It was past 10 pm when the train stopped. Remus had left to the front of the train, for some teacher's meeting. Not that I was interested. Everyone had fallen asleep, I stayed awake. It was a force of habit after the Dementors attack last year. As the train came to its halt, I awoke the sleeping four. Gathering our bags, we piled out of the cabin and into the hallway. Gryffindor trotted in front of us clearing the path for all of us. The second I took a step out, the cold licked at my face and crept under my clothes, spreading across my skin like the lacy tide on a frigid winter beach. With purple lips tinged with blue and gently chattering teeth, I wrapped my thin coat around tighter. As I jogged to catch up with the others, I spotted Draco and his goons pass by Harry.
"Surprised the ministry is still letting you walk around free potter." He teased. "You better enjoy it while you can. I suspect there is a cell in Azkaban with your name on it." Harry snapped, lunging himself at Malfoy. Ron grabbed a hold of him, just in the knick of time. Now that was a shocker, Harry was never this easily set off. Let alone that violent. "What I tell you? Complete nut job."
"Just stay away from me!" Harry yelled.
"It's only, Malfoy." Ron said. "What you expect?"
"Gryffindor." The wolf trotted over to me. "Catch the snake." It was a little trick I taught him and Slytherin. The snake was the keyword for Malfoy. Didn't matter if it was the father or son, they were on their asses. The animal ran off with a low growl, he ran through the students bumping into some. It wasn't long until I heard Malfoy and his goons screaming. Harry and the others chuckled, as someone cleared their throat behind me. Turning around slowly, I grinned innocently at Remus and Snape, who stood behind him. "Hello, professors." Glancing behind me, I glared at my leaving friends. So much for backup.
"I thought you promised Sirius you'd stay out of trouble." Remus spoke in a firm tone, but amusement was seen in his eyes.
I shrugged. "I never promised. I said I would try and stay out of trouble. Besides he was getting on my nerves."
Snape sighed. "Not even an hour of arrival. That's a new record I believe."
"Correction, I still hold the record for the fight on the train." Giving both professors a cheeky smile, I all but ran away from them, bumping into my friends. They stood together watching a cart pull away. "Way to leave me hanging back there. Real great friends you lot are."
Hermione chuckled. "They are pudding around you."
"Shut up."
Neville suddenly appeared beside us, carrying an oddly cute cactus. "Hey, guys."
"Hey, Neville." We all answered.
"What is it?" Harry asked. I turned but saw nothing, but the carriage. He on the other hand was mesmerized by something.
"What's what?" Ron asked.
"That...pulling the carriage." Now I was worried, getting closer I placed a hand on his forehead. Well, he had no fever. Harry slapped my hand away with a huff.
"Nothing is pulling the carriage, Harry." I replied.
"It's pulling itself, like always." Hermione added.
Harry walked towards the carriage, avoiding whatever the hell he was seeing. We followed somewhat hesitant. Staying a bit back I studied the empty space before me, stretching my hand I jumped. Something was breathing! I could feel the warm air hit my hand, it reminded me that of a horse, only this was a bit colder. Sucking in a breath I got closer gasping on the boney structure I felt. It was amazing. "Great I'm going nuts." Pulling back, I rushed up to Hermione.
"You're not going mad." A sweet and soft voice perked up. We all turned to look at a little blond girl sitting on the carriage. I believed her name is Luna Lovegood, but don't take me up on that. She held a magazine upside down. What the hell is going on today?! She lowered the book and smiled. "I can see them as well. You are just as sane as I am."
"Well, that's comforting." Ron mumbled.
Slapping him over the head, I nudged him closer towards the carriage. "Be nice and hurry up. We are the last ones here." Making sure they were all aboard I turned to climb in, only to realize there was no seat for me. "Hermione get up please." I said.
"What? Why?" She asked.
"Well I am not walking to Hogwarts and I sure as hell am not riding on anyone's lap. I know you sure as hell don't want to sit on one of the guy's laps either." She shook her head with a slight blush. "Alright then, get up and sit on mine. You are lighter than me." Doing as told, she swapped places with me. Followed by taking a seat on my lap, she was heavier than I remembered. "You should be honored." I laughed. "Usually I'd have you buy me dinner first."
"Shut up." Hermione grumbled.
The ride was uneventful, Luna spoke about some creatures taking her shoes. Hermione had confirmed her name was Luna. I struck up a conversation with Hermione, apparently we had an assignment for Snape's class over the break. I had no clue, therefore I did not do it. Now Snape may love me, but the man gave me no breaks, and to be honest, for that I was grateful. It was bad enough the hassle I got from the other students on the attachment we had, I didn't want to make it worse by getting passes. Hermione nearly fell off, from the jolt the carriage gave upon stopping. We quickly jogged up the steps and rejoined the group of students. At the moment we were all mixed, newbies with seniors.
Ms. McGonagall appeared before us in a jiffy. "Those of you coming back please go and take your seats. Those first years, wait here why we prepare everything."
Not having to be told twice I ushered the group into the grand room. As we took our seats I couldn't help, but notice everyone looking at Harry. I hated the looks he was getting at the moment, they were nothing but dislike, fear, hate, and glares. Oh man something told me this was going to be a very long year. After a few moments chatting with the few other friends I have, the gran doors opened, and in walked the new blood. The new students all held a familiar look of shock, gaping mouths, and even a few timid looks.
As I was about to turn away, I gasped at seeing a familiar face. Little Gilbert! This meant...looking towards Slytherin table I grinned, Ian Gilbert! Said man grinned and waved back at me. Ian was my first and still is my only crush, he always helped me when Snape couldn't. Stood up to my father a few times to protect me, earned himself a few bruises in the process. Ian was always the man I believed would be my first. He was the man I wanted to marry and have a family with. When I first met him it was his eyes that caught me. They were bright green, the greenest you can ever imagine. Many said he used magic to cause them such a shade of color, but I know the truth. They were as real as they came. I missed him last year, he was gone and even Snape didn't know why. But he was back and that was all that matter. Maybe we could...shit! I was going to have to tell him. I wasn't sure how he was going to react, I just hoped it didn't ruin the little friendship we can only have at the moment.
"Athena."
I snapped my attention towards Dumbledore in shock. "Yes sir?"
"I believe this is yours." He moved to the side and revealed my wolf. Gryffindor was happy lounging on the platform and chewing on what seemed like a piece of a robe. Look like he got a new chew toy. "Please."
"Sorry professor." Trying to hide my blush, I called for him. "Ven!" The dog was under my seat in three seconds flat. Patting him on the head I looked towards Malfoy and smirked. The kid was fuming and probably cursing me in that nasty mind of his. Ian caught my attention with an amused look. I shrugged which earned me a shake of the head. God, I missed him!
As the kids got sorted into their houses, I was a bit disappointed at seeing little Gilbert not get sorted with us. But at least he was with his brother, the one thing I knew for a fact was that Ian hated Malfoy. So I knew Jeremy will be safe from Draco. As the last kid was sorted we were allowed to eat. Tossing a turkey leg to Gryffindor, I served myself a plate of food. I spotted Luna going for the pie. A huge smile on her face. Taking a sip of my water I glanced at the teacher's table and frowned. Hagrid was missing.
"Good evening children!" Dumbledore's deep and loud voice carried over the entire grand room. "Now we have two changes in staffing this year. Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave." I wonder where he's gone. Harry was worried as well. I spotted Snape give a small clap, but he was quick to glare at the woman beside her. "I'd also wish to welcome our new defense against the dark arts teacher professor Doloris Humbridge." Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "And I'm sure you will all join me in wishing the professor good luck. Now Mr. Filch has also asked that I remind you-" A squeaking noise was made, causing the professor to stop talking and all eyes turned to Doloris.
I swore she reminded me of one of my aunts. God, I hated that woman, always pointing out my flaws, reminding me I was a mistake, hating I chose Hogwarts instead of all women's school. And lord she dressed the same! But in public, she was the perfect, loving, and caring aunt. Always putting up a fake screen for other people. This woman, if I am not mistaken will cause a lot of problems. And something told me we were going to be stuck in the middle.