Moon Dust | Mattheo Riddle

Chapter 9: Fire whiskey

The train station was full of life, human and wizards alike.

It was always busy this time of year with all the students returning to Hogwarts after the Christmas break. Remus marched right up to platform 9¾ with his daughter and nephew in tow.

Nova glanced over at Harry and pulled a face of confusion toward her father. He shrugged at her and jutted his lip; they both had a feeling that something was up.

They'd wanted to go catch the earlier train to Hogwarts so they could spend some time in Hogsmeade first since Harry usually couldn't on the weekends. But Remus had been adamant against that and had practically stalked their every move since they left the cottage.

As they passed through the brick wall onto the magical platform, Lupin ushered both of them onto the express before they even had a minute to catch their bearings.

"Okay, what's up with you?" Nova asked as her father pushed them both into an empty carriage, the older man looked over his shoulder before sighing and glancing back at the children who were watching him warily.

"Just... we need to be extra careful... Sirius Black," his voice cracked, and he closed his eyes on impulse.

Harry widened his eyes and glanced at Nova, whose face had warped with worry for her father.

"I've been given a warning, we are not to leave Hogwarts... do you hear me? I need you both to agree," he said, standing up sternly, but his face held an odd expression.

Nova and Harry shared a look, one of contemplation, as they secretly communicated through shrugs and grunts.

They both nodded simultaneously at the older man but his shoulders didn't un-tense, he rubbed at his chin with his wand and sighed. "I mean it... not for anything. We stay in Hogwarts, all three of us okay?"

Nova narrowed her eyes, what about the full moon?

She opened her mouth to speak but Lupin gave her a knowing look, one she knew all too well

'Don't worry about it, I'll sort it.'

He left them in the empty compartment as he went to check the train, part of his professor duties was to make sure all students made it aboard.

"So, do you really think he's after us?" Harry asked as they sat opposite each other, he pulled a Gryffindor hoodie out from his bag and tugged it over his head.

Nova shrugged, furrowing her brows as she stared off into space, "but why?.. you really think he'd kill us?" she shivered.

Harry frowned and looked out of the window as the train started to pull away from the station, "he wouldn't get the chance."

After a few minutes, the carriage door opened again and the sound of disgruntled arguing entered the small room.

"No, I didn't, I simply said you were wearing it back to front," Hermione huffed, slumping down next to Nova with a tired look.

"Well, you must have hexed it or something because it was the right way around when I left the burrow! Only since seeing you have it miraculously turned around," Ron complained, following in after her.

Nova and Harry ignored the two.

The brunette girl got a book out and put her legs up in the little gap between Harry and the window whilst he fiddled around with his hoodie.

The arguing kept going until eventually Harry turned toward them and gave Ron a funny look.

"Ron?"

"Yeah mate," the ginger boy said, happy to be pulled away from his conversation.