𝐓𝚮𝐄 𝐈𝚴𝐄𝚾𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝚨𝚴𝐂𝐄 | Wizarding World

𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗

Pandora’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood in the bustling King's Cross Station. She could hardly believe she was here—after everything, the whirlwind of discovering magic, shopping in Diagon Alley, and preparing for a life at Hogwarts, the moment was finally here. Her parents, Claudia and Max, were with her, though they seemed less nervous than she was. They had already been through this with their own magical journeys.

Max clutched a trolley with his own supplies, looking completely at ease, while Claudia scanned the crowds, her sharp eyes flicking over the people around them. “Ready, darling?” she asked, her voice calm but warm, the confidence radiating from her like a shield.

Pandora swallowed hard and nodded. She didn’t quite feel ready, but then again, did anyone? This was Hogwarts—Hogwarts! The school of magic where her life would change forever. There was no turning back.

“I’m a little nervous, actually,” Pandora admitted, feeling her cheeks flush.

Claudia smiled softly, her eyes reflecting a sense of understanding. “It’s natural. But you’ll be fine. You’re ready.”

Max, ever the calming force, placed a hand on Pandora’s shoulder. “We’re right here. You won’t be alone.”

Pandora took a deep breath. She trusted them. She had to. They were her parents now, the ones who had been there for her since her own world had been turned upside down with the death of her mother. She just wished she didn’t feel so out of place.

As they walked toward the platform, Claudia paused and pointed toward a small, inconspicuous area of the station. “Now, remember, sweetie. To get to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, you have to walk at a normal pace, but don’t hesitate. Pretend you’re just walking straight through the wall.”

Pandora glanced at the barrier ahead, her heart skipping a beat. It was a solid brick wall, with no sign of an opening. She looked at her parents for reassurance.

“You’ve got this,” Max encouraged, his voice light but full of trust. “Just focus on where you’re going. Don’t overthink it.”

Pandora nodded. She stepped forward, feeling the weight of her trolley in her hands, the air around her becoming increasingly thick with nerves. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet space as she approached the barrier.

Claudia’s voice rang out behind her. “You’ll see, darling. Magic works when you stop doubting.”

Pandora focused on the space ahead, where the platform should have been. Without giving herself a chance to overthink, she closed her eyes for a split second and, with a deep breath, pushed forward, walking briskly toward the barrier.

The moment she reached it, there was no impact. No crash. No pain. Instead, the barrier seemed to melt away, and Pandora stumbled through, her trolley following closely behind.

She opened her eyes to find herself on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. The Hogwarts Express, a magnificent scarlet train, sat waiting in the distance, its steam rising up and filling the air with the unmistakable scent of adventure.

Pandora blinked in disbelief. “I… I did it.”

Claudia and Max stepped through the barrier right behind her, both smiling with pride. “Of course, you did,” Claudia said. “Now, let's get you on the train. It's time.”

Pandora’s legs felt like jelly, but she followed her parents toward the train, the sense of excitement and nerves mixing within her. The station was a whirlwind of activity—students rushing about with their trolleys, families bidding their goodbyes, and the sound of owls hooting in the distance. This was the real deal now. She was part of it.

As they approached the train, Max grabbed Pandora’s trolley and lifted it effortlessly. “Here we go, then. The Hogwarts Express. What a journey you’re about to have.”

Pandora smiled weakly, her heart fluttering. “I just hope I don’t mess anything up.”

“You won’t,” Claudia reassured her, her eyes filled with a quiet confidence. “Now, remember, you’ll find your own way. It may take time, but trust yourself.”

Before Pandora could respond, the train whistle blew, signaling that it was nearly time to depart. The platform filled with noise as students hurried to board the train.

Max squeezed her shoulder one last time before he and Claudia both kissed her on the cheek. “We’ll see you soon, Pandora. Don’t forget to send us an owl when you can.”

Pandora felt a lump form in her throat as she hugged them both tightly. “I’ll miss you,” she whispered, though her voice barely made it out.

“We’ll miss you too, darling,” Claudia said softly. “But this is your time now. Go on, and make us proud.”

With a final nod, Pandora stepped onto the train. The door shut behind her, and she was left standing in the corridor. The train was already starting to move, the familiar motion of travel beginning to calm her nerves. She wasn’t alone—others were boarding, rushing past her as she walked down the aisle, searching for an empty compartment.

Her stomach was still doing flips, but now, she felt a bit lighter. She could already hear the excited chatter and laughter coming from the compartments. There was a sense of togetherness, even if she didn’t know anyone here yet.

As she passed one compartment, a boy with messy black hair and round glasses looked up at her. “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” he asked, his voice slightly nervous.

Pandora blinked. The boy seemed familiar, but she couldn’t quite place him.

“Not at all,” she said, offering a small smile. “You can sit here.”

He hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping inside. His eyes darted around as if searching for something familiar before settling into the seat opposite her.

“Thanks,” he said, though his voice was soft. He looked down at the empty space next to him, his nervousness still apparent.

Pandora smiled again, trying to make him feel more comfortable. “I’m Pandora. First year. You?”

The boy looked up at her, his glasses slipping down his nose as he adjusted them. “Harry,” he said quietly, offering her a shy smile. “Harry Potter.”

Pandora froze for a split second. Harry Potter? The Harry Potter?

“Wait, you’re… the Harry Potter?” she asked, her voice betraying her surprise.

Harry nodded, his face turning a little pink. “Yeah, that’s me.”

Pandora’s heart skipped a beat. She had heard the stories, of course—every magical person had, Claudiavand Max had told her, 'everything' she need to know. The Boy Who Lived. He was famous. And here he was, sitting right across from her.

"Wow," Pandora breathed, still trying to process everything. "It's... nice to meet you."

Harry gave a nervous smile, but before they could say anything else, the door to their compartment slid open again. This time, a girl with bushy brown hair and a set of large, bright eyes peered in.

“Is this seat taken?” she asked, her voice full of energy.

Pandora nodded, motioning for her to sit. “Not at all.”

“I’m Hermione Granger,” the girl said, practically bouncing with excitement. “First year, like you. I’ve read so much about Hogwarts! I can’t wait to see it all!”

Pandora smiled back. “I’m Pandora. It’s nice to meet you.”

Hermione sat down and immediately started talking about all the things she was excited to learn at Hogwarts, completely unfazed by the famous boy sitting next to her. Pandora couldn't help but laugh at her energy. It was nice to have someone so eager to share this moment.