are you mental?!

Chapter two

ALEX

Hogwarts was even bigger in real life. Alex couldn't help but stare, his mouth fully agape.

Five years.

It took five years to finally get his letter.

Alex was relieved, of course, but also a little suspicious. Why did it take so long?

His first train ride to Hogwarts was like a dream come true. He gave his father a long hug, tears in his eyes, and rushed on the train before he broke down in front of everyone. That wouldn't be a great first impression. He walked carefully down the narrow hallway looking at the carriages crowded with students. He searched for an empty one accidentally making eye contact with a dark haired boy who was in one of the largest compartments. A girl seated next to the boy had her back facing them so he couldn't see her, but she seemed oddly familiar. The boy in the compartment sneered at him, uninviting, and Alex quickly moved along. After a second he found a compartment with two first year boys and sat with them as they ate sweets and had exciting conversations. Alex tuned them out as he took the seat closest to the window and stared out in wonder.

Alex was sorted with the first years, looking out of place. The sorting hat yelled out "Gryffindor" and a smile broke across his face. He was greeted by enthusiastic people talking a million miles an hour. Alex turned his head slightly and saw someone staring at him from the Slytherin table.

The boy from the train.

The Gryffindor common room was full of students, new and old. The fire was blazing, giving off a lovely warmth, and some students were playing cards in the corner, or practicing minor spells.

"Want to join?" a fifth year called to him, showing her cards.

"Umm- I'm good thanks." he smiled stiffly. In all fairness, Alex didn't know what to do or say, he was excited but also petrified.

He hadn't been away from home since the death of his mother.

Now at Hogwarts, Alex couldn't help but think about his mother, and all the times she would share her stories with him, always saying "Hogwarts will be the time of your life, my child. Don't take it for granted."

But it took five years.

And now as a sixth year, he only had one year left of Hogwarts. As soon as he got his letter, Alex studied and studied, to ensure that he wouldn't be too far behind in his lessons.

As soon as he arrived at the castle Dumbledore had called him into his office. They went over schedules and the classes he needed to take to keep up with the other 6th years. He, of course, had to be tutored in other classes for first years, but he was excited nonetheless. After his meeting with the headmaster he went back to his common room, up to the dorms, and went to bed quickly.

The Hufflepuff prefect, Allie, decided to make it her duty to help Alex in all subjects, so he would be even further caught up.

Allie was kind and charismatic. The embodiment of a Hufflepuff. Her light brown hair was always tied in a loose ponytail behind her, and her face in a constant smile. "So basically we have all of our sixth year classes together, which will be nice. You can always sit by me and my friends. We don't mind-"

She continued to speak on and on as they toured the castle. Alex didn't mind it. He occasionally laughed at her words and it was nice to be welcomed in a place that felt so distant before. She spoke about the school trips to Hogsmeade and the best places to go to while they were there.

"Sorry," Allie shook her head, "I didn't even ask if you have been to Hogsmeade before. I know some people I give the tour to have never stood in a wizarding place-"

"Yeah I have, but it's been a while," Alex cut her off quickly before she could ask anything else. "My favorite shop was Honeydukes, probably still is, if I am being honest." That got a laugh out of her and Alex smiled brightly.

After that Allie and Alex departed saying goodbye to each other. She made him promise to sit next to her during their potions class, then left with a wave.

Maybe this year would exceed his expectations.