Yours, Draco | D.M.

Annual Tradition

Chapter One
Annual Tradition
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Mature themes ahead, viewer discretion is advised.
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When summer transitions into autumn, where the vibrant green leaves turn into the decaying colors of yellow, orange, and red, you know the wind is blowing in the longing for change. The longing for a new season of magic and mystery, as it was time to return to my home away from home where I would reside until the middle of July.

The ride back to Hogwarts was always the calm before the storm. It was so peaceful and heartwarming to see all the new students arriving at the platform for the first time, as well as seeing friends reunite with one another after the short summer break.

I always love walking onto the platform early in the morning to watch as people arrive, and as they arrive I get to stand by and watch them.

Watching students' faces light up as they see each other, seeing the new students conversing with their parents before they enter the Hogwarts Express, and seeing the way a few peoples eyes light up with admiration as they see the one they like.

Once the train took off from this platform, it would mean it was time for studies and schooling, leaving very little time to do what I please.

"Good morning, Aurora." I heard two recognizable voices interrupt me from admiring the thousands of people around me.

"Good morning Fred and George. Let me guess Estella stopped you to let me know she was going to be late?" I smiled at the older boys who I knew only because their younger brother and sister just so happens to be my friends. Then again, I suppose I was their friend, too.

Estella Diggory was known for her light and radiant looks as she resembled the sun itself just like her older brother, who tragically died last semester.

"You would be correct." One replied.

"We'll see you around Aurora." The twins smiled as they began to wander off into the direction I assumed their friends would be waiting for them.

"You too." I whispered back knowing well the twins were no longer in hearing range.

If Estella continued on with her tardiness we would surely not be able to find a seat on the train, which would be unfortunate because I was hoping this year we might be able to get a compartment to ourselves.

The honest worry I felt for her only continued to grow. I don't think I've ever seen someone completely break like Estella did when her brothers body appeared back in the arena during the last Triwizard Tournament task. Her fathers cries of pain might have been heard all throughout the arena, but I will never forget the sight of my best friends heart shattering open right in front of me. I grieved for her, and I still grieve for her.

"Flirting with the Weasley twins, Knight?" I heard Estella cheerfully say as she began approaching me where I stood at the back of the platform with my back against the wall.

"Never, Diggory." I smiled at my best friend as she came closer and embraced me with a warm hug. As she let her arms fall back to her sides, she intertwined our arms as she began to tug me towards the express.

"Let's hurry, I heard that Dean Thomas is looking extra dashing this year." Estella blurted almost in a desperate way.

"Let me guess, you bribed a first year with fresh pickings from the trolley if they dealt with our belongings for us." I started with pure confidence knowing well that's exactly what she did. I also knew that Estella most definitely was not going to supply that first year with fresh pickings from the trolley.

"You know me too well." She responded with a little laughter present in her eyes.

I was not only worried for her but also her parents over the summer. The fact that Cedric is truly gone still baffles my mind, I can't imagine how her parents are coping. Thankfully though, it appears Estella is doing a bit better compared to when I last saw her. Even if she is only doing a little bit better, it seems as though the light in her eyes has slowly crawled back into place.