"Have a Nice Trip Miss" Closed

It had been complete silence for the last thirty minutes. It wasn't necessarily unusual for the car rides to be silent but I couldn't help but be slightly off-put by it. It was my first time going to Hogwarts, after all. Shouldn't it be a big deal? Of course, I didn't expect our driver to care but a part of me would have expected my parents to at least come and drop me off on this one occasion. They were busy though. My father and mother were out of the country. They were attending some important events related to the launch of something to do with our company. I didn't quite understand their jobs yet. I just knew that they were busy and important.

"Your mother told me to remind you to behave well in Hogwarts. Don't forget that you aren't an ordinary girl. If you do something stupid, it won't go unnoticed."

For some reason, I felt chills run through my body. "Yes, Mr. Wilson. When have I ever done anything stupid?"

"You have been good so far but you have also been surrounded by the right kind of people. In Hogwarts, you will meet people who are a bad influence. Remember to be careful."

"Exactly what kind of people are you talking about?"

Mr. Wilson glanced at her through the rearview mirror. His eyes were light grey and old but they still had a sharp look that made her feel on edge. "Just remember, not everyone is to be trusted. There will be people who want to take advantage of you, parasites. Have high standards in who you let close to you."

"You're awfully talkative today."

"I'm just repeating what your parents want me to say."

"Why didn't they just come and say it themselves then?"

"You know why... they are busy. You will understand one day."

I didn't know how to respond. Of course, someday I would understand everything. Hopefully. I stared out of the window at the tall buildings that surrounded us. It didn't take long for us to reach the railway station. Mr. Wilson stepped out of the car walked around it, opening the door for me. He then opened the trunk of the car and picked up my bags. "Let's go."

As soon as Neeny had disappeared it had started to drizzle rain. It wasn’t much but just enough to wake Festus up. Poor kitty hated rain.
I kept observing the platform that was full of Witches and Wizards all there to sent their offspring to Hogwarts. Everyone was so loud and obnoxious! There were people who were late and still in their pyjamas eating breakfast and then there were others who had come to platform way too early with their whole family including grandparents and younger siblings all shouting at each other and blaming the others for forgetting to pack their stuff. There was this one person who let a huge dog run wild around the platform and bark at everyone and then there was another person running away from the dog screaming with an orange cat in their arms. I started to feel dizzy. I had gotten used to new people and new places but after being alone with my father for so long I had forgotten what a crowd felt like.
Suddenly something changed. I could feel the air around us moving and the voices in the platform becoming more quiet as if the sounds were coming behind a barrier of somekind. I looked up to my Father who was smiling: “Too loud huh?”
“Yes maybe a little, but how did you?”
My father touched his nose meaningfully but as he was about to say something his phone rang and he had to answer it.
I wasn’t mad at him. It was nice to have your own bubble you could stay at. I was wondering if we were invisible to the others but I wasn't sure. The bubble had blocked the rain out and Festus had fallen asleep yet again. I put him gently on top of my trunk and kissed it’s nose. It was very sad that I couldn’t bring him with me to Hogwarts, but I was hopeful that it could be possible after Christmas.
I let my gaze wander through people’s faces. I wanted to find out the people my age, so I could get to know them better when suddenly my gaze stopped to a familiar faze. It was Eleanor Meadow. Our parents knew each other through their work but more importantly we both came from old Slytherin families. We had last seen each other at the start of summer before my father and I left for Asia. I waved at her from inside our bubble inviting her in, but I wasn't sure if she would notice.

I tried to catch my breath after finding my way to the 9 3/4 platform. It was somewhat overwhelming to walk at a barrier and suddenly find yourself at a new place. The hidden platform was full of bustling young children and parents. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. But the feeling of being slightly lost and disoriented was even stronger. I had left my driver to the muggle world and was now completely alone. It made me feel smaller than I usually do. I wanted to shout and inform people of my presence. Everyone ignoring me just felt wrong. It was confusing and discomforting, in some ways even humiliating. Why couldn't my parents just be here today?

I awkwardly turned my head in an attempt to find some familiar faces. Surely Alexandria had to be here somewhere. There were so many people that it was difficult to find anyone. I felt like I was being watched and judged, while also being completely ignored. Suddenly I noticed her, thank god, and immediately walked over. I was so relieved that it almost made me run but then I remembered that running would seem childish and desperate. In case anyone was paying attention. Therefore, I held myself back and kept my composure while walking up to her. "Alexandria, there you are. I was looking for you but there are so many kids running around that it was beginning to make me dizzy."

Eleanor noticed me and walked up to us. I had always been jealous of her amazing posture and somehow the way she walked made her stand out from the other people in the platform. I had never been able to relate to anyone the way I now did to her. We didn't belong here or that is how it seemed. We had such different backgrounds than so many others here. I'm not saying that we were born with manors and money but I'm saying that we were born to silently judge those who didn't, while staying a respectful distance away. I was secretly panicking because I was scared that this is what Hogwarts was going to be like all the time. Luckily I would have atleast one friend who to vent to and who's opinion to trust.
When she finally reached us I smiled at her while listening to her talk: "You tell me! It feels like we have been inserted in to a circus where the ringleader has been run over by the elephant long ago. How do you like our bubble? If there is one spell I need to learn it is this one".
I kept brushing one strand of my hair that had escaped the bun back behind my ear causing only more strands to escape. I couldn't wait to get to the train so I could just change my clothes. I looked ridiculous. "So how was your sum-?" I was about to ask from Eleanor as the train whistled. Everyone in the platform stopped and somehow even bigger panic started. If the platform had been a messy circus before now it was the same circus but lit on fire. Trunks, brooms, cats, books and almost every imaginable thing was flying in the air as more and more people try to rush in to the train. My dad closed his phone and started peacefully walking towards one of the carriages with my trunk. I had completely freezed and woke up only when the raindrops started to come down on me. "The bubble moves with him?" I said out loud in astonishment "Definitely the first spell I want to learn". I looked at Eleanor and started catching up to my father: "We should probably follow, because otherwise we are going to get wet".

"Yeah definitely. I don't want my hair to become all gross and flat." I quickly brushed my hair, feeling self-conscious about it becoming messy from the rain and wind. "What is this weather anyway? Is the universe warning us about something?" I huffed. We began making our way to the train. I was grateful to have found Alexandria as it relieved my anxiety to not be alone. Somehow I felt less exposed. I and Alexandria had been friends since childhood as our parents were both in influential positions and therefore, from the same social circles in Brighton. I didn't really enjoy meeting new people since it always made me feel on edge. Whenever I met a new person I got a feeling that they were out to get me. With Alexandria, it was different though. I had known her since we were young, so I felt like I knew her almost as well as myself.

I began to wonder if there was a first-class on the train, but then remembered that they probably didn't intend to separate students like that on the Hogwarts express. Of course, you wouldn't have the option of paying for first-class when the train was free. How disappointing. The chaos and disorganized atmosphere on the train was something I wasn't used to and was not enthusiastic to get used to. There were so many intense emotions everywhere. Some people were running around and introducing themselves to others enthusiastically, whereas others were desperately clinging to their parents with tears in their eyes. I grabbed Alexandria's hand warily, "I can't stand these people. Can't they hold themselves back even a little bit? Is there any quieter section of the train that we could go to?"

Right before we entered the train My dad had suddenly stopped me. "Here" he mumbled and gave a small brown package.
"Don't open it yet"
"Why? What is it?"
"It is a surprise"
"Oh okey..."
"Alexandri- I mean Alex"
"Yes?"
"Stay safe allright? And don't waste all of your letters on Neeny. I would like to receive some myself"
I nodded and smiled to my father as the train whistled again and he closed the train door between us. I dropped the package into my pocket and started feeling dizzy again.
The train was very loud and messy. I felt reassured as Eleanor grabbed my hand and we started moving forward. "There has to be right?" I replied to Eleanor and quickly duck down pulling her with me as something flaming flew over our heads. "Phew that was close. What on earth is wrong with these people?" I whispered angrily and was about to lash out into a full blown rage but decided to control myself. Others can act like apes but me falling down to their level would not be helpful to anyone.
I stood back up and dusted of some dirt form the hem of my jacket. "Sorry about that" I mumbled and Helped Eleanor back up. Still holding her hand I walked a bit further along the aisles of the train. After escaping what felt like twenty close calls of people almost running us over I bumbed into a door that flew open. Luckily Eleanor was able to pull me back so I didn't fall down and I managed to only stumble.
"This one looks empty" I sighed out of relief and threw my trunk inside. I sat down and took my brimmed hat off. "Quiet at last. I wonder if these compartments are sound proof?". I was checking my reflection from my small compact mirror and trying to solve the problem my hair had created when I suddenly realized something. "Where were your parents? Didn't they come to drop you off?"

Alexandria found a small empty room from the train which we hurriedly entered to escape the apocalypse that was occurring in the rest of the train. "Thank god," I whispered still shocked from the experience. The hassle probably wouldn't have seemed that bad to the average person but I was used to always having poise no matter how stressful the situation was. If one person let their emotions loose, it would simply cause a chain reaction which would only cause more chaos. Therefore, I couldn't help but experience distaste when looking at the other first years. So far I had no interest in mingling with anyone else. I also couldn't help but wonder why my parents didn't just allow me to be educated privately.

I glanced at Alexandria who had pulled out a mirror and was fixing her hair even though it looked good already. She then asked me, "Where were your parents. Didn't they drop you off?" The reminder made me feel a bit down once again even though there really wasn't any reason to feel down. It wasn't a big deal at all in the grand scheme of things. This was just the price you had to pay in exchange for wealth and success. "No, they were busy. They are on some business trip to Japan," I sighed and faced the window. I wanted to slap myself for sounding so disappointed. I could imagine my mother's words if she saw me like this, "Get yourself together, Eleanor. If you can't handle this, you will crumble to pieces once you enter the real world."

Leonard was not shaking, thank you very much.
He was just cold. Even though there had been an unexplained flaming object that flew over his head (a wizard version of the UFO, he thought, amused), he was still cold.
Perhaps it was the fact he’d be leaving home for the first time, actually leaving. To a school where the mortality rates, while not discussed in the books he bought, were definitely higher than that grammar school he’d opted not to attend.
Was he regretting his decision? Not at all. Not at bloody all.
“Leo! The train’s going to leave in ten minutes!” The throaty voice of his father rang through his ears, interrupting his internal monologue. He’d been having many of those lately.
“I know, it’s just,” I’m very scared of literally every single thing about this school, “are you sure I haven’t forgotten any of my books?”
“They’re all there, Leo. You quadruple checked two hours ago.”
“Yes, well, it’s better to be sure!”
“Leo, look, I know you’re scared of this plan of yours not working, but don’t worry. Just have fun.” His mother chimed in, a handkerchief still being dabbed to her eye. Thankfully, they’d gotten past the waterworks in the car.
“Yes, of course,” Leonard said, not thinking of fun at all. “Fun. Very important, yes. I’ll have fun.”
His mother kissed his forehead. He wiped it off, just for appearances. Really, he wanted his mother to come with him all the way to Hogwarts and mail him every single day.
But appearances were more important. Important to The Optimal Hogwarts Experience.
He didn’t turn when his parents left the station. That would make it real, it being that he was leaving for Hogwarts. This station, and the trip coming from it, would most likely shape his Hogwarts Experience. This was where Number One was to be ticked off, hopefully.
He sat on a bench, and turned his attention to a girl behind him. She was wearing a scaled jacket. Leonard had never really found use for those things, unless you were infiltrating a dragon’s fictional lair. Whatever, it was no concern of his how others dressed. After all, his own wardrobe was mostly plain blue shirts, not even varying in shade. Being called a hypocrite was not something that contributed in any way to The Optimal Hogwarts Experience.
What had captured his attention was the small, shrivelled raisin of a creature that was talking to the girl. A house elf, he recognised. He felt a compulsion to get a canvas and brush out, just so that he could document this in paint. Sure, painting was mostly for beautiful things, and sure, (if you’d pardon his wording here) house elves weren’t the most beautiful things by any definition, it was a wonder. Painting was for wonders.
A bloody enormous dog interrupted his mental soliloquy this time. He found one similarity between the animal and his father: they had about the same amount of hair. Same colour as well. What a coincidence.
Rain started drizzling. Leonard blinked. He stuffed the parchment he’d been clutching since breakfast in his pocket, carefully, so it wouldn’t be crumpled. Such a sacred checklist should not be folded.
He continued reciting the words on the checklist, mentally reminding himself of every move he had to make, and every syllable that had to come out of his mouth.
The girl he’d been watching (not watching, the type that would earn him a place in prison had he been eighteen. Watching, the type that you did when somebody seemed interesting. She seemed interesting) started talking to another girl, one with posture even a Malfoy would be jealous of.
He turned his attention to the weather. The wind was picking up, and picking incredibly fast. Leonard half felt he was going to end up in Oz, rather than Hogwarts, when the storm was finished.
Leonard noticed the smoke coming from the train. It was near time to tick off Number One. Hopefully. He wasn’t sure.
But nobody needs to know that, he thought, leaping up to the Hogwarts Express door, almost looking like a wannabe gymnast. But he wasn’t a wannabe. He was something else. Hopefully.
He still wasn’t sure.

Interacting with @Alexandria Hunt @Eleanor Meadow @Leonard Oaksworth

Lindsey rushed in the King’s Cross Station. “Mom! Dad! Faster!” She called her parents excitedly. Today’s her first day to Hogwarts and she’s extremely eager to get on the express.
Her brother had often described it to her. Great, as he said. Lindsey didn’t feel this before she actually entered here——that’s two years ago, when Edmund got to his school age. It’s more excited for her now though——today’s her own experience, not anybody else’s.
It started drizzling outside. Lindsey felt relieved as she finally got into the station.
A girl of her age was talking over there with a house elf. Lindsey hadn’t seen a house elf her life. The Springhalls could have one as they’re an old family but her ancestors had made the elfs free a long time ago.
This girl seemed from a really rich family. Her dressing and manors were all nice, which revealed her background.
Lindsey put her eyesight yonder. Another girl wearing expensive clothes (at least Lindsey thought so) that were definitely not cheaper than the first girl attracted her. But what made Lindsey felt interesting was that the girl seemed from Asia. Her grandmother was a Chinese witch and Lindsey’s obsessed with Chinese culture. Is this girl also from China? Or Korea? Or Japan? She would really like it know more about her.
The floor of the station got wet and slippery because of raining. Lindsey put all her attentions on those two girls and suddenly slipped and fell onto the floor.
She felt really embarrassed at first and felt more embarrassed after discovered that she fell in just front of a boy.
A boy of her age. That is, her future schoolmate.