𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 || 𝘛𝘰𝘮 𝘙𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 (ʀᴇᴡʀɪᴛᴛᴇɴ)

| 1 |

Standing on the platform 9¾ with her adoptive mother by her side, she couldn't help but let a small grin etch upon her face, for returning back to Hogwarts was nothing but a thrilling feeling. Sure, staying at home in the muggle world was comfortable and peaceful, but she couldn't help but feel as if she was out of place in that ordinary world filled with ordinary people.

Ever since she was little, living with the other ordinary kids in the orphanage, she could already tell of her difference that had caused separation among her and the other children.

She always thought she was different.

But here— everyone was welcomed for their unique and special abilities they possessed.

She was welcomed here.

Hogwarts was where all the magic started, and with that, where the magic would grow along side its wielder.

"Nyx," she was suddenly pulled out of her train of thoughts by the sound of her loving adoptive mother. Truth be told, she did not expect the sudden embrace received by her parental figure but returned the actions nonetheless, letting her eyes flutter shut for a brief moment to soak up the pleasant feeling caused by her adoptive mother's touch.

For what felt like hours, the older woman finally pulled away—but still holding the raven-haired girl close to her. Her hand travelled to her pale cheeks, resting her palm there before slightly pinching it, earning a yelp in response.

"Mom!" Nyx warned, but her tone was filled with amusement instead of anger, before swatting her mother's hand away. The woman chuckled.

"I expect you to return for Christmas break, dear," she said, scanning her face for a reaction.

"Of course, mother. It's always enjoyable spending time with you," Nyx's mother smiled lovingly at the response before kissing her forehead in a loving manner, her lips lingering slightly before pulling away.

"In public?" Nyx whined, implying to the motherly actions that had just taken place.

"No one's looking! Anyways, enjoy school—don't forget to send letters to keep me updated, and stay out of trouble, will you?" She added the last part, a hint of warning lacing her tone, earning a scoff in response.

"As if I ever get into trouble. Alright, love you mom, see you during break," she waved one last goodbye before turning her heels, walking towards the red train—the Hogwarts Express—sitting there waiting for students to load in.

Seeing as Nyx was an hour early before the train would depart, most of the compartments were empty, a few being occupied by some other early birds.

Choosing a compartment which was empty and didn't have many people passing by to distract her, she walked in before sliding shut the compartment's door. Her luggage was carefully levitated onto one of the seats, including a bird cage which held her companion friend— Ravenous.

To say he was a pet would be offensive. Sure, he would follow her around, liked physical touch, and stayed indoors with her, he was never one to be considered 'domesticated'. Although it all added up to being one, he was something pets weren't. He was free. He had the will to fly away whenever he felt like it. He could stay gone for months without angering her. He could fight back if he ever felt like it— even if it meant drawing blood. He could do all those stuff without such as her raising a hand to remind him of his place.

He was a wild bird, after all. It'd be cruel if she ever took that free will of his.

She remembered, back then, when she was still struggling to find her footing in a world full of cruelty, he had found her. Found her when she needed someone the most and of course, his presence was appreciated and cherished greatly by her.