New Places, New Friends
From the moment I walked through the wall on Platform 9 3/4, I was surrounded by the smells of smoke and steam. The Hogwarts Express loomed over everything. Families crowded the platform as students' luggage was taken away and loaded onto the train. Excited youth were saying their last goodbyes before being carried away to Scotland.
I stood for a moment and took in the grand scene before me. I was alone on the platform, having just said goodbye to my mother before walking through. I pushed my cart toward the luggage area and handed off my trunk and suitcase to be loaded. A conductor ushered me through the nearest door onto the train, and as I began walking down the narrow passage past all of the open cabins, hoping to find an empty one.
I won't have any friends to start my adventure to Hogwarts yet, but I hope to meet some as the train begins to fill. I have always been quiet and reserved, slow to making friends. I am not really shy or anything, I just don't normally have much to say, and people take this as being unfriendly sometimes.
This car should be mostly first-years like me, so I can't be the only one traveling alone when we start. I find an empty cabin and sit against the window looking out at the platform watching for a few minutes before I open my satchel and pull out my copy of History of Magic. I read for a few minutes, before my cabin door opens and someone peeks in...
I stood for a moment and took in the grand scene before me. I was alone on the platform, having just said goodbye to my mother before walking through. I pushed my cart toward the luggage area and handed off my trunk and suitcase to be loaded. A conductor ushered me through the nearest door onto the train, and as I began walking down the narrow passage past all of the open cabins, hoping to find an empty one.
I won't have any friends to start my adventure to Hogwarts yet, but I hope to meet some as the train begins to fill. I have always been quiet and reserved, slow to making friends. I am not really shy or anything, I just don't normally have much to say, and people take this as being unfriendly sometimes.
This car should be mostly first-years like me, so I can't be the only one traveling alone when we start. I find an empty cabin and sit against the window looking out at the platform watching for a few minutes before I open my satchel and pull out my copy of History of Magic. I read for a few minutes, before my cabin door opens and someone peeks in...
New Places, New Friends
He had never been on a train before, magical or otherwise, and so was overwhelmed with not only the new situation he found himself in, but the train station's crowd and train itself; saying goodbye to his parents quickly despite his mother's reluctance to let him go;
After boarding the train with his overstuffed stack of luggage pulled behind him, Edward glances around through the cabins looking to join one that is currently either unoccupied or lightly occupied; he had hoped that he might find another first-year who was as overwhelmed by the whole experience as he was that he might empathize with, hoping deep down to make a new friend more than anything else;
And with that he finds a certain cabin:
The small boy peeks in shyly, and seeing as the cabin only currently has a single occupant, currently reading, he makes a slight coughing noise, “mind if I join?” he asks the other, discerning that he must be a fellow first-year;
Assuming the other consents to his further entry, he steps inside with a gentle smile, dragging the overstuffed luggage which appears to be nearly too large for him to handle on his own;
Dressed appropriately for the opening ceremonies on arrival, the standard robe looks slightly large on him, though it appears new, perhaps the purchaser bought it with the ambition of it being grown into quickly.
After boarding the train with his overstuffed stack of luggage pulled behind him, Edward glances around through the cabins looking to join one that is currently either unoccupied or lightly occupied; he had hoped that he might find another first-year who was as overwhelmed by the whole experience as he was that he might empathize with, hoping deep down to make a new friend more than anything else;
And with that he finds a certain cabin:
The small boy peeks in shyly, and seeing as the cabin only currently has a single occupant, currently reading, he makes a slight coughing noise, “mind if I join?” he asks the other, discerning that he must be a fellow first-year;
Assuming the other consents to his further entry, he steps inside with a gentle smile, dragging the overstuffed luggage which appears to be nearly too large for him to handle on his own;
Dressed appropriately for the opening ceremonies on arrival, the standard robe looks slightly large on him, though it appears new, perhaps the purchaser bought it with the ambition of it being grown into quickly.
New Places, New Friends
I look up from my book to see another boy peeking his head into the cabin. He quietly asks if he can join me.
"Of course, please come in and sit down. My name is Jason, nice to meet you."
I put my book back into my bag and store it under my seat. I then, get up and help the new boy safely store his luggage.
Just as we get everything situated the train whistle blows a couple of times, indicating that we are about to start moving. I take my seat and gesture to him to take the seat across from me.
"You better have a seat, I think we are about to start our long trip north."
As if on cue, the train jerks and begins to chug a little. The whistle blows again, and we begin to pick up speed. I look out the window and can see the faces of family smiling, crying and waving goodbye to children on this train. I watch for a few seconds before re-engaging with my cabin-mate for the trip.
"So, I take it you are a First-year as well!? Umm... where do you come from? I'm from Ireland. Are you excited to be going to Hogwarts, too?"
"Of course, please come in and sit down. My name is Jason, nice to meet you."
I put my book back into my bag and store it under my seat. I then, get up and help the new boy safely store his luggage.
Just as we get everything situated the train whistle blows a couple of times, indicating that we are about to start moving. I take my seat and gesture to him to take the seat across from me.
"You better have a seat, I think we are about to start our long trip north."
As if on cue, the train jerks and begins to chug a little. The whistle blows again, and we begin to pick up speed. I look out the window and can see the faces of family smiling, crying and waving goodbye to children on this train. I watch for a few seconds before re-engaging with my cabin-mate for the trip.
"So, I take it you are a First-year as well!? Umm... where do you come from? I'm from Ireland. Are you excited to be going to Hogwarts, too?"
New Places, New Friends
Edward smiles softly as he’s invited inside and more brightly as Jason helps him with his luggage, “oh thank you, I appreciate it, my mother insisted I took anything they allowed her to send with me, ‘just in case’” as he sat down across, he took his last glimpse out the window at his mother with that as they rolled out of the station, she was waving but also crying with a mixture of worry and separation anxiety simultaneously, having been very reluctant to let him go as her only child. He waved back to her one last time, before turning his attention to his cabin mate.
“Nice to meet you too” he says with a genuine smile, “I’m Edward, Edward Bishop, from Canterbury” then nodding to the question, “yes, I am a First year student also, very excited yes!” He smiles brightly before continuing, “But I’ll admit a bit nervous, this is the first time I’ve ever been away from home overnight except to stay with my grandmother not far away at all out in the Kent countryside” he then asks curiously, “what is it like in Ireland? I’ve always wanted to visit but we never have” he settles in more comfortably as the two begin to converse.
“Nice to meet you too” he says with a genuine smile, “I’m Edward, Edward Bishop, from Canterbury” then nodding to the question, “yes, I am a First year student also, very excited yes!” He smiles brightly before continuing, “But I’ll admit a bit nervous, this is the first time I’ve ever been away from home overnight except to stay with my grandmother not far away at all out in the Kent countryside” he then asks curiously, “what is it like in Ireland? I’ve always wanted to visit but we never have” he settles in more comfortably as the two begin to converse.
New Places, New Friends
"I come from a large town in the heart of Ireland called Athlone. I lived in the heart of town most of the time so I haven't spent much time in the countryside, but I know it's very green, and rainy much of the year. Athlone boasts the country's oldest pub, which is kinda cool. There is also a castle that was built hundreds of years ago by the O'Conor clan, but their wizarding line died out a long time ago. Sorry, now I sound like a tour guide, haha. What's it like in Canterbury?"
I noticed that Edward had already changed into his robes. I looked up at my bag and contemplated putting mine on as well. I knew it would be hours, and dark by the time we got to Scotland and Hogsmeade, so I decided I would stay comfortable until we were almost there.
"You mentioned your mum and grandmother. Are you from a wizarding family? My dad was a wizard, but my mum is a muggle. We lived as muggles, but I have two uncles that have taught me about the wizarding world."
Realizing that I had started prattling on and had already asked a couple questions, I stopped to allow Edward a chance to talk and answer. I'm not used to making conversation and he seems friendly, so I don't want to overwhelm him. I have two settings it seems, I am either quiet and contemplative, or I am a chatterbox. I think this is why I don't make friends.
I noticed that Edward had already changed into his robes. I looked up at my bag and contemplated putting mine on as well. I knew it would be hours, and dark by the time we got to Scotland and Hogsmeade, so I decided I would stay comfortable until we were almost there.
"You mentioned your mum and grandmother. Are you from a wizarding family? My dad was a wizard, but my mum is a muggle. We lived as muggles, but I have two uncles that have taught me about the wizarding world."
Realizing that I had started prattling on and had already asked a couple questions, I stopped to allow Edward a chance to talk and answer. I'm not used to making conversation and he seems friendly, so I don't want to overwhelm him. I have two settings it seems, I am either quiet and contemplative, or I am a chatterbox. I think this is why I don't make friends.
New Places, New Friends
Edward makes himself more comfortable in his seat, giving the boy across from him a soft smile as he listened to him describing his own home: "Oh! That's interesting, I've always wanted to go to a real castle - Hogwarts is going to be amazing!" Edward replies, excitedly. "I'm sure Ireland is more interesting than Canterbury. Mostly lots of history. All the muggle tourists generally come to see is the Cathedral and related places, going back to when it was the main place in England for muggle pilgrimages during the Middle Ages - there is an old Roman museum which I thought was interesting - older than Merlin! I wish we knew more about that period of Wizarding history, I'd bet the Roman wizards who came had some adjusting to do in getting along with the native British wizards," he looks thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "Do you like animals? The wild animal park is bigger than the London zoo, well at least in terms of area, more land to spread out in and all that... closest thing you can get to a real safari in the British Isles as far as I know..." pausing briefly to take a breath before continuing, "the Wizarding community is decently sized too, with lots of us who found London too crowded moving there instead... especially Ministry folks these days, though my own ancestors have roots in Canterbury going back before the Ministry in London was even founded... my dad said we are more descended from Roman wizards than Celtic ones which is why people say we look like we could be Italian with the black hair and all even though we're British" while proud of his heritage, he tries to not make it sound like he's bragging or coming across as arrogant.
He then goes on to ask shyly, not wanting to offend the first other magical boy he's met so far besides members of his own family: "So... are your family all wizards and witches too?" and then less shyly "do you know which of Hogwarts houses you're hoping to be sorted into yet?"
He offers Jason a warm smile as he awaits a reply.
He then goes on to ask shyly, not wanting to offend the first other magical boy he's met so far besides members of his own family: "So... are your family all wizards and witches too?" and then less shyly "do you know which of Hogwarts houses you're hoping to be sorted into yet?"
He offers Jason a warm smile as he awaits a reply.
New Places, New Friends
"I think any place new is fascinating. I am sure Canterbury is pretty cool, too. It would be really cool to learn more about the Roman wizards. I wonder how different magic was back then?!"
After Edwards shorth pause, I listened attentively as he talked about the wild animal park, the wizarding community in Canterbury and his family roots. It was all so cool hearing about the world through the eyes of another wizard.
"I do like animals and I think the wild animal park would be fun to see. I think it is awesome that you can trace your family roots like that. I know my family has many generations of wizards on my dad's side, but we don't know much beyond a couple hundred years."
Edward asked more about my family and what house I hope to be sorted when we get to school.
"Yeah, my mom is a muggle and works at the bank in Athlone. I lived for the most part in a muggle neighborhood after my dad died. He was an agent at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Creatures and died on a mission breaking up a group of poachers. He and his two brothers, my uncles, are from the Graves family. Most of my wizarding family line moved to the United States in the 1800's."
I had to stop and think for a moment about which house I hope to be sorted into.
"To be honest, I haven't thought much about which house I want to be in. I have been so excited just to be going to Hogwarts... I guess, probably either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. My dad and uncles were in Gryffindor, but I feel like my passions are more about the pursuit of knowledge, so Ravenclaw may be better for me. What about you, do you have a preferred house?"
After Edwards shorth pause, I listened attentively as he talked about the wild animal park, the wizarding community in Canterbury and his family roots. It was all so cool hearing about the world through the eyes of another wizard.
"I do like animals and I think the wild animal park would be fun to see. I think it is awesome that you can trace your family roots like that. I know my family has many generations of wizards on my dad's side, but we don't know much beyond a couple hundred years."
Edward asked more about my family and what house I hope to be sorted when we get to school.
"Yeah, my mom is a muggle and works at the bank in Athlone. I lived for the most part in a muggle neighborhood after my dad died. He was an agent at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Creatures and died on a mission breaking up a group of poachers. He and his two brothers, my uncles, are from the Graves family. Most of my wizarding family line moved to the United States in the 1800's."
I had to stop and think for a moment about which house I hope to be sorted into.
"To be honest, I haven't thought much about which house I want to be in. I have been so excited just to be going to Hogwarts... I guess, probably either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. My dad and uncles were in Gryffindor, but I feel like my passions are more about the pursuit of knowledge, so Ravenclaw may be better for me. What about you, do you have a preferred house?"
New Places, New Friends
Edward responded thoughtfully to Jason's commentary:
"I think any place new is fascinating. I am sure Canterbury is pretty cool, too. It would be really cool to learn more about the Roman wizards. I wonder how different magic was back then?!"
"Yeah, maybe we'll get to learn about it during History of Magic! What classes are you most looking forward to taking? For me, it's anything but flying... I have a fear of heights..." he admits, sheepishly. "Though if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Charms - I can't wait to learn how to actually cast spells!" he says with enthusiasm.
"I do like animals and I think the wild animal park would be fun to see. I think it is awesome that you can trace your family roots like that. I know my family has many generations of wizards on my dad's side, but we don't know much beyond a couple hundred years." Edward replied with a nod, "Yeah animals are interesting too. We don't get to take Magical Creatures until year three, but at least we can start reading about them, have you started reading Fantastic Beasts yet?" and in a sincere tone, "A couple hundred years is still impressive! That would be... around the time the Ministry of Magic was founded I think?"
"Yeah, my mom is a muggle and works at the bank in Athlone. I lived for the most part in a muggle neighborhood after my dad died. He was an agent at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Creatures and died on a mission breaking up a group of poachers. He and his two brothers, my uncles, are from the Graves family. Most of my wizarding family line moved to the United States in the 1800's."
With a look of empathy on his face as Edward replied, "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that your dad died. I can't imagine. My grandfather died, but he was older and he was at peace with it being 'his time' though I still cried and miss him, I'm sure that doesn't compare to losing your dad. Very impressive that he was an agent at the ministry though, sounds like he died a hero ~ poachers are the absolute worst scum of the earth..." he said in a serious tone, before moving on to the next topic that Jason mentioned, not wanting to dwell what might make Jason sad on what should otherwise be a happy trip together, "The United States huh? That's interesting... do you ever see your American cousins? If you do, what do they say it's like there?" he asks curiously.
Finally, as Jason answers his query,
"To be honest, I haven't thought much about which house I want to be in. I have been so excited just to be going to Hogwarts... I guess, probably either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. My dad and uncles were in Gryffindor, but I feel like my passions are more about the pursuit of knowledge, so Ravenclaw may be better for me. What about you, do you have a preferred house?" Edward smiled at his words before replying, "For me, probably Ravenclaw ~ I love learning too! My mother was a Ravenclaw. My father was in Slytherin, but that doesn't feel right for me. Definitely not Gryffindor, my late grandfather was in Gryffindor but I couldn't be further from him, in terms of personality - I'm sure he and your dad would have gotten along well. As for me, maybe Hufflepuff, my favorite grandmother was a Hufflepuff and more than anything else, I want to make some good friends - being raised as an only child was honestly a bit lonely," he admits by way of explanation, before a final reply, "So what do you say, no matter what houses we end up getting sorted into, we can be friends?" He offers Jason his hand in friendship with a hopeful smile.
"I think any place new is fascinating. I am sure Canterbury is pretty cool, too. It would be really cool to learn more about the Roman wizards. I wonder how different magic was back then?!"
"Yeah, maybe we'll get to learn about it during History of Magic! What classes are you most looking forward to taking? For me, it's anything but flying... I have a fear of heights..." he admits, sheepishly. "Though if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Charms - I can't wait to learn how to actually cast spells!" he says with enthusiasm.
"I do like animals and I think the wild animal park would be fun to see. I think it is awesome that you can trace your family roots like that. I know my family has many generations of wizards on my dad's side, but we don't know much beyond a couple hundred years." Edward replied with a nod, "Yeah animals are interesting too. We don't get to take Magical Creatures until year three, but at least we can start reading about them, have you started reading Fantastic Beasts yet?" and in a sincere tone, "A couple hundred years is still impressive! That would be... around the time the Ministry of Magic was founded I think?"
"Yeah, my mom is a muggle and works at the bank in Athlone. I lived for the most part in a muggle neighborhood after my dad died. He was an agent at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Creatures and died on a mission breaking up a group of poachers. He and his two brothers, my uncles, are from the Graves family. Most of my wizarding family line moved to the United States in the 1800's."
With a look of empathy on his face as Edward replied, "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that your dad died. I can't imagine. My grandfather died, but he was older and he was at peace with it being 'his time' though I still cried and miss him, I'm sure that doesn't compare to losing your dad. Very impressive that he was an agent at the ministry though, sounds like he died a hero ~ poachers are the absolute worst scum of the earth..." he said in a serious tone, before moving on to the next topic that Jason mentioned, not wanting to dwell what might make Jason sad on what should otherwise be a happy trip together, "The United States huh? That's interesting... do you ever see your American cousins? If you do, what do they say it's like there?" he asks curiously.
Finally, as Jason answers his query,
"To be honest, I haven't thought much about which house I want to be in. I have been so excited just to be going to Hogwarts... I guess, probably either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. My dad and uncles were in Gryffindor, but I feel like my passions are more about the pursuit of knowledge, so Ravenclaw may be better for me. What about you, do you have a preferred house?" Edward smiled at his words before replying, "For me, probably Ravenclaw ~ I love learning too! My mother was a Ravenclaw. My father was in Slytherin, but that doesn't feel right for me. Definitely not Gryffindor, my late grandfather was in Gryffindor but I couldn't be further from him, in terms of personality - I'm sure he and your dad would have gotten along well. As for me, maybe Hufflepuff, my favorite grandmother was a Hufflepuff and more than anything else, I want to make some good friends - being raised as an only child was honestly a bit lonely," he admits by way of explanation, before a final reply, "So what do you say, no matter what houses we end up getting sorted into, we can be friends?" He offers Jason his hand in friendship with a hopeful smile.
New Places, New Friends
Edward and I continue learning about each other for the next few hours, losing time as we start to become friends.
Edward says, "Yeah, maybe we'll get to learn about it during History of Magic! What classes are you most looking forward to taking? For me, it's anything but flying... I have a fear of heights... Though if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Charms - I can't wait to learn how to actually cast spells!"
I don't have to think long on how to answer.
"Of course History of Magic is at the top of my list, since I was reading it as you came in, but I agree with you about Charms. I want to master spells and possibly learn to do wandless or non-verbal magic. I don't know about flying yet, never done it."
Edward continued, responding to my comments about the zoo and animals.
"Yeah animals are interesting too. We don't get to take Magical Creatures until year three, but at least we can start reading about them, have you started reading Fantastic Beasts yet?"
"Yes, I love to read about anything to do with the magical world, including the works of Newt Scamander. I have done a lot of reading on magical animals, mostly to understand my father's work, but I don't think it's what I want to do yet."
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that your dad died. I can't imagine. My grandfather died, but he was older and he was at peace with it being 'his time' though I still cried and miss him, I'm sure that doesn't compare to losing your dad. Very impressive that he was an agent at the ministry though, sounds like he died a hero ~ poachers are the absolute worst scum of the earth..."
"Thank you about my father. I didn't really know him, he was always missing from my life, so it was never a loss. I do love to hear stories about him from his brothers and friends, so that helps fill the hole left behind, I guess."
After a few seconds of awkward silence, Edward starts again saying, "So what do you say, no matter what houses we end up getting sorted into, we can be friends?" Edward reaches out his hand, offering a handshake. I immediately reach out with mine and shake his hand.
"Of course I will be your friend!" Then, half-jokingly I add, "As long as neither of us becomes Slytherin, since they don't mingle outside their own House." I laugh a little at my little joke.
I looked out the window, and it was already pretty dark. I quickly checked the pocket watch my uncle gave me, and the time was getting late. We were getting close to our destination, and I was still not in my robes.
"Excuse me for a moment, Edward. I just need to throw on my robes really quick."
I stand up and get my bag from the shelf above me, and pull out my robes and put them on.
"Well, I think we are getting close. Let's stick together until we get Sorted. I think my uncles said we will be taking boats to the castle?! But seriously, no matter how it turns out, you're right, we should be friends."
Edward says, "Yeah, maybe we'll get to learn about it during History of Magic! What classes are you most looking forward to taking? For me, it's anything but flying... I have a fear of heights... Though if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Charms - I can't wait to learn how to actually cast spells!"
I don't have to think long on how to answer.
"Of course History of Magic is at the top of my list, since I was reading it as you came in, but I agree with you about Charms. I want to master spells and possibly learn to do wandless or non-verbal magic. I don't know about flying yet, never done it."
Edward continued, responding to my comments about the zoo and animals.
"Yeah animals are interesting too. We don't get to take Magical Creatures until year three, but at least we can start reading about them, have you started reading Fantastic Beasts yet?"
"Yes, I love to read about anything to do with the magical world, including the works of Newt Scamander. I have done a lot of reading on magical animals, mostly to understand my father's work, but I don't think it's what I want to do yet."
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that your dad died. I can't imagine. My grandfather died, but he was older and he was at peace with it being 'his time' though I still cried and miss him, I'm sure that doesn't compare to losing your dad. Very impressive that he was an agent at the ministry though, sounds like he died a hero ~ poachers are the absolute worst scum of the earth..."
"Thank you about my father. I didn't really know him, he was always missing from my life, so it was never a loss. I do love to hear stories about him from his brothers and friends, so that helps fill the hole left behind, I guess."
After a few seconds of awkward silence, Edward starts again saying, "So what do you say, no matter what houses we end up getting sorted into, we can be friends?" Edward reaches out his hand, offering a handshake. I immediately reach out with mine and shake his hand.
"Of course I will be your friend!" Then, half-jokingly I add, "As long as neither of us becomes Slytherin, since they don't mingle outside their own House." I laugh a little at my little joke.
I looked out the window, and it was already pretty dark. I quickly checked the pocket watch my uncle gave me, and the time was getting late. We were getting close to our destination, and I was still not in my robes.
"Excuse me for a moment, Edward. I just need to throw on my robes really quick."
I stand up and get my bag from the shelf above me, and pull out my robes and put them on.
"Well, I think we are getting close. Let's stick together until we get Sorted. I think my uncles said we will be taking boats to the castle?! But seriously, no matter how it turns out, you're right, we should be friends."