Hogwarts is inevitably vulnerable to the chaos brewing outside its walls. Without room for doubts concerning He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's return, the growing fear is bound to reach the student body. Though, it strikes them in the form of an unknown fe...
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SOFT skin brushed absentmindedly against black fabric, her digits tracing uneven lines along its length. Waves of midnight black hair brushed thick glass as she leaned against the window of the compartment. Heaving a sigh while she thoughtfully gazed into the illuminated station, she gathered her school robes firmly against her form.
She left the lingering scent of candy for the crisp cold air that tinted her cheeks red. In contrast to the previous silence within the Hogwarts Express, the place buzzed with excitement. Students gabled in loud voices and large groups; the earlier worries seemed to have been forgotten, as no one had yet mentioned the startling voice or its intrusive claims.
Hagrid neared to gather first years, casting bright light along the sidewalk. Epione's eyes darted around, her palms unusually clammy; that was when she saw them, standing nearby and staring. Her entire body stiffened, but she held her ground.
Pansy's lips were pressed together into a frown, her unrelenting stare attracting the attention of a small crowd.
She knows.
Her eyes narrowed as she voiced aloud, as if to no one in particular, before sauntering away. 'I wonder how...reliable this so-called omniscient entity is.'
Before she could as much as blink in response, Themis and Asteria rushed to stand by, shielding her from prying eyes. At the moment, though, she'd rather face Pansy's wrath and sickening assumptions than be protected by the ones who provoked her. It didn't occur to her right away that the act of kindness was also part of the meticulous plan.
While they entered the carriages, she looked back, noticing the absence of the blond haired boy whose newly brewed rumours circled around. As she stared at the train, her mind traveled to that day's events.
A FEW HOURS EARLIER
Students boarded the Hogwarts Express in its typical commotion. Through dozens of cabins, friends chattered loudly, their cheerful demeanor paired with Scotland's beautiful scenery and candy aplenty. Harry Potter had reestablished his role as the admired celebrity; he was no longer a liar set on scaring the Wizarding World, he was - as bravely speculated by the Daily Prophet - the Chosen One.
Hence, while Epione walked along the train's corridor, she scoffed with a tinge of uneasiness as boys and girls alike sat on the edge of their seats, hands glued to the glass doors in hopes of catching a glimpse of the school's star. Not only that, but the public also developed a certain adoration towards the participants of the Ministry incident.
Themis - before joining her seventh year cabin - had snickered at a particularly excited second year, waving frantically at Longbottom. His face burned scarlet when he sat down with his tightknit group. Despite his shy nature, there was something about his overall feel that seemed different, but she couldn't quite pinpoint what.
