September 1st, 2019

The Platform had been filled with families like her own, all anxiously trying to make sure their kids got onto the train, as well as giving their goodbyes. Little siblings ran around the platform, trying to convince conductors to let them on, while returning students worked to get through the crowds, in order to secure their favorite compartments. Lennox was anxious to get on the train, and away from her parents, who had been whispering their advice to her since they got on the Platform. Really, it was just reminders on how to act, how to make sure she got sorted a certain way, or whatever other aspects of her education her parents found a way to try and take control of.

She had never been so grateful to get away as she had when her parents finally gave her a hug goodbye and sent her onto the train. Only then did she realize that she now faced the next task: finding a compartment that wasn't taken to sit in. It's not that she didn't want to make friends, she really did. And in any other circumstances, she would love to sit with people she didn't know. However, the train was not so big, so if she made a fool of herself, or if those she sat with didn't like her, she didn't really have many places to escape to.

Lennox was relieved when she found an empty compartment, knowing she couldn't make a fool of herself by being alone. She sat towards the window, resting her forehead on the cool glass as she looked out the window. Off to her new life, far away from all of her parents' expectations. Now, all she needed to do was make her own friends. She hadn't made an effort yet, but she had hoped someone would make the first move, considering how difficult it was for her to get out of her own head sometimes. She took a deep breath, and sat up, pulling a book out of her side bag to read while the train went on.

@Aoife Quinn

The Hogwarts Express was a hustle and bustle of activity. Carriages and cabins filled with eager wizards and witches, all excited to be back amongst their friends again, if not keen to get back to their schooling. Eager first-years crammed into whatever cabins they could find, chatting eagerly and meeting new friends, in amongst older pupils who veered off separately, laughing at how they were never that small when they were first years.

Aoife's parents hadn't really had time to offer words of advice. They'd just gone for a general few words. "Don't forget your homework. Make friends. Be good." As if that'd never crossed her mind at all. Easy-peasy, this school stuff. Just be good. Really brilliant contribution there, Dad, thanks.

After a brief stop and chatter in another, busy cabin, Aoife opened the door of an empty compartment. It'd be good to sit somewhere quiet for a little bit, get her bearings. As out-there and extroverted as she was, even she was starting to get a little overwhelmed by it all. She stepped in, giving the quiet girl inside a quick grin.

"Hey, d'you mind if I sit in here?" she asked, nodding towards the seat opposite. Without waiting for an answer, she flopped herself across from the other girl, shaking herself off as she dropped her satchel bag on the seat next to her. Her fingers brushed her pigtails aside, off her shoulders, as she straightened herself up.

"I'm dead sorry like, I was in such a rush to get on the train," she explained, shaking her head. Once she'd straightened up a little, she beamed at the other girl again. "First year too? I'm Aoife, nice to meet ya."

@Lennox Knightley

Lennox had jumped a bit when the compartment door opened but chuckled once she saw the girl that had entered. She hadn't had time to respond to her request before the other girl had plopped herself across from her, but she didn't mind. "Don't worry about it, I understand. And yeah. I'm a first year. I'm Lennox!" She beamed, glad that this girl was quick to talk, it made it far less awkward when someone could keep a conversation going. Now it was on her to keep it going, but she wasn't too worried, Aoife seemed nice enough.

"Are you excited? I can't wait to get sorted," She spoke quickly, carrying her excitement in her tone. She couldn't help it, Lennox was so stoked to be on her way to Hogwarts. All the adventures, the classes, the new friends. they were all just a train ride ahead of her. Then again, she could have a friend right in front of her, if she was lucky. She tucked her bookmark back into her book, knowing she could focus more on conversation if she simply put the book down. Besides, she'd have plenty of time later to read, knowing she would probably be unable to sleep after all the excitement of today.

@Aoife Quinn