JOURNAL Solo Dear Wandkeeper...

Dear Wandkeeper,

I feel like I missed out on something... By the time you left me at the station, I could tell my Hogwarts adventure was going to be different. We talked about traveling to London so I could ride the train in with the other first year students, but it seemed too much given we live in Hogsmeade. Friendships, though, we formed. Shared experiences of chocolate frogs (especially by those who've grown up in the Muggle world) were had. Everyone's adventure had already begun. I was coming in late, desperate to find my place.

I had looked out over the lake at Hogwarts so many times. The lantern-guided boat ride left me in anticipation of the Great Hall, the Sorting Hat, and making my way to a common room for the first time. You went to school here, so you don't need me to tell you that every moment today seemed to last forever, and yet pass in an instant. The more I wanted things to slow down, to have an opportunity to take it all in, the more I felt like things were speeding up.

The Sorting Hat had barely touched my head when it yelled out, "Ravenclaw." I'd really hoped there would have been more to the experience. You had told me about the Houses; I can't say that I'm surprised by the selection. I honestly didn't desire a house, but Ravenclaw makes the most sense now that I think about it.

Sitting at the Ravenclaw Table in the Great Hall for our first meal was a blur. I can't remember who I met, what I said. There was more than enough to eat; I tried everything! I'm hoping there will be hot chocolate when the weather turns cold.

I'm realizing that it's late and I should be getting sleep. Before I go, you should know that I was assigned a bed over looking the lake. Off in the distance I can see the glow of Hogsmeade. My heart aches a little... It's different seeing it from afar.

~Ash