Babylon

I walk up to the supposed opening of the train station. I'm nervous; About a month ago, if someone had told me. I was to be a wizard inherited from a long line of squibs. I would have called the idea insane, but here I am in front of platform 9 3/4 with a snake for a companion staring at a brick wall with no knowledge to activate the damn thing. I'm sure. If I were still in contact with my parents. Then they would have hounded me for being so incompetent. Now, I wonder whether there are people here on this damn platform who knows how to get in. hmm, I mean. Who thought having a brick wall for an entrance was a good idea? I swear. I'll take it up with the first magical thing I meet.

"Oi, mate! You gonna walk through or what? I'm growing impatient with your incompetence." a small, stocky boy walks up, an owl on his shoulder and a scowl on his face.

"ah, um...right; Sorry, I'll move out of your way." For as much as I grumble, I do find it a little embarrassing that I couldn't find the entrance; not only that, but I blocked others from going through. Damn it! Why do I have to be like this?

I step away and give space for the boy to go through platform 9 3/4. He huffs and marches forth. No hesitation with confidence flowing in each stride, proud like a lion. His trolley looks to crash into the wall. I freeze, thinking he's insane. But as the trolley rolls forth, it slowly dissolves into the wall, with no rigidity to the wall. It was as if the trolley never went forth; and touched it. I came out of my stupor to find the boy himself had caught up with his trolley, and he too started to dissolve.

"Shit! Max! wait up! I told you to wait for me!"
a. Tanned lanky boy pops up behind me; in his haste, he almost runs me over. Luckily at the last minute. He swerves to the right, barely snagging my luggage handle. Dazed, I stared at the boy. He was wearing an apologetic grin and whipped his hand out. At first, I thought he was moving to attack me, which wouldn't be new. But instead, he gestures his hand out for a fist bump. What the fuck? Hmm, ok? I'm gonna guess I have to shake it now to show I have accepted his apology. Shit! Again why do I have to be so awkward?

"Hey, mate, sorry for that. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and the kid that just went through. He was supposed to wait for me. Gosh, he has no patience!"
Gently I take his hand in mine in a firm yet friendly handshake to indicate we're fine.

"um...hey, it's all good sorry for being in the way. I just got it. A bit confused as the letter is riddled with inconsistencies and overcomplicated steps. Or maybe it's just me and my muggle tendencies."
I looked down, knowing my ears were heating up already. As my parents would say. Never show weakness!

"Nah, you're alright! If anything, it was me who was in the way. Do you want me to show to go through?"
He smiled expectantly at me, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation.

"Ah, yeah, that'd be great, thanks."
I shyly smile back at him, relieved that; I've finally met someone who can help me.

"Alright, so it's pretty simple! You walk up to the wall between platforms 9 3/4, and it'll transport you to our desired destination, the Hogwarts Express! Here you go first. I'll follow after to see that you get through safely."

After I had thanked the boy, I slowly turned my trolley towards the entry point to the Hogwarts express. Took one deep breath and then another slowing my heart. I steady my feet and march my way forward. As I get to the wall, I close my eyes to lessen my nervousness. Without knowing it I had already touched the brick wall and yet, instead of hitting the solid brick, I expected. I felt this weird warming feeling, and I had the urge to grab out that's, exactly what I did and what I felt was absurd. It felt gritty but not solid. More like a fluid. But how can that be possible?

I open my eyes to find a magnificent view in front of me. Much more beautiful than the dingy London station I arrived at. I watch as many mill about saying goodbye to the ones they love or talking with friends, I guess about their holidays seeing, as the Scottish school system started about now after two weeks off. Right at this moment. I felt a little insecure seeing, as I was, I guess you could say, a 'late bloomer.' when it came to getting my letter from a magic school. I guess I would put it up to how the Tsunoda line is known for its long line of disappointing squibs.

I move through the crowd to board as I look at the time, Realising we only had 10 minutes before departure seeing; as I am an anomaly when it comes to; loving parents. I think; there would be no point in me awkwardly standing while I saw the love that; I deeply crave. I knew it would only make me feel bad, seeing as this is. The start of a new beginning. I must take advantage of anything! I can get my hands on it.

Once on the express, I wander through the corridor eyeing. Every compartment on the way. To find an empty slot for just me and my thoughts. Slowly I start to lose hope. The many compartment doors I walk past have five or more in each. Causing my anxiety to climax. Finally, I find one that has a lone brunette. He's focused on the window onlooking at the fresh. Scottish highlands. I calm myself and knock on the compartment door; he looks up from the luxurious window to me; I take this as a signal to come in. I do so, he smiles. Dimples immediately surfacing

"Hello. You're welcome to sit with me if you want. My name is Charles. By the way."
He pats the seat between himself and the door. I smile and gently put my luggage on the seat across from Charles and me. As I settle down. My snake Thistle pokes his head out in curiosity, his beady black eyes staring at Charles unblinking.

"Damn! Do you have a snake? What is their name?"
Slowly Charles shuffles towards Thistle, hand raised to pet. I unzip my jacket to allow Thistle to slither towards Charles. I chuckle as the two connect, knowing Thistle will have Charles wrapped around his finger.

"His name's Thistle. He's a Red Belly Black Snake; he does have venom, but it doesn't kill you, doesn't worry."
Gazing down at Thistle, I notice that; he has fallen asleep cute.