Summary: An account of the lives of Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, and Severus. From A to Z, follow them through Hogwarts and beyond, in 26 drabbles.

HPFC "The Alphabet" Challenge

Rules: Create a collection of 26 drabbles (under 500 words) that are each inspired by a prompt that starts with a letter in the alphabet.

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A is for Arrival

The Hogwarts Express, as it does every year, was carrying children to Hogwarts. The scarlet engine cut clearly through the Scottish countryside, self-important in both its destination and, most importantly, its cargo: Hogwarts' precious students.

Inside, the soon-to-be first years were abuzz with energy as children always are. But, for a moment, they all stilled, thinking about the destination ahead.

In the compartment nearest to the door sat Lily Evans. A Muggleborn, Lily had the need to embrace this magic she'd spent her life dreaming about – this magic that had finally transformed from childhood fairytales to a fantastical reality. The little redhead was practically bouncing in her seat, her green eyes wide with excitement of what was to come.

Beside her, still and unmoving, sat Severus Snape. A small, black haired boy, Severus eagerly awaited Hogwarts, but his excitement was a peculiar one. Mainly, he was eager to see if Hogwarts could give him the tools necessary to beat any that dared step in his path.

In a nearby compartment sat Peter Pettigrew, a nervous, lonely boy. Peter was anxious about was his magic, and hoping – praying – it would be enough. He'd always been weak at the magical arts and he hoped Hogwarts could give him that boost.

Farther towards the back, in a cabin, all alone, sat Remus Lupin. Even at eleven the boy already looked haggard, tired due to the burden he bore. Though he should have the youthful childish spirit, Remus was sagging with the idea of the truth: that he might never have any friends, due to his monthly problem. At least, he sighed to himself, at Hogwarts he'd have the Professors.

In the very last compartment sat two very different boys. The first of the two was Sirius Black, who came to Hogwarts desperate for redemption. He'd been raised with Pureblood arrogance, with the idea that he was better than almost anyone at Hogwarts – an idea he hated. In the deepest recesses of his heart (there, hidden from his mothers' scars and lessons) was the need to prove himself worthy, not just be worthy because of blood.

Next to him sat James Potter. Like Sirius, James was a Pureblood, though James had grown up with nurturing love, not Pureblood supremacy. Yet he too, still believed himself above many, in a way, though to him it didn't matter the blood – only the magical ability. Still, if James had one redeeming quality, it would be his strength to pinpoint right and wrong – even if it did take him some time.

The Hogwarts Express, which was magical in ways like Hogwarts itself, could feel all of this: all of the students' nerves and excitements, innermost thoughts and insecurities. Yet it didn't stop or slow on it's way to Hogwarts, to soothe the children. Instead, it did what it did best, and brought these fresh, eager young minds to the castle, where they would grow more than, now, they'd ever think they could.

Word Count: 494