The Art of Fitting In

Chapter Three: The Hogwarts Express

On the morning of September 1 Samson woke up very early. It was a very important day. Term was starting today and Samson had to pack all his things for the train. The walk to Kings Cross Station wasn't far, however lugging the trunk of Samson's things and Raiders cage had proved itself difficult.

"Platform 9 and three quarters?" His mother questioned. "But there's no such thing?"

"Didn't you read the note mum? It's hidden! They couldn't just have people seeing it."

"Yes dear, you've mentioned. But how are we to find it?"

At that moment they had arrived at platform 9. The wall between platform 9 and 10 had gathered a small crowd. A tall dark haired man was instructing his children on how to enter the platform.

"That's it Albus, just run at the barrier." The young boy pushed his cart towards the wall. Samson thought he was going to crash, but just when he should've the boy vanished.

Samson's mother approached the man.

"Excuse me, is this how you get onto platform 9 and 3/4?" She asked. The man turned around. From the front you could see a scar on his forehead in the shape of a lightning bolt.

"Yes it is. Is this your daughters first time at Hogwarts?"

"Yes it's my sons first." Samson's mother corrected.

"Yes sorry. Just run at the barrier. You'll make it through." He was obviously sorry for the mistake and he quickly walked through the wall. Samson angled his cart towards the wall and broke into a nervous trot. He was scared he would hit the wall but he just walked through.

On the other side of the wall he saw a train like he had never seen. The color was the brightest red and the steam billowed out the top. The sign on the wall said "Platform 9 3/4". Samson had made it! After too many hugs from his mother he had boarded the train and sat in an empty compartment.

Not long after sitting down three more students had joined him. Two of them looked older than Samson. They had already changed into their school uniforms and Samson noticed that theirs had a green crest with a snake on it. The third looked the same age as Samson. She had a masculine face and long curly black hair. Her skin was dark as well which gave a beautiful contrast between their pink dress. She had clearly put a lot of time into their makeup and it looked stunning.

The student must have noticed his staring because at that moment she spoke.

"My name is Callie. What's yours?" Callie's voice was low but it was obvious to Samson she was trying to make it higher. The other students couldn't tell. The train had just left the station and was heading to Hogwarts. The other students in the cart took this opportunity to introduce themselves before Samson had a chance.

"My name is Seraphina. I'm a pureblood." Said the girl. She had a stuck up tone of voice. "And what blood class are you?"

"Half-blood. Not that it matters." Callie answered.

This caught the attention of the other boy.

"Not that it matters? Why it's the only thing that matters. Purebloods are far better at magic. My names Evan by the way. I'm a pureblood. And you," Evan turned towards Samson, "what's your name and blood class?"

Samson didn't know what a blood class was. He certainly wasn't from an all wizard family but he didn't know the word for that.

"I'm S-Samson." He stuttered. His voice was high and squeaky. "I-I don't r-really know what a blood class is but n-neither of my parents are wizards i-if that's what you're asking."

"Ha you're a mudblood. That explains it. But why is your voice so high. You sound like a girl!" Cried Seraphina.

"Are you sure you're a boy, Samson? Are you positive?" Evan teased. Samson felt tears form at his eyes. He tried to hold them in.

"Hey leave him alone. No one asked you for your opinion!" Callie had come to his rescue.

"Whatever. Let's get out of here Evan." And with that the two older students left. Samson wiped his face.

"Are you okay?" Callie asked with a concerned look on her face. "If it makes you feel better I don't think that muggleborns are any less good at magic than purebloods."

Samson smiled a little. He nodded shyly to show he was okay. He liked Callie. Soon the two were talking as though they had been friends forever. The conversation soon turned to gender.

"I have an older sister and when I was younger she would let me wear her makeup and dresses. My parents alway thought it was a joke but it made me happy and made me feel more comfortable. I guess I've always known that. My mum's a muggle so she knows a lot about technology. She bought me a computer when I was 12 and I was able to access information on what I was. I was so happy to know that I wasn't the only one." Callie told him all about what she had been through with puberty blockers and estrogen supplements. Samson told his story and hoped that he could count on Callie to be his friend.