HP&SB: The Order of the Phoenix

Chapter 4

Chapter 4/Hogwarts invaded

I looked out the window as the train started moving, pulling out of Platform 9 3/4 at precisely eleven clock, per usual. I was sitting in a compartment with Siri, Ginny, Neville, and a dreamy-looking girl with dirty blonde hair that I new to be in Ginny’s year. 

“You’re Harry Potter.” The girl commented after a moment, head tilting to the side as she turned to Siri. “And you’re Siri Black.”

“I know.” I said carefully, not sure what to think as the girl put down the magazine she had been reading since we had stepped into the compartment. Ginny seemed to take this as a good time for introductions as she perked up visibly is her seat.

“Harry, Siri, this is Luna Lovegood. She’s a Ravenclaw.” Ginny smiled, and both Siri and I nodded, Siri lifting a small hand in greeting.

“Hi.”

“You know you’re reading that magazine upside down.” I pointed out with amusement, but instead of flipping it right side up Luna only nodded.

“Oh, I know.” She sighed, and I looked at the cover of the magazine. Apparently Siri saw it to, because she snorted, eyebrows raising.

“Sirius Black, Notorious Mass Murderer or Innocent Singing Sensation?” She read with disbelief, and Luna placed the magazine down in her lap, brows furrowing lightly.

“Oh, yes. Stubby Boardman was wrongly accused, so that’s why he escaped. Daddy’s been studying the case for awhile now, he’s positively sure Stubby Boardman is in Africa.” Luna said seriously, and Siri snorted, not bothering to conceal her disbelief.

“I don’t think that’s quite correct...” I trailed off slowly, but Luna only ignored me, going back to her magazine with obvious interest. Siri opened her mouth, probably to make a derogatory comment of some sort, when the compartment door slid open and Hermione & Ron walked inside, Ron looking particularly put-out.

“I don’t think I’m gonna like being an authority figure.” Ron grumbled, sitting down beside me, while Hermione took a seat next to Luna and Ginny. Siri scooted over to make room for him, her shoulder pressed up against the window.

“You’ll never guess who the Slytherin prefect is.” Hermione sighed lightly, and I grimaced.

“Malfoy.” Siri and I chorused.

“How could I guess?” I asked blandly, wondering how on earth Dumbledore would let Draco Malfoy of all people become a prefect.

“Just what I need, a Malfoy with power over me. Or so he thinks.” Siri smirked mischievously, earning an amused eye roll from Hermione.

* * *

“Hurry up! You’re so slow, Potter.” Siri growled with irritation, pushing past me roughly and grabbing seats at the Gryffindor table for us. When Hermione, Ron and I had finally caught up with her, she had already struck up conversation with the Weasley twins, who were sitting across the table. We took our seats next to her, sitting comfortably when I noticed something odd about the head table. 

“Hagrid’s not over there.” I said in surprise, and Hermione nodded, a slight frown pulling at her lips.

“He wasn’t at the train station, either.”

“I hope he’s ok.” I muttered. Siri shrugged, looking unconcerned.

“Don’t worry Harry, Hagrid can handle himself. He’ll be fine.”

“But who’s that?” Ron asked in surprise, and we all looked to where he was pointing. Sitting next to Professor Snape was a short witch with toad-like qualities, covered from head to toe in pink. She was smiling pleasantly, chatting away to Snape who looked like he had smelt something sour. It took me only a moment to realize I had seen the pink witch before.