Learn to love

Catch the snake.

It was past 10 pm when the train stopped. Remus had left to the front of the train, for some teacher's meeting. Not that I was interested. Everyone had fallen asleep, I stayed awake. It was a force of habit after the Dementors attack last year. As the train came to its halt, I awoke the sleeping four. Gathering our bags, we piled out of the cabin and into the hallway. Gryffindor trotted in front of us clearing the path for all of us. The second I took a step out, the cold licked at my face and crept under my clothes, spreading across my skin like the lacy tide on a frigid winter beach. With purple lips tinged with blue and gently chattering teeth, I wrapped my thin coat around tighter. As I jogged to catch up with the others, I spotted Draco and his goons pass by Harry.

"Surprised the ministry is still letting you walk around free potter." He teased. "You better enjoy it while you can. I suspect there is a cell in Azkaban with your name on it." Harry snapped, lunging himself at Malfoy. Ron grabbed a hold of him, just in the knick of time. Now that was a shocker, Harry was never this easily set off. Let alone that violent. "What I tell you? Complete nut job."

"Just stay away from me!" Harry yelled.

"It's only, Malfoy." Ron said. "What you expect?"

"Gryffindor." The wolf trotted over to me. "Catch the snake." It was a little trick I taught him and Slytherin. The snake was the keyword for Malfoy. Didn't matter if it was the father or son, they were on their asses. The animal ran off with a low growl, he ran through the students bumping into some. It wasn't long until I heard Malfoy and his goons screaming. Harry and the others chuckled, as someone cleared their throat behind me. Turning around slowly, I grinned innocently at Remus and Snape, who stood behind him. "Hello, professors." Glancing behind me, I glared at my leaving friends. So much for backup.

"I thought you promised Sirius you'd stay out of trouble." Remus spoke in a firm tone, but amusement was seen in his eyes.

I shrugged. "I never promised. I said I would try and stay out of trouble. Besides he was getting on my nerves."

Snape sighed. "Not even an hour of arrival. That's a new record I believe."

"Correction, I still hold the record for the fight on the train." Giving both professors a cheeky smile, I all but ran away from them, bumping into my friends. They stood together watching a cart pull away. "Way to leave me hanging back there. Real great friends you lot are."

Hermione chuckled. "They are pudding around you."

"Shut up."

Neville suddenly appeared beside us, carrying an oddly cute cactus. "Hey, guys."

"Hey, Neville." We all answered.

"What is it?" Harry asked. I turned but saw nothing, but the carriage. He on the other hand was mesmerized by something.

"What's what?" Ron asked.

"That...pulling the carriage." Now I was worried, getting closer I placed a hand on his forehead. Well, he had no fever. Harry slapped my hand away with a huff.

"Nothing is pulling the carriage, Harry." I replied.

"It's pulling itself, like always." Hermione added.

Harry walked towards the carriage, avoiding whatever the hell he was seeing. We followed somewhat hesitant. Staying a bit back I studied the empty space before me, stretching my hand I jumped. Something was breathing! I could feel the warm air hit my hand, it reminded me that of a horse, only this was a bit colder. Sucking in a breath I got closer gasping on the boney structure I felt. It was amazing. "Great I'm going nuts." Pulling back, I rushed up to Hermione.