The Phoenix Song

Chapter One

"Now just run straight at the barrier."

"What?"

"You'll see."

"Dad, this is stupid."

He had almost believed in this Hogwarts thing. When his parents had told him about it, he had known it was stupid, but they had kept on about it so long - even his mother had acted convincingly, and she never pulled stupid pranks like this. And now they had taken him all the way to London just for this? To try and get him to crash into a barrier in the middle of a train station and make an arse of himself? He couldn't believe it. He looked at his mother. There wasn't a trace of a lie in her face - but then, her pale countenance never let anything show. "Alex, do it. I'll be right behind you."

"Yeah, right. Why don't you go first, and I'll stand here and watch?"

"Don't talk to your mother like that," his dad started, but his mother stopped him with a look. She turned to the barrier and began walking. She didn't run. She never ran. Instead, she walked cooly, her long black hair flowing behind her, straight towards the brick wall - and right through it. Alex cursed under his breath. Finding that insufficient, he cursed out loud, too. Ignoring a reprimand from his dad, he left his trolley behind and ran to look at the other side of the barrier. "Where the hell did she go?"

"Told you. Now, grab your trolley and see for yourself."

"Why can't you come with?"

"We've been over this. I'm a muggle. I can't go through there."

Alex heaved a sigh and returned to his trolley.

"Hey," his dad said, spreading his arms for a hug.

"See you later," Alex muttered, starting towards the barrier. He took it at a brisk, steady march, then broke into a run for the last few feet. He was going to crash straight into the barrier. He almost yelled. It was right there - he was hurtling towards it - there was no stopping now, he couldn't swerve away if he tried...

The first moment was rather impressive, he had to admit. The platform was huge and packed with people. Over the top of it was a great big domed glass ceiling. But the thing that really caught your attention was the train. Bright scarlet, with golden lettering on the engine spelling out Hogwarts Express. It was the most beautiful train he had ever seen. But then he remembered that this had been the last chance for the whole thing to be a massive prank. Now that he could see it with his own eyes, it all became hopelessly, infuriatingly real. "Come on, Alex." His mother's soft voice drew his gaze to where she stood next to him. She started towards the train, leaving him to follow. He gritted his teeth and pushed his trolley after her.

His mother helped him lift his trunk onto the train, and then, as he turned away, he felt her hand on his arm. "Alex - listen to me for a minute." He turned back. "I know this is... Hard for you. Keep an open mind. Maybe you'll find some new friends."

"I don't want new friends."

"Try anyways. The owlery is in the West Tower, I expect you to write home once in a while. Stay out of trouble, keep your grades up, and don't go into the forbidden forest. And Alex?"

He had almost walked away, but he turned back again.

"We love you."

He stood for a moment, looking at her. He wanted to give a sarcastic reply, but he couldn't. Not to her. He nodded, turned in silence and left her behind.