More than one || HP [DISC.]

Book Three: Chapter 2

'She's coming after you,'

'Who, sir?'

'The Woman'

Rose shook her head as she made her way onto the platform, ridding her of the echoing voices. She didn't know who The Woman was, nor did she care to. All Rose cared about was having a quiet year at Hogwarts. "Come along dear, this way!" Molly's voice interrupted Rose's train of thought, and said girl quickly came back to reality, hurriedly following after Molly and Arthur. Harry glanced at her from the corner of his eye worriedly, but kept quiet. He couldn't say anything now, it was too crowded and he was afraid some one would over hear. "All right, off you trot!" Molly told them sternly, gesturing towards the stone wall which led to Platform 9 3/4. Fred and George hurried through after Percy, followed shortly after by Cathryn, then Hermione and Ron. Ginny looked at the wall as if she didn't trust it, after what she had gone through the previous year, Rose thought, it was understandable. Finally the young girl took a deep breath before going through the wall herself, Rose and Harry followed, each excited to get back to Hogwarts.

The platform was loud and buzzing with life as it usually was, and Rose grinned as she looked around her. Rose pushed her trolley into a corner where nobody was and grabbed her things before putting them on the train, grunting when she felt herself collide with a larger body. Stepping back into the compartment she and her friends always shared she glared up at the person who smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, wasn't paying attention I guess," the person, who Rose realized was a boy from her house and year which she had never met before, mumbled sheepishly. Rose's glare fell and was replaced with an understanding smile.

"It's fine, happens to me too! Sorry to ask, but what's your name? I don't remember seeing you around school..." Rose trailed, attempting to recall any memory about this boy.

"Hamish Williams. Don't worry, most of my time's spent in the library so I wouldn't expect you to know me," Hamish grinned, shaking Rose's hand. "Of course I know who you are. Sorry, I didn't mean-!" Rose cut him off with a shake of her head and a chuckle.

"It's quite alright, Hamish. Say, would you care to hang out sometime? My friends would absolutely adore you!" Rose asked, looking at him with a hopeful, and what she hoped was convincing, expression. Hamish chuckled too and nodded, his bright blue eyes which held different colors brightening.

"I'd love to! Oh, I'm sorry! I'm probably keeping you from saying goodbye and it's almost time to leave. See you around, then?" Hamish proposed, raising an eyebrow. Rose allowed a large grin to spread over her face and nodded happily.

"Bye, Hamish!" Rose called, skipping through the almost empty hall and off the train and onto the platform which was mostly void of kids aside from her family. "Dad! Uncle Moony! The rest of you!" Rose yelled over to them, running over and wrapping her arms around Sirius who gladly returned the hug.

"We were afraid something happened! I'm glad you're alright!" Remus explained, accepting a hug from Rose as well.

"Sorry, I made a new friend and I guess I lost track of time," Rose's smile turned sheepish and she looked anxiously at the clock. They had a few more minutes until the train left. "We should probably get on our way. I'll write!" Rose declared, murmurs of agreement coming from her friends. They all started towards the train, looking at Remus in confusion as he followed them.

"Remus? Why are you following us?" Hermione asked politely, looking at him in confusion.

"Well I am the new Defense Against The Dark Arts professor, so I should probably be going to Hogwarts too," Remus said simply, smirking as all their jaws dropped in shock.

"Uncle Moony, why didn't you tell us?!" Cathryn and Rose yelled at his back as he boarded the train. They all scrambled in after him as the clock read 10:59, heading towards their usual compartment, which strangely enough, Remus was heading right for. They all reached the compartment just as the train took off and Rose opened the door, smiling brightly when she noticed Hamish in the corner, nose stuck in a book she didn't understand the title of, which meant it was either really big words or a different language. Rose decided on the latter and guessed French, as she recognized some words on the front from various movies she'd seen. "Hello, Hamish!" Rose said suddenly, startling the blonde haired boy.

"Ah, Rose! I was afraid you didn't make it onto the train!" Hamish exclaimed, looking slightly relieved. Harry walked up beside Rose and slipped an arm around her waist as if to say 'back off'. Hamish had obviously gotten the hint, and laughed at Harry's obvious jealousy. "No need to worry mate, I happen to bat for the other team," Hamish said simply, though the others didn't get the expression. Hamish rolled his eyes and said simply that he was gay, which relaxed Harry. Rose and Harry sat opposite Hamish while Hermione and Ron sat on the other side. Remus sat beside Harry, looking like he was about to pass out. Last night had been a full moon, and that meant transformation. Rose, Harry and Cathryn were all tired too, but they had taken a potion which helped them feel more awake as they were worried Ron and Hermione would get suspicious if they were all tired.

The ride passed rather quickly, and Hamish seemed to enjoy the company. Rose and everyone else all seemed to like Hamish and the had started to tell him the story of second year when the train lurched to a stop. "Why have we stopped? We can't be at Hogwarts yet?" Rose questioned, looking out the window, gasping when it started to frost over and the lights suddenly went out. "Harry?!" Rose called, breathing a relieved sigh when she felt Harry take her hand in his.

"Ouch, Ronald! You stepped on my foot!" Hermione yelped, and a dull smacking sound was heard as Hermione hit Ron's shoulder.

"What's going on?" Hamish asked, feeling for his wand only to find he had left it in his trunk. Hamish cursed and suggested waking up Remus, who wouldn't wake no matter what. The sudden cold which had hit them when the lights went off worsened until they were sure it was practically a bajillion below freezing. Rose gasped as she saw a figure outside the door, staring as it slid open to reveal a cloaked creature who looked around the compartment before it's gaze rested on the back of the compartment. Moments later Rose felt as if every happy feeling she had ever experienced had meant nothing. There was nothing good or exciting about life and everything was cold. She could vaguely hear Remus shout something, but she couldn't make out what it was as a scream ripped through the darkness, and everything faded away.