The First Passenger

by vkay

oOoOoOo

We fly past the Quidditch goal posts.

Our journey is not long.

I fist up the front of your shirt and try to wrap myself even closer to you. I rest my head on your back and turn to stare out at the lake. The jovial glistening water waves cheerfully at me. The warm wind that dances around us offer generously the salty scent of the lake, so pungent that it is as if we are floating in atmospheric liquid.

This sheer simplicity causes me to feel so happy and content.

It had been so fortunate of you to find me - at the edge of the Hogwarts borders underneath the shadow of a large tree. It seems that both of us find the liberal act of flying soothing and enjoyable. Only I hadn't been prepared for the sudden forceful push of the wind against my speeding Comet, and wasn't quick enough to dodge the solid tree that had become directly in my path.

So lucky was I to return to consciousness with your smiling, relieved face beaming down on me. I assured you that I was alright when you inquired, and you had trusted my answer. You had gently explained to me that my broom had been severed from the crash, but it was all right, you told me as you held out your hand. I can ride back with you. I returned your suggestion with a happy smile of my own.

I'm riding behind you on your broom. Overhead, fluffy white clouds are stretching languidly across the grey-blue sky. I raise my head to watch them and I feel your messy hair tickle across my face, as the wind runs through it. I let out a chuckle, and not long after, you echo me. I can feel your body shiver with delight, and the ripple of your laugh is more calming than the gentle ebbs of the lake. I guess that you too, find the simple, absolute pleasure in being up in the air.

Our journey is nearly at its end. The two of us laugh happily as we spin and speed on the broom, racing against the wind.

I look past your head once more and the sky at the horizon has already become a dark, smoky red. I can see the first lights in the Hogwarts castle illuminate as candles are lit and fireplaces burn.

I am the first passenger on your broom.

We land gracefully outside the side doors of Hogwarts castle and I turn towards you. Broom casually held at your side, tousled hair, vibrant eyes, and a gleeful smile – it is all what makes up you.

Suddenly, the doors are being wrenched open, eliciting a miserable groan from its age and weight. In the middle of the doorway she stands, her curls in tumbled swells, and relief washing over her face in a violent tide.

"We were so worried!" Her voice splits through the air as she exclaims this to us, or rather, you. At the same time, the wind takes a turn and slices fiercely between us, whipping my long black hair onto my face.

She doesn't notice, as she runs forward to catch you in a tight embrace.

Our journey is over. I must return to my House.

As I step across the threshold of the building I look back to say goodbye. The sky had already darkened, and in the middle of the scenery stood two silhouettes, almost merged into one.

The broom is lying dejectedly at your feet.

I briskly walk up the stairs without saying anything, heading for the Ravenclaw entrance. I must not delay.

Yes, I'm going home,

I must hurry home.

And life goes on…