𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

024

TWENTY FOUR

King's Cross Station was bustling with activity, a familiar mix of students in wizarding robes and anxious parents giving last-minute instructions. Amid the chaos stood Diana, Princess of Wales, effortlessly regal in a tailored navy coat as she adjusted the scarf around Victoria's neck.

"You'll write to me every week, won't you?" Diana asked softly, her eyes full of the quiet worry that never quite left.

"Of course, Mum," Victoria promised, wrapping her arms around her mother in a warm hug. "We'll be fine."

Diana glanced past her daughter, where a group of familiar faces were already waiting by the entrance to Platform 9¾. George, Fred, Angelina, Alicia, and Lee waved enthusiastically, and Diana smiled at the sight. "Well, it looks like your friends missed you."

Victoria grinned. "I missed them too."

Diana cupped Victoria's cheek gently. "Stay safe, darling. And remember, if anything happens, you know where I am."

"I know." Victoria gave her one last hug before picking up her trunk. She turned and walked toward the barrier, giving her mother a reassuring wave before disappearing through the brick wall.

On the other side, the noise of King's Cross faded, replaced by the warm, familiar chaos of Platform 9¾. The Hogwarts Express loomed ahead, its scarlet engine steaming in the crisp September air.

"Victoria!" Fred's voice carried over the noise, and she beamed as she hurried toward her friends.

"I missed you all so much!" Victoria exclaimed, her eyes shining with genuine joy.

George, standing tall with a grin on his face, raised an eyebrow. "You missed us? It's been three days since we left the palace."

Victoria rolled her eyes and laughed. "Three days too long, apparently."

Fred slung an arm around her shoulders. "It's good to have you back, Princess."

Angelina and Lee joined in with warm greetings, while Alicia's eyes lingered on George, who looked especially fit after a summer of Quidditch practice.

As they all chatted and began loading their trunks onto the train, Alicia suddenly stepped closer to George, a playful smile on her lips. "George, have you been working out? You look... different. More muscular."

Victoria blinked, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face as Alicia placed a hand on George's arm.

What was she doing?

George, ever oblivious, shrugged. "I mean, we've been training a lot for Quidditch—"

"Clearly," Alicia said, her fingers giving his bicep a slight squeeze. "You must be Gryffindor's secret weapon this year."

Fred, sensing Victoria's sudden shift in mood, glanced at her curiously. She smiled tightly. "I'm going to find Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I'll see you later."

Before anyone could respond, she turned and walked briskly down the corridor, leaving the compartment and the rising laughter behind.

Victoria found herself moving through the train, scanning the compartments until she reached the very end, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting with a man she didn't recognize. His shabby robes and tired face made him seem out of place among the usual bustle of students.

"Mind if I sit with you?" Victoria asked, her smile a little forced.

"Of course!" Hermione said warmly, moving over to make space.

"Victoria!" Ron greeted, grinning. "Didn't expect to see you back here. I thought you'd be stuck with the Victoria Fan Club."

Victoria laughed softly but didn't comment. She settled into the seat, feeling the comforting presence of her friends.

The man in the corner stirred slightly, his eyes opening. He observed her with quiet curiosity. "And you are?"

"Victoria," she said simply. "And you?"

"Professor Lupin," he introduced himself, a small, tired smile on his face.

The train chugged along steadily, the hum of conversation and the distant laughter of students filling the air. Victoria began to relax, the tension from earlier fading away. But as the afternoon wore on, a sudden chill swept through the compartment. The lights flickered, and the warmth of the train seemed to vanish.

Victoria's breathing quickened. The cold seeped into her bones, and a familiar, overwhelming fear gripped her. She clutched the seat, her vision blurring. Memories of cameras flashing, of whispered judgments, and of her father's disapproval flooded her mind.

And then, everything went black.

⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:⠀
⠀ '· . ୨୧⠀

When Victoria opened her eyes, she was lying on the floor of the compartment, her head resting on something soft. Blinking, she realized it was Professor Lupin's cloak.

"Are you alright?" Lupin's voice was calm, but there was a note of concern.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione hovered nearby, their faces anxious.

Victoria tried to sit up, her head spinning. "I—what happened?"

"A Dementor boarded the train," Lupin explained gently. "It affects everyone differently... but it seems to have hit you quite hard." He hesitated, studying her closely. "You're... the princess, aren't you?"

Victoria's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded. "I—yes."

Before she could say more, the compartment door slid open with a loud bang.

"Victoria!" George stood in the doorway, his eyes wide with worry. "What happened? Are you alright?"

Victoria managed a weak smile. "I'm fine. Just... fainted."

Ron, sensing an opportunity, smirked. "Looks like someone couldn't stay away for long, eh, George?"

"Shut up, Ron," George snapped, his gaze never leaving Victoria. He stepped inside and knelt beside her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, George," she said softly, touched by his concern. "Really."

Lupin handed her a piece of chocolate. "Eat this. It'll help."

Victoria took a bite, the warmth slowly returning to her. George stayed by her side, watching her closely, while Harry and Hermione exchanged knowing glances.

Fred appeared behind his twin, leaning casually against the doorframe. "You know, George, if you're going to check on her every time she leaves the compartment, you might as well just stay with her."

George shot his brother a look, but Victoria laughed, the tension easing. "You're all ridiculous."

Fred grinned. "That's why you missed us, isn't it?"

Victoria smiled, feeling the warmth of friendship and the steady presence of George beside her. The shadows of the Dementor faded, replaced by the lightness of laughter and the comfort of knowing she was never alone.