Song- Strange Magic by Electric Light Orchestra

Kellah felt trapped, suspecting that her parents wanted to keep her isolated like a princess in a tower. Like her pet owl, they trapped her in a cage, unable to spread her wings.

On the day before term began, Kellah was able to breathe in fresh air after being locked in her room since her return from Diagon Alley. The sole activities were reading The Bible and making brooms. For the church, and play with Milkway. Of course, she chose Milkway. All the school items she had bought were covered in crosses, smothered in Holy Water, and locked away by her mother. Lock-picking became her new goal, and she was determined to master it before the end of the school year.

Kellah's belly protruded slightly because of being confined to her room, despite some weight loss. All she had to eat was communion bread and grape juice that her mom called the blood of Jesus, and the bread was the body of Christ. Well, her body needed proper food.

They permitted her to leave solely for the purpose of her mother doing her hair for school. Kellah's mom was in denial that she still had it in her mind that Kellah would go to church school. So there she sat, having her hair braided for the next day. She winced from the soreness in her back and butt. She stretched, arching her back and rolling her shoulders to get the blood flowing.

After a long day of hair braiding and watching The Real McCoy, Kellah's mother stepped away, giving Kellah an opening to eat. It was malakwang paste-based sesame seeds and peanut butter. She dipped her sweet potato into it. The sweet potato was mushy on the inside and dry on the outside. Typical of her mother, always overcooking things, she was a walking choking hazard. Hogwarts' food had to be better. She loved the food, but not everyone can cook everything and stick to the dishes they're good at. Her mom baked the best treats Kellah's dad suggested, cutting back despite her mom's superior dessert skills. She was half-starved, so she made a conscious effort not to be too selective today.

Kellah rushed through her meal and drink, worried about her mother's reprimands or the threat of having her food taken away.

Her mother had achieved braiding half of Kellah's hair. The opposite half had a picked-out afro. It seemed to go well from her perspective. She leaned into the mirror to see her hair more, and her mom yanked her head back into the original position. Fearful of the hairbrush's impact, Kellah stood frozen in place.

As she drifted off, she felt a sudden sting as her mother popped her with the wet hair brush. The thing she had been trying to avoid. She was now wet from where the brush had hit her and covered in hair products. The sight of the cluttered hair products, with opened jars and finger marks. As she inhaled the aroma, she was transported back to carefree summer days by the ocean. The scent of her hair was so intoxicating that it was all the fragrance she needed. Her hair was so scented that it was reminiscent of a perfume parlor.

The pungent smell was keeping her awake. Kellah was determined to get some sleep anyway. It was late. They had been doing her hair all day. She found the correct position and dozed off. It felt like seconds had passed when her mom told her to get up after finishing Kellah's hair. She couldn't help but wince as she touched her hair, the pain in her neck and head making her feel dizzy. Kellah's hair was styled beautifully, but the pain made it difficult to enjoy.

The living room was saturated with the scent of the ocean, and the synthetic hair seemed to be everywhere. As Kellah helped her mom clean up, she couldn't help but notice the door where she kept her school supplies under lock and key. She climbed the stairs to her room, feeling the soft carpet beneath her feet.

The incessant pounding in her head made it impossible for her to fall asleep.

As she lay there, staring at the ceiling, Kellah absentmindedly twirled a braid of her hair around her finger. Counting sheep never worked for her, so she tried to get her school book instead. The hallway was dark, and she tip-toed cautiously, her heart beating rapidly trying her best not to make a sound. As she removed a bobby pin from her hair, Kellah glanced around nervously before attempting to pick the lock.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear her father approach until he was standing right behind her. The absence of conversation created an uneasy feeling in the room. With a shushing gesture and a wink, he reminded her to be quiet before disappearing back into his bedroom. Kellah resumed picking the lock, her movements slow and deliberate, as she tried to muffle the sound.

She jiggled the lock for what seemed like ages until it finally clicked open. After locking the door, she started packing for the night and made sure to bring all her books. Sleep was the last thing on her mind now that excitement had taken over. It took her a while, but she finally did it, with minimal effect.

That morning, Kellah donned her final Uganda dress for a while after freshening up. Not that she hated wearing them. It was acceptable for special occasions, but not all the time. She wanted to fit in, not stand out. Well, she didn't want to stand out too much.

If she had the choice, she'd be ready at the front door. In her room, she waited for the sensation of someone's presence at the door. She anticipated McGonagall and the gang's arrival. The miniature owl, which frightened her parents, was placed in a cage that was too big for it. She named it Milkway. It was cute, but still a bird of prey. The bird started squawking as Kellah hurried down the steps and opened the door before her mother or McGonagall could.

She stared at her mother. "Are you going to send me off?"

Her mother shook her head and scrutinized the luggage, McGonagall, and Kellah. Kellah was forcefully pushed out the front door by her mom, who then slammed it shut in anger.

Kellah's sadness was evident, though her lack of surprise suggested she had expected the outcome. At least she had done her hair, as she said. It was in box braids that came down to her lower back. Her mother hoped for Kellah to appear at her best if she had to leave, although she had not fed her that morning out of spite.

McGonagall handed her a ticket that said Platform 9 . The presence of parents among the gang only served to emphasize her own lack of family, leaving her feeling alone.

Their bus followed the same path as the previous one, passing by familiar landmarks. A Muggle they were sitting near asked. "Are you going on a trip?"

"Boarding school," said McGonagall, her lips pressed into a thin line.

The man expressed his sympathy, saying, "Those poor lads."

Fear won as Kellah couldn't ignore the Muggle. She would be separated from her parents for months. Her longest absence from home was three days. Without being under their thumb, she didn't know who she was.

Then she was happy. She was uncertain about herself and playing with other kids, but discovering her true self delighted her. What kind of person would she be?

The bus stopped across the street from Kings Cross. They were a short distance from the station. Inside was full of people pushing and shoving, rushing about. The ceiling was white panels that glowed violet and shifted hues. It touched everything.

McGonagall walked up to a platform between 9 and 10. "Follow me," she ran through the wall.

The other kids were scared, but Kellah dashed through the wall like she was running a track race. There was the Hogwarts Express train opposite her, and someone checked her luggage without delay. "Carry-on bags?" he asked. He then labeled them, since only one trunk had her initials.

Despite her nodding no, he respectfully moved her aside so the next person could enter the wall. The luggage car was where she placed her bags. She took out her wand and left her pet owl, who seemed sad. From her pocket, she gave Milkway a dead mouse to snack on.

Linking arms with Hermione, she felt a sense of comfort and familiarity. As she boarded the train, the girl shot a hostile look towards the noisy group of teenagers. "Did you do any of the reading?" she asked.

"Yes, I read all summer. I got really good at lock picking because of it." That made Hermione excited.

They weaved their way through the train cars, their conversation filling the air. Out of all the books you've read, which one stands out as your favorite?"

They found an empty compartment and sat down, the train's rhythmic chugging filling the air. She thought about the books, and how they had changed her perspective on life. "I liked Magical Draft and Potions."

Among all the books, the Standard Book of Spells was the one that I preferred. "I think I can cast a spell or two already," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"I want to see it," Kellah said firmly, her eyes glinting with determination.

Hermione smiled with her bucked teeth. Colloportus The door sealed shut with a quiet snap. With a big smile, Kellah jumped in her seat and gave a round of applause.

She reached out and took Hermione's hand in hers. "You're so cool you have to teach me."

Embarrassment caused Hermione's cheeks to flush a deep shade of red. "Cool?" she repeated, surprised by the unexpected compliment.

They delved into a lengthy discussion about the intricacies of the magical world and the spells used within it. Their perspective as Muggle-born wizards in this new world. Curiosity about family Squibs. That was the word that Hermione used. Kellah could follow most of it, but she had little time to read the books at night between learning how to lock pick.

Kellah and her conversation partner were deep in discussion when she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. "Someone's coming."

The glass door was tapped by a little round boy with ears that stuck out and teeth worse than Hermione's, causing them to look up. He appeared as helpless as a lost puppy looking for its way back home. Despite his lack of physical appeal, he had a gentle and endearing demeanor.

"I'm Neville." Through the glass, he asked in a muffled voice. "Have you happened to come across my toad, Trevor?"

"No, but we'll help you look for it," said Hermione with a reassuring smile. Being volunteered was not something she enjoyed, but it gave her an excuse to explore the train and see cute boys. That was her plan. She would have helped, anyway, but the cute boys were a nice incentive. Kellah wished she had dressed better, though. They stood up and closed the blinds, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion.

"Let's change first," Hermione suggested.

"Good idea!" Kellah found the uniform more appealing than what she was currently wearing.Waiting on the other side of the blinds, Neville let out a pitiful whine.

She draped the robe over herself, making sure it covered her body but didn't sweep across the floor. Her hair was adorned with playful butterfly clips to add a touch of whimsy when she was done. Hermione's expression turned sour as she looked at her disapprovingly. "Those hair accessories don't comply with the dress code," she said.

"Dangly accessories are against the rules for certain classes, but we're not bound by those rules currently. I will wear a ribbon or scarf in my hair if a professor says something."

Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes. " As long as we don't encounter any objection from the professors upon arrival, it's acceptable."

They went from compartment to compartment, making sure nothing was left unchecked. She had underestimated the number of older students, and they gave her the cold shoulder. A handsome guy was on the train. She believed his name was Cedric, but he was older than her by a few years. While aesthetically pleasing, he was not interested in her. If she were his age and had his looks, she wouldn't look at her either.

A blonde boy, with striking features, caught her gaze as they passed by. He appeared charming at first, but his rude demeanor became apparent as soon as he spoke. She thought his name was Draco, and she couldn't help but wonder if he was named after the constellation. She was grateful that his eyes were so captivating, as it allowed her to ignore most of what he was saying. Then she saw Dean, and they glared at each other a bit. The boy with burnt hair, Seamus, had a thick Irish accent and told her he hadn't seen the toad, making her wonder if he was playing with fire and Irish. Was he attempting to become a walking cliché?

The sight of the overflowing candy pile in the next compartment made their eyes widen with excitement. She hadn't eaten before she left as punishment. The stash of candy belonged to two mischievous boys. One of the people had flaming red hair, and the other wore glasses and clothes that looked like they had seen better days. She racked her brain, trying to remember where she had seen him before.

"Have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost it," Hermione asked them.

"We told him we didn't," said the wand-wielding redhead.

Hermione stared at him."Are you performing magic? Don't keep us waiting. Let's see it."

"Can I have a bit of candy?" Kellah asked, holding out her hand.

"Sure, we have loads of it," the boy with glasses said. She started eating after moving some snacks, and then Kellah sat right next to him.

Hermione cleared her throat, waiting for the magic to start. Clearing his throat, the redhead redirected everyone's attention back to himself. "Sunshine daisies butter mellow. Turn this stupid fat rat yellow."

His wand was waved, but the only response was the sound of Scabbers stirring from his slumber inside the box of Bertie's Botts Every Flavor Beans. The rat sat contentedly on his lap after licking his hands and nibbling on a bit of food.

"Are you sure that spells it's not very good?Kellah had tuned Hermione out and was lost in her own thoughts. While she munched on candy, her eyes were fixed on the boy with glasses who seemed irritated as Hermione spoke.

"I'm Ron Weasley and this is Scabbers," Ron introduced his rat as he waved his wand in its direction.

"Harry Potter," said the boy, adjusting his glasses.Harry's green eyes shone like emeralds against the darkness of his hair and skin.

"Are you," said Hermione. Based on her initial impression, she believed her new crush was significant. Instead of tuning out the sounds around her, she started actively listening. Hermione's voice grew more animated as she went off on a tangent, and Kellah struggled to keep up.

Hermione's words came tumbling out of her mouth at lightning speed. "I read about you in a book- " Kellah interrupted, "Okay, Hermione, let's go. They haven't seen the toad. Thanks for the food."

With a casual shrug, Harry said, "No problem."

"Think nothing of it," Ron dismissed the thanks.

Hermione's arms were folded, and she wore an irritated expression on her face.

Kellah quickly scooped up some candy to satisfy her sweet tooth before Hermoine could judge her. She sat on the train, wondering about the number of individuals on board who didn't hold Hermoine in high esteem. She then grabbed Hermoine and waved bye. Hermoine waited until they were out of earshot before unleashing her anger on Kellah. "Hold on," Hermione said, "I wasn't done explaining yet."

"You don't know how to talk to people, do you?"

Appalled, Hermione stood with her mouth agape. "I know how to talk to people."

"Really, why haven't we found the toad yet?"

Hermione didn't deem it worthy of a response. Their search for Trevor resumed as they made their way to their compartment, taking care not to bother any of the other passengers. They sat in tense silence, each unwilling to break it. Kellah extended a piece of candy to Hermione, hoping to mend their relationship. Hermione accepted it, and they shared a hearty laugh. They popped a few pieces of candy in their mouths to regain their energy before continuing the search.

As she walked through the bustling halls, she felt the rush of air as people ran past her. Kellah's face lit up as she saw the joy on their faces, it looked like a great time. Hermione put a halt to her running up and down as well. While telling people to put on their robes, they checked compartments for Trevor at the same time. Hermione was her sole companion, a first-year Muggle-born with a sharp tongue and a love for reading during the summer. As long as Kellah could respond with the same attitude, she was fine.

They made their way to the front of the train to inquire about their arrival time, as Hermione was adamant about getting an assurance from the conductor.

"You should cool it. I don't think we're going to find Trevor."

"I will go once," Hermione stopped when she saw Draco running out of Harry's compartment.

Hermione leaned in close to Harry and Ron's compartment to speak." What's happening here?"

The floor was covered in a rainbow of spilled sweets. The air was filled with the sickly sweet smell of soiled candy. Kellah shook her head, thinking it was a shame, as she watched Ron carelessly snatch Scabbers off the ground. "I think he's knocked out. No, he's sleeping."

"You met Malfoy before?" He addressed Harry directly, disregarding Hermione and Kellah.

Their conversation turned to the encounter between Harry and Malfoy in Diagon Alley, with a focus on Malfoy's disturbing family ties to You Know Who. Kellah recalled reading about Voldemort's defeat in History of Magic and realized that Harry was the one who had brought him down. She was in awe of Harry for defeating The Dark Lord at such a young age, and her affections for him only grew from there.

"Can we help you two?" Ron asked.

"You two better be changing into your robes soon. The conductor assured us we would arrive soon. It looks like you've been fighting. You'll be in trouble long before we arrive," she said, shaking her head.

"Scabbers fought, not us, and could you leave? We need to change," Ron said.

"It's just robes," Kellah said, trying to hide her excitement.

Horror was written all over Ron and Harry's faces.

Hermione looked at Kellah with a knowing smile. "She joking obviously." They didn't laugh. "Anyway, we only came because people were running in the hall. Also, you got dirt on your nose. Someone should tell you Ron."Hermione glared at Harry.

With that, Hermione grabbed Kellah's arm, and they hurried to their compartment and sat. You paid such close attention to him that you even noticed the dirt on his nose."

"Please, be quiet," Hermione said, her face turning red.

An announcement was made. "Hogwarts arrival in precisely five minutes. You can leave your luggage on the train. We will bring separately it." Sitting there in silence, Kellah knew everyone hated them.