Mindful Secrets

CHAPTER 1: THE NEW PROFESSOR

NOTE: HERE GOES NOTHING.......

DO VOTE AND COMMENT 

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The sun peeked over the horizon as I arrived at Platform 9¾, my heart a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. The hustle and bustle of students, old and new, swirled around me. Parents exchanged teary farewells with their children, the younger ones clutching their trolleys with a mix of fear and excitement. This was my final year at Hogwarts, and I was determined to make it memorable, especially after the tumultuous events of the previous year when Voldemort was finally defeated. The relief and peace that followed his downfall were palpable, yet a lingering sense of loss shadowed our hearts.

As the Hogwarts Express let out a puff of steam, I caught sight of familiar faces amidst the crowd. Hermione was already deep in conversation with Ginny, while Harry and Ron were engaged in what looked like a spirited debate about Quidditch. I waved, and they gestured for me to join them.

"About time, Ella!" Harry called out, grinning from ear to ear.

"Can't believe it's our last train ride," I replied, a hint of melancholy in my voice as I helped load my trunk into the carriage. "Seems like just yesterday we were first-years."

Ron groaned. "Don't remind me. I'm not ready for this year to end."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Maybe if you focused more on your studies instead of Quidditch, you wouldn't be so worried about leaving."

As we settled into our compartment, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey ahead. My thoughts were interrupted when Draco sauntered in, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. Over the past year, Draco had changed remarkably. No longer the arrogant boy we once knew, he had grown kinder, more thoughtful—a transformation that surprised many of us. He had grown closer to me, becoming the brother I never had but always needed. His presence was a comforting constant, a reminder that family didn't always have to be related by blood.

"Guess who's sitting with us this year?" he announced, dropping into the seat beside me. "I decided to grace you all with my presence."

"Great," Hermione muttered, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

The train whistle blew, and we were off, the familiar landscape of the English countryside rushing past the windows. As the chatter of our friends filled the compartment, I found myself staring out the window, lost in thought. The anticipation of my final year mingled with a sense of uncertainty. What would come next? The prospect of becoming an Auror was thrilling, but the unknown was always daunting.

Hours passed in a blur of laughter, card games, and shared memories. The countryside gradually gave way to the towering mountains and dense forests surrounding Hogwarts. The sense of homecoming was palpable, the excitement in the air growing as the train chugged closer to Hogsmeade Station.

"Remember when we snuck into the Forbidden Forest in second year?" Ron mused, a nostalgic smile on his face.

"And got chased by those giant spiders," Harry added with a chuckle. "Hagrid really knows how to pick his pets."

"Let's not forget Hermione dragging us to the library every chance she got," I teased.

Hermione shot me a look, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "Someone had to make sure you three actually learned something."