Éthérée

all i know since yesterday, is that everything has changed (3)

The two quickly found an almost empty compartment with only one boy sitting in it. His stormy gray eyes were staring at the empty seat in front of him, glassy, empty, and unfocused. He had an almost defined jawline, quite uncommon for boys to have at such a young age. His shoulder length hair was brushed through properly, and was resting neatly, just the right amount of hair gel used. He was staring into oblivion, his forehead slightly creased,, making them believe that he was deep in thought. He paid no heed to the carriage door opening, probably not having heard the sound over all the noise in the train. Audrey cleared her throat politely, and he darted his gaze over to the pair standing at the door.

"Do you mind if we come in? Everywhere else is full," Audrey said a slight smile.

"No, of course not! Come on in," the boy replied with a grin on his face. The Potter siblings grinned back before lugging their trunks inside, and taking a seat opposite to him. The boy brushed a strand of his dark hair out of his eyes before extending his hand out for a shake.

"Hi. I'm Sirius, Sirius Black," he said.

"I'm James Potter," James said shaking his hand firmly.

"I'm Audrey Potter," Audrey said when Sirius' focus shifted towards her. He gently shook her hand, with a smile on his face which the girl returned.

"Black. Where have I heard that name before?" James asked after a moment.
The boy visibly tensed up, his jaw clenching, and his nails digging into his palms. He looked down in slight embarrassment, clearly ashamed of being from the family he was.

"My parents are Walburga and Orion Black. You must've heard of them," he muttered, not meeting the pair's eyes.

James' eyes widened in realization of who this boy was. His mum and dad had mentioned the pair occasionally, they had quite a bit of power in the ministry. They were known for their arrogant and idiotic pureblood supremacy beliefs. In fact everyone who was a part of the Sacred 28 was, and the Blacks were one of the more powerful families there. They had a reputation for detesting muggleborns and halfbloods, and had gone out of their way to make sure that they weren't comfortable or welcomed in the magical community. Audrey exchanged a glance with her brother. If there was something that the both of them noticed in the boy was how he suddenly became hostile as soon as his family was mentioned. How he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, and popped his knuckles, awaiting the twins' reactions.

"So, what house do you want to be in?" Audrey asked, changing the subject quickly. His eyes darted upwards, meeting hers.

"Well, my whole family has been in Slytherin," he replied.

"Blimey, and I thought you were alright," James said.

Sirius grinned. "Maybe I'll break the tradition. Where are you headed, if you had the choice?"

"Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart,," James said pulling out and imaginary sword.

"Just like our dad," Audrey said, grinning.

Before the conversation could go on any further, they heard a knock on the door. It was wide open and there stood a boy. He was quiet tall for an eleven-year-old. He had a tattered bag slumped over his tired shoulders. His complete body screamed exhaustion. But what was most interesting were the scars trailing from his cheek, disappearing into his jacket, and another scar on his wrist. Audrey's eyes followed the scars with high interest. As soon as he noticed this, his eyes flew down in embarrassment, and he started slightly tugging at his clothes, trying to hide the scars.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to offend you in any way," she said hastily.

"No problem at all," he replied meekly. He was used to the stares.

Their eyes locked together, hers pleading and his forgiving. He gave her a small smile, and she returned it.

"Do you want to come in mate?" Sirius asked, confused by the dialogue that had just been exchanged by the pair.

"Yeah, if that's fine with the two of you," the boy said looking at James and Audrey. They both nodded, Audrey smiling, and James looking as confused as ever.

He took a seat opposite to the twins, next to Sirius. "Hi, I'm Remus Lupin." He said, holding out his hand, which Audrey warmly accepted.

"I'm Audrey Potter, pleasure meeting you," Audrey said.

"And I'm James Potter," James said, shaking his hand.

"Sirius, Sirius Black," Sirius said, with a faint smile, still confused about the previous interaction.

And then came the boy who would be known as Wormtail. He was a short boy, with a round pale face, and short legs. He was wearing a grey t-shirt with jeans, and his bag slung over his shoulders.

"Do you mind if I come in? Everywhere else is full," he said.

"Come on in," Sirius replied.

And they got to talking.

***

Rewritten: May 18th, 2021.