My name is Sarah Dumbledore, and yes, that last name means exactly what you think it means. I am the daughter of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, and for my entire life, the castle has been my home.
Growing up within the ancient walls of Hogwarts gave me a rather unique childhood, but as much as I knew every nook and cranny of the place, being Dumbledore's daughter always meant living in a different light. Everyone expected something from me, as if I had to live up to a name that weighs more than anyone could imagine.
This summer, for the first time, I spent my holidays away from Hogwarts. I stayed at the home of Hermione Granger, one of my dearest friends, and my first real experience of the Muggle world was... interesting, to put it simply. Now, however, it was finally time to go home.
Even though my life had always revolved around Hogwarts, taking the Hogwarts Express was still new to me; It was only the second time I had been on the train, the first having been at the end of my second year, when Hermione had invited me to her house. The scarlet Hogwarts Express was puffing along gently, ready to take us all off to a new school year. Despite the hustle and bustle of King's Cross Station, I couldn't help but feel excited about going back.
I made my way along the corridor of the train, looking for a compartment, when I came across the familiar faces of Fred and George Weasley, already up to some mischief. "Sarah!" Fred said, grinning broadly, jumping to his feet. "Have you had a good summer, then?" "Yes, thanks to Hermione," I said, smiling back as I sat down next to them. "Her family have been fantastic. How about you? Any new explosive inventions?" "Not yet," said George innocently, "but it's only a matter of time." Despite the Weasley twins' constant warmth towards me, I couldn't ignore the watchful gazes of Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy, who were sitting in the carriage opposite me.
Being a Slytherin who was friends with both Slytherin and Gryffindor students at the same time wasn't easy, and I often felt torn between two worlds. Draco, in particular, never missed an opportunity to try to distance me from my Gryffindor friends, as if it were his personal mission. "I can't believe you spent the summer with a Gryffindor," Draco said, in his usual haughty tone, as he regarded me with raised eyebrows. "Are you sure you haven't been brainwashed?" "Very funny, Draco," I replied sarcastically. Blaise, always composed and silent, regarded me with a look that seemed to be weighing my every word.
He was the most diplomatic of the Slytherins, but I knew that even he preferred that I not spend too much time with my Gryffindor friends. However, unlike Draco, Blaise respected my choices, and I felt more comfortable in his presence because of it. Soon after, Hermione entered our compartment, looking a little anxious, as she always did when thinking about schoolwork. She smiled sweetly at me, even though the hostility between the Slytherins and Gryffindors was palpable in the air. "Is everyone ready for third year?" she asked, trying to ignore the tense atmosphere. "Certainly more than you're ready to stop worrying," I said with a smirk. "What, are you worried about something?" "Well, it's just that... Dementors are patrolling Hogwarts this year. I find that very disturbing," she said, voicing the thought we'd all been avoiding. "Sirius Black's still at large," Fred said, his usual cheerfulness giving way to a note of concern. "This is no joke."
I looked out the window, trying to push the dark thoughts away. Another year awaited us, and with it new challenges and mysteries. Hogwarts had always been a place of refuge and adventure, but this year seemed to hide more pitfalls than usual. But one thing was for sure: no matter how difficult it was to maintain balance, I would never let myself be discouraged. Hogwarts was my home, and I was ready for whatever that new year would bring with it.
author's note
Hi guys I hope this chapter has piqued your curiosity, if you have something to say you can feel free to write in the comments❤️
YOU ARE READING
Forged in Darkness (English) ON PAUSE
Fanfiction"Sarah's soul was forged in total darkness, she is destined to save and preserve our world."
