Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter. OpenBookLina owns chapters 1-11 and Sara, David, Marcus, Kiera, and Izzy. Story originally by OpenBookLina.

Chapter 6

"Happy Birthday Sara!" Jon and Sophia sang as Sara took a deep breath and blew out all the candles on the cake. Jon and Sophia clapped as Sara smiled. Sophia had fixed up Sara's favorite Cinnamon Swirl Cake, covered with sweet white icing, and green letters spelling out Happy Birthday Sara on the started pulling out all eleven candles from the cake while Sophia went over to the cupboard to get them some plates.

"What did you wish for Sara?" asked Jon.

"I can't tell you Papa, or it won't come true!" Sara said with a sly smile. Jon chuckled as Sophia came back with the plates. After it was all sliced up, the three of them made their way to the dining room, where they took a seat and ate their cake. Sara was still marveled at everything they had accomplished today. She had everything she needed for school, and now she was spending a splendid birthday night with her Papa and Nana. The other end of the dining room table was laden with brightly colored birthday gifts, all wrapped and topped with big fluffy bows and ribbons. Sara told Jon and Sophia they didn't have to. Everything they had gotten her at Diagon Ally was good enough for her, but they waved her protests aside. Sara ate her warm, delicious cake, the Cinnamon melting in her mouth.

"Thank you so much Nana, it's great," Sara said.

"You're welcome dear," said Sophia. "I'm glad you had a good time today."

"Me too," said Sara.

"I'm glad Mr. Weasley was there to help us out," said Jon. "Although I've never met anyone who was so interested in Muggles."

"You two seemed to get along well though Jonathon," pointed out Sophia.

"He's a good chap," said Jon. "Plus, I think I'll need someone to talk to while Sara's away."

"Honestly Jonathon, you need to make yourself some friends," said Sophia, rolling her eyes. Sara busted out laughing, nearly choking on her cake. Jon only chuckled again, and continued eating.

Once everyone was finished with their cake, it was time to open presents. Sara eagerly took the first box into her hands and unwrapped it. Jon and Sophia watched with smiles on their faces as Sara opened each and every one of her presents with glee, taking joy as her entire face lit up and she would leap into their laps and hug them tightly every time. For her birthday, Sara got some jewelry, a journal, a stack of books, a music box, movies, clothes, new shoes, a wristwatch, and a brand new camera. It was the camera that made Sara squeal with delight and nearly tackle Jon out of his seat. Sara's number one pleasure in life was taking pictures. She loved how cameras captured one single moment, preserving it forever. It was the perfect tool for saving memories. The very first disposable cameras Jon had ever gotten her were used up the very next day, and she begged him to get them developed as soon as possible. When she is older, Sara wanted to become a professional photographer and have her very own studio. This camera was the perfect gift, for it had film, and she could use it at Hogwarts! Sara expressed her gratitude by smothering Jon's face with kisses.

Not even five minutes after opening all her gifts, Sara was already having tons of fun with her camera, taking pictures of nearly every little thing she saw. She took pictures of her and Jon, and Sophia as she was drinking some late night tea. After about a half hour or so, Jon looked over at the clock on the wall and saw that it was almost ten thirty at night, and said that it was time for bed. Just as Sara was about to protest, she was suddenly cut off by a large yawn and didn't even bother arguing. Giving hugs to Jon and Sophia, Sara sleepily shuffled her way up the stairs to her room. Once she was there, she got into her night clothes and sat down cross-legged on her bed, where her owl was sitting. Sara gently stroked his soft feathers as she smiled at him. She had decided to name him D'Artangan, after a character from one of her favorite books, The Three Musketeers. D'Artangan certainly lived up to his name; he was so full of spunk and excitement. Sara was pretty sure if D'Artangan was face to face with an Eagle, he would still try to pick a fight. However, when he wasn't flying around like a lunatic, he was soaking up all of Sara's affection, sitting perfectly still when Sara would pet him.

Sara watched as he nibbled her fingers, staring at her with his large dark eyes. All of Sara's books were stacked neatly on her desk, and she was already reading one of them, Quidditch Through the Ages. Her robes were all hung up in her closet, and the rest of her equipment stood against the far wall next to the door. Today had been such a wonderful day, one of the best birthday's she's ever had. She couldn't believe she was going to Hogwarts in just a little over a month. Just a little longer and she'll be in a place she's always dreamed of going to, learning magic with people like her. It was almost impossible to comprehend.

Do you think we're ready?" she asked D'Artangan. He gave her a feeble hoot and nibbled her fingers again.

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One Month Later

Sara woke up extremely early, around seven or so, and the very first thing she did was look at her calendar. September first…today's the day! Sara's smile stretched so wide it could probably to reach across the Atlantic. She jumped out of bed and leaped high into the air, punching it with her fist. Now she was definitely wide awake, and going back to sleep was the last thing on her mind. She spun around in a circle a few times, giggling to herself, feeling as light as a feather and as merry as a school girl. Once she stopped spinning, Sara pulled her trunk to the middle of the floor, popped it open, and began packing all of her books and other equipment. Still smiling, Sara neatly folded her robes, stacked them in a pile, and placed her cauldron in the corner. When she had everything she needed for school packed, she stood up and started searching her room for some of her own personal things. Sara grabbed her necessities, such as her toiletries, hair brush and things like that. Then she took her sketchbook, pencils, camera, photo albums, a few of her own books, a couple pictures, her glass figurines, and her own day clothes for the weekends.

After placing the last few things in her trunk, Sara closed the lid and snapped it shut. She suddenly heard a sharp tapping on her window and looked up to see D'Artangan standing outside on her window ledge. Sara got to her feet and went over to the window to open it for him.

"There you are D'Artangan," said Sara as he flew into the room. "I was afraid you wouldn't get back in time."

D'Artangan did a couple laps around the room and then he landed on Sara's shoulder, brushing his wing against her cheek. Sara giggled again, then she held out her hand to him. He stepped onto it and then Sara walked him over to his cage, placing him inside before closing the door and locking it shut. Going back to the window, Sara saw the first signs of early morning start to appear. The sky was becoming much lighter now, a periwinkle was starting to mix in with pink and gold clouds. The air was fairly warm, and Sara could see the paper boy beginning his rounds on the sidewalk below. Closing the window, Sara went over to her dresser to find an outfit for today. She settled on a pair of capri jeans, navy blue sandals, and a baby blue, quarter sleeve shirt, with silver stars stitched across the front. While she put on her sandals, Sara reached over to her bedside table for her necklace. Once she had it on, she pulled her hair back into a loose pony tail and left the room. She quietly went downstairs, careful not to wake up Jon or Sophia. However, when she reached the bottom of the stairs and walked through the living room to the kitchen, she found Jon already sitting at the table.

"Morning sweetheart," Jon said as she came in. "I thought you might be up this early."

"Morning Papa," Sara said. She walked over to the table and settled herself into Jon's waiting arms. He held her for a long moment, kissing the side of her head. A pinch of sadness started leaking its way into Sara's heart. No matter how excited she was to go to school, she cannot deny it will be extremely difficult to say goodbye to Jon when the time came. It would be hard getting used to not seeing him every day, hear him in the kitchen in the morning, preparing them breakfast, and seeing her off to her old Muggle school. Sara tried not to think of the time when she would have to say goodbye to him for the next few months. They held each other for a few more minutes before separating. Jon gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"How about I make you some chocolate chip pancakes?" he said. "We're not leaving until about nine, and Mr. Weasley's going to meet us at the station."

Sara nodded, then she went to take a seat at the table while Jon got up. About twenty minutes later, the house was full of the smell of pancakes and burnt chocolate, and the delicious scent must have awakened Sophia, because just as Jon was getting ready to serve, she came strolling into the kitchen, clad in her pale blue nightgown, her eyes itching with tiredness, but a warm smile on her face. After saying good morning to Jon and Sara, she set the table for all of them, laying out an old tablecloth she had made when Sara was just a toddler. It was scarlet red with golden trimmings. Sara loved it because it was Gryffindor colors. Helping her Nana set the table, she took a whiff of the pancakes and her stomach started to growl and rumble. Jon brought over the plate with the leaning towers of hot cakes to the table. Sara sat back down in her chair and took the first two pancakes while Jon went to get the syrup.

"So are you excited about today?" Sophia asked her.

"I can't wait!" Sara said happily.

"Do you have your pocket change for the train?"

"Yup, it's in my trunk."

"That's a good girl," Sophia said as Jon came back to the table and took his seat next to Sara. While they all began eating their breakfast, a silence fell between them. Sara wondered how she would be eating her meals at Hogwarts. She knew all meals took place in the Great Hall, but she didn't know who cooked them. Magic or no magic, she highly doubted anything could beat Jon's pot roast. She drowned all of her cakes in sticky syrup, and started eating, a little slower than usual. She knew this was the last breakfast they would be spending together for a while, and she wanted to make the best of it.

"Do you know what classes you have?" Jon asked her.

"Not yet, I only know a couple of the basics," said Sara. "I know about Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Charms. I'm actually looking forward to Charms, I think that will be my favorite."

"Really? How so?" asked Jon.

"I just think it's a very interesting and fun subject," said Sara. "I want to learn how to do charms like what Nana did to my door."

"Charms was fairly simple for me when I was in school," said Nana. "Maybe it will be simple for you too. All of your classes will come in handy for when you are older. Did you read any of your books?"

"Yeah, I read all of them," Sara stated proudly. "They were all very fascinating, especially Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Most of the creatures in that book are ones I've never even heard of! Are there any Unicorns at Hogwarts?"

"I'm sure there are," said Jon. "They were your mother's favorite creatures. Whenever she got detention in the forest she would wander off to find some. Now don't you get any ideas."

"I won't Papa," Sara giggled. "I promise. Papa…will you be okay?"

"I'll be fine darling," Jon reassured her. "There's no doubt I will miss you, every single day, but I will be happy knowing you are at a good school and that you will be comfortable there. I'd rather you learn magic properly, and you can tell me everything about what you've learned once you come back for the Christmas vacation. I always knew this day would come, although sometimes I wish it hadn't. I'm very happy for you Sara. I love you."

"I love you too Papa," said Sara softly. "I'm really going to miss you too."

Jon leaned over and gave her a tender kiss on top of her head while Sophia smiled at them.

"You don't need to worry sweetheart, I'll drop by as often as I can to keep your father company," she said. "Now, best you eat up all your breakfast, and make sure you have all of your things packed up before we leave."

"Okay," said Sara, going back to her food. It didn't take her much longer to eat her pancakes, and when she was done, she washed her dishes and then headed upstairs to make sure she had everything. She looked around her room, double checking to make sure she had everything she needed. Convinced she had everything, Sara grabbed her trunk and suitcase, heading downstairs to put them in the living room before she went back up to get D'Artangan. While she brought him downstairs, she heard the doorbell ring.

"I'll get it," Sara said, already knowing who it was. She quickly walked down the last few steps, put D'Artangan's cage on top of the sofa, and went over to the front door, opening it to reveal Mr. Weasley's cheerful face.

"Good Morning Sara," he greeted.

"Good Morning Mr. Weasley," Sara said, stepping back to let him inside. "How are you?"

"I'm quite well, thank you," he said as he came into the front hall. "Are you excited?"

"Definitely!" Sara said with the largest of smiles. Mr. Weasley chuckled at her as Jon and Sophia came out of the kitchen.

"Mr. Kanebridge!" Mr. Weasley exclaimed. "Good to see you again, and you too Mrs. Macino."

"Good to see you too Mr. Weasley," Jon said extending his hand. While Mr. Weasley shook his hand, Sophia left to go get changed for the day. When she came back downstairs and everyone was all set, Jon and Mr. Weasley grabbed Sara's baggage while she carried D'Artangan's cage out to the car.

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Sara was literally bouncing with joy as they all made their way across the lobby at King's Cross Station, pushing along the cart that had all of Sara's things in it, with D'Artangan perched on top. She was almost skipping as she walked, her spirits so high they could probably burst through the ceiling. Together the four of them made their way through the station, passing through the herd of people, looking for platforms nine and ten. Mr. Weasley and Jon were once again engaged in conversation, and Sara's heart was beating excitedly while she pushed her cart. After making many turns down different ramps, they finally found the platforms they were looking for. While they all walked down platform nine, Sara stared around at all the Muggles that were walking past her. It was amazing to her that none of them knew there was a secret doorway leading to another world right under their noses. They all continued walking until they came to the middle of the platform, where Mr. Weasley led them over to a thick and tall stone built column that was separating the platforms.

"Okay now Sara, what you need to do is head straight for the wall," said Mr. Weasley as he stood next to her. "I will go through with you and your father and grandmother will follow us. You ready?"

"Yes," said Sara, bracing herself for whatever might happen. Mr. Weasley placed one hand on the cart and the other on Sara's shoulder, and then they started walking towards the column. Soon they broke out into a sprint and just as they were right in front of the wall, Sara closed her eyes, half expecting to just crash right into it. However there was no collision, and when she opened her eyes again, an incredible sight met her eyes.

It was a brightly lit station, with an enormous crowd of people standing around a scarlet steam engine that read The Hogwarts Express at the front. The air was filled with steam and the sound of excited children who were boarding the train. Sara took in everything around her with the outmost enthusiasm. She suddenly felt a different hand on her shoulder and she turned around to see Jon standing behind her with Sophia. She smiled at him and he smiled at her in return.

"My God, it feels as if nothing has changed at all," said Sophia, gazing at the train. "It's like I was just here yesterday with your mother."

"Come on, let's get your stuff on board," said Jon, his voice a little low. They followed the line of carts down until they came towards the middle of the train. Sara grabbed D'Artangan's cage so Jon and Mr. Weasley could take hold of her trunk and suitcase. A porter in a red and black uniform came out of the train and offered his assistance. Together all three men were able to lift the trunk onto the cart, along with D'Artangan and the suitcase as well. After Jon thanked the porter for his help, the reality of everything that was going on suddenly hit Sara like a wrecking ball. She fully realized what was happening and where she was going. She also realized it was only mere minutes before she was away from home…away from Jon. She hung her head so her hair fell over her face, and she could feel her eyes begin to water. After about a minute, she saw Jon's hand come out of nowhere and gently lift her face up until it was level with his, for he had gotten down on one knee in front of her. Without hesitation, Sara threw herself at him, latching her arms around his neck. Jon held her tightly against him, as if he never wanted to let go.

"I love you so much Papa," she mumbled into his shoulder, a few tears slipping from her eyes.

"I love you too sweetheart," he said. "More than anything in the world. I want you to have fun okay? And don't forget to write."

"I won't," Sara said. Reluctantly, they broke out of their embrace and Jon wiped away her tears. As he stood to his feet, they heard the sound of the whistle being pierced through the air, and another porter was walking down the train, yelling a five minute warning for passengers to get on board.

"You have to get on dear," Sophia said softly. Sara went over to her and gave her a tight hug, inhaling her spicy scent.

"I love you Nana," Sara said.

"I love you too Sara," Sophia said, returning the hug.

"Have fun Sara," said Mr. Weasley.

"Thank you Mr. Weasley," said Sara. "For everything."

Mr. Weasley nodded at her. When Sara let go of Sophia, she turned to face the train, grabbed the railing, and hoisted herself up. She automatically opened the first window on the left so she could see Jon. When she had it open, she stuck her arms and head out while Jon came over. He took one of her hands and softly kissed the back of it. They took a moment to look at each other and Jon pulled a strand of hair out of her face, smiling.

"I love you my little Sara-bee," said Jon. "Always."

"Love you Papa," Sara said. At that moment, the train whistle blew again and Sara could hear the engine start to kick to life. The wheels on the train slowly started to move forward, and Sara refused to let go of Jon's hand. Jon walked alongside the train, and as it began to pick up speed, their arms started stretching further and further apart. Soon enough, the train began moving too fast for Jon to follow and Sara hand slipped out of his fingers. Sara waved at Jon, Sophia and Mr. Weasley as she moved further down the track, watching them grow smaller. Then the train rounded a corner, leaving the station, and they fell out of sight.