Chapter the Sixth

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The girls ended not going on their search for Mr Black. While Lily continued to firmly impress the importance that they take as many precautions as necessary, even she was not so impolite and inconsiderate as to merely barge in on someone who would likely be feeling a bit out of place only to barrage him with questions, information, and instructions. So, instead, they remained in their compartment for the remainder of the journey. There was a brief amount of time in which Jane was required to go on her set of patrols along the corridor, but, unlike Charlotte's, it was uneventful and she returned post haste.

Shortly before they arrived at their final destination, Narcissa and Alice burst in.

"About time you two came back," Lily commented as she shook out her robe. "We should put our uniforms on now, seeing as we're almost there."

"Ugh," huffed Narcissa. "Those things. I don't see why we cannot wear our own clothes as we see fit instead of always covering them up in these disgustingly unflattering excuses for Witchwear."

"Narcissa," began Jane, "you know as well as I that even though we may not enjoy them it is not worth the trouble of attempting to alter them. They are, in fact, charmed to prevent any changes made and it is only worth detentions and losses of points should you chose to go without." The argument was, in fact, an old one.

"I bet Lily could cast a counter-charm." Alice stated. Lily's skill with Charms was well known throughout the school.

"You flatter me, Alice," Lily replied. "However, even if that were the case I would not do so."

Narcissa let out an exasperated sigh. "That's no surprise. But why don't you just talk to the Headmaster? Professor Dumbledore actually listens to what you say and if you gave him a good reason --"

"What good reason would that be?" she interrupted. "That some people don't think the uniforms give young girls ample opportunity to show off their beneficial features and attributes to members of the other sex, though they are far too young to be doing so in any case?"

Narcissa thought momentarily. "Well, when you put it that way it doesn't sound quite as convincing. But I'm sure you'll think of a better way to say it to him." Thoroughly convinced that Lily would do just that, and missing the amused glances the three older girls exchanged, she abruptly changed the topic as she pulled on her own robe. "But nevermind all that now. Have we got news! Sirius Black is already at Hogwarts!"

"Is he?" asked Charlotte. "And how did you find that out?"

She shrugged. "Rita Skeeter told me; she has a knack for getting all the recent information."

"Unfortunately for the world," Lily muttered. Jane smacked her on the shoulder good naturedly.

"But it doesn't matter how I found out. What matters is that he's already there and not on the train!"

Alice interrupted eagerly. "Yes, but he is going to join us at the welcoming feast!"

Narcissa gave the girl a mild glare. "Save your breath to blow your porrige, Alice, I shall tell them." She turned back to the other three, face immediately brightening. "Apparently he's very handsome and wears blue robes."

"Blue robes?" Lily interjected, slightly puzzled as to what that had to do with anything. "Narcissa, even if he does he isn't likely to be wearing them at Hogwarts. Uniforms, remember?"

"Oh, but that is beside the point," Narcissa continued loftily. "What matters is that he has them to wear. And we are not required to wear our uniforms all the time so he might wear them some time else!"

"Um, ok..."

"So it's obvious he's very wealthy, for only the very rich can afford to live out such great fashion sense."

Alice was determined to say her piece. "After all, he has thirty house elves --"

Narcissa interrupted her with yet another glare. "Forty house elves!"

"I doubt he is bringing them to Hogwarts. Students are generally only allowed owls, cats, or toads." Lily knew her dry tone was likely lost on the younger girls, but could not hold back the comment. "Although, considering he is Mr Sirius Black of Netherfield, exceptions may have been made." Charlotte appeard to sneeze into a handkerchief, though it sounded more as though she was choking. Jane's eyes began twinkling heartily.

As expected, Narcissa did not seem to notice. "Exactly. And he has brought friends with him in his transfer!"

"Four boys and seven girls," finished Alice.

"Nay," Narcissa turned to Alice, brow furrowed slightly, "it was nine boys and eleven girls."

"Too many girls altogether, really," Lily commented, one eyebrow raised. "What chance will any of us have if he brings more than enough girls to choose from already?"

"Oh," Narcissa finally sat down, seemingly exhausted after her flurry of explanations. "I wouldn't worry about that. Our charms will be nothing in comparison to theirs, I'm sure."

Lily wondered if Narcissa realized that this last comment could be taken two ways. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Sure, Narcissa, whatever you say."

Their discussion was cut short as a whistle blew and the train slowed down. "Wonderful!" exclaimed Jane. "We're finally here!"

The five girls busied themselves with making sure nothing was left lying outside of their trunks before piling out of the train. Surprisingly, upon exiting they saw Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick standing on the platform. They hailed Charlotte and the Head Boy, Sturgis Podmore of Gryffindor, over and ushered them into the horseless carriage at the front of the long line. Before climbing in, Charlotte looked over her shoulder and shrugged at her friends. Once the door shut, the four inside, the carriage took off at a swift pace.

Deciding this was some sort of official business, Lily, Jane, Alice, and Narcissa quickly chose one of the many horseless carriages before they all filled up. The journey to the castle itself was quite uneventful. Jane and Lily peacably listened to Narcissa's constant chatter, only interrupted by brief interjections from Alice. Finally, they reached the castle doors and, with great anticipation, mounted the steps and walked toward the Great Hall.