The journey to Hogwarts started at King’s Cross Station on a busy September morning. Elara came with her parents, dragging a trolley that already felt way too heavy for something she was supposed to handle. Her trunk was packed with books mostly, and the usual school stuff crammed in wherever it would fit.
She’d known about Hogwarts for years. Her father talked about it a lot, like it was just part of normal life. So she’d heard stories, bits and pieces growing up. But actually being here… it didn’t feel the same at all. Her eyes kept darting everywhere. Yeah, okay… this is real, as she tried to calm herself. “Careful,” her father said when she almost knocked into someone. “I am careful,” she said, and then nearly bumped into someone again.
When they reached the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10, Elara slowed down a bit without thinking. This was the part where her mother had to stay behind, because muggles couldn’t go through. “This is where I stop,” her mother said. “Yeah… I know,” Elara said, quieter this time. Her mother fixed her bag again even though it didn’t really need fixing. “You’ll write when you get there, right? And eat properly. Don’t just survive on sweets.” her mother said. “I will, Mum.” she answered. “And don’t lose everything in the first week, please.” she said in a teasing manner. “I haven’t even left yet,” Elara muttered. Her father gave a short laugh and said, “Give her a break, love.” Her mother smiled and pulled Elara into a hug.
After that Elara followed her father. “You remember what I told you, Lara?” he asked as they walked. “Yes, Dad. I just need to go through it and don’t stop.” Elara said. “Okay, good.” he said. Then he added, “You’ll be fine, Lara” Elara looked at him and said “That sounded like you’re not even sure yourself, Dad.” He shrugged and said, “Yeah, well.” That got her to laugh a little. He pulled her into another quick hug. “Go on, before you start thinking too much.” he said. “Too late for that,” she said, already stepping forward.
She walked straight into the barrier and she made it.
On the other side, it was loud. People everywhere, shouting, laughing, dragging trunks like chaos. Owls screeching somewhere above it all. And there it was, the Hogwarts Express, bright red and almost unreal in the middle of everything. “It really does look like you said, Dad,” Elara said, looking up at him. “Told you,” he said. And then, he helped her to lift the trunk onto the train. After the quick goodbye, Elara stepped inside the train and started to find an empty seat. But then it hit her properly. She was actually going to Hogwarts.
