chosen - harry potter

Chapter 3 - The Dementor

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

"Cassia, wake up!"

Cassia blinked, light flooding her eyes.

"We need to get breakfast before we get on the train," Hermione said, standing a few feet away from her.

"Mhm," Cassia said, turning away from her.

Hermione walked toward her bed, tearing the blanket away from Cassia. She sat up grumpily, her hair tangled and her eyes squinting.

They went down to breakfast, where Mr. Weasley was reading the Daily Prophet, and Mrs. Weasley sipped a steaming cup of tea.

Ginny came down a moment later, and Mrs. Weasley told them a story about a love potion she made while in school. The four of them laughed together, sharing a quick breakfast before moving all of their luggage downstairs from their rooms.

Harry, Ron, Will, and the rest of the Weasleys joined them downstairs, and the pile of luggage grew very large. A small basket sat beside the heap, hissing and spitting very loudly.

"It's all right, Crookshanks," Hermione cooed through the wickerwork. "I'll let you out on the train."

"You won't!" Ron snapped. "What about poor Scabbers, eh?"

Mr. Weasley, who had been waiting outside for the Ministry cars, poked his head back inside.

"They're here," he said. "Harry, come on."

Mr. Wealsey led Harry outside, and Cassia threw a sweater over her head. She went outside with Hermione and Ron, and they joined Harry in the back of one of the cars.

The journey to King's Cross Station was generally uneventful. Cassia stared out of the window, watching as the clouds passed by.

When they arrived at King's Cross, Mr. Weasley insisted that everyone go through the barrier in pairs. Cassia and Hermione dipped through the illusioned wall together, strolling toward the train and talking excitedly with each other about the upcoming school year.

The scarlet Hogwarts Express was puffing smoke over the hoards of witches and wizards and their children.

Will and Ron ran through the barrier behind them, Will clutching his side and gasping for air.

"I stayed in bed - all summer," he said, heaving breaths.

They caught up to Harry and Mr. Weasley, who were leading the way toward the train. Harry and Ron led the way to the back of the train, finding a carriage that looked rather empty. They loaded their trunks, and they went back outside to say goodbye.

Cassia's parents had arrived as they promised they would, and she ran and met them with a hug.

"Cassia!" Her mother beamed. Both of her parents looked tired, with dark circles around their eyes.

"Hi!" Cassia said, her parent's arms wrapping around her. She really hadn't seen much of them that summer.

Will joined them a moment later, their parents hugging him immediately after.

"You two have an incredible year," their father said, placing a hand on both of their shoulders. His eyes had tears in them yet again.

"Be so careful," their mother said, her tired eyes looking at Cassia. "We love both of you, so, so much."

They scooped Cassia and Will into another tight hug.

"Train's waiting for you," Cassia's mother said. Will walked toward it, waving and smiling, but Wendy grabbed Cassia's arm. "Cassia, dear, be careful. I'm serious."