Flames Of Destiny : Conflicting Emotions // HJP [2]

Chapter Five : Train Back To Hogwarts

There was chaos in the house as everyone scrambled to get ready for the journey to Platform 9 ¾. From what (Y/n) could gather while applying the finishing touches to her makeup, Fred and George had bewitched their trunks to fly downstairs, sparing themselves the hassle of carrying them. Unfortunately, this had backfired, as the trunks had shot straight into Ginny, knocking her down two flights of stairs into the hall. The result was an uproar.

"– COULD HAVE DONE HER A SERIOUS INJURY, YOU IDIOTS –"
"– FILTHY HALF-BREEDS, BESMIRCHING THE HOUSE OF MY FATHERS –"

The yelling of Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Black echoed through the house, but (Y/n) tuned it out, focusing on the final touches of her natural Korean-inspired look, courtesy of the makeup Tonks had gifted her. It was elegant yet subtle, quite different from the makeup she'd known in the real world. She liked it.

With a small pat of blush, she stared at her reflection in the mirror, admiring the girl looking back at her. Her hair, now styled into a classy bun, framed her face perfectly. She wore a knitted beige jumper paired with a denim skirt, giving her a casual yet stylish look. The makeup was so natural that it looked as if she wasn't wearing any, although she noticed her freckles were less visible today. That's the point. Her eyes, framed by thick, curly lashes enhanced by a touch of mascara, were striking. She couldn't help but smile at how put-together she felt, hoping someone might notice too.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she brushed off her skirt and grabbed her things. She left her room, heading towards the boys' room across the hall.

"Mum and Dad just sent Hedwig back," she heard Hermione say as she entered Harry and Ron's room. The owl fluttered obligingly over and perched on top of her cage.

"Are you lot ready yet?" (Y/n) asked from the doorway, her voice light.

Harry, who was in the middle of tying his trainers, looked up. His eyes widened slightly, and for a brief moment, he seemed to forget what he was doing. He blinked, quickly clearing his throat as he looked away, realising he'd been staring.

"Er—nearly," he muttered, glancing back at his trainers. "Is Ginny all right?"

"Mum patched her up," (Y/n) replied, trying to suppress a chuckle. "Though I keep hearing Mad-Eye moaning about how we can't leave unless Sturgis Podmore shows up. Apparently, the guard's one short."

"Guard?" Harry repeated, sounding puzzled. "We have to go to King's Cross with a guard?"

"You have to go to King's Cross with a guard," Hermione corrected, not looking up from her watch.

"Why?" Harry asked irritably. "I thought Voldemort was supposed to be lying low? Or is he planning to jump out from behind a dustbin to try and finish me off?"

"I don't know, Harry," Hermione said distractedly, still checking the time. "But if we don't leave soon, we're definitely going to miss the train..."

"YOU LOT, GET DOWN HERE NOW, PLEASE!" Mrs. Weasley's bellow echoed up the stairs, making Hermione jump.

She hurried out of the room, and Harry, now in a rush, seized Hedwig, stuffing her rather unceremoniously into her cage. He grabbed his trunk and headed for the stairs after Hermione, his expression still a mixture of irritation and confusion.

(Y/n) followed suit, her belongings in hand, though she couldn't help but steal a glance at Harry. His reaction to her earlier had been amusing, and perhaps... a little flattering.

Mrs. Black's portrait was howling with rage, her voice reverberating through the house. No one was bothering to close the curtains over her anymore—there was too much noise in the hall, and she would only start screeching again regardless.