September 1st 1971
“Poor, poor,poor little fool, I was a fool”
James and Peter walked with Euphemia Potter through the station, nearing Platforms 9 and 10. Peter felt anxiety setting in. His mother had helped him finish packing before James and his mother showed up to head to Platform 9 ¾. He walked beside James, pushing his cart down the stone walkway. James looked over at him with a smirk.
“ What’s the matter, Pettigrew? Getting cold feet?” James laughed out.
“ I’m fine, James. Just a bit nervous. This is a big step. A new chapter in our lives” He replied, looking around at all the muggles.
They arrived at the pillar between 9 and 10. James felt his heart drop knowing he was to run at the pillar to get to Platform 9 ¾. He watched James’ mom urge James forward. James gave Peter a wink before he rushed off, disappearing into the pillar. Peter’s eyes went wide as James disappeared and he smiled lightly. He thought to himself ‘ I can do this. James did it. I can if he can.’. Peter took a deep breath and looked up at Euphemia who gave him a smile and a nod. He looked back at the pillar and let out his breath. He quickly rushed the pillar and closed his eyes tightly as he disappeared into the pillar.
He opened his eyes and gasped as he took in his surroundings. Witches and wizards in different colored robes stood with their children waving goodbye, giving forehead kisses and hugs. A bright red train with the words “The Hogwarts Express” written on the front stood on the tracks. It was an old-school locomotive, pristine for it’s age and sparkling like it was just waxed. Peter looked to his right to see James taking in his surroundings, a smile on his face. Peter turned to see Euphemia come through the pillar and led them towards the train.
Peter and James stopped pushing their carts they both turned to Euphemia with a smile. She looked down at her two boys with a wide smile and quickly hugged them, kissing both on the forehead.
“ Be good. Have fun. Take care of each other.” Euphemia said with tears in her eyes.
“ We will, mum. I promise.” James spoke with small prickles of tears in his eyes.
Peter hugged Euphemia one more time before walking with James towards the Hogwarts Express, anxiety in his mind. They boarded the train and ran to a window to wave bye to Euphemia. Euphemia stood on the platform, wiping tears as she waved goodbye to her boys. Peter and James kept waving until the train started moving.
As soon as the train began its movements, Peter started feeling sick with motion sickness and anxiety. Sweat started forming on his hands and the back of his neck as he followed James. James hurried through the hallways looking in compartments. Each compartment was full of different students, chatting and laughing with their friends.
“ This is going to be a great year, Pete,” James called behind him to Peter who followed behind, looking into compartments nervously.
Peter followed behind James, his mind racing with thoughts, both good and bad. He had thoughts of having fun going to classes with James, and learning transfiguration, charms, and potions with James. He thought of maybe meeting new friends, but who needed new friends when he had his best friend James. Some thoughts were more negative. What if the other students were mean or bullied him? What if the Slytherins were as bad as he thought they would be? What if he failed classes?
He was overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and noises radiating around the train. Students laughed and cracked jokes. They passed a few students, some first-years, some older, walking through the corridor dragging trunks. The smell of leather seats and candy drifted through the train. Students were everywhere and Peter never felt more anxious.
James stopped in front of a compartment and knocked before opening the door. A boy with sandy-colored hair and green eyes looked over at them as James stuck his head into the compartment. The boy was skinny and wore muggle clothing. He was sunk into the seat as he stared up at them.
“ Hiya,” James spoke, holding out his hand. “ First year? Mee too. I’m James.” He nodded his head back. “ And this is Peter.”
Peter watched the boy shake James’ hand and introduce himself as Remus. Peter didn’t like this new person being friendly with his James. James was his best friend. His friend. He fought down a glare as his anxiety reached its peak. A slight shake in his hands and the sweat beading on his forehead gave away this anxiety he was feeling.
“Can we sit here?” James continued. “ Everywhere else is full and Peter’s getting train sick.”
“ Am not,” Peter murmured, taking a seat across from Remus as James sat beside him.
“Know what house you’ll be in? What house were your parents in? Did they go to Hogwarts? James asked multiple questions at the same time, rapid fire.
“My dad did,” Remus said. “ I don’t know what house though. My mom didn’t. She was nor- a muggle.”
Peter looked up at him curiously. His mom was a muggle and his dad a wizard? That would make him a…
“ You’re a half blooed?’ Peter asked, earning a nod from Remus.
“ Shut up, Pettigrew” James scowled. “ As if it matters.”
Remus looked like he was about to say something as a dark-haired boy opened the compartment with a smirk.
“ None of you are related to me, are you?” He asked. He had a upper-class accent and Peter found he didn’t seem to like this boy’s first impression.
“Don’t think so.” James replied to the boy with a smile. “ James Potter.” He held out his hand for a shake.
“ Oh good a Potter. Dad told me not to talk to you.” The dark-haired boy sat next to Remus with a smirk. “ Sirius Black.”
Peter immediately recognized the last name and realized even more that he didn’t like this boy, not trusting him immediately.
“Poor Little Fool”- Ricky Nelson 1958