Connected by Magic

Chapter 41

The train stood ready. A new year at Hogwarts.

Despite the heavy security around Harry, the swirling intimidating eye of Moody that peeked out under the hat... Even with all those things that made it feel heavy and dangerous, Amelia was excited to learn and be at Hogwarts.

Amelia stood with her friends with Harry being the one under watch by Order members. They weren't taking chances. She couldn't tell whether Harry was pleased by it. But she guessed the one-on-one with Sirius did some good.

Still, she can't help but feel that Harry was feeling off. About what? Who know? She didn't know and would probably not get a straight answer from him. Harry has been rather reclusive with his thoughts. Even their conversation in the room with her family tree felt rather forced in some ways. She spoke while he listened mostly.

"Shall we find a seat somewhere?" asked Harry. Yet Hermione was quick to respond with news that Harry didn't like.

"I wish we could, Harry, but Prefects should report in the Prefect carriage. And then we'll have to patrol the corridors," she explains. Amelia's face held a slightly sour look. It felt like a drag to be a Prefect. She rather spent her time differently.

"Oh, right..." muttered Harry his shoulder slumping slightly. Daphne came soon enough, swinging an arm around his shoulders.

"Not to worry, I'll sit with you, Harry. George is off to do something with Fred," she said. "So, I can keep you company."

"Thanks, Daphne," Harry said yet even the tone of resignation wasn't gone from his voice. It's rather new to see him so up and down. Almost as if something was making his feelings rather weird. Amelia couldn't fathom what it was, even hormones couldn't cause such a quick turn. Then again, they probably could.

"Well, we best be off then," Hermione said, giving Harry a final comforting smile. "See you once we're done, Harry, Daphne."

"Have fun," Daphne said and with that each of them went their separate ways. Hermione led the way while Ron and Amelia followed close behind. Fun was not on Amelia's mind. The only upside was that Hermione was with them.

The compartment was near the front of the train. Inside it was mostly like any other compartment just more spacier. They were met by the head boys and girls along side the other prefects. It wasn't hard to notice who belonged to which house.

Hermione and Ron pinned up her prefect badge, showing the colours of Gryffindor. Her own was showing the green and silver of Slytherin. She wondered who the prefect of the boys is. She sorely hoped it was someone nice. Henry would have been nice if he was still here.

"Gods, why...?"

"What? Oh..."

Hermione soon saw what Amelia saw. The other prefect for Slytherin was none other than Malfoy. Of course, it was Draco that got the badge too. It was now Amelia was glad to have some power to hold the bully in check. Perhaps even make sure the points he deducts were made with honesty. Surely, she could report him if he abused his position?

"That sucks... I hope you survive," Ron said. "Prefects of the same house usually do things together like patrolling and taking care of the first-years."

"I'll do my best," Amelia sighed. "At least I can rail him in if necessary, y'know? Try to keep him from punishing you and your House too much. Which he will try as he has it out for you, not necessarily me. Which is rather strange."

"Well, me too..." Hermione pondered. "Not sure why, but he kept his distance from me. Perhaps worried you'll do something if he did? I mean, you're pretty skilled in all subjects."