The train's window was fogged up with her breath as she stared out at the waving figures shrinking with speed. Willa was alarmed at how fast her parents and all the others became the size of the characters in her Chocolate Frog card collection as the Hogwarts Express pulled away. For the last four years when Sylvia boarded Willa had watched, longing to be part of the happy departure for school, it had always seemed rather slow.

"Willa!" her sister said loudly, prodding Willa's shoulder. "Look at me, darling." Sylvia was a fifth-year and considered herself quite mature. "Jess and I are off to see the others. Are you quite alright staying here with our trunks?"

Willa rolled her eyes at her sister. Jessica, Sylvia's best mate, had stayed with them for the last week while her parents were off hunting manticores in Greece. Willa had had quite enough of the pair of them, and was grateful to see them off. "Yes, Sylvie, dear," Willa enunciated. "I'm really very tired anyway. I'll just stay here and keep the owls company."

Sylvia tittered. "Sure. But Willa, if the trolley comes by, do fetch me a sugar quill." She graciously smiled at Willa, took Jessica's arm, and shut the compartment's door.

Willa sighed. Alone at last, with Sylvia off with the fifth-years, and her parents back in London. She did already miss them, but she was going to Hogwarts. "I'm going to Hogwarts, Alfie!" she told the new brown owl she'd gotten for school. "Alfie, my darling, we're finally going! Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy-warty Hogwarts, teach us something PLEEEASEEE!" Willa sang, having already memorized the school's song from Sylvia's endless renditions.

The compartment door slid open. "Excuse me. Are you singing? To your owl?" The tone was disdainful, and Willa's head snapped up. There stood a girl, about Willa's own age, with beautiful blond ringlets cascading down her back. The girl was already clothed in Hogwarts robes and matching shiny black shoes.

"No!" Willa immediately denied. She gaped at the girl, who really was beautiful. "Um…it was a spell. My sister taught me a few." The lie came easily.

"Oh, did she?" The girl stared at Willa. "I'm Lucille Saxon. I'm assuming you're also a first-year." Lucille's eyes scrolled over Willa's belongings.

"Uh, yes. Willa Langley, pleased to meet you." Willa stuck out her hand.

Lucille raised a skeptical eyebrow, arms by her sides. "I'll see you at the Sorting. Please try to sing to your owl a bit softer." She promptly left.

Willa bit her lip, thinking of Lucille's perfect curls and arched nose. She knew if Lucille took against her, she'd never make many friends at school. "It'll be ok, Alf," she told her owl, stroking his muddy brown feathers. "It'll all be ok once we reach the castle." She had always gotten a bit train-sick.