Chapter 1

A family of five walked quickly along the narrow pathway of the platform. The fumes from the trains rose and billowed into the air. A small girl was skipping out in front, her face flushed with excitement as she reached a stretch of wall between platforms nine and ten. Unhesitantly, she ran through and on the other side viewing the familiar scarlet train of the Hogwarts Express through the bustling crowds of people. Students hung out of windows saying last farewells as exasperated parents shouted warnings and retrieved forgotten possessions at the last moment.

Moments later her two older brothers ran through each pushing his own trolley. James went straight to the train to unload his luggage. Just before he boarded he turned Lily with mishcevious grin plastered on his face.

"Hey Lil! Beware of Peeves," snickered James as he got on the train and went down to find his friends.

A slight look of anxiety crossed her face just as Albus spoke tor reassure her. "Don't worry too much as about Peeves. He's a nusiance to everyone and the Bloody Baron is the only one who can control him. Plus most of the other ghosts are extremely helpful."

When he saw Lily's expression relax he also headed to the train just as both their parents came through.

"Ready to go Lil?" asked Harry as he and Ginny loaded her luggage on the train.

"Absolutely!" chimed Lily. "I can't wait to go to Hogwarts! Is there really a ghost teacher? And are the feasts extremely luxurious? Is the gameskeeper really a giant?"

Harry chuckled in memory of the last question."He's half-giant sweetie but don't mention that too him. It's a rather sensitive topic. His name is Rubeus Hagrid but everyone calls him Hagrid. You should go visit him when you have time and tell him I say hi."

"Sure thing Dad," chirped Lily. " Can I go on the train and look for Hugo?"

"Yes darling," replied Ginny."Me and Dad will just be talking to your Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione over there."

Eagerly, Lily boarded the train and walked down the aisle, peering into the carriages looking for Hugo. At the near end of the train she found Hugo sitting in the carriage with Albus and Rosie. Just as she entered Albus and Rosie got up to leave.

"Hey Lil, we were just about to go another carriage. It's so great to see you again. I'll see you at Hogwarts," said Rosie. With Albus and Rosie walking down to their friends carriage, Lily sat down opposite to Hugo.

"So how you feeling Lil?" asked Hugo.

"Alright. I was really excited for the whole month but now that I am finally on the train I'm getting kinda nervous." At that moment the train let out a final whistle and slowly began its journey to the north. As Lily looked out the window she asked,"So how are you? How are things at home?"

"Oh you know the usual. Grandpa and Grandma Weasely did come by a few days ago. I think Grandma still doesn't think Dad can run things smoothley by himself with work and all."

"Ye, my Dad's been working pretty late too," said Lily wistfully as she stared outside the windows at the passing meadows of cows and sheep. And so they began the long journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.