But Father I Love Him (Harry Potter)

1. Hogwarts Train

The train huffs out black smoke, as I make my way to our compartment entrance.

The compartment smells of chocolate frogs, and other candies, especially from the first and second years.

The first years excitedly run around the Slytherin compartment, where I sit next to Daphne Greengrass, my best friend.

With our almost matching blonde hair, we were often misinterpreted as sisters, and used that to our advantage.

But her eyes were a deeper blue and her hair was a less light blonde.

I looked like a female version of my brother, and her and her younger sister Astoria looked like opposites.

"How are you going to succeed, Lia? You and Potter are sworn enemies. Even since first year."

I know she's worried about my "mission."

I have to somehow spy on the infamous Harry Potter, and pass his secrets to the Dark Lord himself.

Only he's my nemesis.

"I have to succeed, Daphne. I don't want to die." I snap back at her.

She looks taken aback at my sudden burst.

"I- I'm sorry. It's just..." I sigh.

"You're scared for your life. I know. You don't need to be sorry." She says.

She always knows what to say, I'm so glad I'll always have her by my side.

I see Potter and his friends just outside our compartment, sliding into an empty compartment just outside ours.

I sigh. This was going to be a lot harder than I thought.

The train suddenly lurches forward, and we start heading to Hogwarts.

***

"Anything off the trolley, dears?"

"A treacle tart and... chocolate frog please." Daphne says, making her way over to the trolley, a sack of galleons in one hand.

"Anything for you?" The trolley lady asks, as she exchanges sweets for galleons with Daphne.

I shake my head.

My stomach was already churning, and I felt nauseous from worrying so much.

My head was trying to wrap around so many thoughts at once, trying to grasp meaning at every inch of thought.

It was draining.

"Nuh uh Lia, you have to eat something. We still have a couple hours on this train."

I sigh and oblige.

I was too drained to say no, and I knew it would be good for me.

"Fine. I'll have a chocolate frog then." I say, and hand some galleons in exchange for the blue and gold tin.

The trolley lady passes our compartment, and I set the tin to my side.

"I didn't tell you to buy that for display, Lia. I know you're worried, but you can't put off food forever."

She takes my tin, opens it, and practically shoves the thing in my mouth.

I take the chocolate from her hand, laughing.

It feels good, after worrying so much.

"I think I can feed myself."

I take a bite out of the chocolate to prove my point, and then get out some schoolbooks.