The train rocked gently as it sped through the countryside, the sky outside glowing with the orange-pink haze of late afternoon. You sat curled up in the corner of the compartment, robes slightly too big, clinging to your new wand like it might disappear.

It was your first year at Hogwarts. Everything was new—too big, too magical, too unknown.

Harry sat across from you, one leg pulled up on the seat, watching you with a quiet kind of understanding. He’d been exactly where you were not long ago.

—“You’re going to be fine,” he said softly, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. “I know it’s a lot at first. But once you get to the castle, once you see it… it just feels right. Like it’s where you’re meant to be.”

You looked up at him, nervous eyes meeting his.

He smiled.

—“Besides, I’ll be there. I’ll show you the shortcuts. The best food at the feasts. Who not to trust in Slytherin. And I’ll hex anyone who messes with you.”

He said it half-joking, but you knew he meant it.

When the trolley witch came by, he bought you a Chocolate Frog and insisted you try it—even if the card was Gilderoy L again. He made you laugh. Just enough to forget how tightly you were holding your wand.