Independent [SS x OC ]

Chapter 8

7:48 AM, Monday August 31st.

I was in my room, packing up for Hogwarts, making sure I had all of my medication, clothes and books. I put it all in my charmed bag. I never traveled so I didn't have a suitcase or trunk. I grabbed my phone, charger and headphones, making sure they got into my sweater pocket. I checked my bank account to make sure I had enough. Fortunately, I had worked that Summer. I saved everything I earned so I could buy everything I'd need/want.

I grabbed my wallet and headed up the stairs after taking one last look at my near empty room. I had to leave my wet specimens, of course, and my bed.

I got upstairs and made a tea for the road. This was going to be quite the adventure, I had to admit. My Dad came into the kitchen.

"Good luck, sweet pea." He said as he gave me a hug. He didn't like the idea of me leaving for almost an entire year, but he trusted my Mum with everything he had. He knew she was intelligent and wouldn't do anything without reason.

"Thanks Dad," I said, kissing his cheek. He gave me a smile.

"If you ever need anything, let us know." He said as he walked to the door. My Mum met him at the door with his work bag. She gave him a kiss and opened the door for him.

"Have a wonderful day at work," she said with a smile.

"See you tonight dear," He replied and walked out to the car. Mum closed the door and turned to me.

"I'll text you as often as I can, assuming they have service. Otherwise I will write." I said as I walked towards her. She smiled softly.

"I hope you enjoy yourself.And send me and address so I can send you things for Christmas and your birthday."

"I will." I smiled. I gave my Mum a hug and kissed her cheek. She hugged back and kissed my cheek as well. I then grabbed my tea and headed out. She stood out on the porch and waved me goodbye as I walked down the street.

I took a deep breath, taking in the crisp but warm air. A few minutes passed and I arrived at the House Elf Specialties. I opened the door and stepped in. I was met with a bright smile.

"Good morning Melody! Are you ready to go?" Nora asked, clearly excited. I gave a small smile.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied.

"Great! We'll get going then!" She said as she grabbed her car keys. Daisy came out from behind the counter and smiled at me. I smiled back.

"Good luck, Miss Melody." she said with her gentle voice.

"Thank you Daisy. Especially for this bag. It's proven itself useful." I reported. She gave a smile.

"I had a feeling it would." She smirked and patted my leg. I looked up to Nora and she nodded.

"My car is in the back," she mentioned. I gave a nod and followed her to the back of the store. She opened the back door and I followed quickly behind. She popped into the car and started it up. I put my bag in the back seat and got in the front.

"You have everything with you?" she quizzed me.

"Books, clothes, phone, charger, headphones and all of my toiletries." I answered. She smiled and nodded.

"Good! My first year I forgot my toiletries. It wasn't the greatest start to my new life." She chuckled and began to drive down the road. I sipped my tea and watched every turn and every tree that we passed. It was maybe a 45 minute drive, that what it felt like. We made small talk all the way to London. She notifies me that we would be staying the night in the Leaky Cauldron, a place that was the entrance to Diagon Alley, the place Witches and Wizards could get their things for potions and book and whatnot. We were lucky to have gotten the last room available.