I emerge from the wall onto Platform 9 ¾. It's a bit darker than the sunlit station I came from. There's the end of the Platform so the train must be around this corner…

Oh my gosh! She's beautiful!

The Hogwarts Express steams proudly as her cars are being filled with luggage and passengers while families wave goodbye from the Platform.

Mom enters and comes up behind me, putting her hands on my shoulders. "There she is, Zach," she says. "The Hogwarts Express." As if on cue, the train steams.

"Is it smiling at me?" I ask. "I feel like it's smiling at me."

Mom gives my shoulders a little rub, saying, "She does that. I felt the same way my first time." She lets go of my shoulders. "Come on. I have to get back to work."

I push my cart along side her as we head to the luggage line. "I wonder if Rowan is on board," I say.

"She sounds like she's going to be a good friend of yours," Mom says. "I hope the stares will be too much for you."

"Don't worry, Mom," I tell her. "I'll be fine. If it's anything like Jacob said, I'll have plenty to do."

We hand off my luggage to be loaded and mom pulls me aside. "Listen," she says kneeling. "Please do not get into trouble. Ignore the rumors about you. Focus on your studies and stand by your friends. I can't have you be expelled, too. Promise me, you'll stay safe."

I nod. "I promise to keep me and my friends safe."

With a smile, she pulls me into a hug, and I return them both. "I love you, Zach," she says.

"I love you, too, mom."

She lets me go and stands. "I expect an owl once a month, ok?"

"You'll get a love letter every month, mom," I reply.

She smiles, "Thanks, honey."

We hug once more before I go and board the train.

As I enter the train car, my ears fill with the sounds of students chatting about, what I assume, their summers. I ignore them to look for Rowan. Knowing how excited she is, she's probably in the first compartment.

Traveling down the train, I pretend not to notice when it gets a little quieter after I pass open compartments. Better get used to the stares now. Wait till the selection ceremony; that'll get their attention.

I reach the first compartment and peer inside to find Rowan sitting as happy as she can be. She looks my way before I even knock on the door frame.

"Hey, Zach!" she waves.

I return the wave, saying, "Hi, Rowan!" Moving to sit in front of her, I ask, "How long have you been here?"

"Since 9:00! I can't wait to get there!" she beams, practically bouncing in her seat.

"I can see that. Don't strain yourself, ok? We're not even there yet."

"I'm going to be fine, Zach," she reassures me. "This is the first time in a long while that I've wanted to get out of the house."

I nod slightly, "I understand."

A voice sounds over the speaker, "Please take your seats. The Hogwarts Express is about to depart."

Here we go.

Rowan perks up,"This is going to be the best time ever!"