1 Sept
Hi Diary
Just like last year, Mum, Dad and I spent the night at the Leaky Cauldron. There were a few first year muggleborn families there, but I didn't see anyone i knew from last year. Professor Cauldwell and Lottie's Mum set up with my parents so that Lottie could come to drop me off at the train station this morning, but to make it work I had to be at the station very early and she had to leave before I was even allowed to board the train. Professor Cauldwell met us at the station and then took her to school on time for her first class.
HOWEVER, that meant that yesterday I got to show her around Diagon Alley! She was so excited to see the shops! I treated her to Ice Cream at Fortescue's and Mum allowed us each to purchase a five sickles worth of treats at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. I'm not sure which she liked better...
We then had dinner at a small cafe that Professor Cauldwell recommended. All four of us (and Amythyst!) enjoyed it. The atmosphere was a cozy; somewhat dark, yet still bright. There was a little fireplace near our table. It was obviously there for warmth and to look nice, not for use. The menu was average, by name, anyway. Shepards pie, assorted stews...you know, normal fare, but it was better than the average restaurant. Then the drinks. Instead of just regular coffees or hot chocolates or tea, every drink was a specialty drink. That wasn't too surprising since the cafe was called The Tea Cauldron. I had a "Muggle American Unicorn Chocolate." The drink was neon pink and covered in rainbow sprinkles! I wonder how accurate the thing was...
After dinner, we went to our rooms at the Leaky Cauldron. Mum and dad told us not to stay up too late, but left Lottie and I to our own devices in the room we were sharing. We played exploding snap and ate our candies from wheezes. i don't think either of us slept a wink. Hopefully she was able to stay alert for her first day. I dozed a little on the train, but at least I didn't have any classes to attend today. Oh well, we both will get the weekend.
On the train, I sat with Georgia, Lyra, Katherine and a couple of first year girls named Cynthia and Tabitha. The two girls knew Lyra before they found us, which is why they chose to sit with us. I listened sleepily as they discussed gossip from over the summer to do with the elite of wizard folk, but as I was tired, I don't remember much of the conversation.
Once we got to Hogsmeade Station, Cynthia and Tabitha joined the other first years while the rest of us got on one of the carriages to the castle. The invisible Thestrals apparently are very real. Lyra was quite happy to tease me for cautiously attempting to pet one. I couldn't see them! what if the creature decided to bite!? It was kind of rough feeling, more like a snake than a horse, as well as feeling bony. It's wings were soft, though, and the noise it made sounded friendly, i think...
During the sorting ceremony, Cynthia went to Ravenclaw and Tabitha went to Slytherin. Hufflepuff got seven new girls and 5 new boys, but i don't know any of their names. I'll try to meet them soon. I am looking forward to rejoining the dueling club. Do you think i should try out or the quidditch team? I'm not sure if I want to, but I feel like I'd regret it if I didn't.
I ought to get ready for bed though. It is late and i am so very tired. Good night, Diary!
Ava