This is one of many submissions to the Prompt Relay Challenge in the Harry Potter Fanfiction Challenges forum. For those not familiar with the challenge, there are ten stages we have to write for, each state having anywhere from five to twenty-plus story prompts we must fill.
Stage Six: Tom Riddle Era
Dear Diary,
I'm finally here! I arrived at Hogwarts today just after dark. We spent all day traveling north from London on a magic train, taking me and all the other students up into Scotland. Most of my future classmates spent the day chatting and eating sweets. I, however, was much more productive with my time by getting a jump start on reading my textbooks.
We arrived in a small wizard town that I understand to be called Hogsmeade late in the afternoon; The older students started jumping into carriages while what looked to be a giant ushered us first years into small rickety boats on the lake. This lake is huge! The water was so still it looked like a mirror reflecting the all the stars in the clear night sky.
And off in the distance I could see the lights of the castle windows. Hogwarts is even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined! All those stories Professor Dumbledore told me were nothing compared to the real thing. Classes start tomorrow, but I can't wait until I can explore the grounds this weekend. Of course I'm excited for classes too, but I bet there are all sorts of cool places I can find around the castle. It's too bad we aren't allowed into the forest. Maybe I can sneak in for a peak. I doubt they would let anything too dangerous near the school.
Well it's time for bed. I'm sharing a room with four other boys in the first year Slytherin dorms. I wish I had my own room, but I'm sure I will not be spending much time in here.