Bella wove her way through the crowded train station, the many voices flowing around her. The British accents were like a soothing rain, and yet anxiety still pervaded her system. Three months ago, Bella had no idea that there was a whole other world and people there were like her. Three months ago she would have laughed at anyone who told her that she would be attending a school that taught magic, and jumping in during the last year. Three months ago the accident with Rafe hadn't happened.

She shook her head to rid herself of the horrible images that appeared at the thought of Rafe. She wouldn't allow the depression to take over today. Bella was starting new, with people that were like her. Maybe she would finally find someone who could understand.

If only she could find her way to Platform 9 3/4. Damn, she wished her parents were here. She spotted platforms nine and ten, and then the barrier between the two. Okay, all I have to do is lean against it. God I hope this works.

Leaning against the bricks, she felt a curious sensation, like sliding through really thick water, and then was facing a fire-red steam engine. People milled around and talked with one another, much like the train station on the other side of the magical portal, with one big difference. All these people were dressed as if they had popped out of the fantasy movies her mother was so fond of. Cloaks, robes, all sorts of foreign garments. Bella felt rather conspicuous in the salsa dress and stilettoes that she had chosen to wear (A/N: Hey, who said she was practical? And wouldn't that be conspicuous in the muggle world too?...).

The train whistle blew, and Bella realized that it was almost time for departure. She hurried toward the train and nearly ran over a kindly looking woman with vivid ginger hair.

"Oh dear! I'm sorry, wasn't watching where I was going. Are you all right dear?"

Bella nodded and gave the woman a reassuring smile. "Yes ma'am. It's my first time riding the Express, and I'm running a bit late. It was my fault."

The woman smiled back. "Yes, my children are headed off to school for the semester, but it seems that the youngest lost her pygmypuff while boarding, so I was off rounding up the little rogue. My name is Molly Weasley by the way."

Bella saw a small ball of blue fluff cradled protectively in the woman's arms. The whistle sounded again, warning of one minute before departure.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I have to go. I'd be happy to deliver him to his owner for you."

"Thank you, dear." The woman smiled gratefully and handed over the pet, which proceeded to crawl up onto her shoulder and bury himself playfully in Isabella's hair. She giggled as she and the woman rushed toward the train. "He belongs to my little girl, Ginny. She's the one with bright ginger hair, you can't miss her!" They were in an all out run as they loaded Bella's luggage into the luggage car and headed for the nearest entrance door.

To Bella's surprise, she was caught up in a hug just before jumping onto the train. "Thank you again!" The woman called as the train started to pull away from the station. Bella sent a dazzling smile and waved as the woman became smaller and smaller, eventually disappearing as the train wound down the track.

Bella went down the train aisles, looking in the compartments for the girl that matched the description of the pygmypuff's owner. In one of the last compartments, Isabella found several people in the car, consoling a girl with henna-colored hair.

"Don't worry, Gin. I'm sure Mum's found him and will take care of him until we can pick him up," A boy who looked like her brother said, awkwardly patting her back.

Isabella knocked gently and slid the door open. "Excuse me, but does this darling belong to you?" Bella coaxed the pygmypuff out from underneath her hair and held him out to the girl.

"Myrrdin!" The girl squealed happily as she scooped up the tiny creature and cuddled him close. The ball of fur let out a happy noise that sounded somewhere between a coo and a purr.

Before anyone noticed, Isabella slipped away to find a car that was a bit less occupied. She found that the very last car was completely empty and immediately stretched out and fell asleep. The gentle sway of the train lulled her into a land of dreams where a voice called to her from the dense foliage of the jungle.

She never heard the door slide open, never heard as three strangers entered the compartment and took a seat across from her, but in her dream the paradisaical jungle turned dark and dangerous.