Work of Art

Chapter 3- Train Ride

Today was the day. I am going back to Hogwarts. I got my suitcases that were packed 4 days in advance and headed to the door.

"Put your things in the car please, sweetheart." my mother's soft voice rang in my head.

"Kay, mum." I threw my stuff in the trunk and pushed it closed. I walked over to the door of the car and got in. My mom was still in the house but my dad sat in the passenger seat.

"Are you excited for your 6th year at Hogwarts?" he smiled. "I remember 6th year was my favorite. So much happened that year. Don't get into too much trouble ok? Have fun, but be safe. You're a smart girl, Eloise. You'll be ok."

"Oh, dad. You know me. I'll be fine." I reassured him and curved my lips into a soft smile.

***

We arrived at the train station.I had my cart of stuff in front of me and I was about to run into Platform 9 ¾ .

"Okay, guys. Here we are." I breathed in the fresh air. I saw the Golden Trio next to me. The first people who were nice to me after Draco called me a mudblood for the first time. Ah... great memories, you know?

The three would always hold a special place in my heart. We drifted away from each other shortly after I was sorted into Slytherin, us being known as the "bad kids".

"Sweety, we love you so much." my mom beamed.

"I love you too." I grinned at them and stepped over to hug them.

"Have a great year, darling." My father said.

I wrapped my arms around each of them, said my final farewell, and waved goodbye. Then I turned around and ran into the wall. I knew exactly the right way to do it by now. I zoomed through and before I knew it, there I was. Platform 9 ¾. I looked around at the familiar and comforting sights. I had been waiting for this for weeks, and I was finally here.

"Hey, mudblood." a feminine voice came from behind me. I knew exactly who it was.

Without turning around I said, "Hey, bitch."

I turned around quickly and ran over to the girl. It was Pansy Parkinson. She opened up her arms and I gave her a big hug.

"I haven't seen you all summer! How have you been?" she asked with excitement.

"I've been... ok." I hesitated then changed the subject. "What about you? I've missed you so much." I fake pouted.

"I've been pretty good actually! I wish I could have come over but you know my dad would never let me. Considering, well, the circumstances." she said lowly.

"Unfortunately I completely understand." I rolled my eyes slightly.

"Not this one again." I heard Daphne say to her friend. "Pansy, I thought we agreed that you would abandon her this year." she was annoyed.

"Hey, Daph. Do you know what humoring someone is?" Pansy joked. "I would never abandon her. Sorry."

I chuckled. I knew she was telling the truth. We were best friends ever since second year. She would get bullied for being friends with me but stuck by my side through it all. Her parents didn't want her talking to half bloods but she would be secretive about it. She had her flaws of course, but I loved her to death.

"Whatever. Let's just get on the fucking train." Daphne spat.

We made our way to our seats. She always made sure to save me one with the Slytherins. We got comfortable. Daphne and Pansy sat across from me. We just waited for the others to come.

"Sitting with a blood traitor, are we?" a familiar voice of the one and only Draco Malfoy caught me by surprise.

"Her name is Eloise. And yes, we are sitting with her." Pansy defended.

"What is so special about this girl, Parkinson? Must we always make accommodations for-" he was cut off by someone else.

"Hey babes."

"Hey Theo." We all said dryly and in sync.

"Ladies! Where is the spice, the excitement!" He encouraged.

"They don't want to fuck you Theodore." Draco scoffed.

"Well, I wouldn't be so sure." He smirked.

"Theo leave it." Pansy said firmly.

"Please don't." Daphne pleaded.

"Yeah just... stop talking." I added.

Theo Nott. He knew very well that he had fucked every girl in this room. At least once. I had only hooked up with one time. I mean he's attractive, trustworthy, and we were horny. What else is there to say?

Pansy and him dated for a short time, but I doubt that they would ever get back together. We were all better off as friends.

"Hey guys." I heard Blaise Zabini say.

"Blaise! What's up?" We all greeted him and he sat down next to Daphne across from me.

"So you guys want me to sit next to her?" Draco said and pointed at me.

"Yes. This is our 6th year here. I think it's about time you two get along." Blaise said.

"As if that's ever going to happen." Draco mumbled.

"You and Daphne are the only ones here who care about blood status. You know that right?" Theo asked.

"And it will stay like that." Daphne spoke with pride in her voice. Fake pride that she would never understand how it hurt so many people. I always hoped she would change. But I don't know if there was hope anymore.

"Can we just release the tension between you guys?" Pansy inquired.

"Threesome may help with that." Theo said and winked.

"Theo!" The three of us shouted.

"What? It helps, trust me." He smirked.

"Disgusting, honestly." Draco scoffed and shook his head as he sat down next to me harshly.

As he sat very close to me, his scent made its way to my nose. As I breathed in the contaminated air, I smelled strong cologne, mint shampoo, dark mahogany, and a hint of green apples. As I took another breath, I realized how intoxicating the smell was. And I just wanted to be near it forever and ever. I then realized who the smell was coming from, and it suddenly lost the beauty I had just found in it.

I ignored it for the rest of the time he was there.

Then the train started to gradually move faster and faster until we were on our way.

***

"Elle, Elle. Elle wake up." Pansy whispered. My eyes shot open.

"I didn't even notice I fell asleep." I was surprised. I usually didn't fall asleep in a moving vehicle.

"The trolley came by. I know the chocolate frogs are your favorite. So I got one for you." She said sweetly.

"They are. Thank you." We exchanged smiles.

(flashback)

"Annabelle. Get a chocolate frog. They are the absolute best thing off the trolley!" I suggested to my little sister. "Ron Weasley showed me them on the first day last year." I said proudly.

"Sure, I'll try it. I mean I don't know what a chocolate frog is but I trust you." She grinned widely. The excitement of it all ready to burst out of her.

And after that we had a tradition to always get chocolate frogs every time we went to Hogwarts.

"Eloise, are you sure you're ok?" Pansy asked worriedly.

"Yeah! Sorry, I was just spacing out. What were you saying?" I apologized.

"That's ok. We're gonna play truth or dare. You in?"