The Japanese Conquest
Chapter Two
Going to School
The Hogwarts Express was sitting stationary on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Steam bellowed out of the huge train, shrouding parents and students, making it difficult to see much more than a few inches in front of you. The train departed at precisely eleven o'clock and the platform was already packed. Parents were kissing their children goodbye, telling them to wash behind their ears and to change their underwear regularly. This was no different for James Potter, who was there with his parents Harry and Ginny Potter and his younger siblings, Albus and Lily. James pulled back from his mum as she tried to wipe some dirt of his face.
"And you're sure you've got everything?"
"Yes Mum," James said, rolling his eyes, knowing full well his mother had been in his room after she thought he was asleep to check he was as packed as he had reported. Ginny pulled him in for what seemed to be a series of never ending hugs.
"We'll write regularly," Ginny said, flattening his hair automatically, even though it was as stubborn as his father's.
"And behave your self," Harry warned, pulling his son in for a hug too, mainly to rescue him from Ginny, who seemed to be searching her handbag for a comb.
"Like you did, Dad?" James replied cockily, pulling away.
Harry chuckled. "Well at least try." The family laughed a little.
"Say hello to Professor Longbottom," Ginny said as James said his farewells to his younger siblings. "If you're in Gryffindor then he'll be your head of house," she continued before pulling her son in for one final sloppy kiss.
"If I'm not in Gryffindor then I might leave," James said darkly, folding his arms.
"It doesn't matter what house your in… you'll still be our son," Harry said reassuringly.
James climbed up on to the train; his luggage was already stowed away in a compartment just behind him. A whistle sounded throughout the platform as students clambered on to the train, hanging out of the windows to say final goodbyes to their parents. Harry pushed to train door shut. James hung out of the window.
Lily was crying. "Why can't I go with James? He'd look after me. I want to go!"
"You're too young," Harry replied, picking his daughter up so she could hug James goodbye, still sobbing she let go and buried her face in Harry's shoulder. "Just a few more years, I promise.
"I'll write Lily, Once a week. A letter just for you." The train started to pull away. Ginny leaned up and placed a kiss on James cheek. The train picked up more speed so the Potters stepped back and began to wave frantically. James leant out of the window and waved back. Soon the train rounded a corner and his family were gone. He turned and entered his compartment, which was empty except for his stuff. He sat down and stared out of the window, so lost in day dreams that he didn't even hear the door open and a girl walk in.
"Is anyone sitting here?" James shook his head. "Well do you mind if I join you then?"
"Of course not," James replied, getting up to help heave her trunk up in to the luggage rack. She took the seat opposite James.
"James Potter," James said, holding out a welcoming hand, the girl took it and shook it firmly.
"Amber Newton." Amber had long, blond hair down to her waist, it wasn't tied up today, she had starling blue eyes were somewhat soothing to James. Not wanting to be rude he didn't stare, instead he transferred his gaze to the window. Slowly the pair began chatting. Soon they were in deep discussion about Hogwarts and what they hoped to learn, then conversation veered towards Quidditch. With Harry for a dad, it was hard not to passionately follow Quidditch, and one of the first birthday presents he properly remembered was a toy broomstick. He had got one of the real things a few years back, and practised as often as he could.
"It just seems a bit pointless to me," Amber stated, frowning. "I mean I know it's meant to be recreational but if we can't even play it freely because of muggles then what's the point?"
"What's the point in what?" The door had opened and standing in the doorway was a rather scruffy looking boy with straw-blond hair, set on his head in an almost thatched manner, and another, slightly taller boy with brown hair and glasses.
"Ted!" James said sounding rather excited. "We couldn't find you on the platform; Dad did look for you."
"Only just made the train," Ted replied, lowering himself in to the seat next to James as his friend took one next to Amber.
"Ted, this is Amber, she's a first year too." Ted held out a hand to Amber, who took it.
"This is Mark Johnston," Ted said, indicating his friend, "Mark, this is my Godfather's son James and his friend Amber."
"S'up?" Mark said in the way of a greeting. Soon the four of them were in conversation about life at home, life at Hogwarts and Quidditch once again.
Slowly it began to grow dark outside. James was staring out of the window as Mark impressed Amber by producing various coloured sparks from the tips of hiswands and making objects, such as James' jumper float several feet above the ground, and Ted screwed up his face, changing the appearance of his hair at will.
It happened so quickly that James didn't register what had actually happened. Running along side the train was a white, almost ghostly Stag. It kept up with their carriage briefly before disappearing once again. James assumed it must be a trick of the eye and thought nothing of it. As they drew closer to Hogwarts Ted and Mark went back to their carriage to change into their robes and James and Amber did the same. Sitting there in their black robes it suddenly dawned on James that he was going to start studying at Hogwarts; he was one step closer to becoming a trained wizard. The train began to pull into Hogsmeade Station and students began to make their way towards the various exits. James and Amber did the same. The night air was cool, a soft breeze ruffled Ambers long hair.
"This way first years please." A witch with a silver hat was standing against a wall as they drew closer they noticed she was wearing matching robes, a group of nervous looking first years were gathering around her.
"What about our luggage?" a small voice from the front piped up
"It will be brought up during the sorting." The crowds of students were thinning out on the platform so the witch continued, "If you will follow me please? Now Hagrid would've taken you across the lake but old age is something that even magic can't really solve so we'll be walking along the main path. I don't have Hagrid's way with boats and sailing, I'm afraid. Anyway, please do not wander off. Myself nor any member of staff have any desire to spend the night searching the Forbidden Forest looking for anyone." The group of new students followed the silver clad witch up the path, the occasional horseless carriage bumped past them carrying the last of the students up to the castle.
James walked alongside Amber, looking around. People were pointing things out, saying things like 'I think that tree moved' or 'I've heard the centaur herd in the forest is very angry with the groundskeeper.' It was during this walk that James noticed it for a second time, the ghostly white Stag trotting quickly past them, separated by trees and the metal railings that divided the school from Hogsmeade. As quickly as he'd noticed it, it was gone. The group suddenly let out a harmonious gasp. Reaching up towards the sky was a huge castle, its many turrets forming fingers, poking the stars in the sky.
"When we enter the castle you will be greeted by Professor Hornbeam; she will lead you into the main hall where the sorting ceremony will take place." The silver witch said; as she approached the huge oak front door swung open for them top enter. Standing on the centre of the large Hogwarts crest tiled into the floor was an elderly witch, her face showed no emotion. The first years seemed cautious to get to close to her.
"Right! I want two queues, the one on my left to be girls, the one on my right to be boys. Now!" She bellowed, her stern voice echoed through the entrance hall. James glanced at Amber as she made her way to the left hand queue. James entered the right hand line and hoped that all the teachers were not like Professor Hornbeam.
"Now let's get you sorted. Follow me, keeping your lines." She bellowed at them warningly, as the students started to converge again. She walked behind them, shepherding them onwards towards the Great Hall.
So now you've read, please review! There will be no more chapters till I get reviews! I would like some reviews. So until I get reviews the story ends here, folks!