Katherine Greenwood: The Hidden World #8

Instructions

Katherine's POV: I stood on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters for a few moments, staring at the Hogwarts Express. It was much bigger than I had imagined, and there were students everywhere. Some were saying goodbye to their parents, while others were already climbing onto the train with their trunks. I took a deep breath and looked down at my own trolley. I still felt nervous, but at least I knew I was in the right place now. I carefully pushed my trolley toward the train and found a place to leave my trunk with the other luggage before picking up my owl's carrier. Then I climbed onto the train. The corridor was already crowded with students carrying bags and talking excitedly. I looked into the first compartment I passed, but it was full. I tried the next one. That was full too. I continued walking, hoping I would eventually find an empty seat. But every compartment seemed to have someone inside. Some had only a few students, while others were completely packed. I began to feel nervous again. I didn't know anyone. I didn't know where I was supposed to sit, and I didn't really want to walk into a compartment where people were already sitting without being invited. I kept walking, holding tightly onto the handle of my owl's carrier. "Maybe there's another one," I whispered to myself. I walked farther down the corridor and looked into another compartment. There were four students inside. A girl with long red hair was sitting near the window, talking with a boy who looked a little older. Two boys with dark hair were sitting across from them. I was about to keep walking when the red-haired girl looked up and noticed me. "Hey!" she called. I stopped and looked back. She smiled at me. "Are you looking for somewhere to sit?" I nodded shyly. "Yes." She moved over and made room. "You can sit with us if you want." I hesitated. "Are you sure?" "Of course," she said. "Come in." I slowly stepped into the compartment. "Thank you." I sat down carefully, keeping my owl's carrier beside me. The girl smiled. "I'm Lily Luna Potter." She pointed toward the boy sitting beside her. "This is my brother, James Sirius." James gave me a friendly grin. "Hi." Lily pointed toward the other dark-haired boy. "And that's our brother, Albus Severus." Albus smiled and nodded. "Hello." She then pointed toward the red-haired girl. "That's Rose Granger-Weasley." Rose looked up from her book and smiled. "Hi." I looked at all of them, trying to remember their names. "I'm Katherine," I said quietly. "Katherine Greenwood." Lily smiled. "Nice to meet you, Katherine." James leaned back in his seat. "So, what year are you in?" I looked at him. "First year." Lily smiled. "Oh, so you're starting this year too." I nodded. "Yes." Rose smiled at me. "You'll probably have a lot of questions." I looked down shyly. "I already do." They all laughed softly, and I smiled a little. Lily looked at the carrier beside me. "Is that your owl?" I nodded. "Yes. I bought her in Diagon Alley." Albus leaned forward slightly to get a better look. "She's pretty." "Thank you," I said. "She doesn't have a name yet." "You still haven't named her?" Lily asked. I shook my head. "I couldn't think of one." "I'm sure you'll find one," she said. I smiled slightly. The train whistle sounded outside, and I felt a little jolt of nervousness. I looked out the window and saw families giving their final hugs. "Are you nervous?" Lily asked. I nodded. "A little." "Me too," she admitted. I looked at her in surprise. "Really?" "Definitely." James laughed. "Lily's been talking about Hogwarts for months." "James!" Lily protested. He grinned. "What? It's true." I smiled a little. It was the first time since arriving at the station that I felt completely comfortable. Everyone seemed friendly, and nobody seemed bothered by how quiet I was. Rose returned to her book, while Albus looked out the window and James continued talking with Lily. I listened quietly, occasionally asking a question when I didn't understand something. The train gave a loud whistle, and slowly began to move. I watched King's Cross disappear through the window. My family was gone now. I couldn't see Mum, Dad, or my brothers and sisters anymore. For a moment, I felt a little lonely. Then Lily leaned toward me. "Don't worry. You'll like Hogwarts." I looked at her and smiled. "I hope so." "You will," she said confidently. I looked around the compartment at Lily, James, Albus, and Rose. I had only known them for a few minutes, but already I was glad Lily had invited me in. I settled back into my seat and watched the countryside begin to pass outside the window. I had no idea what was waiting for me at Hogwarts. I didn't know what house I would be in, what my classes would be like, or what would happen once I arrived. But for the first time that day, I didn't feel completely alone. I had found somewhere to sit. And maybe, just maybe, I had found my first friends at Hogwarts.