Chapter 1 – Platforms, Meetings and Greetings

'Kings Cross Station, Platform 9 ¾' the ticket read. I looked up to scan my entire surroundings for the umpteenth time.

Kings Cross Station, CHECK! I proceeded to tick off my mental checklist yet again. I positioned myself to be staring straight at a yellow brick pillar that homed the 'Platform 9' sign then I swivelled on my heel to face the opposite pillar which read 'Platform 10'. 9 ¾, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen.

'I knew this was too good to be true.' I breathed and slumped back against my trunk in a defeated manner. I let my eyes wander to the tediously ordinary ivory-coloured clock with both the black hands held on 11. The so-called 'Hogwarts Express' was due to leave at 11 o'clock precisely.

'You stupid girl, to think you had finally found a way out of that hell- hole.' I silently punished myself whilst recalling the smell of the damp peeling paint and rows of lumpy single beds in 'Charleston Care Home'. It wasn't before I was about to pursue the full-on sulking that I heard...

'8, 9, 10...hey MUM! Where is it? Where is 9 ¾'

I was on my feet determined to locate that voice, it seemed to belong to that of a small boy. It didn't take long to find him; he was the only other person, on the platform, with a trunk similar to mine. I say similar, but I could help but notice the gleaming polish that was covering every inch of it and the ornate gold lettering that read – James Potter.

I assumed he was quite tall for his age, his wild jet black hair did nothing but add to his lanky stature. As I approached I saw another just like himself, stand to his left and a woman with silky copper hair take his right. These, I guessed, were his parents. I felt a wave of jealousy ripple through me.

'James, patience is a virtue' spoke the lady with a voice as soft as summer rain. I thought now would be a good time to make them aware of my presence.

'Excuse me ...' I began, the lady turned to look at me with kind eyes. 'I was wondering if you could show me where Platform 9 ¾ is?' I asked.

'Of course, sweetheart' the lady smiled 'It's James' first time too. I'm Gwen* and this is my husband- Andrew*' I turned towards Andrew and James, even the blind would be able to notice their uncanny resemblance. I smiled.

'You look very alike' I said, i had never been one to conceal my thoughts.

'Thanks, I think,' James winked cheekily earning a smack upside the head from his father. I chuckled...

'My name's Ginny' maybe this won't be so bad after all.

* I made up James' parents names because I do not believe J.K Rowling ever mentions them. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.