First friend

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Mentions: Reducio @Penelope Kneen

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio Woman's speech: bold + plum Diana's speech: 2b4c7e thoughts: #6b4c7e + italics

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The bell above the door gave a gentle chime as Diana stepped inside Madam Malkin's. Almost immediately, the familiar scent of fresh fabric and polished wood greeted her, bringing back memories of her own first visit before starting Hogwarts. It felt strange that nearly a year had passed already. She was only back because she'd grown since last year, so her robes needed to be refitted.

Diana paused just inside the doorway taking in the peaceful atmosphere before glancing at the witch behind the counter who gave her an apologetic smile. "I'll be with you in just a moment, dear." Diana nodded understandingly. "Of course." Of course the shop would be busy at a time like this. Students needed to get their robes refitted and new first years needed to get their robes for the first time.

Diana moved to one side of the shop and set the brown paper bag down while she waited. Inside the bag was her school robes. Her eyes wandered around the room, lingering on the neatly arranged robes before they settled on the girl standing on one of the fitting stools. She looked about eleven, with the unmistakable excitement of someone preparing for their very first year at Hogwarts. Diana couldn't help smiling to herself. She remembered feeling much the same before her own first trip to the castle, wondering what her House would be like and whether she'd make any friends. During that time, she didn't think she'd be in Ravenclaw. She thought she'd in Hufflepuff. But then, Ravenclaw made perfect sense to her!

When the younger girl glanced her way, their eyes met for a brief moment before the younger girl looked away almost immediately. Diana hesitated. She knew how awkward those first conversations with strangers could feel, especially when someone seemed shy. After a moment's thought, she offered her a small, reassuring smile. "Getting your Hogwarts robes?" she asked softly, her voice gentle enough that it didn't disturb the quiet of the shop. "I remember getting mine last summer." She then rested one hand lightly on the strap of her bag. "I'm Diana." she added after a small pause. "I'll be starting my second year in a few days." There was no pressure behind the introduction. It was simply an invitation for the younger girl to talk. But if she didn't want to, Diana was more than happy to sit comfortably in the silence for a little while longer.

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Word Count: 408/200

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Mentions: Reducio @Penelope Kneen

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio Woman's speech: bold + plum Diana's speech: 2b4c7e thoughts: #6b4c7e + italics

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As Penelope introduced herself a warm smile spread across Diana's face. "It's nice to meet you too, Penelope." As the younger girl excitedly explained about buying her first Hogwarts robes and how long she'd waited for her Hogwarts letter, Diana listened without interrupting. Diana was a great listener and found that it was rude to interrupt someone when they were talking. The excitement in her voice reminded Diana so much of herself only a year earlier that she couldn't help feeling a little nostalgic.

However when Penelope suddenly stopped speaking and lowered her gaze towards her robes, Diana suspected exactly what happened. Diana was good at observing people because she'd done it a lot last year. "You don't have to worry," she said gently. "I don't think you were talking too much." Diana gave Penelope a small reassuring smile. "I remember feeling exactly the same before my first year. There was so much I wanted to know that I probably could have talked for hours if someone had let me." Of course, having parents in both worlds allowed Diana to view the worlds differently, but she was always curious no matter what.

Diana glanced around the shop before her gaze returned to the younger girl. "Waiting for your Hogwarts letter feels like it takes forever," she admitted. "Then, once it arrives, everything starts happening so quickly. Before you know it, you're shopping in Diagon Alley, and then suddenly you're on the Hogwarts Express." At the memory, her smile softened. "I was nervous too," she continued. "Mostly because I didn't know what to expect. I kept wondering where I'd be sorted and whether I'd make any friends." She let out a quiet laugh. "Looking back now, I worried much more than I needed to."

The witch adjusted another sleeve on Penelope's robes while Diana waited patiently before adding "Hogwarts can seem enormous at first," she said. "There are moving staircases, secret passages, ghosts wandering through the corridors, and so many new people." A hint of amusement entered her voice. "You'll probably get lost at least once. I know I did." She tilted her head slightly. Diana had actually gotten lost a few times. "But after a little while, it starts to feel familiar. You learn where your classes are, you settle into your House, and before long it begins to feel like home."

Remembering something Penelope had mentioned, Diana asked, "Have you thought about which House you might be sorted into? I spent most of the summer trying to guess where I'd end up, and I was completely convinced I'd be sorted somewhere other than Ravenclaw."

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I listened carefully to every word Diana said. Hearing that she had been just as nervous before her first year made me feel much better.
A small smile appeared on my face.

"I've been thinking about it all summer,"
I admitted with a quiet laugh.

I remembered what Diana said last, "Have you thought about which House you might be sorted into? I spent most of the summer trying to guess where I'd end up, and I was completely convinced I'd be sorted somewhere other than Ravenclaw."

I answered her question with a hint of confusion in my voice.
"I still have no idea which House I'll be sorted into."

I looked down at the robes the witch was adjusting before continuing.

"I've read about all four Houses so many times. They all sound wonderful in different ways. I don't really mind where I end up. I just hope I can make friends, enjoy my classes, and make my family proud."

The witch walked around me one more time, carefully straightening one of the sleeves before stepping back to check the fit.

For a few moments, the shop was quiet.

I thought about what Diana had told me "There are moving staircases, secret passages, ghosts wandering through the corridors, and so many new people.". Hogwarts sounded even more magical than I had imagined.

I looked back at Diana with curiosity.

I said with an excited smile "I've imagined what it would be like for so long, but hearing someone who has actually been there makes it feel real."

I paused for a minute and then asked "How was your first day at Hogwarts like?"

I looked at her quietly waiting for her answer.

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Mentions: Reducio @Penelope Kneen

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio Woman's speech: bold + plum Diana's speech: 2b4c7e thoughts: #6b4c7e + italics

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As Penelope admitted that she had no idea where she might be sorted Diana smiled thoughtfully. "I think that's perfectly normal," she said gently. "The Sorting Hat knows you much better than you know yourself in that moment." Diana then began to remember standing beneath the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall with her heart racing, trying to guess where she'd belong. Looking back, Ravenclaw seemed so obvious now, but at the time she hadn't been nearly as certain. "I ended up in Ravenclaw," she continued, "but before I arrived, I thought there was a good chance I'd be in Hufflepuff." She gave a quiet laugh. "I was completely wrong."

Diana's smile softened when Penelope said she'd simply hope to make friends, enjoy her classes, and make her family proud. "I think those are good things to hope for." There wasn't anything about winning the House Cup or being the best in every class. Just simple hopes that felt genuine. Diana wondered if Ravenclaw had ever won the House Cup last year. She had simply forgotten which house had.

Diana's expression brightened with fond remembrance when the younger girl asked about her first day. "It was... a little overwhelming," she admitted. "Everything was new." Which was sort of obvious because she hadn't been to Hogwarts before. But Penelope asked, so Diana would tell her. As she thought back she rested her hands lightly on the handle of her paper bag. "The boat ride across the Black Lake was probably the moment it all started to feel real. Seeing Hogwarts for the first time..." She paused, searching for the right words. "It's even more beautiful than the pictures. I don't think I'll ever forget seeing the castle lit up that evening." A smile smile lingered on her face before continuing. "Then we went into the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony. I remember looking up at the enchanted ceiling and wondering how it could possibly look like the real night sky." She then laughed softly. "My heart was beating so fast while I waited for my name to be called." Diana was both nervous and excited which was why her heart was beating so fast. She glanced toward Penelope. "But once the Sorting Hat announced my House..." She smiled. "The nerves started to disappear." Diana paused before continuing. "The first few days were still confusing. I got lost more than once, and I kept stopping just to look around because everything fascinated me." She smiled sheepishly. "I'm not sure that ever completely stopped."

The witch gave Penelope's robes one final adjustment before nodding with satisfaction. "There," she said warmly. "A perfect fit." Diana looked back at Penelope. "If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be not to worry about doing everything perfectly." Her voice was calm and reassuring. "Everyone is new once. Ask questions when you have them, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and enjoy all of the little moments." She smiled warmly. "They go by much faster than you think."

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I listened carefully to everything Diana said, not wanting to miss a single word.
"I think that's perfectly normal," she said gently. "The Sorting Hat knows you much better than you know yourself in that moment."

That actually made me feel better. Maybe I did not need to worry so much about which house I would end up in.

When she told me she had thought she would be in Hufflepuff before being sorted into Ravenclaw I couldn't help smiling.

"I ended up in Ravenclaw," she continued "but before I arrived, I thought there was a good chance I'd be in Hufflepuff." She gave a quiet laugh. "I was completely wrong."

I laughed with her. I guess the Sorting Hat really does know best.

As Diana spoke about her first day at Hogwarts I imagined everything in my head. The boats crossing the Black Lake, the huge castle, the enchanted ceiling and the Sorting Ceremony all sounded even more magical than the books had described.

By the time she finished I was standing with surprise on my face.

"It sounds amazing," I said "I don't think I'll ever stop being excited for September."

When the witch finished adjusting my robes I carefully stepped down from the wooden stool.

I looked back at Diana with a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

I paused for a minute before continuing.

"I was really nervous when I came into the shop today." I gave a small laugh. "I thought everyone would already know each other and I'd just be standing here by myself."

I looked down for a second before meeting her eyes again.

"But... talking to you has made me feel much less nervous."

A warm smile spread across my face.
"I'm really glad you came into the shop."

For a minute I hesitated. I didn't want our conversation to end but I also didn't want to sound too clingy.

Taking a small breath I smiled embarrassedly.

"I know you may be busy with your second year..." I continues "but... if we ever see each other at Hogwarts..." I paused feeling my cheeks become red "Would you mind if I came over to say hello?"

I smiled nervously.
"It would be nice to know at least one person before school starts."

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Mentions: Reducio @Penelope Kneen

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio Woman's speech: bold + plum Diana's speech: 2b4c7e thoughts: #6b4c7e + italics

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As Penelope admitted how nervous she was before entering the shop Diana's expression softened. She understood that feeling all too well. Starting somewhere new and being surrounded by unfamiliar faces could make anyone feel alone. "I'm really glad we talked too," Diana replied warmly. "I know how intimidating everything can seem before your first year." She paused for a moment before smiling. "But I don't think you'll be standing by yourself for very long." There was confidence in her voice. Last year Diana had learnt that Hogwarts had a way of bringing people together when they least expected it. "You'll meet people in your dormitory, in your classes, on the Hogwarts Express" she continued. "Sometimes friendships begin when you least expect them." A small laugh escaped her. "Mine certainly did."

Diana blinked in mild surprise before her smile grew even warmer when Penelope hesitantly asked if she could come and say hello at Hogwarts. "Of course you can." The answer came out without any hesitation. "I'd be happy if you did." She shifted the paper bag in her hands before adding, "If you see me in the corridors, the Great Hall, or even the library, you're always welcome to come over and talk." She smiled gently. "Even if it's just to ask where a classroom is. I got lost enough during my first year that I know my way around much better now." Diana was more than happy and ready to offer help to any first year, especially to her new friend. A quiet laugh accompanied the confession.

"And who knows?" she added thoughtfully. "Maybe the Sorting Hat will decide we'll be in the same house." Diana wasn't trying to influence Penelope's expectations. She simply knew it was one of the possibilities of Penelope's sorting. "But even if we're not," Diana continued, "Hogwarts isn't so big that friends from different houses never see each other." Diana was able to see her friends from different houses throughout the year.

The witch carefully folded Penelope's newly fitted robes and handed them over. Diana stepped slightly aside to give them room before looking back at the younger girl. "I'll be watching for the first-years during the Sorting Ceremony," she admitted with a fond smile. "It'll remind me of my own first night." Diana gave one final reassuring smile. "So when you see me at Hogwarts" she said softly, "don't be afraid to come and say hello. I'd like that."

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Word Count: 406/200

Mentions:

Reducio

@Diana Roberts

Notes:

Reducio

Diana
Penelope
Parents

I smiled as I listened to Diana. Every word she said made me feel less nervous.

"But I don't think you'll be standing by yourself for very long," she said.

I hoped she was right.

She told me that I would meet people in my dormitory, in my classes, and on the Hogwarts Express. She also said that friendships sometimes begin when you least expect them.

"I hope that happens to me too," I said with a small smile.

I thought of her answer when I had asked if I could come and say hello to her at Hogwarts, I held my breath, worried that she might think it was a strange question.

Instead, she smiled.

"Of course you can. I'd be happy if you did."


I couldn't stop smiling and I felt a warm feeling inside my chest.

"I'll definitely come and say hello if I see you."

Diana also told me that even if we ended up in different Houses, we would still be able to see each other around Hogwarts.

That made me feel even happier.

"I really hope we can be friends," I admitted shyly.

The witch carefuly folded my new Hogwarts robes and placed them into a bag. I took them carefully and handed over the money trying not to smile too much.

Just then I herd the shop door open.

"There you are!" my mother said as she and my father walked inside, both carrying bags full of my new school books.

"We've got everything on your list," my father said with a smile.

"I've got my robes too," I replied happily lifting the bag a little.

Before leaving, I turned back to Diana.

"It was really nice meeting you," I said with a grateful smile. "I'll see you at Hogwarts."

With one last smile, I walked over to my parents still thinking about our conversation.

I had walked into Madam Malkin's feeling nervous and completely alone.

I walked out feeling excited for Hogwarts... and happy that I had already made my first friend.

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Mentions: Reducio @Penelope Kneen

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio Woman's speech: bold + plum Diana's speech: 2b4c7e thoughts: #6b4c7e + italics

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As Penelope promised she'd come and say hello at Hogwarts Diana's smile lingered. "I'll look forward to it," she replied sincerely. "I have a feeling you'll settle in much faster than you think." Diana didn't hesitate when Penelope admitted that she hoped they could be friends. "I hope so too," she said warmly. "I think we've already made a good start." A quiet sense of happiness settled over her. It was strange how a conversation that had begun with two strangers waiting in a robe shop had turned into the beginning of a friendship. Hogwarts always seemed to have a way of connecting people even before the school year had begun.

The bell above the door chimed once more as Penelope's parents entered carrying bags filled with new schoolbooks. Diana stepped aside to give them room and smiled politely as the family reunited. Seeing the excitement on all three of their faces reminded her of her own trip the previous summer. It felt both familiar and distant at the same time.

Diana returned the grateful smile as Penelope lifted her bag of robes and turned back toward her. "It was really nice meeting you too, Penelope," she said. "Have a wonderful rest of your summer." She gave a small wave before adding "And good luck with the Sorting Ceremony. Wherever the Hat places you, I think you're going to do just fine."

As Penelope and her parents left Madam Malkin's she watched them disappear through the doorway into the bustle of Diagon Alley and couldn't help but smile to herself. Only a few minutes earlier Penelope had entered the shop feeling nervous about Hogwarts. Now the younger girl left with excitement in her eyes and Diana liked to think she'd had a small part in that.

After her robes had gotten trimmed she picked up the neatly folded robes and thanked the witch behind the counter before making her way outside. The warm August air greeted her once again as the sounds of Diagon Alley surrounded her. In only a few days Hogwarts would be filled with new first-years familiar faces and another year of memories waiting to be made. Among them would be Penelope and the other first year's she'd met this summer as well as her new friends made during the summer. And when Diana spotted Penelope beneath the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall she knew exactly what she'd do. She'd smile wave and remind her that she wasn't alone anymore.

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Word Count: 414/200