Her name was Ella. I watched her open my compartment door. She was wearing jeans and a red jumper. Her brown hair was down; it cascaded down her back like waterfall. Even the faint sunlight made it glimmer.
"Can I sit with you?" she asked politely her voice was soft and gentle but sad. I nodded and watched her sit by the window seat opposite me. The train was leaving the station I waved nervously to my parents who watched proudly from the platform. The steady chug of the engine started. I was still buzzing with anxiety. My first year at Hogwarts was approaching.
Ella didn't wave. She stared out across the smiling faces that were staring up at the train. Her face remained expressionless as though she were not even taking in the happy and proud faces down on the platform.
I continued waving until the platform was completely out of sight. I wondered whether the famous Harry Potter had been sending off his second eldest son, Albus. Everyone knew who Albus was because of his father. I hoped I would meet Albus at some point, it would be interesting to meet a famous person, I'd never met one before.
I stared out at the passing scenery. Trees, mountains and lakes all flew past too quickly for my eyes to take in. Ella was still staring out of the window. Her eyes betrayed no feelings.
Feeling bored, I pulled one of the school textbooks out of my bag. It was potion making. I already thought it would be my least favourite subject but I didn't want to be negative. I had already read the first five chapters because I was worried about falling behind. I flicked through to chapter six. I tried to concentrate on the words but as soon as I'd finished the first paragraph I could feel eyes burning into the top of my head.
"You're reading the potion book aren't you?" she said. Her voice was still sad and her eyes were misty. "I haven't read a single chapter from any of the textbooks. I've only read Hogwarts: A History. I remember reading somewhere that Hermione Granger learned a lot from that book while she was in Hogwarts. I agree with her, you should read it too." I stared at her wondering what to say.
"Er… Thank you. I'll take it out of the library at some point," I said. Before looking down at my book I said, "I'm Evie Archbridge, pure blood." Ella didn't say anything for a bit. I thought she wasn't going to reply so I bent my head down to continue reading but she spoke again.
"I'm Ella, Ella Owlears, Muggle-born," she said before gazing out of the window again. Maybe that's why there was no one here to wave goodbye to her. Then I knew that this was her story and not mine.