Stray Kids and the War on Love

Chapter 1: The Journey to Platform Nine and Three Quarters

Today is the day. After years of being a regular boring kid, in the repetitive cycle we call life, I finally get some type of adventure. I'm going to the world I only heard in the bedtime stories I was told when I was five. A world where science cannot explain. A world where I might have more than one friend.

Like any responsible person would I studied from day to night everyday since I got my letter, so I think I'm as prepared for this day than I think I could be for someone in my situation. Growing up with no wizards in my family besides my great great great grandmother kind of separates you from a society, but now I know everything from the creatures to plants to potions to charms. The basis of it anyway. There's only so much you can learn without guidance or experience, though potions seems the easiest, it's a lot like chemistry and I've always been good at chemistry.

Using the undetectable expansion charm (that I had probably too many mistakes doing) I threw all my things into my rolly suitcase and my cat, Misty, in my backpack. Just as I was finishing I hear a knock at my bedroom door.

"Yeah?" I called out zipping up my suitcase. 

The door opened and in walked my father, "How are you doing sweetheart?"

"I'm all good I just finished packing," I turned to see him and I could just tell he was holding back tears, he's not a stoic man and so I knew when he was tense he was upset. I walked up to him wrapping my arms around him in a comforting hug, "I'll miss you too dada," with those five words he melted letting his shoulders relax and a few tears fall from his eyes, "it's going to be so strange living in this house alone."

"You're not alone you have Cass," in the corner of my eye I saw her ears prick up from her bed next to the couch in the lounge room, "and we can call whenever you want... Unless I have class"

"Of course," he smiled, "we should probably get going, don't want you missing the train do we?" I nodded my head zipping up my backpack leaving enough room for Misty to poke her head out if she wanted to, while my father rolled out my suitcase.

"Are you sure this is everything?" he asked as we got to the front door of our house, "it's a big suitcase but I don't think it's moving out big."

"Oh I used magic, it's actually TOO big now, I messed up a little."

"Is that where half your bedroom went," he slightly chuckled, "What about Misty?"

"Locked and loaded, pops" I replied as she stuck her head out due to all the movement, but swiftly stuck her head back in once realising we were outside.

The only twenty minute drive felt like hours, Dad and I just reminisced about the times we had together, even though I was having an engaging peaceful conversation with him I couldn't help but feel a sense of energy, and I couldn't tell if it was good. My hands shook, my mind raced, my breath staggered, and my heart pounded. I'm either incredibly excited for a completely new experience and world I've never been to, or my anxiety has turned from general to panic.

Finally we got to King's Cross train station, but just as we were driving into the car park Dad got a call. He tapped the screen on the console and the voice spoke, "Heyy, Jang. Look, sorry to interrupt your night but some big business just came up and you need to come and fix it, okay?"

"Well actually-" Dad tried to reply but was interrupted, "Great! See you in half an hour." with that he hung up as a sigh from dad left him mouth. He looked over to me, "I'm sorry sweetie, I have to go," disappointment dripping in his voice, "you'll be okay finding the train, right?"

I nodded, "yes, it's okay dad, I'm smart."

"I know you are, just stay safe and study hard."

"I will," I said stepping out of he car onto the curb grabbing my backpack and closing the door to then grab my suitcase. As dad pulled away from the curb yelled three words at the top of his lungs, "I love you!" "I love you too!" I screamed back trying not to start laughing, but not being able to hold back a tear. I wiped it away and continue into the building that marked a new beginning.