Rhapsody of a Veela

Part 15 - Return to Hogwarts

It was 10.30 in the morning, and you had just ran through the portal into platform 9 ¾ hand in hand with your boyfriend Fred. The golden bracelet with celestial charms swinging on your wrist, as you found yourself in front of the steaming Hogwarts Express. It would be your very first time to ride the train to Hogwarts, as the first time you had travelled there by Floo Network. You had however, during the Easter Holiday travelled from Hogwarts to London by it. The sight of all the small first years saying their goodbyes to their parents in front of you gave you a wave of unexpectedly false sentimentality. Afterall, you had never had what they had. At least not until you met Fred and his family. Behind you, you were joined by the rest of them hurrying to get all their luggage into the train. You hardly had enough time to show your greatest gratitude to Mrs. And Mr. Weasley before you had to get on the train yourself.

From the window of the private compartment you, Fred & George shared, you could see the teary eyes of Mrs. Weasley pass you by before the train left the station. Then you sat down, in Fred's arms praising the universe for letting you stay there for the next four hours. The stillness of the golden yellow landscape rushing past you after you left London behind, would have normally made you sleepy if it had not been for the arrival of Lee Jordan. His very presence very much to George's delight, as he had found Fred to be quite dull whenever you were by his side.

The next hours were spent with George presenting their newest mischief endeavours, also relating to whatever "special" event would happened at Hogwarts this year, which Arthur, Percy and Charlie had been so desperate to reveal during summer, yet somehow had it in them to not spill it all. You had a feeling Fred and George had already figured it all out, and that they were also planning on some greater mischief they would not let you inn at. You could not care less however, you were just looking forward to spending as much time with Fred as possible during the school year. Certain that nothing could ever spoil that.

"Anything from the trolley dear's?" the Honeydukes trolley lady appeared in the compartment door,

"Yeah some iced pumpkin juice, and chocolate frogs for the lady" Fred grinned, as he payed her the sickles.

By arrival at Hogwarts it was already getting dark. After Fred jokingly suggesting that you should join the first years on the boat trip, since this was your first time getting there by traditional means, you stuck out your tongue at him and climbed into the carriage ridden by the ghastly winged horses. You found the sight of the castle in the dark very intriguing however, with all its little windows glowing spookily in the distance as the carriage started pulling.

Inside in the great hall you were witnessing the sorting ceremony for the very first time, something you had never properly partaken in yourself although there was no doubt in your mind that you belonged where you were. Every time a student was sorted to Gryffindor, it seemed Fred and George took it upon them to cheer extra loudly. Their competitiveness with Slytherin already beginning so soon in the year it seemed. Looking over to their table, it was like Draco Malfoy would not even look at you.

The feast that followed Dumbledores speech was unsurprisingly spectacular, after everyone had eaten far more than they should Dumbledore got up yet again for another word. This time finally revealing the event the Weasley's had been so finely anticipating.

"Now that we are fed and watered, I must ask once more for your attention while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle this year has been extended to include Screaming yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever Bashing Boomerangs."

You could hear a small childish "Booo" coming from your side, but you ignored it.

"The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr.Filch's office if anybody would like to check it"