The Fox In A Snake Pit! Story 3

Running Rummors!

Jade sat there, feeling a wave of weakness wash over her, her body trembling as if she were just on the mend from a recent illness. She watched Neville indulge in his first taste of chocolate, and after a moment's hesitation, she followed suit. To her astonishment, a soothing warmth began to course through her limbs, igniting a comforting sensation from her fingertips to her toes. 

"We'll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes," Professor Lupin declared as he passed their compartment again. "Are you all right, Miss Green?" he asked, his eyes lingering on her. 

Jade did not ask about how Lupin knew her name, presuming it was linked to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "I'm okay," she muttered softly. 

The remainder of the trip was marked by a comfortable silence between them, with little conversation to break the stillness. 

At last, the train arrived at Hogsmeade station, and chaos erupted as everyone rushed to disembark. The air was filled with the sounds of owls hooting, cats meowing, and Jade's fox making its peculiar noises, while Neville's toad croaked insistently from beneath his hat. The tiny platform was bitterly cold, with sheets of icy rain pouring down relentlessly. 

A loud voice rang out, "First years this way!" The sound was all too familiar, prompting Jade to scowl, roll her eyes in exasperation, and turn on her heel to head in the opposite direction. 

As Jade, Daphnee, Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle trailed behind their classmates, they stepped onto a rugged dirt path. Before them stretched a line of stagecoaches, at least a hundred strong, each seemingly pulled by some unseen force. 

Jade couldn't help but marvel at the magic behind it all, as they climbed inside their chosen coach and shut the door, the vehicle jolted to life on its own, weaving and swaying in time with the others. The ride to Hogwarts was a blur of shadowy trees, the occasional lightning flash, and the ever-present patter of rain. Despite the gloomy weather, Vix remained curious, her bright eyes peeking out from Jade's shoulder every few moments to glimpse their surroundings. The excitement was palpable in the air, even the most stoic of students couldn't help but whisper in amazement. The air inside the coach carried a hint of damp, musty straw, evoking an age-old scent that clung to the worn upholstery.

After eating some chocolate, Jade felt much better but still felt a little weak. After the fox moved to her lap, she stroked Vix's fur, finding solace in the creature's comforting presence. Draco and Daphnee exchanged worried looks, their eyes darting toward Jade as if they feared she might faint once more. 

As the carriage drew nearer to a set of grand wrought-iron gates, flanked by sturdy stone columns adorned with statues of winged boars, Jade's gaze fell upon two more menacing, hooded figures of dementors stationed on either side. A chilling wave of unease washed over her, threatening to pull her under once more. To shield herself from the encroaching dread, she reclined against the uncomfortable seat and shut her eyes tightly, holding Vix close to her chest, waiting for the moment they would pass through the gates. 

The carriage surged forward along the winding ascent toward the castle, its wheels clattering against the cobblestones. Daphnee eagerly leaned out of the small window, her eyes wide with excitement as the majestic turrets and soaring towers drew nearer, each one more enchanting than the last. 

Jade, however, couldn't shake the eerie feeling that had settled into her bones at the sight of the dementors. She forced her eyes open and took deep breaths, reminding herself that friends surrounded her and that they were almost in the castle's warm embrace. 

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the carriage came to a stop, and Daphnee, along with Draco, stepped out into the crisp air. Just as they disembarked, a wave of sound caught their attention—Neville was animatedly discussing Harry's recent fainting spell with a group of Hufflepuff's. The news seemed to amuse Draco greatly; a sly smirk crept across his face as he took in the scene, and he chose to leave Jade and Daphnee and motioned for Crabbe and Goyle to follow him.