Witch

No Last Name

If you are attempting magical travel for the first time, I highly recommend you do more research than I did.

Too bad I realized that after I fell through the magical barrier into platform 9 3/4 and fell straight on my butt.

Have you ever fallen butt-first on concrete? I don't recommend it.

I moaned in pain, slowly getting up while using my enchanted trunks for support. They had conveniently reappeared beside me in a neat stack, just as they had been before my little tumble.

Now, I may seem like an amateur, but of course, I've traveled magically before. I am a witch, after all. I'd ridden a broom a few times. However, brooms aren't nearly as popular in America as they are in England. I've always stayed at Ilvermorny year round, so there was no need for any form of travel, meaning I wasn't quite accustomed to the idea of a magical train platform yet.

I glanced around anxiously. I was really beginning to regret my decision not to use a trolley. While my trunks would follow me if I, say, accidentally fell through a magical barrier, they did not carry themselves. They were known to be stubborn. I had also underestimated the weight of my trunks and overestimated the cooperation of my owl, Athena. The fall had clearly ruffled her feathers, as she was letting out panicked screeches and flapping her wings aggressively.

I leaned down to face my owl. "Please, for one moment, stop making so much noise," I mumbled. She let squawked reproachfully as if to say, it's not my fault you have bad judgment.

I looked around slowly. She wasn't wrong. I had fallen on one side of the platform. The train was on the other side. I would have to lug my heavy trunks and Athena's cage across the platform alone.

I groaned and slammed my fist on my trunk in frustration, causing it to slowly tip over and land on my foot.

"The train will leave in sixty seconds!"

I bit back a scream. I swear my foot was pulsating. No way could I drag my trunks, Athena's cage, and my backpack onto the train with a throbbing foot. I would never make it to school. I'd be punished for missing the train and be sent straight back to Ilvermorny as if I didn't go through hell just to get here. I wanted to lay down and cry.

Just as I had squatted down and was seriously considering throwing a full-on temper tantrum, a lanky, red-headed boy maybe a year or two older than me leaned down to me.

"Hey," he said. I detected a hint of amusement in his tone. "Need some help? Looks like it."

I wanted to glare at him. He spoke so casually, almost condescendingly, as if I was a six-year-old. I might as well have been, considering how helpless I felt.

I studied him. He was a bit lanky, sort of tall, and covered in freckles. From his goofy grin to the glint of his eye, his energy must've been a bomb waiting to explode. I would've been surprised if he was some kind of genius or the school's troublemaker.

I was about to decline his offer when the conductor bellowed, "Thirty seconds before departure!"

The boy looked at me smugly as rolled my eyes.

"Ugh, fine," I muttered through my gritted teeth, standing up and slinging my backpack over my shoulder. The boy grinned and grabbed my trunks and began running towards the train. I had to sprint to catch up, which only riled up Athena more.

We made it on the train with fifteen seconds to spare and found an empty compartment, where he placed my trunks and Athena's cage on the luggage shelf. I collapsed on the seat, panting from the run.

The boy sat down next to me, still grinning. What for, I don't know. But I do know that his careless demeanor was quite aggravating.

I glanced at him sideways. He had spread his legs out and was leaning back in the seat, breathing hard. He gave me a sideways grin and winned. Ew.

"Thanks, I guess," I said nonchalantly. "I appreciate it."

He cleared his throat. "My pleasure," he replied. "I'm Fred Weasley."

I nodded silently, acknowledging his introduction. He looked at me expectantly. I sighed. "My name is -"

Suddenly the train jerked on the tracks, causing me to lurch sideways; right into Fred's lap.

Oh god, I feel dizzy just remembering that. I didn't even have time to react when someone burst into the room.

"Hey Fred, where were you? We were looking all over for y -"

I lifted my head so quickly that I banged my head on the table.

"Ow!" I yelled. "Who the hell are you?"

I looked up at the door to see a short, stocky boy with dark hair and - Fred? I whipped around to see if he had somehow teleported to the door but there he was, still sitting next to me. It took me a second to realize but -

"You're his twin," I stated.

"Darn tootin," Fred's twin said in a faux southern accent. "I'm George. Fred's twin, obviously."

"And I'm Lee," the shorter boy piped. "I'm their partner in crime."

I felt the sudden urge to fight my way out of this compartment, as if I had just been cornered by three extremely dangerous criminals. Or something much worse; three teenage troublemakers.

Maybe the ghost of Merlin heard my prayers, because not a second later, someone barged into the compartment.

"Fred, George, have you seen your brother? I think he and Harry are up to something."

A girl with bushy brown hair had pushed her way into the compartment. Upon first glance, she seemed like the average bookworm-y type. But upon inspection, she was quite pretty. And she had an aura about her; when she walked into the room, she commanded your attention. I couldn't help but hang on to every word she said.

I must have been staring, and when Hermione turned towards me, she looked baffled as to why.

"I'm sorry, um... Do I know you?" she said nervously.

I stood up quickly. "Sorry, no. I'm, uh, Willow. Willow Lily, no last name. I'm a fourth year transfer student from Ilvermorny."

Hermione's face slowly morphed into a grin. "Ilvermorny, you say? I've always admired how effective the wizarding world in America has been in eliminating blood discrimination."

"Well, alot of us are born from No-Maj - I mean Muggle - parents. The Salem witch trials did still happen though."

Hermione was positively glowing with excitement. "You must tell me more. Come sit with me!" She grabbed my arm and began dragging me out of the compartment.

I turned and gave a stuttering Fred an apologetic look. "Hey, you know my name now, right? You'll know where to find me!" And with that, I allowed myself to be whisked away.

~~~

Author's Note

Hey guys; it's been awhile!

I missed writing for y'all, so I'm back! Hopefully you enjoy this updated version of Willow's story. More coming soon!

-Claire Luci