CLOSE TO YOU • jp + sb [1]

01.01 | LAST FIRST DAY

CHAPTER ONE

SELYNA Diggory felt a rush of excitement as she squeezed through the bustling crowd on Platform 9¾, her heart pounding with the urgency of her predicament. It was almost time for the Hogwarts Express to depart, and she had to make it onto the train. Her summer had been a monotonous blur of tediousness at home with her parents and her annoying older brother, Amos. The promise of the new school year and the vibrant halls of Hogwarts was the only thing that had kept her going through those long, dull weeks.

She finally spotted the scarlet engine and, pushing her way through the last throng of passengers, she leaped onto the train just before it began to pull away from the platform. Her cheeks flushed with the exertion, Selyna took a moment to catch her breath. The familiar, comforting hum of the train filled the air as she began to navigate her way down the narrow aisles, scanning the compartments for her four favourite boys.

The thought of seeing James Potter again sent a flutter through her chest. She had spent countless nights dreaming about their reunion, imagining how he might have changed over the summer. Would his hair be longer? Would his eyes be bluer? She was hopelessly in love with him, a fact that made her summer even more unbearable. James, her closest friend, had been the only thing that made the dreariness of her home life bearable. But, of course, he was smitten with Lily Evans, and her own feelings seemed like a cruel joke.

Selyna's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, boisterous voice. Sirius Black, always the epitome of charm and charisma, was striding down the aisle, a bag of snacks in hand. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he greeted her with an exuberant shout.

"Selyna!" Sirius's grin was as wide as ever as he pulled her into a warm hug. "I was starting to think you'd miss the train!"

She laughed, feeling a genuine sense of relief at seeing her friend again. "I was almost late, actually. Bloody Amos had hidden my wand and like the prick his is wouldn't tell me where it was. Had to get Dad involved."

"Well, Amos being a prick is to be expected, love." Sirius looked her over with an appraising eye, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. Selyna had always been beautiful, and had many boys vying for her attentions, but Sirius saw more than just her beauty. He saw kindness and intelligence, as well as fierceness and challenge. If he was really honest with himself, he would admit his love for her, but he was Sirius Black after all, notorious playboy of Hogwarts. "You look amazing, Lyna. I'd say the summer's been very generous to you."

Selyna felt her cheeks heat up under his scrutiny. "Stop it, Sirius. You're just trying to make me blush."

"I'm not just trying," Sirius replied with a cheeky grin. "I'm succeeding."

She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. Sirius's flirtation, though sometimes overwhelming, always managed to cheer her up. He gently steered her towards the compartment where the boys were waiting. As she slid open the door, her heart lifted at the sight of them: James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, all settled comfortably in their usual seats.

"Hey, Selyna!" James called out, his face lighting up at her arrival. "Look who finally decided to show up!"

Selyna's pulse quickened as she made her way over to him. "Hey, James," she said, taking the seat next to him. "How was your summer?"

James's face fell slightly, and he began to rant without preamble. "Ugh, don't even get me started. Lily didn't reply to a single one of my letters over the holidays."

Her heart sank at the mention of Lily's name. She had hoped for a more positive start, but James's frustration over Lily Evans was now centre stage. Selyna forced a smile, though it felt more like a grimace as she tried to listen.

Sirius, ever perceptive, noticed her downturned expression and decided to take action. He leaned in, his voice dripping with playful intent. "You know, Selyna, I've been meaning to tell you how stunning you look. Did you get even more beautiful over the summer?"

Selyna couldn't help but laugh, though she shook her head in mock disapproval. "Sirius, you're incorrigible."

"And you like it," he said with a wink, clearly pleased to see her smile return.

Just as Sirius's charm managed to lift her spirits, Remus Lupin's voice drew her attention. He was animatedly discussing the latest book he'd read, and Selyna's interest shifted to the engaging conversation. For a moment, she was able to forget her worries and enjoy the camaraderie of her friends.

Soon, a knock at the cabin door interrupted their conversation, and Lily Evans stepped in. James's eyes lit up, but Lily's face remained impassive. She addressed the group with a tone of business-like efficiency. "Don't forget the prefect meeting later. Remus, James—you both need to be there."

Selyna blinked, puzzled by the sudden change in the atmosphere. "Why does James need to go?"

James, now noticeably more animated, explained. "Lily and I are the Head Boy and Head Girl this year. We've got a lot of planning to do." He added with a smirk, "Looks like we're made for each other, right Lily Flower?"

Lily merely scoffed and walked out of the compartment as James scrambled to follow her, with Remus trailing behind to also attend the meeting and Peter joining to go get sweets. Selyna watched him go, her heart sinking again as the compartment seemed to lose its warmth. The absence of James's presence, combined with the reminder of his infatuation with Lily, left her feeling more alone than ever.

Sirius, ever attentive to her mood, watched her carefully. As soon as the door closed behind James and Remus, he turned back to Selyna, his eyes filled with concern.

"Hey," he said softly, "don't let it get you down. I'm sure James will come around eventually once he sees reason."

Selyna forced a small smile, Sirius had been the only one to pick up on her feelings for James over the years. He had been a gentlemen and never teased her for it or told anyone else, she felt she could trust him with the issue of her heart. "Thanks, Sirius. It's just... hard, you know?"

"I know," Sirius replied, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. "But you're amazing, and anyone would be lucky to have you."

For a moment, Selyna felt a flicker of hope. Sirius's words, though bittersweet, provided some comfort. She was surrounded by friends who cared about her, and that meant something, even if the boy she loved was still chasing after someone who didn't deserve him.