The first day at Hogwarts was smooth. There were no complications – none of the students made a fuss or anything out of the ordinary happened. It was like any other year. Except of course, a new defence against the dark arts teacher – there was nothing out of place. First years were sorted and the feast couldn’t have been more cheerful. Little did it seem, something was wrong. But it didn’t stand out in the slightest.

***

As Jane stood in front of her bedroom mirror, she brushed her light auburn hair softly. It was fluffy this morning since she’d washed it last night. It was one of the very few times she was allowed to use the bathroom. It’s not like she wasted water or anything, she just didn’t deserve it. Her mother had always been strict about what she was allowed.

It had been three long years since her dad left. Jane could remember everything like it was yesterday. There had been a lot of yelling. And after at least a few hours, he had got up, strode into the road outside the house, and dissaperated. She never even got to say goodbye. Jane had been confined to her room the whole time. She didn’t want to listen to the conversation downstairs, yet even in her room it was so loud.

After a couple of weeks, her mum started talking to her again. But something was different. Her usually nice, cheerful mum had turned to a bitter, moody, depressed guardian. No longer did they spend afternoons reading together, or going down to the beach. Jane knew her mother was upset and needed time to get back – but when ‘back’ was, she had no idea.

Weeks turned into months, and months turned into years. But still, her mum had not changed. If anything, she had gotten worse. She had started taking away some of Jane’s privileges. Going anywhere was not allowed. She was to stay in her room unless there were guests or she needed the bathroom. Also, Jane was to do chores like helping round the house. Mostly she had the kitchen to clean or dusting, but it got worse. Soon she had the bathroom to do, dinner to cook, and then she was in the garden.

It was only then, did the beatings start. Jane was not able to finish most of her chores in a day so punishment was given. It started with simple slaps. Only… her mother started bruising and before she knew it there were instruments involved.

The knife was her mother’s favourite. She could just slice through the skin on her arms and chest. And being magic, she never left any visual scars. Eventually, Jane got used to it. She didn’t cry out anymore. But her nightmares developed, and her fears began.

***

Jane was to find her own way to the train that day. She walked along the platform, pulling her heavy trunk behind her. There was no pet carrier or cage. She wasn’t good enough to own a pet according to her mother.

She stopped when she saw some people walking through the ticket barrier between the 9 and 10 signs. It was obvious what she had to do. Although this was when she started worrying about what people would think of her. What if she was really bad in all her lessons? How would she get to classes on time without knowing the way around? What if they thought she was weird or strange because she had no pet or second hand clothes?

Jane shook her head. There was no point in worrying. It would only make her feel worse. And you know how bad you keep feeling, she thought to herself.

She seemed to be walking slower than she thought because someone stopped her.

“Are you lost, dear?” asked a plump middle aged woman who seemed to have quite a party with her.

“Um, no.” stammered Jane. It sounded more like a question than a statement.

“You’re to Hogwarts aren’t you?” she asked smiling warmly.

Jane nodded, not trusting her worrying voice.

One of the older children from the group walked towards the barrier and disappeared though. Another one that seemed identical followed him. They seemed to have been bored waiting.

“The trick,” explained the woman. “Is to walk straight at the wall, but don’t be afraid, or you might crash into it.”

“Thank you.” replied Jane turning round.

She walked quickly, wanting to get this part of travelling to school over, and came out the other side of the wall.

Getting onto the large, brilliant red Hogwarts Express was pretty simple. Finding a seat was however, more difficult.

At last, when she found an empty compartment, a rude blonde boy pushed past her, along with his other friends and gathered into it, knocking Jane off her feet. She let out a small ‘oof’ and watched them sad and annoyed.

“Sorry, midget.” said one of the ugly looking girls as she closed the door, obviously not meaning it.

Someone must have seen her fall over because they came over and held out a hand to help her up. She took it and straightened herself up once back on her feet again.

“Thanks.” She said smiling slightly.

“No problem.” replied a blonde haired girl. “The Slytherins are ones not to mess with.”

“They aren’t very friendly at all.” agreed Jane sadly.

“Elizabeth.” said the girl, holding out her hand again.

“Jane.” she shook it.

“You can come and sit with us if you like.” Elizabeth offered.

“Yes please.” Jane smiled, dragging her trunk behind her.

The compartment only had one other person in it. They had black and red hair. Jane could hardly make out her face since it was stuck behind a book. When the door opened she didn’t look up until Elizabeth spoke.

“Hey, Jo, this is Jane.” Elizabeth introduced her.

Jo looked up from her book. “Hi.” She said. Her clothes seemed emo-ish. Her jeans were black and worn. Jo’s top was black with red stripes. Where-as Elizabeth wore light blue jeans with a black and white top. Jane felt a little left out in her Brown skirt and cream t-shirt. It was the nicest clothes she had.

“Jo’s in third year and I’m in second.” Explained Elizabeth, helping her put her trunk on the rack. “And you must be in first?”

Jane nodded. “Yeah, I’m new.”

“You’ll like it here.” Said Elizabeth.

“Yeah Snape’s a bundle of fun.” butted in Jo sarcastically.

Jane looked at her sceptically. “I was being sarcastic.” She added, seeing as she didn’t make it very obvious to her.

“She does that a lot.” whispered Elizabeth to Jane.

“Hey!” said Jo frustrated smacking her book shut. This made Jane flinch a little.

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed a little. But not enough for Jane to notice. Although she thought nothing of it and continued to converse until the trolley of sweets and food arrived.

Jane didn’t have any money so she couldn’t buy anything. But she had a small packet of nuts she managed to take from the kitchen without being noticed. Although she did hope they wouldn’t be missed as she munched through half of them. Saving the rest for later would be a good idea, since food was mostly scarce – it was the reason she seemed thinner that an eleven year old should.

“Do you want anything?” asked Elizabeth, while choosing what she wanted. “I don’t think you’ll be able to last all the way on those nuts.”

“I’m fine thanks.” replied Jane. “I’ve been longer without any.” Adding the last sentence was a mistake and she bit her lip slightly.

“What was that?” asked Elizabeth. She seemed not to have heard.

“Nothing.” said Jane. “Don’t worry.”

The rest of the train ride was not as enjoyable. Jane was mentally punishing herself for making it too obvious, and Elizabeth was chatting to Jo, wondering who the new teacher would be and why they would leave.

“You best bet,” stated Jo. “Would be one who got chased out the school, maybe by McGonagall.”

“That would be hilarious.” Replied Elizabeth. “But how about mentally insane.”

“No that was the year before I came, remember?”

“Oh yeah…”

Jane decided to stare out the window for the journey. It started to drizzle and soon it was getting dark. The rain hardened and then cleared up just as the train pulled to a stop at Hogsmade Station.

Jo and Elizabeth were in Ravenclaw. Jane wasn’t sure what house she preferred. None of them sounded like they suited her. Apparently you were made to try on a hat and it would tell you where you belong. So maybe she should ask how she would possibly fit into any of the houses. At the moment, she didn’t feel clever, brave, hard-working or cunning. The real friends part did sound nice though. Perhaps she should be in Slytherin – although the people on the train didn’t seem nice at all. But how could she base a whole house on a few immature students? Surely they looked old enough to leave in a few years or so anyway… there was nothing to worry about.

But as she got off the train onto the platform, she couldn’t help feeling butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.