Life After Death - An Erica Black Continuation (4)

Fifty Six

Erica Black followed her twin daughters through the barrier to platform 9 3/4 of Kings Cross Station carrying only a small, magically extended satchel bag whilst Willow and Charlotte Black lugged large trunks as they had done for the last three years. A tall blond boy she recognised from her fifth year classes, a Gryffindor student named Colin Creevey wordlessly took the professor's bag and stepped onto the train, holding out his hand helpfully for the petite witch who smiled gratefully at the boy. "Thank you Colin, congratulations on Prefect by the way, I'm sure your father is very proud." His ears turned a light red colour and he smiled proudly,
"Thank you Professor, it was a bit of a shock to all of us to be honest but I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity" she smiled and nodded at him, a gesture which he politely returned before handing the satchel back and excusing himself.
"Professor Erica Black" Blaise Zambini grinned as the witch walked into his compartment.
"Hello Blaise, I didn't expect to have much company, most of the professors floo or aparate"
"I know, but I couldn't quite resist a trip on the Hogwarts Express, there always was something so magical about it" he responded to his colleague's confusion with understanding.
"I know what you mean, I regret only getting to ride it a handful of times" She sighed.
The man's expression changed to one of confusion, "Only a handful, how so?"
"I stopped attending Hogwarts when I was 13, I completed my studies the following year remotely - independently from home" the witch shrugged, Blaise nodded, subtly amazed,
"Ah, well I've never heard of that happening but it's quite impressive"
"No, I'm not quite sure why it happened, Dumbledore said he thought it best and so it was done." She laughed, holding out a small paper bag of jelly slugs she had pulled from her bag.
"Sounds about right" Blaise chuckled, thinking back to his school days and how true that statement really was as he took one gratefully and popped in into his mouth.

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The two spent the next six hours chatting idly, sharing confectionary and completing marking. And once they arrived at the station in Hogsmeade, they sighed sadly at the sight of the thestrals, a heart breaking reminder of all they have seen and lost. The Defence Against the Dark Arts professor averted his eyes mournfully a he climbed into the carriage whilst Erica looked up at the beautiful creature which stepped forward to meet the witch's eyes, it's inspection made her shiver and the baby began to kick desperately as if it were trying to escape the thestral's haunting gaze. She instinctively moved to hold her bump protectively with one hand whilst she reached out with the other to stroke the animal's nose, leaning forwards to press her forehead against the creatures softly, sharing a mutually melancholy moment of unspoken grief. After taking that short time, she followed the man into the carriage and they were on their way up to the castle.

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"Now, before we eat, I believe Professor Black has an announcement to make?" Concluded the Headmistress. glancing over her shoulder to the dark haired woman sat at the staff table behind her. Erica Black stood, with a gracious nod to the older witch and walked to the podium with a bright smile.
"Thank you Headmistress, yes, I do in fact have, what I believe to be, a very exciting announcement. Mr. Lupin and I have collaborated to create a Gay Straight Alliance for our student body. My classroom will be open tomorrow lunchtime for anyone who identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and/or allies to said community and from there, we will set up regular meetings for anyone interested in joining. If this is something you think may be of interest or beneficial to you them please do stop by! Thank you" She nodded, stepping back and returning to her seat. McGonagall smiled at the professor and resumed her position at the centre of the raised platform,
"Very good. Now, with no further delay, let's eat" She called, raising her hand as the tables filled with food as they had so many times before. The great hall exploded into laughter and conversation as everyone dug into the feast.
"Eri, how was the train journey?" Greeted Teddy brightly as he filled his plate enthuiasically.
"It was nice, I shared a compartment with Blaise and finished up my marking. I may continue to take the train, there is something so lovely about it." She hummed contently as she too placed some food on her plate.

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The eldest of the Black twins sat at the Ravenclaw table with a small group of students she had come to know well over the last three years of her time at the school, they talked quietly and spoke over their meal. A handsome boy with sharp features was staring at her intently from across the table until his friend elbowed him forcefully and nodded towards the pretty girl.
"Just talk to her mate, you've been doing it for three years, what's the big deal?" Laughed Daniel Solis, the first boy shot his friend a disapproving look and was about to retort when Willow cut him off without looking up from the book she held open against the table with her spare hand as she ate slowly,
"Yes, Magnus, can I help you?" She sighed, the boy's cheeks flushed a crimson colour which cause his friend to snort in laughter, realising why he had been so hesitant - he had a crush on Willow Black. Magnus choked on his tongue, struggling for a moment to form words before finally spitting out what he had been wanting to say.
"Do you wanna go with me to Hogsmeade?" The girls on either side of the dark haired girl erupted into a fit giggles whilst the girl herself only shrugged, still not looking up from the pages of her book, "Sure" she replied indifferently, "I need a few things anyway."