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➸ BACK AT HOGWARTS
SMOKY WISPS CURLED UP like genies in the sky. Stars shined brightly as though someone had tossed diamond dust into the sky, creating the epitome of nyctophilia. Thousands and thousands of students littered around the grounds of Hogwarts signaling the start of a new school year.
The sound of wheels could be heard through the night – making their way towards the castle which was the way Cecilia and the other older students got to Hogwarts. Mysterious carriages that seemed to be autonomous. Her life back at her house in Wiltshire, England long forgotten as excitement bubbled inside of her for being back at Hogwarts – her home.
Cecilia reflected on their farewells. She noticed the same slight concern in her mother's eyes that she had seen during her first year—it was the only other time she had witnessed it. Her father, as usual, wore his stoic expression.
Cecilia was always adept at reading emotions, so she detected a tiny trace of fear hidden deep in her father's gaze. Cecilia had never been afraid, but the realization that something could frighten her father struck a fear in her that she buried deep within.
Enoch and Edith Adwell.
Looking out, she saw the familiar stone castle, a soft smile forming on her lips. She moved to exit the carriage, her friends following closely behind. As they made their way into the castle, they caught a glimpse of something in the distance, growing larger with each passing second in the sky.
Her gaze connected with her friend, Tracey Davis' in a brief encounter of confusion before they both looked back up to the sky. Tracey Davis whispered harshly, "Bloody hell, what is that?"
No one could answer before a large ship began to emerge from the Black Lake. Cecilia's breath caught in her throat at the grand sight. In the background, she faintly heard a voice exclaim, "Well there's something you don't see every day."
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Whispers of anticipation filled the air with buzzing excitement. As Cecilia entered the Great Hall, she was greeted by the animated chatter of the portraits adorning the walls. Above the four long tables, the floating candles cast a gentle glow, adding to the magical ambiance of the hall.
The blonde girl made her way to her customary spot at the Slytherin table, with her friend Tracey Davis following closely behind. They each took seats on either side of her, settling in for the start of the feast. The Hall was crowded with conversations as the students waited patiently for the first years to arrive and the Sorting Hat ceremony to begin. Some students complained about the wait as rumbles of stomachs could be heard.
Tracey turned to Cecilia, her expression curious as she leaned in slightly, the flickering light of the floating candles casting gentle shadows across her face. "How was your summer?" Her voice carried a hint of genuine interest, mingled with the buzz of excitement echoing through the Great Hall.
