Inferno | Draco Malfoy

093 | Tired of This Reality

The Hogwarts Express begins to move as soon as its whistle blows.

Everybody likes going to Hogwarts, whether one is starting their first year, or one is starting a new year, it's magical, literally and metaphorically, even for a pureblood. That is what the train is for, riding it on September 1st marks the start of a new academic year, a new chapter in one's life. Yet, this chapter is bound to be like no other, completely and utterly messy. Chaotic, hectic and all that is needed to raise hell.

After all, there has already been enough change to interrupt the regular pattern of society.

Today, the platform and the train have never been so hauntingly quiet. The innocent first years make no noise, they sit in carriages and compartments, still, without any enthusiasm, more so terror as they keep their heads down. Of course, it displays manners when one stays quiet, but these are children, and I am certain their parents have warned them about being obnoxious and loud before stepping onto the platform. Likewise, the parents and guardians did not fuss, they're obliged to send their children here.

Though there are still a handful of students here, there isn't a single Muggle-born in sight. Despite this, we will all be chained by the rules of the school, and in some cases, shackled by the ultimate ruler with ulterior motives.

Even now, travelling to the school, everything feels so out of place. The sky is caliginous, with each cloud hiding Heaven's virtues away, and there is this despondent atmosphere that surrounds us all. Especially in the carriage that I am currently sharing with my friends.

Tracey, who is usually the most exuberant one, looks out at the window as the panoramic and scenic view captures her attention. She appears to be thinking, lost in deep thought, and there is a tear that is held back in her eye. Her father is now a Death Eater, forced into the lifestyle after being unassociated throughout the first wizarding war. Tracey's father has been punished for not serving the 'righteous', and he now has to climb the Dark Lord's ranks if he wants to keep his family safe.

Theodore Nott is spaced out, also in his own world, as Pansy's head lies on his shoulder, her hand resting on top of his so that he stops his new profound habit of itching his arm. He had lost his fight with his father, after being placed under the Imperius Curse, and is now a Death Eater, branded and all. Since his father, Tobias, is in the Dark Lord's high regard, Theo is not required to do much, only to swear his loyalty to (once again) the 'righteous'. Regardless of Theo's surrender, Tobias is still not proud of his son, resenting him for being born a boy and blaming him for the death of his wife. In fact, Tobias hates his son a little more after finding out about his connection to Pansy.

Both Daphne's and Milly's faces are buried in different books, one romance, the other gothic. Blaise, on the other hand, is fast asleep. Nothing major has been troubling them, their lives are quite peaceful, like mine. Though of course, we all have problems, and all we have to do is stick together through them. Unlike Malfoy, who isn't in the compartment, finding it better to ditch us completely and be with his fiancée.

Blaise and Theo tried to consult him, but no matter what, he just wouldn't talk, only smiling and conversing with his fiancée. I did say that people are awfully two-faced; they are so quick to turn their backs on you. One minute you're everything, and the next, you're nothing but a stranger.

Speaking of the devil, a bang interrupts my thoughts and my head turns from looking at the Autumn view outside to the compartment door. There stands Etain Haine, with a very noticeable blond boy behind her. She tries to slide the door open but Pansy prevents her from doing so by keeping her foot pressed against the door. With one abrupt push, Etain manages to slide the door open.

"Parkinson, it's so good to see you." Etain smiles, her hands on her hips to display her ring in a subtle boastful way. I don't bother to look at her ring, focusing my attention on her face. "Theo, I heard what happened, good for you, Death Eaters are fit, I'm marrying one myself." She giggles, making me roll my eyes.