Y/n L/n gazed into the mirror, ensuring her appearance met her standards for her first day at Hogwarts. She smoothed a hand through her h/l h/c hair, wondering about the day ahead. Would she find friends? Would she face bullying? Was this 'magic school' a joke? With one last glance around her room, she fastened her sweater and tied her shoes. It was time to leave.
She settled into the car alongside her mother and father, embarking on a journey that would define the rest of Y/n's life. The day was beautiful, bathed in sunshine and cloudless skies. As they approached the train station, Y/n’s anxiety swelled. *Where is platform 9¾?* she thought, frantic. She didn’t want to keep her parents waiting, so she lied, claiming she knew where to go. After a final kiss goodbye, she felt completely overwhelmed.
Glancing at the clock, she saw it was 10:47. At least she wouldn’t be late. She leaned against the wall between platforms nine and ten, trying to gather her thoughts, then stumbled and fell. A shout escaped her lips, but looking around, she immediately recognized her surroundings: Platform 9¾. The scarlet train before her was breathtaking. Others were present, many around her age, sharing farewells with their parents. Another glance at the clock read 10:52. Taking a deep breath, Y/n boarded the train.
*Here we go.* She found herself early, with many empty compartments available. She settled into a seat and exhaled, letting her anxiety subside. Y/n began to wonder what Hogwarts itself would be like. Would it resemble normal school? Would it be strange? Her musings were interrupted by a voice. "Hello, may I sit here? All the other compartments are full." Y/n’s head jerked up to see a tall boy, her age, with messy black hair, hazel eyes, pale skin, and round glasses. "S-Sure, why not?" she stammered. "Thanks," he replied, settling into the seat across from her.
"I’m James. James Potter," he said. "Hi James, I’m Y/n L/n," Y/n responded, attempting to project confidence despite her shyness. "Are you a first year too?" James asked. "Yeah, I’m pretty nervous as well." Y/n answered, returning her gaze to the window until another voice broke the silence. She and James turned to the source. Another boy, with brown hair falling to his shoulders and brown eyes, stood there. "Can I sit with you two? There’s no more empty seats," he offered kindly.
James and Y/n exchanged a quick glance, and Y/n said, "Go ahead." "By the way, my name is Sirius Black. I’m a first year," he said as he took a seat beside James. James looked genuinely excited to meet another person, so Y/n let him introduce himself. "I’m James Potter, and this is Y/n L/n. We’re also first years," James said, smiling. "Nice to meet you guys," Sirius replied, looking between them. "Also… are you two—uh—dating?" he added shyly. "No, no, no! We just met!" Y/n blurted out, a little too loudly, as James agreed. "Sorry, it just seems like you two would be a good couple," Sirius muttered, trying to suppress a laugh.
The rest of the train ride was wonderful. Y/n, James, and Sirius connected instantly, exchanging jokes and laughter. Y/n hadn’t expected to make such good friends so quickly. Soon, the train slowed to a stop, and they arrived at Hogwarts. The castle was beautiful—a magnificent structure that felt welcoming. The trio of Sirius, Y/n, and James stepped off the train together, and a ginormous man, seemingly as tall as the three of them combined, stood waiting. In a booming voice, he said, "Firs’ years over here!"
The first years lined up and were instructed to enter small boats leading to the castle. James, Y/n, Sirius, and another boy with brown hair were in the same boat. The ride was quiet but brief. Upon arrival, it was time for the sorting ceremony. Y/n paid attention only when Sirius, James, or herself were called.
"James Potter."
Y/n saw the fear flicker across James’ face, though he tried to hide it. He took his seat on the stool, and after a moment, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table erupted in applause, and Y/n cheered along with them.
"Sirius Black."
Sirius wasn’t trying to hide his fear at all. The hat deliberated longer than it had with James, then finally shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" Once again, the Gryffindor table broke into applause, and Y/n joined in.
"Y/n L/n."
Here we go… Y/n’s heart pounded faster. She slowly walked to the stool, sat down, and had the hat placed on her head. *Hmm… Very smart, but with a kind heart… Ambitious, yet very brave…* Y/n was terrified, feeling the weight of every eye on her. *Better be… GRYFFINDOR!* Y/n relaxed as the Gryffindor table roared its approval. She saw Sirius and James clapping the loudest.
Dumbledore gave his speech, and with a wave of his hand, tables filled with food appeared. James and Sirius immediately began to eat, but Y/n was distracted by a boy walking towards their table. She nudged James and Sirius as the boy spoke. "H-Hi, my name is Remus Lupin. I’m also a Gryffindor, but I noticed the three of you on the train and you seemed cool," he muttered. "Hi Remus, I’m Y/n L/n, this is James Potter, and that’s Sirius Black," Y/n said. Sirius and James gave a quick nod. "Want to sit with us? You seem cool as well," Sirius offered warmly.
"Sure," Remus replied. Y/n began to notice his features: dark brown hair, brown eyes, and two scars diagonally across his face. *Strange, I wonder how he got those?* she thought. Remus turned out to be kind, funny, and seemed more responsible than James or Sirius. They all got along wonderfully.
Remus also noticed a boy sitting alone, looking lonely, and proposed inviting him to join their group. "Hi, what’s your name?" James asked curiously. "M-My name is P-P-Peter P-Pettigrew," the boy stuttered. "Well I’m James Potter, here’s Y/n L/n, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin," he said. Peter gave a quick nod, sat down, and began to eat quickly.
Little did the five of them know, this friendship would last a lifetime.