Chapter One, On the Train
Max sighed into his hands. It had been a long year. He was sitting with his new English friends; Luna, Neville, and Ginny. Stevie was there as well, though she had simply appeared without comment. Max did not like to think about how everyone in this compartment was only important due to the fact that they knew people who actually were important.
He stared into the apartment next to his. Justin and Alex were together. They always were.
Justin, ever his older brother, was reading through some book. It was relatively small, and easily portable. Skull and crossbones were on the cover topped with a wizard's hat. Alex was lying down cat-like, twitching happily, and practically purring. But she was never content. Unfortunately, she was bored. After napping for half an hour, she arose in a curious mood. Justin acknowledged her briefly by adjusting her head on his lap.
It was not enough attention for her. Ever the third child, Max stayed silent while watching them interact. There was no room for him to make random comments anymore. Her head bobbed irritably. Justin readjusted himself to get her comfortable again. It still was not enough. She sat for a moment, and then sought something with which to amuse herself. The only thing nearby was Justin.
She drew her fingers along his hairline. It was not enough to get him to pay her more attention. A small growl popped out of her throat. She made her way to his neck, and tickled him.
Justin huffed, but encircled her face with his left hand. He stroked her cheek pacifying. That was enough for Alex- for now anyway.
Max turned his head to find Luna staring him in the face. Her glasses made her appear a bit bat-like, "Oh, I'm just an only child, but it must be so hard for you." He tried to play it off, but she seemed to be able to read minds, "You don't have to lie to me, we know."
Max looked around his compartment. Maybe he was around his peers, people considered losers, but at least they would be friends, "Let's exchange wand numbers."
The group pulled into the station late in the afternoon. The Russo family, or whatever they were, disembarked. Justin went off to talk to Harry and Ron. Alex had a large crowd of admirers, including a jealous Malfoy who took this opportunity to start a fight.
Although no one really noticed, a farewell was being made that would change the whole world. Max Russo was saying farewell to Ginny, Luna, and Neville. Little did they know it would be their efforts which would combat the forces of darkness for the next year.
Once the farewells were finished, advice transmitted, and final insults flung, the three siblings made their way to their parents. Theresa fussed over them. Jerry pulled Max aside for a talk. The boy went reluctantly, sensing something was wrong.
Justin turned to Alex, kissed her on the forehead, "I'll be right back." He walked away into the crowd and vanished.
Max watched his brother disappear forever.