The Return

Chapter 3

Astrella slowly woke up, feeling a sense of unease wash over her as she opened her eyes. Her cat, Fleta, was curled up next to her, but even the comfort of her furry companion couldn't shake off the feeling of dread. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, glancing around the room. Lily and the others were still asleep, and the room was quiet except for the soft sounds of breathing.

Astrella got out of bed and opened the curtains, letting in the soft light of the early morning. She checked the time and saw that it was only 5:29 am. She let out a deep sigh and flopped back onto her bed, staring up at the top of the canopy.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about today?" she mumbled to herself, her thoughts turning to her parents and the mission they had given her. They had wanted her to be sorted into Slytherin, but she had ended up in Gryffindor instead. Astrella knew that her parents is abusive, and the thought of what they might do if they found out made her stomach churn.

"Did...Lucius tell Tosia and Abraxas?" she wondered aloud, her mind racing with all the possibilities.

She knew that Lucius Malfoy was not to be trusted, and the thought that he might have betrayed her made her heart sink.

Astrella got out of bed and went to her trunk, pulling out her clothes, wand, and towel. She made her way to the bathroom, hoping that a shower would help clear her mind and calm her nerves. Upon entering, the first thing that catches her eye is the large clawfoot bathtub, situated in the center of the room. The bathtub is made of gleaming white porcelain and is large enough to accommodate several people at once. It is surrounded by plush red and gold bath mats, and fluffy towels in the same Gryffindor colors.

On one side of the bathroom, there are several marble-topped sinks, each with a gold-framed mirror above it. The sinks are fitted with gleaming brass taps, which dispense both hot and cold water with a turn of the handle. There are also several glass jars filled with potions and lotions, which students can use to cleanse, moisturize and perfume their skin.

On the other side of the bathroom, there are several private stalls for showers and toilets, each with a wooden door that can be locked for privacy. The shower stalls are fitted with luxurious rain showerheads, which dispense a gentle and invigorating stream of water. The toilets are fitted with plush seats and are immaculately clean, as the Hogwarts house-elves take great pride in their work.

The walls of the Gryffindor dormitory bathroom are lined with decorative tiles, depicting various scenes of bravery and heroism. The tiles are in shades of red and gold, to match the house colors, and add an extra touch of elegance to the room. The ceiling is high and vaulted, with an intricate chandelier made of glass and brass, providing ample light for the space.

Astrella looked around the bathroom, taking in the differences from the one she was used to in her own timeline. The tiles were a different shade of blue and the faucets were a different shape. She couldn't help but feel a sense of disorientation and unease wash over her as she thought about how much everything had changed.

Taking a deep breath, she entered one of the shower stalls and closed the door, locking it securely behind her. As she let the warm water wash over her, she couldn't help but let her thoughts drift back to her mission and the danger it posed to her and her family.

After what seemed like hours, Astrella finally emerged from the shower, dressed in her school uniform and carrying her sleepwear and toiletries. She made her way back to the dormitory, where Lily was already getting dressed.

"Good morning, Lily," Astrella greeted her friend, trying to push aside the anxious thoughts that were still lingering in her mind.

"Hey Astella!" Lily said cheerfully. "Ready for the first day of classes?"