Violet stood at the busy railway station, her heart pumping with excitement and nervousness. It was a discord of voices and faces, all overflowing with joy and farewells. The air was dense with emotions, and the intensity of it all made her excited. People rushed by her, their voices mingling into a symphony of noise that echoed across the platform.

Her gaze was drawn to the Hogwarts Express, a train that promised to transport her to the very place she would become, learn, and figure out who she needed to be. The steam billowed from its engine, whirling and dancing like ethereal spirits in the air. "When I grow up, I want to be the steam of this train," she murmured to herself. Violet, you know, has a habit of wishing to be the precise thing that interests her, that she admires when she "grows up." The gleaming red exterior of the train held an air of mystery and adventure, enticing her to step aboard and embark on this new journey.

Violet hugged her parents tightly, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty in her heart. As they prepared to say their farewells, she turned to them with a bit of uncertainty. "Mom, Dad, before I leave, remind me again what houses you were sorted into?” Violet asked. Her mom responds with a slight giggle "You know this, Violet; your father and I are both proud Ravenclaws." Violet's brows furrowed, and a hint of doubt crossed her face. As if reading her mind, her dad grabs her face like one would a delicate violet flower and says, “The hat will sort you where you belong, and wherever that may be, it's okay.” Violet let out a sigh of relief, feeling comforted by her parents' words. “Maybe I'll start a new house - House Violet!" They all burst into laughter, embracing the lightheartedness of the moment. They shared one final group hug, their laughter echoing through the train station, as Violet prepared to board.

As she watched the families say their tearful goodbyes, Violet felt a mixture of anticipation and excitement. She clutched her ticket tightly in her hand, her fingers trembling slightly. Making friends was a scary idea, but she was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Her plan was simple - to observe, to take in the interactions and dynamics of her future classmates. She believed that by carefully studying their actions and words, she could gauge who would be the best companions on her odyssey.

“There’s one!” Violet whispered. She sighed with relief as she found an empty compartment, she settled into her seat and gazed out the window as it all changed – the loud, bustling cityscape was now replaced with hills and meadows.

Her senses heightened; Violet absorbed every detail of her surroundings. The laughter and excited whispers of fellow students filled the air, creating an atmosphere brimming with possibility. She noticed the distinct houses represented by the colors of their robes, each group forming their own little communities within the train. She observed their interactions, the laughter, and the friendships forming before her eyes.

Violet, content in her solitude, took solace in her observations. She knew that first impressions were crucial, and she wanted to make sure she approached her newfound companions with an open mind and a keen sense of understanding. This was the beginning of her magical adventure, and she was determined to make it a memorable one.

The station was filled with lines of luggage and crowded pockets students with their families. It was absolutely suffocating. Jorah could not help, but feel the eyes of passersby upon him. An exchange of giggling from a group of girls to his left, an exclamation of “you stupid idiot” in the distance. What?!? Was that for me?!? Jorah needed to get out of here. How many people saw that game? Over the summer, he and his fellow Ravenclaws were chosen to represent their school, no, their whole country, in an international quidditch match against Durmstrang and Koldovstoretz, and they screwed it up big time. Within the first few minutes of the match, Jorah was body slammed Jorah off his broom. The beater was beat down. He need some milk! Jorah’s dreams of becoming a poor quidditch player were shattered that day, along with his pride. He was heading back to school, but the lost was too fresh.

Paranoid of being discovered if he lingered too long, Jorah jittered with nervous energy as his parents dotted over him, doing everything they could to make their good-bye as long as possible. "Do you have your textbooks?" "Yes." "An extra quill?" "Yes!" "What about-""If I need anything, I can just get it at Hogsmeade! I’m good." "What about your brooms? I didn’t see them with your trunk?" Jorah slapped the top of the backpack he wore on his shoulders. “Enchanted backpack Mom, I’m not going to leave my brooms with my trunk.” “Are you sure that you’re not forgetting anything?” Mildly annoyed now.. “No. Look!” Jorah whipped out his Remembrall which was crystal clear. “OK, I have to go now.” Have gave his mom and dad one last hug and boarded the train.

Jorah kept his head down, wanting to avoid eye contact with anyone who might ask him about the game. He powerwalked down the train’s corridor, looking for an empty cabin. No luck…the best he could do was find a cabin with a girl he had never seen before. She was much younger and must have been a first year. Jorah looked behind him, he wasn’t followed. He whipped out his wand pointing it at the window. “Descendo!,” he exclaimed. The blinds curtly pulled themselves down shut immediately. “You mind?," he half-heartedly asked as he entered the cabin, closing the door behind him. He sat across from the girl and placed his backpack next to him. “You’re new right?... I'm Jorah.”

@Violet Castle

Violet suddenly found herself with the blinds shut. She remained silent as Jorah entered the compartment, observing him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "You're new right?... I'm Jorah, “he asked. "Um, yes, I'm new," she replied, a bit of wariness in her words while she slowly lifted the blinds up a quarter of the way – a compromise.

The sight of Jorah, slightly older and not accompanied by any friends, made Violet wonder about his intentions. Rightfully so since his entrance was accompanied by the blinds being shut. She couldn't help but feel a bit of disappointment. Her original plan to observe the dynamics of her fellow classmates seemed to have hit a roadblock. Instead of being alone and observant, she found herself in the company of a student who appeared to be somewhat avoiding others. However, she reminded herself that first impressions could be deceiving, and perhaps there was more to Jorah than met the eye.

In a way, Violet realized that her encounter with Jorah could offer a different perspective on her magical adventure. Maybe he had his own unique experiences and stories to share. She saw this as an opportunity to make an unexpected connection and learn from someone who had already been to Hogwarts.

With a glimmer of optimism and hoping he didn’t mind she lifted the blinds a bit, she jumped right into small talk. "I'm really looking forward to the trolley with sweets. Are you excited about it too?" Her voice carried a faint hope of finding something they could both share, despite the initial reservations she had about Jorah.

@Jorah Moussa

Jorah was annoyed as she raised the blinds. As she was exposing them, Jorah glanced out the window. No one was looking back at him. There were fewer students on the platform at this point. Those who remained were occupied with their farewells. The blinds would remain open, but only just so.

The girl went on how to share what she seemed to be most looking forward to on this trip to the Highlands. “Am I excited for the trolley?,” Jorah replied rhetorically. He was a little surprised how thrilled this girl was for a snacks cart. Was she a muggle-born? No, then how would she know about the trolley. Her parents must be strict with candy. They’re probably dentists. “Um, I wouldn’t say excited, but I could eat. If the trolley excites you, you’re gonna lose it in Honeydukes. They have shelves on shelves on shelves of candy to choose from. My Dad usually brings home chocolate frogs from work. I've been collecting their famous witch and wizard cards."

Jorah flipped open the top flap of his backpack. He stuck one arm into the pack. He fumbled around reaching deep and deeper until surprisingly his whole arm had disappeared inside. How deep was this bag! Frustrated, he withdrew himself from the bag empty handed. He pointed his wand inside the bag. "Accio Book!" Out shot a green book from the pack which Jorah caught mid-air. On the cover of the book was the picture of a golden snitch. Embroidered on the book’s surface in golden lettering was, Quidditch Through The Ages, By Kennilworthy Whisp. Jorah flipped open the book to a makeshift bookmark, a brown eagle feather, the remains of a broken quill. Jorah put the feather behind his ear and began reading where he had left off previously.
@Violet Castle

Violet noticed Jorah's annoyed reaction as she raised the blinds only a quarter of the way, and she couldn't help but notice his lack of interest in engaging further. His dad probably works at Honeydukes and looks like he might play Quidditch. She wondered if her question and excitement for the snacks cart had seemed out of place to him, but Violet understood that his subsequent focus on retrieving a book may have indicated a preference for solitude and reading.

Deciding to continue her observation of her fellow classmates, including Jorah, Violet acknowledged that some people preferred their own company. On her hip, she carried a small deep purple velvet pouch, usually unnoticed by others. It's her "junk pouch," where she collects things she thinks could be useful later. Violet reached into her pouch, which also had an extension charm, and grabbed a chocolate frog her mom had given her for the trip—an irony she found amusing. She had tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to make small talk about sweets and ended up discovering Jorah's connection to chocolate frogs. As she looked at the card she got from the chocolate frog, she let out a subtle "hmm," tucked it into her pouch, and continued her observations. Munching on her treat, she looked forward to the trolley, eager for another.

@Jorah Moussa

Jorah studied his book, particularly the section strategy. The Starfish and Stick. What a stupid defense. Jorah thought that if he ever saw a Keeper do that, he would bludger them on principal. If you hang off of your broom like that, youre asking to fall off. Say happy birthday to the ground Patrick Star, ya dumb bitch. He continued reading. The Dopplebeater Defense. Jorah mulled over in his mind the feasibility of having two beaters make contact on a single bludger at the same time. Such a feat would require a left-handed beater and a fair amount of skill from both parties to pull it off. Imagine a bludger rocketing through the air with double the normal attack force. Not even Hufflepuff part-giant Quinn Healy would be able to withstand such an attack. Jorah lamented on the fact that he was not left0handed. If he was, he might be a more attractive rookie to a professional quidditch scout. As the years at Hogwarts went by, Jorah thought less of becoming a healer like his Uncle, but more of Quidditch and going pro one day.

Jorah’s concentration was broken by a subtle "hmm" from across the cabin. Jorah watched the girl across from him examine a chocolate frog card and tuck it into her bag. "What card did you get?," he said. At that point, Jorah realized he'd been sharing a cabin with this girl for a while, but he still didn’t know her name. She must be shy, perhaps sacred. The first trip to Hogwarts was a big moment, who knows what was going through the mind of this girl. Jorah took the feather from behind his ear, placed it over his current page, and closed the book. "I never got your name by the way."

@Violet Castle

Surprised she caught Jorah’s attention and with a mouthful of chocolate, Violet managed to mumble, "My name is Violet!" She quickly covered her mouth, feeling embarrassed for speaking with a full mouth. Hastily swallowing the remaining chocolate, she apologized, "Oops…” She began fumbling through her pouch once more, retrieved the card that came with the chocolate frog and excitedly held it up to show Jorah. "I got Sir Herbert Varney!" Her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anticipation, Sir Herbert Varney was a common card and Jorah most likely wouldn’t think much of it.

As she held up the card, she noticed the air in the cabin had shifted subtly. Violet couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she sensed a change in Jorah's demeanor. Maybe all this time he was just trying to distract himself from something. The distant sounds of laughter and chatter carried through the train, creating a faint backdrop to their attempt at conversation.

Prior to his question, she was imagining the steam from the train swirling and dancing, offering glimpses of the vibrant life happening on board. Now she found herself engaged in an unexpected conversation, mouth full of chocolate, collectible card in hand pointing at someone’s face, with a boy who had initially appeared indifferent but now seemed genuinely interested. Violet, in a peculiar situation? This is the way.

@Jorah Moussa

Violet responded with a mouth filled with chocolate. Jorah couldn’t help but notice that her round face resembled the appearance, of a bao bun. Was that racist? She showed her card. Dang! It wasn’t one that Jorah needed. His search would go on. “Ah, I have loads of him. The muggles call him, Jack the Ripper.” Jorah turned his attention to the window. They had made it to the countryside. Rolling hills and green meadows stretched away into the horizon. Jorah raised the blinds up so that they could take in the view. Another year at Hogwarts. What destruction awaits me this year? This was his middle year. It was all down hill from here. Where had the time gone? Before he knew it, he would leave Hogwarts and do what? Pushes papers for the Ministry? Work himself to death like his Uncle at St. Mungo’s? If Quidditch didn’t work out, what would Jorah do?

Jorah turned his attention to Violet. He tried to remember how excited he was on his first trip to Hogwarts, but it seemed like a distant memory. So much has happened, the memories were fragmented, disorganized, suppressed. PTSD would do that to you. He tried to recall the horrors of years past. Suddenly, a sharp phantom pain seared his back. There were screams, the smell of smoke, but there was goodness too. Delicious food, laughter, and friendships that would live on in his memory. That’s when Jorah came up with an idea. He pointed his wand into his bag. “Accio Permission Slip.” A tan piece a parchment shot up from the bag. Jorah snatched it as it floated down. He looked out the door to make sure that no one was watching them. The coast was clear. He folded the paper and passed it to Violet. "Here, I don't need this anymore," he said. “Keep it secret. Keep it safe. With this, you can pass for a third year and go to Hogsmeade. At Honeydukes, you can buy all the chocolate frogs you want, but …" he paused, the next words from his lips were frim and grave. "Do not go alone. It isn’t safe. There’s something nearby, something in the forbidden forest. Something... evil.”

@Violet Castle

Jorah handed Violet the permission slip, and her eyes widened with delight. Her curious mind glittered with adventure possibilities, and she couldn't help but experience a sudden wave of delight. Her fingers tingled with excitement as she grasped the sheet tightly. The possibility of adventure was right in her hands, this is what she was hoping to get out of Hogwarts – aside from learning how to be a great witch of course.

However, Jorah's warning about going alone and the dangers in the forbidden forest planted a seed of concern in Violet. She hadn't even arrived at Hogwarts yet, and already there were rumors of something wicked lurking nearby. It was all a little much for an eleven-year-old whose concern only a moment ago was having spoken with a mouth full of chocolate, making friends, and understanding the intention of the kid who walked into the cabin to shut the blinds.

Violet tried to lighten the situation with a humorous smile and remarked, "So, one does not simply walk into Hogsmeade as a first-year, huh?" Is there a secret wizard guarding the door, repeating 'You shalt not pass... alone'?" She laughed. But beneath her laughter, she couldn't ignore the genuine concern in Jorah's words. She gazed up at him, her eyes a mix of interest and concern. "Is it really that dangerous, Jorah?" I mean, I haven't even begun Hogwarts. Should I be concerned?" she questioned, her voice soft and vulnerable.

@Jorah Moussa

Jorah silently nodded his head in response to her question. Normally he would have appreciated a Lord of the Rings reference, but this time his countenance remained serious and grim. Jorah directed his gaze toward the floor. He stared blankly at the floor while he nervously fiddled with the wooden beads hanging from his neck. A defeated sigh escaped his lips. There was no sense in holding it back anymore. "I was almost kidnapped," he confessed. “By part-giants... my first year. I was stabbed in the back…" Jorah motioned with his hand towards his right scapula. “and my lung collapsed. I survived, but my classmates and I quickly learned that Hogwarts wasn't always safe. My best friend Ruthie was pulled out of the school by her parents. Some of the other Ravenclaws and I were foolish enough to try to uncover who sent these part-giants into the castle. You see, there were rumors of Hags living in the forbidden forest. So about fifteen of us go out on the hunt. We thought there was safety in numbers.” Jorah looked by at Violet. “We were wrong. They were waiting for us! I was attacked by dolls which looked just like me! They knew! They were watching us this whole time!” Jorah calmed down, taking a moment to compose himself, then he continued solemnly. “I – I --- I froze. I was so afraid,” he admitted. Jorah was now fighting to hold back his tears. His voice quivered. “We all would have died if not for the professors who found us. So yes, do not go alone, but even then, you are still vulnerable."

@Violet Castle