BY fates design

Back again

Platform 9 3/4 was crowded as usual, not that it was a problem for those who were already on the train. Cassiopeia had insisted that they arrive early so as to avoid the rush of students that all came later. From the window she watched mothers and fathers hug their children goodbye. Many new students were crying in their mother or father's arms, some looked glad to leave.

"The beginning of third year, how exciting!" Sirius practically shook Corvus in his anticipation.
"Yeah, it's all very exciting." Jake muttered.
"Tell me this year is safer." James all but pleaded with his children.
"It was one of our safest years at that school." Cassiopeia assured.

Their compartment consisted of Eleana, Kira, Jake, Alex, Achlys, Cassiopeia, Luna, Ginny and Neville. The twins were in the compartment next to theirs with a couple of their older friends while Pansy, Daphne and Astoria were opposite them with Astro, Corvus, Draco and their other friends.

It was quiet. Ginny was lying with her head on Cassiopeia's lap, her legs across Luna and Jake, while reading yet another book on proper etiquette. Kira was scribbling down notes on training plans into a book Cassiopeia had bought her that was charmed to never run out of pages. Eleana was crocheting a mini octopus out of fluffy blue yarn. Alex was reading and annotating a copy of the Great Gatsby. Jake and Luna were playing a series of rock paper scissors, that he was consistently losing. Cassiopeia was reviewing the last piece of paperwork she had compiled over the summer.

"You are so like Fleamont dear, sometimes you need to take a break, all that reading will give you a headache." Euphemia chided lightly.

"Cassiopeia, can you braid my hair for me please?" Ginny requested when she saw the older girl place her documents down. Cassiopeia looked down to the ginger and smiled. "Of course I will." She tapped Ginny on the rose, urging her to sit in front of her so that she could access her hair better. Ginny sat by her feet, smiling in content when she felt Cassiopeia's fingers comb through her hair.

Carefully, Cassiopeia twisted the scarlet locks into a braid, marvelling at how gorgeous it looked when it caught the light, appearing like the blushing leaves of an autumn tree. She gently tied the ends with a deep green ribbon and placed a kiss on the girl's crown. "Done." Ginny tipped her head back to look at her. Her chestnut eyes glittered with a youthful joy as she thanked Cassiopeia.

"You two are adorable." Marlene cooed at the screen.
'No they're not, who could ever find that bitch and her pet cute?' Harry scowled as he glared at the shaggy haired blond girl.

The train shifted into motion, steadily leaving the platform behind as it began its venture towards Hogwarts. "When we arrive," Cassiopeia spoke against the silence, "I wish to call for a court meeting. Room of Requirements at 7:00 exactly. Please inform Corvus, Astro, Daphne, Astoria and Pansy as well." She requested. Each member present gave a nod of understanding before going back to their own activities.

It was 9 hours before the train pulled to a halt again at their destination. As per usual, hoards of students piled on top of each other to get out the train and crowded the station. First years were sent with Hagrid to the boats while everyone else split off to wait for a carriage. They were open topped and black, drawn by unnaturally thin horse like creatures with leathery skin and wings. Many ignored these creatures, almost as if they couldn't see them. Few however stopped to pet them, running their fingers over the creatures boney snout.

"That's what thestrals look like?" Peter grimaced, "I could have gone my whole life not knowing that." He muttered. Many from the future glared at him, hatred burned in their eyes yet Cassiopeia's remained devoid of any emotion. This boy wasn't the one who had hurt her, he didn't deserve the hate for actions he hadn't committed yet. That didn't mean she liked the boy, she just didn't hate him.