Diary of a First Year – Part 1

September 1, afternoon

Dear Diary,

At long last, it’s finally time! I’m off to Hogwarts. I’ve been waiting for months, ever since I got my letter. It was a little confusing but exciting to learn that all the strange things I’ve been able to do for so long are magic. Professor Vector came to talk to my parents about this new wizarding world and magical school, and they were so excited for me. They were nervous to let me go to an unknown school in Scotland that they apparently wouldn’t be able to see, so I’ll have to write them a letter to let them know I’m okay.

I’m so excited to explore this wizarding world more. Diagon Alley was almost overwhelming. All the sounds, smells, and magic are just everywhere! At the same time, I really felt at home. We got all of my supplies (Dad was so enthralled by the potion ingredients!), and that was when it all started to feel real. I’ve already looked through all the books, and I can’t believe this world has been hidden for so long.

Finding the train was so confusing; we got to King’s Cross, but no one seemed to have any idea what we were talking about as we looked for the platform. But we finally made it. Mum’s face when we fell through the barrier was priceless. Just before 11, though, it was really hard to say goodbye. It really felt like a moment that I couldn’t go back from. I’m going into a new world that my parents won’t be able to ever join entirely. They did give me this diary so I could write down all my experiences as I enter this magical world, so I intend to keep a record of everything to share with them and to look back on in the future.

We’ve been traveling for hours now, and everything is starting to get more wild as we go north and the sun is setting. People have already changed into their robes, and the prefects have come by to tell us we’re almost there. I can’t wait to see the castle and start this adventure.

– Maisie