When Atticus Wilde entered her first year at Hogwarts, she was completely and utterly alone. The pre-teen had grown up in a life of isolation, only socializing with the likes of her quirky parents, the occasional kid from down the road, and her beloved cat, Candor. She didn't mind being alone, in fact she loved it. She enjoyed the fact that she could listen to her worn out records without an ounce of judgement. (aside from the curious looks Candor would give her when she danced around her room to The Beatles.) But, as September 1st grew closer, eleven year old Atticus began to feel anxious about her new starts and she wasn't the only one.
"Are you sure you have everything?" Winston Wilde questioned once more, his eyes nervously scanning his daughters face for any sign of hesitation. Atticus smiled sweetly towards her father, who was sporting a yellow and black scarf proudly. Though she was scared, she wouldn't show it. "I feel like you don't have everything. Are you absolutely sure you have everything?"
"Winston, for the thousandth time, she will be fine." Her mother quipped with a playful roll of her eyes. Rosemarie Wilde turned her gaze to her daughter, eyes filled with a love so pure that it sent chills down Atticus's back. She adjusted her Ravenclaw scarf and let out a deep sigh.
"Don't let your father's worrying make you nervous, sweetheart." Her mother cooed, pushing back a strand of loose hair and tucking it safely behind her daughter's ear. "No matter what happens, what house you are put in, we will be proud of you."
Atticus wanted to reply, but the sharp whistle of the train startled the pre-teen. She looked back to her parents with wide eyes and rushed forward, hugging them tightly. Her mother stumbled from the impact, but laughed lightly, the sound like music to young Atticus's ears. Her father joined in, pressing a kiss on Atticus's head. When she pulled away, her father smiled encouragingly towards his only child.
"Go on, kid!" He said, handing her her shoulder bag filled with books to keep her busy during the tedious train ride. "Make us proud!"
With one final look over her shoulder, Atticus boarded the train with eager eyes and a hopeful heart. As they watched their only child board the Hogwarts Express, Atticus's mother let out a shaky breath. She leaned into her husband's hold, wiping underneath her eyes to rid herself of the tears that fell.
"Think she will be okay?" Winston asked thoughtfully, rubbing his hand up and down Rosemarie's arm in a comforting manner.
"She will be just fine." Rosemarie nodded, sniffing as the train whistled once more, signaling her departure. As those five words left her mouth, the train began moving. Families lined the tracks, bidding farewell to their children. Atticus quickly opened her window, spotting her parents.
"Mom! Dad!" Her voice rang out, floating above all the others. Her mother caught her eye and a bright smile appeared on her pink lips. Her mother nugged her father, rushing towards the edge of the platform to greet their daughter before it was too late.
"We love you, Atticus!" Rosemarie cried out, her hand brushing against her daughters as the train slowly began to pick up speed. Atticus waved excitedly, bidding farewell to her loving parents.
"I love you most!" She shouted, before the image of her parents became smaller as the train left the station and embarked on its journey to Hogwarts.
As Atticus sat alone in her compartment, she let out a soft sigh. Though the anxiety of a new chapter loomed over the young girl, she still felt a sense of excitement. As they flew through miles of green scenery, Atticus leaned her head against the chilled window of the train and let the exhaustion of that morning take over. Before the tender touch of sleep was able to fully take control of Atticus, she rested with one final thought on her mind; maybe, just maybe, she was meant for much more than loneliness.
