The station was an incredibly loud bustle, as was expected - it was September 1st. The beautifully red steam engine huffed and puffed as it remained stationary for the rest of its occupants to board.

Ann turned to her mother whose eyes were slightly red with tears, she wiped them away with the back of her hand, emitting a slight chuckle before giving Ann one last embrace. Turning to her left Ann addressed a large creature, who appeared solid while being made of a wispy substance which glistened and glowed in the light, it’s mouth opened to reveal rows of gleaming teeth before promptly clamping its jaws together and staring continually at her, the rosette spots on its back blending into the smoke of its body. The jaguar was her fathers patronus, he had been gone for several weeks on Ministry business but had sent it to represent him.

Struggling momentarily with the weight of her luggage before quickly adapting, she shunted towards an open door on the side of the sleekly painted train. Lifting her suitcase over the gap she began to walk along the aisle. As soon as she had stepped onboard her ears had erupted with audible chaos - yelling, screaming, whispering, shouting, giggling - every sound all at once and yet she relished in it, the Hogwarts Express was filled with life and it was incredible. She found herself an empty carriage and lifted her luggage above her head onto a storage holder before slumping into the seat and attempting to find her parents - or rather parent, in the crowd through the nearby window. Finding her face Ann waved ferociously at her mother and gave another far more awkward wave at the humongous cat that dutifully sat with her.

Sometime along her journey she had changed into plain black robes in preparation for her induction into Hogwarts and had pulled a Daily Prophet from her lengthy cloak. The corners of her mouth were immediately levitated as she read today’s headline.

“Madison Makes History”

Underneath this was a large photo which flashed with lights from dozens of camera flashes - highlighting the trails of blood pouring down her fathers face. His dark blonde hair caked with red, his head was turning left and right to address reporters and then down to where 3 wizards lay on their knees, bound, at his feet. The middle wizard made Ann’s smile pause - while the wizards either side of him were franticly flicking their eyes around the area they had been apprehended in, he was staring coldly forwards - unblinking. His name was Lorcan Greer and he was infamous for countless devastating organised attacks upon the Ministry and finally he was beaten, bruised and caught by Jack Madison - the only wizard in history to enter a duel with him and win.

She left the paper on the table, her pride for her father fizzing like a whizzbee in her stomach as she stared out of the window, up until she felt sick from the continual movement of trees, land and sea. Resigning to sit quietly she began exploring the myriad of thoughts that were entering her head regarding all of the secrets and opportunities that Hogwarts could hold.

Date: Sept.1 2022 | Location: Hogwarts Express

The long trip from Dublin to Scotland was no joke to Sean Byrne who, like usual, looked very unkempt as he stood with his mother on the platform. She tenderly embraced Sean with a smile telling him "good luck" and "stay safe" and other motherly warnings and buzz phrases. Sean looked up at the giant red train engine before smirking and boarding the train. He ducked into an empty compartment and changed into his robes before grabbing his suitcase and walking down the aisle, nodding at other students.

Just stay confident, Sean thought to himself as he looked for a compartment to stay in. The few he passed were full of students, all of which looked a lot older than he did. While he was sure he could make friends with people older than him, he thought it'd be better to meet some first years.

After a few minutes of searching, Sean came across a compartment with only one person inside it, a girl with dirty blond hair and freckles. By her robes, Sean could tell she was a first-year like himself, sliding the door open, Sean presented a confident smile before speaking.

"Hello, mind if I sit in here?" Without actually waiting for a reply, Sean starts to enter the compartment, putting his suitcase in the overhead before extending a hand as he sits. "Sean Byrne, nice to meet you."

A boy later being identified as a “Sean Byrne” entered Ann’s compartment. A strong conviction radiated from him as he arrived (she comprehended this nature while he placed his luggage above them with admirable ease), his nature certainly impressed Ann for she shook his hand both willingly and with pleasure with the shake being a perfect balance between too short and too long although it lingered on the side of too exuberant when it came to her grip.

“Hi Sean - I’m Ann Madison” a grin spread across her face as she returned to her seat. “You don’t seem at all worried - for the Sorting I mean … well for any of it actually.” She had her eyes fixed on him, keeping her hands stiffly at her sides, subconsciously considering to reach for the Prophet which flashed with light on the table in front of them in order to stuff it inside her cloak to avoid any pointed questions - the expectations that followed from being the daughter of a wizard such a Jack Madison were sure to load the pressure onto a first year who hadn’t even stepped a foot inside Hogwarts.

The train had begun its steady movement with the outside flashing by, only offering glimpses of orange, brown and green. The momentary silence hung in the air as other carriages could be heard exploding with all forms of communication, the rattle of the food trolley could be heard from farther down the aisle along with the rustling of wrappers and screams from the victim of an unsurprisingly awful Bott’s bean.

Date: Sept 1 2022 | Location: Hogwarts Express | Interacting With: @Ann Madison

"Hello Ann, it's nice to meet you." Sean looked around the compartment a bit, seeing if anything of note stood out to him. He saw a copy of the Daily Prophet on the table and gave it a quick look over. "Man this Jack Madison guy is quite a hero huh? Do you know him? You guys have the same last name." He chuckled after saying that last bit. Imagine this girl in front of him was related to Jack Madison, that would be quite fascinating.

"Anyway," Sean said, changing the subject from hero wizard, Jack Madison. "I guess you're right, I'm not really worried at which house I get it, it's one of those things y'know? Like if it isn't in my control, then why worry? It's not like studying for an exam where everything depends on you, in this case, nothing depends on you, just fate I guess."

Sean took a glance out the window, eyeing the beautiful scenery that was passing them by rapidly on the train. Sean took it all in for a second, he was finally on the Hogwarts Express, and knowing he was just a little while from Hogwarts itself, he slowly opened and closed his left hand to relax his nerves and energy a bit, despite what he said and Ann thought, he actually was a bit worried, but he kept trying to tell himself everything would be okay, fate right?

Yeah, fate.

Ann nodded her head politely at Sean’s remark, she watched him scan the carriage for a few seconds before his dark eyes rested upon the newspaper that lay in front of her. She weighed up her response, she would never claim to not know her father but this would be the first time anyone had made the connection.

She made sure to look him directly in the eyes.
“He’s my father. Hero…” she mused “more like incredibly good at his job.” she smiled while locking her fingers together into a little bundle.

Fate. She liked the sound of that. The idea that what will be will be and that things are out of your control but she was never brought up to believe in such a thing - you are expected to make your own fate, your own legacy.

“Good point,” she followed his gaze to the glass, they were almost at Hogwarts. “I like your attitude!” She exclaimed her anticipation although it was entirely tangible, brimming from all orifices, she couldn’t wait to join this school and discover her potential. Sean seemed to have relaxed as well, fist decompressing, just the thought of Hogwarts seemed to be an antigen.

Date: Sept 1, 2022 | Location: Hogwarts Express | Interacting with: @Ann Madison

Sean was somewhat taken aback by how casual Ann seemed to be about her father, maybe it was because of his relationships with his own parents but Sean felt he would be bragging all the time if his father was a great Auror. However, Sean could see she did not really want to discuss the matter so he let it drop.

Moving on to a new subject. Sean chuckled a bit at the compliment on his attitude. "I appreciate you saying that, I usually try to keep my focus and things that I can control clearly if that makes sense?" Sean placed his hand on his chin and began to think a bit. "So, what classes are you looking forward to? Actually, what are you looking forward to in general? There seems to be a lot going on at all times at Hogwarts. Personally, I'd like to join the quidditch or dueling team for whatever house I get sorted into, but that's way down the line."

Sean reclined in his seat as he waited for his new friend to respond, interested in what the girl had to say.

@Sean Bryne

"I appreciate you saying that, I usually try to keep my focus and things that I can control clearly if that makes sense?"

“That makes sense.” She gave him a small smile. He began to mention Hogwarts, just the name sent her nerves alight - images of its grandeur played like a tape in her mind. Tall towers, bottomless lakes, creatures she had only seen before on paper.

"So, what classes are you looking forward to? Actually, what are you looking forward to in general? There seems to be a lot going on at all times at Hogwarts. Personally, I'd like to join the quidditch or duelling team for whatever house I get sorted into, but that's way down the line."

“Everything.” This left her mouth before she could stop it as she was still stuck wandering around the Castle’s halls inside her head. “I’m sure Defense Against the Dark Arts will be incredible.” Her conscious returned to the carriage. “Although I’m also holding out for Divination,” this interest came solely from her mother as her father never had that inclination. Her mother had been quite gifted in the subject while she was at Hogwarts and always shared stories of the class and her experience there. “yeah I’m sure I’ll join some clubs too once I get settled, the first few weeks will be quite hectic.” She paused while leaning in closer towards him. “What house do you think you’ll be sorted into?”

She had honestly forgotten to think about this question, which seemed strange considering her usual stretch of imagination. However Hogwarts had exceeded her expectations and she was constantly overwhelmed by all of its secrets and history that she hadn’t had any space to ponder on the history she might make, every history had its beginnings and The Sorting would be hers.

Ann’s father was a Gryffindor and her mother a Ravenclaw. Giving her an even chance of being either, due to her traits being evenly derived from both parents. Would she prefer Gryffindor or Ravenclaw? Each house was just as magnificent and rich in lore as the other but Gryffindor had always seemed to beckon her, the promise to only sort those who possess courage, nerve, bravery and chivalry seemed to appeal to her more than any of the other houses.

Brianna loved her dad dearly. He was easily the bravest, most caring man she'd ever met in her life, and she knew he would do anything for her. When she was afraid of the dark as a little girl, he was there to take her for a late night drive to help her doze off. When she was sick at night, he slept in the chair at her bedside. He was the strongest person she knew.

Maybe that was why it was so funny watching him run through the stonework to Platform "9 3/4." When they'd been advised to just get a running start, and even seen a few other people do the same, her dad had been quick enough to accept it, but even as he ran through the entrance, he let out a silly yelp.

When both were safely on the Platform itself, with the train in sight, Brianna grabbed her dad's hands in her own and began to hop excitedly. That was so cool!

After the pair had a moment of cheerful laughter and excited jumping, they turned to the train itself, which was apparently called the "Hogwarts Express." It was a fitting name, and it filled her with dread and excitement. Here she was, leaving her dad for the school year. She'd never been apart from him for more than a weekend before, but this was her chance to learn more about her mom's culture as a witch. It was so exciting!

"Anna, dear, I want you to have fun, but if you decide it's not for you, just call... well, write me and I'll find a way to get you home within the day," her dad promised with a sad smile. Brianna could see the tears he was fighting even as he smiled at her.

"I'm going to miss you, dad," she said with her own sad smile. She watched a few other students saying goodbye to their own parents and part of her wanted to listen to the second thoughts in her head and turn tail. It wouldn't be too bad, attending a muggle school as she had before, and she knew her dad would be happier for it, but she would never forgive herself if she didn't at least try to understand more about her mom.

"You too, little bean," her dad said as he held her in a long hug, which only ended when the sound of the train's whistle interrupted them, "Better go, now, Anna. I expect a letter as soon as you can, okay?"

She ran toward the train as fast as her legs could carry her.

"Promise!" she called out as she boarded the Hogwarts Express, already feeling an emptiness in her heart where her dad should have been.

Now came the hard part. She had to find a seat. She felt her balance shift a bit as the train began to move. She'd been on muggle trains before, but this one felt different. It could have just been the strangeness of knowing she was going to a magical school on a magical train, though.

Brianna wandered along the corridors on the train, peeking into every compartment she passed. Each one seemed to have less space than the last. and a few she'd attempted to enter had ended with her being denied.

"Sorry, savin' the space for someone else."

"No room, sorry."

"Try a few compartments down, think I saw some first years down thataway."

She was starting to resign herself to standing for the whole trip when she came to a compartment with only two other kids in it, and they even seemed to be close to her in age! What luck!

"Hello," she said, as she had tried in several other compartments so far, "Don't suppose you have room for one more?"

She eyed the dark-haired boy and the blonde freckled girl curiously, almost feeling like she was intruding. She kept one foot outside the compartment, just in case.

@Brianna Bowden

Ann saw a girl with strikingly blonde hair linger in the doorway, she seemed hesitant to enter their carriage, remembering all the compartments she passed to get here it made sense to presume she had been rejected more than a few times on her way. She didn’t know whether Sean had noticed her or not and so proceeded to invite her in.

She smiled, “I’m Ann Madison,” gesturing back and forth between the empty seat next to her and the empty one next to Sean. “take your pick.” She saw the girl’s Dad standing on the platform, scanning windows to find his daughter - her chest tightened slightly as she turned to look through the train’s glass at the corporeal representation of her own father, which took the form of a jaguar, sitting dutifully next to her mother. He should be here,but she was nonetheless understanding of why he wasn’t, considering that he could hardly walk and was most likely still in St.Mungo’s due to injuries acquired on his most recent and most publicised Ministry of Magic operation - the capture of Lorcan Greer.

“What’s your name?” She dragged her eyes slowly from the window to the girl.

Brianna let out a relived huff of air as the blonde girl invited her in. As the girl introduced herself, Brianna followed her gaze and skipped right past the empty seats and headed for the window. With her face to the glass, she grinned as she saw her Dad looking for her all along the rest of the train. When she caught his eyes, he grinned right back and gave a goofy, huge wave. Any other kid might have been embarrassed, but not her. She loved her dad too much for that. She waved back just as goofily and her smile broadened.

Her smile had yet to fade as she turned back to the girl, Ann.

"Hello, Ann! I'm Brianna," she said, trailing off as she realized how similar their names were. "It's nice to meet you!"

She reached into her small duffel bag as she made her way to the seat next to Ann. She was still a bit unfamiliar with the boy. Pulling out some stationery and a few pieces of candy her Dad had pretended not to know she had, she finally found one of her black robes she'd bought at Diagon Alley and set it in her lap, fussing with it to try her best to smooth some of the wrinkles out.

"Can you believe this?" she asked the pair. "A school for magic! Actual, real magic! I knew a bit about magic, but Dad didn't know enough to teach me anything. He just knew that magic existed. This is so exciting!"

She began kicking her feet excitedly as she kept fussing with the robes and began to put some of her other stuff back into her duffel bag. This was going to be amazing. She watched the people on the platform disperse, seemingly satisfied that their children were safely boarded onto the Hogwarts Express.

Feeling antsy, Brianna turned back to the other two occupants.

"Want some candy?" she offered, extending her duffel bag in their direction. Just inside the opening, several pieces of muggle candy could be seen. Chewing gum, fruit-flavored hard candy, and even a few strings of licorice and some lollipops.

This was another milestone! Her first shared candy at Hogwarts!

Well, technically she wasn't at Hogwarts yet, but she was still going to count it.