Finding Courage

1 - The Hogwarts Express

Welcome witches and wizards back to Hogwarts. Welcome to our journey through the wizarding world together. Hope I can do this world we love properly. Please comment as you read and let me know what bits you enjoy :)

Gwyneth stared up at the shining red train, half hiden behind steam. Brown eyes wide as she held her bag tightly in small fists. The Hogwarts Express. She'd seen it half a dozen times over the years, waving at her siblings as they got on the shiny train. The sight had always filled her with giddy excitment, but not this time. No, today all she could feel was a bowling ball of dread sinking through her, nailing her to the floor.

Today was the day. For the first time ever she'd leave her home. She'd leave her home and go to Hogwarts. The thought of going off into the world on her own was terrifying. The little blonde girl was considering making a getaway back through the brick wall when two figures stepped right in front of her.

Looking up, she smiled. It was two of her favorite people, her older siblings. Eslanda, her sister the eldest and Maron, the brother between them. Maron took the purple backpack from Gwyneth with a smile as Eslanda said, "Ready to go little sis?"

Gwyneth shook her head fiercly, high golden curls bouncing in her face, the two laughed. "Stop worrying Gwynnie." Maron took her hand, leading her to the train. "Your going to love it at Hogwarts, trust me."

Gwyneth did trust him, but she'd still rather be curled up in their nice safe living room then far away surrounded by strangers. She wished she could turn away and run into her Dad's arms. But they had all said their goodbyes already early this morning, he had to be at work again. Something about a backfiring charm causing a flying disaster.

Leaving her in the care of her older siblings on such an important day. Gwyneth clutched her brother's hand tighter as they were bumped into, almost knocking her over. A student was chasing after his owl who had gotten lose from her cage.

Maron pulled her into his side as they boarded the train, waving back to a group of fourth year girls who had called out to him. As the three blonde haired, brown eyed siblings made their way down train cars Gwyneth made sure to stay safely sandwiched between her two protectors. As they went both of them would say hi to fellow students, and Gwyneth would chance a glance up. Everyone she saw looked nice, friendly, excited for the new year away from home. Gwyneth wanted to be excited to. But, not knowing anyone in her year, and having never been far from home caused her nerves to paralyze her.

Eventually Maron found an empty compartment, and slid the door open. "Here we go." He set the bag down inside and put their trunks up in the rack above. Gwyneth was stepping inside when she heard people calling her brother's name. They all turned together, three compartments down a group of rowdy boys Gwyneth recognised as his friends he'd invite over during holidays.

Maron glanced back at his sisters with a smile, "See you two later." He tried to hurry and leave, but Gwyneth's small fingers wouldn't let go of his hand. She stared up at him, big pleading eyes almost broke his heart. Almost.

Maron's smile shrunk slightly. "We talked about this Gwynnie. The train is the best place to make your new friends. You can't stick to us all year long."

With a frown and a nod she slowly let his hand slip from hers. Maron ruffled her hair, and glancing to Eslanda they conveyed their worries to each other in that one look. Making friends had always come easily to the two of them. But, Gwyneth was much, much more reserved than the rest of the family. "You can stay with Eslly for the ride if you want though. And I'll see you at the sorting ceremony."

Gwyneth nodded, forcing an unsure, tiny smile. With quick hugs, Maron hurried away to his hooting friends. Why they were hooting like owls? Gwyneth had no idea. But laughed as Maron joined in. Smiling, she entered the compartment.