𝔚𝔞𝔯 𝔬𝔣 ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱𝔰 // 𝔍𝔞𝔪𝔢𝔰 𝔓𝔬𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯

TWO || The Hogwarts Express

Estella
First of September, 1974

I step onto the familiar platform and my sight is filled with witches and wizards everywhere, parents bidding their children goodbye, and hooting owls. I sigh and heave my trunk behind me, Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Andromeda following in pursuit. 

After getting the usual "stay away from Mudbloods and get good grades" speech from our parents, we all board the train and begin our search for a compartment.

As usual, it seems, people instantly clear the path when they see Bella, she's hexed many people and no one wants to get on her bad side, so she's treated like royalty.

Finally, the four of us find a compartment in the back of the train and settle ourselves in. Bellatrix shuts the door, a superior look on her stunning face.

"You know, after this year I won't be coming back," she speaks, "You guys need to be the next me so you don't end up in the dirt. We're practically royalty, and we should start acting like it."

I look out the window, half agreeing with my sister. She's a bit full of herself, yeah, the Black family is the most noble and ancient, but I wouldn't say royal, I do like the sound of it though.

I gaze at the scenery outside, pondering on what this year will bring. Expand your friend group. Bellatrix's voice rings in my head. I like my friends, I like Sirius and Regulus, I don't want anything or anyone else.

I guess I could spend more time with a fellow fourth year, Barty Crouch, he's Regulus's friend and we've hung out before. He's kinda cute in all honesty, but he's a little rude to just about everyone. There are multiple Slytherins I know, but none of them I want to really be friends with. It took Mattheo and I ages to become friends at last, and I don't want to waste three years trying to befriend someone who I don't really like.

Me and my three sisters chat about this school year, new classes we're taking, and gossiped about the Gryffindor students who we kinda hate for no reason.

After several hours, and a long, rainy train ride, we at last arrive at Hogwarts, standing tall and wonderful, yellow lighting escaping the windows and battling the surrounding darkness.

"Let's get to the carriages before we have to share one with someone else." Narcissa says anxiously, and we all exit the compartment, traveling down the long train hall and finally step off into the pouring rain.

The water hits my skin like a thousand icy needles and I shut my eyes to keep the showers from temporarily blinding me. A gust of wind whooshes past us, ruffling my hair and causing goosebumps to erupt on my uncovered arms.

We all make it to a carriage and climb in one after the other, it automatically begins to move with a creak. The wheels hit the soggy ground and rain bashes onto the windows, followed by lightning and thunder.

Andromeda pulls a mirror out of her handbag and wipes dripping mascara from under her eye, she also brushes out her hair; we all do the same. The bloody rain can be a blessing and a curse.

The carriage halts to a stop and we're forced to get out and step into the showering rain once again. I take in the sight of the castle, it's huge and beautiful and I can't wait to get into my bed in the dorm I share with Vanya and go to sleep.

At the top of the stone staircase, I see Sirius and his best friend, James Potter, standing with their arms spread out, letting the rain soak them and hit their skin, allowing the wind to ruffle their hair and pound their faces, laughing and just looking so free.

"Nuisances," Bellatrix mutters, climbing the tall stairs. We walk up all the steps and once we make it to the top where the two Gryffindor's are, Potter and I lock eyes. He grins at me, I quickly look away and stare at the ground as we all continue to walk.