The onyx-tinged Persian cat was practically shuddering in Lucinda's grasp, sprawled across her knee like a temperamental toddler, much to her amusement. You'd have thought after six years of using the crimson steam train, Salem would have grown used to the hum of the engine and the ever-so-slightly swaying compartments.
A small smile managed to spread across Lucinda's chapped lips as her fingers gently caressed Salem's head, the odd soft purr escaping between frightened hisses. Perhaps it wasn't the train that had gotten Salem's nerves all twisted, perhaps it was the idea of returning to Hogwarts.
If Lucinda was being completely truthful, she wasn't entirely sure if she was in fact ready to return to Hogwarts either.
Of course, she loved Hogwarts with all her heart; it was her second home for Merlin's sake! But the castle undeniably contained memories she'd once cherished that now filled her with pain.
The thought of seeing Sirius made her stomach churn anxiously; as if hundreds of butterflies were fluttering around within her.
The six-week break between their fifth year and their upcoming sixth year had flown by, most likely due to the fact that Lucinda had spent the majority of her summer in the confines of her bedroom, moping around as her mother had pitifully phrased it.
"There you are, Luce! We've been looking for you everywhere-" Emmelyn Waters chimed as she pushed through the previously closed compartment doors before her eyes widened comically.
Shutting the compartment doors behind her with a loud slam, Emmelyn ignored the croaky hiss that Salem produced as his mossy gaze flickered to the intruder.
"-Merlin's beard you look dreadful! When did you last get a good night's sleep?!" Em continued with a concerned frown, the Ravenclaw quickly dropping to sit in the seat beside Lucinda.
Her nails- painted black by her muggle mother's nail polish, rested on Lucinda's shoulder as she worriedly eyed the blonde beside her. She wasn't entirely sure if this was in fact her best friend, more convinced that this was some sixth-year Slytherin using Polyjuice potion to prank her.
