Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 32 - Back to Hogwarts

Eliza and Sirius were relieved beyond measure to board the Hogwarts Express once more. The rhythmic clatter of the train and the familiar sights of fellow students bustling about brought a sense of comfort they desperately needed after the tumultuous summer at Grimmauld Place. Finding an empty compartment, they settled in, eager to leave behind the shadows of their home.

"This feels like a fresh start," Sirius said, gazing out the window at the passing countryside. The rolling hills and emerald fields sped by, a blur of color that made him feel like he was finally moving away from the suffocating darkness of Grimmauld Place.

Eliza nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Definitely. I can't wait to see everyone again." Her voice was soft, but the relief in it was palpable. She leaned back in her seat, letting the familiar hum of the train soothe her frayed nerves.

As the train sped towards Hogwarts, they discussed plans for the upcoming year, including new pranks and their excitement over returning to the camaraderie of the Marauders. Sirius, always the more talkative of the two, launched into a detailed plan for a prank involving enchanted quills that would rewrite students' essays into nonsensical rhymes.

"We could charm the quills to start scribbling as soon as they touch parchment," Sirius said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Imagine McGonagall's face when she starts reading an essay about Transfiguration that turns into a love poem halfway through!"

Eliza chuckled, though her laughter didn't quite reach her eyes. "That would be brilliant, Siri. We could even sneak a few into the Slytherins' bags. They'd never see it coming."

Despite her attempt at enthusiasm, Eliza was still quiet, the lingering weight of their summer at home hanging over her. The memories of their parents' harsh words and cold stares were hard to shake off, even with the promise of Hogwarts' warm embrace ahead.

Sirius noticed her silence and reached out, squeezing her hand. "Hey, we'll be alright, you know? We're back at Hogwarts. It's our home, more than that place ever was."

Eliza squeezed his hand back, grateful for his reassurance. "I know, Sirius. It's just... I wish we didn't have to go back there ever again."

"We won't, not if I have anything to say about it," Sirius vowed fiercely. "We'll make our own way, Lizzy. You'll see."

They fell into a companionable silence, watching the scenery blur by. Soon, familiar faces began to peer into their compartment, and it wasn't long before James and Peter found them, bursting in with their usual exuberance.

"Blimey, it's good to see you two!" James exclaimed, ruffling his already untidy hair. "How was your summer? Did you survive the madness?"

Peter plopped down next to Sirius, his round face beaming with excitement. "I've got so much to tell you! Wait till you hear about the new tricks I learned from my cousins."

Eliza and Sirius exchanged a quick, knowing look. "It was... eventful," Eliza said carefully, not wanting to dampen the mood with tales of Grimmauld Place. "But we're glad to be back."

James, sensing there was more to the story but respecting their silence, nodded. "Well, we're here now, and we've got a whole year ahead of us. Let's make it count, yeah?"

"Absolutely," Sirius agreed, his earlier enthusiasm returning. "We've got a lot planned, and I can't wait to get started."

As the train chugged closer to Hogwarts, their compartment filled with laughter and lively chatter. The oppressive weight of the summer slowly lifted, replaced by the anticipation and excitement of a new school year. Eliza found herself relaxing, the familiar banter of her friends wrapping around her like a warm, comforting blanket.

"We should come up with a grand entrance for this year," James suggested, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Something that'll make everyone remember the Marauders are back."

"How about we enchant the Sorting Hat to sing a different song?" Peter suggested, earning a round of approving nods.

Eliza leaned forward, a genuine smile forming on her lips. "Or we could charm the Great Hall's ceiling to show something unexpected. Like a meteor shower or a dragon flying through the stars."

"That's brilliant, Lizzy!" Sirius exclaimed, his excitement infectious. "We could even add sound effects to make it more realistic."

As they plotted and planned, the train rolled on towards Hogwarts, the place they all considered their true home. The promise of new adventures and the comfort of their unbreakable friendship made the dark memories of Grimmauld Place fade further into the background.

By the time the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station, Eliza felt lighter, her heart lifted by the love and loyalty of her friends. Stepping off the train and into the crisp evening air, she took a deep breath, ready to face whatever the new year had in store for them.

As they made their way to the carriages that would take them up to the castle, Eliza looked at her friends, feeling a surge of gratitude. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together. And for the first time in months, she felt a flicker of hope.