Chapter One: Train of Consequences
There's bad news creeping up
And you feel a sudden chill
How do you do? My name is Trouble
I'm coming in for the kill...
Platform 9 3/4 is nearly devoid of life so early in the morning. The majority of the few lone wanderers being the crew making final preparations and checks that the Hogwarts Express will be able to leave as scheduled at Eleven O'clock.
And leaning out of the doorway of the second car, there stands a young woman with startling emerald green eyes, talking to a striking man who appears, at most, ten years her elder, who has just finished loading her luggage.
"I'm sorry your family couldn't be here to see you off to your first day at yet another new school," he jokes good-naturedly as he steps off the train onto the platform. "You're sure you are ok with this, Ry?" Turning back to face the young woman, he sees her smile and nod before leaning forward to kiss his forehead.
"I've told you how many times already, Galen," she rolls her eyes. "I understand they were busy. It's not a big deal. It's not like we haven't been through this before. I really appreciate you showing me the ropes though." She feels a brief moment of wariness as he winks and shoots her a mischievous smirk.
"Anytime, love. You know I'm always willing where you're concerned." She looks at him with raised eyebrows and they both laugh at a routine they've perfected over many years of such banter. "So you're absolutely sure you have everything you'll need?" She rolls her eyes again, before replying with a smirk.
"Yes, mother!" And giving in to the immaturity of the moment, he responds by sticking out his tongue at her, making her giggle like the school girl she will soon once again be. After the moment of silliness has passed, a worried look ghosts over Galen's face as he stares concernedly into his young companion's face.
"You are ok with being here so early, aren't you?" he asks with a slight hesitation, so out of place from his usual boisterous personality. At the noticeable change, the young woman rushes to reassure her long time friend.
"I've told you its fine," she smiles gently, brushing her hand against his cheek. "I know you need to get to work, and I'm fully capable of amusing myself should I get bored." She watches his face closely, reading the acceptance in his gaze and that charming smile that never fails to get him what he wants. Her lips quirk slightly at that thought and she reaches out to tousle his white-gold hair. "I'll be ok on my own, Galen, you don't have to worry," she laughs at his disbelieving look, and gives him a light tap on the shoulder. "Now get going, before you're late!" He gently takes her hand in his own, placing a kiss in the centre of her palm, before he speaks.
"Normally, I'd say that being your own boss has the benefit of never being late," he smiles up at her. "But since I do have an important client coming in this morning, you are probably right," he bows his head to her slightly. "As you always are," he adds, almost as an afterthought, looking up in time to catch the amused expression she wears. "So be good, have fun, we all love you, and don't do anything I wouldn't do," he winks. Her laughter rings out like a bell as she reaches out to pull him into a tight embrace.
"I'll do my best Galen," his arms hold her lightly about the waist as her arms twine around his neck, her face buried into his shoulder, muffling her voice. "But I make no promises."
"That's the best I can hope for with you," he teases lightly, one hand sliding up her back to comb through her dark hair. They stand together in silence for a moment, appearing unaware of their surroundings, or the interested looks they receive from the porters. "Oh, yes, and there is one last piece of advice before I go," Galen says quietly, smirking as she lifts her head and looks him in the eyes. "Don't let Professor Snape get to you. He's not really as bad as he seems," Ry laughs, a cheeky grin plastered across her face.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," she says slyly. "I'm sure I'll manage just fine." Galen pulls back a bit, studying her, before asking suspiciously.
"Just what have you got planned, Ry?" She smiles at him enigmatically.
"Nothing illegal," she jokes as she takes a step back. "Now get going!" Galen shakes his head in amusement and pulls her back for a final hug.
"If you need anything…"
"I know, I know," she cuts him off with a grin. "Write. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Now goodbye," she leans down and gently brushes his lips with her own, before stepping farther back into the train. Galen smiles and bows his head slightly, and heads for the barrier. Just before walking through, he turns and gives a final wave before disappearing back into King's Cross Station, Muggle London. Shaking her head and still laughing, Glory returns to her chosen compartment, choosing a seat beside the window, looking out over at the platform. Reaching down, she pulls a thick book out of her bag and settles in to read for the long hours that lie ahead until the train is scheduled to depart.
* * * *
"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realise anyone was in here," the young brunette girl begins to back out of the compartment. "I'll go away." Glory looks up from her book and smiles.
"Oh, no, it's alright, these seats aren't taken," she closes her book and sets it aside. "You can stay here if you wish." The girl pauses in her retreat, a look of confusion in her eyes. Noticing the title of the book on the seat, she looks back at Glory.
"Bu… But, you're," she stammers slightly. "You're a Sixth Year. Surely you'd rather sit with your friends?" Glory smiles and shakes her head and stands.
"This is my first time to Hogwarts too," she says. "I've only just transferred in. My name is Glory." She holds out her hand, and after a moments hesitation the younger girl grasps it for a firm handshake.
"It's very nice to meet you Glory. I'm Cassiopeia, but everyone just calls me Cassie or Cass. Well, everyone except for my Gran. She doesn't approve of nicknames…" her face begins to glow with embarrassment. "And I'm rambling. Sorry about that," Glory grins reassuringly.
"Happens to the best of us," she winks and reaches for the bag in Cassie's tight grip, safely stowing it on one of the empty seats. "And please, call me Ry. All my friends do. Would you like some help with your other things?"
"Oh, no, thank you, it's alright," she rushes out, biting her lip. "My dad was going to bring it for us. I was just supposed to let him know where there was a space for us. I'll be right back, ok?" Glory laughs.
"Alright, I'll make sure no one steals your spot." Cassie giggles and sprints down the corridor, narrowly missing a pale, dark haired boy struggling with his heavy trunk. Ry rushes forward, catching hold of the handle just in time to prevent it from crushing the young boy's foot. Wide amber eyes stare up at her in thanks as he readjusts his grip.
"Th…Thank you," he whispers a little shakily. Ry smiles at him, grasping the other side of the trunk, lifting as much of the heavy load as she can away from the small boy.
"Did you have somewhere you wanted this?" The boy shakes his head quickly.
"I was just looking for an empty seat somewhere," he says quietly, looking down shyly. "But only ones I've seen so far are with the older students, who didn't want a first year sitting near them." He gasps suddenly, looking up at Ry as if he'd said something wrong. She winks at him.
"I know just the place for you," she says, motioning with her head towards the compartment where her things are. With an extremely grateful look, the boy turns and together they manoeuvre into the room and store his trunk in the luggage rack. From the corridor Cassie's excited voice rings out followed by a deep booming laugh. Moments later Cassie bounces excitedly through the door, leading a tall laughing man using his wand to transport the two large trunks. And behind them quietly enters another girl carrying her backpack, the mirror image of Cassie but with burgundy hair.
"Ry, I found…" Cassie stops bouncing at the sight of the boy. "Hello, and who're you?" Glory grins at his startled look, coming to the aid of the shy boy once again.
"Actually, we hadn't got to that part yet," she laughs, watching as the man stores both trunks in the luggage rack with the rest. "But he'll be riding with the rest of us first timers today." Cassie's father laughs as he puts his wand away. The other girl puts down her bag and smiles.
"Glory, this is my twin sister Mira," Cassie grins, popping up behind the other girl, making her jump slightly. "And that's our daddy. He's a big scary Auror," she mock whispers, winking at him. He just laughs and introduces himself as Darius Meadowes, before turning to enquire about the boy standing quietly in the corner.
"I'm Seth," he says, shuffling his feet about nervously. "Seth Houston."
"Well, Seth," the older man says conspiratorially, "I've got a favour to ask you." Seth looks up at him a little worriedly. "You see, my girls here have a tendency to get a little wild sometimes, and I'd like you to watch out for them, and make sure they don't get into too much trouble, alright?" Wide eyed at the offer of such trust, Seth nods, grinning.
"I'll do my best. Sir," the twins giggle as their father stands, winking at Ry. She grins back. Outside on the platform a warning whistle sounds, letting everyone know that the train will be leaving soon. The impending students all make their farewells to Auror Meadowes and the twins walk him out to the platform to say their final goodbyes. Seth chooses the seat across from Glory and sits, looking very confused.
"Glory, what's an Auror?" he asks quietly, looking up at her. She studies him silently for a moment before realising he must be muggle-born.
"Auror's are," she pauses for a moment, thinking of how best to explain it to a boy so young. "They're like the magical world's version of the police." His eyes sparkle as he understands and he grins.
"Wicked!" he breathes, relaxing back into his seat with a daydreaming look, as the twins return. Glory returns to her seat, glancing out at the excited movement of the people on the platform, rushing to board the train. She grins, sitting forward suddenly, at the sight of a young man with messy black hair and a lightning bolt shaped scar trudging his way through the crowds, talking to a pale faced man with greying hair and shabby clothes, both surrounded by a small crowd of redheads and a young woman with bushy brown hair. Glory giggles quietly to herself as she watches the small crowd move to one of the cars farther down towards the middle of the train. She turns away from the window once again as two more new students ask to join them in the compartment, a blonde girl who introduces herself as Daphne Prewett and a red haired boy called Demetrius Edgecombe. They finish stowing the bags and all settle comfortably into their seats as the train whistle blows once more and the Hogwarts Express begins to move.
Reaching up to open the window, Glory leans over, hanging half of her body out of the train, waving wildly and calling out as she passes by the remaining Weasley's and one former Hogwarts professor, Remus Lupin.
"Goodbye Remus," she calls, blowing him a kiss as he, and many others still on the platform, turn to look. His eyes widen in recognition and her name passes his lips. Glory, noticing the worried look that crosses his face, pulls back into the train and rummages through her bag, dragging out a notebook and pen. Ignoring the questioning looks from the other occupants she scribbles out a quick letter and whistles a short, sharp note. A large snowy owl flutters down from the luggage rack and lands in her lap. Folding the letter quickly, she gives instructions as she ties it to the owl's leg.
"Galahad," she strokes his feathers gently. "I need you to take this back to Remus on the platform. Stay with him for a while, since I'm sure he'll want to send a reply back with you." She smiles and coos softly in owl to Galahad, who hops off her lap and onto the window sill, hooting proudly. "Fly safe and true, my friend" she whispers, as Galahad spreads his white wings and takes flight.
Sliding forward, Glory sticks her head back out the window, watching Galahad fade away into the distance. Two cars down, another head appears from a window as a familiar owl flies by. Glancing up towards the front of the train, where the owl came from, two sets of emerald green eyes meet. The pair beneath the messy mop of short dark hair widen as a large grin spreads across his face, matching the one being sent right back to him. He waves, motioning for her to come down to his car, but she shakes her head, crossing her fingers over her closed lips. After a moments thought, Harry nods in understanding, waves once more and both of them climb back into their seats to face the inevitable questions from their fellow students.
"Now what was that all about?" Mira teases lightly, looking rather amused by Glory's antics. Everyone else waits excitedly to hear what her answer will be. She grins at them and wiggles her eyebrows.
"Oh it was just something I needed to do," she replies, trying to compose her face into a somewhat innocent look. "I was just saying goodbye to someone I know." Her efforts do nothing to convince the others, who stare at her, laughing all the while. "Ok, so I wanted to surprise the guy, alright?" She rolls her eyes, joining in on the laughter.
"And just how is it that you know him?" Daphne asks slyly after a few minutes, when they've all calmed down a bit. "He does seem a little old for you," she stops at the rather horrified look on Glory's face. "What?"
"You think that I…" Glory pauses and glances back towards the station. "With Remus?" She turns back to meet the interested look of the blonde girl and lets out a surprising, bark-like laugh. "I've known the man my entire life. He has been like an uncle to me." She smirks, shaking her head. "Nothing romantic between us, I swear. I was told he would be here today and wanted to surprise him, that's all."
"Well it looked like it worked," Seth adds quietly, with a cheeky smile. Glory looks at him with a raised eyebrow and laughs again, the others joining in a moment later.
"I think we've had a bad influence on him," Cassie grins, winking at the now blushing boy. "So…" she pauses, looking around at everyone who has lapsed into a lengthy silence. "Now what do we talk about?" Demetrius snorts quietly.
"What do your parents do?" He asks in a bored, drawling voice, studying each of them in turn. Glory narrows her eyes slightly, frowning, her eyebrows drawing together. Appearing not to notice, Demetrius continues speaking. "Mine both work for the ministry. They're Pure-bloods, of course," he adds proudly. Cassie frowns at him and Mira glares. Daphne merely rolls her eyes. Seth shoots Glory a worried look and flinches at the cold mask her face has become.
"And you think that a person's purity of blood is important, do you?" Glory asks with a forced calmness. Demetrius turns to her with wide eyes at the coldness of her tone, shaking his head urgently at the look on her face.
"No," he rushes out quickly. "No that's not what I meant at all! I don't… I would never…" His eyes take on a glassy look as if he's fighting back tears and he looks down into his lap. The other first years look decidedly uncomfortable, Cassie shooting Glory a reproachful look. Glory sighs, her face softening, her eyes losing their hard glint. She climbs out of her seat and kneels in front of Demetrius, placing one hand on his shoulder. He hesitates for a moment before looking up and meeting Glory's eyes.
"I'm sorry, Demetrius," she smiles gently, folding her hands together in her lap. "I shouldn't have jumped to such a conclusion. The only excuse I can offer you is that I have seen horrible things done in the name of pure-blood pride." She closes her eyes, lost briefly in her memories. At the feel of a small hand on her shoulder, Ry opens her eyes to see Demetrius smile up at her weakly, his eyes full of questions. She turns herself so she can see the faces of everyone in the compartment before she speaks again. "There are those among the magical community who feel that anyone less than pure-blood are below them and unworthy of learning magic. They go so far as to torture and kill those who they feel are not worthy."
"You mean You-Know-Who, don't you?" Ry turns to look at the twins, both extremely pale against their dark hair. Not sure which girl has spoken, Ry looks between them, and a sudden realisation hits her like a brick to the head. She sighs, nodding.
"Voldemort," she says, running a hand thru her hair and ignoring the flinches of everyone but Seth, who stares at her with a mixture of horror and confusion. "And his Death Eaters. But there are others out there who ascribe to the same prejudices without supporting him." She looks at Seth for a long moment in silence.
"I am a pure-blood witch," she starts slowly, meeting the eyes of each person in turn, "I do not hold to the belief that the blood flowing through my veins makes me better than anyone, even if I am proud of my heritage." She turns to Demetrius. "You are a pure-blood, and you say you do not look down on others for their heritage, yes?"
"Yes," Demetrius replies vehemently. Ry looks around at the others.
"And what of the rest of you?" she asks, gesturing with her hands. The twins share a look and climb down onto the floor to kneel beside her.
"Blood purity doesn't matter," they reply in unison. Cassie continues alone. "Our mother is a muggle, our father is a wizard."
"We are half-bloods and proud of whom we are," Mira continues. Glory smiles at each of them. Daphne speaks up quietly.
"I am a pure-blood," she gives them all a bright smile. "And I don't care what anyone says. Blood doesn't matter, we're all people." Five pairs of eyes turn to Seth, who is still watching Glory with a confused look.
"I don't know what I am," he whispers, turning his gaze to the floor. Daphne, who is sitting beside him, takes his hand in hers and gives it a reassuring squeeze. He doesn't look up.
"Are your parents both muggles then?" she asks gently. His confused amber eyes rise to meet the piercing cerulean of hers quickly before glancing to Glory for help. She smiles, rising from the floor to crouch next to him.
"Muggles are non-magic folk," she answers, searching his face for understanding. Cassie hops up from the floor, grinning.
"Yeah, like our mum," she exclaims excitedly. "She can't do magic at all." Mira suddenly appears by her side looking just as lively.
"She's a barrister/solicitor in London," she adds, eyes twinkling. Seth stares at them wide eyed, mouth hanging open for a moment before grinning shyly.
"Mine's a chemist," he says, unconsciously squeezing Daphne's hand a little tighter. "And my dad's a writer. I guess they are both… muggles," he says, trying to get a feel for the word.
"So you are a muggle-born wizard," Demetrius shoots him a grin. "I suppose that means we'll have to help you get better acquainted with our world." Seth looks over at him and grins back as the younger girls giggle.
"I suppose it does," he answers back, glancing at Glory for approval. She winks and stands up.
"It nice to see that we can all get along now," Glory leans back against the window, arms folded across her chest. "But will it stay the same once we get to Hogwarts?" She continues at the enquiring looks from the others. "Surely you know there are house feuds." Everyone nods, except Seth, who can only shrug. Turning to him, Daphne quickly explains.
"Hogwarts has four houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin," she sighs. "Students are sorted into one of the four during the start-of-term feast, and they go to classes and eat and share dorms with the others in their house. Not all of the houses get along very well though," they all glance at each other nervously.
"That's putting it mildly," Demetrius mumbles, earning a light smack to the arm from Mira, who is standing closest to him. He stares at her, his mouth hanging open.
"He does have a point you know," Glory quickly interrupts what looks like it could be the beginning of an argument. "There is a long history of bad feelings and competition there. We can all say that we're friends now, but will you still be willing to admit it after the Sorting, when your housemates may not be so accepting of it?" Uncrossing her arms, Glory pushes away from the window and begins pacing the floor of the compartment.
"I'm not going to let anyone tell me who I can and cannot be friends with," Cassie replies indignantly. A chorus of agreement follows. Glory laughs.
"So we're all promising to stay friends," she asks lightly. "No matter what houses we may be Sorted into? No matter what anyone else has to say about it?" She takes a quick peek at Daphne and Seth who are still holding hands and grins. "No matter what may happen on the Quidditch Pitch…" she trails off. The first years all jump up with a round of loud cheering and laughing, and someone bangs on the wall of the next compartment, yelling for them to keep it down.
Still laughing quietly, they all settle back into their seats chatting companionably. Glory sits back and picks up her abandoned book (The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6, by Miranda Goshawk) and watches, smiling, as the four others try to thoroughly explain the game of Quidditch to Seth, who almost glows with the excitement of it all.
Around mid-afternoon, the conversations break up, interrupted by the witch pushing the food trolley down the corridor. Before any of the younger ones can step up, Glory calls out to the witch while digging thru her bag.
"We'll take a bit of everything thanks," she holds up her purse full of coins triumphantly. "My treat," she winks, making her way to the door and handing a few Galleons over to the witch as the others turn to stare at her wide-eyed, mouths gaping. Glory laughs as the witch hands over her purchase of what turns into a rather large pile of sweets. Waving off the stammered thanks, Glory motions for everyone to dig in, grabbing a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and a Chocolate Frog from the heap. Settling down cross-legged on the floor, Glory tears open the wrapper and watches as the frog hops around in her hand and up her arm, much to the amusement of Seth. Daphne giggles as he asks if they're real frog and quickly reassures him that they are just a spell. Looking much relieved, Seth tears into one of his own.
The happy chatter continues between them all, Glory answering the questions that are shot her way every so often by the younger ones, curious about what she did before transferring to Hogwarts or asking her to show them some spells.
"How would you like me to teach you how to cast a very handy little spell?" Glory asks them with a wicked smirk. The younger students all perk up excitedly, nodding their heads and grinning.
"Oh yes --"
"Please do --"
"Wicked --"
"Yeah --"
"Which spell?" Daphne moves to the edge of her seat, eyes alight with interest.
"One that has saved me from trouble many a time," Glory winks as her reaches out and pulls her wand from her bag. "It's a spell to unlock locks. Unless you'd prefer me to teach you something different instead?" they all agree that the unlocking charm sounds like fun and scramble to pull out their wands, eager to learn it.
It doesn't take long for Glory to teach them the proper pronunciation and wand movement, and soon all five of the first years are practicing by taking turns unlocking the compartment door and Glory's trunk. Climbing back into her seat, Glory watches over them, helping out when it's needed. Eventually, each of the students master the technique and they continue to chat and raid the sweets pile.
Hours pass on the train and the sky outside grows dark. Cassie and Seth, overwhelmed by the excitement of the day, fall asleep, Seth resting his head in Daphne's lap and Cassie leaning against Ry's shoulder. Both wake at the soft knock on the closed door. Demetrius, being the closest, reaches out and slides the door open, revealing a prefect in Gryffindor colours doing her rounds.
"Is everything all right in here?" the ginger-haired young woman asks, smiling at them all kindly. They all smile back, some a little sleepy.
"We're good thanks," Glory grins and stands, stretching out her muscles, sore from the trip. She nods to the pile of sweets, still rather large, even after having been picked through for hours. "Would you like some? We seem to have bought a bit much," One of the twins giggles and Ginny steps farther into the compartment, studying Glory intensely.
"I haven't seen you at Hogwarts before," she comments, staring at Ry as if she knows her from somewhere, shifting an unopened Chocolate Frog she's passed around in her hands.
"This is my first year actually," Ry rolls her head, making her neck crack loudly and sighs in relief. "I've just transferred in from New Camelot Academy of Magic." Rubbing the back of her neck, Ry looks back up at Ginny, barely catching the suspicious glint in her eyes. "I'm Glory," she extends her hand.
"Ginny Weasley," she grasps the hand firmly. "It's nice to meet you." Glory notices that the aura of suspicion that surrounds Ginny has only lessened the slightest amount. She smiles wryly and opens her mouth to say something more to reassure the young prefect, but it interrupted by a drawling, sarcastic voice from just outside the door.
"The standards of this school just keep getting lower," the tall blond boy with a pointed face and cold grey eyes sneers as Ginny whirls around to face him. His eyes scan the room briefly, giving only the barest of glances to the other occupants. His attention remains focused on Ginny. "As if one of you blood-traitor scum being named a prefect wasn't bad enough." The two large goons standing behind him laugh deeply, rubbing their hands and cracking their knuckles as if expecting a fight. Ginny ignores them, shooting her coldest glare solely at the blonde boy. Glory tenses, readying herself to jump into the fray if need be.
"Shove off Malfoy," Ginny hisses quietly in a voice that sends a twinge of apprehension down Glory's spine. She notices a few of the first years tremble out of the corner of her eye and glances quickly at Ginny. "Why don't you do us all a favour and throw yourself out of the train." Snarling, he moves to take a step forward, his hand reaching toward his wand. He never makes it, as he finds himself suddenly tumbling backwards out into the corridor, knocking down his bodyguards as he falls. The door slams shut and locks, blocking out the struggles of the three Slytherin students stuck in a tangle of arms and legs on the floor of the corridor. Mouth open, Ginny turns to face the others in the compartment, quickly checking to see who could have cast the spells. The first years stare back at her wide-eyed and looking slightly panicked, while Ry stands calmly, arms crossed and eyes narrowed at the closed door. Not one of them has a wand within their grasp. Outside the compartment a slightly dishevelled looking Malfoy stands, sporting what looks to be the beginning of a shiner. He glares through the window, reaching out to open the door, but finds that it won't budge. With a sneer he grabs for his wand, casting a quick spell and ducking as it rebounds back at his face. Narrowly missing the blonde, the spell hits the larger of his two companions who've only just managed to scramble to their feet. Taking the full force of the spell, the largest boy slams backwards, knocking himself and the other boy back to the floor.
Ry watches the scene with a dark smile and Ginny giggles. With a final glare, Draco turns away from the compartment and drags his two stooges further down the train, looking for someone else to harass. With a laugh, Ry sits on the floor leaning back against the wall. She motions for Ginny to take a seat.
"You know they're probably waiting just down the corridor for you," she watches as Ginny sits, frowning and trying to figure out what's going on. Glancing around, Ry notices the first years still look stunned at what they just witnessed, all except for Seth. He sits quietly studying her curiously with one eyebrow raised. He looks about ready to say something, but before he gets a word out, Ry catches his eye, giving her head the barest of shakes that goes completely unnoticed by the others. He nods quickly at her as she mouths the word 'later' at him and settles back into his seat to think about what he saw.
"Ry?" Cassie's soft voice quivers cautiously, her eyes studying Ry, begging for an explanation. With a sigh, Ry runs a hand through her loose hair, allowing it to fall in a curtain about her face.
"That, my friends, is a perfect example of what I was telling you about earlier," she peers up at the others, watching the understanding dawn on them. Ginny clears her throat softly, shooting Ry a wondering look. Tucking the loose strands of hair behind her ear, Ry looks up at Ginny and quietly answers the unvoiced question. "The lengths some people will go to uphold blood-purity." It is enough. Ginny sighs heavily, burying her face in her hands.
"Not everyone is like that," they hear her slightly muffled response. "There are many at Hogwarts that don't believe in that kind of rubbish." Her tone is enough to make the first years shoot covert grins at each other. They have found another friend among the older students. Ginny looks up curiously as Mira giggles. "What?"
"It's nice to meet another person so soon who feels the way we do," Mira winks and snags another chocolate frog from the pile. Ginny blinks in shock for a moment before grinning at them all. Ry reaches into the pile, tossing a chocolate frog to each of the ones without.
"A toast," she salutes, ripping the package open and holding up a squirming frog. "To new friends," she grins as the others follow suit and as one they bite into the rich chocolate before erupting into a fit of giggles.
Now fully awake, the chatter begins again, the younger students peppering Ginny with questions about Hogwarts, which she answers with a smile. Glory sits back and watches the interaction, only half paying attention, her mind drifting to other things. Her brows furrow at something and her eyes suddenly go wide, turning to stare at the closed door. Noticing her reaction, the others glance up to see what is going on, hearing a sudden commotion from farther down the train. Ginny slides open the door with ease, peeking down the corridor to see. She makes a slight choking sound and turns back into the compartment, her face glowing like the setting sun. Exchanging looks of interest, the others scramble for the door, wanting to see what it was that would make Ginny react that way.
"Ginny?" Glory stands and places a hand on her arm. "Are you ok?" Not looking up, Ginny nods. A burst of laughter from the doorway draws both their attention and as Ginny turns a darker shade of red, Glory catches site of one unconscious Draco Malfoy being levitated past the compartment, starkers.
"Oh my…" Glory trails off and erupts into a fit of loud laughter as the others all tumble back into the compartment doubled over holding their stomachs for laughing so hard. "That was certainly unexpected!" There is a soft tap from the door and someone calling Ginny's name. They turn to find a round-faced boy with black hair.
"Hi Neville," Ginny grins up at him, and he smiles back shyly.
"Ron's looking for you," he says quietly, blushing slightly at the attention he's getting from the others in the compartment. Ginny stands, preparing to leave, and as she says goodbye Neville's eyes connect with Glory's briefly. His mouth opens slightly, a spark of recognition flashing across his face. With a wave and a smile, Ginny tugs Neville's arm and pulls him along down the corridor before he can say a word.
Grinning like a fool, Glory bounces on the balls of her feet a few times excitedly. At the curious looks of the others, Glory quickly comes up with a plausible excuse.
"We're almost there," she whispers conspiratorially. The others start grinning happily, if a little nervously. "I think it's time to get out those robes." The next few minutes are quiet but for the sound of the students rummaging through their luggage looking for their school uniforms.
The boys pull their robes on quickly over their clothes, while the younger girls head off to freshen up a bit first. Ry removes her cloak and brushes her hands lightly over her outfit, smoothing away any wrinkles in the body-hugging copper coloured dragon hide trousers and semitransparent black sleeveless v-neck. She quickly slips into her robes, very aware of the appraising looks she is receiving from both Seth and Demetrius.
'What is it with people and this outfit,' she rolls her eyes slightly and shakes her head, quickly running her fingers through her hair. She turns to face the two blushing boys, and grins at the embarrassed looks they send her way. "Demetrius, would you mind running up to the front and asking how much longer the ride will be?" He gives her a curious look, but nods and quickly heads off. Seth turns to study Glory.
"Ry?" she closes the door and motions for him to take a seat. She sits next to him quickly, sighing.
"There was something you wanted to say earlier, and I asked you to wait," she pauses, quietly studying him. "Thank you for doing so. Now would be a good time to get it out into the open." Seth stares back at her for a moment before studying his hands.
"You cast that spell earlier," he hesitates slightly. "The one that sent that guy flying out the door," Ry pinches the bridge of her nose, to distract herself from the scrutinising gaze Seth directs at her, and nods. "I thought it was impossible to do magic without a wand," he trails off.
"Nothing is impossible, Seth," Ry answers calmly, looking up to meet his eyes. "Usually wandless magic only happens in moments of extreme emotion where a person loses control and it comes out as one intense burst of uncontrolled magical energy." A flicker of remembrance passes across Seth's face along with a sense of understanding. "I did cast the spells earlier, without using my wand. It's a talent I've worked hard at for many years to be able to do."
"Could anyone do it then?" Seth asks eagerly, almost bouncing out of his seat. Ry thinks a moment and nods.
"But," she says quickly, forestalling his next comment and places a hand on his shoulder. "It is by no means an easy thing to learn. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and a lot of it really relies on how focused a person can be." Seth calms slightly at the seriousness of her tone. "It takes a strong mind and strong will."
"Could you teach me?" he asks suddenly. Glory laughs at his expression and sits back. Without looking, she gives a flick of her wrist and the door slides open to allow the other first years to enter. There is a moment of silence as they all wonder how she knew they were standing there.
"I'm willing to teach you all how, if you'd like." The excitement in the compartment is almost overwhelming. "But as I said, it will not be easy, and at first you may just want to give up," looking to each of them in turn, Ry smiles. "I promise that if you really, seriously work at this, you will be able to achieve some control over wandless magic." Their grins hold as they beg her to begin teaching them right away, but fade as she tells them it will have to wait.
"It's just until we all get settled into our new life at Hogwarts," she reassures them quickly, easing their minds. "Once things calm down a little and we know how things are going, we come up with something we can all work with, alright?" They all agree and, at Cassie's insistence, shake hands to seal the deal.
The train jerks slightly as it pulls into the station, causing Demetrius to stumble backward, falling towards the open door. Glory's hand shoots out and grabs his robes just in time to prevent his head from connecting with the sharp edge of the doorframe. Flushing in embarrassment and panting slightly, he thanks her as the younger girls giggle. Cassie runs to the window and sticks her head out, watching excitedly as the train comes to a complete stop.
"We're here!" she cries excitedly, pulling her head back into the compartment and turning her grin at the others. Leaving their luggage behind as instructed, they scramble out onto the platform together, rushing to finally get a first glimpse of their new school. As other students begin piling out of the train a lamp appears, bobbing over their heads and a booming voice calling out.
"Firs' years over here! C'mon now, follow me! Firs' years this way!" Rushing over to catch the large man, the one the other kids greet as Hagrid, they pass crowds of older students climbing into the carriages. The young ones hardly give the horseless carriages a passing glance, nor does Glory at first. Her eyes are trained instead on the small group climbing into one just up from them. She waves quickly at Ginny, who spots her from the window and winks as Harry turns to look. With a short grin, Harry is unceremoniously dragged through the door and disappears. Glory turns at the sharp tug on her arm to see Seth sticking close to her side, staring fearfully at the nearest carriage. Turning carefully to look, she draws a quick breath as she sees what he is looking at. The carriages are not, in fact, horseless as first thought, but being pulled by Thestrals.
"You can see them?" she crouches down quickly to his eye level, drawing his attention away from the odd reptilian horses. He nods slowly, asking why no one else seemed to notice them. "Not everyone can see them," she explains quickly, watching the crowd diminish around them. "There isn't time to explain it now, but it's nothing to worry about, ok?"
"Ok," he nods, glancing around to notice the thinning crowd around them. "Where did they go?" he asks in a sudden panic at losing the rest of the group from their compartment. Standing up, Glory catches sight of a few of the smaller members of the crowd heading down a narrow path off to the side. Pointing it out to Seth, she grabs his hand and they quickly run to catch up, hearing the same booming voice from farther up, calling to them over his shoulder.
"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," the first years closer to him emit loud expressions of interest as Glory and Seth catch up to the rear of the group. Daphne is the first to notice the two strays make their way to her side.
"Where have you two been?" she hisses quietly, but it is still enough to catch the attention of the other first years in close proximity. Eyeing their clasped hand briefly, Daphne waits, hands on hips, demanding an answer.
"We got a little tied up looking at the carriages and lost track of where you all went," Seth answers back a little heatedly. "You just disappeared without us." Daphne apologises, looking properly chastised and Glory steps forward to place an arm around her shoulders. Wrapping her other arm around Seth, together they walk around the bend where the others have gone.
All the students have paused to admire the amazing sight that is Hogwarts. The vast castle, with its many windows, almost sparkles against the dark backdrop of the night sky, and reflected in the black water of the lake. When directed, the younger students rush towards the small boats, waiting to ferry them across the glassy water to the castle.
"So yeh'll be the new transfer student, will yeh?" Glory looks up into the smiling face of Hagrid, who has made his way to her side. She smiles back easily, and nods. "Dumbledore's told me a bit abou' you already." Noticing Seth waving from one of the boats, Hagrid grins at Glory. "But yeh seem ter be gettin' along jus' fine on yer own. Go on then, it's time to get a move on." Glory grins back and thanks him before quickly gliding over and climbing into the back of the boat with Seth and Daphne.
With a final check that everyone is in, Hagrid sets the boats forward, carrying the newest members of the Hogwarts family closer to the castle on the cliff. The younger students chatter quietly amongst themselves and Glory leans back, looking down at her hand as she trails her fingers through the dark water. She smiles as something brushes against those fingers and continues to watch the reflections playing across the surface of the lake as they draw nearer to the looming castle. With a final glance up at the starry sky, the small boats pull through the curtain of ivy and into the underground harbour.
All of the students scramble out of the boats quickly, anxious to get into the castle. Quietly following the light of Hagrid's lamp, the students climb the stone steps that lead them to the large oak door that marks the entrance to the school. The nervous energy peaks as they pause in front of the large door, and Hagrid winks at them quickly before he knocks three times with his large fist. There are a few gasps as the door swings open silently.