1 September 2019

The Martinez family arrived at the platform ten minutes before the train was set to depart. Father Maddox had gone first, followed by eldest Elizabeth, middle child Skylar, youngest Marilyn and ending with mother Diana. Though this was not Marilyn's first time coming to the platform and seeing the Hogwarts Express in its glory, this was her first time coming as an incoming student. She pushed with her a cart of luggage just like her siblings had for years; they made it seem so easy, but for poor young Marilyn her arms could barely contain the strength to control the cart.

"Feels weird," Skylar chuckled to Marilyn as the family grouped up for last minute words before the children boarded the train. "I'm so used to it just being Lizzy and me. Remember her first year, when you cried so hard you ended up covered in your own snot before we even boarded?" He spoke the last part a little loud just to humiliate her a little more.

Marilyn's cheeks flared bright red. "Shut it. I was a kid! An excited and bummed out kid. Weren't you upset you weren't able to go with her, after all the stories Dad told us?" She looked over to her father for backup.

"Skylar, give your sister a break," Maddox warned. Marilyn took a sigh of relief, hoping her brother would at least listen to their father.

Elizabeth sighed as well, but she was probably sighing over her siblings bickering in general. Especially more recently, she always presented herself in public like she was on the way to meet the Prime Minister to accept a medal. Marilyn narrowed her eyes at her, but ignored her otherwise.

Do have fun, dear." Diana bent over to give Marilyn a hug and a quick peck on the forehead.

"The first year can be a little overwhelming," her father added as he gave her his own hug, "but there's plenty of friendly faces to make friends with! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there!"

Marilyn couldn't help but roll her eyes. She wasn't worried about making friends at school. She wasn't even going to wait until she was at school to look for new friends. Hopefully she'd find someone to sit with and talk to on the train! But she still mumbled, "Thanks, Dad."

The train horn sounded, warning passengers to board before it was too late. The three Martinez kids made their way onto the train, Elizabeth and Skylar immediately separating to track down their friends. Marilyn, carrying her luggage by herself, took a deep breath and prepared herself for the year. She looked back at her parents, and gave a quick wave before disappearing deeper into the train.