'Mum, gerroff,' James Potter said, wriggling out of his mother's grasp as she tried to smooth down his hair for what felt like the hundredth time.
'Oh, it just won't lie down!' she fussed, raking her fingers through it gently.
'Yes, Mum, I know. But I should be getting on the train now, shouldn't I?' he said hopefully, taking a half step away from his mother, while his father grinned at him.
'Well, yes, I suppose – oh, Lordy, it's five to eleven! Hop on quick, James, or all the compartments will be full!' she said quickly, staring at her watch. 'Wait, come here – oh, my little Jamie, off to Hogwarts already – oh, you're so grown up, my little boy –'
It wasn't possible for James to go any redder now, as a pretty young girl who looked around his age glanced over at him, being peppered with kisses from his mother. She was saying goodbye to her parents too, and was already dressed in her black robes. She smiled tentatively as he met her gaze but James, still scarlet, averted his gaze.
'It's okay, it's okay,' his father said to his mum, patting her on the back, and loosening her grasp on James. His mother now had tears in her eyes as she gazed at James. His father ruffled James' already messy black hair, ruining all noticeable attempts – made by his mother – to flatten it.
'Good luck, James. Don't get into too much trouble,' his father said, but when his mother fumbled for a tissue, he gave James a wink and a grin.
James grinned back. 'Yes, Dad. And Mum, don't worry, I'll be fine. Bye then!' he said, the words rushing out of his mouth. He edged backwards slowly, as his mother choked out 'Love you, Jamie,' and his father nodded at him, his eyes twinkling, then he whirled around, feeling free, ready to run full tilt towards the train.
However, he'd forgotten the girl.
He ran straight into her, almost knocking them both over, but she just stumbled into a sallow, stringy boy with dark, greasy curtains of hair framing his pale face, who caught her by the elbow.
'Sorry!' James gasped, once again glowing crimson. 'It – It's okay,' the girl mumbled. She was very pretty, James noticed, with wavy, dark red hair that came to her shoulders.
The sallow boy gently released her elbow and gazed at her. 'Are you sure, Lily?' he asked softly. 'Yeah, I'm fine, I said,' she answered uncomfortably.
The boy glared at James, and the intensity surprised him a little. James shot him a dirty look back, and with another apologetic glance at the girl – Lily – he made for the train.
He stopped just before climbing on, and waved at his parents, who waved back, his mother still sniffling, and his father still grinning.
He stepped onto the train, feeling excited. This was the start of James Potters' adventure, he knew it.
A/N Yeah, this is my first story. I hope you like it. Please review!
~Iced'Gemma