Scarlett Potter

A meeting in the shadows

Scarlett Potter adjusted the strap of her satchel and looked around the bustling platform at King's Cross Station, trying to push down her nerves. Though she'd heard countless stories from her brother, Harry, about life at Hogwarts, nothing had quite prepared her for seeing it all in person. The air was thick with excitement, and the smoke from the Hogwarts Express seemed to swirl with the unspoken promise of magic and mystery.

Just as she was about to board, a voice behind her made her stop.

"Well, if it isn't another Potter."

Turning, Scarlett came face-to-face with a boy her age, his silvery-blonde hair slicked back, his eyes cold but somehow curious. He wore his Hogwarts robes already, the green of the Slytherin crest embroidered proudly on his chest.

"I'm sorry?" Scarlett said, raising an eyebrow.

The boy smirked. "Draco Malfoy," he introduced himself, offering his hand with an air of exaggerated politeness. "I've heard all about your brother."

Scarlett crossed her arms, making no move to shake his hand. "Funny. He never mentioned you," she replied coolly, catching a flicker of annoyance flash in his eyes.

"Of course not," Draco retorted, unfazed. "He doesn't like to mention the important people in his life." He took a step closer, his gaze sharp. "But I'll say this: Hogwarts can be... overwhelming for new students. Stick with the right people, and you'll be fine."

"'The right people'?" Scarlett echoed, a touch of sarcasm in her voice. "Let me guess—that includes you?"

Draco's smirk softened into something more genuine. "I could be convinced to make an exception," he said, as if he were offering her a great privilege. "After all, you're a Potter... and you've got some fire in you."

Scarlett was about to respond when the train whistle sounded, and she looked over her shoulder, seeing students beginning to pile on board. Without thinking, she stepped up into the train, glancing back at Draco as he followed behind her, uninvited but clearly amused.

"Tell you what, Potter," he said as they moved through the compartments. "Let's make a wager. By the end of the school year, I'll prove I'm right about Hogwarts. You might even like being around Slytherins."

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued despite herself. "You think I'll like you?"

Draco gave a little shrug, his smirk returning. "Stranger things have happened at Hogwarts."

With that, he turned and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Scarlett both intrigued and irritated. She didn't know exactly what to make of him yet, but she was sure of one thing: her first year at Hogwarts was going to be full of surprises.