The Chosen One (MattheoRiddle x Ophelia)

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ-15

The Hogwarts grounds were blanketed in a thick layer of snow, the trees and bushes coated in white. The normally vibrant gardens were now barren and lifeless, the flowers and plants dormant until spring.

The Forbidden Forest, always a source of mystery and danger, was even more ominous without the protection of the castle walls. The trees loomed overhead, casting long shadows on the snow-covered ground. The howl of a distant wolf echoed through the trees, a reminder that the forest was never truly safe.

Despite the quiet and stillness, there was an underlying sense of unease. The castle and grounds, usually full of life and energy, now seemed like a shell of their former selves. It was as if the magic of Hogwarts had gone into hibernation.

"All right then, time to get on the train, we don't want to be late for our journey back home!" As I stepped onto the Hogwarts Express, Hagrid's voice boomed in my ears, urging me to hurry and catch the train. The bustling platform was filled with students, all saying their goodbyes to each other and exchanging hugs. The train whistle blew, signaling that it was time to board, and I quickly made my way to my usual compartment.

As I entered, my eyes landed on Pansy and Blaise, already seated on one of the rows. Pansy's icy stare bore into me, and I could feel the hate bubbling up inside me. She was like a devil, always trying to get her claws into everyone around her.

The train began to move, and I gazed out the window at the passing scenery. The lush green fields and rolling hills were now coated in a blanket of snow, the trees and bushes frosted with a delicate layer of ice. The mist hung low in the air, casting an eerie glow over the landscape.

I pulled my cloak tighter around me, trying to ward off the chill. The warmth of the train was a welcome relief from the biting cold outside. Pansy's sharp words snapped me out of my reverie.

"So, Ophelia, did you hear about what happened at the Yule Ball?" she sneered.

I gritted my teeth, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a response. Blaise rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the passing scenery.

As the train chugged along, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in my chest. The events of the Triwizard Tournament and the death of Cedric Diggory still weighed heavily on my mind.

As the train pulled into the station, I gathered my things and made my way to the exit. The platform was bustling with families and friends, all eager to be reunited after a long year apart.

From the far corner of the platform, I caught a glimpse of the pale-haired woman I knew so well. Narcissa Malfoy stood there, her delicate features accentuated by the soft smile that graced her lips. As if on cue, her son Draco came running towards her, his arms outstretched, and he embraced her lightly. Narcissa turned to me, her eyes sparkling with warmth, and patted my head affectionately, before planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. The servant behind her collected our belongings, and we set off for home.

Narcissa's flowing robes were made of the finest silk, and her hair was styled in a manner that befitted her aristocratic status. Her body language was warm and welcoming, and her smile never wavered.

As we travelled down Spinner's End, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The narrow, shabby-looking houses that lined the street seemed to lean in on me, as if threatening to swallow me up. But that never frightened me I was accustomed to live in places like these.

Finally, we arrived at number two, my house. It was just as I had imagined it: narrow and grimy, with a small front garden that was overgrown with weeds. The brick walls were cracked and stained, and the windows were small and dirty.

As I stepped out of the car, Cobby came running up to me, his tiny feet pattering against the ground. "Welcome back, Miss Ophelia!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "I trust your journey was pleasant?"

I rolled my eyes and replied, "As pleasant as a journey can be when you're stuck in a car for hours on end." I looked up at the house that loomed before me, and a sense of familiarity washed over me. This was my childhood home, the place where I had grown up. It was gloomy and dark, but it was also familiar and comforting in its own way.

Cobby followed my gaze and said, "It's good to be back, isn't it? This place has a certain...charm to it."

I snorted. "Yeah, if you like peeling paint, creaky floorboards, and a general air of decay." I started walking towards the house, and Cobby scampered along beside me.

As we entered the house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The musty smell, the dark wood paneling, the old furniture...it was all so familiar. "Home sweet home," I muttered under my breath.

Cobby looked up at me with a grin. "I'll go make some tea, shall I?" I nodded, caring less for the offer. As Cobby bustled off to the kitchen, I ascended the stairs, my footsteps echoing through the dimly lit hallway. When I reached my room, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

Although I'm not usually one to feel at home, returning to my childhood abode instills a sense of belonging within me. It's as if I'm in my rightful place, where I don't have to conform to any strange customs or expectations. The door opened slightly, and Cobby entered wearing one of my old, tattered shirts, holding a tray with a cup of tea. "Oi, you know when dad shall return?" I asked, but my sudden voice made him flinch, and a few drops of tea fell onto the bedsheet. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his clumsiness. "Good heavens, Cobby, were you inattentive or lost in a reverie?" I scolded him, removing the bedsheet from the mattress.

"Terribly sorry, Miss Ophelia. Master Snape will be back shortly," he stammered, his eyes darting around nervously.

As Cobby scrambled to leave the room, his heart racing with fear of the impending lecture from me, I called out to him, "Hold on, there's something I have for you." The elf's ears perked up, his eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, as I reached into my bag and took out a delicate scarf which I bought in Hogsmede.

"Miss Snape gave Cobby a scarf, Cobby is happy." Ecstatic with joy, Cobby beamed with delight as he clutched the precious gift in his hands. With a hop and a skip, he leapt onto the mattress, twirling the scarf around his neck with a flourish.

Anticipating the imminent chaos, I swiftly took hold of Cobby's flailing arms, steadying him with a firm grip. With a stern look, I commanded him to calm down and attend to his duties. "Now go and do your duty, elf." As the elf left the room with a gleeful grin, I couldn't help but feel content and fulfilled. Despite his penchant for mischief, I had grown to appreciate the little creature's obedience and loyalty. His presence had become a source of comfort and entertainment.