HPFC: Rubiks' Cube ["This is the best day ever!"], 5 Drabbles Comp [oasis]
The platform is a mess. Owls soar overhead as cats and toads run amok over everyone's feet. The clamor outside matches the one inside her. She expects her sisters to at least see her onto a compartment, but no sooner have they arrived than they get caught up in their individual friend groups. After their parents have left, she stares around her, scared, timid and lonely.
A hand brushes her shoulder. "Hi."
She turns and drops her trunk in surprise. She can feel herself blushing. "Hello," she says, not quite looking at Rabastan's face as she picks it up.
"We should probably get inside," he says. "Do you need help with that?"
She shakes her head and follows him inside. They find an empty compartment and settle in.
"I'm sorry if I bore you," she says. "My sisters didn't want to bother with me."
"I know the feeling," he says, smiling. "Rodolphus all but abandoned me when we got here."
They chat for the rest of the journey. When they arrive at the station, they line up for the boats.
Everyone forgot to mention that she would have to cross a lake in a structurally unsound boat.
He notices, and his hand squeezes hers tightly enough that she opens her eyes. His arm is around her, supporting her, and he softly whispers, "I've got you."
She is no longer scared of being pushed out: he is her oasis, and she is safe with him.
When all is said and done, he meets her in their common room before they go to bed. She already knows that this school will be a safe haven, but he will make it so much more.
"Rough day?" he asks, a smile pulling at his lips.
"Hardly," she says, grinning. "This was the best day ever!"