Thomas Sanders and the Neverending Cycle of Problems

On the Hogwarts Express

Logan sat alone on the Hogwarts Express. He didn't know anyone, since he was a muggle-born. He sat with a book in his hands, reading on beginner's spells and tricks for casting them. Why every chapter mentioned "the swish and flick" was a mystery to him.

"Hey there!" A cheery voice broke through his concentration. "Can I sit here?"

Logan looked at the cardigan-clad newcomer. "You didn't have to ask," he responded while gesturing to the seat across from him. The boy sat right next to Logan, and didn't care to give him any elbow room.

"I'm Patton! I'm a first-year at Hogwarts. What's your name?"

"Logan." He tried to hide in his book, but Patton wouldn't let him.

"Well, now we're friends!"

"Sure."

"Hey, Logan, school hasn't started yet! Why are you already reading?"

"Do you need to yell everything? And I'm reading because I want to." Logan was becoming increasingly annoyed.

"Sorry, I'm just really excited..." Patton looked upset and Logan was about to apologize, but he stood up and waved at a boy down the aisle.

"Roman! I got us a seat!"

The new boy came with a second boy clinging to his arm. The first was slightly taller than Logan and had a little crown balanced on his head. The second was smaller than the other three boys with pale skin and circles under his eyes.

Logan soon learned that the first was named Roman and the second was named Virgil. Virgil didn't talk much and just played with the sleeves of his robe, occasionally muttering quiet replies. Roman talked about as much as Patton. They chatted together while he read, until the train pulled into the station, and a man three times their height began calling for first-years.