𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖔𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖋 𝕾𝖆𝖑𝖛𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓

2: Serpentine

                 ⋅⋆ ஓ๑ ☽ ๑ஓ ⋆⋅

The violent thunderstorm seemed to roar one last time as the train halted at Hogsmeade station, but the rain continued with its tapping.

I loved the rain — I loved the sound, and its indescribable scent, especially when it was calm with the breeze brushing around me, making me feel free like a bird. A younger me would have danced in, but I resisted the urge as I hopped off the train.

Since I wasn't going to be fooling around, I pulled out my wand. Barely — in the dreary lamp-lit night — a shape of an invisible object appeared above my head. The water streamed down, creating a seamlessly beautiful pattern of an umbrella. The rain couldn't touch my porcelain skin, not that I would mind; I wasn't going to melt — wasn't that type of witch. It was the fact of not wanting moisture to ruin my clothes and makeup.

All the students rushed to the station's waiting area to protect themselves from the rain.
I lagged, taking in every detail of the area surrounding me.
But the fog from the rain was making it exceedingly difficult.

I stayed a few feet away from the grouped students to analyze them. Some were soaked like dripping waterfalls — others dry as a bone. Almost all of them had cheerful smiles, and I felt their excitement. They couldn't wait to return to Hogwarts and the first-year students. They were thrilled to step foot in the legendary castle for the first time.
Their thoughts were pretty loud and unguarded.

I could say I felt the same, but I wasn't going to admit that like a silly girl — at least — not out loud.

I heard a hefty cough; I glanced around to find the source.
Suddenly, all the students — except the first-years — formed a crooked line. The first years blinked a few times, dumbfounded; their mouths agape — like mine. I comprehended their confusion and astonishment because in front of us stood a man so tall; that he could topple mountains!

His unmanageable hair and matching beard were even more impressive than his height. It looked like he stuffed a bear on it with his enormous hands; I wouldn't be surprised if he strangled the creature. He carried a lantern that omitted a small amount of light, not enough to spot his expression.

"All right, lads and ladies, due to the rain, will be riding in carriages," The burly man said in a heavy west country accent. "Follow me and watch your step."

The older students were the first to move, as expected; they should know where they were going by now. I followed until we reached a path filled with black-covered carriages. Oddly enough — nothing was pulling them. I wondered how they moved. Besides the obvious answer — magic, duh?

"Everyone but first years may go," said the burly man.

Right... this was the part they didn't explain to me. I was technically a first-year at sixteen.
So my question was, did I stay with the first years or go with the people my age? I glanced over at my brother getting into the carriage with one of his Ravenclaw friends. Utterly careless of my whereabouts.

Thanks a lot, bro, I thought.

I almost ran to his carriage and pleaded for advice. But I stood still because I didn't need his help — I wanted it. But me wanting to seem less like a damsel in distress took over. Instead, I blended in with the first years.
The fact I was too tall made it obvious — among other things.

"Aren't you a little old, not to mention tall, to be the first year?" Said the burly man.

I whirled around, almost knocking myself into him. I gaped — unable to find my words — a rarity. I cleared my throat, my mouth dryer than the Sahara desert.