Her mother followed behind her, and Cassie watched in amazement. She stood there for around 5 minutes, watching one person after the next do the same, running and disappearing into the brick wall.

"People tend to go into the platform, not just stare at it." When Cassie turned to match a face to the voice, she saw a taller boy, who seemed to be around her age. He had sandy blonde hair, freckles, and long scars spreading across his face. They reminisced animal scratches. He had on a dark brown 'grandpa sweater', baggy jeans, and Doc Marten boots. He also had a trolley and owl with him.

"Right. Uh... yeah." Cassie said quietly.

The boy seemed to examine Cassie. She had brown hair with slightly faded pink streaks littered throughout it. She had brown eyes, pale skin, freckles all over her face, and thick brown eyelashes. She was about 5"7, taller than most girls he knew. She was wearing a cream colored sweater, and dark blue flare jeans with dirty white converse. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun with loose strands all over. She had good style, it seemed well planned but effortless at the same time.

The boy looked at Cassie oddly, "I haven't seen you before. Either, I'm too self-absorbed and don't notice others, or you're new."

Cassie laughed softly and nodded, "New. It's my first year, I'm a transfer. From France."

"I'm assuming you went to Beauxbatons before then?" The boy asked curiously.

Cassie shook her head, "I used to be homeschooled. But uh, some stuff came up."

The boy nodded, "Got it. What year are you going into?"

"Fifth."

The boy grinned, "So am I. Lets hope you're sorted into my house then. I'm in Gryffindor."

"I've already been sorted."

The boy looked at her in surprise, "You have? I've never heard of someone been sorting before school started. Even transfers."

Cassie looked down at the ground and sighed, "Uh yeah. I- I dunno." She shrugged, "I'm in Ravenclaw." Cassie paused, "I'm Cassie, by the way."

The boy nodded, "I'm Remus." Cassie nodded and forced a small smile. Remus looked at Cassie, then platform 9 3/4. "Shall we go?"

Cassie looked up at the entrance and nodded, "Sure." She said quietly. Remus gestured for her to go first, and she put on a brave face, pushing her trolley in front of her and running into the entrance. She came out on the other side, breathless and filled with adrenaline. Remus came out behind her.