Wands and Wildflowers - J.S.Potter

The Hogwarts Express

The crisp September air was filled with excitement as Platform 9¾ buzzed with the usual chaos of families saying their goodbyes. James Sirius Potter, already a head taller than many of the other first-years, stood confidently beside his parents, Harry and Ginny Potter. His younger brother, Albus, clung to their mother, his face a mixture of awe and fear at the sight of the enormous scarlet train that would take James to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the very first time.

"You'll be fine, James," Harry said with a grin, noticing the way James's eyes flickered to the train, already seeking out his friends among the crowd. "Just stay out of trouble."

"No promises," James replied cheekily, causing Ginny to chuckle.

"I expect nothing less," she added, giving him a quick hug. "Write to us when you get there."

"Sure, Mum," James mumbled, his eyes scanning the platform. He had heard from his cousin Gwen Weasley that their friend Benjamin Hall, a pureblood with a knack for getting into trouble, was already on the train. He wanted to find them quickly, but something—or rather, someone—caught his attention.

A little way down the platform stood a girl about his age, struggling to drag a heavy trunk toward the train. Her curly chestnut hair bounced as she tugged at the luggage, her bright blue eyes narrowed in concentration. She was dressed plainly, a stark contrast to the other students who wore robes or other magical attire. A small, black-haired boy—her brother, James guessed—was trying to help, but he was clearly no match for the weight of the trunk.

Without thinking, James moved toward them, his usual swagger slightly dampened by an odd, fluttery feeling in his stomach. He had never seen her before, and there was something about her that made him curious. The way she was so determined, so focused, and yet so... different.

"Need a hand?" he asked, coming up beside her with a grin that had charmed more than a few witches back home.

The girl looked up, startled, and James found himself caught by the intensity of her blue eyes. But instead of the grateful smile he expected, she gave him a withering look.

"No, thank you," she said curtly, her voice clipped and cool. "We can manage."

James blinked, taken aback. This was not the reaction he was used to. He quickly composed himself, his grin widening as he leaned against the side of the train. "Come on, it's no trouble. I'm James, by the way. James Potter."

"Good for you," she replied, still struggling with the trunk. Her brother gave James a nervous glance, clearly recognizing the famous name, but the girl seemed unimpressed. "Daisy Dawson."

James frowned slightly, not used to being dismissed so easily. "And who might you be, little man?" he asked, turning to the boy, who was now staring at James's forehead with wide eyes.

"Chris," the boy stammered. "Chris Dawson."

James gave the boy a friendly nod before returning his attention to Daisy. "So, Muggle-born?" he asked casually, eyeing her plain clothes again. There was no malice in his tone, just curiosity.

Daisy's eyes narrowed. "And what of it?"

James shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but inwardly he was floundering. This girl was not reacting to him in the way everyone else did. "Nothing, just making conversation."

"Well, I'd prefer if you didn't," Daisy shot back, finally managing to shove the trunk a few more inches toward the train. "Now, if you don't mind, we're a bit busy."

James opened his mouth to respond, but a sharp voice cut through the air before he could.

"James!" Gwen Weasley appeared out of nowhere, her red hair flying as she bounded over. "Come on, we've got a compartment saved! Hi, I'm Gwen," she added to Daisy with a bright smile, clearly oblivious to the tension.

"Daisy," the girl replied tersely, before giving James one last glare. "I'll be fine, thanks."

Without another word, Daisy turned back to her trunk, and with one final, determined effort, she and Chris managed to heave it up the steps and into the train. James watched her go, feeling oddly deflated.

"What was that about?" Gwen asked, nudging him with her elbow as they walked toward their compartment. "You look like you've been hit with a Confundus Charm."

"I don't know," James muttered, running a hand through his messy black hair. "She just... I don't know."

Gwen raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. "Come on, Benjamin and Bella are already waiting. We've got a lot to catch up on."

But as they made their way through the crowded train, James couldn't stop thinking about Daisy Dawson. Something about her intrigued him, and for the first time in his life, James Sirius Potter found himself wanting to get to know someone who didn't seem the least bit interested in him...

A/N: Hello everyone! This is my first story so please don't hesitate to give me feedback and if you have any wishes let me know ;)