Hello dear wanderer!! I see you have stumbled upon a fragment of my imagination. I've never actually published a story, so here's my attempt at one :) I'd appreciate any constructive criticism from y'all, but mostly, I hope you enjoy reading!!


Chapter 1

"... remember to bring honour to the Ancient and Noble of Blac… the heir to the family…" ignoring the grating voice of my dear mother, I scoured my eyes over the train station, taking in all the sights, scents and sounds of the overcrowded platform. Never in my life have I ever seen such raucous energy in one place. Suddenly, I pick up the tap tap tap of my mother's expensive pearl shoes as my heart goes thump thump thump, increasing with each unrelenting tap. With my spine stiffening, eyes clear of any sentiment, I turned to stare at my mother's gaze, resisting the impulse to recoil as her sharp eyes bore into mine. Her glare deepens as stormy grey meets an identical pair, yet fragile and young. As stoically as I can muster, I respond, "I vow to bring the honour and pride desired by the Noble and Ancient house of Black." Still, her eyes threaten to completely shred my resolve apart. But thankfully, the telltale whistle and the clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks signify the appearance of the scarlet train. Yet, I hold the gaze for a moment longer, until she glances aside. I follow her gaze to the family near us, the Potters.

I was their son's age, but I've been explicitly told time and time again to stay away from them. The boy was dancing away from his mother, who was trying to flatten his cowlicks to no avail. The Potter patriarch stood to the side, chuckling at their antics as he took in the scene. I felt a strange pang in my chest, filled with an odd combination of jealousy, awe, rage and wonder. It must've been evident on my face, because I felt a small tug on my sleeve. My brother was furiously shaking his head, eyes widened in alarm. Quickly resolving myself, I strode forward, past the laughing Potters and confused mudbloods and stepped upon the train, never looking back. I could hear the house-elf, Tolly, lugging my trunk behind me as I headed towards the back of the crimson train.Tolly stumbled in behind me, and tucked in my trunk and promptly disappeared. Sneaking a look outside, I glimpse my brother staring at me, while my parents snidely glare at the befuddled mudbloods. Making sure my mother isn't looking, I attempt a small smile and wave despite the anxious nerves bubbling in my stomach.

A loud SLAM reverberated through my ears, and the large whistle of the engine nearly drowned a hasty apology. A boy, who looked no older than me, pressed his face against the window as he frantically waved his hand to someone, presumably his family. As he made a complete fool of himself, I gained time to recompose myself. The boy was no taller than me, and his clothes, while casual, had an expensive air to them. But it was the hair- no, it can't even be called that, stuck up in every which way, that gave him away.

James Potter. The very person I was told to stay away from the beginning. A strange snap snap sound entered my ears, and it was then I realised he caught me staring. A wave of uncomfortable dread filled throughout my body. I gave him a small smile, (which probably looked more like a grimace,) and I looked away, stoically as possible, which I probably look like a toad whilst doing so. As I blankly stared at the endless trees and shrubs passing by, I kept an eye on him to gauge his reaction. His brow furrowed, as if he was in deep thought. Probably trying to see where he knows me from. Slowly, a grin lit up his face, and he stuck out his hand. "I'm James. James Potter"

I stared at his outstretched hand, unable to comprehend what's happening. My mind was reeling. If I were to acquaint him, I would disgrace my entire house, my entire family, my entire future. My mother would go absolutely ballistic if she found out. I could be disowned. And if I was disowned, then there would be no one to protect little Reggie. Little Regulus, all alone, left with my family, if I could even call them that. I took the brunt of it while I was there, but what about him? What happens to him, now that I'm no longer there to watch over him? I started tearing up. What is wrong with me?! Why am I crying in front of a total stranger? What if-

I felt a hand hovering over my shoulder. Well, I've fucked up. He's going to hit me. Or maybe he just thinks I'm way too stupid. I mean, imagine the heir of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black crying? I probably look so stupid right now.

"Wait… you have allergies too?" He probably hates me no- what. Allergies? I started tearing up in front of this guy and he blames allergies? I looked up, trying to gauge his reaction, to see a twitch in a muscle to see if he was taking the mickey out of me, but to no avail. He's either a brilliant actor or the most naïve person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Well, at least I've got a way out. "Uh yeah haha."

Then I realised that in his out-stretched hand held a tissue. I took it gratefully, and blew my nose, wiping my eyes discreetly. Suddenly, the door opened, and a young lad pushing a trolley of sweets appeared beside us. The boy looked no older than either of us, even pale and sickly. But his sandy hair glistened in the sunlight, making it seem as if he had a halo floating upon his locks.

He just stared out of our window, not meeting either of our eyes. I was confused, but it seems as if Potter understood. "We'll take the lot," he said, offering a fistful of coins; galleons, knuts, sickles alike.

The boy's eyes widened, and he scrambled to practically shove off all the candy on the trolley. It was almost comical until I noticed the softening of Potter's eyes. Just what the hell is happening here? Taking up the money Potter held in his outstretched hand, he started counting. After getting through about a third, he shoved the rest back to Potter, but my friend, is he my friend? blimey, I have an actual friend. But what if- shut up Black and focus, is looking at me? His eyes were a deep chocolate brown, almost brown if not for the hazel shining through. I didn't know what to do, but Potter was staring intently at me. It wasn't like the one my mother gave me, sharp and cold and criticising. This one's much more warm, in a way, as if it was urging me to do the right thing. I gave a curt nod. With that, thankfully, I felt his stare dissipate. "We've too much money and nothing to do with it. Take it, and once you're done, come sit with us, alright? Don't bail out on us after giving us all this candy."

And with that final statement, Potter winked at the poor, flabbergasted boy. He helplessly looked at me, but I could only shrug in response. This train ride was going the opposite of what I imagined it would. Maybe it'll be smooth sailing from now. Or maybe I just jinxed it.


So, how'd you like it? If you could, please let me know. If not, then I appreciate you coming across this, and I hope you continue to come back for more! See y'all soon!!