She's a Snitch | James Potter | Marauders Era

TWO

Thalia rather enjoyed the company of the compartment she had been introduced to. The group of friends were full of banter and seemed to share her love for pranking,

"All of them had your voices?" Thalia asked, laughing with the group (which she now knew to be called the Marauders) as they told her of their prank,

"Yeah, Snivellus wasn't happy when he screamed at us with Peter's voice." James chuckled, "I must say it was a huge improvement." Thalia noticed that the small boy called Peter blushed slightly at that,

"Snivellus?" she asked, "Isn't that the boy that was sat with Sirius' brother?" the group gravely nodded and Thalia saw Eloise's face darken.

"He's a proper bellend, Thalia, stay away from him. At the end of last year, he called my best friend...well he said something horrible to someone who thought was his friend." Thalia frowned and shook her head slightly,

"Well when I get to Hogwarts, I'll be sure to put him at the top of my Hit List." she grinned and they laughed. James slung an arm around her shoulders,

"You and me both Little Miss USA." he smiled as Thalia scoffed,

"I have a british accent, you jerk."

"Jerk? That sounds like some kind of
pig!" James pulled and face and Eloise laughed,

"Then I suppose it's rather fitting." she said, smirking at her brother.

Thalia watched the exchange between the siblings and sighed lightly. She couldn't deny that she was amused by the conversation but it was at moments like those that she missed Thomas the most. He was a year and a half older than her, being only recently 17 years old when he was killed. She missed him dreadfully and her family hadn't been the same since, her parents had closed up, not being the fun-loving and care-free people they once were. They were constantly looking over their shoulder in worry of losing anyone else, hence the strictness towards their daughter. Thalia understood why of course, she was just glad she had her Grandfather to spend time with. When she was with him, whether it be feeding Erumpents or reading up on the sleeping patterns of the Billywig, she was able to forget; for those few hours, that her elder brother was dead.

****

The train pulled to a stop and the Marauders hopped off, Thalia in tow, gleefully searching the expanse of the grand castle with wide eyes, stopping when she reached the carriages. She walked slowly towards the creatures, she knew what they were, having read up on them with her Grandfather a few years ago, though she had forgotten that she'd be able to see them. She lifted her hand slowly to stroke its skeletal back, feeling its leathery skin under her smooth fingers. Eloise, who had noticed the absence of the small brunette, joined her in front of the carriages,

"You can see them can't you?" Thalia didn't have to answer and Eloise linked her arm with the smaller girl's. They walked towards the sound of a booming voice and Thalia looked up, her mouth dropping open as she saw the man. She had to crane her neck upwards to even catch a glimpse of his face behind a huge beard.

"You mus' be Thalia." he said in a friendly voice, a large grin peaking through his bushy facial hair,

"That I am...large man." she said, returning his smile.

"Well, follow me, you'll be boatin' in with the Firs' Years. I'm Hagrid by the way." Thalia sent a quick wave to Eloise who smiled reassuringly before walking towards the carriages where Sirius was waiting, grabbing his hand as they got inside. Thalia couldn't help but smile at the couple as she followed Hagrid to the docks, the boats all full of First Years. She sat down in one and cringed as her knees were wedged up against the side. She looked at the students that she was sharing a boat with, all of which were gawking at her,

"I know I'm frightfully gorgeous, but could you maybe dial back on the staring?" she asked but they didn't look away.

"You look awfully big to be a First Year." one of them said, his squeaky voice making Thalia pull a face...she hated children,

"And you look awfully small to be classified as a human, but who am I to judge?" she smiled sarcastically and turned away from them, looking up at Hogwarts. The boats pulled away from the dock and she trailed her hand in the cool water, laughing slightly to herself as she heard one of the First Years fret over the Giant Squid. She knew that it would cause no harm to anyone and she made a mental note to take it some buttered toast one day, knowing that it was one of its favourite foods.

****

The first years trooped into the room with an incredibly high ceiling. Having got bored of the incessant chatter of the first years, Thalia began to peer around, tapping her foot impatiently. A tall, stern looking witch strode up the corridor, her hair in a severe bun, and practical rectangular glasses perched on her nose.

"Hello first years, and welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. My name is Professor McGonagall. Before we do anything, I must inform you of some rules..." Thalia immediately began to zone out, rules weren't exactly her forte. Her gaze wandered to a glowing figure hovering over the crowd. He was wearing a little bow tie, had many water balloons in his hands and a frustrated expression on his face. Thalia realised he was trying to hit the Professor with a water balloon and waved a little to get his attention. She subtly pointed to the left and then beckoned to tell him to move forward before putting her hand up telling him to stop and giving a thumbs up telling him to release the balloons. So he did. With a screech, the witch jumped back, soaked from head to toe, and water dripping off the brim of her black witches hat. The floating figure, gave Thalia a salute, which she returned, before zooming away, cackling. The witch waved her wand, immediately drying herself and the students around her who also got wet, scowling slightly. "Students, please follow me into the great hall now."