Crossroads Solo Finished

Today was the day. September 1st, 2022. 11am. Avorra walked with her parents, making their way across Platform 9, their cart full of Avorra's school supplies. She was almost bursting at the seams with excitement. Ever since she made her trip to Diagon Alley, she'd been impatient to begin the coming school year and start her new journey. She spent all year looking forward to this very moment, and now - at last - she was here.

"Are you excited, sweetheart?" Lucille, her mother, asked her with a gentle voice.

"Do cats like mice?" Avorra asked a rhetorical question in term. It wasn't intended to be sarcastic, but she was so caught up in the moment that her tone didn't match her jubilant disposition.

"You've got so much of your father in you." Her mother flashed a smile.

"Is that suppose to be a good thing, or a bad thing?" Theron, her father, asked with a raised eyebrow.

"A good thing, of course!" Avorra exclaimed, picking up speed as she pushed the cart. They were nearing the magical column to Platform 9 3/4.

Within moments, they came across the inconspicuous wall. Avorra turned to her parents, who nodded at her to go ahead. Rushing forward, the cart went through the wall, followed by Avorra herself. As she gathered her bearings, bewildered by the experience, she turned to find her parents entering in behind her. She turned once more, facing the majestic train that was the Hogwarts Express. Her jaw slackened, mouth agape as she remain awed by the beautiful sight.

"Well? Are you ready, deary?" Her mother asked.

"I..." Avorra's smile suddenly turned into a frown. "I don't know, mum."

The crowds were almost chaotic as parents and children rushed to say their goodbyes, boarding the train. Avorra found herself overwhelmingly small amongst the disorder. She froze in place, finding herself unable to push forward. Her nerves were on edge. Suddenly, a hand rested on her shoulder.

"No need to be afraid, Avorra." Her father's firm, but soft voice soothed her. "This is the beginning of a wonderful journey. Face it with courage, my dear."

"Your father is right, sweetheart. This is a momentous occasion, nothing to fret about." Her mother's warm smile continued to calm her nerves. Avorra found herself stepping forward once more, now finding herself next to the train. This was simultaneously the easiest and yet the hardest decision she'd ever made up until now.

"You will write me, won't you?" Avorra asked in a shy tone.

"Of course, love." Her mum reassured her. Both of her parents hugged her at once, and she returned the tightest hug she'd ever given.

"Mum, da. I can't help but to be afraid." Avorra's hands shook with nervousness.

"Be brave, Avorra. You have nothing to fear." Her father knelt down in front of her, both hands on her shoulders. "Remember, always forward. Not one step back. This is the beginning of a very important journey. You're going to do great things, my dearest Starlight.

"Thank you, da." Avorra said, the word 'Starlight' hitching to her thoughts. It was a nickname her parents gave her when she was younger. She hadn't heard it in years. "I love you, both of you."

Avorra, unafraid and undaunted, stepped forward to board the train. Within moments, she found herself a window-side seat, the receptacle currently empty. Unlocking the window, she poked her head outside and waved at her parents, only a few feet away. She finished saying her goodbyes, and a final 'I love you'. She waved at her parents as the train took off, and they waved their final goodbye. As the train picked up speed, with the station now behind her, she took her seat. The rumbling of the train lulled her to sleep temporarily, before being awoken by the opening of the cabin door.