There were a lot of students around. Ash was much happier making his way through the crowd with his father at his side, his mother trailing behind where she couldn't be too bothered. The last thing he needed to remember of her was the sight and sound of her yelling at children to get out of the way. He didn't seem too impressed. Even when he'd first arrived, it had been like nothing more than a formality.

At the moment, the biggest thing on his mind was making sure he had all of the things he required. This part was exciting. He could hardly keep from checking his list twelve times the night before, five more before leaving for the station this morning, twice before getting onto the platform itself, and already he was looking forward to finding a clear space to stop so that he could check it yet again. Books? Yes. Proper clothes? Right there. The owl his mother had insisted on, although he'd wanted something cooler? Unfortunately present.
Upon finding a relatively clear area in which to stop, he went through the list again, leaning against the cart on which all of his things had been piled, and gave his father a slightly nervous look, which was met with a reassuring and firm shoulder pat. Peering past to find his mother, without much hope of a similar gesture from her, he smiled nonetheless before going forth to find his place aboard the train.