Petunia had stepped through a wall. A solid, brick wall.

In a train station.

The travel via fire should have prepared her for all things magic, but somehow this had left a deeper impact on Petunia's mind because it was just so easy. No incantation, no magical powder or flames, simply taking a step.

A few measly steps and she was standing in the wizard's world. A huge steam-engine locomotive in the background was clouding the air with small puffs of smoke, its red exterior as eye-catching as its size. Children of all ages clogged the space around the locomotive, carrying owls and cats and huge trunks. While some were dressed normally, others were wearing long black robes underneath their coats, with differently coloured ties.

It was so loud and clustered, Petunia started to feel slightly claustrophobic.

Her parents didn't seem overwhelmed in the slightest. They'd probably been here and seen it all already when they sent Lily back at the end of August.

Her mother smiled at Petunia. "We'll go and see if we can find Lily."

Petunia just nodded in response, having no desire to brave the human chaos for her sister. She watched her parents being swallowed by the crowd which felt like it was slowly sloshing towards her as well.

Deciding to get an overview, Petunia stood on her tiptoes. She was thin but very tall for her age, so this actually allowed her quite a wide field of vision. But though she would never admit it, her eyes weren't searching for flaming red hair. It was difficult to spot anyone in the mass of people, especially as more and more students poured from the steam engine. Petunia was forced to step further and further back, but couldn't escape the chaos completely.

Gold flashed in her peripheral vision and Petunia turned, her eyes roaming the crowd. Had she imagined it? Her feet took a few steps without her conscious thought, moving in the direction she had seen it. People flowed around her and blocked her view, a mass of black robes and screeching pets.

Petunia paused in the midst of people, realising that she was sticking out like a sore thumb in her powder-blue scarf and brown coat. Everyone was dressed similarly, carrying luggage and cages … except for her. She obviously didn't belong here. What was she even doing? Why was she hoping …

Someone bumped into her because of her sudden stop and Petunia couldn't find her balance in time. Pitching forward she extended her arms, but her face smashed into a black-covered chest before she could catch herself.

Petunia tried to breath through the small fright her fall had given her, her nose filling with a warm and comforting scent. She should get up and apologise immediately, but while she lifted her head, an all-too familiar voice sounded above her: "Well, this is quite an enthusiastic greeting."

Petunia froze.

"Wow, I never had someone throw themselves at me," a new voice sounded, the tone quite gleefully.

The anger of humiliation burned through Petunia's veins and she quickly stepped as far back as the packed crowd allowed. Eugene was standing in front of her, golden hair as tousled as last time and wearing the same school uniform as everyone else with a new dark-blue scarf wrapped around his neck. He was flanked by two unfamiliar boys, one tall and pudgy with dark hair, the other with a smattering of freckles and flaming red hair.

Petunia realised the ginger had been the one talking when he continued: "Teach me your tricks."

"It's a trade secret." Eugene didn't look at his friend, instead focusing on Petunia. "Didn't think I would meet you here, Petals."

Petunia forced her frozen lips to move. "Me neither."

His red-haired friend pulled a face. "Petals?"

Honing in on him, Petunia let her voice chill a few degrees. "And who might you be? I quite dislike anyone calling me by that name, so I ask you to stop."

Eugene laughed, not at all put off by her rude attitude. "These are my friends, Bilius Weasley and Frank Longbottom. Guys, this is Petunia Evans."

The tall boy named Frank gave a polite smile, revealing quite prominent teeth. "Nice to meet you."

The one called Bilius nodded. "Yeah, nice to meet you. So how do you two know each other? I've never seen her around Hogwarts or anywhere really."

"I don't see how my matters are any of your business," Petunia responded. Truthfully, she felt unsettled by the whole situation and reacted with cold condescension, the way a hedgehog would start prickling everything around it when it was intimidated. The redhead's questioning might lead to the reveal of her identity as a non-magical person - something she would never voluntarily offer and something Eugene hadn't asked her about yet. They had exchanged almost no personal information through their letters. Petunia couldn't even really explain what they were always writing about - casual banter?

Petunia hadn't expected to meet Eugene so suddenly, especially not when she had just realized how stupid her decision to come here was. She didn't belong with his kind and she especially didn't need a reminder on what she was missing out on just by the fault of her birth.

Eugene nodded, glancing at his friend. "You should really do something about that nosy nature of yours."

"Hey, what nosy nature! I'm curious, is all. Why did we never see her before? I never heard you talk about Petals or whatever."

Eugene laughed. "She's the pen-pal you're always ribbing me about."

Bilius' eyes widened and even Frank seemed slightly surprised. "Those mysterious letters?"

It was odd for Petunia to be here among all these magical students, listening to them talk about her. And most of all, facing Eugene was the strangest thing. The barrier of ink and paper had lulled her into a false sense of familiarity which was shattered by seeing him again. She didn't know him - she had only met him once, by chance in a magical bookstore.

It was ridiculous … she should never have tried to overcome the distance that spanned between them. It wasn't a separation, but protection.

Frank's musing voice tore her from her thoughts. "So you're the one who taught Krampus how to look for treats."

"My breakfast had to be sacrificed because of you!" Bilius complained before mock-glaring at Eugene. "I still don't get why you don't feed him your own bacon."

Eugene shrugged. "You make it too easy to take yours."

"Hey!"

Eugene laughed and Petunia couldn't stop herself from glancing at him. He didn't seem to feel any of the nervousness she was going through. But why should he? This was his world, he felt comfortable among the crowd of wizards. He probably didn't think much about meeting her here, just running into an acquaintance was all it was to him.

She had no reason to be disappointed. What did she expect?

"I have to go." The words left her lips before Petunia even thought about uttering them. Not wanting to waste another second, she gave the three surprised boys a brisk nod before turning around and winding her way through the crowd.

So what if he didn't care about seeing her? She didn't either.

"Petals? Wait up." A warm hand grasped her fingers and Petunia froze mid-step despite herself.

Don't be fooled …

Eugene stepped in front of her, chocolate brown eyes searching her own. "Are you alright? Do you feel unwell?"

Petunia stared back at him, her insides so tangled up into a mess she herself didn't know how to feel. Part of her was glad that he came after her, while another part of her was scared because of that same gladness.

"You've turned quite pale. Is it the crowd?" Looking around, Eugene suddenly leaned forward, his face inches from her own. "Let me tell you a secret: I hate it too."

Petunia blinked, too unsettled by his closeness to follow her own twisted thoughts. "You do?"

"Yeah. Whenever my father would get recognized in public, people would swarm towards him, asking him all kinds of questions. It was quite scary when I was no taller than the average knee."

"Your father?"

Eugene clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. "You already forgot? I thought he was the main reason you even wrote to me. 'Dear Eugene Scamander …'"

Petunia frowned. "I would never use such a sugary tone of voice."

Eugene grinned. "Who knows?"

"I know that it will never happen."

"Wanna bet?"

Petunia narrowed her eyes and Eugene lifted his hands in surrender, finally letting go of Petunia's hand. "Alright, apologies. Are you feeling a bit better?"

Petunia just opened her mouth to refute him, when she had to pause. Her stomach felt less tense and twisted up. It was almost as if even these few sentences had managed to distract her from her worries.

How was this possible? He was the main reason for her worries, he couldn't be the cure at the same time.

Not getting an answer, Eugene continued: "If not, sugar always does the trick. Just a second."

Bending down, Petunia noticed the trunk resting by his feet for the first time. It looked a bit old but was fabricated with enough quality to stand the test of time. Eugene whispered something and the clasp holding it closed suddenly sprang open before a squashed paper bag slowly wiggled out from the slight gap.

"What …?"

"Bertie Bott's All Flavor Beans. Just a snack, but better than nothing." Eugene grasped the folded bag and plucked it from the suitcase while Petunia watched the clasp close without any outward assistance. "But let me warn you, there are some surprise-flavours in here."

Petunia finally lifted her gaze from the suitcase. "What does that mean?"

"Well … some might taste like vomit or - " He affected a shudder "- spinach."

Petunia's lips twisted in distaste. "And you still eat it?"

"Well, it's this or burning a hole in your tongue, semi-sentient chocolate or floating."

Petunia couldn't understand what he was talking about. "Floating?"

Eugene popped one of the small candies into his mouth before offering the bag to Petunia, who shook her head. "There's this sweet called Fizzing Whizzbees that'll make you levitate. I never buy it though. My father is convinced they use Billywigs as their main ingredient."

"Billy …?"

"Billywigs, small, insect-like creatures from Australia. They're quite pretty but their sting will make you giddy and float."

Petunia didn't hide her revulsion. "So the snacks are made from insects?"

"They only use their venom. But it's not humane to harvest it."

"How would you know?"

"Another side effect of having a magical beast expert for a father. It's not all bad though - I've had really cool playmates since I was young." He grinned before popping another candy into his mouth that wiped the smile right off his face. "Ah, unlucky."

"Your playmates … were beasts?" Petunia wanted to make sure she had understood his meaning.

"Some more than others. My first ever friend was actually a Hippogriff."

Petunia just stared at him until he continued. "Imagine a mix of an eagle and a horse. They're quite proud and loyal. And intelligent."

In Petunia's mind a picture of a bird with hooves and square horse teeth inside its beak formed. "That sounds like a very strange hybrid."

Eugene laughed, once more grabbing a candy. Petunia had to admire his bravery.

"You're one to talk. Which one of us is spending all their time with a Thestral?"

"Aspen is quite smart and sensible."

"And he looks like he should be guarding the portals of Hell."

"He does not! He is just a bit … slim."

"His level of slimness would be a death sentence for all other lifeforms."

Petunia glared, but to no effect. Eugene just offered her his box of strange candy again.

"How can you still eat that? Didn't you already grab something nasty?"

"The thrill is what makes it special. Give it a try."

"I'm fine."

Eugene grinned. "Not afraid you might be missing out?"

"Not at all."

"What's life without a little risk?"

"Safe and comfortable."

He shook his head. "Boring."

"If boring means I won't have to eat vomit-tasting candy, I'm all for it."

He actually laughed. "Live a little, Petals."

"I am very much living."

"Yeah, but are you having fun?"

Petunia opened her mouth but paused, for a moment not knowing how to reply.

Eugene grinned and once more presented his box of candy. "Just one little candy."

"What is it to you, whether I eat it or not?"

He shrugged. "Just think of me as meddlesome. Once I take an interest, I won't leave you alone."

Once he takes an interest … in what? Her? Petunia?

Feeling as if this already inane conversation had derailed further, Petunia noticed the familiar, uncomfortable tightness creep up her limbs, stiffening her spine. He couldn't possibly be saying that he … was interested in her.

Wanting to distract herself just as much as put an end to the candy-conversation, she quickly grabbed one of the small beans and put it in her mouth. Flavour burst across her tongue and it tasted … bittersweet.

How fitting.

Eugene's grin widened while he watched her. "And?"

"Lime."

He clicked his tongue again. "I was hoping for liver."

Petunia shot him a reproachful glare.

Shrugging, he picked another candy. "It would have made for a more lasting memory."

Petunia didn't answer. Maybe one part of her already knew that this moment would become a memory she wouldn't forget, no matter the flavour of the freak candy.

"You look a bit better," Eugene remarked and Petunia did her best to not blush. He wasn't talking about her appearance, she reminded herself. Just that she probably had a bit more colour in her cheeks - more than was normal, going by the heat radiating off her face.

Quickly trying to divert his attention she asked the first thing that came to mind. "So when did your playmates switch from Hippogriffs to humans?"

"Never, really, the humans are a bonus. They're actually harder to befriend than most Beasts."

He didn't really seem daunted by his own words and Petunia wasn't sure if she should believe him. He seemed to have quite an easy friendship with the two boys she saw him with, Bilius and Frank. Eugene behaved like a very easy to befriend person in general, quite unlike Petunia who was snippy and prickly.

"Speaking of human friends, you have to excuse Billy. He's usually more skillful at prying."

That didn't sound like an endearing quality. Her face must have said as much because Eugene grinned again, his lips stretched wide. "He's a bit stressed at the moment."

Despite knowing better, Petunia gave in. "Why?"

"Let's just say he hasn't been looking forward to the break."

"So he likes school?"

A chuckle broke out of Eugene. "Merlin, no. But at least there's no crying baby at Hogwarts that will keep him up all night."

Petunia felt her eyes widen, a mixture of horror and scandalous curiosity filling her. "What? A baby?"

"Yeah, he basically begged me to spend the break at mine, but Mrs Weasley would scalp me if I robbed him away over Christmas. It's a holiday for the family after all."

Mrs Weasley … Petunia clutched her chest, feeling that this was much more interesting than anything that had ever happened in Cokeworth, including Lily's magical awakening. "So … the baby is …"

"He's called Little Billy."

Petunia didn't know what to ask first. She had just scolded his friend for being nosy, but now she herself was burning with curiosity. "How did that happen?"

"I'd wager the way it usually does." Eugene was acting way too casual about the whole topic. "Boy meets girls, they fall in love, and a shotgun wedding later …"

"But - he can't be older than fifteen!"

"True, Bilius is fourteen," Eugene agreed, choosing another candy before raising his eyes back to Petunia's face. And then the bean slipped from his fingers as he started laughing so hard he almost doubled over. Students around them were looking over, trying to see what was so funny. Petunia would have liked to know as well. "What?"

"Just … the way you were looking at me …" He started wheezing.

Petunia's curiosity was slowly burned away by fizzling anger. "I don't like being made fun of."

Sensing the switch in her mood, Eugene calmed down and gave her a conspiratorial wink. "Think of it as me making fun of Billy. And everything I told you is true."

Petunia huffed. "Baby Billy as well?"

He nodded, straightening up. "Yeah, but it's Baby William not Bilius Junior. The nicknames are just confusing. And it's his brother's kid."

Petunia frowned. That was so much less interesting than the teenage-witch-pregnancy scandal she had been envisioning. "So why would it keep him awake?"

"Well, they all live together." Eugene cracked a new candy bean between his teeth. "In one big huddle. Cosy, right?"

It sounded crowded and not cosy to Petunia. She already resented having to share a room with Lily the few months a year her little sister was home. She couldn't imagine adding a newborn into the mix.

"The 'Billy' issue is bound to cause some confusion," Eugene mussed. "Though it's funny for now, I should probably come up with a new nickname for Bilius."

Petunia bit her tongue to keep a mean suggestion back. Instead she said: "I fear it will be on the same level as 'Petals'"

"Hey, that was a stroke of poetic genius! Don't try to act like you don't like it." Another candy was plopped into his mouth. Petunia waited for a reaction and wasn't disappointed: Instead of a simple grimace he spit it straight out again. "Well, that's one for the record. Boogers."

"What a poetic nickname," Petunia mocked despite knowing he was talking about the candy.

Eugene actually looked surprised for a second and then he started grinning again. He really liked to uselessly smile a lot, Petunia had noticed.

"Brilliant, he'll hate it!"

Petunia's lips twisted. Maybe it was a smile.

Eugene chuckled. "Poor Boogers doesn't know about his luck yet. I should let him know. You want to come along?"

Petunia hesitated for a moment but shook her head in the end. She didn't want to answer any questions about herself. More importantly, she didn't want to confront some questions herself. Like the fact why she had been so comfortable asking Eugene all kinds of things, not even thinking about it. She usually hated not knowing something but was always careful to not appear ignorant. Or interested in anything connected to magic. But this time almost every sentence out of her mouth had been a question, and she hadn't only now realised it.

Before she could analyse it further, she felt a crinkling package pressed into her hands. Looking up she met Eugene's brown eyes. "Here, if the crowd gets to you again. See you, Petals."

Why would she see him? Before Petunia could state that she had no intention of ever coming to this miserable, crowded station ever again he had already disappeared among the mass.

Leaving her alone with a bag of freak candy.