Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 2 - Arriving at Hogwarts

The platform was a bustling hub of activity as students, accompanied by their families, hurried to board the scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express. Columns of smoke billowed from the locomotive's chimney, mingling with the chatter and laughter of excited young witches and wizards. The platform itself, numbered 9¾, was a mixture of worn cobblestones and weathered brick, with the iconic archway marking the entrance to the magical platform.

Aurora Kindle stood amidst the throng, her slender figure cutting a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the bustling scene. Her white hair cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, and her silver eyes darted nervously from one group to another, taking in the diverse array of students preparing to embark on the journey to Hogwarts.

Families hugged and said their goodbyes, while younger siblings clung to their older brothers and sisters, eager to catch a glimpse of the wonders that awaited them at the renowned school of witchcraft and wizardry. Trunks were piled high with belongings, owls hooted from their cages, and the air was alive with the promise of new beginnings.

As Aurora watched the flurry of activity around her, her mind raced with thoughts of the Sorting Ceremony that awaited her upon arrival at Hogwarts. Which house would she be sorted into? Gryffindor, where bravery and courage reigned supreme? Ravenclaw, where wit and intelligence were prized above all else? Hufflepuff, known for its loyalty and fair play? Or perhaps Slytherin, where cunning and ambition were revered traits?

She couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation mixed with apprehension. Would she find her place among her fellow witches and wizards, or would she forever remain an outsider, destined to wander the hallowed halls of Hogwarts alone? With a deep breath, Aurora squared her shoulders and stepped forward, ready to embrace whatever fate awaited her in the magical world beyond.

As Aurora navigated the crowded platform, lost in her thoughts, she suddenly collided with someone, sending a flurry of parchments and books tumbling to the ground. Startled, she stumbled backward, her heart racing as she looked up to see a nerdy boy standing before her, his dark messy hair falling over thick-framed black glasses.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" the boy exclaimed nervously, scrambling to pick up his scattered belongings. He was cute, with ruffled hair and black glasses.

"No, I'm sorry, it was my fault," Aurora replied quickly, bending down to help him gather his things. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

The boy's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he straightened up, clutching his books tightly to his chest. "No, no, it was mine. I should have seen you," he insisted, his voice tinged with self-deprecation.

Aurora offered him a reassuring smile, her silver eyes sparkling with warmth. "Well, no harm done," she dusted off her new skirt, "My name is Aurora Kindle. I'm new here, so I don't have a house yet."

The boy's eyes widened in surprise at her introduction, clearly taken aback by her directness. "Oh, uh, my name is Halo Reese," he stammered, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'm a Gryffindor. I hope you get sorted into our house."

Aurora returned his smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie with this unlikely acquaintance. "Thank you, Halo. That's very kind of you." With a nod of gratitude, she bid him farewell and continued on her way, a newfound sense of optimism blooming in her heart. Perhaps Hogwarts wouldn't be so daunting after all, especially if she had friends like Halo by her side.

'I hope I make some friends. I guess being in Gryffindor wouldn't be so bad...' she thought to herself.

.........

Aurora stepped into an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express, feeling a rush of relief as she closed the door behind her. She sank down onto the plush seat, letting out a long sigh as she finally found a moment of solitude amidst the chaos of the crowded train. Leaning against the window, she gazed out at the passing scenery, watching as rolling hills and lush green forests blurred into streaks of color against the backdrop of the setting sun. The golden light bathed the landscape in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the countryside as the train rattled along the tracks.