Remus arrived at the train station that morning, his appearance not managing very well to hide the fact that the last full moon had been so recent, unfortunately. His skin was a paler shade than it’s usual pale tone, and each of his movement pained him as he walked on towards the trains station alone. He could hardly miss the train ride to school, though, so he pressed on nonetheless. The morning air was warm, still with the last hints of summer in the air, as people filed in from all over, bustling here and there. The idea of seeing everyone again overshadowed all of that, and he knew he would heal soon enough. Pulling his worn trunk behind him, he passed through the brick platform entrance and walked down the length of train as he moved to set his trunk away, just as usual, and smiled in a friendly manner a to a few people as they passed.
As he lifted his trunk on board, a young girl, most likely in her first year, he noticed, seemed to be having some difficulties. Her trunk was almost the same size as she, and must weigh quite a bit as she struggled to hoist it up. All of the other students bustled by, busy with families and friends and trunks of their own. “Here, let me help.” He found himself saying as he walked over to the little girl, lifting the trunk in his own hands and helping her onto the train with it. She was quick to thank him, but looked up at the older boy with a confused expression, wondering why he would even bother.
“Oh, I’m a prefect. Remus. Nice to meet you. I hope you have a good term.”
“I’ve heard of those. It’s your job to help people. Well, thank you!” The little girl spoke, a smile on her face now, before running off towards a little gathering of first years boarding.
He nodded, amused at the girl’s enthusiasm, before continuing on his way, his eyes glancing around for his three friends to no avail so far, and decided to board now. If anything, he could save them a seat like he usually did each year. He could imagine them now; James had probably slept in that morning, and was now frantically stuffing bits of clothing and books into his piled up trunk in an attempt to pack quickly. Sirius had probably done something similar, but merlin knows what. Peter, he imagined, was somewhere nearby, but caught up in his tangle of family, all kissing him goodbye and doing a great job of making his cheeks go beat red.
With a smile, he stepped on board the scarlett train and down the long hallway in between each compartment. Some were already filled with students, while others held only a sole student or just a few. As he reached the one that each of the marauders had spent their train rides at each year, he pulled it open and stepped inside, sliding over to his spot by the window. From here, he could see all of the mothers and fathers on the platform more clearly now, and wished for a small moment that his own parents could be among them, but instead, turned his head away and pulled out a small book from his bag.
Reading always sent him to a good place, so as he turned the page, making a good distraction for himself, he straightened one leg out and tried to stretch it, still sore and aching from the recent break, but better than before. Perhaps he would indulge in a chocolate frog on the trip, he thought to himself. Or maybe a peppermint toad. That usually made the trip quite pleasant. As long as he didn’t forget to head down to the prefect’s compartment at some point.
