Open Car, Long train ride. (Open to all!! Hoping to make friends)

Adaryn was walking along, her eyes flicking over the people she passed, feeling the familiar blend of excitement and nervousness bubble up inside her. When her eyes switched to Rachel, all alone inside an empty car, her heart tugged a little with sympathy. She had felt that kind of nervousness: trying to fit, but not quite knowing where.

Adaryn's curiosity was aroused when she saw the book in Rachel's hands. Magical creatures were among her favorite things to read, especially the ones she had not yet seen.

With a soft, encouraging smile, she walked a few steps closer to Rachel. "That's one of my favorite books," she said softly from across the table. "I've always wished to see a Hippogriff or Niffler up close." Gentle but enthusiastic. "What's your favorite in the book?"

And because Adaryn wished to initiate conversation to help Rachel relax a bit, she repositioned her pocket-sized furry mouse, Topeka.

Hearing a voice Rachel immediately looked up. Feeling a bit shy at first she mumbled a suprised

"Oh really?" Her eyes lit up, "I just got this one, but ive read about beasts forever. My aunt had a few books in her library at home."

"My favorite Beast is 100% a dragon. Specifically Ukrainian Ironbelly. Its one of the largest species in the world. Though i do like the Hungarian Horntail.

Though if we arent going basic, and you asked me specifically from this book, i do think Mooncalves are cute. Ive also liked Sphynxes and Phoenixs and dont get me started on kelpies- Sorry im rambling again..

Im Rachel Blank, by the way. Aww. And whos that?" Her eyes drifted over to the mouse. "Ive always wanted my own pet.. Maybe ill get one next year. Im thinking a cat or owl. But you never know!"

Rachel had just thrown herself into magical creatures, and now it was Adaryn's turn to find ecstasy in shared passions. "Oh! Dragons are awesome! The Ukrainian Ironbelly is great too; think of how large they are! I read that one was used as a guard to vaults at Gringotts! And Mooncalves! They're so adorable, especially when they dance in the moonlight." Another giggle escaped her, and with that, Adaryn felt that common interest beginning to melt away.

But it did combine with Sphinxes and Kelpies to win a nod from Adaryn, who was showing no signs of restraint. "I swear Sphinxes are intelligent - I would kill to meet one, even if the riddle is too difficult! Kelpies...strange, but I have some strange affinity with them and because they will look beautiful in a rather scary way." Then, like fire to a warm smile, "And you're not rambling! I love talking about magical creatures."

But at the instant Rachel uttered her name, she perked up. "Really nice meeting you, Rachel. I'm Adaryn Misfit." Now, following Rachel's gaze towards the little creature that was peeping from her pocket, Adaryn, with Topeka in her palm, said, "This is Topeka, my pet mouse. I really wanted to take my Kneazle with me, but only first years are allowed to bring an owl, cat, or toad, so I brought her instead." She lovingly stroked the tiny rodent with her thumb. "Most of the time Topeka is little enough for everyone to not notice her, but she is a pretty good little friend."

Adaryn's smile just got brighter when Rachel spoke about getting a pet next year. "That would totally work! I mean, cats are super-fun, and owls are so useful...but, you never know! Maybe you'll find the best pet then!" A bit of a pause and ultimately she added, "If you ever want to borrow Topeka for company, then you have my permission."

"Well hi Topeka! Youre so cute!" Rachel smiled down at the mouse waving. "You have a Kneazle? Ive never seen one. My aunt tells me they look and act just like cats though their a bit bigger. She said she had one when she was a kid."

Rachel smiled hearing Adaryn introduce herself she finally had a real friend. "So. What do you think Hogwarts is like? I heard its huge, has endless corridors, and a whole forrest! Though im pretty sure the forrest is off limits based on what i read.

What do you think the house sorting ceremony will be like. My aunt said we get sorted into houses and thats the house we get to be in for all the years we attend. Apparently theres four. Check it out." She pulled out the history book.

"Im not really into history, seems complex but i skim a bit since well this whole magic thing is new to me. I didnt really know..anything till like 2 years ago. But theres Griffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Hufflepuff.

Im not sure which one i would wanna be in.. Its kinda a lot of pressure. Though I heard Slythrins have a whole dungeon to themselves. Oh and Hufflepuff get a kitchen. Ravenclaw and Griffindor only get towers.

What class are you looking forward too-" Rachel asked basically rambling without breathing again. Her eyes lit up with curiousity as she showed off the books and pictures. It was made pretty clear magic was new to her.

Adaryn laughed at the wave Rachel gave Topeka, and the little mouse responded by twitching its whiskers. "She likes you," Adaryn said in a very encouraging voice, nodding at Rachel's mention of Kneazles. "Oh yes! Moonlight, my Kneazle, is bigger than a common cat and very clever. She judges people from a high point-everyone is watched like a queen from her throne." She exhaled fondly. "I miss her horribly, but at least I have Topeka for company."

Adaryn smiled brighter too as Rachel went on about her excitement. It was nice to talk to someone who seemed to have as much curiosity as herself. "Oh, I just know Hogwarts is going to be amazing! I've read about all the secret corridors and moving staircases-imagine getting lost in there!" She laughed a little nervously. "And the Forbidden Forest... yes, it's entirely off-limits, but man, the stuff that lives there must be awesome!"

She leaned in a bit as she traced absentminded fingers along the edges of her robe while Rachel was pulling the history book. "Oh! Yeah, the Sorting Ceremony! Just wondering how that works... Some say there's a test, others say it's some kind of spell, or even a creature that chooses for us." She scrunched up her nose at that thought: "I just hope it isn't too scary!" She sat back. "But yeah, the four houses sound like such fun! Gryffindor is all about bravery, Ravenclaw is for really smart ones, Hufflepuff is for kind and hard-working people, and Slytherin is for the ambitious."

Adaryn was listening while Rachel thought about the common rooms. "Hufflepuff has a kitchen, and that just sounds amazing-just imagine being able to snack whenever you wanted!" She grinned widely. "And yeah, Slytherin's common room is underground, which is cool but maybe a little creepy?" She tilted her head. "But the view from the towers for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw must be just phenomenal. Kind of like waking up every morning in a castle!"

Rachel's last question perked up Adaryn. "Oh! Care of Magical Creatures for sure, but I heard that class is for later years. So for now... maybe Herbology or Charms! What about you?"

So much was clear: it was evident that Rachel had never done this before, and there was nothing wrong with it for Adaryn, as some touch happened to the excitement with Rachel.

"Well. Care of magical creatures is one im looking forward too the most. I hope to be a Mythical beast caretaker. I wanna fly on the backs of dragons, and Hippogriffs! I wanna see the stars and sun how they see them!"

"But this year im really looking forward to Astronamy and Defence against the dark arts. They seem the coolest this year. Im not really looking forward to history or potions..they kinda seem boring. But who knows right? Do you think theyll have clubs there?" Rachel asked fiddling with her hair and scrunchy.

"I heard of this game called Quidditch. Ive never seen it, is it fun? Theres also something called dueling which seems fun too. I hope i can participate in it all. I never get do do things like that at home." She continued. As a salekeeper walked down the hall with a cart she bought a few things. A lollypop, and a few other snacks. "Theres a lot of candy in the Wizarding world.. What even is a chocolate frog? Its..its not an actual frog.. Right?"

"You know i really hope we end up in the same house. Then we could be bunkmates..wait do they **have** bunks here? As much as they talk about the school theres not really much about the insides of if it."

Adaryn's face shone with rapture as Rachel secured her storytelling. "That sounds so awesome! Flying on a hippogriff or even on a dragon-imagine what the world would look like from up there!" says lowering the head and closing together the palm into a ball forming ideas. "They're intelligent and proud, though; you have to bow to them first. If they bow back, then you can approach. But if one ever let you... ride him.... Wow!! now that would be great!"

Making her smile crinkle warmly. "I kind of want to work with magical creatures as well, probably even as a healer some of them get hunted down and wounded or encountered accidents, and I really want to help them get back together. Or I might be working in a sanctuary, ensuring that they are well kept and safe."

Her head tilting, Adaryn then wondered aloud about what classes to mention. "Astronomy sounds really wonderful and Defense Against the Dark Arts would be such a great, you know, useful thing-danger against yourself and other people. And Potions... Well, I do love baking, so maybe I will like it. Brews potions kind of like following a recipe, right?" She smiled.

Her eyes would light up at the mention of clubs involving magical creatures. "Oh, I really hope that there is a club for magical creatures! Or maybe even a Herbology club-it can be just as helpful with healing or taking care of creatures." She turned to Rachel with a bright expression. "What about you? What kind of club would you want to join?"

Adaryn chuckled slightly when Rachel was talking about Quidditch. "Oh, Quidditch is huuuuuge! It's the most giant wizard sport! Having three lines with Quaffle that two beats prevent Bludgers from knocking others off brooms, a keeper must be there to guard score posts and then there is seeker who is one catching golden snitch. So if he catches it, the game ends, and his team is charged with one hundred and fifty points." She shook her head with a smile. "It is fun watching it, but then I'd not like to play. I'd most probably be spending the entire match just avoiding falling off my broom."

The trolley witch was a merry woman with a sly, warm smile. She shot a peculiar glance at Adaryn.

"Anything you'd like, dear?" she asked, with her cart loaded with chocolate frogs, pumpkin pasties, and every kind of candy that Adaryn had heard of.

Adaryn hesitated, her eyes wide with wonder upon the sweets. "Um, could I please have a pumpkin pasty and... maybe a Chocolate Frog?" A softer tone than usual yet her excitement unmistakable.

The trolley witch nodded, wrapping the items in a little parcel. "Good choice, dear," she said with a grin, handing over the goodies.

Adaryn accepted the small bag with a grateful nod and a beaming smile. "Thank you!" Then, sitting down, she eagerly tore off the packaging on the pasty and took a comforting bite of warmth and spice as the train began to rumble toward Hogwarts.

She giggled at the mention of Chocolate Frogs. "Well, they're not actually frogs. They've been bewitched to hop around, so you've got to catch them before they get away. Plus, they come with collectible cards of famous witches and wizards; some of them are really rare!"

Her features softened at the last comment from Rachel. "I hope we will get put in the same house! That would be too nice to actually have a friend to start with." She tilted her head, pondering. "Of course, we have our own beds, and the dorms are supposed to be really cozy. The common rooms sound amazing too! Hufflepuff's is by the kitchens, Gryffindor's is high up in a tower, Ravenclaw's has a riddle to get inside, and Slytherin's is under the lake." Warmly, she smiled. "Definitely, though, wherever we end up, we will still be friends! Going on adventures in Hogwarts, attending clubs together, and trying out all the wizard sweets!"

This was more out of habit, she thought, than out of certitude. "Sorry for coming off as I know everything," she whispered, rather uncomfortably, to the judgment. "My family has been magical for generations, and I have learned a lot from them. My parents went to Hogwarts, my cousin is on the Quidditch team-there would have been lots of bits picked up along the way, wouldn't you say?" She looked downwards, her face hot and flushed from shyness. But I know best that this is only the beginning for me, and it will have so much more to learn personally. She smiled shyly. "I didn't mean to sound snobby or anything."

Rachel tilted her head. "Oh dont worry, Honestly id much rather have someone who can teach me these things so i know at least a **bit** of what im talking about. My aunt went to hogwarts a while ago so a lot has changed since then, and my parents were both 'muggles' as many call it. I think.." She said hoping she said the right word. "Honestly; im shocked to even have any powers much less be a witch! So. " Rachel unwrapped the lollypop and started to munch on it.

"Either way, Id love to join a Mythical Creature club. Or well.. Im not sure maybe animal protection, or art. I doodle a bit." She pulled out a sketchbook covered in drawings of dragons and other mythical animals.

"Its a hobby. But im tempted to join the Quidditch team, it would be awsome to be a seeker, flying fast in the sky, id just imagine being on a dragon!" She as looked out the window for a minute. "Id just imagine flying above the clouds with a dragon as my partner. It would be amazing."

She looked back. "But since you wanna work with beasts too, maybe we can work together someday!" Her mind brought back to dueling. "So what is dueling like? Is it like cowboy duels on tv?"

As she said that, an anouncer came over the loudspeakers. "Soon ariving in less then 15 mins!" They said.

"So soon? It feels like we just got on..." Her eyes looked a bit disapointed.

Gratitude flooded warmth through Adaryn's relief-lit eyes. "That means a lot to me," she granted in a soft voice, carefully smoothing a crease in one of her robes with her fingers. "I just don't want to sound like a know-it-all. If I could help, then why not!" Her shyness blossomed into exuberant sunshine as Rachel rummaged in her bag for a sketchbook.

"Oh wow! Those are amazing!" Adaryn bent forward and examined the fine detail of drawings of dragons. "You really seem to capture their spirit... like they want to fly right off the page." She traced the edge of the picture without touching it with her finger. "Never mind if there is a club; you are supposed to enter it! A mythical creature club—oh, I hope there is!" She laughed. "Maybe we'll convince the school to let us go and see live ones to do club activities together!"

Adaryn laughed when Rachel suggested Quidditch. "A Seeker would suit you! You'd be chasing something small and fast, a bit like a dragon chasing its prey—but, you know, less terrifying." She smiled. "I think I'd rather keep both feet on the ground."

Dueling, she furrowed her brow. "I think it sort of goes like cowboy duels—without the hats and tumbleweeds. Wins if you are the fastest, and quick thinking will ensure you're calling on the right spells at the right time." She tilted her head. "But then control comes into play—it's not just blind spell-hurling. I guess it would be sort of like chess, but with wands?" A laugh followed that thought.

The announcement crackled through the overhead speakers, and a little of Adaryn's smile faded. "Oh, already?" A small sigh escaped her lips, and she looked toward the window, which showed an approaching landscape. "It does feel like we just got on... But still, we're almost there. Hogwarts." Her tone registered a touch of muted exhilaration. "This is really happening."

She turned to Rachel with a bright, reassuring smile. "Whatever happens, we'll work it out together, right?"