Closed The Start of an Age

[AJ Carpenter]

AJ felt like he was buzzing with energy, he had all morning. He'd hurried his family along through breakfast, eager to get to the station and to the train. Some part of him was sure something would go terribly wrong, something huge that would cause him not to go to Hogwarts after all. So what AJ Had been doing so far was trying to control as much as he could. He had asked his mum to leave earlier than planned, had insisted on putting his trunk on the train as soon as they arrived, and was now trying to remember if he had packed everything he would need as he stood with his family. He had been planning his packing for weeks, so he knew he had everything, but he still went over the mental list in his head.

He glanced at his watch and realized they still had plenty of time. He was glad, as he needed to say goodbye to everyone, even though he was also itching to get on the train and settle in. He had looked around at all the other kids meandering around, wondering how many of them would be his friends in school. AJ turned to his siblings, realizing he had to start his goodbyes. He cleared his throat. "Well, we have some time before I board, but I shouldn't wait too long, so I can get a good seat." He said seriously. His gaze moved to the oldest siblings. "You all need to help out, okay? More than before, I won't be there to pick up the slack." His gaze lingered on Cassius. "Mum can't do it all alone."

 

[Cassius Carpenter]

Cassius was very excited today because AJ was finally leaving! No more being bossed around, no more not being able to finish his breakfast because Mr Bossy had to rush everything, and no more being told to be more responsible. Today had been particularly bad, and Cassius had survived by thinking about one particularly glorious upside. For the first time in his life he was going to have his own bedroom. He was imagining how he’d decorate the space without AJ sticking his big nose in. The extra bed would stay of course, somewhere for his brother when the holidays rolled around, but everything else was changing. It would become totally Cassius’s space. And as for the stuff AJ had left behind, he shouldn't be surprised if the family owl mysteriously delivered it to Hogwarts while Mum was busy with the younger kids.

Cassius rolled his eyes at the lecture then gasped when AJ looked at him, “No way. Is Captain Bossy leaving me in charge?” He was teasing, of course, he always teased when it came to AJ. “You worry too much. Mum’s going to be fine.” He drew a sharp breath and added, “Not so sure about your stuff you left behind though.” Then he exhaled and got ready to run, he'd need all the head start he could get if AJ tried to catch him.