Hogwarts
Chapter two: Hogwarts
The next few days were a blur for Mary. Between her parents' questions and her own confusion it was safe to say this was going to be an odd week. Still her parents took her to diagon alley where they wandered somewhat aimlessly until they had all of her supplies. She had packed everything into a large trunk and set out a crate for her cat. She was ecstatic when she heard cats were allowed. So muffins whether she liked it or not was going to Hogwarts.
Her parents helped her load her stuff into a cart just inside kings cross station where they said their goodbyes.
“Be sure to write to us dear. I suppose we will have to get used to that horrid owl.” Her mother said with a hint of distain. Mary knew her mother did not like any of this but she did not let that dampen her excitement.
“Yes mother I will.”
“We have to go now. Be safe on the train and write to us tonight.” Her father said with a smile.
“Of course father. Have a good day at work, both of you.” She said while hugging her parents goodbye.
She turned and began to push her cart in the direction of platform 9. Once she had made it over she started to look for 9 and ¾ but it was nowhere in sight. Perhaps this was all one big trick and I was just stupid enough to believe it.
Just then she saw a tall woman in odd looking ropes. She had sharp features and dark black hair in a bun. With her was a man with a grim look on his face and a boy about her age. His hair was long too but his features seemed softer. She gathered all her bravery and went up to the woman.
“Pardon me ma'am. I was wondering if you knew where platform 9 and ¾ was?”
The woman looked down on her. Mary felt like she was being pulled apart by her stare. The woman let out a huff and responded. “I take it you are the first wizard in your family.” Mary nodded. “Well then mudblood this is the perfect opportunity for you to prove yourself. Figure it out.” And with that she turned and continued walking. The boy shot Mary with an apologetic look before following his mother.
Well I'm not quite sure what that means but it probably wasn't very nice. No matter. I shall figure it out. Somehow.
Mary started looking around again when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She saw a woman with beautiful brown skin and long brown hair. She had the warmest smile Mary had ever seen. Next to her was a man with messy hair and glasses whispering something at a boy.
“My dear are you looking for the Hogwarts Express?”
“Yes I am. I think I'm supposed to prove myself in some way because I am apparently a mudblood.” Mary said, trying to look confident.
The woman's smile turned sad for a moment and then went back to cheery. “Oh nevermind that. You are a wizard like the rest of us. Come along I shall show you the way. My name is Mrs Potter and this is my husband and my son James Potter.”
The boy looked up and gave her a toothy smile before extending his hand.
“Hello there. James Potter future quidditch player are your command.” She made a mental note to ask what quittage was later.
“I'm Mary MacDonald.” She said while shaking the boy's hand.
After a bit more chaos and excitement Mary made it onto the train. She sat across from James. Soon the room filled with other first years. There was a plumber little blonde boy named Peter, a boy with muddy brown hair who seemed to only care about his book named Remus, a blonde girl with choppy hair and a slightly chipped tooth named Marlene and the boy from earlier whose name was Sirius. A ginger girl named Lily came around for a few minutes before disappearing with a rather mean looking boy called snape.
They all introduced themselves and became quick friends for the journey. The boys Marlene talked about quidditch . Mary now knew it was a sport. She and Remus discussed the secrets that could be hiding in the castle. A snack trolley came and went. James and Sirius practically bought half the cart for the group to share. By the time they pulled into the Hogwarts station it was dark out.
They were rowed across the lake and brought into a great hall. There were four long tables all covered in platters and goblets. Students were sitting at them eagerly waiting. Mary wasn't quite sure if they were excited about new house mates or if they were just in a hurry for the food. Each table had a banner over it. A blue one with a Raven, a yellow one with a badger, a green one with a snake and a red one with a lion. One by one they first years went up to the front and had a dusty old hat placed on their head. It yelled out the name of the house each student belonged to.
Most students were excited about their placement. Sirius black however looked terrified. When it was Mary’s turn she sat on the stool hoping she looked confident. I must be brave here. I must be strong.
“Gryffindor” the hat bellowed which made Mary jump. She ran over to the table and sat next to Marlene and Lily. After the ceremony food appeared. After tasting it she understood why the older students were getting impatient.
Near the end of dinner a Slytherin girl came over to the table. She had long silver hair and a prim smile but in her eyes Mary could see fear. She whispered something at Sirius and then walked away. As she passed the girls she glanced at their food and said. “Oh do be careful. That food is what causes the first year five.”
The girls looked at each other and shrugged. Soon they were escorted to their common room by a perfect named Alice. She was kind but watchful. She caught Sirius all three times he tried to sneak away. Mary thought he would learn after the first time but clearly not.
Marlene, Lily and Mary were all sharing a room. The girls loved muffins just as much as Mary did. They stayed up talking about Hogwarts and magic, what classes they had and what they were excited to do. They talked briefly about families. Lily was a muggle born like her and Marlene was pure blood. Marlene explained how some people think blood status matters but she thinks it is all rubbish.
As Mary was falling asleep she thought about all the things that brought her here and all the fear she had felt that day. I must be brave. I am a Gryffindor now and we are supposed to be brave. There is no house for cowards.
She repeated this sentiment in her head until she fell asleep.