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Platform Nine and Three Quarters
Remus Lupin stands at the edge of the crowd. Kids are darting around, yelling and screaming greetings to friends across the platform. Parents are shouting last minute reminders to their children. Owls are screeching and the train blows its whistle as if someone might have missed its huge red shape. The Hogwarts Express is leaving at 11 oÕclock sharp.
He stands there, one still form in the rush of people.
He dreamed without a chance that he would attend Hogwarts for years. Then the letter came. All summer he had gone about his usual activities with a ball of hope shining in his chest.
Now he is here and all he wants to do is run the other direction. How had he ever thought that he might fit in with these happy children? They have more joy today than he can remember having in years. Their faith in the world is overwhelming. The gap between them and himself is unsurpassably huge.
He looks at them and feels broken.
Two boys fly out of the mass and lean against the wall next to him. A yell carries through the people. The boys grin at each other victoriously as they attempt to look like they have been standing here all along.
ÒHey, whatÕs your name?Ó the boy with the messy dark hair asks, ÒIÕm JamesÓ. He smiles at Remus.
ÒIÕm Remus LupinÓ.
ÒHelloÓ says the other boy, ÒIÕm SiriusÓ.
ÒExcept heÕs not. EverÓ
ÒI am, too!Ó they spin off into a friendly argument somehow involving a drunken house elf, a cursed broom, and somebodyÕs Aunt.
Remus stared at the them. They crossed the gap separating him like it was nothing. They didnÕt even see it.
ÒHey, Remus, who do you favor for the Cup this year, the Dragons or the Warlocks?Ó
They look at him expectantly.
ÒEr, DragonsÓ, he get out.
ÒSee, I knew he was a good chap!Ó Sirius crows. James looks sheepish. ÒHave you put your stuff on the train yet? No? Come with us then, we got the one on the end. Do you have any money for snacks? My parents gave me lots, IÕm going to buy chocolate frogs until I find Bartleby, my collectionÕs almost completeÉÓ Sirius just goes on and on.
Remus looks at James in astonishment.
He nods ÒYep, your suspicions are correct. Sirius, Never, Shuts, Up!Ó
Sirius continues talking, and they escort him to their compartment. On the way they pick up a friendly little guy with a neat pet rat, Peter, he said his name was.
Remus looks out the window. The train to Hogwarts is about to leave.
In the background Sirius rattles about how they desperately need a cool name, James and Peter offer crazy suggestions.
ÒWhat do you think, Remus?Ó
Remus turns around and smiles to himself.
They are his pack and he will protect their innocence.