The first week of September had been a lonely one.
Oliver had started his first year at Hogwarts, and Katie was home all alone. Well, not completely alone. She still had her parents and Mr. and Mrs. Wood, but it wasn't the same as having a mate.
Mr. and Mrs. Bell had let the Woods take Katie to Platform 9 ¾ to see Oliver off. They were both a bit nervous when they were told that they needed to run through a brick wall to get onto the platform, but Oliver grabbed Katie's hand, giving them both the confidence to make it across.
Students and family members were all milling about in front of the scarlet train. It was all quite hectic, and Katie was in awe that she and Oliver were now a part of this commotion.
Oliver's parents each gave him one last hug and kiss, and discreetly began to drift away, so the two children could talk.
"Ollie," Katie whispered. "You better not forget about me."
"Of course not Katie," he replied, giving her a strange look. "How could I forget about my best mate? I'll write to you every week. And I'll be home for the holidays."
"By then, I'll have practiced enough to get a quaffle past you. Get ready!"
"Oh I will. First years aren't even allowed broomsticks. I can't imagine how good you're going to get while I'm at Hogwarts sitting around on my arse."
"Ollie! That's a rude word!" Katie reprimanded. He laughed, but continued what he was saying.
"I fully expect both of us to make the house team in a few years."
"What house?"
"Whatever house we're both in, of course."
By this point, Oliver's parents had wandered back, and suggested he got his luggage on the train before it left without him. Oliver threw his arms around Katie awkwardly, then made mad dash to join the other first years. He looked back at least five times to smile at Katie before he boarded.
Oliver found a compartment with a seat by the window just as the train whistled. Katie waved and yelled, "Goodbye Oliver!" even though he couldn't hear her. And with that, the Hogwarts Express separated the two friends, and the Woods directed the downtrodden eight year old back to King's Cross.
Now, Katie was looking at her first owl from Oliver.
Dear Katie,
I'm writing this on my first night at Hogwarts, hoping it will get to you as soon as possible. After being on the train all day, all us first years were rounded up by this giant named Hagrid. We got to go up to the castle by boat. It's HUGE. The other students somehow got there before us in this room called the Great Hall (where we all eat), and I'm not sure if it has a ceiling because I could see the sky as clearly as when we go out to catch fireflies. Some of the older kids said it was enchanted.
I was sorted into Gryffindor, just like my dad! If the Sorting Hat thinks I'm brave of heart, wait 'til he meets you. Plus we're loyal to each other, so I think you're as good as Gryffindor material.
The food's really good here (don't tell my mum, she'll be heartbroken that I like someone else's cooking). And there are ghosts everywhere. One can take off his head! Nearly. Well, now I' knackered, but be sure to write back soon!
Miss you already,
Oliver
She pestered her mother for a quill and spelling lessons, but soon enough she had written her reply.
Dear Oliver,
Hogwarts sounds great. It's lonely here without you. Mum and Dad says another Wizarding family has moved into the neighborhood with a girl my age, but I bet she doesn't even play Quidditch. Is Hagrid a real giant? And how does a ghost take off his head? (Nearly). Miss you lots.
Katie
A/N Please review! I'll be following the timeline of the books, but I'll get to the good stuff quickly, I promise!