And So It Begins Finished

Emily and "Auntie" followed behind the Hogwarts official as they crossed the platform. Emily still wasn't sure of what to make of the whole thing. She got a letter not even a week ago, she'd been in Diagon Alley buying cauldrons and magic textbooks, and now she's expecting to find a train platform she was firmly in belief didn't exist.

"Auntie" had a soft hand on Emily's shoulder. For being the one raising the girl despite only being hired as the maid by the parents, she was certainly calm about the whole thing. But despite her relaxed demeanour, Emily could tell she was dreading parting ways with her.

The Hogwarts official stopped suddenly in front of a wall, startling the ladies. He urged them to walk straight into it. Emily and "Auntie" exchanged a baffled look before they were both pushed by the official. They gasped and their mouths hung open when they saw the Hogwarts Express, sitting along the tracks as oceans of students and parents crowded on a now very real platform.

Emily's stuff was hauled on board. And now was the hard part.

"Auntie" brushed a small strand of Emily's face behind her ear, smiling down at her excitedly.

"I'm so proud of you, Em. You're going to have so much fun. So don't worry, alright? Just be your lovely self and you'll see just how amazing it'll be!"

Emily grinned at the encouraging words. "I'll miss you, Auntie."

The maid pulled her in for an affectionate hug. "Me too, pet. But you're going to be just grand. Now, I shouldn't really say this, but I will so long as it's just us... I love you like a daughter. Your parents may be in love with their work, but I'll always be proud of whatever you do, Emily. Be your own success, okay?"

Emily wouldn't deny her words even if she tried. The maid that looked after her for years was always kind and was wise for someone relatively young too.

Emily got on board the train and stood as the door closed. "Auntie" waved as she dabbed her eye with a tissue, while Emily watched her and the platform disappear into the distance. She was on her own now for the time being.