The "Good Enough" Compartment Closed

Shawn was a bit worried about finding his compartment on the Hogwarts Express, after all he didn't have the same advantages of those with siblings or those who had grown up around other wizards. Nonetheless, he was confident in his abilities to make friends, after all who wouldn't want to be friends with him?

Once he boarded he took a deep breath and put on a brave face as he walked poking his head into a few compartments, mostly catching dirty looks from older students. After throwing some dirty looks back, he decided it might be a good idea to try and find one with a fellow new student.

He overheard someone shout something at a fellow first-year, telling them not to run so much. He laughed a bit to himself before he began to seek out the first year mentioned by the older student. Shawn thought he had finally found the person he was looking for when he saw a boy around his age. He walked in to introduce himself but the boy had other ideas...

"Beat it" the other boy said "Future Gryffindors only."

Shawn mumbled something unkind under his breath on his way out before ducking into another nearby compartment. This time only one other person was in there, a girl who looked to be his age. He once again put on a confident mask and introduced himself.

"Hello there," he began with a cocky smirk, "my name is Shawn McCarthy, and you've just met your ticket to greatness."

June drummed her fingers on her book, getting impatient. This was not how she pictured her grand voyage to Hogwarts; alone, bored and agitated. Finally, she heard the compartment door slide open.

A tall young boy with wavy black hair was staring right at her, a grin splattered across his face. "Hello there, my name is Shawn McCarthy, and you've just met your ticket to greatness."

June smiled. Thank Merlin, something interesting. She stuck out her hand for McCarthy to shake. "Selwyn. June Selwyn, pleased to meet you."

The train lurched forward. Finally, movement. June peaked out the window and waved a final "goodbye" to her parents, as both they and Platform 9^3/4 began to grow smaller and smaller. June turned back to McCarthy.

"My ticket to greatness, eh? Thought I'd already met mine a few years ago," June teased. "Alright, McCarthy the Great. I'll remember that." She re-adjusted her posture. "Are you a first-year as well? I've been packed since the day I got my letter. We knew it was coming, of course, so I'd had most of my things ready before it even arrived."

The train began to pick up speed, the English city transitioning into beautiful countryside. June wanted to just stare out the window at the scenery, but she resisted. After all, she had several more years' worth of rides on the Hogwarts Express, and this boy was much more interesting than trees (no matter how beautiful those trees may be).

"Was that you I heard being kicked out of the 'future Gryffindor' compartment across from us? What a joke, there's no way to know what house you'll be sorted in. Probably a bunch of stuck-ups," June wrinkled her nose. "If I get sorted into Gryffindor, point them out to me, will you? So I know who to avoid."

"If I get sorted into Gryffindor, point them out to me, will you? So I know who to avoid."

After letting go of her hand, Shawn's grin grew wider at the topic the girl had chosen to begin with. He took a second to take in the girls appearance, she was almost the opposite of him, a short blonde with blue eyes. Despite their opposite features Shawn was excited for this to be first person he met, she responded to his cockiness well and with sarcasm and that made him thrilled for their future conversations.

"Yeah, that was me getting rudely removed from the palace of future Gryffindors, but I'm not worrying too much." Shawn sat more comfortably. "I don't know why anyone would want to be in Gryffindor. No matter what you do, there is one huge shadow you'd be living in."

Shawn took a peek outside during a pause in the conversation, and was taken aback by the endless beauty that could be seen across the scenery. His jaw dropped at the pure beauty of the countryside and he looked forward to the similar views at his new school.

He once again focused on his companion in front of him. "Anyway, yeah ticket to greatness." His smirk quickly came back. "The way I see, the longer you stick with me, the more likely you are to succeed. Because I know I'll succeed, and I'll make sure to help my friends succeed along with me. Also you're right, I am a first-year like you, and yeah I've been packed for a pretty long time as well."

Shawn took a moment to consider what he had just said, he didn't come to Hogwarts to help others, he came to help himself, but the opportunity in front of him he saw a chance to bring someone along with him. He took a quick moment to wipe the confusion off his face before finishing his train of thought.

"Well it's nice to meet you Selwyn, I look forward to our next few years together." He thought for a moment before asking, "So, what house are you hoping for? Hopefully not Gryffindor, but if so I'll point out those guys for you." He finished with a laugh.

June hadn't even thought of the fact that if she was sorted into Gryffindor, people would think of him every time she mentioned her house. What a terrible fate, to have your reputation dictated by someone who came decades before you. At that moment, June decided that she would not like to be a Gryffindor. She made a note to think this during the sorting ceremony; her father did say that the Sorting Hat takes your opinions into consideration.

June watched as McCarthy stared out the window, finding his sheer amazement at the scenery quite endearing. "You're not from around here, are you? I can't quite place your accent. It's almost Irish, isn't it? But not quite..." Peculiar, June thought to herself.

June found the boy's unwavering confidence quite intriguing. "How can you be so sure that you'll be bringing me to greatness? As far as you're aware, you're sitting across from the greatest witch of our generation. Perhaps I'll be the one bringing you along for the ride." June watched McCarthy's facial expressions falter for a moment, then chuckled softly. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I have a feeling you'll be quite successful in whatever you put your mind to, McCarthy the Great. Let's succeed together. Anyone who underestimates us can eat Dragon Bogies."

Ah, the question June had been asked by family members non-stop since she got her letter. Where did she want to be sorted? Until only a few moments ago, June would have been perfectly happy in any house. "I'm not sure," she replied. "My dad's a Ravenclaw, and my mum's house at Beauxbatons reminds me of Hufflepuff. I quite like my parents, so I wouldn't mind carrying on those traits. Slytherin wouldn't be so bad either, I suppose. I'm glad I don't have to decide and the Sorting Hat does it for me, it takes a lot of the pressure out of everything. No use fretting over what may or may not happen." June could picture it now, first-years crestfallen or paved over their house, questioning if the Sorting Hat really knew what it was doing, trying to see if they could fix it somehow. What a trivial thing to be upset over.

June cleared her throat, bringing herself out of her thoughts. "Right then, what about you? Chomping at the bit to befriend your new future-Gryffindor pal?"

Shawn was actually surprised it took this long for his newfound friend to mention his accent, of course it was a big talking point when he first moved to Ireland, his father having a very thick Irish accent and him not so much.

"You're right, I'm not from around here." he took a deep breath before continuing, he would most likely have to explain this story to numerous people during his time here at Hogwarts. "In fact, I'm not even close to being from around here. I was born in the States, that's why I have some more American mannerisms. I can tell you're probably from around here, just because of the accent. My father took me to Ireland when I was about nine, raving about how great Hogwarts would be and yet, I've only met one enjoyable person." He smiled at Selwyn after that final sentence.

Once again the greatness topic was brought up again, Shawn was a little shocked at the girls response to his confidence but excited at the prospect of someone similar to him coming up along side him. "Well, perhaps you are the greatest witch of our generation, and I have no doubt you truly could be." He said, cracking his cocky exterior for just a moment. "Nonetheless, I am excited at the prospect of us ruling over the school, I think we'll do great things together."

Shawn's house, he hadn't thought about it all that much strangely enough, like most things he had faith it would work itself out for him. Despite his comments, he actually wouldn't hate being in Gryffindor, he didn't outwardly dislike any of the specific houses.

"To be honest, I'm also not quite sure what house I would like to be in." He said, thinking for a moments before continuing. "My father was a Gryffindor actually, and he seems to have been a rather large fan of them. Ravenclaw and Slytherin seem like the best to be, but I'm not sure, my father wasn't exactly impartial when discussing other house. Again, I agree with you, why stress over something we cannot control? So I guess we shall see."

Shawn finally noticed the book in his new friend's lap, and looked at it quizzically. Taking the chance to learn more about the girl and perhaps the sides of the wizarding world his father hide from him he asked, "What do you have there? Some sort of school book?"

"An American, eh? That's quite interesting. What's it like there?" June had never met an American before, it was quite exciting. "I'm from Newcastle. Well, just outside of Newcastle, technically. We've got a big house that's been passed down through my dad's family. It'll be mine someday. When it is, I'm going to fill every room in the house with people and music. It gets far too quiet with just the three of us there." She smiled at McCarthy's compliment. "Well, to be fair to your father, we aren't even at Hogwarts yet," she tossed one of her braids, smiling. "And it couldn't be that hard to beat out the other interaction you've had so far. In fact, I hope you do get sorted into Gryffindor, rub it in the lad's face. That'd be quite funny."

June picked up her father's manuscript that was in her lap."Oh, this? No, I'm not that motivated." The book was was loosely bound, with a simple cover that served as nothing more than protection. "This is my dad's newest book. Well, it hasn't been published yet, but it should come Christmas." She traced the title with her finger, The Castle Around Your Bones. "It's his first time writing a mystery, he usually writes adventuring novels. Maybe you've heard of him? Phinneas Selwyn? Or maybe not, you're from America... Well, his second book was quite popular, 'Drainmuss and Death'." June smiled. "I'm proud of him. He works really hard, and his stories are always wonderful. I like imagining what it would be like to be a wizard traveling the world, not attached to the Ministry or any organization, fighting monsters and saving the world. Not that my parents would ever let me, my mum is concerned that some of the classes here might kill me. It's fine, she's just overprotective, doesn't want to send her only kid off into the world."

June huffed and sunk into her seat. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Yup American, well born in America, and honestly it's not all that different just different speaking styles and food, but I suppose Hogwarts will be a drastic change from what I'm used to." Shawn tried to come up with more differences but failed to do so. He was surprised to hear June's plans to make her house more full. "Well it sounds like you have your plan ready for when the house is yours. Frankly, I don't much like large houses seems like too much is going on at once, I enjoy the little place me and father have." Shawn laughed at Selwyn poking fun at the Gryffindor boys. "Honestly, yeah not a great first impression, thanks for fixing that though. Being put in Gryffindor would be a great way to shock the other boy I'll admit. I really do hope he doesn't get put into Gryffindor, just to see how he would react."

Shawn was impressed by the comment made by Selwyn. "I'm sure I've heard that name before. It must have been in my fathers book cabinet. I remember him being engrossed in a book recently, and I'm pretty sure it was the one you mentioned, 'Drainmuss and death' right? It's very impressive that your father does that, good for him! It must be a real challenge to write those books?" Shawn thought about his new friend had said for a moment. "I suppose you're right, traveling the world without any restrictions must be a fun thing to do as a wizard. Also, I wouldn't be too upset at your mother, she's just a little worried, I'm sure she knows deep down you'll be fine."

Shawn smirked a bit due to the other girl get upset due to her mother treating her like a little kid. "Well of course you can take care of yourself, how else could you be the greatest witch of our generation?

"Wow... I've only ever read about America. You'll have to introduce me to some real American food sometime," June smiled. "Oh, wonderful! Well, let me know if you'd like a copy of one of his books to keep you occupied in your spare time. I'm sure he'd be happy to send one to Hogwarts." She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Just wish my mum would get off my broom sometimes."

June sat up, stretching her arms. This was going to be a long train ride. "I hope we're sorted into the same house," she said as she stifled a yawn. "If not, I'd hate my house beating yours every month for House Cup to strain our friendship. That'd be a pity," June stuck out her lower lip before bursting into giggles.

The countryside whizzed by as enormous fluffy clouds rolled through the sky. They reminded June of home. Home... It finally sunk in that June, aged 11, was leaving home for 4 months. The leaves would turn red, fall, and snow would cover the branches before she saw her mum and dad again. Truth be told, she was actually a bit nervous to go to Hogwarts, though she'd never admit it. She didn't have many friends growing up, and the few she did have were only there because of family connections (she didn't like most of them, anyways). Her biggest worry, without a question, was making friends and feeling at home in the giant castle. But if everyone she met was as approachable and interesting as Shawn McCarthy, surely she would have nothing to worry about? Even so, she decided, McCarthy was a good starting point in ways of people to meet. No, more than that, he was an excellent first person to meet.

"Don't worry, I'll teach you everything there is to know about real American food. Shawn laughed. "I'd be very interested in reading your fathers books, I need to read more books when I have the time." The confident statement from Selwyn brought smirk to Shawn's face. "Yeah, you should hope we're in the same house, if not it's be shame to see you sad as we raise the house cup year after year."

As his new friend looked out the window, so did Shawn. He could hardly contain the excitement that his conversation with his new friend had brought about. Thinking to himself about how his entire life was about to change over the next few weeks. Very soon from now, he would be all on his own, learning at Hogwarts. Hopefully, with his new friend Selwyn. Shawn was happy to have met Selwyn first, he wondered how different things would be if he had met someone not as fun as the young girl sitting across from him, and he smiled to himself.

"Are you tired? If so better catch some sleep before we arrive, don't worry I'll be sure to wake you up when we get there." Shawn smiled before sitting more comfortably.