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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The Yule holidays had come to an end, and the group found themselves standing on Platform 9¾, ready to board the Hogwarts Express for the journey back to school. The festive atmosphere of the platform, with families bidding farewells and the train's whistle echoing through the air, was a stark contrast to the cozy days spent at Malfoy Manor.
Draco stood tall and composed, despite the subtle sadness in his eyes as he glanced back at his parents. Angel, beside him, gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Their friends gathered around, shared a mix of excitement and reluctance to return to the routine of school life.
"Well, it was fun while it lasted," Blaise remarked, hoisting his trunk onto the train.
Pansy nodded. "Definitely. But I'm ready to get back to some semblance of normalcy."
Theo smirked. "As normal as it gets for us, anyway."
Luna, ever the optimist, added, "Hogwarts is always an adventure. Who knows what this term will bring?"
With that, they boarded the train, finding an empty compartment where they could all sit together. The train gave a lurch, and they were off, the landscape rushing by as they settled in for the journey.
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The journey back to Hogwarts was filled with chatter and laughter. The group reminisced about the holidays, sharing favorite moments and inside jokes. Angel leaned against the window, watching the snowy countryside blur past, feeling a bittersweet mix of excitement and nostalgia.
As the train approached the castle, the mood shifted. They donned their school robes and prepared to face the familiar routine of classes, homework, and the ever-present undercurrents of magical politics.
Upon arrival, they joined the throng of students making their way up to the castle. The Great Hall was a welcome sight, with its enchanted ceiling reflecting the night sky and the warm glow of candles casting a comforting light over the tables.
Dumbledore stood at the head of the room, his eyes twinkling as he welcomed everyone back. "Welcome, students, to the second half of the school year. May it be filled with knowledge, friendship, and growth."
As the students settled in for the feast, Angel looked around at her friends, feeling a sense of belonging. They had faced so much together and grown stronger for it. This term, she felt, would be no different.
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The first week back at Hogwarts was a whirlwind of settling into routines and catching up on assignments. The group, though, always made time for each other, often gathering in the common room to study and share the latest gossip.
One evening, as they lounged in the Slytherin common room, Draco looked up from his Potions book. "So, any news on the upcoming Quidditch match? Ravenclaw vs. Gryffindor should be interesting."
Blaise grinned. "I've got my money on Ravenclaw. Gryffindor's seeker is good but nowhere near as good as Angel was, and Ravenclaw's team has been training hard."
Daphne, sitting with her legs crossed on the sofa, nodded. "Agreed. Plus, they've got that new chaser on the team. I've seen her practice, and she's better than the ones on Gryffindor's team."
Pansy, ever the strategist, leaned forward. "Speaking of, we need to start planning for our own matches. We've got a strong team, but we can't get complacent. Speaking of which Angel will you please join?"
"Fine." She said in exasperation as Pansy and Daphne had puppy dog eyes, since she was new they were hoping they could get an exemption from her missing tryouts."
Theo, who had been quietly reading, looked up. "I've been working on some new tactics. We should try them out during practice this week."
The conversation continued, filled with strategies and friendly competition. Despite their differences, their shared love for the game brought them even closer.
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Short chapter but its a filler so I hope that's okay!
