Chapter 5 - The Hogwarts Express
They were staying the night at Lucius' London club, situated in Memrab Alley, a very smart district adjacent to the main shopping area of Diagon Alley. Here was where all the professional wizards stayed when they were in London. The imposing club was wedged in between two Ministry of Magic buildings; a grand building with a rich red carpet that led down into the street where an immaculately dressed giant of a man stood under the purple and gold canopy that marked the entrance. Apart from the doorman's presence, the entrance was also shielded by a aversion spell that protected the building, only allowing authorised members across its threshold, anybody else suddenly finding an urgent need to walk on the opposite side of the street. Lucius spent the early evening in the clubrooms conversing with leading members of the Ministry whilst waiting for his wife to come down to dinner. The rest of the family had stayed in their suite where a team of efficient witches waited on them whilst house-elves made sure that all their needs were catered for. Narcissa had retired to her room to change in preparation for the evening meal, whilst Pallas and her brother were to remain in the rooms and have their meal served there. The staff witches had already been to collect the family's new purchases from the shops; these now lay in a neat pile on the coffee table. Pallas picked up a copy of Magical Drafts and Potions and flicked through the pages, she then gave the cauldron and experimental flick listening out for the melodious dong that denoted its quality. There was a knock at the door, and the team of witches entered, silver- domed platters floating gently behind them. The platters laid themselves down upon the table upon which a fine linen tablecloth had appeared along with a set of crisp white plates and associated cutlery. A vase containing a single white rose finished the arrangement. As the witches retreated out of the room, bowing to the two children, Draco enjoyed malicious pleasure in tipping them a Knut each for their hard work. " I expect half of them are Mudbloods," he said viciously as the door curtly shut behind them. The two children sat down to eat; it was a grand feast of roast duck in an orange sauce with new potatoes dripping in butter and crisp green beans that steamed as they removed the platter lid. Draco greedily filled his plate from the food on offer, and whilst he was distracted, Pallas passed Moonstar some items from her plate, which he ate delicately, sitting on the third chair quite hidden from Draco's view by the draped tablecloth. Narcissa re-entered the room, looking elegant in a floor length, off the shoulder gown that draped itself seductively around her. "You look lovely," remarked Pallas looking at the shimmering ice-blue dress that glistened in the candlelight. "Thank you my dear-WHAT IS THIS!" she suddenly cried out approaching the table, her face turning an ashen hue, two pink spots appearing on her cheeks. Draco and Pallas looked on in horror as their mother picked up the vase from the table and threw it, contents and all into the fireplace. She whipped out her ivory wand from her sleeve and sent a bolt of green flame into the grate. Huge flames leapt up, burning in a fierce magenta flame. Pallas could feel the heat from the inferno and her mother's intense spell; she could not understand how her mother could stand so near to the blazing grate. Then, just as quickly, it was all over. The flames subsided with a hiss, and the fireplace stood cold and empty once more. For a moment, Narcissa did not move, her wand still in her hand. Then, regaining her composure, she put away her wand and, picking up her shawl bid the children goodnight and went out to meet Lucius in the dining hall. Pallas and Draco continued their meal in shocked silence; in utter bewilderment Pallas' eye was drawn to the empty space where the vase had once stood. Draco finished his meal and, wiping his mouth on the napkin, stood up to go. "Night Pallas, don't wait up." he called cheekily. "I need a good butterbeer after that and I know just the place to get it too." Pallas looked at him open mouthed. "Don't go," she pleaded finally finding her voice, still concerned about her mother's actions but equally worried about the mischief Draco might get into. "Don't you worry about me, I know what I'm doing," he said, pulling on his cloak. "Just remember," he joked, "never bring roses indoors, especially white ones." "Why not?" Pallas asked, still shaken by recent events. "Because she hates them, always has. No one knows why, not even Daddy." And with these final words, he grabbed his Quidditch broom and, opening the doors onto the balcony, glided off towards the Leaky Cauldron. Pallas leant over the balcony watching him go. The shops were closed now, but some of them were still bathing areas of Diagon Alley in a warm honey glow as their lights shone out onto the cobbled pavement. A few people were still about, heading like Draco towards The Leaky Cauldron, or wending their way home after a hard day at work. Pallas could hear music playing in the distance and see the lights in the garret windows shining like stars in the inky night sky. In the warmth of the evening her mind started to wander. Tomorrow she was leaving home, travelling to Hogwarts; she looked forward to her first glimpse of the school's mighty towers and the rich green grass of the Quidditch pitch. As she stood there, something whooshed passed her and through the open doors behind her. There stood Draco looking dishevelled. His clothes were dusty, and he had a deep cut at the side of his temple, from which a ruby red trail was gliding down his cheek. Draco, feeling the sensation, put his hand to his face, then, looking at his fingers, saw the rich blood staining his hand. "Blasted Granger, the little she-cat," spat Draco in disgust, still experimentally touching his face to see if the flow was close to stopping. Pallas pulled out her hankie and held it to her brother's head, but he was in no mood for her kindness and roughly shrugged her away, whilst he held the hankie to his head, stemming the flow. " What happened?" Pallas asked gently. "Potter!" Draco exclaimed. "He and his cronies are staying at The Leaky Cauldron tonight." "Did they attack you?" she asked in horror. "Yes, three against one, caught me from behind when I wasn't looking," Draco elaborated. "Look at my clothes," he said as he peered down at his dirty, wet, butterbeer-stained robes in disgust and marched off to his room. Pallas closed the balcony doors and put Draco's broom back with his trunk, and, making sure that all her belongings were safely packed, she herself went to bed, wondering if the next day would be as adventurous.
* Pallas awoke to a bright crisp morning. The sun shone through her windows and sounds could already be heard from the adjacent rooms. Pallas got herself ready and dressed in her favourite floral summer dress, ready for the journey through the Muggle streets of London to Kings Cross and the eleven o'clock train to Hogwarts. Going through to the sitting room, Pallas found her brother and parents dressed in Muggle clothing as well. Her mother in a simple pastel shift dress with a co-ordinating tailored jacket, Draco in jeans and a striped rugby shirt of green and grey stripes and her father in a black Nehru suit of the finest silk his hair tied back in a neat tail. The trunks had already been sent down to the reception, and after breakfast in their rooms, they went down to collect them. The staff porters had them ready on a trolley; the children's two owls perched in their cages on top. They all went back along Diagon Alley, Pallas looking wide eyed at the shops as she passed them one last time, and out into the street beyond. On Charing Cross Road, the porter put down their baggage on the pavement. Pallas wondered how they were going to get to Kings Cross from there. The porter raised his hand and gave a shrill whistle. As if from out of nowhere, a black cab drew up to the pavement at great speed stopping next to the porter who spoke to the driver. The purple taxi light blinked off as the doors opened with a pop for the Malfoys to get in. Pallas followed her father into the roomy interior that was upholstered in shiny leather on its oversized seats. Once the porter had put the trunks into the boot the cab sped off once more at breakneck speed, screeching almost instantaneously to a halt outside the yellow-brick station at Kings Cross. Lucius passed the driver a few coins as they alighted; the driver finding them a trolley transported their bags to the concourse in front of platforms nine and ten where he left them. Pallas looked at the people walking around the station and the plain shops that lined the concourse. They seemed to Pallas just as interesting as the ones she had left behind in Diagon Alley, she wanted to explore this new place but knew that there was no time. Lucius removed the train tickets from his pocket and gave them to Draco and Pallas, shaking them both by the hand, bade them a good journey. Narcissa gave both her children a kiss on the forehead, whispering goodbye to each of them in turn. Pallas and Draco then walked through the barrier and found themselves on platform nine and three-quarters. The train was already at the platform, its rich paintwork glistening beneath the ancient skylights. Draco helped Pallas on with her trunk and then left her in an empty compartment whilst he went to find the prefects coach, a privilege that he was going to enjoy for the first time and he intended to make the most of it. Pallas looked around her compartment and then out of the window at the students who were now starting to mill about on the platform. Trunks and cages were everywhere; Pallas wondered how they had got so many owls through the barrier without anyone noticing. Quite a few parents had accompanied their children onto the platform and were now furnishing them with hefty hugs as they saw them off onto the train. Pallas knew her parents would never act in such a foolish and gushing manner, but part of her yearned for that unreserved affection. She watched on, spellbound by all the frantic activity. "Hello!" said a voice next to her. Pallas turned to see a girl of her age with plain looks and straight brown hair in the corridor. "Is there space in there?" she asked pointing towards Pallas' compartment. "Yes, of course," said Pallas introducing herself.
"My name's Megan, Megan Swain. This is my first year at Hogwarts,"
she responded, "I have an older sister in the second year though." "My brother's in the fifth year," informed Pallas. "Wow!" exclaimed Megan "is he a prefect?" "Yes. He's gone to the prefects' carriage and left me here." "Oh well," comforted Megan openly. "I'm sure we'll manage fine by ourselves." "I'm sure we will," smiled Pallas, as the whistle blew and the train started on its long journey northwards. Megan and Pallas spoke a little about what they were expecting at Hogwarts and the tales their siblings had told them. Pallas laughed out loud at Megan's idea that they must swim across the lake to reach the castle, whilst Megan was all to ready to correct Pallas about the Bloody Baron and the other House ghosts. The journey continued and after sharing some treats from the trolley, Megan fell asleep and Pallas was free to look out of the window at the scenery passing by. At one point her brother passed along the corridor with Crabbe and Goyle at his heels. His face was still swollen, and it looked like the cut may have been bleeding again. Making sure that Megan was asleep, she took Moonstar from her pocket; the small creature whipped out into the corridor behind Draco and restored his damaged skin. Draco did not notice the changeling's gentle touch and Pallas was sure that Crabbe and Goyle would not have noticed any differences, even if they had come up and bit them.
Authors Notes
Elfrir - Thanks for the review. I couldn't resist calling the toad Weasley, it was a very Draco thing to do.
Ozma - Thanks. I'm glad you realized it was Buckingham Palace. Wait and see with Pallas there's more than meets the eye.
Rika - Thanks I hope Pallas continues to interest you. I must confess that I was too eager to get on the Quill and my first chapter was not as good as it could be. I hope that as I go on I learn more and improve. Pallas' sorting is coming up in Chapter 6.
Harriet - Thanks, here's a bit more for you.
Marie - Thanks. She meets her first friend on the train but it's not her last.
Meaghan - Thanks, Ginny doesn't turn up again till later I'm afraid.
John - Hope that this chapter had a bit more of the Malfoy attitude you enjoy. Her full name is Pallas Athena but no more clues than that, but in the true JKR style the name is significant.
B - Thanks, Boyd's is a parody on Lloyd's on London and entirely my own creation. I think I'd rather be an underwizard than an underwriter.
They were staying the night at Lucius' London club, situated in Memrab Alley, a very smart district adjacent to the main shopping area of Diagon Alley. Here was where all the professional wizards stayed when they were in London. The imposing club was wedged in between two Ministry of Magic buildings; a grand building with a rich red carpet that led down into the street where an immaculately dressed giant of a man stood under the purple and gold canopy that marked the entrance. Apart from the doorman's presence, the entrance was also shielded by a aversion spell that protected the building, only allowing authorised members across its threshold, anybody else suddenly finding an urgent need to walk on the opposite side of the street. Lucius spent the early evening in the clubrooms conversing with leading members of the Ministry whilst waiting for his wife to come down to dinner. The rest of the family had stayed in their suite where a team of efficient witches waited on them whilst house-elves made sure that all their needs were catered for. Narcissa had retired to her room to change in preparation for the evening meal, whilst Pallas and her brother were to remain in the rooms and have their meal served there. The staff witches had already been to collect the family's new purchases from the shops; these now lay in a neat pile on the coffee table. Pallas picked up a copy of Magical Drafts and Potions and flicked through the pages, she then gave the cauldron and experimental flick listening out for the melodious dong that denoted its quality. There was a knock at the door, and the team of witches entered, silver- domed platters floating gently behind them. The platters laid themselves down upon the table upon which a fine linen tablecloth had appeared along with a set of crisp white plates and associated cutlery. A vase containing a single white rose finished the arrangement. As the witches retreated out of the room, bowing to the two children, Draco enjoyed malicious pleasure in tipping them a Knut each for their hard work. " I expect half of them are Mudbloods," he said viciously as the door curtly shut behind them. The two children sat down to eat; it was a grand feast of roast duck in an orange sauce with new potatoes dripping in butter and crisp green beans that steamed as they removed the platter lid. Draco greedily filled his plate from the food on offer, and whilst he was distracted, Pallas passed Moonstar some items from her plate, which he ate delicately, sitting on the third chair quite hidden from Draco's view by the draped tablecloth. Narcissa re-entered the room, looking elegant in a floor length, off the shoulder gown that draped itself seductively around her. "You look lovely," remarked Pallas looking at the shimmering ice-blue dress that glistened in the candlelight. "Thank you my dear-WHAT IS THIS!" she suddenly cried out approaching the table, her face turning an ashen hue, two pink spots appearing on her cheeks. Draco and Pallas looked on in horror as their mother picked up the vase from the table and threw it, contents and all into the fireplace. She whipped out her ivory wand from her sleeve and sent a bolt of green flame into the grate. Huge flames leapt up, burning in a fierce magenta flame. Pallas could feel the heat from the inferno and her mother's intense spell; she could not understand how her mother could stand so near to the blazing grate. Then, just as quickly, it was all over. The flames subsided with a hiss, and the fireplace stood cold and empty once more. For a moment, Narcissa did not move, her wand still in her hand. Then, regaining her composure, she put away her wand and, picking up her shawl bid the children goodnight and went out to meet Lucius in the dining hall. Pallas and Draco continued their meal in shocked silence; in utter bewilderment Pallas' eye was drawn to the empty space where the vase had once stood. Draco finished his meal and, wiping his mouth on the napkin, stood up to go. "Night Pallas, don't wait up." he called cheekily. "I need a good butterbeer after that and I know just the place to get it too." Pallas looked at him open mouthed. "Don't go," she pleaded finally finding her voice, still concerned about her mother's actions but equally worried about the mischief Draco might get into. "Don't you worry about me, I know what I'm doing," he said, pulling on his cloak. "Just remember," he joked, "never bring roses indoors, especially white ones." "Why not?" Pallas asked, still shaken by recent events. "Because she hates them, always has. No one knows why, not even Daddy." And with these final words, he grabbed his Quidditch broom and, opening the doors onto the balcony, glided off towards the Leaky Cauldron. Pallas leant over the balcony watching him go. The shops were closed now, but some of them were still bathing areas of Diagon Alley in a warm honey glow as their lights shone out onto the cobbled pavement. A few people were still about, heading like Draco towards The Leaky Cauldron, or wending their way home after a hard day at work. Pallas could hear music playing in the distance and see the lights in the garret windows shining like stars in the inky night sky. In the warmth of the evening her mind started to wander. Tomorrow she was leaving home, travelling to Hogwarts; she looked forward to her first glimpse of the school's mighty towers and the rich green grass of the Quidditch pitch. As she stood there, something whooshed passed her and through the open doors behind her. There stood Draco looking dishevelled. His clothes were dusty, and he had a deep cut at the side of his temple, from which a ruby red trail was gliding down his cheek. Draco, feeling the sensation, put his hand to his face, then, looking at his fingers, saw the rich blood staining his hand. "Blasted Granger, the little she-cat," spat Draco in disgust, still experimentally touching his face to see if the flow was close to stopping. Pallas pulled out her hankie and held it to her brother's head, but he was in no mood for her kindness and roughly shrugged her away, whilst he held the hankie to his head, stemming the flow. " What happened?" Pallas asked gently. "Potter!" Draco exclaimed. "He and his cronies are staying at The Leaky Cauldron tonight." "Did they attack you?" she asked in horror. "Yes, three against one, caught me from behind when I wasn't looking," Draco elaborated. "Look at my clothes," he said as he peered down at his dirty, wet, butterbeer-stained robes in disgust and marched off to his room. Pallas closed the balcony doors and put Draco's broom back with his trunk, and, making sure that all her belongings were safely packed, she herself went to bed, wondering if the next day would be as adventurous.
* Pallas awoke to a bright crisp morning. The sun shone through her windows and sounds could already be heard from the adjacent rooms. Pallas got herself ready and dressed in her favourite floral summer dress, ready for the journey through the Muggle streets of London to Kings Cross and the eleven o'clock train to Hogwarts. Going through to the sitting room, Pallas found her brother and parents dressed in Muggle clothing as well. Her mother in a simple pastel shift dress with a co-ordinating tailored jacket, Draco in jeans and a striped rugby shirt of green and grey stripes and her father in a black Nehru suit of the finest silk his hair tied back in a neat tail. The trunks had already been sent down to the reception, and after breakfast in their rooms, they went down to collect them. The staff porters had them ready on a trolley; the children's two owls perched in their cages on top. They all went back along Diagon Alley, Pallas looking wide eyed at the shops as she passed them one last time, and out into the street beyond. On Charing Cross Road, the porter put down their baggage on the pavement. Pallas wondered how they were going to get to Kings Cross from there. The porter raised his hand and gave a shrill whistle. As if from out of nowhere, a black cab drew up to the pavement at great speed stopping next to the porter who spoke to the driver. The purple taxi light blinked off as the doors opened with a pop for the Malfoys to get in. Pallas followed her father into the roomy interior that was upholstered in shiny leather on its oversized seats. Once the porter had put the trunks into the boot the cab sped off once more at breakneck speed, screeching almost instantaneously to a halt outside the yellow-brick station at Kings Cross. Lucius passed the driver a few coins as they alighted; the driver finding them a trolley transported their bags to the concourse in front of platforms nine and ten where he left them. Pallas looked at the people walking around the station and the plain shops that lined the concourse. They seemed to Pallas just as interesting as the ones she had left behind in Diagon Alley, she wanted to explore this new place but knew that there was no time. Lucius removed the train tickets from his pocket and gave them to Draco and Pallas, shaking them both by the hand, bade them a good journey. Narcissa gave both her children a kiss on the forehead, whispering goodbye to each of them in turn. Pallas and Draco then walked through the barrier and found themselves on platform nine and three-quarters. The train was already at the platform, its rich paintwork glistening beneath the ancient skylights. Draco helped Pallas on with her trunk and then left her in an empty compartment whilst he went to find the prefects coach, a privilege that he was going to enjoy for the first time and he intended to make the most of it. Pallas looked around her compartment and then out of the window at the students who were now starting to mill about on the platform. Trunks and cages were everywhere; Pallas wondered how they had got so many owls through the barrier without anyone noticing. Quite a few parents had accompanied their children onto the platform and were now furnishing them with hefty hugs as they saw them off onto the train. Pallas knew her parents would never act in such a foolish and gushing manner, but part of her yearned for that unreserved affection. She watched on, spellbound by all the frantic activity. "Hello!" said a voice next to her. Pallas turned to see a girl of her age with plain looks and straight brown hair in the corridor. "Is there space in there?" she asked pointing towards Pallas' compartment. "Yes, of course," said Pallas introducing herself.
"My name's Megan, Megan Swain. This is my first year at Hogwarts,"
she responded, "I have an older sister in the second year though." "My brother's in the fifth year," informed Pallas. "Wow!" exclaimed Megan "is he a prefect?" "Yes. He's gone to the prefects' carriage and left me here." "Oh well," comforted Megan openly. "I'm sure we'll manage fine by ourselves." "I'm sure we will," smiled Pallas, as the whistle blew and the train started on its long journey northwards. Megan and Pallas spoke a little about what they were expecting at Hogwarts and the tales their siblings had told them. Pallas laughed out loud at Megan's idea that they must swim across the lake to reach the castle, whilst Megan was all to ready to correct Pallas about the Bloody Baron and the other House ghosts. The journey continued and after sharing some treats from the trolley, Megan fell asleep and Pallas was free to look out of the window at the scenery passing by. At one point her brother passed along the corridor with Crabbe and Goyle at his heels. His face was still swollen, and it looked like the cut may have been bleeding again. Making sure that Megan was asleep, she took Moonstar from her pocket; the small creature whipped out into the corridor behind Draco and restored his damaged skin. Draco did not notice the changeling's gentle touch and Pallas was sure that Crabbe and Goyle would not have noticed any differences, even if they had come up and bit them.
Authors Notes
Elfrir - Thanks for the review. I couldn't resist calling the toad Weasley, it was a very Draco thing to do.
Ozma - Thanks. I'm glad you realized it was Buckingham Palace. Wait and see with Pallas there's more than meets the eye.
Rika - Thanks I hope Pallas continues to interest you. I must confess that I was too eager to get on the Quill and my first chapter was not as good as it could be. I hope that as I go on I learn more and improve. Pallas' sorting is coming up in Chapter 6.
Harriet - Thanks, here's a bit more for you.
Marie - Thanks. She meets her first friend on the train but it's not her last.
Meaghan - Thanks, Ginny doesn't turn up again till later I'm afraid.
John - Hope that this chapter had a bit more of the Malfoy attitude you enjoy. Her full name is Pallas Athena but no more clues than that, but in the true JKR style the name is significant.
B - Thanks, Boyd's is a parody on Lloyd's on London and entirely my own creation. I think I'd rather be an underwizard than an underwriter.