"Got your wand?" Jeremy asked, his eyes scanning me from head to toe like a protective older brother on overdrive. I rolled my eyes, lifting my trusty willow wand between us. The afternoon sun gleamed off its polished surface, casting intricate shadows on the bustling platform.
"Yes, Jeremy. Wand, textbooks, cat, and even my glasses," I replied, patting the satchel slung over my shoulder for emphasis. "This isn't my first trip to Hogwarts, you know."
He chuckled, though the crease between his brows didn't disappear. "I know, but fifth year is important, Bella. O.W.L.s are no joke." His concern was touching, if not a tad overbearing.
"Relax," I said, nudging him playfully. "I've got this. Besides, you're the one who told me summer was for unwinding, and now you're acting like Professor McGonagall before an exam."
Jeremy smirked, his tense posture easing slightly. "Can't help it. Big brother instincts." He reached out, ruffling my hair in that infuriating way that made me simultaneously want to hug him and hex him.
The familiar scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express billowed steam around us, creating a dreamy haze that mingled with the chatter and laughter echoing across Platform 9¾. The scent of parchment and pumpkin pasties filled the air, wrapping me in a comforting embrace of nostalgia and anticipation.
Just as I was about to say my final goodbye, a voice piped up beside us. "Excuse me, do you know which carriage is less crowded?"
We both turned to see Justin Finch-Fletchley, his blond hair slightly disheveled and his Prefect badge gleaming on his chest. A warm smile spread across my face.
"Justin! Long time no see," I exclaimed, pulling him into a brief hug. "Heard you spent the summer in France?"
"Ah, oui," he replied with an exaggerated accent, his eyes twinkling. "But nothing beats good old England. Mind if I join you on the train?"
"Not at all," I said before Jeremy could interject. "We're just wrapping up here."
Jeremy glanced between us, his protective radar clearly picking up signals. "Alright then, I suppose I can entrust my little sister to a responsible Prefect."
I groaned, shooting him a glare. "Jeremy, stop acting like I'm eleven. I'm fifteen, and quite capable of finding a seat on a train."
He laughed, pulling me into a tight hug. The kind that spoke volumes more than words ever could. "I know, Bells. Just promise me you'll stay out of trouble this year."
I pulled back, meeting his gaze with a mischievous glint. "No promises. Trouble tends to find me, remember?"
"Don't I know it," he sighed, shaking his head fondly. "Alright, get going before all the good seats are taken. Write to me, okay?"
"Always," I replied, giving him a final wave as Justin and I headed towards the train.
As we boarded, the familiar hum of excitement surrounded us. Students leaned out of windows, shouting farewells to their families, while others wrestled with overstuffed trunks and wayward pets.
"Found an empty compartment near the back," Justin said, leading the way through the crowded corridor. "Ernie and Hannah should be joining us soon."
"Perfect," I replied, settling into the cushioned seat by the window. Caspar, my sleek black cat, hopped onto my lap, purring contentedly as he made himself comfortable.
