A FAMILY AFFAIR

- 6 -

[ CHAPTER FIVE ; "THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS." ]

[ CORAL'S POINT OF VIEW ; ]

"Coral! Coral! CORAL, GET UP!" I heard Mizzen practically scream at me. I groggily opened my eyes and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. "Wha-?" I mumbled, still tired. "Come on, we're going to be late!" Mizzen exclaimed. "Shit. I haven't packed..." I murmured, suddenly realising the importance of the day.

"It's okay. I packed for you." Mizzen replied. "You... packed my bags?" I frowned. "Yup. And your books, and your toad." Mizzen nodded, excitedly tying the band around his robe. His school robe. "Uh... What are you wearing, Mizz?" I asked.

"My uniform." He replied. "Mizzen. We don't have to change into our robes until we're-" "Can you tie my robe, please?" Mizzen cut me off, holding the untied band up in his hands as he looked at me with pleading eyes, I sighed. "Yeah, of course." I nodded. "Thank you!" He smiled.

I smiled softly as I gently tied his robe around his waist. "Where's mum and dad?" I ask. "They left for work already." Mizzen explained. "Alright. Let me change and we'll head off, yeah?" I asked, Mizzen nodded in agreement.

I thought about changing into muggle clothes to not draw attention to myself, I hardly ever wore my proper uniform, but the way Mizzen was gazing up at me with such adoration in his uniform made me second guess my choices.

"Merlin's beard. McGonagall is going to have a heart attack when she sees me in this." I mused as I exited my room. "Wearing what? Your uniform?" Mizzen asked. "Precisely." I agreed. "Do you think mum and dad will get me a toad if I get into Gryffindor?" Mizzen asked. "I'm sure they will." I smiled.

"Yes!" Mizzen celebrated, punching his fists into the air. "Alright, come on, little fish. We best be going before we're left behind." I said. "Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up, hurry up, hurry up, hurry up!" Mizzen urged, pulling on my arm as I used my free arm to grab our bags. "Alright, alright. I'm coming!" I said, laughing at his excitement.

"Off to the Hogwarts express." I chuckled. "Yes!" Mizzen celebrated, his excitement radiating through his tiny body.

As Mizzen and I hurried down the streets of Diagon Alley, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement coursing through me. The familiar sights and sounds of the magical world enveloped us as we made our way towards the entrance to Platform 9¾.

"Look at all the people!" Mizzen exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the bustling crowd of witches, wizards and muggles preparing to board the Hogwarts Express. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. It was contagious.

I felt a little out of place in my school robes (something I rarely ever wore, much to Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore's displeasure), in a train station full of muggles, casting their sideways glances, but I was too happy to see how happy it made Mizzen to really care.

We reached the barrier between platforms nine and ten, and I took Mizzen's hand reassuringly. "Ready?" I asked him. He nodded eagerly. With a deep breath, we both charged towards the barrier together, the feeling of passing through it never failed to make my heart skip a beat.

And just like that, we emerged onto Platform 9¾, greeted by the sight of the magnificent scarlet Hogwarts Express gleaming in the morning sun. The platform was alive with activity, students saying their farewells to their families, owls hooting, and the sound of trunks being loaded onto the train.

"Wow..." Mizzen breathed, his eyes wide as he took in the sight before him. "It's even more amazing than I imagined!" He grinned. "Come on, let's find a compartment." I said, leading him towards the train.