See Stars in the Dark

Chapter 3.

This was the moment, she waited for this her whole life, yet she felt unprepared and scared. Staring at the giant castle just across the lake. James told her to go with other first years. To follow someone named Hagrid but she saw no one, only the masses dividing into two groups. One that went in the direction of the forest and the other that went towards the lake. So she followed a different path than her cousin and his friends hoping it was the right one.

It was already dark when they arrived at the station in front of Hogwarts. The stars were already shining in the bright night sky. The crescent moon was as if smiling at the arriving first years that were clumsily jumping into the little boats. Just now Persephone noticed the huge man with a beard showing the kids their way. Must have been Hagrid. Warily she made her way over, terrified that if she would slip she would land in the water and make a fool out of herself.

That and it would destroy the beautiful scenery that she had in front of her that was just setting the right mood. The castle looked majestic, standing tall over the glimmering waters of the lake. Casting a blurry reflection onto the surface. The yellow lights shining through the windows were glowing similar to the stars. It was a breathtaking sight that got forever implanted inside the memory of the young girl who had waited her whole life for a moment like this.

Gently she put one foot on the empty boat in the far back. Silently hoping that someone would join her there soon. But it seemed that most students had already pilled inside the boats that started rowing themselves to the other shore of the lake. Persephone sighed, running a hand through her hair to brush them out of her eyes. For a brief moment, it looked like her journey across the lake would be quite lonely, that was until the boat moved slightly, alerting the girl. She looked up only to see Regulus, dubiously getting onto the boat.

His feet were shaking as he relied on his stability on the foot that was inside the boat. Persephone contemplated whether she should help him and offer him a hand or if it would just insult him in some way. Boys tend to be rather proud about making things themselves and in their own way. Something she learned from living with James for so long. Her offer of help might offend him or shatter his pride. But then again he looked quite feeble on his legs now.

Luckily before Persephone decided herself the boy sat down on the other side of the boat finally, letting out a relieved breath. For a moment as if forgetting someone was there with him but then he quickly collected himself and got back to his tense self.

"Hope you don't mind. All other boats were already crowded and I didn't feel comfortable riding in something quite as full." He said awkwardly, trying to justify why he climbed inside the boat.

"No worries." She answered with a smile. Seconds later their boat started its journey to the other side. The water around them splashed under the wooden construction creating a faint lullaby of the lake.

It was more than obvious that Regulus would be a silent company. Ever since their boat set sail he hadn't uttered a single word. All he did was sit there awkwardly, keeping his distance from Persephone, whilst staring forward with big eyes, admiring the castle. Truth to be told the girl didn't mind the little silence. She was in fact used to noise and constant talking since her cousin can sometimes be way too loud, so a nice quiet moment was welcomed.

She however couldn't help but watch the boy intently. Something about him was off. As if he was ready to jump off the boat to drown the anxiety that was visibly eating him alive. It was obvious he was uncomfortable or rather nervous about something but she could not for the love of Merling figure out what it was.

They have reached the middle of the lake. The castle was coming closer and closer. It was now towering over them like a tremendous giant. Strangely enough, it seemed to make Regulus even more uneasy.