To Live for the Hope of It All

To Live for the Hope of It All
"to live is the rarest thing in the world. most people exist, that is all." ― oscar wilde.
Location: Hogwarts Express | Date: September 1st, 2024 | Interactions: Open

One could hardly hear their own thoughts over the din of goodbyes and train horns, but Amber's family was louder still. The group of twelve crowded around the girl, each determined to have their moment with her before she boarded the train.

"Don't forget to write us the moment you get there!" Aunt Myrna called over the noise, her hands busy tucking a knitted scarf into Amber's trunk even though it was far too warm to wear it. "And don't let your hair go to ruin in all that damp! Hogwarts is practically a castle full of draughts."

"Let the girl breathe," Uncle Tiernan said, glancing at his anxious wife. He leaned on his cane, watching Amber with a soft smile. "She'll do just fine. Won't you, lass?"

Amber swallowed the lump forming in her throat and nodded, clutching the strap of her satchel tightly. She didn't trust herself to speak just yet. She'd already grieved her parents, had moved past the hurt, but days like this made her wish for her mother. These people, her aunt and uncle and cousins, they loved her - but they weren't her.

Amber blinked quickly, forcing the tears back. There was no room for grief today. This was all she had, and it would have to be enough.

"You'll get used to it all in no time," Uncle Tiernan said, ruffling the girl's hair. "Just don't go hexing anyone on your first day—save the fireworks for later."

Amber managed a weak laugh, though it sounded more like a hiccup, and looked up at him with a wobbly smile. "I'll try, Uncle Tiernan," she said, her voice quiet. He hardly caught the words.

The train whistle blew, cutting through the noise. Everyone on the platform hurried to board, and Amber's family said their goodbyes. She was left in the arms of her aunt and uncle, her older cousins filing onto the train behind her, eager to settle in for the journey.

It was near impossible for Amber to pull away first, knowing that it would be the last time she saw them for months. Her aunt placed a kiss on her cheek, adjusting the girl's bangs. And then Amber looked into her uncle's eyes, blue just like her father's, and thought of the man who was half of her.

What she wouldn't give to see either of them just one last time.

Her aunt smiled through misty eyes. "Take care of yourself, darling," she said.

Amber's throat tightened. She swallowed hard, nodding as a small smile spread across her face. "I will. I promise."

With a final wave, Amber turned and climbed aboard. She stood still in the narrow corridor, peering into her cousins' compartment. The four of them talked amongst themselves, and Niamh, the oldest, gestured for Amber to come inside.

The girl shook her head, managed a smile and continued on her way. The train rumbled beneath her feet as it slowly started to gather speed. She passed by several compartments filled with students already chatting and comparing stories on their summer holidays.

Finally, she found an empty compartment toward the back of the train. She slid the door open and sat by the window, pressing her forehead against the cool glass. Drab, grey buildings and pavement gave way to lush green hills and blue sky. She'd never been fond of the city, and she could only hope that Hogwarts would live up to its supposed beauty. The centuries of history in those stone walls frightened her, but there was something beautiful about it, too.