A/N: Hi! So this is my first ever published work and I'm excited and nervous. While I've tried to stay true to the time period and the books, I may have let some things slip. Please shoot me a (kind) message with any feedback! OC is Australian and her speech patterns will reflect this.

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Gerry could barely contain her scepticism as she trailed behind her brother through King's Cross Station. "You really mean to tell me that they've plonked the gate right in the middle of muggle central?" she drawled. "I mean… sure muggos are thick and all but really? King's Cross? How blind can they be!"

Jonathon glanced back at her over his shoulder, only partially amused. "Yell it to the world why don't you, dipstick? Honestly, you'd think we were raised by a carny, the way you carry on." He rolled his eyes and continued purposefully along the platform, noting the brief, confused glances directed towards his sister's bizarre luggage. "Did you really have to bring the bird with you, Ger? You do realise they have actual owls in Britain, right? No need for Ugly McCreepyface."

The unusual looking bird perched on Gerry's trolley screeched indignantly, fluffing self-importantly before turning his disconcertingly yellow eyes to glare balefully at his mistress.
"OhmyPauliepauliepauliepaulieeeeee," Gerry cooed, "Is he being unkind, precious? He's just jealous because he's nasty and smelly and his birdy doesn't like him!"

"Only you would baby talk a raptor, Gerry."

"Only you would be jealous of a raptor, Jonny."

"Freak."

"Cretin."

"Skank."

"Takes one to know one!"

Jonathon stopped abruptly causing Gerry to veer wildly to avoid hitting him, colliding with a bin and earning several disapproving looks from passing muggles in the process.

"Nice one, dickhead!" Gerry hissed as she rescued her bird cage from clattering to the floor.

"You're welcome," Jonathon grinned, turning to examine the barrier in front of which he'd halted.

"This is it kiddo. 9¾, right here. Have at it," he smirked.

"You're sure?" Gerry prodded.

"Absolutely, princess."

"You're not lying to me?"

"When have I ever steered you wrong?" Jonathon protested, hands raised in feigned innocence.

"This week or in general?" Gerry mocked, tipping her head forward to glare at him over the top of the metal rims of her large round glasses.

"Just go!" he laughed tiredly as he pushed her through the barrier and followed closely behind.

Stumbling through the barrier, Gerry was at a loss as to where she should look first. Wizarding families in bright cloaks whirled past her chattering loudly, owls fluttered overhead, while a cherry red steam train sat idling at the platform.

"Close your mouth, you'll catch a fly," Jonathon smirked behind her.

"This is bonkers. Absolutely bloody nuts. That's a fuc—" Gerry caught herself as her brother clipped her around the ears. "What I mean is that there is a magic steam train at a secret magic platform in the middle of bloody London."

"Alright Captain Obvious, you done? We need to get your luggage on the magic steam train." Jonathon mocked, waggling his fingers at Gerry's face. "We've got about 15 minutes before this showboat leaves without you and I am NOT having you following me around the Ministry for a semester."

"Speaking of the Ministry, what bright spark decided to paint the super-secret magic train, bright red? How did that conversation go? Do you think he got a raise? Brilliant Barry! Have a beer! Excellent job!" Gerry chortled, clearly impressed with her own joke.

"Aaand this is why I can't take you anywhere," Jonathon sighed, trying very hard not to be amused by his baby sister.

"I still reckon I'd make a fab assistant. Think about it J! I already know your hot drink preferences, your cold drink preferences, that one spot in your shoulder that gets knots in it. You're just getting rid of me so you can make poor choices dating boys who aren't good enough for you." Gerry whined, wheeling her luggage towards the train.

"I am so glad boarding school is a thing in this country. How Mum hasn't drowned you yet is beyond me," Jonathon grumbled.

Gerry made a beeline for the first empty compartment available, wedging her luggage under the seat and depositing her birdcage containing a very bewildered Paul by the window.

"Are you sure there aren't any day schools, J?" Gerry asked quietly, a ball of apprehension settling in her belly.

Jonathon pulled her in for a close hug. "It's for the best princess. I'd keep you with me if I could, you know that." He pushed her away only to rest his forehead against hers. Identical honey-brown eyes searched for comfort in uncannily similar pale, heart-shaped faces.

"You have to promise to write to me every week J." Gerry said in a small voice.

"Every week."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"You'll send my letters to Mum and Franky?"

"Of course."

"And Dad?"

"He can take a flying leap," Jonathon murmured, pressing a final kiss to his sister's temple.

Gerry sniffed, blinking away the beginnings of tell-tale tears.

Jonathon straightened up. "Right. I need to go now but remember what I've been telling you. You're doing your OWLS this year so nose to the grindstone! Head down, study hard and-"

"NO BOYS!" they chorused together, laughing.

"That goes for you too, you big dope!" Gerry grinned. "Can't have you hogging all the hot wizards."

"Ehhhh, whatever Trevor. Love your face, take care of yourself and write me as often as you want baby girl." Jonathon hesitated momentarily. "I love you Geraldine", he said before resolutely striding off through the crowd to wave goodbye from a distance that his sister wouldn't see him dabbing at tears.

"Love you too, big brother," Gerry whispered to herself. She watched sadly out the window as the train slowly pulled away from the station, her head rested against the window.