Slytherin Roar: Through the Maze || Tom Riddle's Era

Chapter 2 || Reunion Conversations

Platform 9 ¾ was buzzing with wizards, witches, muggle-borns, and children. Colours clashed through the place and snips of conversation were heard from all the students, first years to seventh years, who were bidding good-byes to their parents and guardians. Some parents were crying as they embraced their kids, some were smiling encouragingly as they patted their back gently and helped them ride the train.

"God, how can anyone navigate through this crowd," Joshua, my father, said over the noise.

"You're 183 centimetres tall, you should be able to look through the people from up there," I said.

Glancing up, his brown, groomed, mop of hair was above the majority of the others' heads. He had a big mischievous smile adorned his face, something a child would wear, and contrasted with the wrinkles around his light brown eyes. "Why do you always have to be true?"

"I just seem to say the truth whenever I'm not around Annabeth," I said. My eyes trailed after a girl who bumped into my cart and furrowed my brows when she didn't apologize.

He chuckled.

We arrived at the front line of the train and I smiled up at my dad who looked at me concerned.

"I'm going to be fine. I promise."

"That's what you said when you went on that quest," he pointed out.

I crossed my arms on my chest. "And I came back safely."

"But who knows what will happen in the future?" He placed his hands on my shoulders. "Not only do you accompany quests with your friend, Annabeth, you also have your own prophecy."

"You don't have to worry about anything," I assured. "I have good friends; on both sides of the world."

"You have found camaraderie in your small group of friends," he mused. He sighed. "Just remember to contact me better than the past two years."

"Okay. I'll make sure of that."

"And don't be involved in anything."

At the glint in his eyes, I gasped and lightly punched him in the gut. "Dad!"

"You're in your third year; anything can happen." He finally smiled and pulled me into a hug. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." Lowering my arms, I wrapped them around his torso and squeezed him into a tight hug. "I'll try to be safe."

"We both know that's not possible."

Laughing weakly, I pulled away. "See you, dad."

"See you, Vivienne."

Turning around, I picked up my trunk and hoisted up Argentum in my arm. Looking back one last time, I saw my dad waving at me and I smiled back. Exhaling slowly, I stepped inside the train. Dodging past other students, I attempted to find an empty compartment when I heard a cheerful voice calling out to me.

"Vivienne!"

I stumbled on my steps as a weight tackled me almost to the ground. Grinning, I turned around. "Jasmine!"

Jasmine's chestnut-coloured hair was slightly unruly as usual yet it matched her big smile. She once more embraced me tightly. "We missed you so much!"

"Me too."

She then faced Argentum and crouched in front of her. "I missed you too, Argentum," she cooed.

"Meow," Argentum purred as Jasmine started to scratch under her chin.

"And speaking of 'we'," I said, looking over her shoulder, "where's Emily?"