Half-Blood Princess

Chapter Two: The Sorting

The first of September arrived, weighed down by a heavy atmosphere that echoed the recent devastation caused by Death Eater attacks. Cassie's heart pounded with worry as she watched her children gather their belongings and prepare to board the Hogwarts Express.

Standing stoically beside her family on the bustling platform, Peri couldn't shake the furrowed brow and anxious thoughts that consumed her mind. The looming threat of her father's potential involvement with the dark forces was impossible to ignore, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her.

Lost in contemplation, she was suddenly jolted back to reality by her mother's concerned gaze and the unspoken question hanging in the air: "Do you truly believe it's safe to send them?"

Students chattered, and the train whistle sounded like distant whispers against the somber backdrop of fear and uncertainty.

Richard gently clasped Cassie's hand, his gaze reassuring as he spoke, "They will be safe at Hogwarts. You have said there is nowhere safer than Hogwarts." The warm touch of his hand and the sincere kindness in his eyes calmed Cassie's racing heart.

She turned to her daughters, who stood nearby with somber expressions. Despite the fear gnawing at her, Peri met her mother's eyes, mustering a facade of bravery. The thought that her biological father might be among those responsible for the recent World Cup attacks sent shivers down her spine, yet she forced out, "Yes, Mom, we'll be fine."

Cassie heaved a weary sigh as she directed her words to her eldest daughter. Her voice was tinged with worry and love as she spoke. "Please, behave yourself this year. I don't want to receive letters from Dumbledore about your conduct. Despite not being first years, he's granting us a favor by allowing you, Hallie, and Holly into the school."

Peri couldn't resist rolling her eyes at her mother's warning. She knew Cassie only wanted the best for them, but sometimes, her overprotective nature grated on Peri's nerves. "I can learn magic perfectly well on my own. I don't need a school to teach me."

Cassie leveled a stern look at her. "Mind your words, young lady. You have great potential as a witch... though your talent lies more in potion-making than spellcasting," she sighed before pulling Peri into a tight embrace. The comforting scent of lavender and vanilla enveloped Peri as she leaned into her mother's embrace. "I'll miss you dearly, sweetheart. I love you so much."

Returning the hug, Peri nestled into her mother's shoulder. She soaked up every moment of their embrace, knowing it would be months until they could hold each other again. "I love you too, Mom."

The train whistle pierced through the air as Hallie, Holly, Mallory, and Peri said their final goodbyes and boarded the Hogwarts Express with the golden trio. They quickly found their designated compartment while the golden trio settled into the one next door. As soon as they were alone, Hallie and Holly wasted no time heading out to "explore" the train, which meant they were on a mission to find their crushes, Draco and Fred.

Meanwhile, Peri sat by the window, lost in thought about her possible connection to a death eater. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as she pondered why her mother would be associated with such a dark wizard. Though she knew her mother had been in Slytherin's house at Hogwarts, she could never imagine her having any friends from that house.

Mallory's voice broke Peri's thoughts as she mentioned that Hallie and Holly had been gone for quite some time. Peri checked her watch and decided to search for them, assuming they had gotten caught up with their love interests. She warned Mallory to stay put before setting off to find Holly first. She wasn't too concerned about Hallie; after all, she could take care of herself. However, something about this Draco boy made Peri uneasy, especially after he had asked George about him.