We Are Stars || Hufflepuff X Gryffindor

Back to Hogwarts

A pair of greyish blue eyes scanned the crowd for something. Their owner, lost in the mass of people going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had a difficult time seeing over the tops of the other students' heads. As she pushed her way through the throng to the train, giving up on finding whatever she was looking for, a hand – calloused from gripping a broom in its free time -- grasped her shoulder from behind.

"It's been a long time, Stella," a male voice said pompously.

"Aye. That it has," she replied in her best Scottish accent, whipping around to face Erik with a smile as bright as her namesake. The fifth year Hufflepuff threw her arms around her best friend, locking him in her best badger hug. "I've missed you, Erik! How was your summer?"

The Gryffindor chuckled lightly at his energetic friend, missing her wild hair more than it already was. "Let's find a compartment and I'll tell you all about it."

The pair -- finally reunited -- pushed their way through the crowded train until they found a mostly empty compartment. The only other occupant was a homeless-looking man fast asleep on one of the seats. Though why they let a bum on the train, Erik didn't want to know.

"Now that we're settled, I want to know everything," Stella demanded as she tried to get her trunk stored. Erik smiled at her 'short man's troubles' and helped her, as he was much more vertically gifted.

"Not much to tell; Uncle Severus and I went to a few Quidditch games and I practiced. I'm really hoping to make the team this year, but with my family tree, I don't think it's going to happen."

"I still can't believe that people judge you purely on your uncle. The man's not even that bad –I mean he did take you in after the accident and all. Besides, your one of the best players I know, I doubt anyone in Gryffindor could pull of a Starfish and Stick like you," Stella spoke determinedly, and Erik felt his pride swell at her kind words. It was uncommon to find a non-player who knew so much about Quidditch but Erik enjoyed having someone to talk to about the game who wasn't super competitive. Yet her comment still pricked his heart, it was true that his family story was a sad one, but Stella's was a thousand times worse.

"You're one to talk about being judged because of your family. Speaking of which, how are you holding up? I wrote to you as soon as I heard but you never responded. News of the escape is everywhere these days; it must be rather difficult seeing him everywhere," he asked making sure to keep his tone light, even though her lack of trust in him was eating him alive. Why wouldn't she just talk about it?

"Erik, I-"

Before the Hufflepuff could finish, the compartment door slammed open, revealing three Gryffindor third years: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry's face instantly fell when he saw Erik lounging in the compartment.

"Harry, its fine; there's no one else to sit," Hermione whispered at the now livid boy. Potter shoved himself inside the compartment, purposely hitting Erik with his shoulder. "Hello, um... mind if we share this compartment with you?" Hermione asked sweetly, trying to make up for her friend's rudeness.

"Not at all," Stella replied, attempting to be civil to the younger students. It wouldn't do her or Erik any good to start a spat with younger students—who just so happen to be the golden children of Hogwarts.

The five students all took their seats and fell into an awkward silence. A single whistle could be heard before the train began its steady track to Hogwarts. Harry shot Erik a death-glare, which the Gryffindor returned with equal fervor.

"Since we're all such together for a while, I guess we should have proper introductions. My name is Stella."

She nudged Erik—rather harshly—in order to urge him to follow her example. He sighed, muttering, "Even though I'm pretty sure everyone here knows who I am; Erik Snape."