𝐄𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞|| 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞

Chapter one

Eleanor opened the bathroom door and stepped out onto the hallway of the train. Her footsteps echoed softly on the narrow, carpeted corridor of the train, the rhythmic clacking of the wheels on the tracks providing a steady backdrop to her search for her friend Narcissa black.

The train swayed gently, a dance of motion that she navigated with practiced ease, her hand occasionally grazing the polished wood paneling for balance. The warm, golden light from the overhead sconces cast a cozy glow, flickering across the faces of chattering students who filled the space.

As she moved, the murmur of conversations swirled around her, a tapestry of laughter, debate, and the occasional outburst of excitement. The scent of worn leather from the seats mixed with a hint of someone's floral perfume, creating an ambiance that was distinctly human and alive. She peered into each compartment, her gaze flitting over the occupants, searching for the familiar silver-blonde hair of Narcissa.

Eleanor passed by windows where the world outside blurred into streaks of green and brown, the scenery racing by as the train carved through the countryside. She brushed past a group of students, their uniforms slightly disheveled from the excitement of the journey, their voices a crescendo in the confined space. Finally, she spotted Narcissa, seated gracefully by the window, her poise unaffected by the sway of the train. Eleanor's face lit up with a smile of relief and anticipation as she approached her friend.

"You're late" Narcissa looked up at the rosier girl as the corners of her mouth quirked up. Her skin was pale, a canvas of alabaster that seemed to capture and reflect the soft light around her, giving her an ethereal glow. Large, expressive brown eyes, the color of autumn leaves, dominated her visage. Framing her delicate features were cascades of blonde ringlets, each one a perfect coil, like the intricate spirals of a baroque sculpture. They tumbled and twirled with a life of their own, catching the light and shimmering with a golden radiance that contrasted starkly against her fair skin. Her hair pulled up into an elegant bun atop her head, a few rebellious curls escaping to caress her cheeks and neck, softening her refined appearance.

"Hello to you too Narcissa" Eleanor grinned before placing herself beside Narcissa's sitting figure beside the window. She straightened her skirt, the corduroy fabric rubbing against her palms.

"Where were you" She asked, turning her body around to fully face Eleanor. Her nose was stuck in the air as her eyes carefully observed the rosier girl playing with the loose strings of fabric sticking out from the hem of her skirt.

"I was just saying hello to everyone" Eleanor clarified, her small smile could be heard by her tone.

"For 30 minutes?" Narcissa asked in discontent. Her words caught Eleanor's attention when she raised her gaze from her lap, she looked back at Narcissa, a twinkle in her eye.

"Yeah but who's counting?" Eleanor tilted her head slightly as she tried joking with the blonde girl in front of her but of course, it was to no avail. Narcissa stared back at her with a deadpanned expression causing Eleanor to roll her eyes, "fine, I was with Lestrange in the bathroom"

"Already?" Narcissa's eyes widened as she gave Eleanor a slight scrutinizing glance. Eleanor chuckled seeing her friend's disbelief. "Lighten up Narcissa, it was merely some fun"

"Does he know that" Narcissa quickly asked with a doubtful expression.  Eleanor sighed before responding, "Of course, I made it very clear it's a casual thing."

Narcissa's lips twitched as an uncertain expression formed on her features. Her eyes seemed clouded with thoughts as soon as those words left Eleanor's mouth. The rosier girl knew that expression so well, Narcissa often wore it when wanting to say something but her morals prevented her from doing such, "What is it" Eleanor asked curiously.