human again / hp.

Chapter 1

The platform at King's Cross Station buzzed with life, a chaotic symphony of families saying their goodbyes, students dragging trunks over uneven stones, and the occasional hoot of an owl cutting through the din. The scarlet Hogwarts Express stood waiting, its gleaming exterior almost pulsating with energy as wisps of steam curled into the air.

I stood amidst the commotion, my hand clutching the cool handle of my trunk. Despite the vibrant energy around me, a nervous anticipation coursed through my veins. My parents flanked me, their regal presence commanding a wide berth from the other families. Narcissa Malfoy, poised and elegant as ever, leaned down slightly to adjust the collar of my cloak. Lucius Malfoy, his pale hair as polished as his cane, surveyed the crowd with an expression of mild disdain.

"Take care, my darlings," my mother said, her voice soft but insistent, her fingers lingering briefly on my shoulder. "Write to us often, and remember who you are. You represent the Malfoy family now."

My father's gaze lingered on us, his tone colder but no less pressing. "Do not forget your responsibilities. Befriend the right people. And if you can, make an impression on Harry Potter."

Harry Potter. His name had been spoken in hushed reverence and sharp skepticism within the walls of Malfoy Manor for as long as I could remember. I nodded automatically, though the thought of approaching him filled me with unease.

"Yes, Father," Draco replied confidently, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his own nerves. I caught his eye, and for a moment, we shared a flicker of understanding. We were stepping into a new world, one where our family's influence might not stretch as far as we were used to.

With a final embrace from our mother and a stiff nod from our father, we turned toward the train. The weight of their expectations clung to me, pressing heavily against my chest as we stepped through the bustling platform and up the steps of the Hogwarts Express.

Inside, the train was just as alive as the platform, filled with students of all ages chatting and laughing as they searched for seats. The air smelled faintly of pumpkin pasties and parchment, a strange but oddly comforting blend.

After navigating the crowded corridors, we found an empty compartment near the back. Draco and I stowed our trunks and perched our owls—his haughty Eagle Owl and my smaller, sprightly Barn Owl, Astra—in their cages. As we settled in, two familiar faces appeared in the doorway.

"Crabbe, Goyle," Draco greeted with a nod, motioning for them to join us.

Crabbe offered a lazy wave, while Goyle grunted in acknowledgment as they heaved their bulky frames into the compartment.

"Hello, Crabbe. Goyle," I said politely, offering them a faint smile.

The whistle of the train sounded moments later, and with a lurch, the Hogwarts Express began its journey. I turned to the window, watching as the platform blurred into a streak of color. My parents stood at the edge of the crowd, their forms shrinking into the distance.

Excitement prickled at the edges of my nerves, mingling with a gnawing sense of trepidation. The enormity of what lay ahead—sorting, classes, making friends, proving myself—felt overwhelming. I stole a glance at Draco, who was already deep in conversation with Crabbe about Quidditch. His confidence reassured me, even if it wasn't entirely genuine.

The rhythmic clatter of the train had almost lulled me into a trance when the door slid open. The trolley lady, her cheerful face slightly flushed, wheeled her cart forward.

"Anything from the trolley, dears?" she asked, her voice as warm as her smile.

Crabbe and Goyle immediately launched themselves at the cart, piling their arms with a dizzying assortment of sweets. I held back, scanning the offerings before selecting a single pumpkin pasty.

As I nibbled on the flaky pastry, the conversation around me faded into background noise. I turned back to the window, watching the countryside roll by in a blur of green and gold. My mind raced with questions.

What house would I be sorted into? Would it be Slytherin, as my parents expected? Or would it be somewhere else entirely?

Would I make friends who understood me, or would I forever be overshadowed by Draco's larger-than-life presence?

Would I disappoint my parents, despite my best efforts?

The knot in my stomach tightened, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. This was my chance—a chance to prove myself, not just as a Malfoy, but as Celeste.

For the first time, I allowed myself a small, secret hope: that I might find a place at Hogwarts where I could truly belong.

Draco's voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. "Celeste, are you even listening?"

I turned to him with a faint smile. "Of course," I lied, though my thoughts were already drifting once more to the castle that awaited us beyond the horizon.

The journey was just beginning, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of person I would be by the time it ended.