slytherin princess [2]

old catherine, new catherine

Catherine Collins walked into Kings Cross Station. She was alone this year. Her long blonde hair was in a high ponytail, and her eyes were sharper than usual. Catherine wore a simple, blue turtleneck dress with black pumps. Usually she wore a smirk to accompany it, but her face was blank of emotions. It appeared the only accessory she wore was Cedric's ring. Her house elf carried her luggage onto her luggage cart.

Catherine walked through the barrier. Most of the students on the platform stared over at her with intrigued expressions. However, she didn't give much of a show.

Harry Potter spotted her long legs and willowy frame from across the platform, and he felt an ache to go say hello to her. However, he knew the last thing she needed was attention from him. All summer holiday, Catherine had been a constant. Her owls had been a welcoming gift that kept him afloat all summer. She had been genuinely concerned over his Ministry hearing. He had even gone as far as giving her the address to the Order's headquarters, just to continue to stay in contact with her. Honestly, Catherine was the only one who made him feel sane.

Catherine strutted onto the train. Pansy, Blaise, Theo, and Draco sat in their usual compartment.

"Hello," she greeted.

Pansy sprung up first. None of them had seen Catherine this past summer; she had spent the whole holiday on the coast of France with Arabella and Fleur. The three girls had enjoyed their time together before Fleur and her had departed for England. Fleur was working at Gringotts part-time, and she was beyond excited. Arabella was sad to see them leave, but she had to go back to Beauxbatons for her final year of school.

Pansy pulled Catherine in for a hug.

"I've missed you so much. So, we all want to know did you get the Prefect spot?"

"Of course I did, who else would have? You? Don't make me laugh."

Pansy looked taken aback by Catherine's answer. Normally, she wouldn't say something so directly mean.

"No, I was just wondering," she murmured and fell back into her seat.

Draco grinned, "It's good to have our Catherine back."

"Hm, that's sweet, Draco. You know, you look quite fit this year," Catherine smirked and raked her eyes over him.

"Thank you, Catherine."

Draco was also taken aback by her.

"Well, it's nice to, erm, see you, Catherine," Theo said.

"You as well, Nott. I have to say, I was a bit surprised that Arabella dumped you. She said you were a bit drab."

Theo was also taken aback by her brazen behavior.

"Catherine," Blaise gasped.

Catherine smirked, "Nice to see you as well, Zabini. I hope you and Pansy are doing well, or I might just shag you for fun. You look like you've grown up, finally."

Everyone's jaws fell slack.

"Anyway, I'm going to go find something more interesting. I'll see you later. Draco, I can't wait to see you later at the Prefect meeting. Honestly, I'm just excited to get to look at you; it's a nice view."

With that, Catherine turned on her heel and walked out.

"What has gotten into her? I mean, it's like she's back to being Catherine, but it's way worse than usual," Blaise exclaimed.

Pansy nodded, "This is worse than third year. I'm hoping she's not going to do anything too terrible."

"She's grieving," Draco muttered.