Another ch uploaded to keep me calm from my midterm. Hope yall enjoy


The large scarlet and black train laid in front of her. Fallon could feel her palms beginning to sweat from how hard she was clutching her suitcase. She looked up towards her right, a small part of her expecting Jacob and her mother to be by her side. Jacob with his carefree grin and mischievous eyes teasing their mum with the adventures he would end up going on. Her mum scolding him with disapproval in her tone but her eyes would betray the amusement she truly felt.

Instead, she stood by herself, no Jacob or her mother in sight. She looked around her, the feeling of envy as she looked at the other children. Children with their older or younger siblings. Children with their loving parents. The sounds of laughter and joy from the others only increased the ugly feeling was bubbling. Seething, Fallon lifted her suitcase and loaded it onto the scarlet train.

She tried her hardest not to look around, but she couldn't help it. The sight of all these families, so happy and carefree, made her feel such resentment. Fallon understood why they were at peace. The big war against You-Know-Who was over and he had finally been defeated. Yet, she still wanted them, all of them, to be as miserable as she was. It was selfish of her, she knew that, but knowing that didn't stop how she felt.

She clenched her jaw and made her way inside the train. Fallon made sure to keep her head low, her curly hair made an aburn waterfall as she stared at the ground. A loud noise made her yank her head up, her eyes turning towards the left compartment. A group of students was playing a rowdy game of exploding snap. Shaking her head, she kept on walking down the train, occasionally checking the sides to see if she found Rowan or an empty compartment.

She was grateful that no one stopped her to talk to her or at least just ignored her presence. That was until she walked head first into another student. "Oh," was all she got out as she landed on her butt. In front of her was a long-haired redheaded boy whose face was covered in freckles that helped his blue eyes pop. He held his hand out for her, his pale face turning a bright red. She looked at his hand before pushing herself up. When she managed to be on her two feet she noticed they were around the same height. He must be a first year as well.

The two of them stared at each other in silence which caused a blush to creep onto Fallon's face. "Uh um, sorry about that," she muttered and walked around him before he could get a word out. She groaned internally. So much for not making a scene.

Thankfully her luck turned around as she found an empty compartment shortly after the whole awkward meeting. Quickly she took a seat by the window and glanced outside. This was it, she was finally going to Hogwarts.

Memories danced in her mind. Stories told to her by both her brother and mother played out as if she was there to witnessed them. A small sad smile settled on her lips. A couple of minutes later, the compartment door whipped open, startling Fallon. It was Rowan, her dark hair was neatly braided and laying on her shoulder. A wide smile was on her face which was extremely contagious as Fallon couldn't help but grin back. The girl took a seat right across from her and pulled out a book.

Fallon felt relieved as her friend rambled on about this muggle book her mum bought her recently. She got so invested on Rowan's storytelling, she wasn't even aware the train started to move.

She hoped they were sorted into the same house.


The train ride to Hogwarts was much shorter than the two girls originally thought. Perhaps it was just the nerves of the whole situation. It must've been because the rest of the way to Hogwarts was a blur for Fallon. She remembered the two of them settling on a boat as they sailed to the Hogwarts ground along with the other first year. They were being guided by a giant of a man with dark curly hair and a beard that covered most of his face.

Soon they were standing in the Great Hall. Fallon gaped at the sight. Her brother's description of the place didn't do it justice. The four long tables filled with students of varying ages and different color robes filled up most of it. In the front, there were the Professors her brother told her about as well as Headmaster Dumbledore. Her eyes couldn't help but focus on the black hair professor standing next to Dumbledore. Jacob told her loads about Professor Snape, most likely due to the fact he was his Head of House. Fallon was pretty sure that he wasn't a fan of her brother and going by the sneer he sent them, she could easily believe it.

Fallon couldn't help but notice that it was a smaller group of first years, at least it was if she compared it to what Jacob said. She stood next to Rowan, trying to focus her attention onto her instead of the memories of her brother or the growing embarrassment of the fact she stood next to the redheaded that she bumped into and ran away from. She was slightly grateful he didn't talk to her, only smiled when he recognized who was standing next to him.

Professor Dumbledore stood up, his flowing purple robes making his long white bread stand out. "Welcome you all back to Hogwarts," he announced, his blue eyes seemingly twinkling. "As you know it has been three years since the defeat of Lord Voldemort." The hall went silent, Fallon couldn't help but flinch along with the majority of people at the name. "I would like to announce that the Boy Who Lived is sound and is living with his remaining relatives. One day he will grace our halls that in your shoes as well. For now, we shall celebrate this new beginning." He gestured to the older woman who stood next to him.

The woman walked towards us with grace, her emerald robe trailing behind her. Fallon recognized her as Professor McGonagall.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice was firm and demanding attention. "Before the Welcoming Feast, we must sort all first years into their proper houses. This is a very important ceremony," she said emphasizing the word important. "As you know, your house will be like a family to you within Hogwarts." She gestured to a large dirty hat. A hat who now had a face. It opened its mouth and sang. Fallon wished she could have paid attention to the song but she couldn't. Her eyes fell onto the Slytherin table. Years ago her brother was sitting there, probably laughing or singing along.

She was brought back to reality by the calling her name. "Kelly, Fallon," Professor McGonagall announced. Slowly she made her way to the stool. The eyes of everyone staring at her, judging her.

McGonagall placed the large hat on her head. Fallon was grateful for how large the hat was as it blocked the view of the rest of the hall as it slid down her face.

Ah yes. Much like your brother. Ambitious, intelligent. Oh, very driven as well. Wanting to know what happened to your brother eh? Well then, allow me to help you with your journey. Best be SLYTHERIN

The hall was quiet and stayed that way as she made her way to the Slytherin table. Only a few people clapped out of politeness but everyone knew who she was. The fact she was in her brother's house as well didn't help. But, Fallon didn't care. She felt closure to her brother now than she had in years and she wasn't going to throw that away.

She was going to find out what is in those vaults. She was going to find out what happened to her brother.