Reborn - A Harry Potter Fanfiction

i.xii chapter seven

Autumn, 1991; The Journey to Hogwarts

The Scottish countryside might just be the most beautiful landscaping Ember had ever seen. Vibrant, grassy meadows turned into thunderous mountains, reaching high into the blue sky. The world looked so at peace and Ember smiled to herself as her eyes followed a lone bird, flying off into the distance; off to its next adventure.

"So, who do you live with Ember?" Ron asked in the middle of stuffing his face with a pink, fondant fancy. Ember turned her head away from the window, chuckling at the icing decorating the boy's lips.

"I actually live with a Professor at Hogwarts."

"Really?" Harry asked, intrigued, joining in on the conversation. Ember nodded, pursing her lips.

"Which one?" Ron sniffed as he wiped his mouth.

"Professor Snape, but it's -"

"Snape?!" Ron spat.

"Yeah..."

"Rotten luck, I've heard some things about him from my brothers. Not the best fellow if you ask me" he grimaced, offering a sympathetic look. Ember didn't know what to take from that; Harry meanwhile had shuffled closer, obviously curious himself.

"I suppose he's a character...to say the least" she fumbled for words. "But it's only temporary, see I left the children's home in a hurry and Professor Snape was the only one kind enough to take me in under such short notice."

"Kind isn't a word Fred or George would use to describe that man" Ron huffed under his breath, referring to his two older brothers who were currently going into their third year. Ember heard his words and turned red, still trying to argue Snape's case even though she knew perfectly well that he was a miserable, old git.

"Hagrid said he's trustworthy" she began, ignoring Ron's comment. "But even so, I'm not living with Snape forever and am currently in the process of finding a more stable home. I should be out of Professor Snape's life by the spring" she concluded. Ember made sure she smiled at that. Snape was so gloomy and unnecessarily boring in the summer just gone; she should be glad to find a proper home and proper parents. Dare she hope...

Ron shrugged and slumped back in his chair with more sweets, meanwhile Harry pursed his lips and gave her a quick smile before looking back out the window. Ember sighed, she liked the boys, she really did, but she would defiantly be glad to get back to her book. So far, the three of them had talked for hours about their home life, particularly Ron's as neither Ember nor Harry had much of one; they spoke of Hogwarts; the four houses; sweets and games, but at long last, they all started to quieten down, at least Ember did. Her social battery could only go on for so long.

Hastily, she searched through her small satchel bag that she'd packed with only the necessities for the journey and pulled out 'The Wizard's Destiny, no. 5'. She was certainly getting through the series, however, as soon as made herself comfortable and turned to the correct page she felt a pair of eyes on her. Ember looked up to see Ron staring and smiling. He looked like he wanted to say something and so once again, she put the book down.

"Fred taught me a spell to turn Scabbers yellow, want to see?" Ron asked, seemingly eager to impress her. Ember smiled and nodded, casting a quick look towards the rat that was busy guzzling some jelly beans. She hated rats. She thought they were disgusting little creatures, which was unfortunate as St. Claire's always used to be invested with them. So, it would be nice not only to see a bit of magic, but to hopefully make the grotesque creature on Ron's lap a bit more pleasing to the eye.

"Go on then" Harry grinned, also intrigued. Ron rolled up his sleeves and got out his wand, coughing lightly into his hand he then pointed it at Scabbers. Just as he was about to perform his trick, when someone knocked and the compartment door slid open. Ember looked towards the doorway to see a young girl, most likely a first year too due to the lack of colour on her robes. She had the biggest, bushiest brown hair you could ever see and curious, big eyes.