The Crown Series - A Harry Potter Story

Taking the train

On September first, Lady Athena and Lord Alexej Herondale accompanied the two teenagers to London, England to catch the train to Hogwarts.
Lissa who already bid her parents goodbye, excitedly walked next to James, with Attila in her arms, in search for the Plattform 9 3/4.

"Hey 'James' how's Artemis doing?" She asked gesturing to the falcon.
"She's doing fine, she just doesn't like so many people. How's Atti?"
"He is so restless." She answered laughing "He wants to run around and say hello to the other dogs. But if he does that, then we're going to miss the train."

"Alyssa, James! You walked too far." Athena grinned and pointed her outstretched arm in direction of the platform sign.
Alyssa exchanged glances with James as they both grinned back at her.
"I'll take James, Alexej is taking you. Come on we have to hurry!"

As Athena and James stepped through the wall, Alyssa was pulled to the side by Alexej.

"Princess, Vasilissa, please be careful with your actions. My son would go to hell and back for you, his loyalty for you knows no limits. So please take caution in your actions, because he'll always be there by your side. I have a bad feeling about this whole ordeal and I don't want neither of you being injured or worse."

Alyssa, too stunned to speak, finally replied after some excruciating long moments:"Alexej, I promise I will be careful, I'll protect him as much as he protects me!" the look of surprise still visible in her eyes.

"Let's head through this magical wall." Alexej said, the corner of his mouth turning up to a smirk, looking like ne never advised her to be careful. He was back to his stern, respect commanding self in seconds.

Together they headed through the wall of platform 9 and 10, crossing the border between the ordinary muggle world and the start of a new adventure.

Alyssa POV

For a short moment, I began to panic seeing nothing more than darkness and feeling claustrophobic all of a sudden. That's when I crossed the border and stepped out into the crowded train station. It seemed like the whole British wizard community gathered at the train station, eager to send their children away for another year.

I looked around in awe, marvelling at the sight of the bright red train, which looked like it was bathed in crimson blood.
The platform was illuminated by the bright sun, shining through the glass ceiling. The light turned James blond hair into gold and giving him the illusion of a halo.
Right in front of me, he turned around, gazing at the crowd and the train. Then, he looked back at me, giving me his iconic trouble maker smirk.
"I can't wait to get inside, this train is looking awesome from the outside!" He said while swiftly manoeuvring his way through a bunch of witches and children.

He moved just like he did that night at the World Cup, expertly, controlled, alert. Just like when he dodged curses that night.

These thoughts were followed by a pang of anxiety, as my body tried to get into fight or flight mode. I was so nervous after the attack, always on edge. My friends may not believe that, but the fight had sparked my anxiety, because for the first time, it was real. The dangers we trained for, we imagined ,were nothing in comparison to being actually in danger, having to worry if you and your friends make it out alive. It was hard, I spooked at shadows in the hallways and had troubles sleeping at night in my room alone.

I was still deep in thoughts, as my body reacted on its own and halted in its movements. I almost ran into the ginger family and Hermione and the black haired boy.

"Be careful!" He snapped and looked at me, his face a mask of arrogance.
"Excuse me? You also almost ran into me. No need to be pissed at that!" I replied, without hesitation, my mouth was always faster than my brain, which led to many troubles when I was young.
"Excuse you. Don't you know who you ran into? I don't think that I should be the one apologising!"