Salina wiped her brow. Even though she was used to the heat of the English summer, it was bothering her more than ever, it seemed. Or maybe it was just the nerves she was trying to abolish getting to her. She was barely eleven years old and has made two big life changes in little more than a decade into her life.

First was moving from the islands in the Carribbean all the way to those of Great Britain, and now she was still in the same location, but entering a whole new world admits the one she always knew: the wixarding world.

So much has happened since she turned eleven just last month. Salina became aware of her magic heritage and her place in this society hidden from... let's say, 'ordinary' people. She went shopping for supplies for a witch, or at least a beginner one, given that she was a so-called first year at the school she was now heading to. And Diagon Alley was extraordinary in it's on respect that she could only imagine what other things she would encounter as she grew into a wiser witch, which she hoped and knew she would be.

But what even is a wise witch at this point, Salina wondered as she hefted her luggage into a cart. Her father was doing the same, but it didn't take them long since she didn't have much she hadn't wanted to bring, just two large suitcases and her duffel bag.

Unfortunately her parents couldn't tag too for a long when it came to her boarding the train to her new school. They were non-magic, unlike her, and wouldn't be able to go through this magical barrier to the special train station. Her father had been a little problematic about it, claiming that they'd gotten into Diagon Alley just fine, but he had to give up in the end.

Salina hugged her parents, not wanting to dwell too much about the goodbye-ness of it all, and made to turn but her mother stopped her by the shoulders.

"We love you so much, baby," she whispered. Salina detected a hint of pride in her voice though. Her parents were still under the delusion that this was just some cover-up for her being intellectual-gifted, and not that this was real-deal magic going on.

"And I love you, ma and dad." She kissed them both in the cheek, waiting a few longing heartbeats before disappearing into the crowd.

Apparently Salina didn't have to be covert about anything because of the magic placed on the barrier, making the passerbys pay little to no attention to her. She readied herself, and her cart, before dashing towards the barrier that would lead her to Platform 9¾...

Salina slowly opened her eyes that she didn't even realize she had closed to the sight of many wizards going about on an entirely new area. And what made it most obvious that she was in a different place, by some miracle, was the bright red freight lying on the tracks before her. The train was magnificent, really. But she didn't have much time to stand in awe of it's glory. The loud whistle blew, alerting everyone that it would soon be departing.

She sucked her teeth a little, wondering how she ended up getting her later than she'd had wanted. Whatever, she thought, lugging her things towards where other students were placing their bags.

Soon she was boarding the train. She avoided looking out of the train on the platform side. Her parents weren't there, of course, but that was exactly her point.

Salina felt little butterflies inside as she searched for a place to sit. She wondered how different she was compared to the other kids aboard, having previously been so oblivious to magic not long ago. She didn't mind sitting alone but didn't want to for this ride. But it seemed like that's how it would be.

She sat down in a vacant space and got comfortable, propping her feet on the window sill, using the seat pillows to prop her back and head. It was the perfect position to fall sleep, but she ended up lost in thought, staring out the window.

[ september 1, 2023 ] ♥ outfit

Xin wasn't the least bit happy. At this point, the girl was already desperate to get to Hogwarts. Previously two months ago, she was eager to meet new people and learn magic, now she just needed an escape. Mother and father had failed her many times this summer except - they never failed to disappoint. Today was no different. They were supposed to take her to the train station and offer support and love to their daughter but found themselves busy with work as usual. “Sorry sweetheart,” mother had said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Xin knew that one far too well. She mastered it within first few days of the summer holidays.

In the end, Chen had reluctantly unplugged his Switch and accompanied his little sister to the station in a cab, making it painfully clear how much he hated it and wishing to go back into the unrealistic world of video games again. “你自己不能去站台吗？Can't you get to the platform yourself?” Chen demanded as he ushered his sister out of the car. It was harsh, but Xin also wanted to get rid of her pathetic excuse of a brother either, so chose not to argue. “你以为我想跟你一起吗？You think I want to be with you?” Xin muttered under her breath and gladly left the cab. Chen smirked, “再也不见！Goodbye and don't ever come back!” he sneered as he watched Xin disappear into King's Cross, before hastily wiping wet eyes on his sleeve.

It was no easy feat to get her heavy load, a large pink trunk almost as tall as her and a purse in the same color to be exact, onto the carts, but once she did, Xin felt quite easy indeed, or so she thought. “Everything's gonna be fine,” she told WALL-E, who squeaked anxiously, not all reassured. To be honest, Xin didn't feel relaxed either. Here she was, being whisked away to a school called Hogwarts and not having the slightest idea of what this magic academy is about, and more importantly, how to get there. The ticket said Platform 9¾, and that didn't make any sense at all! Platform 9 made sense, and Platform 10 made sense, but there were no platforms between the two. There absolutely positively couldn't be.

As she got closer and closer to Platform 9, she began walking faster, and eventually found herself running and weaving through the crowds of people, which isn't an easy thing to do if you're pushing a cart with a bulging trunk on it. Suddenly the breath was knocked from her chest as she collided with a figure and fell face-first onto the ground. Thank god her furry companion wasn't hurt, although there was definitely a note of panic in his squeaking.

“Won't be fine at all,” Xin muttered as she gathered herself, brushing dust off her pink dress. That didn't do at all. This outfit was one of her favorites, and she didn't want it to get dirty so quickly. “You alright WALL-E?” she asked and resumed her place at the trolley, pushing it towards the platform. Until she soon realized -

She was right.

There was no Platform 9¾.

This was just a big fat joke that some imbecile had purposefully set up.

She leant on the stone barrier, silently cursing who ever played this foul joke.

Until, for the second time.

Fell face-first through the stone barrier.

Xin slowly dragged herself up from the ground but stopped in mid-way.

She stared.

Perhaps this isn't a complete bust after all.

Scooping her furry companion into her dress pocket, the girl heaved her trunk of the cart and began pushing it towards the train, huffing and puffing until she went up the stairs before hauling her load up too. “I'll miss you Chen...” Xin smiled sadly as she watched Platform 9¾ disappear out of sight and replaced by the greens and yellows of English fields.

The girl felt nervous as she trotted through the train dragging a large trunk behind to look for an empty compartment, which was impossible since she was the last one on board. Whatever, she thought, Just find an empty seat and sit down! You can't wander the train all journey, can you?

It was not until coming to the last compartment when she finally had a chance to sit. A sole girl was staring out the windows, her feet propped up on window sill. This was the best Xin can hope for, so reluctantly tap-tap-tapped on the door and asked, “May I sit in here?”

She kept her tone bland and curt.

@salina skeeter –––––– ♥

Salina wondered what her social life would be like now. She tolerated the kids at her private school enough to at least let them think they were friends, but she didn't feel like it would do any good now, at this school. Part because she didn't want to blend in, and part because she wasn't sure if she even could. Also, electronic devices wouldn't work at the castle, so social media, and the whole internet for that matter, were entirely out of the question. She needed a break anyway.

She wanted to make friends with a few older students but really mostly ones in her year. Salina knew how older kids tended to try to tell others how things worked, and make their own rule and non-rule respecting ways indoctrinated onto the young and ignorant. Salina planned on maneuvering in her own secret way at this school.

Salina wondered how her siblings would react to her absence. They weren't told much, for safety reasons, just something like she was going away to a special boarding school for a few years, and would visit for the holidays. Which was actually right but it had not insinuations about magic. Salina half wished she could tell them something so she could share cool stories, but living them was good enough. It seemed like being magic while your family wasn't had it's bummers.

Amidst her thinking, she heard a knocking on the door to the compartment. Salina adjusted herself to get a look at the person—the intruder, she thought, jokingly—and saw a young girl of Asian descent. She offered her smile when she asked if she could come in, even though the way she said it was a little offsetting.

"Sureee...I guess," said Salina, muttering the last part as she thought again about the way the girl had spoken. She eyed her with suspicion masked by seemingly pure curiosity.

She scratched her ankle, revealing neon blue Cookie Monster socks, which happened to be one of several of her good luck charms. "I'm Salina, what about you? Also, do you happen to know how long this train will take to get there? So I can know how long not to sleep." I wish I could play some music on a speaker. Do they have magic music players here? No subscription, I'm guessing.

@Fang Yun-Xin

[ september 1, 2023 ] ♥ outfit

It took all of her to not sigh with relief when the other girl offered her a seat. “Thank you,” she returned her acquaintance's smile with a polite nod and entered the compartment, closing the door behind. She looked at her trunk skeptically. Of course she knew the luggage rack was the safest place, but it would take some strength, and height. She grimaced slightly once she figured that out. To be honest, Xin was rather short for her age, and she didn't exactly know any levitation spells. Nevertheless, the girl lifted her trunk above her head and stood on her toes. Wobbling a bit, the luggage finally slipped into the rack with a large push.

She took the other seat by the window and across from her acquaintance, who soon introduced herself as Salina. “Fang Yun-Xin, nice to make your acquaintance,” the first year kept her introduction short and didn't elaborate any further. “By the way, Salina's a nice name.” complimented Xin, her tone was lacking her usual warmness but it still held some affability. “Unfortunately I also have no idea on how long this trip might take,” she answered stiffly, careful and sharp-tongued as always, “At least for another two hours so you're free to sleep.” WALL-E was already sleeping soundly in her dress pocket so she could understand Salina's remark.

Looking out the window, Xin's thoughts soon flew back to Shanghai again. She had hurriedly left her school with only a mere farewell to her best friends. Nobody knew where she was going, the teachers have been told a prestigious boarding school in London. Only her parents and that pathetic excuse of a woman knew the truth. Mabel Carter had been trying to use lame excuses - which Mr Fang had stupidly believed - and kick Xin out of the house ever since she knew it. And seemed like she had succeed. “You're just a freak” that women had said to Xin with a sneer upon her smug face, Did you hear me? A freak.

A FREAK!

Her cruel words were still etched deep into Xin's memory. Deep down, she longed to curl inside warm covers, hugging her favorite stuffed bunny and enjoy a dreamless sleep for once. Before she could travel deeper under her shell however, the train lurched abruptly and pulled the girl back into reality. Fortunately, WALL-E just squeaked dreamily and didn't make a fuss.

“So...” Xin began rather politely, “Are you a first year as well?” She wondered if she should ask Salina about her summer but quickly crossed that out as she didn't want to bring up hers. I'll just sit and see how the conversation goes. Though it better be a good one, I'm all out of sarcasm.

@salina skeeter –––––– ♥

Salina silently watched out of the corner of her eye as the girl stepped in and began putting her trunk up. She was short like her so it was a struggle but she managed. If she had taken too long Salina would've helped, mostly so she wouldn't have to hear the shuffling and grunting noises.

The girl sat across from her and introduced herself as Yun-Xin. Xin as in 'z', right? She nodded with pursed lips and thanked her for the compliment, picking at the fabric of her shirt absentmindedly. Salina was wearing an old grey graphic tee and black shorts underneath the black school robes, which she had just began taking off. Even with the window open and the breeze coming in—the train had started moving a few moments ago and was gaining speed—she still felt too hot, in a claustrophobic way.

A two hour ride didn't sound so bad. After all, they were just traveling from London to Scotland. Salina hoped this Yun-Xin girl wouldn't be a bother during the ride. She was still processing her emotions and it would only make it worse if she already made an enemy and hadn't even set foot on school grounds. The girl had a off-putting way of speaking, especially when Salina hadn't even done anything, yet. Maybe she's feel sad about leaving her family, too.

Then Yun-Xin asked her if she were a first year like her. "Yep, I'm new to Hogwarts. And—" She felt a strange sensation for a moment that made her hesitant to say the next few words, but she furrowed her brows and continued. "And to just think a month or two ago I had no idea about this school..."

She gazed at Yun-Xin in thought for a moment. "Are you looking forward to this school year? And the other years to come? You sort of seem bothered but like you don't want to show it. Kinda." Salina wasn't sure why she had said anything. Usually she wouldn't ask kids her age about how they ft because she was usually around superficial people. She would do the bare minimum but she actually felt something genuine inside. It must be the heat.

@Fang Yun-Xin

[ september 1, 2023 ] ♥ outfit

Xin took the uncomfortable silence as an opportunity to observe this Salina girl. Her acquaintance was wearing an old grey graphic tee and black shorts underneath her school robes, which couldn't be more different to Xin's immaculate outfit consisting of a pink dress and latte colored sneakers. We must have completely different tastes in clothing, Xin looked slightly confused for a moment, But, I mean, who don't like the color pink?

The witch absolutely adored every shade of pink (except the deadly barbie pink, of course). Her daily wardrobe usually included: something pink (usually a cute dress), something light brown (a headband or sneakers), with hints of green and white and yellow. Which adequately proved her favorite mantra ‘look on the pink side of life’ to extent.

Still, she found Salina's not-so-colorful-apparel quite appealing. Perhaps I try those aesthetics during the winter holidays, Xin thought, making a mental note to purchase similar clothes as soon as she gets back to London, they sure look comfortable!

Xin quickly withdrew her eyes from Salina when she met the girl's gaze. However, she wasn't looking at Xin with pure curiosity, but suspicion that was masked underneath. The future lioness felt it. She had gotten a few peeks and glances at the adult world, and learned that the mask was just the tip of an iceberg. The real substance hidden underneath was more than that. Much more.

She knew what she had said so far wasn't the exact definition of nice. Stuck up and aloof Xin was with a subtle hint of shyness and affability underneath. Which didn't exactly make her the most pleasant friend to have. Still, the witch wasn't bothered by this at all, and kept humming a nice tune Drive by carly rae jepson quietly to herself while staring out the window at the greens and yellows and occasionally some reds.

“Same,” Another brisk reply to Salina's remark. “This is a magic academy so I doubt many people - er, muggles would know about it.” Xin ended her sentence feeling a bit awkward. It felt like she revealed way too much already. Thankfully, Salina changed the topic almost immediately and Xin nearly sighed in relief.

Which she shouldn't have done.

As soon as the subject turned, Salina brought up the topic Xin least wanted to think of, let alone talk about. “You sort of seem bothered but like you don't want to show it. Kinda.”

“Well... It's - it's a long story,” Xin mumbled eventually, “Are you sure you want to hear it out?” Most likely to be refused, no one will want to waste their time and hear this rubbish.

@salina skeeter –––––– ♥

Salina smirked to herself at Yun-Xin's outfit, but not necessarily to make fun. It reminded her of some girls she used to see all the time, ones that were a little too vain for her taste. She actually wouldn't be surprised if this one ended up just like them, though she would definitely not bother bearing with it for the rest of the ride. Salina would fake sleep until she were, or just up and leave. She did not want any parts in obnoxious attitudes and inflated egos because of things like wealth.

She didn't exactly dislime the color pink, though. Even though Salina grew up very athletic, she didn't turn out to be a tomboy. She liked to wear anything, from high-quality to grungey. She had an eye for fashion but she didn't want to flaunt at this school. Seeing all the different types of wizards in Diagon Alley helped her become aware of the fashion in this society. Few wore modern clothes while others wore robes that very much gave a magical air to their presence. Salina wouldn't mind the latter when she was of age.

She narrowed her eyes at Yun-Xin's initial response. "Um, I'm not a muggle," she said. She wondered if her getup made her look like one. Salina also remembered hearing that word a few times, especially when she was in Diagon Alley with her parents. She wondered if magic were like a stench one could smell or detect, especially when it was absent from someone, or something. "My par—some of my family are. People who aren't magic can't even go this school, though."

Salina responded this way because, not sure if the girl were trying to be a smart aleck or not, it sounded condescending, and sarcastic. She wondered if her previous lack of awareness of magic would be an issue from hear on out. The thought made her feel weird, but Salina also wouldn't stand for anyone treating her differently because of her heritage.

She had asked about if Yun-Xin were alright purely out of concern but it seemed like it were going to lead to an entirely different conversation. Good, because I don't want to get angry at anyone on my first day...

She said it was a long story, which made Salina give her a quizzical look. "Um...okay, as long as it's not going to make me fall asleep. I wouldn't want to be rude." Even though sleep sounds perfect. But hearing about someone else's story could help figure out her own place in this school. She wondered if Yun-Xin were like her, coming from non-magic family, even though she, for some reason, seemed a little more in place with everything compared to Salina.

@Fang Yun-Xin

[ september 1, 2023 ] ♥ outfit

“Er, I really like your clothes,” Xin commented a bit awkwardly. Despite the fact that I don't normally wear that style, she added silently. Although the witch was often prim and perfect and loves the color pink, she could sometimes be seen playing soccer and rugby and many others with boys back in London. Disguised as a handsome laddie. But who could blame her?

She propped up a few pillows and made herself comfortable. “Of course you're not,” she said, leaning on the window, a genuine smile on her lips, “You can't be one if you're on this train.” Her next few words were quite hesitant, but she continued anyways. “Well... mine is too,” Xin's voice trailed off a bit at the end, “Muggleborn you know.”

She honestly hoped this Salina wasn't a blood racist, by the looks of it, she probably was a muggleborn just like Xin. But you can't be too sure...

Unfortunately, the conversation was soon interrupted by Xin’s growling stomach. She hadn't eaten anything that day due to the anxiety that had piled up. Usually the one to do the cooking at home, she had no time to do so before leaving. “Sorry,” the witch mumbled, utterly mortified. Thankfully, she had prepared some snacks which was pulled out of her latte colored purse. There were plenty more of those in her large trunk but those were for later.

“Would you like some? I think I brought too many.” she asked with a grin and offered Salina some chewy sweets and chips and a bottle of Coke without an ounce of hesitation. It would be so boring to eat by oneself, which she had done plenty of times through the whole summer thank you very much. “Help yourself,” she said cheerfully as she unwrapped a Mars Bar, and pushed her load onto the small table between them. Neatly of course.

Xin smiled, it was a longing smile and for a moment she felt like she wanted to run away. Mostly from her own emotions. There was so much to say, but after a few moments all that came out was - “How was your summer?”

@salina skeeter –––––– ♥

Like my clothes? Salina glanced down at herself, even though she already knew what she was wearing. And it wasn't anything special. Part of her had wanted to dress up for her first day but she had woken up this morning more focused on making sure she was ready as possible for the long school year rather than anything else. And she had felt like concern with looks couldn't be anywhere as close to how it was at her old school. Salina preferred very comfortable looking and feeling clothes over anything else, but she had indulged in fashion in order to please her parents and classmates. Just so she wouldn't draw too much attention to herself.

"Thanks, I guess," she muttered.

Muggleborn, yeah that's what they called me. Salina was recalling when she was in Diagon Alley and some...pompous group was watching her and her mother, saying something about muggles and how it was a shame anyone had to meddle with them for the sake of their kind. Whatever that meant. It just didn't sound right to Salina.

"My parents are non-magic. The more I hear about it, the more I don't get how I turned out to be a...witch? Yeah, because I don't know anyone in my family who can do magic." Salina watched the field go by outside of the window. "Or maybe they thought it was best to keep it a secret, like all the magic that's in the world."

Suddenly Yun-Xin's stomach growled, loudly. Salina pursed her lips in a polite smile when she was offered some snacks that the girl pulled out. "I'm okay..." Her parents taught them not to eat junk food, and even when she tried it at her other school, she felt like it only hindered her performance, especially in athletics. Making her either too antsy or too sluggish, when she indulged more than she should.

The girl asked her about her summer. She frowned. "It was actually pretty good, and full of surprises...but, um, do you not want to talk about that other thing, or ...? It's fine if not, I'm just asking."

@Fang Yun-Xin

[ september 1, 2023 ] ♥ outfit

Xin felt much relaxed after Salina mentioned herself also being - er, a muggleborn. She had been anticipating someone much worse, such as a blood racist or those snobbish purebloods who think so ever highly of themselves. Thank goodness it was a girl just the same as her, who's sitting on the other side of the compartment. “The same with me,” Xin agreed and opened a packet of gummy bears, “I don't actually care about being a muggleborn, only those snotty and up-to-no-good purebloods do ” The witch muttered under her breath. Probably because they're a bunch of stupid and disgusting idiots. Only when she was done unpacking the treats did Xin realize she was frowning the whole time she spoke. She didn't really mean to but her not-so-friendly encounter with a particular nasty old pureblood made her see red whenever she thought about it. At least she brought the sweets, those would lift up her spirits.

“Aww - come on,” joked the witch with an adorable grin upon her lips. “I hope you brought lunch though,” She said with a much more serious look on her face, “You know the train's supposed to arrive at Hogwarts near nightfall, right?” Xin had completely forgotten her previous answer on only enduring two hours on this train, and anyways, she was becoming nauseous.

The cheery looking mask soon slipped off after Salina mentioned that thing. Expecting her walls to shoot up, for that feeling of wanting to run away, hide, just not, Xin waited a few seconds. But... it never came. It was strange, because she really didn't tell anyone her troubles, not even Chen. For some reason, today felt different. Or maybe it was the person that felt different? Perhaps she ought to tell Salina her deepest secrets, she surely was mature enough, right? Whatever it was, she didn't immediately shy away from the idea.

“Well, I don't know how to explain...” No one in her family was good at expressing their feelings. To Xin, feelings were at best an embarrassment, at worst a sign of weakness.

She took a deep breath.

And then it all came flooding out.

Everything.

What started off as a stream soon became strong waves of emotion. She told Salina how her parents argued most of the time and how once she was sitting in her room when she heard father shout “I'm only staying with you for the sake of the laws!”

How that Mabel Carter made her life a misery. How nothing she did was ever good enough. How if she brought home some little bowl she had made in pottery class, her father would chuck it in the bins as if it was some stupid stuff, never to be seen again.

Xin told Salina how that Mabel was always trying to force the magic out of her. Up until recently, Mabel had described her as irregular. But since the start of 2023, the woman rather cruelly started calling her freak or even worse, lunatic, as if she was not supposed to even be human.

It was a long, long list, but Xin felt Salina listening intently to everything she said as the rumbling of the train played incongruously in the background.

@salina skeeter –––––– ♥