Thunderbird

The Beginning of an Adventure

It was a maze of people and magic. That was the only way, to sum up Diagon Alley. Hylla grinned up at her father who sent her a small smile back. They made their way through crowds of people who also were also on the mad hunt for school supplies.

There was a robe shop, but McGonagall said she could wear the robes she had from Ilvermorny, but Hylla preferred the standard black uniform they had. The potions shop was easy. She knew exactly what she needed and little more newt eyes here and there. They were outstanding catalysts. If there was one subject she knew she wouldn't fail it was potions. Either that or Studies of Defense. They called it Defense Against the Dark Arts here.

Her father was a new professor. She wanted to keep that under wraps though. Most would think he favored her in class. That was a lie. Her dad did love her, but he expected the best and wouldn't give a true compliment when it came to his profession unless she truly earned it.

He was an Auror and one of the best at that straight off the docks of New York. They had lived in Florida for quite some time before transferring to the sister school in Manhattan. Now they were going to Scotland. It was quite a weather change.

Hylla grinned as she finished selecting the rest of her needed textbooks. She flipped through the textbook they were using for DADA. "I know most of these already." She commented easily. Her father's eyebrows furrowed as she frowned skimming over a chapter and one spell. "Except for producing a corporeal Patronus. I haven't been able to produce a wisp since mom-" Hylla bit her lip. Talking about her mother's death wasn't something she preferred to discuss, but she did think about it a lot.

"You can try though Hy." Her dad clapped a hand on her shoulder. "I know my girl, you will produce a Patronus when you're ready."

Hylla cracked a small smile. "Was that a compliment there?"

"No! When do I ever dote upon you? You're horrible at DADA! I just wanted to make sure you were listening." Her dad goaded prodding her in the ribs.

She elbowed him back grinning.

They got the rest of her books and walked out of the shop laughing and teasing each other whilst exchanging playful banter and sarcastic insults. She couldn't help but notice a blond-haired boy shopping with his mother looking over at them a bit wistfully.

They stayed at the Leaky Cauldron gathering and accumulating books and supplies for both of their years. DADA was no easy class to teach or take. Hylla stuck a pencil through her bun and pulled out her wand flicking it at her stack of books. They floated easily into her trunk alongside her secret food stash, potion ingredients, cauldron, and clothes. she wanted to be comfy on the train ride over which was a full day. She honestly didn't know why they didn't fly.

It was early morning when she and her father rose. They both grabbed their morning coffee and headed for Platform 9 and 3/4. Hylla had managed to manipulate her trunk into the size of a handheld bag which had virtually no weight. It was the first time she had to walk through a wall, and the experience itself was slightly sickening but cool.

In front of them lay an enormous train. Steaming, smoking, bright red, it was a true vision.

She hugged her dad goodbye smirking as she stepped on the train. "See you tonight pops!"

Finding an empty compartment was pretty easy. She plopped down and swung her legs onto the opposite seat tearing open a bag of candy and pulling out her phone. Some No-Maj things were just easier to use than magic devices. Calling on one's wand, very hard to balance. She pulled out her headphones and turned up her music closing her eyes. Hylla relaxed into the sweet sounds of Ben Rector's voice until a small knock drew her attention to the entrance of her compartment.