I packed my trunk, folding my clothes neatly inside so there was room for as many books as possible. I had just closed it and locked it up ready for our departure in the morning from King's Cross Station when a knock on my door disturbed me.
"Come in," I barked. The door opened slowly and Alex stuck his head in.
"Hey," I said in greeting "What's up? I thought training was over for the day."
"It is." He shrugged, holding something behind his back "But I figured, since I'm going back to Camp tomorrow, and you're going to this magic school or whatever, that you might as well take this with you." I stood as he pulled the sword I normally use in training out from behind his back. He threw it to me, and I caught it with ease.
"Seriously?" I asked in surprise, looking at him. He shrugged.
"I figured you'd need it more than I would. Besides, it's your size."
"Thanks," I said, almost grateful. I must admit, over the summer I've come to like this sword.
"Yeah, well." He shrugged "Anyway, if you're still alive by the start of next summer, I'll see you again."
"What makes you think I'm going to be the one who dies, huh? You'll be in more danger than I will." He gave me a sceptical look, and then laughed.
"Yeah. I'll see you next year. I'll probably be gone before you get up."
"See you next year," I said with a smile. He nodded, and left. I looked at the sword and twirled it in my hand, feeling its comfortable weight in my hand. I opened my trunk again and took out my cloak, wrapping it around the sword gently. I set it down in the trunk and closed it back up, putting it by my bedroom door.
Chara hissed a goodnight at me as she coiled up under the bed as I got under my own covers, slowly warming myself up. As usual, I lay awake. Thinking. Just thinking. I'm looking forward to going back to Hogwarts. As useful and almost fun as training is, nothing beats a good rivalry like the one between Slytherin and Gryffindor, and I'm slap-bang in the middle, in the perfect position to watch both sides and do as I please. I can't wait to get back to my old antics. Ah, the days of pranking. My book of names is almost full with all the people I've met, all their fears recorded systematically next to them with age and sibling number and as many other details as I can find. I'm sure I'll be adding to it again this year. There's so much potential, so many possibilities. I'm excited just thinking about it.
But that's tomorrow. As for tonight, I need sleep. It's been a long day, and it's going to be a long day tomorrow too. I've barely started thinking about sleep and I'm already being enveloped in the warmth of my bed and drifting off to sleep to the never-ending whispers around me.
We apparated to King's Cross Station at ten forty-five exactly, the sound of the train at the platform and the chatter of the parents and children covering the platform thundering in my ears before calming as I adjusted to it. As far as I'm concerned, apparating from a deathly silent room to a bustling train station is not a good idea. Narcissa fussed Draco, but with a look from Lucius she stopped, and stood straight and silent. I've noticed that while I've lived with them – no matter what's going on Narcissa always obeys Lucius.
Instead, she turned her affection to me, giving me a hug and a warm smile. I smiled back and picked up my trunk and Βοήθεια's cage, leading the way onto the train. I found an empty compartment and put my trunk above the shelf, then helped Draco put his on the shelf too. I sat down, putting the cage next to me and my bag on my lap, Βοήθεια chirping at me, Chara silent, hidden in my school bag. At first Draco was silent, then he huffed angrily, looking away.
"What's wrong with you?" I asked, putting my feet up on the seats, completely relaxed.
"Nothing that would concern you," he said moodily. I shrugged, leaning against the wall of the compartment.
"Ok. Whatever." I said bluntly.
"He was just so smug, wasn't he?" Draco continued in a spit. I glanced at him.
"Who?"
"Your good friend Potter." He snarled, putting his chin in the air. I closed my eyes and looked away.
"Are you still talking about that?" I sighed "How many times do I have to tell you? The Gryffindors are just business. It's nothing personal." I heard him huff again.
"I don't understand you at all," he muttered.
"No one I've met yet does," I responded casually "I wouldn't worry yourself about it." The sound of the door opening made me open one eye to see Crabbe and Goyle entering the compartment. I ignored them and closed my eyes again as Goyle put their suitcases on the shelf. There was a pause, and then they both sat down next to Draco. I had a feeling they were squishing up, and I knew it when Draco huffed again. I heard him stand.
"Are you going to move?" He asked impatiently. I sighed dramatically and then sat up just as the train lurched forwards. Βοήθεια chirped unhappily as her cage wobbled. I steadied it with a single hand calmly as we were temporarily deafened by the train's whistle.
"Well, we're off," I sighed, rubbing my neck.
"Slytherin will win the house cup this year," Draco said, his bad mood deepening "We can't let Gryffindor win again."
"I'm sure this year will be better," I said confidently "We let them have a taste of victory last year. This year, we're going to blow them out of the water."
Ron and I looked at each other as we stood in shock outside of the station. We were both quiet and pale, Hedwig chirping in her cage.
"What do we do? Should we just wait here?" I asked. But what if Ron was right when the doorway first closed? What if his parents can't get back through?
He shook his head and then did a double take to his left, suddenly looking very alert, a small smile spreading over his face.
"The car!" He declared excitedly, standing and grabbing his trunk and Scabbers's box. I stood quickly too, grabbing my own trunk and Hedwig's cage, following him to the small blue car. He opened the boot and we put our trunks in, and then opened the back and put the pets in.
"Quick, we might be able to catch up with the train," he said with a grin as he got in the drivers seat.
"Do you know how to drive this thing?" I asked. He nodded.
"Of course, Dad showed us all when he was first trying to fix it. He was really proud that he managed to work it out. Wouldn't shut up about it all month." He started the engine and began to drive, gathering speed before he pulled one of the gears and the car took off into the sky.
"Uh, Ron? I don't think most muggles are accustomed to a flying car."
"Oh, yeah," he said, pressing a small silver button, and then he shot me a nervous smile. "Let's go."