𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗹𝗲.
( the state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons. )
❛ - 𝗜𝗡 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year and befriends Jenny Martin, a Slytherin exchange student fr...
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The Hogwarts Express steamed into Hogsmeade Station, heralding the beginning of another school year at Hogwarts. Excited chatter filled the air as students spilled out onto the platform, eager to reunite with friends and embark on new adventures.
Amidst the throng of students, Harry Potter emerged, his emerald eyes scanning the crowd with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. His first year at Hogwarts had been filled with wonders and dangers, but as he stepped onto the platform, he couldn't shake the feeling that something ominous loomed on the horizon.
His attention was soon drawn to a figure standing apart from the bustling crowd. Jenny Martin, a Slytherin exchange student from France and Russia, stood tall and confident, her dark hair cascading in loose waves around her shoulders. There was an air of mystery about her, a sense that she held secrets waiting to be discovered.
As Harry approached, Jenny turned to meet his gaze, and a spark of recognition flickered between them. Despite being in different houses, there was an immediate connection, as if they were two pieces of a puzzle destined to fit together.
"Bonjour, Harry," Jenny greeted him with a warm smile, her voice carrying a hint of a French accent. "It's good to see you again."
Harry returned her smile, feeling a flutter of excitement in his chest. "Bonjour, Jenny," he replied, his heart racing with anticipation. "How was your summer?"
Before Jenny could respond, a group of Gryffindor boys swaggered past, their laughter echoing off the stone walls of the station. Harry recognized them immediately – Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Neville Longbottom – but it was the fourth member of their group who caught his attention.
Ron Weasley, Harry's best friend and fellow Gryffindor, stood among them, his fiery red hair standing out like a beacon in the crowd. Harry's stomach churned as he saw the smirk on Ron's face, the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Look who it is, boys," Ron exclaimed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Our favorite Slytherin snake."
The other boys joined in with laughter, their words like daggers aimed at Jenny's pride. She stood her ground, her chin held high, but Harry could see the hurt in her eyes, the way her hands trembled ever so slightly at her sides.
"What's wrong, Martin?" Ron continued, his tone mocking. "Couldn't find any friends in your own house? Or did they kick you out for having red hair like a Weasley?"
Harry's blood boiled with anger as he watched his friend taunt Jenny, his fists clenching at his sides. He knew firsthand the sting of prejudice, the pain of being judged for something beyond his control.
"Leave her alone, Ron," Harry said, stepping forward to stand beside Jenny. "She's done nothing to you."
Ron's laughter echoed through the station, a harsh sound that grated on Harry's nerves. "Oh, look who's come to play hero," he sneered, his eyes narrowing with contempt. "Tell me, Potter, did the Sorting Hat finally lose its mind and put you in Slytherin too?"
Harry felt a surge of anger rise within him, but he forced himself to stay calm, to hold onto the values that Dumbledore had taught him – compassion, empathy, understanding.
"No, Ron, it didn't," Harry replied evenly, his voice carrying across the platform. "But if it had, I'd be proud to stand with Jenny and the rest of Slytherin House. They're not all like you think they are."
With that, Harry turned on his heel and walked away, Jenny at his side. Together, they faced the challenges of the new school year, determined to prove that friendship knew no boundaries – not house, not blood, not prejudice.
As they made their way to the castle, Harry couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. The Chamber of Secrets had been opened once before, unleashing terror and chaos upon the school. And now, with dark forces gathering once more, Harry knew that the coming year would be filled with challenges unlike any they had faced before.
But as long as he had Jenny by his side, he knew that they could face whatever dangers lay ahead – together.
