whistle echoed through Platform 9, signaling the imminent departure of the Hogwarts Express. Steam curled around the scarlet train, momentarily shrouding the bustling crowd of students and their families. Amidst the laughter, tearful goodbyes, and the flurry of owls overhead, Tom Nelson stood alone.
His dark tuxedo was pristine, his suitcase firmly in one hand, and a caged raven—Mingle—in the other. He had always known about Hogwarts, thanks to his brother Jacob, but this was his first time stepping into its world. His mother, Merula Nelson, had already said her goodbye earlier that morning. She wasn't the type for dramatic farewells, but Tom didn't need them.
As he stepped onto the train, the scent of polished wood and warm air filled his senses. Excited voices filled the corridors—students boasting about their wands, older students laughing about past adventures. Tom walked past them, his sharp far-set eyes scanning the compartments. He didn't want mindless chatter. He wanted space.
Finally, he found an empty compartment at the back of the train and slipped inside. The moment he sat down, he exhaled. He had spent his whole life waiting for this. Hogwarts was going to change everything.
The door slid open.
A boy with slicked-back brown hair and a watchful gaze stood in the doorway. He had the same air of quiet calculation that Tom recognized in himself.
"Everywhere else is full," the boy said plainly.
Tom studied him for a second before nodding. "Go ahead."
The boy stepped in, placing his trunk neatly before sitting opposite Tom. Silence stretched between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable—it was the silence of two people who preferred observation over unnecessary words.
After a while, the boy spoke. "Theodore Nott."
"Tom Nelson."
A brief pause.
"Which house do you want?" Nott asked.
Tom smirked slightly. "Whichever suits me."
Nott gave an approving nod. "Smart answer."
The train rumbled forward, leaving London behind. Tom leaned back against his seat. Whatever awaited him at Hogwarts, he was ready.