Hope you liked the last two chapters!

-Ingrid

Chapter 3

September 1st, the first day of school, came far too late for Jade's taste. She had already packed and repacked so many times that not even a mathematician could count them. She had paced until the carpet wished it was threadbare. Now she stood quietly, rooted to the spot, staring out of the foggy glass of her bedroom window. A creek on the stairs was heard in the dead silence. She turned around at a gut-feeling.

"How may I be of service to you sir?"

He did not say a word, only glared a long, measured moment at her, before magicing her luggage downstairs. A murmured 'thank you' was all she gave to his blank face. Her father turned of the back of his heel and walked to his private study. Rain drizzled quietly on the roof, making a sound that should have been calming but was only dreary.

"Yer cab is here miss." It was the house elf, Hodie, who had been with their family for many years now.

Jade noded towards him with a barely visible smile. She liked Hodie, he was the only one who showed her small shreds of kindness in the dark home. He was like a brother, father, friend to her. He had always been there for her, to kiss her cuts, pet her hair, hold her close and tell her everything was going to be alright. Jade rushed over, and Hodie, the all-knowing guardian he was, held his arms open and they embraced.

"Awe, miss' mustn't cry now...Hodie always going to be here…"

As she felt the comforting repetition of his hand patting her back, the tears and words, that are usually stored for a real father, flowed free. "I...I'm going to...to miss you Hodie…"

Hodie smiled, he was going to miss her too. "There, there Miss North, it's time for you to go to school."

She sniffled while he wiped away her tears, exchanged one more quick hug and kiss on the cheek and left to the cab.

Laeura felt like she was about to throw up as she stood with the milling throngs outside the train station. It was a massive train and stood over her , intimidating. At school, they rode in graceful flying carriages, never these horrible smoking beasts. But she was not at school anymore, and could never return. Ella had betrayed her, crushing her hopes and dreams and leaving her frightened and alone to seek out a new place of study. A few letters to Dumbledore (omitting details she was too nervous to explain) had gotten her a place at Hogwarts School, and she was determined to take it.

People hustled and bustled around her.. Boys stared as she passed by, her soft blue dress fluttering softly in the breeze and her long curls of blonde hair snapping around her face . One brave soul, a boy by the name of Cliff, worked up the courage and walked up to her.

"Hi, I'm Cliff Falton. I was wondering if I could be able to help you with your bags?" He smiled, hoping that she would say yes, for all he was doing is offering to help. She pulled away quietly, holding her bag closer.

"No zank you. I can manage ze bag myself." She carried it up onto the train and walked down the hall. Her lungs felt weak. They had for a while now, ever since she'd moved to England. Like she was just on the verge of being sick, but not quite there yet. She opened a compartment slowly, looking around. Only one girl sat inside. "M-mind if I sit 'ere?"

Jade looked up from her cross-stitching and gave a small smile, "No, not at all. Please, I would like the company." She gestured across to the opposite seat. Laeura sat down gratefully in it, nervously looking out the window at the crowd. Jade smiled quietly. She was excited, because for the first time, she was waiting for someone. "But I must warn you now...there are two boys coming that will drive you nuts if you stay," she warned, teasing slightly, but seriousness and worry laced in her voice.

There was a sound as the compartment doors slid open. Laeura looked up, and saw nothing but a blinding flash of red heads, then sparklers and smoke everywhere.