I'm not a coward, just shy (Hogwarts fanfic)

ch 4 - a train ride

A week later we were escorted to train start in two black cars with tinted windows sent by the ministry.

"This is ridiculous" I muttered climbing into the car.

"It's for your own good" Mr Weasley chuckled.

"I keep telling you that if he is after anyone it won't be me. It's not like I'll care" I mumble staring out of the windows. It didn't take long to get to the train station since the cars were enchanted to be able to pass though the gaps in between the other cars unnoticed. I piled my trunk and Stormy's cage onto a trolley and followed the others to platform 9 ¾ . I made sure Harry and Ron got on in front of me this time before following with Hermione. As soon as I got onto the platform I saw a familiar head of white blonde hair getting onto the girl. I turned to Hermione.

"Is it ok if I sit with Luna, I don't want her to sit alone" I asked and she rolled her eyes before smiling.

"Of course, come find us later, ok" I nodded before going to follow Luna. Luckily some Hufflepuffs were nice enough to help me get my stuff on the train. Where I was able to find Luna compartment and as I thought she was alone, she had a copy of the quibbler in her hand and only looked up when I knocked.

"May I sat with you" I asked and she smiled.

"Yes of course. How was your summer"

"Eventful" I lied, "How was yours."

"Great. My father told me on a trip to try and find nargles" She beamed.

"What are nargles" I said closing the door so I could let out Stormy who made her way to curl up on Luna's Lap.

"They are creatures who live in rocky parts of the highlands mostly, and they can turn invisible. We didn't find any though. They are rare and hard to find. Most people don't believe they exist though, but who would steal your socks then. The next time you can't find your other sock or your shoes then remember it is the nargles that took them" She said running her fingers through Stormy's thick fur.

"Makes sense" I nodded. I had a good idea that nargles didn't actually exist but What did I know, right.

It started raining which turned into slush the closer we go to the Scottish highlands with Hogwarts stood. It also got colder but it felt wrong and I had grown used to following my gut. I got up and made sure the compartment was shut and I was sitting close enough to the lock so that I could quickly lock it if need be. Suddenly the train started to slow until it stopped completely. I cursed under my breath and snapped the lock on the door.

"Taylor what's wrong" Luna cocked her head as some curious dogs might do.

"I have a bad feeling about this. The train has never stopped until it gets to hogsmeade station." I said moving closer to her to sat on the opposite. I noticed the rain was snow and frost coated the windows. Weather act like this, it was right, unnatural. The compartment lights flickered before turning out all together. Luna remain calm but noticeable unsettled. My heart beats fast, adrenaline flushing my system, ready for fight or flight. I stood my eyes fixed on the door, where I wasn't sure if I was actually seeing movement or not. Then a instinct so strong it was like a stab in my gut. I pulled out my wand. A dark hooded figure slowly floated into front of the door. Luna was up as well how and on instinct I pushed her behind me. It's hand moved to hover by the lock and the click the followed was deifying. Grey moldy scabby fingers slide there they way between the door and it's frame, making a gap. Slowing it pulled the door open. It was a tall and dark figure but it wasn't human. I was grateful for the cloak, I didn't want to see this monsters face. It floated off the ground and was silent. Waves of depression crashed into my mind, fear taking front and creator.

"What do you want?" My voice crack at the end. It raised it's horrible hand, extending it pointer finger to me and I held my wand high. I began to feel hopeless as it moved closer.

"Stay back... Stay back... Stay back!" I shouted and there was a flash of silver light. It Screened and fled.

As soon as it left I dropped to my knees, I was shaking and breathing heavily.

"Taylor are you alright" Luna put her hand on my shoulder. I nodded and shakily got to my feet.

"Is every one alright in here" I looked up to see Remus Lupin, standing in the door.

"What was that?" I gasped.

"A dementor, guards of Azkaban, suck the good right out of you. They were looking for Sirius Black. Here take this, it will make up feel better" He had a chocolate bar in his hand and he snapped off two pieces, handing on to me and one to Luna. I sat on the compartment floor and stuck the chocolate in my mouth. It me feel better and I felt so warm return to my body. I saw a flash of something. A large human wolf like creature with the same chocolate eyes as Remus. Could he actually be one? Remus turned to leave.

"Thank you, Remus" I thanked.

"Your welcome, but you better start calling me professor" he smiled at me. I saw something in his eyes, pity but not of the kind I was used to. It was different, but I couldn't pin point the difference. But I had another things on my mind.

Barely half an hour later the train stopped at hogsmeade station and everyone began to get off. Rumors had spread that harry had been so scared at the sight of a dementor that he had fainted. When I finally catch up with them, he looked fairly pissed.

"I guess the rumors are true than" I sighed and harry huffed annoyed. "Harry, fainting isn't a big deal. I do it all the time-"

"Yeah but no one makes fun of you for it" He growled.

"Malfoy is just trying to get under your skin" I decided to back off. I didn't want to be a victim of mis-directed rage.

We rode in silence as we let Harry's rage and embarrassment burn out a little. I stared out of the window and could see that Hogwarts was still its cheery and welcoming self, the presents of the ghostly guards made the place feel cold. An uneasy pit settling itself in my gut. In the silence my mind went back to Remus. He was a Werewolf, I was sure of it. My visions have never been wrong before. I didn't fear him, now I knew, actually I was intrigued. But I also knew if word got out not everyone would act like me. Dumbledore was a smart man and knew what he was doing... at least I hoped so.

The shuddered to a stop and we got out and made our way into the castle quickly, away from the heavens that looked like they were about to open up.

"Mr Fleet" Professor McGonagall voice made me jump a little.

"Yes?" I asked making eye contracted. She held out a parchment scroll with a red wax seal.

"Dumbledore asked me to give this to you" I took it from her hand.

"Thank you, Professor, see you at the sorting" I nodded.

"You're welcome and welcome back" She smiled a little before turning away to greet the arriving first years.

Curiously I picked away the wax and opened the scroll. I was meant by Dumbledore's cursive hand. It read.

"Please me be in my office after the feast, we have much to discuss.

Ps. Have you ever tried a cockroach cluster"

"What's that?" Harry said obviously as curious by the note as I was.

"It's nothing" I said stuffing the note into the robes. "We better hurry of we will be late" I smiled a completely fake smile at them.