23 Feb 2022, 03:42
˗ ˏ ˋ Platform 9 3/4ˎˊ ˗
[Solo]
Charlie felt fuzzy after walking through the wall, and her grip on her trolley tightened, trying to keep her balance. Her mother gave her a slight shake on her shoulders, "You okay dear?" Her voice rang like a bell, and Charlie nodded. The smell of charcoal was very strong, and the sight was prettier than she imagined. The big, black train with red rim exhausted a puff of smoke. It sat there, patiently waiting for students to get on. It's timely departure would be around 10 minutes from now.
Her feet felt like they were jinxed to the ground, and her heart began to pound. It all felt like a dream, maybe she should be pinched. As almost on cue, her father came up behind her and gave her a slight push. "Nobody will bite, I promise" His gravelly voice spoke into her ear, and remarkably gave her a sense of relief. His hands rested on top of hers and helped her push the trolley, giving it a slight wiggle side to side. A small laugh came out of the both of them, and again, it made her feel better. Her father always had a way of cheering her up, and it made her feel so loved.
Dozens, probably hundreds of children were running around. Some already sorted into their houses and coming for their second, third, or fourth year. Some with animals perching on their shoulders, a particular boy had a beautiful tabby that caught her eye. Eventually she stopped, and her father helped put her bags into the train. It all became too real, and she clinged onto her mother. She gave Charlie a reassuring pat on the back.
"Charlie," she bent down in front of her, "Aye felt de same way, but de feeling passes." Her father joined beside her, wrapping his arm around her. "'ou'll meet new friends, some that last a whole lifetime."
"Like Aunt Julie?" Charlie mentioned, a friend of mother and father's.
"Aye, like Aunt Julie," her mother nodded, and the whistle on the train rang in her ears. Her father rubbed her back, and Charlie took a deep breath.
He gave Charlie a big hug, followed by her mother. "We love you, and remember what aye told 'ou. No matter what house yer in, we will love you regardless." Charlie gave them both a smile, and proceeded her way onto the train. She looked back and waved to both of them, then made her way into the Hogwarts Express.