Harry Potter and the Ties that Bind

Chapter 14

That morning, Daphne and the others woke up early to get ready for the trip to Hogwarts. Fortunately, they had already packed their belongings, so after eating breakfast, they were able to leave without worrying about whether or not they had everything ready.

While many families arrived at King's Cross the non-magical way via the portal between platforms nine and ten, the students who belonged to noble families took the floo to King's Cross. This had been done to appease the noble families who didn't want to sully their children with the presence of muggles. Using the floo was also much faster.

As Daphne stepped onto platform nine and three-quarters, she glanced at Astoria. A smile blossomed on her lips. Her sister was staring at everything with the wide eyes of an enthusiastic child. Astoria's awed gaze seemed to be taking all of the wonders around her, and her head turned this way and that, as if trying to memorize every aspect of this moment.

"So cool..."

Daphne shook her head. She didn't know where her sister had picked up that bit of muggle terminology--all evidence pointed towards Tracey--but phrases like that seemed to come from her more often these days. It was kind of cute, but she really hoped their father never heard Astoria talk like that.

"Doesn't look that different from last year, does it?" Tracey asked as she stepped up to the sisters.

"No, it doesn't," Daphne agreed. "And yet, it feels so very different from last year."

"Yeah..."

There was no need to extrapolate. Tracey knew what she was talking about without her having to say a thing.

"Are you excited for classes, Astoria?" Lisa asked.

"Not really,"Astoria admitted. "But I am excited to be going to Hogwarts. I've always wanted to go, and I really want to learn magic!"

Lisa smiled. Behind her, Blaize, Terry, and Neville shared a grin.

"It's good to see that she's so lively," Neville said.

Blaize nodded. "We're going to need someone like her around."

"I'm just glad she's enthusiastic but respectful--unlike Tracey."

"What was that, Boot?! You trying to start something?!" Tracey shouted, shaking her fist at him.

"Now, now, children, settle down," Lady Zabini said in a placating manner. "There is no need to get so riled up this early in the morning. Save that for when you are at school."

Tracey and Terry grew silent. Even then, they continued to glare at each other. Daphne and Lisa shared an exasperated look.

"Do you see them yet, Sue?" Hannah asked her fellow Hufflepuff, who was surveyed the crowd, looking for something--or rather, looking for someone.

"Not yet," Susan muttered, squinting her eyes. "It's hard to find anybody in this--ah! I've found them!" Raising her left hand, she waved while cupping her right hand to her mouth and shouting, "Auntie! Mr. and Mrs. Abott!"

At the sound of their names being called, the three adults looked over at the group of children, then began pushing their way through the crowd. Daphne watched with a small sense of longing as the Abott's joyfully greeted their daughter and Madam Bones gave her niece a hug. She wished her father was more like those three.

I wish Mother was still here. We'd still be a happy family if she was.

"There's Mum and Dad!" Tracey's parents also arrived, and she followed her friend's example, waving the pair down while shouting at the top of her lungs. "Mum! Dad!"