Finally, I'm going back home! I've been stuck running my mum's Apothecary all summer, sorting out porcupine quills from Spines of Lionfish and Flobberworm mucus from Horklump juice. Tedious work with no pay while my mum worked on her own concoction of Polyjuice potion, replacing Fluxweed with Shrivelfigs. It didn't work and left a nasty smell in the shops for weeks afterwards.
But now I'm on the train ride home – back to Hogwarts! I've completed my OWLs and now it's back to begin Sixth Year and preparations for my NEWTs. But, more than anything, I just can't wait to get back to Gryffindor tower and be back in my bed again.
I'm sat in a compartment by myself, reading an old book my mum gave me years ago. Anything to look occupied so that no-one barges in. I'd rather stay on my own for as long as I possibly can.
"Wotcher, Ni!" screeches Pandora, a bright, Hufflepuff girl in my year, as she slides open the door to my carriage. She's got chocolate around her mouth, presumably from a great number of chocolate frogs judging by the great mount of boxes she's carrying.
"Hi, Panda." I say wearily as she drops all of the blue and yellow boxes onto the seats opposite me. I first met Panda in First Year Transfiguration when we, the Gryffindors, were put in the same class as the Hufflepuffs. I was put next to her to help her as she was completely useless in the subject while I had a natural flare. Since then, she's been kind to me and has actually sought me out to talk to. She's one of the few people in the whole year who actually talks to me. Generally, I'm just left alone. Of course, that's how I like it.
"I can't wait, can you?! It's goin' to be so flippin' fun this year! I'm taking Herbology wiv dreamy Professor Longbottom and Care of Magical Creatures and Divination and ev'ryfin! What're you takin'? I couldn't bear to take Ancient Runes, they're flippin' hard…" she rambles. Panda's a real nutcase but sweet once you get to know her. You almost feel like you have to protect her. Maybe that's why that Slytherin girl, Effy Stonem, hangs around with her.
She carries on talking in this manner and stuffing yet more chocolate frogs into her mouth for a few minutes until Effy herself pokes her head into the compartment, her bright blue eyes flickering around, taking the place in.
"Fucking hell, Panda, have you eaten all those frogs?" she asks. She's so skinny! Her thin frame is covered with tight black jeans, a dark blue long-sleeved blouse and clunky black boots. Her face is made up simply but strikingly, only her eyes lined thickly in black pencil. She's beautiful and strange but unnerving. Everyone near Effy Stonem immediately feels self-conscious and as if she can read what you are thinking.
"Almost, Eff! D'ya want one?" Pandora holds a chocolate frog between her sticky fingers, waving the struggling frog.
"Jesus Christ," Effy sighs. "Naomi Campbell, right?"
"Yeah."
"Come down to our compartment. Since we're all probably going to be in the same classes, we might as well get talking." She says casually. I wonder who 'we all' are.
"And we're gonna eat loads more Chocolate Frogs! They're totally whizzer!" exclaims Panda. Effy shoots her a look. I look between the two girls and nod.
"Yeah, OK." I reply. Even though I prefer my own company, I don't want to come off as too weird again. It can be lonely. I'd like to have someone to talk to.
I follow the two girls out, leaving my case stored in the compartment, and walk after them down the shunting train. There are First Years lining the carriages, already in their robes, some brandishing wands foolishly, others gorging themselves with sweets. Suddenly, a long flame erupts from one young boy's wand and all of the First Years scream as a curtain catches fire. Effy lazily swings her wand and a jet of water puts out the flame. Unspoken incantation. Impressive.
When we finally reach the compartment, Effy pushes the door aside and she strides into the crowded area. What a strange group of people.
Effy sits herself down next to a sandy haired boy from Slytherin with a grin on his face. He puts his arm around her shoulder and begins to whisper into her ear. I certainly know him – James Cook. An obnoxious class clown, I remember Cook from First to Third Year Potions class when the Gryffindors and Slytherins were in one class and he put a forgetfulness potion into Professor Slughorn's pumpkin juice, sending the man running out in confusion, mumbling about his need for Pufferfish Eyes.
Perched on the window ledge is tall, tanned boy named Freddie staring at Cook and Effy. For a Hufflepuff, he doesn't look very kind right now. He's very attractive with his high cheeks and scruffy hair and I can see why he has been dubbed The Heartthrob of Hufflepuff. I get the feeling that he only came because Cook dragged him here.
Sat by Pandora is a smiling black boy named Thomas. Panda seems to be talking to him about how she can't wait for the feast because it's going to be "Totally whizzer, yeah?!" Her elbow keeps banging into the arm of the boy next to her; a pale boy with frizzy hair and heavily braced teeth, JJ has got to be the most out of place one of us here. He's got a large book in his hands entitled "Hogwarts: A History" and seems lost in the words.
And finally, there are the Fitch twins, Emily and Katie. Katie is in Slytherin and has her own group of friends, or lackeys, but often seeks out the company of Effy, obviously trying to gain a more credible entourage. Her identical twin, Emily, however, is in Gryffindor with me. I've never really spoken to her properly since, even though we share the same common room, we don't share a dormitory and were never put near each other in any lessons. I did sometimes watch her, though, writing notes furiously and running her slender fingers through her dark brown hair.
But it's not brown anymore. She must have dyed it this dark red colour over summer. It looks really good. Even better than it used to.
I realise I've been stood in the doorway for far too long and take up the last available space next to Emily. She turns her head to me and smiles. God, her eyes are so gorgeous. Chocolate brown with long black eyelashes. Like a doe.
I've always found Emily Fitch intriguing. And beautiful. Yes, I'll admit it to myself, really beautiful. I try not to think about it too much because she's the only girl who makes me feel like she does. I wouldn't call it a crush since we've never had a meaningful conversation before. And I wouldn't call it a crush because that's just not how I'm supposed to be.
I eventually smile back and feel compelled to say something. Anything.
"So, erm, what are you taking this year?"
How pathetic. God, she's going to think I'm a total idiot.
"Charms, Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potions." She replies, counting them off on her fingers. I stare at her, wondering why anyone would pick those subjects. They're fucking hard. "I know, right? What about you?"
"Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, and Muggle Studies." I end there lamely, wondering how I could continue. Instead, she does it for me.
"I'm thinking of working for St. Mungo's when I leave. Healer. What sort of things are you looking into? I personally think you'd be good working for the Ministry." Emily says. It's odd. How could she think something like that without noticing me? I always thought I was just another face in Gryffindor common room to her. My face burns at the idea so I turn away slightly and smile.
"I was actually interested in that sort of thing. What made you think I'd be into politics?"
"For someone quiet, you are really outspoken about rights and stuff. You have those badges from Hermione Granger's group for promoting Elfish rights and I know that you go down to the kitchens to talk to them. You know, persuade them to try and demand money." This time it is Emily's turn to go red. She turns her head away slightly and mumbles "It's just… really good, what you're doing. You're good at it."
I smile at her and run my hands through my shoulder length blonde hair. I'm about to compliment her on her prowess in Charms when Freddie stands up and abruptly tells us that it's time to change into our robes as we'll be reaching the school in just a matter of minutes. Cook makes some smutty comment about not minding if Effy stays behind to get changed with him so that he can "get a view of the breasticles". Jesus Christ. Boys.
The girls exit the compartment and we make our way to our respective compartments. I'm happy to find that mine remains empty so I draw the curtains with a flick of my wand, lay out my robes and get changed.
I remain in my compartment for the remaining 10 minutes of the journey, almost disappointed that Panda and Effy haven't come to find me again. I look out of the window, waiting for a sign that Hogwarts in nearing. And then I see it. Turrets, high above the ground with single lights flickering in the windows. Rolling hills, stretching out for miles behind the castle. Finally, I'm home.