I gazed out the window, looking into peaceful London countryside as the train sped on. In past years the ride had calmed me, filled me with the knowledge that I was finally going to a place where I was wanted. This year, with the nightmares behind me, I was filled with only trepidation. The nightmares were a warning for the year to come, I was sure of it. Something was coming, and with the rumors floating around about Lord Voldemort, it was going to be bad.
The door to the compartment opened and in stepped three people. Two boys and a girl, all with fiery orange hair and a ton of freckles. They were joking and teasing each other, and I noticed that the boys were twins. I thought I had heard of them before, the weasly twins. Draco had talked about all of the weasly's with a great deal of disgust, calling them blood traitors and idiots. Quickly I curled up in the corner of the seat, pressing myself close to the window, hoping they wouldn't notice me but would leave. No such luck. The girl saw me move and motioned to the boys.
"Sorry didn't think anyone was in here, is it ok if we stay?" the girl's eyes were soft, careful. I felt as though she could see right through me. Carefully I nodded, knowing I couldn't be rude. They sat down as the door opened again and another boy walked in. "Hey Ginny, Fred, George." He said, brushing his hair out of his eyes. His hair was a dark black, and on his forehead was a lightning shaped scar. Harry Potter. I had heard about him from Draco also. In that moment I wished I could turn invisible. I opted for looking out the window. The boy glanced at me, I could feel his eyes on my back, but didn't say anything more. The seat cushion sank as he sat down next to me, and they began to converse as though I wasn't there.
For some reason this was painful for me, being surrounded by them. They were so happy, so friendly, and I knew without a doubt that they would except me if I spoke. People surrounded me, but I felt so alone. It had been like this for years, which made it extremely difficult to have friends. I was different from them in too many ways, and I knew that in some ways every one of them could sense it.
I slowly drifted off to sleep, not thinking of the nightmares. I thought that because it was light out I was safe, silly really to think so. Light couldn't protect me where I went, there was none. I was lucky on the train, no nightmares came, I realized later on. I woke to a gentle hand shaking my shoulder and opened my eyes to see one of the boys in front of me. "Sorry but we're almost to the castle. You should get ready."
"Thanks." I mumbled, still tired and groggy. "Sorry that you had to wake me up. Was I talking in my sleep or anything?" He smiled slightly at my worry.
"Nah your fine. Hey you're in your sixth year aren't you? I think I remember you from class. Your Allison? No Alli." I was surprised that he remembered me, I normally go out of my way to hide from people. He smiled again at my surprise, and offered me his hand. I took it, looking around the cabin, and noticing that all of the others were gone.
"Yeah, its Alli. How do you remember me? I only know who you are because of the hair, and only your last name at that."
"I notice things," He said laughing. " I'm George, and the crazy twin who was with me is Fred." I almost laughed with him, instead just smiled weakly. "I'm surprised that you even know my last name, I mean you never talk to people and your always alone. But not today. Today you are going to come and ride with my brother and I in one of the carriages." He took my arm and began dragging me off the train. I rolled my eyes and let him pull me to a carriage. His twin, Fred, was already seated, lounging in a familiar way on the leather cushion.
" 'Ello, nice to see you managed to make it. Can we leave now? I want to make it to the Great Hall before the feast starts." I smiled shyly as George plopped on the other side of the carriage, pulling me down with him. Fred and George were identical twins, but looking at them I thought I could see some differences. Fred had blue eyes, clear and sparkling even as he complained, and a constant mischievous look on his face. George's eyes were also blue, but one was tinted with green. The carriage began to move, and jolted me away from George into the other wall. I didn't move back. We were at the castle quickly, and I slipped away from the twins as soon as I could. I wasn't going to the feast, and I didn't want them to make me, so I ran as soon as their backs were turned. I headed straight for the Gryffindor Tower.