His Rose | James Potter

Chapter 2

Year 6

As the Hogwarts Express pulled into the station with a loud whistle, the familiar sights and sounds of Platform 9¾ filled Rosalyn's senses. The air buzzed with excited chatter, and she caught sight of students hugging their families, laughter ringing out.

Her mother's gentle touch brought her back to the moment. "Have you kept your wand, Rosie?" Estella asked, smoothing back a strand of hair from Rosalyn's face.

"Yes, Mum," she replied, her gaze drifting over her mother's shoulder. "It seems like Father is still upset with me." The knot in her stomach tightened as she spotted Samuel Avery, standing at a distance, arms crossed and eyes averted.

Estella sighed, concern etched across her features. "Your father is a difficult man. I promise I'll try to convince him to talk to you."

Rosalyn managed a small smile, knowing full well how unlikely that was. "Thanks, Mum." She wrapped her arms around her mother, the warmth of the embrace a fleeting comfort before the train arrived.

As the doors swung open and students began to pile in, a familiar voice cut through the noise. "My dearest Lyn! I missed you so much!" Sirius burst into the compartment, throwing his arms around her with a dramatic flourish.

"You saw me two days ago, Sirius," Rosalyn laughed, her heart lifting at the sight of him.

Sirius released her just as James cleared his throat, standing behind his friend with an exaggerated pout. "Why do you always get to hug her first, Pads?"

Rosalyn's cheeks warmed as James's teasing tone made her heart race. He looked even more handsome than she remembered, his messy hair catching the light.

"Hello, Rose," he whispered, pulling her into his embrace. His arms enveloped her, and for a moment, nothing else mattered. James had a way of making her feel special-like she was the only one in the room.

Sirius flopped into the seat, clearly content to let his two friends bask in their moment. As James wrapped an arm around Rosalyn's shoulders, she rested her head against him, feeling a rush of comfort and safety.

"Merlin, I miss Moony. I have no one to hug right now," Sirius grumbled, dramatically lying down and resting his head on Peter's lap. Peter, blissfully unaware, was lost in a mountain of chocolate frogs, his mouth full.

James rolled his eyes at Sirius's antics. "I don't think Remus would be thrilled to know that" Marlene chimed in, winking as she entered the compartment and took a seat beside him.

Sirius grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Oh, Marlene, you wound me! Right in the heart!" he declared, clutching his chest in mock distress.

James couldn't help but chuckle. "The heart is on the left side, Padfoot."

"Technicalities!" Sirius shot back, laughing.

Peter looked around, crumbs of chocolate dusting his robes. "Is Moony not gonna sit with us?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Moony is sitting with Evans and other Prefects. I can't believe Minnie said I'm not qualified enough to become a prefect," Sirius grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"Well, she's not wrong," Marlene quipped, slipping on her muggle headphones and closing her eyes, lost in her music.

"Hey!" Sirius protested, playfully nudging her. The banter filled the compartment, their laughter a melody against the hum of the train.

As the Hogwarts Express began to move, Rosalyn glanced at James, who was looking out the window, his expression thoughtful. She couldn't shake the feeling that this year might bring changes-exciting, terrifying changes. And somewhere in her heart, she hoped they might also bring the truth of her feelings for James to the surface.

But for now, as they journeyed back to the castle, the warmth of friendship and the thrill of the unknown filled the air, promising an unforgettable year ahead.