The Loyal House of Greye

Chapter Two

Hogwarts Express: August 1994

The rhythmic clatter of the Hogwarts Express echoed through the train compartment as the Greye siblings—Elizabeth, Madelynn, and Carter—settled into their seats. The chaotic events of the Quidditch World Cup night still lingered in their minds as the train carried them towards another school year at Hogwarts.

Madelynn, her prefect badge catching the sunlight streaming through the window, was the first to break the silence. "Well, that was one way to end the summer, wasn't it?"

Carter, lounging casually, flashed a lopsided grin. "Definitely beats the usual 'What I Did on My Summer Holiday' essay."

Elizabeth, gazing out the window, still seemed lost in the memories of the Death Eaters and the chaos that had unfolded at the campsite. "I never thought the World Cup would turn into... that. It was terrifying," she admitted quietly.

Madelynn nodded thoughtfully. "Father always said the wizarding world can be dangerous, but Death Eaters at the World Cup? That was something else entirely."

Their conversation was interrupted when the compartment door swung open, revealing Fred and George Weasley, grinning mischievously.

"Mind if we crash this little family reunion?" Fred quipped.

Carter gestured toward the empty seats. "Come on in. We were just reliving our eventful summer." Standing up, he added, "I'm going to find my friends. See you guys later," before slipping out of the compartment.

With just Madelynn and Elizabeth left, the twins wasted no time bringing their usual lightheartedness to the atmosphere.

"So, Madelynn, the new prefect in town, huh?" Fred teased.

"Does that mean we have to be on our best behavior?" George chimed in with a sly grin.

Madelynn rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You don't even know what 'best behavior' means."

Fred smirked. "Fair point."

"But seriously, congrats on the badge," George added. "Guess you'll be bossing us around all year."

Elizabeth chuckled. "She's always been good at that. Now she just has the badge to make it official."

Madelynn shot a mock glare at the twins. "Don't make me start deducting house points."

"Oh no, we're shaking in our boots!" Fred teased, his grin wide.

"We're proud of you, though," George said sincerely. "Prefect Greye does have a nice ring to it."

Madelynn smiled softly, her usual sharpness giving way to a shy acknowledgment.

As the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop at Hogsmeade Station, Madelynn stood, brushing off her robes. "I should check on the first years and get them to the carriages. You two go ahead; I'll catch up later."

Fred mockingly saluted. "Right away, Prefect Greye!" he called after her as she gave them one last withering look before leaving.

Elizabeth stepped off the train and scanned the bustling platform, her gaze settling on a familiar figure in Hufflepuff robes. Cedric Diggory was making his way through the crowd.

"Cedric!" Elizabeth called, smiling as she hurried to catch up with him.

"Hello, Lizzie," he greeted with a warm smile as they walked together towards the castle, their conversation flowing naturally. The cool breeze carried the scent of magic and adventure as the towering silhouette of Hogwarts loomed ahead. The subtle glances and shared smiles between them hinted at something more—something unspoken yet palpable.