Brooklyn Mclair had always dreamed of going to Hogwarts, the legendary school of witchcraft and wizardry, but now that the moment was here, she wasn't sure she was ready. It was the year 1989, and at just eleven years old, she stood at the threshold of a life-changing adventure. Brooklyn, the eldest of three siblings, was about to leave her home in Edinburgh and her family behind to start her first year.
Though Hogwarts promised magic, wonder, and new friends, Brooklyn couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. Leaving her little brother and sister, and especially her mother, felt harder than she'd imagined. Her father's stern presence only made things worse, casting a shadow over what should have been an exciting day.
The bustling chaos of King's Cross Station was almost too much for Brooklyn Mclair. Her mother's warm hand on her shoulder was the only thing keeping her grounded as they weaved through the crowd. The din of chatter, the screech of train brakes, and the occasional wail of a frustrated child made her already frazzled nerves feel like they were stretched to the breaking point.
"This way, love," Elizabeth Mclair said gently, guiding Brooklyn closer to the center of the platform. Her voice was soft, soothing, and somehow audible despite the noise around them. In her other arm, she balanced two-year-old Ryan, who was babbling happily to himself, completely oblivious to the significance of the day. Six-year-old Emily trailed behind, clutching Brooklyn's free hand tightly and looking around the station with wide eyes.
Brooklyn's father, Sam, walked slightly ahead of them, his tall, rigid frame cutting through the crowd like a knife. His expression was stern, as it always was, and he carried Brooklyn's trunk as though it weighed nothing. She could feel his impatience in the sharp glances he cast back at them, as if to say they were moving too slowly. Brooklyn swallowed hard, her stomach twisting with nerves. She hated the thought of leaving her mother and siblings behind with him for months. She didn't trust her father—he was strict, quick to anger, and impossible to please.
"Mama, do I really have to go?" Brooklyn asked, her voice trembling. She tightened her grip on Emily's hand, trying to find some comfort in the little girl's presence.
Elizabeth knelt down in front of her, shifting Ryan to her hip. Her soft blue eyes, so much like Brooklyn's own, met hers. "You're going to be amazing at Hogwarts, sweetheart. You've dreamed of this for years. And it's okay to be scared—everyone is their first time. But you're braver than you think."
Brooklyn shook her head, her blonde hair falling into her face. "What if I… what if I don't make any friends? What if the other kids think I'm weird?"
Elizabeth chuckled softly and brushed the hair back from Brooklyn's face. "You'll make friends. You're kind and clever, and people will see that. And if anyone doesn't, well… they're the ones missing out, aren't they?"
Brooklyn tried to smile, but it felt wobbly. She looked up at her father, who was checking his watch with a scowl. "We don't have all day," he barked, his voice cutting through the moment like a knife.
Elizabeth's jaw tightened, but she kept her tone light as she stood. "Come on, then. Let's get you onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters."
They stopped in front of a solid brick wall between platforms nine and ten. Brooklyn blinked, confused. "Is this a joke?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Not at all. Watch." She nodded toward a family ahead of them, who pushed their trolley straight at the wall—and disappeared through it.
Brooklyn's eyes widened. "How…?"
Her mother's smile grew. "Magic, my love. Now, you'll need to push your trolley straight at the wall. Don't stop, and don't be afraid. I'll be right behind you."
Brooklyn hesitated, staring at the seemingly solid bricks. Her hands tightened on the trolley's handle, her heart pounding in her chest. What if she crashed? What if this was some horrible mistake?
"Go on, Brooklyn," her mother said softly, squeezing her shoulder. "I believe in you."
Taking a deep breath, Brooklyn started forward, the trolley's wheels squeaking slightly as they rolled. The wall loomed closer and closer until… she squeezed her eyes shut. A rush of cool air swept over her, and when she opened her eyes, she was standing on a completely different platform.
Steam billowed from a gleaming scarlet engine, and the air was filled with the sound of chattering students and the occasional hoot of an owl. A large sign overhead read Platform 9 3/4. Brooklyn turned, her mouth falling open as her mother appeared behind her, stepping through the wall with Ryan on her hip and Emily at her side. Her father followed moments later, still carrying the trunk.
"See? That wasn't so bad," Elizabeth said, beaming at her.
Brooklyn nodded, though her legs felt shaky. They made their way toward the train, where older students were helping load luggage into the compartments. Sam handed Brooklyn's trunk to a boy in school robes without a word, then turned to her.
"Don't waste this opportunity," he said, his tone clipped. "You're representing this family. Don't embarrass us."
Brooklyn's throat tightened, but she nodded mutely. Her mother stepped in, kneeling again to pull her into a warm hug. "Write to me as soon as you get there, okay? I want to hear all about your first day."
"I will," Brooklyn whispered, clinging to her for a moment longer than she probably should have. She didn't want to let go.
"Go on, now," Elizabeth said, pulling back and brushing a kiss against her forehead. "You're going to do wonderfully."
Brooklyn swallowed hard and stepped onto the train. She turned back, leaning out the window to wave as the train's whistle blew. Her mother waved back with a bright smile, though her eyes looked a little misty. Her father stood stiffly beside her, arms crossed, while Emily waved both hands enthusiastically and Ryan babbled something unintelligible.
As the train began to move, Brooklyn watched them until they disappeared from view, her chest aching. She already missed her mother's comforting presence and the chaos of her siblings. But somewhere deep inside, a small spark of excitement flickered. She was on her way to Hogwarts. Her journey had begun.
Brooklyn hesitated in the narrow corridor of the Hogwarts Express, clutching her bag tightly as she peered into compartments. Most of them were already full of chatting students, their laughter and noise making her feel even more out of place. She felt like an intruder, an outsider in a world she didn't quite belong to yet.
Her heart sank as she passed compartment after compartment, all filled with older students who barely glanced her way. Just as she was starting to panic, she spotted one compartment near the end of the train that only had a single occupant: a girl about her age with dark skin and her hair tied back into two neat braids. She was staring out the window, looking lost in thought.
Summoning her courage, Brooklyn slid the door open slightly. "Um, excuse me… is it okay if I sit here?"
The girl turned to look at her, her brown eyes warm and welcoming. She smiled and nodded. "Sure."
Relieved, Brooklyn stepped inside and hoisted her bag onto the luggage rack before sinking into the seat across from the girl. "Thanks," she said, offering a small smile. "I'm Brooklyn."
"Angelina," the girl replied. Her voice was bright and friendly, immediately putting Brooklyn at ease. "Are you a first year, too?"
Brooklyn nodded. "Yeah. I was so nervous about finding a seat. This train is huge."
Angelina laughed. "I know! My parents told me it'd be big, but I didn't think it'd be this crazy."
Brooklyn smiled, feeling the tension in her chest start to ease. "So… do you know a lot about Hogwarts?"
"A little," Angelina admitted. "My mum told me all about the houses and the classes. But what I'm really excited about is Quidditch."
Brooklyn's eyes lit up. "You like Quidditch?"
"I love it!" Angelina said enthusiastically. "My dad took me to see the Montrose Magpies play once, and it was amazing. I want to be a Chaser someday."
"Me too!" Brooklyn exclaimed, leaning forward in her seat. "I've been reading all about the game. I even have a toy broomstick at home. My mum says I used to fly it around the garden for hours when I was little."
Angelina grinned. "That's so cool. Maybe we'll both make the team someday."
Brooklyn nodded, her earlier nerves forgotten as the two of them launched into an animated conversation about their favorite teams and players. By the time the train began to slow down, signaling their arrival at Hogwarts, they were laughing like old friends.
Brooklyn glanced out the window as the towering silhouette of the castle came into view, her heart swelling with a mixture of awe and excitement. For the first time that day, she didn't feel so alone. She had a friend—and maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.
Brooklyn pressed her face to the window of the Hogwarts Express, her breath fogging up the glass as she stared at the rapidly approaching castle. Its towering turrets and glowing windows seemed to shimmer against the night sky, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight.
"That's Hogwarts!" Angelina said beside her, her voice filled with awe. "It's even bigger than I imagined."
Brooklyn nodded silently, too overwhelmed to speak. She hadn't realized until now just how real this was—she was about to step into a world she had only dreamed of.
The train screeched to a halt, and students began pouring out of the compartments, their voices creating a hum of excitement that filled the air. Brooklyn clutched her bag tightly as she followed Angelina off the train and into the cool night. Lanterns bobbed in the distance, casting a warm glow on the throng of first-years gathering nearby.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" a booming voice called, cutting through the noise. Brooklyn turned to see a giant of a man holding a lantern high above his head, his bushy beard framing a broad, friendly face.
"That must be Hagrid," Angelina whispered. "My mum told me about him."
Hagrid waved them over with a hand the size of a dinner plate. "Come on, now. Don't be shy! All firs'-years, this way!"
Brooklyn hesitated for a moment, her nerves creeping back as she looked around at the crowd of unfamiliar faces. But then Angelina nudged her gently. "Come on. We'll stick together."
The two of them joined the group of first-years trailing behind Hagrid. He led them down a steep, winding path, the trees on either side casting long shadows in the moonlight. Brooklyn stumbled slightly on the uneven ground, but Angelina caught her arm, steadying her.
"Thanks," Brooklyn murmured, grateful for the support.
When they reached the edge of the Black Lake, Brooklyn gasped. The castle loomed above them on a cliff, its reflection shimmering on the water's surface. Tiny boats bobbed at the shore, waiting to carry them across.
"Three to a boat!" Hagrid called out, gesturing toward the small vessels.
Brooklyn and Angelina made their way to an empty boat, and just as they were about to step in, a boy with long braids approached.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, flashing a friendly smile.
"Not at all," Angelina said, scooting over to make room. Brooklyn nodded, her nerves making her shy.
"I'm Lee," the boy said as he climbed into the boat. "Lee Jordan. You?"
"Angelina Johnson," Angelina replied. "And this is Brooklyn Mclair."
Brooklyn managed a small smile. "Hi."
The boat rocked gently as it pushed off from the shore, gliding smoothly across the water. Brooklyn shivered slightly in the cool night air, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders.
"So, are you both excited?" Lee asked, his voice bright and cheerful. "I've been counting down the days since I got my letter."
"Excited and nervous," Angelina admitted. "But mostly excited. What about you, Brooklyn?"
Brooklyn hesitated, staring at the castle growing larger in the distance. "I think I'm mostly nervous," she said honestly. "But it helps having you two here."
Angelina smiled warmly. "We're in this together."
"Exactly," Lee agreed, grinning. "And hey, once we get sorted, we'll probably all end up in the same house anyway. I've got a good feeling about it."
Brooklyn wasn't so sure, but she appreciated his optimism. As the boat drifted closer to the shore beneath the castle, she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this wouldn't be so scary after all.
"Look at that!" Angelina said suddenly, pointing to the giant oak doors at the top of the stone steps. "It's even more amazing up close."
Brooklyn nodded, her awe temporarily overshadowing her nerves. This was it. She was really here.
When the boats docked, Hagrid helped each of them out and led the group up the stone steps. Brooklyn's heart pounded as the doors creaked open, revealing the entrance hall bathed in golden light.
The first years trailed behind Professor McGonagall into the Great Hall, their footsteps echoing on the stone floor. Brooklyn's breath caught in her throat as she took in the towering ceiling, enchanted to reflect the night sky. Thousands of candles floated above their heads, casting a warm glow over the rows of students seated at four long tables. At the far end of the hall, a golden staff table glittered with the presence of the Hogwarts professors.
Brooklyn shuffled nervously as they lined up in front of the platform. At the center stood an old, patched hat on a wooden stool. It was much more weathered than she had imagined, but when it suddenly burst into song, her nerves gave way to surprise.
After the Sorting Hat finished its song, Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a long scroll.
"When I call your name," she said crisply, "you will come forward, place the Sorting Hat on your head, and sit on the stool to be sorted into your house."
Brooklyn's stomach flipped. She suddenly realized she hadn't even considered where she might be sorted. Her dad had been a Slytherin, always going on about the house's noble traditions, while her mom had been a Gryffindor. Where would she fit?
"Albright, Rose!" McGonagall called.
A girl with blonde pigtails stumbled forward. She placed the hat on her head, and after a moment, it called, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers as Rose joined them.
A few more students were sorted before McGonagall called, "Johnson, Angelina!"
Angelina squared her shoulders and marched up to the stool. Brooklyn held her breath as her friend sat down, the Sorting Hat slipping over her eyes.
"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat declared after only a moment.
Brooklyn clapped along with the Gryffindor table as Angelina grinned and jogged over to her new housemates.
"Jordan, Lee!"
Lee swaggered up to the stool, winking at a few students as he passed. Brooklyn couldn't help but smile at his confidence. The Sorting Hat barely touched his head before shouting, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Lee whooped as he joined Angelina, high-fiving her as he sat down.
Brooklyn felt a pang of longing. She wanted to sit with them so badly it made her stomach twist.
Several more names were called, and then—
"Mclair, Brooklyn!"
Her heart plummeted. Legs shaking, she stumbled up to the stool, barely aware of the sea of eyes watching her. She placed the Sorting Hat on her head, her hands trembling.
"Ah, an interesting one," the hat murmured in her ear. "Plenty of ambition, I see. A sharp mind, too. You'd do well in Slytherin."
Brooklyn's chest tightened. "Not Slytherin," she thought desperately.
"Not Slytherin, eh? Your father would be disappointed."
Brooklyn squeezed her eyes shut. "I don't care. I just… I want to be with my friends. Please. Put me in Gryffindor."
The hat chuckled softly. "Ah, loyalty and bravery. That does suit you. Very well. GRYFFINDOR!"
Relief flooded her as she whipped off the hat and practically ran to the Gryffindor table. Angelina and Lee cheered loudly, scooting over to make room for her.
"I knew you'd be one of us!" Lee said, clapping her on the back.
Brooklyn's heart soared as she grinned at them. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all.
The sorting continued, and soon Professor McGonagall called out, "Weasley, Fred!"
Brooklyn turned her attention back to the platform as a lanky red-haired boy with a mischievous grin strode forward. He barely sat down before the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Fred pulled the hat off with a flourish and bounded over to their table, plopping down a few seats away.
"Looks like fun," he said cheerily, winking at Brooklyn.
"Next, Weasley, George!"
The identical boy gave a mock bow before settling on the stool. Like his twin, the hat barely touched his head before shouting, "GRYFFINDOR!"
George joined them moments later, sitting beside Fred. "Well, looks like we're all in this together now," he said, grinning at Brooklyn, Angelina, and Lee.
Fred leaned forward, looking directly at Brooklyn. "Name's Fred, and this here is George. Welcome to the best house in the school."
"Best house," George echoed, smirking. "And, coincidentally, the most fun."
Brooklyn laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. For the first time that night, she truly believed she was exactly where she was supposed to be.