The Hogwarts Express
Sunday 1, September 1991
The last month of my summer holiday went by really fast, and surprisingly, I slept in until eight o’clock that morning. I woke up with a nervous sort of energy, that I tried to get rid of by taking particular care to detail in the mundane things, such as brushing my teeth, or getting dressed, making sure I have everything.
It took me nearly twice as long to get ready that morning, because I kept changing my outfit, nervous of what my peers would think of me. In the end I decided on a pair of leggings with a Black jumper and my dingy converse, with my long black hair braided into two dutch braids.
Finally ready to go, I start to take my stuff downstairs before remembering my necklace and quickly running back upstairs to grab it. It was a nice pearl necklace that belonged to my mother before she passed. I don't go anywhere without wearing it.
My father escorted me to the platform, and helped me as I ran through the barrier for the first time. “Samara, look at me, I’ll see you at the castle tonight. I’m sure you’ll make loads of friends on the train…you’ll have fun, I promise.” my father said to me, noticing how quiet I’d gotten. “But what if no one likes me…what if I'm too odd, like last year?” I ask. Last year was the one year I had gone to public school. No one would be friends with me because I looked odd with my skinny frame, long hair, pale skin, and black eyes in their minds. Not to mention the fact that I didn’t have a mom.
“Sam, darling, people will like you. Cheer up, there are plenty of young witches and wizards who would love to be your friend.” My father said reassuringly. “Now get on the train before you miss it. I love you, I’ll see you later.” I gave him a small smile and a hug before getting on the train to find a compartment.
By the time I got on almost all of the compartments were full except one, that had a blonde haired boy who was sitting all alone. “Is it alright if I sit in here, all the other ones are full.” he nodded his head curtly before saying “My name is Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. And you are?” It takes me a moment to register the question but I say “Samara, Samara Snape. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I say holding out my hand. He takes it and says “So, what house do you want to be in? Personally, I think I’ll be Slytherin.”
“Really, I want to be in Slytherin, but I think I might be put in Ravenclaw. People are always telling me how clever I am.”
“Really? and why is that?”
“Probably because I read all of the time.”
He nods his head thinking for a moment before asking, “What do you like to read?” From there we became quick friends, bonding over our shared love of books.
After what seemed to be a short while alone, two more boys entered the compartment. Their names are Mettheo Riddle, and Theodore Nott. They seem like nice enough boys. It's clear that all three of them are from money, though, with their crisp annunciation of words.
A short while after they arrive, a girl pops her head in and asks if we have seen a toad. Apparently a boy has lost his. After that girl leaves, two more girls open the door and ask to sit with us; their names are Astoia Greengrass and Pansy Parkinson.
By the end of the train ride, I had forgotten about all of my worries, quickly finding friends who I enjoyed being around. (as my father promised I would). They are all super nice people, and I can only hope that we all end up in the same house.