Y/N stepped inside the charming shop, with Amaryllis right behind her. They were there to purchase the essential Hogwarts robes, a significant part of Y/N's new magical wardrobe. As they entered the corridor, the interior of the shop greeted them with a delightful display of various cloths and garments hanging on hangers, neatly arranged in racks along the walls. 

The vibrant colors and intricate designs of the robes immediately caught Y/N's eye, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement as she imagined herself donning these magical garments.

"Ah, Miss Crimson and Ms. Crimson, here to get fitted?" The welcoming voice of an employee echoed through the shop. Amaryllis nodded, acknowledging their purpose for being there.

"Yes, yes. Just a few items," Amaryllis replied, producing a neatly written note listing Y/N's specific requirements.

Although Y/N was accustomed to having most of her clothes custom-designed by high-end brands, with meticulous attention to detail and the finest fabrics, some parts of her Hogwarts uniform could only be obtained in the enchanting realm of Diagon Alley.

"Very well, the fitting room is over there," the employee said, offering a warm smile as he returned the note to Amaryllis. 

He promptly gathered a selection of robes and handed them to Y/N, who nodded with a grateful expression. Amaryllis guided her to the fitting room area, where they could try on the enchanting robes that would soon become an essential part of her magical journey.

Inside the fitting room, Y/N carefully examined the exquisite robes provided by the employee. Each garment had its unique charm, adorned with magical symbols and intricate patterns. Y/N's heart swelled with anticipation, knowing that these robes would not only signify her identity as a Hogwarts student but also carry the legacy of her magical heritage.

Stepping out of the fitting room, Y/N's attention was drawn to a secluded corner of the shop where she noticed a girl with bushy hair, her eyes puffy and red from crying. Curiosity getting the better of her, Y/N approached the girl, her eyebrows arched with concern.

"Hey, you," Y/N greeted softly, her voice filled with empathy. The girl wiped her tears away and looked up at Y/N, her face filled with distress. Y/N couldn't help but notice the deep brown eyes that mirrored the sorrow in her own gaze. She was genuinely drawn to the girl's vulnerability and wanted to offer her comfort.

"Why're you crying?" Y/N whispered gently, her caring gaze never leaving the girl's teary eyes.

"I—I can't find my parents," the bushy-haired brunette stammered, her voice choked with emotion.

Her hiccups punctuated her words, revealing her emotional state. Y/N's heart went out to her, understanding how frightening and distressing it must be to feel lost and alone in such a new and magical place.

"Oh," Y/N murmured, her voice softening with compassion. 

"That's lame." she deadpanned.

It was her way of trying to appear nonchalant and unemotional, a defense mechanism she had developed over the years. But deep down, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the girl's plight.

As Y/N turned on her heels to walk away, the bushy-haired girl's mouth parted in surprise and disappointment. She threw daggers at the back of Y/N's head, feeling hurt by the seemingly indifferent reaction. Y/N's response had come across as cold and callous, unintentionally adding to the girl's distress.

✴✴✴✴✴

Y/N sank into the chair, her chin propped on her palm, her energy depleted after a long day of shopping in Diagon Alley. The various magical shops and intriguing items had initially filled her with excitement, but the cumulative effect of the day's activities left her feeling a bit worn out.

"Y/N?" Amaryllis's gentle voice broke through Y/N's fatigue, prompting her to look up at her mother's concerned expression.

"Yeah?" Y/N replied, trying to muster up some enthusiasm despite her exhaustion.

"You'll behave at Hogwarts, right?" Amaryllis inquired, her tone serious and cautious. Y/N's mouth slightly parted in surprise at the weight of her mother's words.

"Uh-huh," she affirmed with a nod, a bit curious about her mother's emphasis on behaving at Hogwarts. Y/N had never been particularly unruly, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to Amaryllis's concerns.

"I won't be there with you at Hogwarts," Amaryllis continued, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. The realization hit Y/N with a mix of emotions. While she had known that her mother wouldn't be attending school with her, the gravity of the situation became more apparent in that moment.

"Yeah, I know," Y/N replied, trying to reassure her mother. "You'll just pick me up after school," she added nonchalantly, assuming that their routine would remain unchanged. However, the look on Amaryllis's face suggested that there was more to it.

"No, I won't," Amaryllis declared firmly, her tone deadpan, as if there was no room for negotiation. "You'll live in a dorm until your final year," she explained, revealing a decision that caught Y/N off guard.

"What?" Y/N's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and concern. The news left her feeling a mix of emotions—surprise, uncertainty, and a tinge of anxiety. She had always assumed that she would stay close to her mother, especially during her time at Hogwarts. The thought of living away from home, in a dormitory filled with unfamiliar faces, seemed daunting.

"Wait, then does that mean I'll only be able to see you during the holidays?" Y/N's voice trembled slightly as she asked the question, her heart sinking at the realization. The prospect of spending most of the year without her mother's comforting presence felt overwhelming.

Amaryllis nodded gently, her expression filled with understanding and compassion. "Yes, my dear. It's the way things work at Hogwarts. You'll stay in the dorms with your fellow housemates and attend classes together," she explained, her fingers tenderly intertwining with Y/N's.

 "But remember, even though we won't be together physically, I'll always be with you in spirit. You're never truly alone, Y/N."

Y/N's heart ached at the thought of being away from her mother for extended periods. Her mind raced with doubts and fears about navigating the new environment, making friends, and facing challenges without her mother's guidance and support. It was a daunting prospect, and she couldn't help but voice her concerns.

"But, Mom..." Y/N stuttered, struggling to find the right words to express her anxiety.

Amaryllis interrupted gently, her voice full of reassurance, "It'll be okay, Y/N. You'll be all right. Hogwarts is a place of magic and wonder, but it's also a place where you'll grow and learn more about yourself. It's a journey of self-discovery, and I have no doubt that you'll thrive."

The warmth of her mother's touch and the sincerity in her voice offered Y/N a sense of comfort amidst her uncertainty. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and met her mother's gaze with a mixture of determination and vulnerability.

"But, Mom," Y/N began again, her voice more resolute this time, "it's going to be hard, isn't it? Being away from home, facing new challenges, and not having you there to guide me every step of the way."

Amaryllis smiled gently, her eyes filled with maternal pride. "Yes, it might be challenging, my dear. But challenges are a part of life, and they help us grow stronger and more resilient. I promise, dear, you will be all right. Hogwarts will be a place of incredible experiences, where you'll find friends, uncover hidden talents, and create memories that will last a lifetime."

"Mom, please."

"I love you."

✴✴✴✴✴

Y/N strolled down the bustling bridge of the train station, her butler dutifully pushing the cart laden with her belongings. Amaryllis walked beside her, gracefully checking the time on her watch, her mouth slightly parting in realization.

"Chop, chop, Y/N," Amaryllis exclaimed with a sense of urgency, gently urging her daughter to quicken her pace. 

"Your train's leaving in 10 minutes," she added, providing a gentle reminder of the approaching departure time. Y/N nodded, acknowledging the time constraint as she descended the stairs with purpose. Amaryllis handed her daughter the train ticket, which Y/N accepted with curiosity.

"Platform 9 3/4?" Y/N questioned with a puzzled expression, her brow furrowing in confusion. "But, Mom, there must be a mistake. This says platform 9 3/4," she deadpanned, referring to the unusual platform number on the ticket. 

"There isn't a platform 9 3/4 according to Google..." she trailed off, relying on her modern knowledge and technology.

Amaryllis chuckled softly at her daughter's bewilderment, understanding that she had not been fully immersed in the wonders of the Wizarding World until now. "Oh, my dear," Amaryllis said with a warm smile.

"I fear I haven't educated you enough about the magical realm." She gently brushed Y/N's cheek with her fingertips, filled with love and pride for her daughter.

"There's more to this world than what Google can provide," Amaryllis explained, trying to quell Y/N's confusion. "Platform 9 3/4 is a hidden platform for Hogwarts students like you. It's accessible through the magical barrier between platforms 9 and 10." As she spoke, Amaryllis led Y/N closer to a seemingly ordinary pillar that stood between the platforms.

Y/N watched with curiosity as the butler, having finished his tasks, respectfully excused himself and walked away, leaving Amaryllis and Y/N standing before the mysterious pillar. Amaryllis glanced around to ensure that no Muggles were observing them, and with a sense of magic and wonder, she led Y/N forward.

As they approached the pillar, Amaryllis closed her eyes for a moment, murmuring an incantation softly under her breath. Suddenly, the seemingly solid barrier transformed before their eyes, and Y/N's jaw dropped in awe. The barrier became a gateway, revealing a hidden passageway that led to platform 9 3/4.

"Step through, my darling," Amaryllis encouraged, her eyes sparkling with enchantment.

With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, Y/N took a deep breath and stepped forward, passing through the magical barrier. In an instant, she found herself on a platform unlike any she had seen before. It was alive with the buzz of anticipation and filled with students and parents bidding their farewells.

As Y/N pushed her cart, her eyes wandered around the magical platform, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of students and parents preparing to board the Hogwarts Express. Amaryllis gracefully made her way through the gateway, patting Y/N's shoulder affectionately with a small smile. Y/N couldn't help but bite her lip, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering within her.

"Mom," she pouted, seeking reassurance from her mother.

"Oh, darling. You'll be okay," Amaryllis replied, her voice soothing and filled with motherly warmth.

"But what if I don't like it there?" Y/N whispered, her concerns bubbling up to the surface. Amaryllis shook her head gently, knowing her daughter's tendency to overthink.

"What if they don't like me? What if I'm outcasted?" Y/N continued, her mind spinning with all the uncertainties that awaited her at Hogwarts.

"No daughter of mine will be outcasted, Y/N," Amaryllis said sternly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "You are a wonderful and remarkable young woman, and I'm sure the students at Hogwarts will be delighted to have you among them. It should be their honor."

Amaryllis pulled Y/N into a tight hug, peppering her face with small kisses to reassure her. Y/N felt her worries ease a bit, comforted by her mother's unwavering confidence in her.

"I'll miss you," Y/N murmured, her voice soft and tinged with melancholy.

"We'll see each other again before you know it," Amaryllis said, gently wiping a tear from Y/N's cheek. "And remember, we have technology now. You can text and update me frequently, okay? I want to know all about your magical adventures."

Y/N nodded, trying to fight back more tears, her heart feeling heavy at the prospect of being away from her mother for an extended period. 

As they stood on the platform, the whistle of the Hogwarts Express pierced the air, signaling its imminent departure. Y/N hugged her mother tightly, cherishing the familiar warmth and love that Amaryllis always provided.

"Go on, I love you," Amaryllis bid, her voice filled with a mix of pride and affection. Y/N nodded, trying to hold back the emotions swirling within her, as she walked away with her cart.

She couldn't help glancing back several times, catching glimpses of her mother waving her goodbye. A soft frown tugged at Y/N's lips as she wiped away the unshed tears, determined to maintain her composure as she continued walking.

Reaching the platform where the Hogwarts Express stood, Y/N positioned herself beside the train, her heart racing with excitement and nervousness. Suddenly, she felt a jolt from behind as someone bumped into her, causing a clashing sound. Y/N turned around swiftly, her expression annoyed as she prepared to snap at the person who collided with her.

"Watch where you're going!" she snapped, only to halt her words when she saw a raven-haired boy with glasses looking up at her.

His hands fumbled on the floor, searching for his glasses that had fallen off in the collision. Y/N couldn't help but notice the lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, and she quickly realized who he was.

"Stupid four-eyes," she grumbled under her breath, trying to shake off her surprise at encountering none other than Harry Potter himself. 

Nevertheless, she knelt down to retrieve his glasses, picking them up before abruptly lifting him to his feet. Y/N handed him his glasses, and the boy, now wearing them, bashfully smiled and mouthed a small apology.

"Sorry, sorry," he repeated, clearly flustered by the encounter. "My name—"

"Harry Potter," Y/N interrupted, finishing his sentence, her tone remaining blank. His identity wasn't lost on her, given his fame within the Wizarding World. "Nice to meet you," she said with a hint of detachment, offering her hand for a formal greeting.

Harry shook her hand, still slightly taken aback by the encounter. He had expected some attention due to his reputation, but this interaction was different. Y/N seemed unaffected by his celebrity status, treating him like any other person. It was refreshing, and he found himself appreciating her straightforward approach.

"I'm Y/N," she introduced herself, maintaining her composure even as her heart raced with excitement and curiosity. "Y/N Crimson."

"You..." Harry stuttered, slightly taken aback by the striking appearance of Y/N's red eyes, a rarity in the Wizarding World.

"What?" Y/N retorted sharply, her curiosity piqued by Harry's reaction.

"Red eyes?" Harry whispered, his voice tinged with awe and surprise. Y/N's mouth slightly parted, sensing that Harry's observation had struck a chord.

"Oh," Y/N mumbled, a mixture of emotions washing over her. "Yeah, what about it?" she questioned, crossing her arms defensively, uncertain if he was judging her for her unique trait.

Harry quickly realized that his innocent comment might have sounded intrusive, and he stumbled over his words in an attempt to clarify. "Ah, sorry!" he exclaimed, feeling a tad embarrassed. 

"It's just... I've never met— ," he confessed, his green eyes meeting hers with genuine curiosity.

Y/N couldn't help but chuckle softly, putting Harry at ease with her candid response. "Never met someone with red eyes, blah blah blah," she interjected playfully, a slight smile dancing across her lips. "I get the gist," she added, waving off the novelty of her eye color. 

"You all right?" she asked, a genuine concern evident in her voice, as she gently dusted off Harry's jacket and straightened his disheveled appearance.

Harry nodded, appreciating her straightforward and caring demeanor. "Yeah, thanks," he replied, feeling a newfound comfort around Y/N. "It's just that everything's so new to me, you know? And you're the first person I've met since... well, finding out about this whole magical world," he confessed, gesturing to the bustling platform around them.

"Mhm," Y/N reassured him with a reassuring smile. "It can be overwhelming at first, but trust me, you'll get the hang of it in no time," she said warmly, her red eyes reflecting kindness and understanding. "Just take it all in and enjoy the ride."

"Thank you."

"Anytime."

TO BE CONTINUED...