-Mine-( Harry Potter x Reader)

Chapter 2

"Light pink sky Up on the roof Sun sinks down No curfew 20 questions We tell the truth You been stressed out lately, Yeah me too Something gave you the Nerve to touch my hand it's nice to have a friend"

                                                                               -Taylor swift-

                                                                     -Nice to have a friend- 

Y/n's POV

The train ride had been silent after our compartment encounter with the Dementor. I had dozed off on Harry's shoulder, my curls brushing against his robes, the warmth of him somehow soothing the lingering cold and fear. I wasn't sure when I'd fallen asleep, but the gentle rocking of the Hogwarts Express and the occasional whistle of the steam engine had made it almost impossible to stay awake.

I stirred when the train screeched to a halt. Blinking against the morning light, I realized we had arrived. Rain was streaking down the windows, the sky a pale gray, and the sound of rushing water from the lake below mixed with the chatter and laughter of first-years who were just seeing Hogwarts for the first time. My heart skipped a little—not from nerves, not yet—but from the excitement of being back in a place that already felt like home.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off sleep, and looked up at Harry. He was already on his feet, running a hand through his messy black hair, eyes scanning the crowd for Hagrid. I smirked sleepily, nudging him gently. "Looks like the famous Hogwarts Express stops for everyone... including us."

The rain had soaked the ground, turning the path to the castle into a muddy track, but Hagrid's booming voice carried across the crowd. "All right, you lot! First-years, follow me t' th' boats!" His enormous figure loomed in the distance, guiding nervous children toward the shimmering lake.

I squeezed Harry's hand as we started forward, our feet slipping slightly in the mud. The air smelled of wet grass, rain, and the faint tang of magic that always seemed to cling to the castle grounds. Despite the drizzle, the sight of Hogwarts, towering and majestic even in the gray light, made my heart swell. The stone steps glistened, slick with rain, and the windows reflected the lanterns along the path. It was breathtaking.

We joined the flow of students moving up toward the castle. My mind wandered briefly to my friends—Hermione and Ron, who walked just a step ahead, chatting quietly about what classes might be like this year, and my other friends, Lavender and Parvati, who were probably already arriving in their own group, gossiping and laughing. It had been a long summer, and I was eager to catch up with everyone.

Then I heard it. That unmistakable, sharp drawl cutting through the ambient noise:

"Hey, Potter... fainted, did you? Really? Is Longbottom telling the truth?"

I froze. My stomach tightened as I recognized the voice. Malfoy. That slimy, sneering snake. My eyes narrowed, and without thinking, I stepped in front of Harry, planting my feet firmly in the mud. My voice was low, dangerous, the one I reserved for people who crossed the line.

"It's none of your business, Malfoy. Now move—before I make you regret it."

His pale face twisted into mock outrage, lips curling. "Is that a threat, Wild? You're nothing but a pathetic little girl. I could—"

"Don't you dare touch her!" Harry's voice cracked, and I could feel Ron stiffen behind me, Hermione tense at my side. I glanced at him, and there was no mistaking it—he was protective, and I had to admit it, comforting.

"Oh, look at that," Malfoy said, smirk returning, "Potter protecting his girlfriend."

Harry's ears turned red, but he stayed silent. I wanted to roll my eyes at Malfoy, but before I could, a calm, steady voice cut through the tension:

"Is there a problem here?"

I blinked and looked up. Uncle Remus had appeared from behind the carriages. His robes were worn, patched in places, but his eyes were sharp and full of quiet authority. Even Malfoy faltered under that look, his sarcasm dying in his throat.

"Er... Professor," Draco muttered, clearly unsure how to react.

I exhaled slowly, letting my shoulders relax just a fraction. Uncle Remus gave me a small nod, a silent reassurance, and we continued walking toward the castle. Harry's fingers brushed mine again, lightly, almost imperceptibly, but it made a small flutter in my chest.

The Great Hall doors were open, glowing with warm golden light. The floating candles, the enchanted ceiling, the chatter of excited students—it was everything I had missed and more. But before I could even think about dinner, a sharp voice cut through the hum of conversation.

"Potter, Wild—I want to see you two."

Professor McGonagall. Her worried expression immediately set my nerves on edge. I glanced at Harry, and his brow furrowed in confusion. We let go of each other's hands and followed her, stepping away from the crowds and the smell of roast meats, pumpkin juice, and candles.

"Don't look so worried," she said briskly. "I just need a word in my office. Move along, Weasley, Granger. Nothing for you two—precautionary only."

I threw Hermione a quick look, silently promising I'd meet her in the Great Hall soon. Hand in hand with Harry, we followed McGonagall, our footsteps echoing in the stone corridors, portraits whispering greetings and warnings as we passed. My heart was still thumping from Malfoy's snide comments, but Uncle Remus's presence earlier and Harry's quiet strength kept me grounded.

After a brief conversation in McGonagall's office, we walked back toward the Great Hall. I squeezed Harry's hand again, giving him a small, reassuring smile.

"Hey... don't worry about it. It's alright," I said softly.

He exhaled slowly. "I know, Y/n... it's just... I really don't like those Dementors. Every time they get close, I hear my mum screaming in my head."

I nodded, understanding all too well. I leaned just a little closer, letting my hand linger over his. "We'll get through it. Together."

By the time we reached the Great Hall, the enchanted ceiling mirrored a stormy sky outside, candles floating above casting a warm glow. Students were taking their seats at the long tables, excited chatter bouncing off the high stone walls.

Dumbledore's calm, commanding voice filled the hall. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. As you know, a dangerous criminal, Sirius Black, is on the loose. Dementors will be stationed at every entry point. No student may leave without permission."

A shiver ran down my spine at the mention of Dementors, but Harry's hand found mine again, grounding me.

"On a happier note," Dumbledore continued, "we welcome two new teachers this year: Professor Lupin, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, and Rubeus Hagrid, who will teach Care of Magical Creatures. Now, let the feast begin!"

The aroma of roast chicken, potatoes, and butterbeer-filled bread made my stomach rumble. I could see Ron piling his plate high, Hermione fussing over the pumpkin juice, and I couldn't help but smile. Hogwarts—it was finally good to be home.

After the feast, back in our dormitory, I sank into my four-poster bed, adjusting the crimson-and-gold covers. Hermione put a record on, the soft notes of a favorite song filling the room. Lavender and Parvati soon appeared, chatting animatedly about their first impressions. I lay back, letting the day wash over me, burying my face into my pillow, feeling Lily, my white cat, curl against me.

The moon was a crescent outside the window, stars scattered across the night sky, and for the first time in weeks, I felt truly... home.

And best of all, I was back with my friends. And with my best friend... Harry Potter.

(1249 Words)