this was all so... surreal. This morning he'd been just a boy on his birthday with a plan for food and books and a movie marathon and now he was... Here.

Hogwarts. Loud, dangerous and big. So big. Bigger than Maxie had ever imagined. He swallowed audibly, his large eyes moving from the enchanted ceiling to the golden cutlery on his table and then finally on the people around him. Most of the younger ones seemed excited and comfortable despite being as new (and damp) as himself. He huddled into himself, arms wrapping tightly around his thin chest for protection and warmth. It wasn't nearly as cold in here as it had been outside but Maxie was still a-shiver, almost stubbornly so - as if he were determined to be not only emotionally unhappy but physically as well.

Quietly, the newly-christened Hufflepuff watched the table and the conversations flowing back and forth. Part of him wanted to speak up and join in - they all looked friendly enough - but the rest of him wanted nothing more than to sit here in his chair and sulk until the food was served.