Chapter 1: Farewells at the platform
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"Best run at it, darling! You're nervous, so walking would only result in a embarrassing crash."
"All right, daddy.," the young girl squeaked, inhaling deeply, before charging forward at the brick wall.
A weird sensation brought chills down her spine, and she gasped lightly, looking around at a new train station. As the steam cleared, she saw a beautiful, old-fashion train. It was Scarlet, which was her favorite color. A smile slowly appeared on her full, pink lips. From behind came her father, clutching the brown hat on his head.
She looked around at him, excited, like every child who first steps onto the magical platform.
"Oh daddy, it's amazing!," she squealed, practically jumping up and down.
"Yes," he was beaming, glancing around at the other students and parents, "yes it is."
She too looked around for the first time at all the wizards and witches. The place was loud, and children, some in uniform, ran about, laughing and singing a tune that was not familiar to her. Her father looked back down at her, his brown eyes intense.
"Bree?"
Her head whipped around to look at him. "Yes, daddy?"
His rough features were seriously stern as he spoke.
"I know this is gonna be a great new adventure for you, but, " he seemed to hesitate, "but, please do take care, love."
Bree simply smiled up at him, her large, hazel eyes sparkling in the sunlight of the station.
"I will daddy. Don't worry."
"Oh but I do.," and he knelt down on one knee, placing a hand on each of her tiny shoulders. "I know Hogwarts well, and it is no picnic. It can get rather nasty at times. Peers can be your worst enemies, so watch out. And do not, I repeat, do not anger or annoy any of your professors, all right?"
"All right, daddy.," she smiled the same at him.
He eyed her for a moment, before smiling himself. He chuckled, pulling her into a tight embrace, that she returned in earnest. After a minute or two, they parted.
"I love you, daddy.," she whispered to him, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm gonna miss you and mummy."
He felt his own eyes watering, but quickly blinked the oncoming tears away. Standing up, he pushed the cart carrying her luggage over to the nearest open door on the train. He stopped, then walked about, hoisting up the heavy trunk. He grunted at a sharp pain in his lower back, dropping it on the spot.
"Let me help you, sir!," a kind voice came from behind.
" Oh, thank you- Arthur?," he grinned at the redheaded man coming up to them.
Arthur looked at him, a grin appearing on his face as well.
"Brandon!," he greeted him heartily, clasping his hand. "Didn't recognize you from behind. Lost weight, I see."
Brandon laughed loudly at this, and his daughter looked up at him curiously.
"Well with Emily pregnant again, things like eating have been temporarily set aside."
"Of course! After seven of my own, I know the feeling quite well!," his eyes caught sight of Bree, who was waiting quietly next to her father. "Ah, so you must little Miss Abreena, eh?"
Bree's eyes darted to the man, whom she knew had to be from her father's work, and nodded once.
Arthur's grin turned to a small, sweet smile. " Your father here has told me much of you. Says your interested in animals."
She nodded again, her shyness taking over.
Brandon patted his daughter's back encouragingly. "This is Weasley, Bree, remember? The one I talk to mummy about sometimes over dinner? He works alongside me in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office at work. He has children too, some I know to be your age, as a matter of fact."
At this, he looked back at Arthur. "Speaking of which, where are the boys?"
Arthur nodded to the train. "Already settled in. Took to it instantly. Molly's a little sad of course, but, that's the twins for you."
"How's Percy?," Brandon continued, getting back to the trunk.
Arthur helped him, and they both lifted it onto the train.
"Fine. Working his way to becoming a prefect."
"You and Molly must be proud of his actions.," Brandon said as he carried a steel cage containing a tiny, fluffy bat onto the train too.
"Oh yes!," Arthur exclaimed, smiling. "So proud! Though, can't expect to much from the twins, sadly enough. Nothing but pure jokers they are."
"Ah," Brandon wiggled his finger at him, "but what would a family be without the fun guys in it? Hmm?"
Arthur chuckled, nodding at him. "Suppose you're right, Bran. All well, see you at work. Bye, Abreena! Good luck at school!"
As the man left them, Bree tugged at her father's jacket. He turned to her, kneeling down again.
"You alright, sweetie?," he asked softly.
She nodded, "Yes, daddy."
He waited, looking her in the eyes for a couple seconds.
"Is there something bothering you, darling?"
"No. I just... I just am gonna miss you. I'm scared.," with this, she lunged forward, hugging him tightly around the neck.
He hugged her back, and when the train's whistle blew, she drew back. He touched her cheek with his hand, smiling.
"Don't be scared. You'll have loads of fun, just wait and see! The girls'll love you! You'll make so many friends that you won't know what to do with them all!," this made Bree giggle, and Brandon laughed, standing up once more.
He took her hand and helped her up onto the train, then closed the door behind her. Drawing back, he looked for her head to appear in the next window, which it did. She peeked out as far as she could, smiling at him with utmost happiness.
As the train started forward, and picked up speed, Brandon trotted along, as did other parents, including Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"Be sure to write to me and your mum, okay?!," he shouted to her over the commotion.
"Yes, daddy! I love you!," she shouted back, waving her hand furiously at him.
He waved back, coming to stop at the end of the platform. Arthur and Molly came up behind him, panting and talking to each other.
"I love you too!," he hoped she had heard him, but knew she hadn't, as the train was quickly gone, leaving parents like him in the dust.
