serendipity | mattheo riddle

two

     Stepping onto The Hogwarts Express, I can't help but notice the uneasy feeling arising in both my head, and stomach. The thought that this may be the last time I step on this very train without a dark mark terrifies me.

I begin walking towards my usual seat on the train next to Pansy and Astoria, two of my closest friends, other than Draco. My dull look suddenly turns into a grin as I run up to hug the two girls I haven't seen in months.

"I missed you so much, Lydia!" Pansy beams, as she squeezes me tight. "It feels like it's been forever since I saw you last."

"It's been far too long!" Astoria screeches from my left.

"I missed you both too. I can't believe I spent three entire months without you guys." I spoke calmly.

Unleashing from our hug and taking our seats, the train started moving before I had the chance to greet the boys, who were only a few rows down from us. When the three of us first chose our seats all these years ago, we decided we wanted to be far away from the boys as we claimed we needed our "girl time" during the long train ride towards Hogwarts. As the years went by, we never moved booths to be closer to the boys. We stuck at our same booth, in our same seats. Astoria and Pansy being next to each other, while I sat across from them.

"So how was your summer, Lydia?" Astoria questioned.

"Boring, I guess. I stayed at home for most of it." That was the truth. I didnt do anything this summer. There was nothing I could do. If I wanted to go out, I had to be escorted by one of my fathers many guards. I couldn't have anyone over either, other than Draco, since the only other friends I had were either away, or busy. "Speaking of summer though, how was your vacation? Astoria, you went to Paris, right?"

"Yes, we visited Paris for a month and then spent the rest of the summer up in the South of France. It was the best time. I was devastated when the summer came to an end, but at least I get to see you two again." Astoria finished, smiling at both Pansy and I.

"What about you, Pansy, How was Greece?" I asked, turning my attention from Astoria to Pansy, who was chewing on a chocolate frog.

"It was absolutely stunning." She started, mouth full of sweet chocolate. "The scenery was to die for and the food was excellent. I think you would like it, Lydia. We should all go together after we finish at Hogwarts." She suggested.

It sounded like a dream. Suntanning in the surreal warm weather of Greece, whilst the ocean waves crashed against each other in front of us. I knew that's all it was though. For me, at least. A dream.

𓆙

The train came to a sudden halt, knocking me out of my slumber, signaling to me that we had finally arrived at Hogwarts. The sun that once danced through the sky was now gone, and the moon shone bright across the dark, star filled sky.

Getting up, I groaned, still exhausted from my long nap. I turned towards Pansy and Astoria, who both looked as though they had just woken up as well. As other students started exiting the train, I gripped onto Pansy's hand, while she grabbed Astoria's, pushing ourselves into the narrow hall of the train, and beginning to walk out. The cool night breeze hit my face, as I smiled to myself, happy to be back at the place I precisely grew up in. 

"Oh, how I've missed this place." I heard Pansy sarcastically whisper from behind me.

I wish I could feel the same way. Truth be told, Hogwarts was my escape from my hellish home life. Sure, I wouldn't be able to sleep in anymore, or get much alone time. I would also have my grades and classes to worry about, but I'd rather that than have to dwell at home. Besides, I had places around the school that I could go too to hide from everyone else.

Walking into the school, I picked up on the familiar scent of burning candles and old books. I took in the scenery around me in awe, as if I was a first year all over again. The way different floating paintings swung around the light brown walls, and the large marble staircase enchanced the entrance. The high ceilings were another significant part of the castle. They made it seem bigger than it already was. 

Whilst everyone made their way towards The Great Hall for supper and house sorting, I decided against it and started to part my way from the crowd of students, hoping not to get caught by one of the lurking professors.

"Lydia, where are you off too? Aren't you hungry? The Great Hall is this way" Confused Pansy shot at me, taking my hand.

"No, I am not hungry right now. I was just going to visit The Astronomy Tower for a bit. I just want to take a couple minutes to myself."

Nodding, Pansy let go of my hand and continued walking to The Great Hall, whilst I took my all too familiar route to The Astronomy Tower. I'd always found comfort there. Whenever I needed to clear my mind, or just think, my first stop would be The Astronomy Tower. It being the largest tower at Hogwarts, it was a place where I felt most free to be alone with my thoughts, without the worry anyone would see or judge me. I especially found immense solace up in the tower last year, when Draco became a death eater.

Although I knew it was far from Draco's choice, it still shook me that he was actually a part of Voldemort's death squad. Even though I shouldn't have been, I was angry at Draco for a few days after I found out, resulting in me spending most of my days in The Astronomy Tower. It took Draco days to figure out where I was spending all my time, but when he did, we made up and I apologized to him. Ever since then, The Astronomy Tower has been my cheer.

Walking up the many steps of the tower, I glide my fingertips over the railings, feeling the dust that had piled up all throughout summer, letting me know that no one has been here yet. Upon reaching the top of the tower, I notice the familiar, large circular room, finished with arched windows that offered enchanting views of the sky. I smile taking in the breathtaking view, as I take a seat on the floor, relishing this moment of peace, knowing that soon I would have to face an eternity of never ending darkness. 

A/N

chapter two!! let me know what you guys think. also do you guys prefer longer or shorter chapters??!