Wren pressed her face against the window of her father’s SUV. Why did everything have to happen so quickly? It seemed as if she’d only just started at her new school, and she was already leaving. She wondered if anyone would even notice her absence on the first day of school. Everything in England still seemed so new to her, so different. Now everything about her life was going to change.

“We’re here!” called Wren’s father, and they walked into King’s Cross Station. Wren’s mother checked a letter in her hand. “All right, the letter says to just walk through that barrier.” she said, gesturing to the wall between platforms 9 and 10. Mr. Sinclair looked at her quizzically. “Walk through? Can I even do that?” Mrs. Sinclair chewed on her lip. “I think if we hold hands you’ll be ok.” Wren wheeled her suitcase back and forth nervously. She so did not feel like running into a wall today. “Can I hold hands with you too?” Her mother replied sympathetically. “We have to make sure the no-majs don’t notice. Why don’t your father and I go first, so you can see what happens?” Reluctantly, Wren agreed. Holding hands, her parents walked casually towards the barrier. Wren flinched as they neared it, expecting them to crash, but just when they should’ve, they disappeared. Wren gasped, and stood gaping for a moment. Then, fervently hoping it would work, she charged the wall.

Wren was greeted by sights and sounds on a bustling platform where nearly everything screamed magic. A sign labled “Platform 9 3/4” hung above her head. She soon spotted her parents nearby. Her mother smiled. “The train’s leaving soon, honey. Are you ready?” Wren felt something rise from her stomach and lodge in her throat. No, I’m not ready. A single tear trickled down her cheek. “Come here, you.” her father said affectionately, pulling her in for a hug. “Send us lots of mail. Maybe by owl, hey? That’ll be cool.” He held Wren at arm’s length, and looked her in the eye. “I’m so happy for you, kiddo. Go out there and have a great time.” Her mother joined the hug, and the little family stood there for a while amid the bustling crowd. A whistle blew, and they broke apart. “Time to go, sweetie.” Mrs. Sinclair tucked a strand of Wren’s hair behind her ear. “I’ll miss you.” Wren had no words to say except “Goodbye.” Sniffing, she lugged her suitcase towards the train. She looked back once before boarding. There were her parents, waving to her. With a leap of faith, she stepped into the Hogwarts express.