not a prank SOLO

september 1st.

THE LOCOMOTIVE STARED at her with a purpose, and Juliet still wanted to know when cameras would be pointed to her face, as the gameshow presenter in his mid-40s informed her the last fourth months or so had been nothing but a well-orchestrated prank. But no. She waited a full minute - and another, and another - and nothing. No cameras. No microphone. No laugh track.

She downed the rest of her water as her stomach turned, breathing in and out like her father had taught her. Throwing up in front of everybody was not how Juliet wanted to make her big entrance to the wizarding world, no, thank you.

"It's okay to be nervous, you know," Her mother said, playing a hand over her shoulder, pushing her forward. One step. But it's enough for now.

Juliet looked over her shoulder, eyebrows knitted together. Daisy played with her colored-pearl bracelet, a gift she made for Mother's Day at school almost 7 years ago. There were clear signs of worry on the woman's face. Bitten bottom lip. Dark circles under her eyes. Runny nose from crying on their way here. Ever since her 11th birthday, her mother hasn't been sleeping well. (And admittedly, so hasn't she.)

"I'm not nervous," Juliet chuckled.

Daisy hummed, hand going up to caress the top of her daughter's head. The woman smiled, face soothing, as she spoke, "Your father wanted me to tell you he's really proud of you, and that you're going to be the greatest witch that school has ever seen. He was very sad that he couldn't be here today,"

Juliet made a face, pretending to be annoyed as she squinted at the woman, "He told me not to set the school on fire yesterday,"

"Well, he's got a point," Daisy rested her chin on top of the girl's head too, hugging her from behind. "Do not do something like that, now that you have your wand and everything,"

"I don't even know how to, mum," Juliet rolled her eyes, and shrugged her off, hands reaching for her trunk. She turned to look at her mother. "I'll try to write every week - with the owls, so you and father won't worry so much. You should sleep when you get back home, mum,"

"Oh, if I wasn't sleeping properly with you in your bedroom, imagine now," Daisy placed a hand on her forehead, checking if she had a fever. "But I'll try, dear. Go," Daisy leaned in, pecking her daughter's cheek. "You have a lot of fun. Wear the scarf I bought you. I don't want you getting sick,"

Juliet groaned, but her smile grew. She wrapped her arms firmly around the older woman's waist, hiding in her chest. For a couple of minutes, the 11-year-old girl stayed like this, in the comfort of her mother's arms, eyes closed, afraid of how much she'd miss her in the following months.

Deep down, Juliet was so scared... but she had to go.

After more students went inside the train, she soon followed, dragging her trunk with her. Juliet waved at her mother by the door, trying as hard as her not to cry. She swallowed that urge and turned inside - ready to face her new life.

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