Niagara ▸ Newt Scamander

prologue ▸ 9 3/4

Niagara stood beneath the shelter of Platform 9 3/4 from the rain, her delicate hands trembling uncontrollably.

"Bloody hell." She cursed, glancing up at the dark sky and observed the drops that fell from it, wondering when they would stop.

In front of her was the gleaming scarlet Hogwarts Express, unaffected by the water. Niagara's dad had long since departed after a bright pep talk as well as hugs and kisses. She didn't think it was necessary for him to watch her board the train to her first year at a proper school for magic. Really, Niagara didn't want him to see how nervous she was. After all, she was the one who begged them to let her attend Hogwarts because of the positively manky experiences she'd had at other sub-par magical schools.

In any case, Niagara concluded that it would've been much better if the sun had been shining.

Just step out and get on the bloody train. Niagara thought bitterly, almost curling her lip as she turned up the collar of her charcoal trench coat to brave the storm. After picking her trunk up at the one end, she moved out from under the ledge she was standing under and made her way to the shortest line to board the train.

It didn't take long to get on, which Niagara was grateful for; allowed for less time to back out. Upon entrance she began scouting for an empty compartment, hoping for a quiet train ride. She was sure there would be more commotion once people realised she was a new fifth year student.

Down the corridor Niagara walked, glancing to both sides consistently until she came to a empty space, sliding the slightly rickety door open. Once she stepped inside, she more or less accidentally slammed it shut and sat closest to the window, letting out a breath.

Finally somewhat content, after pulling off her wet coat, Niagara located the sketchbook she spent most of her time pouring her heart into, along with a pencil. The sound of the pages turning as she opened it was music to her ears, but was promptly interrupted.

"SIMON!" A dark-haired boy bellowed from outside her compartment; Niagara glanced up just in time to see him envelop another, skinnier boy in a hug so tight Niagara could hardly breathe just watching the scene.

Her first instinct was to move away from the loud people, but there was nowhere left for her to go. Besides, they weren't even doing anything disruptive. She knew she needed to relax.

...

Just as the Hogwarts Express was scheduled to depart the station, the reflection of a tall figure caught Niagara's eye, through the window she was gazing through. She shifted her view to the glass door of her compartment, watching the rather tall, gangly-looking boy, enter the perpendicular compartment.

With him, he dragged a considerable amount of luggage, which practically filled his side of the space. There was only one other person already inside, a girl with caramel skin and dark clothes. She'd been there for quite some time, Niagara watched her go in. Upon the boy's arrival she calmly got up and he gave her a subdued hug, contrary to one of the first ones Niagara had witnessed on the train.

The girl wore a green pin, signifying belonging in the House of Slytherin, which made Niagara suddenly wonder about her own house, and which one she'd be placed in.

She'd certainly done some research on the centuries-old school, including their houses; Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. However, she was unaware what qualities placed a person where and by whom.

Before turning back to the window, Niagara cast another glance at the wizard with the long coat, who had since taken it off and tossed in on the seat beside him. He rested his the side of his head on the window frame, his wild hair that bordered ginger falling over one side of his chiseled face.

Niagara's heart lurched a little when he glanced her way and their eyes met.

For a few moments no one moved or looked away; staring in the stranger's eyes was making Niagara slightly uncomfortable. Part of what made her so uncomfortable was how attractive the boy was. His eyes were a sort of cross between green and blue, and below them were hollow cheeks with cheekbones that looked as though they could cut glass.

The boy was the first to look away, his mouth opening to speak to his companion no doubt, but Niagara didn't. Until her eyes fell on the sketchbook next to her. Then shot back to the boy, a faint smirk curling across her lips.

Then she picked up her pencil.

A/N: So I got thinking about what it would've been like when Newt Scamander was at Hogwarts, which apparently everyone else has too. I'm not sure as of yet, but I think this story is going to be kind of like a collection of one-shots, that follows Newt and Niagara to his expulsion and possibly afterwards. I'm very open to suggestions. :)

Thanks for reading everyone!

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- TAAF_