It was late when Dad finally came home. He had left a note for me in the kitchen upon my arrival. He had explained that he had been called into work at the Ministry of Magic and would not return until after dark. It had been up to me to care for the animals, and so I had. The horses had been groomed, the eggs collected from the chicken nests, the cat brushed. All had been fed, even Romulus, our faithful sheep dog, who ate his bowl of kibble happily while I sat on the porch and flipped through my new textbooks. I practiced flipping the pages by using my wand instead of my hand. Mum and my sisters returned close to four, arms full of shopping bags. Clearly, the three had gone shopping without me.

Virginia and Naomi were long-asleep when Dad arrived by Floo network. I could hear him cough and putter around the living room, wiping his feet on the welcome mat in front of the hearth. Mum was in her room, probably knitting or reading, and undoubtedly keeping both ears open for Virginia.

Dad finally shuffled into the porch, rubbing his eyes. I glanced up from my opened Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the pages illuminated by the light of the lamp by my shoulder.

"Did you get your wand?" He asked, his voice tired. I felt pity for Dad. He worked so hard to provide for us. It was hard enough that Mum had quit her job at the Ministry in order to take care of Virginia; now the full weight of financial responsibility rested on Dad's shoulders.

"I did." I tried being nice to Dad, because even though we had never been close, he had always watched out for me and had my back. Dad didn't say much, but I knew he loved me. I held out my new wand, which I had hardly not held since Ollivander's, for him to see.

Dad came closer and leaned down to examine it. His tired face brightened. "My eldest child, already getting her first wand." He sighed. "Where does the time go?"

I smiled up at him. "What do you mean, Dad?"

He touched my shoulder softly. "I feel like it was only five minutes ago that you were on my shoulders, watching the match between the Holyhead Harpies and the Montrose Magpies." He sighed again. "Then I blinked."

I remembered that tonight was my last night here, and that until Christmas, Hogwarts would be my new home. My throat tightened. "I'm going to miss you, Dad."

He gave me a brief hug. His golden stubble scratched my face. He smelled like fatigue, peppermint, and faintly of smoke. He smiled, the lines around his eyes crinkling. His golden hair didn't have any gray in it, though I was sure his soul carried age marks. "I love you, sweetheart. You'll be just fine."

Heart in my throat, I bit my lip, not wanting to cry in front of him. Dad patted my shoulder and began to walk away.

"Dad," I managed, my voice thick, "Mum…" I didn't want to cause more trouble between them. So I tried again. "I didn't have enough money for everything on my list."

Even though his back was to me, I could tell what this information cost Dad. He rubbed his back with one arm, seeming to deflate a little. "What are you missing?" He asked quietly.

I wanted to hang my head in shame. It wasn't Dad's fault that we didn't have enough money! "It was just one thing. It's stupid, really."

"Tell me, Amber."

I hesitated, then said, "I didn't get a pet."

Dad turned, half-smiling. "I thought you were going to say you didn't have enough for clothes or something."

I shrugged, already wishing I hadn't told him. He had enough on his overloaded plate already. "It's just something. I guess I always wanted a bit of the farm to take with me. And I know that Jewels doesn't want to leave her mice and hay for a dorm."

Dad nodded. "I'm sorry, honey. We'll have enough next year."

I gave him another smile. "Thanks, Dad. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Amber." He disappeared into the dark kitchen. I heard him climb the creaky stairs. I wondered what Mum and him would talk about. If he would be able to see me off to school tomorrow.

Hugging my knees to my chest, I tried to remind myself of what a great school Hogwarts was. Out of all the places, Hogwarts had chosen me. I still couldn't wrap my mind around the fact. Both of my parents had gone, but that was before money had become an issue. I wondered how we would ever afford for me to go another year, let alone send Virginia, if Mum would even let her go in the first place.

Sighing, I took my mind off of the distracting thoughts by reading more of what Newt Scamander had written about his travels and the creatures he had discovered. I read again about lethifolds and thought of my new robes, waiting to be put on. I read about werewolves and basilisks, flobberworms and threstrals. I fell asleep reading about dragons and all of their different subspecies.

A rooster crowed at daybreak, bringing me out of my troubled sleep. I could smell coffee brewing. Mum or Dad must have already woken up. I rose from the daybed, stretching my sore muscles. I hadn't slept as well as I wanted to. My sleep had been patchy at best. I had kept waking up, worried I had missed the train for Hogwarts.

Light footsteps approached. I braced myself for Mum's arrival. Instead, a pixie-like girl entered, timid and unsure. She sat down on the bed, still in her nightgown, her cornsilk-blonde hair loose and tumbling down her back.

"Virginia?" I said, yawning, rubbing the grit from my eyes.

"Hey, Amber." Her voice was wispy, thin. She coughed and glanced at me. "I'm sorry about yesterday. About Mum."

I looked toward the kitchen. "Isn't she awake?"

Virginia shook her head. "Dad's up. He's outside with the animals."

"What time is it?" I wondered, wishing my eyes would stop feeling so heavy.

"It's still early, don't worry." Virginia pleated the hem of her white shirt. She had Mum's eyes exactly, sky-blue and empty. She cleared her throat. "I'm really happy for you, Amber. And I think it's really cool that you have a phoenix feather wand." She ducked her head. "Naomi thinks I'm a Squib."

I frowned at my frail sister. "You are not, Virginia. You're just sick."

She coughed again, and I could hear a rattling noise in her chest. "Do you want me to get Mum?" I asked, concerned.

Virginia shook her head vehemently. "Mum needs to sleep, too." She looked so tired. Even at ten years old. She looked more tired than Dad. "I just wanted to be able to be with you before you went away."

Well, at least she was apologizing. I had never held any anger toward Virginia, only at Mum. And even then, I wasn't sure it was anger. What was it, then?

"Naomi thinks you'll be in Gryffindor." Virginia went on, her voice getting steadier. "I think you'll be in Ravenclaw."

"You'll be in Hufflepuff, I bet." I remarked. "Just like everyone else in the family. Oh, and don't forget your unicorn tail hair wand." I mimicked Mum's voice.

A bubble of laughter escaped from Virginia's lungs. "I think a dragon heartstring would be cool. They're so powerful."

I smiled at her. "Here, try this." I handed her my new wand, still shiny from its polish. "Just be careful."

Virginia's eyes widened. Her lips parted. "Are you sure, Amber? I could get in trouble."

I waved off her concerns. "Just try it. It's not going to kill you."

Smiling, Virginia gave a tentative flick. "Give it a little more." I encouraged, and Virginia swung the wand upward. Something upstairs made a loud bang! Virginia's blue eyes rounded to the size of full moons and she immediately handed me back my wand.

"Amber!" Mum yelled. "No magic outside of school!"

Virginia and I exchanged a look and burst into laughter.

"Come on," I said, pulling her cold hand into mine, "Let's cook some breakfast for her."

Virginia and I made fried eggs and chocolate chip banana pancakes. She laid ten strips of bacon on the skillet while I sizzled them. Virginia closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. "Isn't that the most wonderful smell ever?"

"What?" I asked, grinning. "My cooking?" I twirled the spatula expertly.

"Bacon." Virginia moaned. "I'm going to make bacon-scented candles and sell them."

"I'm sure you'd make some big bucks, Ginny," I teased. "I'll be your first customer."

Her eyes glowed. "I'll have some ready by the time you get back for Christmas."

Naomi tottered down the stairs and to the table. "Amber's cooking, Mum!" She announced loudly. "I'll get a bucket of water ready!"

"Hush, you imp!" I chortled, sticking my tongue out at her. Naomi returned the gesture.

"Hurry up!" Virginia begged. "It smells so good!"

I laid two pancakes, two pieces of bacon, and a single fried egg on each plate. Virginia poured herself a cup of tea while Naomi slurped down fresh milk from our neighbors. I sat down with a glass of pumpkin juice and dug in to my plate.

"So yummy." Naomi sighed, while Virginia moaned in agreement. Mum emerged from her room when we were half-finished with breakfast. She raised a brow and sat down. "Amber, you made this?"

"Yup." I didn't feel like talking to her much, not after yesterday.

Mum sighed and ate a piece of everything. "Nice job." She said, and focused her attention on Virginia. "Did you sleep at all honey?"

Virginia looked hassled. "Yes, Mum."

"How is your stomach? This is a heavy breakfast."

My mood was quickly souring again. I ate the rest of my food in a hurry and brought it to the sink. I washed it quickly and left it to dry on the rack.

"Thanks for breakfast, Amber." Virginia called as I went up the stairs to find my suitcase and begin packing.

Clearly, Mum hadn't forgiven me yet. And I had no plans to do the same either. I wanted an apology first. But I had a feeling I wasn't going to get one. Not for awhile.

At least she made me look forward to going to Hogwarts.

I changed into comfortable Muggle clothes. Jean shorts, a black tank top, a red flannel shirt, and sandals. I fixed my slightly curling honey-blonde hair in the mirror and studied my reflection. Would I ever grow into those gigantic brown eyes? Would I ever look like a woman, instead of a girl?

Dejected, I brought my empty suitcase downstairs and began loading textbooks inside. In went the cauldron and the potion equipment. In went the robes and clothes. I had kept most of my things in the porch, ready to go, but lacking a suitcase. I wanted to be sure to remember to fill it before I forgot the whole thing.

Reluctantly, I tucked my wand inside the folds of my soft clothes carefully. I didn't want any harm coming to it. I had had a nightmare about it being snapped in half and never wanted to see such a thing happen to it, ever.

I thought about asking Dad or Mum to perform some protection charms, but didn't want to sound too worrisome. My luggage would be just fine. Feeling antsy, I wandered outside to walk the edge of the property one last time.

The horses flicked their long tails at me as I walked past. Romulus padded over and licked my hand. His nose was wet and cold, like snow. I rubbed behind his ears and threw a crap apple for him. He chased after it like lightning.

I watched the sun climb higher by degrees, shortening shadows and bringing more light. Most of the trees were still green, but some were already blushing with the colors of the fall. One maple was more red than green. It was probably sick or old.

I thought of Virginia.

Something cracked on the edge of the forest. I turned slightly, remembering my fight with Mum. I thought of You-Know-Who, and suddenly found myself on the ground, on my back, staring up at the empty blue sky.

A blur of black-and-white streaked past me, and I heard the sound of bodies colliding together. I pushed myself on my elbows, wishing desperately for my wand. Romulus was locked in combat with something canine and brown.

I screamed, more out of fear for Romulus than for myself. There were terrible growls and snarls, guttural, primeval noises that raised the hairs on the back of my neck. Finally, the two shapes broke apart.

Romulus ran in front of me, standing protectively, one shoulder missing a clump of fur and bleeding. His lips were pulled back fully to expose his gleaming white teeth. He let out another ferocious growl and rose his hackles even more, so that he looked twice his size.

A coyote, snarling, stood ten feet away, bleeding from his muzzle and his flank. His yellow eyes were wild and furious. Romulus snapped his jaws again, daring the coyote to move forward. I let out a scream again, this time directed at the coyote. My heart was pounding so hard I could hardly stand, but I wanted to scare this thing off. Using bravado, I let out another shriek and waved my arms. I wanted to look big and tall and scary.

The coyote flattened his ears. Romulus lunged again for the coyote. This time, the coyote turned and fled into the woods. Romulus gave chase.

"Romulus!" I cried, terrified that the dog would be ambushed by more coyotes. I could hear undergrowth shaking as they got farther away. I realized I was alone again, and horribly unprotected. I was almost a mile from home. Of course no one would hear me.

I glanced around wildly, trying to find a weapon, when Romulus burst out of the trees. He was panting from running, but he looked fierce. He nudged me toward the direction of the house. I obeyed him and took off at a sprint for the farm.

Romulus kept pace well, but I knew his shoulder would be hurting. When we arrived breathless at the barn, I hurried to get him a salve and gauze. Romulus followed me. His tongue lolled out, as if he already didn't care about his fight. As if he was invincible and hadn't been worried in the first place.

"Thank you, Romulus," I whispered, dabbing the antiseptic salve into his wound. He licked my face. Fighting back tears, I held a wad of gauze over the wound. Red dots seeped through, but after five minutes, it pulled away clean. His wound would be healed within the day.

I tried to think of how the attack had happened. Was the coyote hunting? Maybe it was so hungry it had decided to try and eat me. Or it could have been defending its pups. Maybe there was a den nearby. I shuddered and remembered how quickly I had been flat on my back. Dad had warned that when confronted with creatures, you always wanted to be on your feet. Your chances of survival went drastically down the moment you went to the ground.

I gave Romulus a bowl of treats, rubbing his ears, hoping the calming gesture would soothe my frayed nerves. My hand shook badly, more than when they had yesterday at Ollivander's. Romulus wagged his tail and ate. When he was finished, my shaking had all but stopped. I breathed in deeply, never wanting to be caught unarmed again. I returned to the house and dug my wand out. I slipped it into my pocket. Even if I was a brand new witch, I would be prepared. Even if I just had a wand, I would stand a chance.

Mum swept into the porch. "Oh, good. You're almost ready." She was wearing a blue dress, her brown hair parted in two French lace braids. "Your sisters will be ready soon, too."

"How are we getting to the station?" I asked as I checked my hair in a mirror. It was crazy as usual.

"Portkey." She paused, as if she wanted to say more, but gave me a sad look instead before leaving the room.

I swallowed, fighting tears again. Why did my departure have to be so dramatic? Lugging my suitcase outside, I waited by the lamppost again, scanning the trees for a sign of wildlife. But when Mum showed up with Naomi and Virginia ten minutes later, there was nothing. Just the farm animals. Romulus sat in the field, ears half-pricked, guarding the farm. My heart warmed toward the loyal dog. I was going to miss him.

"Where's Dad?" Naomi asked Mum, who only shook her head. "Who knows, Naomi. If he isn't here in five minutes, he's going to miss Amber's departure."

The thought saddened me. I understood his missing school shopping, but would he miss the train departure, too? I looked down.

"There he is!" Naomi cried, and my head snapped up. Sure enough, Dad emerged from the barn, grinning widely. In one hand he carried a cage.

My heart picked up speed as he got closer. Inside the cage sat a brown-and-white shape. I looked at him wildly. "Is that…?"

"Your pet." Dad handed me the cage reverently. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. Excitement replaced the fear from this morning. It was a pet! A beautiful, gorgeous barn owl. It blinked open its slitted eyes, revealing pit-black eyes set against a snowy white, heart-shaped face. It hooted once and ruffled its pretty feathers. It closed its eyes again, sleeping.

"Dad, thank you!" I hugged him with one arm. "Thank you so much!"

"It took me all morning to find him and catch him." Dad explained. "Sorry I missed breakfast, ladies. I'm sure it was delicious."

"It was." Virginia confirmed.

"Dad, this is so wonderful." I would be able to take a part of the barn with me to school. A real, living part. I could hardly believe it.

"You can name him whatever you want. He's young, probably been out of the nest for a few weeks. Kind of like you, soon." He glanced at all of us. "You ladies ready for the station?"

Mum was watching him with a look of displeasure on her face. "You sure you want to go out in public like that?"

Disdain for her nagging dampened my joy of having a new pet. But before I could snap at her, Dad said brightly, "This day is about Amber, not me. Besides, I can change afterwards." He nodded to the lamppost. "Let's go, ladies. The train leaves in under an hour."

The five of us touched us hands to the cool black lamppost. I had a final glimpse of the farm a moment before we were sucked inside the limbo that would take us to the train station. A moment later, our feet touched solid ground again.

We stood at the edge of a brick pillar. Muggles milled about, some together, but most of them walking in solitude. Dad gestured to a brick pillar a few feet away. "Now, Amber, what you're going to want to do is run through that brick wall."

I faced him like he was crazy. "Are you trying to kill me?"

Mum snorted.

Dad ignored her. "It's like a portal. It separates our world from the Muggles." He nodded. "Go on. We'll be right behind you."

I wondered if Mum planned on coming, but I held my tongue and instead tried to ignore my legs, which were getting shaky with adrenaline. Run through a brick wall? I took a deep breath. The barn owl opened one eye, gazed at me, then closed it again. If the owl wasn't upset, I took comfort in the notion that I should relax, too.

"Go on, Amber!" Naomi encouraged. "You can do it!"

I took another deep breath. Just do it. I gripped the handle of the suitcase tightly, so that the whites of my knuckles showed, and trotted towards the pillar. I broke into a run just before, and shut my eyes tightly, expecting to meet a hard, unforgiving mass of brick.

Instead I kept going. I opened my eyes in disbelief, slowing to a stop. I was in a whole new part of the train station. White steam billowed from a sleek black-and-red locomotive, which then issued a single high-pitched whistle from its horn. A red plaque on the face of the train read in gold letters HOGWARTS EXPRESS. In white numbers beneath it was 5972.

It let another shrill whistle. The conductor wandered along the platform, collecting tickets and greeting families. Packed onto the concrete were endless witches and wizards, saying their final farewells and giving last-minute hugs and kisses. I didn't hear my own family approach from behind me until Dad cleared his throat and said, "Well, I guess this is it."

I turned on my heel hard, fighting against the sudden hotness in my eyes, the lump in my throat. Dad's eyes were red-rimmed from exhaustion, but I recognized the sheen of tears in them. He pulled me into a tight embrace. "I love you, Amber," he whispered in my ear. "We'll write you as often as you want."

I nodded tightly, knowing that if I gave an inch, I would dissolve into tears in front of not just my whole family, but my new classmates.

Naomi bulldozed into my arms like a wrecking ball smashing into a building. I had to take a steadying step to keep from falling over. "I'm going to miss you." I managed, rubbing her small back. Naomi lifted her chin, smiling bravely, even though tears streamed down her cheeks.

I had to avert my gaze. I knew I wouldn't be able to hold back my own tears for much longer.

Virginia hugged me lightly. Her skinny arms were like matchsticks around my shoulders. She was so cold, like ice, even though she wore a thick white sweater around her tiny frame. She squeezed my hand gently. "Do your best. Write me."

"I will." I promised, knowing time was running out with my family. It isn't forever, Amber. I thought crossly. Get over it.

Mum nodded. "You'll want to get on the train, now. Looks like most of the luggage has already been put away."

Breathing deeply, I struggled to hold my emotions in check. No goodbye from Mum. No surprise. "Guess it's my turn to get on the train."

Mum looked uncomfortable. She put an arm around Virginia's bony shoulders. My sister wilted like a dead flower, looking more ashamed than ever. Desperately close to tears, I brushed past them, luggage in tow. My wand brushed against my hip, a reminder that I was not just a member of the Harkstone family, but now, a bonafide witch. I didn't need their approval, least of all Mum's.

"Amber!" Mum called out. I glanced back uncertainly.

Her face was rather pinched. "Make sure you don't get into any more trouble. I don't want to hear anything from your professors about your behavior." Her blue eyes narrowed. "And try not to make an utter fool out of yourself."

Dad looked outraged. "Lena!" He snapped, but the damage was done.

Hurt beyond words, I turned away and clenched my luggage with a grip that couldn't have been loosened by any spell. My suitcase was heavy and I struggled to heave it aboard. "Come on!" I cried, and with a final heave of effort, it jumped into the train. Hot tears were already coming fast; I kept my head down as I passed several students, chattering excitedly and completely oblivious to me.

I stumbled into the first compartment I could find. Two my horror, two boys, both black-haired and young, stared at me. I looked away, embarrassed, wishing just for an empty compartment where I could unleash the torrent of tears.

"Sorry," I whispered, trying to back up, but the door had swung shut. The latch, old and rusty, didn't want to budge.

One of the boys giggled. I hunched my shoulders and tried harder to open the doorjamb. "What's the matter?" One of the taunted. "Miss Mummy and Daddy already?"

"What a crybaby." The other said loudly. "Did you pack any diapers, baby? Wouldn't want you to wet the bed, now."

Their words flew like darts and struck true in my heart. Choking on a sob, I whipped out my wand and pointed it at the door. "Open up!" I wept, banging harder. The wand did nothing in my hand.

The boys laughed. "She's a Squib, too!" The slapped their hands on their pants as if it was the funniest joke they'd heard in a long time.

Wanting to die, I covered my face and let the tears come.

"Awww," the brown-eyed boy sneered, fixing his glasses on his nose. "Does someone need a napkin or a tissue? You're getting boogers all over the place."

"Bloody Hell," the other one sniggered, "better tell the conductor we have a runaway toddler on the train."

Why? Why did every day that was meant to be happy and special have to turn out so rotten? What had I done to earn this? Hadn't Mum's cruelty been enough of a punishment?

Suddenly the door opened. Without bothering to see who had finally opened the impossible door, I grabbed my luggage and bolted. Ducking my head, I glanced at each compartment frantically, praying for an empty one.

"You can come in here, if you like."

I looked up sharply. A girl, my age, had opened her sliding glass door. Her brilliant green eyes filled with worry. "Are you okay?"

I shook my head. "Can I come in, please?" My voice quavered like a child's, but I didn't care.

Her face softened with sympathy. "There's room for you." She opened the door wider to allow access. The only other occupant was a sallow-faced boy with limp black hair hanging by his face. He looked profoundly irritated at my arrival.

"Sev, she can sit with us, can't she?" Asked the redheaded girl as she closed the door tightly. I peeked at the door, hoping that this one wouldn't stick shut.

The boy rolled his black eyes. "I suppose."

Trembling, I sat on the upholstered chair, wiping my eyes. The girl handed me a tissue. I took it, grateful. I blew my running nose into it, earning a sour look from the boy across the compartment.

"I was just crying too," the girl admitted. "So I have lots more, if you need them."

I wiped my eyes with the backs of my sleeves. "Thanks."

She smiled kindly. "I'm Lily Evans. This is Severus Snape."

Severus winced, as if he wished Lily hadn't revealed his name.

"I'm Amber Harkstone." I took another tissue and wrapped the dirty one inside. I stuffed it inside of my pocket, not seeing a trash can. Severus grimaced.

Already feeling like a complete fool, I cleared my throat and tried to sound as normal as possible. "Are you first years, too?"

Lily nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! Severus and I are going to be in Hufflepuff together."

That remark earned two bulging eyes from the solemn boy, who made a retching noise. "I'm going to be in Slytherin, like my mother. Hufflepuffs are complete idiots."

Despite my mother's treatment of me, I felt heat rise to my face. "My entire family's been in Hufflepuff." I said evenly.

Faint spots of color rose to Severus' cheeks. Lily sighed. "I don't have any family in Hogwarts." She confessed. "I'll be the first one ever."

"Did they attend a different school?" I asked, curious. "I almost went to B.B. Seed's in Glasgow."

Snape looked unimpressed, but even so, slightly intrigued. "Me too."

"It's the poor kid's alternative." I muttered. "I almost couldn't afford attending Hogwarts."

Lily looked distressed. "That's terrible. Education is a wonderful thing. It should be for everyone."

Snape nodded once.

"My parents are Muggles," Lily explained. "I don't have a drop of magical blood in me."

"Of course you do." I corrected. "If you're a Muggleborn, you must have an ancestor somewhere that was a Squib." I instantly thought of Virginia, weak and unhealthy. Did her illness make her a Squib? Or did it just suppress her magic?

"Squib?" Lily echoed, not understanding.

"A person born to magical parents, but doesn't have magic themselves. So you do have magical blood, but it just skips generations sometimes. Like for my dad. He's a Muggle-born too."

Lily blinked. "Did we have summer homework?" She asked suspiciously.

"No." Severus answered. He narrowed his eyes at me. "She's just a know-it-all."

Dislike, fresh and ugly, rose like bile in my throat. Lily fixed Severus with a look that said Shut up. I squared my shoulders and held my tongue. If he wanted to be a pessimist, fine. That was his choice. I wasn't going to sink to his level unless he grabbed me and dragged me down.

"You know," Lily said after a long, awkward silence, "Sev says that first years get to ride in boats across the lake! They don't have to take the carriages like the other years do."

Severus watched me coldly. I wondered if there was any emotion behind those obsidian eyes. "What kind of boats?" I said, meeting Severus' gaze squarely. He narrowed his eyes and looked away. He stared out the window, his jaw rigid.

"I don't know." Lily said, frowning slightly. "What kinds of boats? Sev?"

"Little ones." He responded. "My mother said only two or three can fit inside each."

Lily beamed. "So the three of us can share!"

Severus let out a tiny groan. Already wishing I was alone in my own compartment, I forced a smile. "We'll see, Lily."

I pulled out a book from my suitcase randomly. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was my reading material for the train ride to Hogwarts Castle. Opening the stiff, new cover, I began at Chapter One and studiously read each line, wishing I could highlight the noteworthy bits. When I learn some spells, I thought determinedly, I'll be able to do anything. Even highlight my books!

Lily babbled on and on to Severus. He mostly listening, pausing every few hundred words to give me a disgruntled scowl. Clearly, he hadn't wanted to share his journey with anyone other than Lily. She respected my wish to remain buried in literature and didn't try to include me in her near-monologue. I appreciated the tactfulness. As gregarious and friendly as she was, I wanted nothing more than to escape my own unsavory emotions and problems by delving into what Newt Scamander had written.

The light began to fade after several hours of travel. Lily craned her neck, pressing her face against the glass excitedly. "We're almost there!" She said excitedly. "I can see the castle!"

I felt a flutter of trepidation. Hogwarts Castle. My new home for the next year. Did I really want to see it?

But even gloomy Severus had joined Lily at the window, gazing out hopefully. I closed the book and peered around her long flame-colored hair. Sure enough, there was a castle. It was still miles away. Nevertheless, it loomed like a many-spired mountain from the hills and trees. It was impressive and formidable, even from our distance.

"Won't be long now." Severus predicted, unable to take his eyes off of the castle.

"Oh, Sev!" Lily exclaimed. "Won't it be wonderful? I hope we're in the same House! This is so exciting!"

She gave her friend a quick hug, earning an embarrassed blush from him. He looked even more shy when he stole a quick glance in my direction.

I stowed my book and resolved myself to watch the rest of the journey by the window. Pine trees passed by in a dark green blur. The fields and meadows that we had crossed were becoming overtaken by forests. In minutes, we were speeding through a tunnel of trees, the sky completely blocked out by leaves and tree trunks.

"I wonder what's in there." Lily said softly.

Severus grimaced. "Lots of things. I bet there's evil stuff in there."

"Evil stuff?" Lily repeated, her green eyes widening in fear.

"Not like that," Severus said quickly, backpedaling. "I mean, there's werewolves and stuff in there. And centaurs. And, there's probably giant bugs, too…"

He trailed off at the look on Lily's face. She looked slightly sick.

"There's also unicorns." I interjected. "Thestrals, too."

"Unicorns?" Breathed Lily. A glimmer of awe appeared in her eyes.

I nodded. "I read about it in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Did you know that thestrals are invisible to most people? Only those who have seen death can see them."

"Oh, wow!" Lily said. "You're smart, Amber!"

Severus rolled his eyes. I wanted to scrub that arrogant smirk from his face.

A teenage girl with brown hair and gray eyes poked her head in the door. "You'll want to put your black robes on." She piped. "We'll be arriving soon and they'll make you get back on the train to London if you aren't properly dressed!"