Marsha was nervous.

Like, really nervous.

Her Tad had just told her to run at a wall.

She knew her had fought a lot and that he had been hit on the head a few times that he might have been crazy, but her Mam was nodding with him in agreement so she was wondering if something had been in their tea this morning before they had left.

Looking around, the eleven year old frowned.

Surely this was insanity. Though, the school was magic. Maybe her parents WEREN'T pulling one last prank on her before she went off to school. As she stood their debating if her parents were crazy she noticed an older looking student with a trolley come towards them. Eyeing her parents once more, she turned to watch the student who - ran straight at the wall and disappeared.

The red-head gasped.

"You weren't lying!" She gasped, to which her Tad sighed and rolled his eyes, before telling her to go on through with her Mam and he would follow with her luggage.

Whoops! Well how was she to know that they were ACTUALLY telling the truth? With a giggle, she took her Mams hand and walked towards the wall.

HEREWEGO!HEREWEGO!HEREWEGO!

But instead of face-planting a brick wall, she glided through and was greeted with a glorious train and a long platform. She saw the 9 3/4 signs on the walls and laughed out loud with joy as they moved away from the wall just in time for her Tad to join them.

"Wooooooaaaaahhhh...." Was all she said as they walked further onto the platform.

Hogwarts! Look out, Marsha Hanover was finally on her way.

This was the day that Trixie had been dreading for a couple of months now. Whilst Tabby had been building up with excitement since she had received her letter on her eleventh birthday back in February, Trixie had been filling up with dread that her eldest daughter was now of schooling age and would be heading off for a couple of months without seeing her parents. The family were a tight-knit group, they’d rarely spent any time away from one another and the blonde haired woman was just not ready yet to let her go.

She still looked so young stood there beaming from ear to ear holding onto her pink and yellow suitcase. Could they hold her back a year so that she could go with Ruby? Trixie didn’t want her there alone.

“Are you ready for the big jump?” she asked Tabby softly, reaching for Isaac’s hand to stop him from running off anywhere. The twins had a habit of doing that. “You’ll have to do it by yourself though hunny, I’ve got to make sure these two get through okay” she indicated towards the identical boys. “Perhaps you and Ruby should do it together?” She looked at the brunette as she spoke before turning to Freddie a moment of sadness crossing her hazel eyes.

She wouldn’t cry. No.

Meanwhile Ruby had already started the waterworks. The tears were running down her cheeks and her bottom lip was wibbling at the thought of her older sister leaving her for that long. If there were two people that had never been divided it was the sisters. They were inseparable despite the year between them. Tabby wasn’t just her sister, she was her best friend, her nearest and dearest. Ruby didn’t want her to leave without her.

She reached her hand out for Tabby to take but said nothing for fear that she would just burst into tears again. Her other hand was clinging onto her father for dear life and she had a moment of conflict over who’s hand she should let go of. For the time being she held onto both. She looked up at her father, her lip still shaking. “P-please can I go to sc-school now too?” she asked him, her bright blue eyes magnified by the tears that were filling them. Ruby didn’t like the thought of leaving her parents either but at least with Tabby she wouldn’t be lonely. Tabs was the sort of loud, blonde and bubbly personality that could make friends easily, Ruby was quiet and reserved. Although she knew it would be impossible she was worried that Tabby would make new friends and completely forget about the brunette she’d left at home.

Six-year-old Daniel wasn’t that bothered by his sisters imminent departure, he was far too busy looking for an escape route out of the train station or a way to cause a commotion. This was BORING! They were waiting around doing NOTHING but stare at a wall in a muggle train station. Where was the train? Where was the magic?!

Tabby got all stroppy when they’d pull her pigtails or stick dog poo in her shoes when she wasn’t looking but he would miss winding her up. She was an easy target who liked to kick up a fuss, Ruby would just cry to daddy if they did anything to her. Daniel might have been a nuisance, he certainly wasn’t the nicest child around either and considered he and his twin superior to all the other children but he did love his family deep down. He just rarely showed it.

He gave his twin that look but knew they couldn’t do anything. Mummy had hold of Isaac’s hand very tightly. He wasn’t going anywhere. The boy wrinkled his nose in protest. He wanted out of here!

Asher stood in front of the wall, staring at it. He was supposed to . . . run into it? Wouldn't that hurt? What sort of sorcery was this? Asher was sure it had to be some sort of joke. The actual platform had to be around here SOMEWHERE. He ran a hand through his messy brown hair and looked around skeptically. There was no way it wasn't a joke to embarrass the first year students.

Gwen didn't want to be doing this.

She didn't want to be going to Hogwarts...the place where her brother died last year. That's right...this was Gwendilyne Bastion. Gregoire Bastion's sister...you know...the one who's stupidity got the best of him. The one who decided to aggravate an already aggravated Acromantula. Not to mention this was a mommy Acromantula...meaning she sent her hundreds of children to attack her sibling.

Eugh.

Just the thought of it disgusted her. She tried to argue with her parents to go back to Beauxbatons...where...you know she'd be sure to live...but nope. They insisted that she would attend Hogwarts...which was rather odd. Uggggghhhhh...well it was no use arguing in public. Not with her parents at least. If this were Gwen's aunt or uncle or cousin on the other hand, then there might have been a chance for her to win in an argument.

Another thing adding to the lose factor was her older siblings were here. Angelique and Leandre. Angelique graduated two years before Gregoire started to attend Beauxbatons, and Leandre graduated Beauxbatons three years ago. They were lucky. Those were the only two Bastion kids that didn't have to attend Hogwarts.

This was going to be a dreadful year for Gwen.

Angelique was feeling...bittersweet of seeing her younger sister off to Hogwarts. After all, her other younger brother...yeah...no need to finish that thought. Shaking her head, Angelique looked over to her sister, Gwen and said "Gwen, here's what your going to do. Look at the wall. And then run-" French accent light and airy. Since she's been here in England about two or three years now, the accent was starting to diminish due to being around people with different accents. The accent was still noticeable, but not like when they first moved. When the Bastion's first moved here, it was extremely obvious they were from France.

"-Like this." With that being said, the eldest Bastion daughter ran towards the wall, and then she was gone! Poof! Ran straight through the wall!

"Now don't be nervous deary." Said Lucile Bastion. It was obvious her daughter was nervous. Well, in her eyes she was. Turning to her husband she told him something in French, then with a nod the husband and her oldest son left.

Turning she noticed a younger boy standing in front of the wall. He too, seemed nervous to run inside. Looking down at Gwen she whispered "There! You can make friends with that boy over there!" Gaze glancing toward him. "Excusez moi! You-" A hand waved at the boy. "You seem nervous. Is this your first year at Hogwarts? It's my daughters first year here too. She'll be a third year though."

She gave Gwen a little shove towards his direction.

Time for his final year at Hogwarts. He took in a deep breath and he felt his father putting his arm around him. He smiled up at his father and he said, "Don't worry son. Have a great time in your last year. Make lots of memories because this will be your last chance." he squeezed his shoulder and I guess that was "I'm proud of you" squeeze. Then he turned to his mother who was already balling. She came up to him and held her arms out and hugged him tightly. "Awww look at my baby, he is all grown up. The last Lecium to graduate at Hogwarts.." she slobbered kissed his cheek. "AGHH MOM!!" Kace exasperated. Jeeez she was a little overkill sometimes. "I am sorry hunny, you just grown up so fast! Just keep in touch at Hogwarts and send me pics. I am gonna miss you." she hugged him tight and then reluctantly let him go.

He smiled towards Belle who just nodded at him. "Good luck Bro.." was all she said and went into hug him. Awww look at her showing affection. "You will do great. Just cherish the moments because I miss it still to this day." she said looking longingly at the wall. He also brought his cousin Colt along and he grinned and gave him a pat on the head. "Wish I could come with you cuz but I am gonna have my chance next year." he winked. Kace rolled his eyes and continued on.

He pushed his luggage to face the wall and he gave on last look at his family and he nodded towards them. Enough of the sappiness. He needed to do this. He was gonna face his final year and never knew this day would come. He began to pick up the pace and went through the wall which would be for the last time. Until he had kids of his own of course. Until then platform 9 3/4 it has been real. The wall sucked him in and he was excited to know what laid on the other side.

After saying his goodbyes to his family, Dylan made pushed his trolley towards the wall, noticing a young boy staring at it in confusion. Assuming he was a first year, Dylan made his way over to him to help. "Hey," He greeted with a smile. "You new to Hogwarts?" He asked, looking at the wall then back at the boy.

Sher noticed a family walk up. It appeared as if the girl's older sibling had just run through the wall. Surely it was a traditional practical joke or something. An older student magicks themself through the wall and watches as the first year tries and hurts themselves, not knowing how to get through.

"Oh, hi," Asher said nervously. "How did she do that? Did she use a spell? It seems like it would quite painful to run into a wall. There has to be an actual platform for 9 3/4 around here somewhere."

Asher's cat mewed impatiently in her carriage. She was desperate to be let out, but it would be ridicoulously suspicious to have a fat cat running around a train station.

"I am," Asher said. "A first year."

Asher glanced back at the wall. Yup, seemed pretty solid. There was no way he was going through that. Maybe he'd walk outside and see if his parents were still in the parking lot. He could go home, return his textbooks and go to a muggle school. It would have been far less complicated than this whole Hogwarts business.

"So is this some sort of practical joke? Some sort of initiation to embarrass first years before they can find the real 9 3/4 platform?"

So Dylan was right. He gave a nod, remembering how crazy it seemed to him on his first year running into the wall and all that. He then gave a small laugh when he thought it was a joke. The sixth year shook his head. "I promise it's not," He said, gesturing to a few students who had just walked through. "See? It does seem a bit crazy but I promise you won't get hurt." He reassured him with a small nod. "I'll go with you if you want." He added with a smile.

EEEEEEEEEEEP!

THIS WAS THE SINGLE MOST EXCITING DAY OF TABITHA BROADMOOR'S SHORT LIFEE!

But it was incredibly difficult to let your excitement out when your little sister whom you adored with all your heart was crying her eyes out. Tabitha's heart had been swelling with joy but now it felt like a balloon which the air had been let out of. Pfffffsssssh. You could almost hear it deflate as her shoulders slumped in defeat.

She looked at her mum, trying not to focus on the brunette, who was also her best friend as well as her sister, but mummy had different ideas.. “Yes, I'll go through with Ruby.”

Focus was now on, and could not be shifted away from, the crying, grieving, heartbroken Ruby.

Tabby sighed..

“Come on, Ruby.” She held her hand out for her little sister. No.. She wasn't going to cry. She WASN'T GOING TO—What remained of the air in the balloon popped all of a sudden..... and Tabitha burst into tears. She looked at her dad for a reply. Could she? Could Ruby come too?

Freddie inwardly groaned. Both of them. Both of his precious little girls in floods of tears. Tabby's little body shook as tears streamed down her little cheeks, and Ruby... It was difficult saying 'no', to that face at the best of times, but when her heart was breaking it was so much worse. He glanced at Trixie, then got down so he was eye level with his youngest daughter. “You have to wait until you get your letter from Hogwarts, little angel. They wont be expecting you.” He said in his soft, quiet tone. “Come here.” He said, beckoning his two girls in for a cuddle, all the while trying to keep his own emotions in check. He wished, in a way, his kids had been muggles.. then they'd not have to be packed off to boarding school so far away from their Cornish home. They could all have attended that lovely little country school just down the road from their house.

Isaac was pulling on his mother's hand. Yank yank yank. This. Is. Boring.

He looked back at his twin and noted the look which he returned with one of his own that clearly said, 'I do NOT want to BE HERE.'

No words were needed. His identical twin would understand.

Her mother had told her over and over again how the platform worked and how to get onto the correct platform for Hogwarts, but never in a million years had Evie thought she was serious about running through the wall... Evie didn't like to brag about it but she had already finished Chemistry up to the Uni level. So she knew that this was not physically possible. She could not just walk through a wall. NOPE it was not going to happen. "Seriously mom!! This is NOT happening. I mean other than the fact that this is a SOLID BRICK WALL!! It's just not a possible option." The brunette huffed that her mother would ever even think it would be possible.

Suddenly her delicate wrist was gripped tight and she was being dragged towards the brick wall that separated platform's nine and ten. She closed her eyes tight knowing that the brick was going to hit her in the face. But suddenly her ears popped and she heard lots of people talking. Eyes opening wide and mouth dropping open as they stepped onto Platform 9 3/4

Ruby hadn’t intended on making Tabitha cry. She knew that the blonde was excited as she hadn’t stopped talking about it for months but that didn’t stop the fact that Ruby wouldn’t be seeing her for that long. She had reached out and grabbed Tabby’s hand when she offered it. The ten-year-old had tried her hardest to keep her tears in but it just wasn’t going to happen and it was made clear that her own upset had been what caused Tabby to uncharacteristically burst into tears. She cuddled into her big sisters arms attempting some form of comfort despite what she herself was feeling.

And then Daddy responded and she ran into his arms sobbing onto his shoulder. “B-but you and Mummy always t-tell me I’m c-clever for my age” she replied through her tears. “Tab-Tabby would look after m-me” the brunette hiccupped. She would, wouldn’t she? Tabby always looked after her. She knew her father was right however, she hadn’t been invited to the school yet and she had to wait her turn like all the other children of her age.

If there was one sound to shatter a mother’s heart it was the sound of their own children’s sobs. Trixie knew above all that Tabitha had been looking forward to school, she hadn’t stopped asking questions and bouncing off the walls since she had received her letter all those months ago but it was hard to act excited when her younger sister was clearly too distraught to share her excitement. Ruby was a shy little thing and Trixie understood that apart from her and her husband, Ruby relied on Tabitha as her security. The blonde wanted to encourage Tabitha’s excitement, she wanted to let her know that it was okay to be looking forward to starting an amazing journey at the school she had cherished so close to her heart but that was hard when she herself was finding it difficult to let her miniature-me go.

“You’ll have an amazing time at the school hunny. You’ll see lots of things you’ve never seen before and meet lots of new friends..” She glanced cautiously at her youngest daughter whom she was sure would feel replaced. “And it won’t be too long before you are back home for Christmas.” She faked that soft and gentle smile her children were used to seeing even if her heart wasn’t completely in it. The smile was offered to Ruby too as a comfort to the brunette’s distress. She was excited for the opportunities that were about to open up for Tabby but that didn’t stop the fact that she would miss her dearly.

She watched as Freddie interacted with the girls, keeping her emotions in herself. Her husband may appear to the onlooker as a cold and slightly intimidating man but after eleven years of marriage Trixie knew he was the opposite. His relationship with the girls especially was heart-warming, she felt privileged that she could call him her husband. Her children were receiving the cuddles but truth be told Trixie wanted one too.

Daniel knew by the look on his twins face that he was equally as bored as he was. The GIRLS were making a HUGE fool of themselves by crying in public when there were loads of muggles around to see them. He wrinkled his nose in protest to their reaction before his mother grabbed hold of his hand too. He looked up at her with a most unimpressed expression.

“Boys, don’t you have anything to say to your sister?” The thirty-year-old asked them.

“BYE!” The six-year-old grinned and waved the hand that he had free. Daniel wasn’t going to cry because he was less of a CHILD then these two were. Girls. In all honesty he would miss Tabby though, he loved his sister even when she was stroppy or bossy and kicked up a huge fuss when the twins stole her toys or got her clothes accidentally on purpose dirty.

Trixie sighed at Daniel’s reaction before she prepared to aid the twins through the wall together. She wasn’t letting go of either of these two, they’d make their escape if they could. “Is everyone ready to go to platform nine and three-quarters” she asked trying to drum up some enthusiasm from the sombre family. She could tell by the way Isaac was tugging on her arm that he was clearly ready to go.

"Soon as we're through this wall, pretend you don't know me, got it?" David reminded his sister as they headed toward the wall between platforms 9 and 10.

"Don't have to tell me twice," Jenna replied with a roll of her eyes. She had absolutely no intention of hanging around her brother for the whole trip - or even while at Hogwarts if she could help it.

Getting sorted into a different house would be particularly helpful with that. Didn't even matter to her which it was, as long as she was away from him.

"Good. 'Cause I'm not gonna babysit you for my last year, no matter what mum says."

"You'd be a terrible babysitter anyway."

That got a chuckle out of him. "Exactly." One of the few things he'd agree with her on.

But now they were near the wall, so no more agreeing.

"I'll let you go first." 'Cause he was such a gentleman.

Jenna simply shrugged and lined herself and the luggage she was dragging along to face the wall, glancing around either side of her to check if anyone was watching. When it seemed like a good enough moment, she walked briskly toward the wall - and right on through to Platform 9 3/4.

Sixth Year?

Bring it on. After a somewhat, eventful summer, the soon to be seventeen year old pushed his trolley towards the designated platform confidently, with his father (for the first time) behind him. The fair haired teenager, who is now about as tall as his dad, glanced over his shoulder and gave the man a grin, all the while thinking WHY he decided to see him off. Was he there to spy on him? Turning his head towards the direction where he’s supposed to smash with a wall, Ethan’s face was painted with worry instead of joy. Stopping at a random spot a few meters away from the gate, Ethan turned around to see his father grinning. “Okay dad, what is going on? Why is...sending me off to Hogwarts suddenly a big deal for you?” the teenager winced at his own words, thinking that he sounded too harsh, but then continued to stare back at the man.

Aldred simply shrugged. “It has been decades since the last time I saw...the barrier.” He said gesturing towards the wall between platforms 9 and 10. “I have fond memories behind that barrier, to be honest.” He continued and looked at his son with his signature smirk. “Besides, Mordred can’t see you off for now, because he’s busy being a husband.” Ethan would have laughed at the statement but instead, he felt sorry for his dad because he never got to be that kind of husband to his mother. The man gently slapped his son’s back, making the boy snap out of his reverie. “I am proud of what you have achieved so far, Ethan. Truly remarkable.” Of course, he was talking about the boy’s OWL result. “I know that me being here with you right now isn’t enough.” Aldred said and looked away.

“It’s more than enough, dad.” Ethan finally broke into a smile and hugged his father. As soon as he did so, he felt very happy, almost not wanting to go on board the train. It was rare that he hugged his father, that he can’t even remember the last time it happened. Not wanting to be too attached to the man, Ethan had let go and held on to his trolley. “You should come with me to the Platform then? Regale me with your fond memories!” Without hesitation, the father and son tandem walked towards the barrier with confidence.

And they were gone.

Gid headed towards King's Cross with Emma's hand in his. It was finally time for them to send Jay and Torie off to Hogwarts, Torie was off ahead of them practically running for the barrier. He had been looking forward to this for ages and it was finally time. Not even the fear of ending up in Slytherin was keeping him back. Gid looked towards Becca and Norah with a bit of a smile.

Torie was practically bursting with excitement as he walked fast towards the barrier, quickly leaving the others behind. He couldn't wait to get on the train, he'd be off to Hogwarts with Jay and the others and he was so excited. He wasn't excited about the sorting hat but being away and on his own he couldn't wait! And he'd be able to use magic and learn spells and potions! He was so excited and just wanted to run through the barrier on his own without waiting for the others!

James wasn't as excited about leaving as Torie was, but he was still excited to be going to Hogwarts. He watched Torie run off and looked at his mum sadly. "I don't want to leave you, mummy." he moved to hug her arm as they walked. He knew it made it difficult for her to walk, but he didn't care. "I'll miss you."

Becca looked at Gid and then down at Jay and moved to squeeze him in a hug as he called her mummy. He only did that when he was starting to get upset. "You won't be leaving me until you're on the train, and after you do? I want you to learn everything that you can. I will be there at the station when you come home for the holidays, I will write every week and I'll send you little presents, just like I promised." she finally handed off the trolley to Gid and moved to look into Jay's eyes. "I will miss you too, but I'm always right here." she touched his heart and smiled. "And here." she touched the locket he had with a picture of them all as a family. She'd given one to both Torie and James to give them something to hang onto. "You'll be with your brother, causing all sorts of trouble, I'm sure." They would if they were her kids, anyway. Heh. "Torie will need you just as much as you need him." Her eyes went back to Gid again and scanned over Norah and Emma. "We'll all be able to talk through the fireplaces if you REALLY miss us. I promise. I put some floo powder in your bag and some parchment just for notes if you really need to tell me something."

Torie was standing at the wall and wanting to go through it, practically bouncing on his feet. He looked back at Jay and the others and looked a little sheepish when he saw him looking sad. Torie couldn't wait to go and be off by himself at school! Maybe he should feel a little sad about it? Nah, he wanted to go! He stood there bouncing. "Please can I go through?!?!"

Gid watched Jay and Becca knowing that Jay was having a hard time already. It hadn't been an easy last 5 years but at least he was back in Becca's life. The being apart he knew was going to be hard for the both of them. He gave them both a smile and looked up to Torie when he spoke and gave him a smile "Just a minute." he said gently but also firmly.

James nodded sadly, but looked at Torie now. "Why does he want to leave so much?" he whispered to dad. "I don't want to go away." He moved to hug dad now and peered at his sisters. He didn't want to leave Norah!!! Tears started to well up in his eyes and he was starting to get more and more upset.

His arms went around him and held Jay. "I don't know. I think he wants to have freedom and be able to do things without worrying about what mum and dad will do if he does it." he said gently. "I think it'll hit him though, and he'll need you more than you realize." He hugged him tight, "We'll miss you and think about you lots."

"I'll look after him." he told him tearfully. "Why can't Norah come too?" A tear fell at the thought of leaving his sister behind. "I want Norah..."

His hand stroked Jay's head "Thank you." he said gently. He had a feeling that Torie was going to be a handful. "Oh Jay I wish I could let you. But Norah's just not old enough yet." He was sure Norah felt the same way with wanting to go!

"But we've always been together." he looked at him. "Why not?" he whimpered sadly. "She's my sister and she should be able to come!" He reached for Norah now and hugged her close. "I won't go without her!"

"I know" he said softly "And I know it's going to be so hard for you and mum and Norah to be apart." He let him go and watched him hug Norah "I know you want her there, but she's just not able to Jay." he said gently "She'd be so lost and alone, the youngest there. No wand, unable to take classes. She still needs to grow."

"She can have my wand." he told him. "I'm not going!" He hugged Norah really tight and just held her close. "I don't want to go without her!"

"Jay, honey..." Becca moved to kneel in front of him and touched his cheek. "You have to go and learn. Norah will be learning all the things that I taught you and Torie, but it's not her time." she kissed his head. "I promise, we'll still be here when you get back."

He let Becca try that time. He knew Jay was having separation issues but he didn't blame the poor guy. He'd lost everything once and was likely afraid he'd lose them again. "I promise we'll be here when you get back. And at Christmas and Easter Hols." he added, "You're not going to be forgotten."