Midnights (OC)

8 - Welcome Back

Timeline is a bit different than the real one, so be weary while reading pls!:)

Winter break came and went rather quickly. The platform was alive with bustling families bidding farewell to their children, owls hooting from their cages, and the distinct sound of the train's engine drawing closer. Amid the flurry of excitement, Emery exchanges smiles and greetings with Blaise and Avery. Emery notes that Draco and Theo are still missing, as the scarlet Hogwarts Express rolled in, billows of steam enveloped the platform. With practiced ease, Emery and her friends find an empty compartment and settle in, the familiar sights and sounds of the train bringing a comforting sense of nostalgia.

As the train set off on its journey, the landscape outside transforms into a winter wonderland, snow-capped trees passing by in a mesmerizing blur. Amidst the laughter and chatter, the group shares stories of their breaks, excitement bubbling for the adventures awaiting their return at Hogwarts. Emery eagerly waits for Draco and Theo to show their faces. Just as she had enough and was about to go search for them, they both waltz in, laughing with one another. Emery sometimes forgets how close they are.

"Where the bloody hell have you two been," Blaise huffs, crossing his arms on his chest.

Both boys smile as they take their seats, squeezing Blaise between them. "Aw did you miss us that much Blaise?" Theo teases, fluffing Blaise's hair.

The girls giggle at the boys' behavior. Emery makes eye contact with Theo first, his charming smile never wavering. Emery mirrors a warm smile before Draco's voice draws her attention. "So girls, how was your break?" he questions, his eyes landing on Emery.

"Yeah, do tell. I ended up staying for half the break, then coming home. We three were able to see each other over break but we didn't get to see you two at all," Blaise adds. Emery wonders if Theo mentioned anything about her to Draco. Or if Draco brought her up at all to them.

Emery eyes remain on Draco's as Avery begins to share a recap of her break. Avery grins. "I visited my cousin's farm. Let's just say I had an unexpected encounter with a mischievous gnome in their garden." The boys laugh in response. "But other than that, nothing really interesting."

"I traveled to France for a bit with my family. Explored some magical vineyards and discovered a few cool new potions," Blaise says.

"Wicked. I've always wanted to go there," Avery responds in awe and minor jealousy. "What about you, Theo?"

"Uh, I mostly helped my parents with family gatherings we had. They had lots of guests over. It was quite boring," he declares, his face indifferent.

"Felt that. I stayed at the manor all break and dealt with too many tedious family affairs," Draco adds, shaking his head.

"What about you, Emery?" Emery suddenly feels everyone's eyes on her, as hers shift to Blaise, preparing to answer him.

"Oh me? Uh, I just stayed home while family came to visit. We honestly just played in the snow most of the time," Emery admits, her cheeks rosy, while slipping a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"That sounds fun," Avery pouts. "I wish I had family around my age or younger to play around with."

Emery laughs. "Trust me, it's not all it's cracked up to be. You'd run at the first sight of tears."

Everyone laughs as they all continue to poke fun at one another. That is, until the train screeches to a halt. "Why are we stopped?" Blaise inquires, looking out into the hallway. Confused as well, Emery stands up to look out the window, but it's a bit too dark to view anything.

"Do you see anything, Emery?" Avery asks.

"Mmm, no not really," Emery shakes her head, craning her neck once more to try to view something— anything in the darkness.