September, 1971

It Begins

James Potter smiled, pushed up his glasses, and stepped closer to his parents to give them a farewell hug. Sitting right behind him with steam blowing was the Hogwarts Express. James had never been this excited. He was finally going to Hogwarts! After all, it was all his parents talked about for the past few months of his life, ever since he got his letter.

His world felt surreal. His parents had been watching him for signs of magical power ever since he was born, and James demonstrated it not only once, but many times. His parents had been awed; they didn't know at the time how his fate determined the lives of so many others.

But on that day, the first day he stepped onto that platform, all James wanted was to make new friends and live at the castle. He wanted to be in the vicinity of one of the greatest wizards of all time, Albus Dumbledore. He wanted to embark on a new adventure. Yes, an adventure was just what James Potter needed. Maybe a bit of mischief mixed in wouldn't hurt either. He was going to enjoy Hogwarts. How could he not? Granted, he would miss his family, but he knew they would always be there for him.

"Now, send us an owl if you forgot anything," Mrs. Potter said, teary-eyed, as she released him. "Oh, and don't forget to change your underwear every night."

"Mum!" James groaned. "I know, I know. I'll be fine."

"Do well in your classes!"

"I know."

"Be a good student and don't get into trouble!"

"Mum! I know!"

"Oh goodness, your hair never does lie flat, does it?"

"No, mum, and you should know that having spent eleven years with me."

"Remember what Mr. Ollivander said, you wand is great for Transfiguration!"

"Yes, mum."

"I packed some extra galleons in your suitcase in case you need it!"

"Really? Thanks mum!"

"Heda will make you any food you like, don't forget!"

"I'm sure they have good food at Hogwarts, nice and nutritional, mum."

"Always change your underwear! I mean it!"

"Aw, geez, mum!"

"Send us frequent owls!"

"Mum, if you don't stop talking, I may never even get to Hogwarts!"

"Come on, honey. Let him go. Take care, James," Mr. Potter said, smiling encouragingly at his son. He clapped James on his back and James, smiling broadly, took his luggage and boarded the Hogwarts Express. His new robes swished behind him, and his new wand almost glistened. His trunk had his name engraved into it.

Before turning into the corridor to find a compartment, he looked out the open door once more to his parents. They waved at him, tears welling in their eyes, and he waved back, matching their tears.

"Remember, boy, You're a Black. First and foremost."

Sirius looked at his mother darkly, trying not to kick her. He hated them. He knew he hated them. They knew he hated them. And yet they were still on the Platform to say goodbye. Sirius knew why. It wasn't because they loved him. It was because they wanted to uphold the family name. Black. Sirius liked his last name less and less every day. Soon he would despise it more than Kreacher, their strange and insane house-elf.

"Yes mother," he said grudgingly.

His brother sneered at him.

Sirius would learn some good hexes to use on his family. He would make sure of that.

He was very excited at the prospect of going to Hogwarts. He actually jumped up and cheered when he heard of his letter, something he would never do under normal circumstances. It would mean time away from home, time away from his Dark-Arts infested parents and time away from everything that he hated so dearly. It would mean freedom. It would mean freedom make his own choices.

Ever since he walked through the solid wall to get on to the platform, all he wanted to to was get away from them. But no, they wouldn't let him go without having a little...talk, first.

Of course, there were some downsides to Hogwarts. His relatives, with the exception of Uncle Alphard and Andromeda, his favorite cousin, were constantly sneering "Slytherin, or else" in his ear. That was what his parents wanted, but he didn't care what they wanted. He wanted to give them nothing.

"Don't you dare go making friends with the filthy half-blood and mudbloods," his father hissed in his ear.

Sirius tried to look defiant.

"I have made arrangements," Mrs. Black sneered. "Dear Narcissa and Bellatrix shall be looking out for you this year. If there is any trouble, know that it shall be directly reported to us."

Great, Sirius thought. In addition to the stupid sorting I'm going to have two stupid girls to 'look out' for me.

"You are a Black. Blood traitors and anyone not of wizard lineage is not worthy. We are pure. They are dirt and scum. Go."

Sirius refrained from rolling his yes with difficulty. Honestly, being a Black did not make him royal, and if this life was a life of being royal, he'd rather have a life on the streets.

"Slytherin," his mother sneered at him as he turned for one last look, "or else."

No hugs. No good words. All he got was a threat. Empty as it was, as he looked around the platform with all the families, the loving families who cared, he couldn't help wanting to take the threat. He didn't care. He didn't care about pleasing them, only himself. He didn't give a damn about his so-called family, and he was sure that they didn't give a damn about him either.

Sirius would have loved to say, "or else what?" But refrained from doing so. His mind was too frazzled with their dark looks. He stared them straight in the eyes. With one last disgusted look at his mother, father, and stupid kid brother Regulus, he turned on his heels and stalked straight onto the Hogwarts Express.

He could not wait to get to the castle.

"Baby, you're going to have a great time at Hogwarts."

Remus Lupin looked up into the encouraging face of his mother. He smiled at her. Mrs. Lupin looked worried. Remus was so fragile looking compared to the rest. There was a big gash in his arm. Of course, him being a werewolf might have had something to do with it.

He remembered it like it was yesterday, the night that changed his life. He had been playing out in the woods. He had loved the woods, as it was a part of his home, and often went exploring. On that particular night, the moon was round and bright, glowing like a firefly in the dark. His mother and father had called for him to come in, but he was stubborn he wanted a couple more minutes. Just a couple more minutes. As he finally went toward the house, he had heard a menacing growl behind him. He had turned and looked into the sneering, blood-thirsty face of a fully grown werewolf, and had felt an extremely painful sensation on his arm as he tried to run far away.

He had heard himself scream, then all went dark.

The next morning he had woken up to find himself in St. Mungo's with a white cast. When he learned what had happened, he blamed himself. If only he had come in when his parents told him to...

Remus himself was worried now, standing on the platform a quarter to eleven. He was told in his letter to find Professor McGonagall in Dumbledore's office right after the sorting and the feast to discuss his… conditions. He felt grateful for them. He knew that his parents were so worried he wasn't going to get into Hogwarts. But he was going. He was going.

"I sure hope so."

Remus turned his head and looked at his father. He, too, smiled at Remus. "You're going to be great. Remember, make sure nobody except the teachers know about your condition. We really want you to go to school and take your education seriously."

Remus smiled back. He was extremely excited, but he was a nervous wreck. Of course he wasn't planning on telling anyone his condition. He had never gotten close enough to anyone. He was scared. He was scared that once they knew, they would abandon him. He could never live with himself if that happened.

"Don't worry about me," he said to his parents. "I'll take care of myself."

His mum looked close to tears. Remus smiled at her. He knew she was worried about him not being able to take care of himself. Usually, Remus had a family member talk to him outside the barred doors while he transformed. No one would do that for him at Hogwarts. He was alone.

And yet he wasn't scared. He had been learning to take care of himself for years.

Remus stepped onto the train, nervous. he knew he was one of the last on the train, and knew he would have some difficulty finding a compartment. As he walked down the corridors, he realized that almost all of them were full with people. Near the very back, he managed to find a compartment that was empty. He set his luggage down, and looked out the window, to where his parents were still standing, waving at him. Remus gave them one last look. Just one look, just that one look, was all he needed. It was all he needed to wash his doubts away. His parents standing there, giving him all their love and support, was all the reason he wanted to live, to make them proud of their son.

Peter Pettigrew turned and looked at his mom. Mrs. Pettigrew smiled back. They were silent, but silent without being awkward. They knew what each was thinking. Peter knew that his mom was very proud of him, proud that her son had gotten into Hogwarts, after showing nearly no signs of magic for years and years.

He knew that his father was less than impressed. Mr. Pettigrew always thought Durmstrang had the right idea. Peter's father was into the Dark Arts, though not as much since he married Peter's mother. He loved her. It was odd and he never dared to show it, but he did.

Mrs. Pettigrew looked intently at her son. She knew he was scared. Peter was not one to run in the limelight. He was always one to follow the crowd. She knew he was loyal. But he wasn't strong. She was worried about his classes, and him making new friends. She was worried about him in general.

"Bye, mum," Peter said softly, drifting away from her. She was all he had. His father didn't like him. He knew he would have to try and make her proud. He had to. There was nothing for it.

"Bye, Peter," Mrs. Pettigrew said, just as softly.

Peter dragged his luggage up the train stairs. He knew his mother would be waiting for him to return at Christmas. The sooner he got on the train, the sooner he would be able to see her again. He waved one last time, then continued down the halls to find a compartment.

"Are you sure this is the place, mum?" Lily asked nervously.

"Positive, dear," Mrs. Evans said, smiling at her daughter. "We've checked the map eleven times already."

"I know," Lily said sheepishly. "I just wanted to be sure."

Mr. Evans parked the car, and helped Lily drag her suitcase onto the train station. Petunia was sitting in the back seat of their car, looking extremely sulky. She didn't want to come see Lily off, but Mr. Evans had made her come. Lily determinedly looked away from her sister.

"Got your ticket?" Mrs. Evans asked.

Lily nodded. It was clutched tightly in her hand. She didn't want to look at it right now.

"Alright then," Mrs. Evans said cheerfully. "Come on Petunia, out of the car. It's time to go!"

Petunia shot her an angry look but grudgingly got out of the car, slamming the door shut once she was out.

"Alright, follow me," Lily breathed as she walked into the station. As she arrived at platform one, Lily looked at her ticket for the first time. Her brows furrowed. "What?" she said aloud. "Nine and Three-Quarters? Does that even exist?"

Trying to shake off a terrible feeling of disappointment that this might just be a hoax, Lily dragged her luggage down the platforms of the station... platform Seven...platform Eight...platform Nine...platform Ten. Lily looked to the stations, surprised. Where on earth was platform Nine and Three-Quarters? "You all wait here," she instructed her parents, who were still trying to pry Petunia out of the car.

She looked at her ticket again to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. "Aw geez," she said angrily, stamping her foot. "Great, this stupid platform doesn't even exist!" Her hair whipped behind her as she looked around for Severus...he would know how to get on...but she couldn't find him anywhere.

Still with a glimmer of hope left, Lily went to the nearest worker there. "Excuse me, sir," she said.

"Oh, hello," the worker said, smiling at her. "Do you need something?"

"I was just wondering if you could tell me where Platform Nine and Three-Quarters was," Lily breathed.

He stared at her. "Nine and Three-Quarters," he repeated.

"Yes."

He began to laugh heartily, and Lily furiously glared at him. "This is not a joke, sir! I am completely serious!"

The worker just kept on laughing, and laughed so hard that he clutched his stomach and had to lean against the wall for support. "Nine and Three-Quarters," he gasped in laughter. "Hilarious!"

Fed up, Lily stormed away, her trunk rattling after her. "Jerk," she muttered under her breath.

Though only eleven, people had always told Lily that she was temperamental, stubborn, but strong-willed. Now, she felt that break down. She didn't have any muggle money left with her, there was no one she knew around to help her, her sister hated her, and she was going to miss her train. Lily didn't feel like trying anymore. She sat down and leaned against her suitcase, trying not to cry. She couldn't face her parents...all this had seemed so real! And where was Severus? He promised he would show her around!

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Lily turned around and saw a dark-haired, brown-eyed girl smiling down at her. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Not really," Lily said, trying not to sound too grumpy. "I can't find the platform I'm supposed to be on."

"Is that it?" the girl said. "Maybe I can help."

"I don't think you can," Lily said apologetically.

"Come on, let's see," the girl said, smiling. "What have you got to lose?"

Lily paused, then handed the girl her ticket. The girl surveyed it, and her eyes widened in surprise. "You're a witch too!" she whispered excitedly.

At those words, Lily jumped up, all sadness forgotten. "Are you serious? You're a witch?"

"Yep," the girl nodded proudly. "And by the ticket, you are too!"

"So this Hogwarts...we're really going?"

"Heavens yes!" the girl laughed. "It's the most famous wizarding school...ever! My dad went there! Come on, I'll show you where the platform is."

"Okay, hold on a minute," Lily said. "Mum! Dad! Tuney! Over here!" She beckoned to her family and didn't look at Petunia. They came over, looking at the dark-haired girl apprehensively.

"Right," the girl said, unperturbed, as the group arrived at the wall between platforms Nine and Ten. "All you have to do is head straight for that wall. Don't stop, and don't be nervous. You'll pass straight through. My father did this many, many times as a kid. Don't you dare worry."

"Are you sure about this?" Mr. Evans cut in.

Instead of looking offended, like Lily expected, the girl laughed. "I take it you're muggle-born?" she asked Lily.

"Yes," Lily said tentatively.

"Trust me, sir," the girl smiled. "I'm dead sure. She's not going to crash."

"Okay," Lily said nervously, looking back at her parents. "Here goes nothing." She closed her eyes, positioned her trunk, and ran straight toward the wall. She hoped with every fiber of her body that she wouldn't break a bone from doing this, if it was all a dream...but she never felt anything. She opened her eyes... and there it was. The Hogwarts Express, in all its gleaming glory. Her jaw dropped to the floor.

"Amazing, isn't it?" the girl beamed from behind her.

"Very," Lily said, still in awe.

"If your parents trust me, they'll be through in a minute," the girl laughed.

"Yes, thank you so much!" Lily said earnestly.

"Glad to be of help," the girl responded, doing a little mock bow. "I suppose I'll see you at Hogwarts, then?"

"Of course," Lily smiled. "Oh, wait, I didn't catch your name...?"

"I'm Marcella Greenwald," the girl said, smiling. "You are?"

"Lily Evans."

"It was very nice to meet you, Lily Evans," Marcella said, eyes sparkling. Lily watched as she walked away down the platform.

Excited again, Lily turned around to face the wall again and saw Petunia come through, eyes narrowed, and her parents trotting along, awed. Behind them, she saw Snape, along with a woman she immediately assumed to be his mother. "Sev!" Lily said, laughing, and ran up to hug him. "Oh, I can't believe it, we're finally here!"

"Yeah," Snape said, looking a bit dazed as she let go of him. "So you found the platform okay?"

"A girl named Marcella helped," Lily grinned. "I'm so excited, Sev!"

"Me too," Snape said as he teetered on his feet a bit. "So...d'you want to get on the train?"

"Hold on a minute, I'll go say goodbye to my parents," Lily said. She walked toward her family. Her mother and father were apparently entranced by the platform, but Petunia stood there, looking sulky. She glared at Lily as Lily pushed her trunk toward them.

Snape watched at a distance, tuning out everything his mother was saying to him, staring at Lily conversing with Petunia. Something seemed to be wrong with them; Lily was looking defensive, then she half-glanced at him. Petunia was looking thunderstruck, and finally screamed something at Lily, and walked away, her parents following her, half-waving goodbye to Lily and trying to calm Petunia down.

Lily was so angry distracted that she forgot to go back for Snape. With one hand on her trunk, she angrily flung it up onto the nearest open train door, shoved it inside, and proceeded to climb onto the train, her body shaking slightly. Within a moment, Snape watched her disappear.

"Bye," he muttered to his mother, and watched her disappear through the brick. Then, with one hand on his dirty, small black trunk, he ran to the door Lily had gone through, pushed his trunk up, and proceeded onto the train.