James nervously walked into King's Cross station, clutching his father's hand tightly. He looked nervously at the barrier, separating two parallel worlds. He wondered whether life would change that much when he started going to Hogwarts. He glanced up at his father, who smiled reassuringly.
"It'll be alright, Jamie," his father said, ruffling his only child's hair.
Mrs. Potter came up beside James and placed a quick kiss on her son's forehead.
"Mom," James said, obviously embarrassed by his mother's behavior. His mother smiled tearfully, dabbing a lace handkerchief at her eyes. "I'm ready," he said firmly, glancing back at his parents. He took a step closer to the barrier, his cart's wheels squeaking with their every roll.
He ran forward, the barrier getting closer... closer...and gone! He looked behind him, his parents appearing just behind him.
"Well, off you go then!" Mr. Potter said, helping his son get everything squared away.
James headed toward the train's entrance, only to be knocked down by a boy with scruffy black hair. The kid grinned at him and helped him back to his feet.
"Sorry!" he called after James. He was now being steered away by a straight backed woman, making James feel slightly sorry for the child who knocked him over.
James could hear them arguing:
"Sirius Black the third! You are being uncontrollable today! Now just look at your brother!" the woman said, pointing to a much better groomed child who looked very much like the boy called Sirius. James had the impression that the younger one was the favorite child, he could tell by how kind the woman acted to him.
"Mum, it was an accident! I'm no-" Sirius began, being cut off by his fuming mother again.
"Accident or not, you've caused enough trouble already! You are getting on this train right now, and you will find all 17 people you have disturbed. AND you will apologize!" the woman said, pushing Sirius into the train more than a bit harshly.
"That kid's had a pretty tough time," a voice beside James said. James spun around, startled. He hadn't noticed anyone had come over to him while he'd watched Sirius.
"Yeah?" James asked absentmindedly.
"Yup, he caused a right big mess over at the quill stand. Honestly, I feel sorry for the lot that gets stuck with him," Remus said, having no idea that in less than a month, their friendships would already be kicking in