A Taste of Magic

Chapter 87: 87th Course - Uncertain Times

"Oh my," Andromeda said softly.

"The Express is looking a bit small," Sirius said, looking sad.

Like last time, Sirius and Andromeda took Harry to the platform to board the Hogwarts Express to start the new school year. They arrived at the platform and had stopped when they saw the train. The Engine was the same as it was, gleaming and impressive. And while the cars behind it were still shiny and bright, there were less cars than before.

"I suppose they don't have as many cars with less students," Sirius continued sadly. "Ted's on the Governor Board now and he mentioned that a good amount of students left for Sanguis and that the incoming firstie class is a bit small."

Harry was also surprised and a little sad seeing the train like that. He took a deep breath and shook his head, steeling himself. "It's still Hogwarts though, right? It's not just the school, but the students and teachers there too."

"Well said," Andromeda said with approval and pride. "And you are absolutely correct."

"Then we'll keep up the name and everyone will see that Hogwarts is still Hogwarts and it's a great school," Harry said firmly.

"Thattaboy," Sirius said, patting Harry on the back. "You keep up the good work, keep being awesome, and us adults out here will keep battling for you lot. We'll keep Hogwarts going. All of us." He and Andromeda helped Harry put his things in one of the larger compartment cars and hugged him goodbye.

"Let us know if you need anything," Andromeda said. "And I will come to aid in tutoring for Charms and Transfiguration as well for O.W.L.s and whatever other preparations you all will need."

"I'll pop by for Defense and whatever else I can do," Sirius said.

"Thanks, we'll appreciate it. Thanks for everything," Harry said.

"Of course," Sirius said. "Keep in touch, don't do what I would do unless it's funny, and be great. You know, the usual."

Harry nodded and after another hug for each of them, Sirius and Andromeda left the platform. Harry got situated by the window and smiled when Hedwig easily kicked the door to her cage open and climbed out of it. She settled on his stomach and cheeped at him, cooing happily when he scratched her chest and stomach.

Knocking on the window made his head turn and he smiled and got up, Hedwig fluttering to sit on his head. He heaved it open and leaned out a little. "Hi!"

"Hi Harry!" Parvati and Padma replied.

"Yes! Thank you!" Parvati exclaimed after looking at Harry's upper body. "I'm not the only one!"

Harry saw the badge on Padma's shirt, a shield of bronze and blue with a large P on it. "Congrats Padma!"

Padma smiled gratefully. "Thanks Harry." She glowered at her sister. "She's been giving me the business when the letter came in."

"I've been calling her Padfect," Parvati said proudly.

Harry snorted. "Well, at least you know she's not teasing you because she's jealous. If you weren't prefect, she'd do it another way."

"See? He gets me," Parvati smiled.

"I'll get you later," Padma said, shaking her head. "With points off and detention."