The Untold Reborn

Chapter-15 : A Chill in the Air

The next morning was chaotic at the Leaky Cauldron as the Weasleys, Harry, and Aurelia packed up their belongings, preparing to head to King's Cross. Two Ministry-provided cars were waiting for them outside, ready to transport them to the station. Aurelia, already feeling the anticipation of the new school year, couldn't help but notice the slight tension between Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The way they whispered to each other raised her suspicions.

As they climbed into the cars, Harry leaned over to Aurelia, his voice low and anxious. "I overheard Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talking last night."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "About what?"

"Sirius Black," Harry whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "They were talking about how dangerous he is, but it sounded like they were keeping something from us. Something important."

Aurelia frowned, the name of the escaped prisoner sending a shiver down her spine. "But why would they keep it from us? What does Black have to do with you—or me, for that matter?"

Harry shook his head. "I don't know. But they were worried, I could tell. I think it's more than just Black escaping."

Aurelia's mind raced as she thought about it. The idea that Black could somehow be connected to them didn't make sense. She glanced out of the window at the busy streets of London, trying to push away the growing unease.

When they arrived at King's Cross Station, the familiar hustle and bustle of witches, wizards, and Muggle families surrounded them. Trolleys piled high with trunks, owls hooting in their cages, and the whistle of the Hogwarts Express in the distance brought a sense of excitement. Despite the conversation with Harry, Aurelia felt the familiar thrill of returning to Hogwarts.

They made their way to the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. One by one, they slipped through the magical entrance, emerging onto Platform 9¾ where the gleaming red engine of the Hogwarts Express awaited them.

As they were loading their trunks onto the train, Harry caught up to Ron and Hermione, pulling them aside. "I need to talk to you both—Aura too."

Aurelia, overhearing, quickly stepped in with a small smile. "I already know what you're going to say, Harry. You go on, talk with them. I'll sit with Ginny and the twins."

Harry blinked, slightly taken aback, but nodded. "Alright. We'll catch up later."

Aurelia found Ginny and the twins in a nearby compartment. Fred and George were already in full swing, recounting their latest prank ideas. "I reckon this year we'll top last year's dungbomb display in Snape's classroom," Fred said, grinning mischievously.

"Of course we will," George added confidently. He turned to Aurelia, a cheeky grin on his face. "So, Aura, how's life being the mysterious Slytherin hero?"

Aurelia rolled her eyes but smiled. George had taken to calling her 'Aura' since their train ride back home from first year, and it had stuck. "Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Saving the world one Quidditch match at a time," she teased, leaning back in her seat.

Ginny giggled, while Fred leaned in. "Speaking of Quidditch, you should try out for the Slytherin team this year. Show them how it's done."

Aurelia shrugged. "I'd love to, but Slytherin doesn't usually take girls on the team. It's a bit of a boys' club, unfortunately."

George gave a mock gasp. "That's scandalous! They'd be lucky to have you, Aura. You'd wipe the floor with them."

Aurelia grinned, enjoying their banter. "Maybe I'll give it a shot. We'll see."

As the train sped along the countryside, their conversation flowed easily, but the mood shifted when the skies outside darkened unexpectedly. The temperature in the compartment dropped sharply, and an eerie chill settled over them.