Protecteur (HP Marauders)

Chapter 3

"You'll change inside
When you realize
The world comes to life
And everything's alright
From beginning to end
When you have a friend
By your side
That helps you to find
The beauty of all
When you'll open your heart and
Believe in
The gift of a friend" 

- "Gift of a Friend" by Demi Lovato

Chapter 3

Alice stared at the pillar in front of her, which Sirius had just walked through like it was not even there. She thought it was odd that Hogwarts students traveled to school by train, but now she understood how they hid it from the muggles. This was going to be interesting.

"Are you afraid?" Regulus said beside her. Despite the question implying concern, his voice held no emotion.

Alice stiffened. She felt a bit embarrassed that she was caught in her own head, so she said the first thing that came to mind. "No. Are you?"

Regulus rolled his eyes. "Of course not. Do you want me to go first?"

Alice shrugged. "If you want." She was not afraid, but she did enjoy watching kids go through the pillar. She knew Sirius must be waiting for her, though, so as soon as Regulus was through, she gripped her trolley and made a run for it. Seconds later, she emerged on the platform. She looked around for Regulus, but he has already disappeared somewhere.

"Alice, there you are!" Sirius said, waving at her. She smiled and pushed her trolley over to him. "What took you so long?"

"I was just taking in the experience."

"Well, you can do that on the train. My friends are probably already on board. Come on!"

Alice followed him to the train. Once they boarded, started checking all of the compartments. "Your friends?"

Sirius paused his search to look back at her with a grin. "Yeah! I told you about them, remember? Don't worry, you'll love them."

Alice did not know if that was true, but she was willing to give them a chance. If anything, it would be good to start school already knowing a few people. Finally, he found them. He helped her put away her trunk, and then the two of them entered the compartment.

"Hello, mates!" Sirius said cheerfully. Alice saw three boys cast her curious glances.

"Aw, you brought a girl?" said a boy with short, black hair, hazel eyes, and round glasses. "That's not fair." Sirius sat beside him and urged Alice to sit on his other side.

"She's not a girl."

Alice looked offended. ""Excuse me?"

Sirius rolled her eyes. "I mean not the way you're thinking. She's special."

"You say that about every girl," said the dark brown haired, green eyed boy across from me. The last kid, a smaller boy with light brown hair and brown, remained quiet, seeming almost cautious about Alice's presence. She looked at him curiously, and he averted his gaze.

"I mean, she's my friend. No one can touch her."

"Whatever you say," said the boy with glasses. He chuckled softly and shook his head. Then he offered Alice a friendly smile. "Anyway, I'm James Potter. I'm sorry you have to deal with this bloke." Sirius shot him a look, and James elbowed him. "Are you French?"

Alice gave him a small smile in return. "I am Alice Darbonne. And, yes, I am. I am transferring into my second year." She looked at the boy across from James. She sensed he was timid and anxious around new people, so she consciously relaxed her demeanor and softened her voice, wanting to make him feel comfortable. "What is your name?"