The Heart Is Not Black or White

Chapter 7

My face flushed as I wheeled my cart along the platform at King's Cross. With my wand in my pocket and my new owl, Corvus, I felt ready for anything. I bought Corvus in Diagon Alley, and fell in love with her the moment I saw her. She was a pitch black owl with piercing yellow eyes. Corvus reminded me of a beautiful raven.

Today was the big day. I was finally on my way to Hogwarts. I had my books, my robes, my luggage, and of course my slender black wand. Every time I held it I felt powerful, as if there was magic coursing through my fingertips... Well, there already was.

With my parents by my side, I made my way towards Platform 9 and 3/4.

Platform six... Seven... Eight.. Nine... Ten. I turned to face my parents. "Where's platform nine and three-quarters?"

"Well it's magic, of course!" My father exclaimed. "You have to go through the brick wall between platforms nine and ten."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "But what if I crash?"

"Don't worry," my father chuckled. "That only happens if you're late. And we will be if we don't hurry up. Here, we'll go with you."

With my dad holding onto the carriage on my left, and Mom on the right, I took a deep breath. In a quick burst of energy and ambition, I ran forward with them. Racing toward the brick wall, I closed my eyes to prepare for the impact, but instead felt like I was being sucked into a black hole. I opened my eyes and found myself on a platform, with a sign above that read "Platform 9 3/4". As I looked around, I saw parents saying good-bye to their children. The children ranged anywhere from eleven to eighteen. And right in front of me a huge black train read, "Hogwarts Express".

"Ah, Lucius!" My father called.

I turned to face whoever my father was calling to. It was a middle-aged man with long, blond hair. He was cleanly shaven and wore black robes. His blue eyes were threatening, and it didn't look as if this man would ever smile.

The man and my father instantly started conversing. I quietly walked across the platform to them. As I stood beside Father, the man named Lucius didn't even notice me.

"So I guess you have a child going to Hogwarts, eh Lucius?" My father asked.

"Yes," Lucius answered. "My son is going for his first term. And you, Grumio?"

"My daughter, Marissa, is also attending for the first time," he said as he motioned toward me. "Marissa, this is one of my friends from... when I attended Hogwarts."

I turned to him and shook his hand. I was very good with charming people. "How do you do?" I said, as sophisticated as an eleven-year-old could. "I'm very pleased to meet you."

I waited for the astonished, yet pleased look expression grown-ups give when they witness me like this. But his features remained stone cold.

"If you'll excuse us Lucius," my father said. "We have to put Marissa on the train, but I will chat after."

"Of course," Lucius said, nodding his head.

Walking towards the front of the train, my father asked, "Are you ready?" I nodded my head vigorously, ready for anything.

"I'll take your luggage from here," my dad said. "Take you wand, Corvus, and board the train."

I gave my mum and dad a big squeeze. "I love you, Mum. I love you, Dad."

"We love you too, dear," my mother said. "No matter what happens at Hogwarts this year... we will always love you."

I nodded, ready to board the train. I gave one last hug and good-bye to my parents before heading towards the Hogwarts Express. Once I boarded, I bounded through the train, searching for Fred and George.