𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅, george weasley

chapter 2 - the journey to hogwarts

"There was a girl at the compartment door... She was very pretty for her young age; hazel eyes, bow-shaped lips, and dark hair. She smiled at Harry."

September 1st. The day had finally come, and Ileana's summer had come to an end. She held her head high as she passed through the wretched hallway for the last time for a while, and smiled until her cheeks hurt while descending the staircase. That wasn't all that hurt, however. Getting to King's Cross took longer than they'd wanted because Libby threw a small fit over Ileana leaving.

She clung onto Ileana's leg, and tight.

"I is sad, Miss Ileana. Libby does not wish for Miss Ileana to be gone!" cried Libby.

"Libby, please! I'm the mother, I'm the one who should be crying!" said Mrs. Castro, trying to pry the sobbing house-elf off her daughter's leg.

With a little extra tug, Mrs. Castro was finally able to pull Libby off and they arrived at King's Cross a little before half past ten. The station was quite empty with a few people here and there. But it was expected the platform would be packed once they got through.

"Here we are, Platform nine and three-quarters," said Mrs. Castro, stopping the trolley in front of platform nine and platform ten.

Ileana stared at the dividing barrier with uncertainty. Mrs. Castro's told her how to get through countless times, but Ileana could only hope that she wasn't joking.

"Come on, darling," said Mrs. Castro. "We don't want to miss the train."

Mrs. Castro put one hand on the trolley and the other on Ileana's shoulder. Together, they took off on a heavy run straight for the dividing barrier between the two platforms. The barrier neared—Ileana closed her eyes, ready for the crash—even though she knew they wouldn't—and found themselves on the other side.

Ileana was right. The platform was packed.

It was a sight she'd never thought she'd see. Smoke billowed from the scarlet steam engine waiting next to the platform. A sign overhead read Hogwarts Express, 11 o'clock. The crowd was full of chitter-chatter, from people and animals.

Mrs. Castro helped steer Ileana's trolley through dozens of families and students.

The first few carriages had been filled with students. Some poked their heads out the windows to talk to their families and some were fighting over seats. There was no choice but to find a seat towards the back.

Ileana found one last vacant compartment and urgently dashed to save it. Her trunk was the only luggage she had to board yet it was heavy for both her and Mrs. Castro to handle. With one last push, they were able to get it in over the train steps and tucked into the empty compartment.

When Ileana stepped back down to say goodbye, Mrs. Castro had tears brimming her eyes.

"Mum," she began.

"I know, I know," Mrs. Castro said, fanning her eyes, "you'll be gone only a while. But I just have this weird feeling. I mean it seems like only yesterday I stepped off this platform for the last time, and now we're here, and I'm sending you off, and you're going—"

"Mum."

"—and this is the first time we're going to be apart, and I'm going to miss you—"

"Mum."

"—I don't know what I'm going to do about the Cartwright's nanny—"

"Mum."

Mrs. Castro took Ileana into her arms. Even with the slightest squeeze, there was a long combination of cracks and twists from Mrs. Castro's back alone. She planted a long kiss on top of Ileana's head. "I don't think I have to say this, but be good. Listen in your lessons and take Herbology seriously. Just trust me."