𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐄𝐑 ❪ M. FLINT ❫

XIII

The Hogwarts Express sped by, coming to a stop as the students were ready to board it. An annoyed huff left Penelope's lips as she tried to keep her dark locks in one place. "Are you sure you want to take Cleo on this trip with you?" She motioned towards the bag, the small feline hissed at the sound of her name. "She's not friendly."

The h/c girl gave her a firm nod. "It's alright, she'll keep me company."

"Was your mum happy about your high marks in O.W.L.'s?" Penelope asked, adjusting her bag over her shoulder.

"Mum was. Aunt Vinda thought I could have done better." Y/n rolled her doe eyes, grimacing as she thought about the letter her Great-Aunt had sent her about her grades. She had earned an Outstanding grade in Herbology and Charms. Though she had earned Exceeding Expectations on both DADA and History of Magic, her Aunt thought she could have done much better in both courses.

"Well, her opinion is irrelevant." Penelope shrugged, picking up her bags as they were allowed to go inside the train. "You did your best and that's all that matters. Now, where should we sit?"

"Here?" Y/n asked, sliding the door to the nearest empty compartment open. She watched as Penelope dropped the cat onto the seat harshly, causing Cleo to let out a sharp growl. "No wonder she's not friendly."

Penelope shrugged, dropping into the seat besides Y/n, "Pansy made her huffy." Montague suddenly walked in, letting out a small yelp when Cleo stuck her white paw out of her bag, itching to have a grab at the boy.

"I will forever hate your cat." He whispered, glancing between the two girls. "'Hope you don't mind the guys sitting with us." He offered them a dopey grin, watching as they glared at him.

"Ow, watch it." Pucey's voice rang out, letting out a sigh when Flint and Bletchley shoved him first into the small compartment. He took the vacant seat besides Penelope, watching as the other boys sat in front of them.

Miles Bletchley grabbed Cleo's bag, lifting her up and sneaking a peak at her. The boy nearly dropped the bag when her paw came swinging an inch away from his face. "Well, this one's wild." He grinned with a short laugh, handing Y/n the bag with a smirk. "What's her name?" He asked her, leaning forwards.

Marcus raised a questioning brow, silently watching the two interact. Penelope had an amusing smile on her face, earning a nudge from Adrian in warning.

"Cleo." The girl replied, locking eyes with the boy. She glanced away quickly, watching with slight amusement as the white feline's paw hung outside the bag, resting as if it were ready to attack at any given moment.

. . . ✿ . . .

Marcus waited for Y/n, watching as she winced when she tried to close the felines bag properly. "Come on, they should be here soon." He called out to her, moving to the side to let the students climb off the Hogwarts Express. "Whose cat is that anyways?" He motioned towards Cleo, picking up Ares and cradling him close.

"Parkinson's." The girl admitted, her eyes roaming around in hopes that her mother would come rushing and tell her she didn't need to spend the summer with the Flint's. "I need a distraction if I'm spending the break with you."

The boy furrowed his brows, watching as his parents approached the pair. "I take a slight offense."

"Sorry." The girl shrugged, a teasing smile on her face. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Flint." She took her hand out, watching as the man simply offered her a short smile.

"Hi." His mother greeted, deciding to pull the girl into a tight embrace rather than shaking her hand. "You are going to have a great time with us. Oh, I have everything planned out." The bubbly woman informed her, leading her away from the two males.

Marcus glanced at his father, giving him a firm nod. He then began to pick up both of their bags, watching as his father had already walked away.

. . . ✿ . . .

"I'll have you get settled in this bedroom." Mrs. Flint opened the door to a rather large bedroom, the room was filled with lavish furniture. Emerald green sheets covered the bed, matching the grey walls in a unique way. "Marcus's bedroom is right across the hall, I'll be downstairs if you need anything."

Y/n waited until she shut the door behind her, dropping Cleo softly on the bed. Her bright eyes glanced around, taking in as much as she could. The feline started to purr lightly, scratching at the inside of her prison. She bit her lip, moving closer to her and slowly unzipping the bag.

The white cat suddenly jumped out, stretching its limbs with a yawn. Her bright blue orbs watched the girl, not used to being around strangers much. The door to the bedroom was opened, taking the opportunity the feline jumped off and scurried out of the room in a rush.

"No." The girl gasped out, shoving Marcus to the side and rushing after Cleo. He quickly chased after her, nearly tripping down the steps of the old manor. The sound of glass breaking was heard, causing the pair to stop mid-run.

"Shoo, shoo." A voice croaked out. "Get going, shoo."

Marcus led the girl into the room where the voice came from, both watching as the Flint's house elf attempted to get the cat off the high cabinets. "Master Marcus." The house elf acknowledged, moving to the side and watching as the boy grabbed the cat.

The boy held the feline at arms length, carefully handing her to Y/n. "Sorry about that Scrump. My friend here doesn't know how to control her familiar." He spoke, sending the girl a glare.

Scrump glanced at the girl, studying her silently. "I see." He then began to clean the broken vase, causing the girl to frown.

"Let's go." Marcus stated, grabbing her arm firmly and leading her back to her room. "You really need to get that cat under control. We don't need her running loose, got it?" He barked, watching as the girl nodded her head softly.

He quickly left her room, slamming his own door shut. She let out a small sigh, narrowing her eyes at the cat in her arms. The creature simply gave her a soft purr, innocently snuggling into her. "This is going to be a long summer."