Chapter Text
Minerva’s first thought was that Poppy looked perfect, like the kind of doll Minerva had longed for every Christmas until she was too old for dolls. (Which would absolutely 100% be this Christmas, thank you very much.) She was petite, with big brown eyes, and blonde hair drawn up in two buns, just behind and above her ears. Each one had a big blue bow tied around it, and she had a neat sky blue cardigan over her Peter Pan collar and navy pleated skirt. Her knee socks were crisply white, and looked like they never fell down. She had saddle shoes on, rather than the sensible black boots Minerva wore; Minerva felt a pang of jealousy. Minerva couldn’t tell if she was wildly jealous of the girl in every way, or wanted the little girl to be her best friend.
“Poppy’s new too, Minerva. And her family have also been in Ravenclaw for generations!” her mum said, beaming in a way Minerva had never seen her do.
“How do you do?” Minerva held her hand out.
“Pleased to meet you!” Poppy replied, shaking hands.
And then it was time to load up on the train, which started moving before they’d found a compartment.