Gifted [Harry Potter]

The Train

Chapter 3

       MATILDA WORMWOOD WAS RIDDEN WITH PANIC as she approached the brick pillar, still remembering Minerva McGonagall's instructions to merely walk into it. That was easier said than done, and Matilda couldn't help but feel the apprehension creep up her neck. Still, she figured there was no use standing around and risking unnecessary attention, so she merely walked into the pillar with her fingers gripping around the metal cart. She gulped, but she felt her body slip through the barrier with no issue, as if the pillar were made from water instead of breaks.

      Children swarmed over the platform, excited with their parents at their side. The chatter and life filled the air with a sickly sweet murmur that made a slight smile spread over Matilda's lips. She went to move her cart, only for someone to slam into her cart with a thump. She glanced over towards the boy in question, noticing his dark skin and extremely short hair. He raised an eyebrow, as if signifying her to move faster.

      "I apologize," she told him, quickly clearing out of his way. In doing so, one of her textbooks dropped to the ground, having loosened from its placement from the ramming of their carts. She closed her eyes for a moment, slightly embarrassed and feeling foolish for it. The boy, however, let out a sigh, lifting the book up to her to take. "I'm Matilda."

      He raised a single brow, once more reminding Matilda that her company might not be desired. He must have decided to give her a break, and he said, "Blaise Zabini."

      Matilda nodded, walking beside him, coincidentally going at the same pace. She felt better in his company, especially since most of everyone was saying goodbye to their parents while she and him were one of the only ones alone. She loaded her cart onto the storage room on the train, once more nearly bumping into Blaise as she did. She awkwardly smiled, but his face remained impassive, causing her to feel all the more uncomfortable. She walked past him, retreating onto the train.

      The inside was luxurious, aligned with bits of red outlining the sides of the walkway. She ran her fingers over the wood, feeling the cool brush under her fingertips as a sense of wonder clouded her senses. She took a step forward, then another, and before long she got her legs to finally move down the narrow path. Her eyes peered into the many rooms, watching as many had already been taken by children or teens who were just laughing amongst themselves.

      Feeling a brush of loneliness, she settled into the first empty one she could find all whilst hugging her bag close to her side. The moment she was alone, she opened her pack and pulled out a one of her text books, Magical Drafts and Potions. It was the only one of her textbooks she had yet to finish, mostly due to there being just so many and she'd hate to be caught unaware lest they start to think they made a mistake in letting her come to this school in the first place. She couldn't be sent home now, for her mother and father would never let her forget it.

      When strapped with a good book, Matilda lost herself in the pages, barely paying attention when the door to her compartment opened. She peered over the binding and towards the entrance where Blaise walked in, and sat down across from her. His face remained impassive and she could tell he wasn't there to make conversation. She offered him a kind smile, but made certain to keep her mouth shut. She lowered her gaze back to her book and began to jot down notes and reminders in her mind as she read.