Chapter Five; Hogwarts Express
Appearing from the other side of the platform, a taller man had his arm firmly around Ophelia, who looked totally befuddled. Gasping in shock as she turned to observe who had hold of her.
"Sev!" her shriek echoed around the platform as she leapt to hug him. "I've missed you so much." She hadn't seen him since before the holidays, and she noticed he seemed to have aged a little over the past month. Severus had a more mature look about him, his shoulder length black wavy hair looked a lot healthier than she had seen it before, he didn't look as exhausted and his skin showed some colour. Usually, he was the total opposite. He often strolled into class with greasy hair, dark marks around his eyes from lack of sleep, baggy clothes and his skin was so pale it would make the Bloody Baron look human in comparison. She wondered if this meant his home life had improved, or was it simply that he had mastered a top notch replenishing potion during the summer. Severus was dressed in his uniform already, and he had excitement painted all over his face.
"Ditto Phe, are you eager to start a new year? Ready for me to kick your skinny behind in potions?... What happened to your face?" He pulled the hair away from her face and she shook him off her.
"Don't w-"
"That's none of your concern, Snivellus. Now if you don't mind leaving us, we're busy." Sirius spat, interrupting Ophelia.
"Oh Sirius, why so serious? I've missed you too." Laughing sarcastically, Severus scowled at Sirius who was looking rather agitated.
"Sirius, just give us one minute." Ophelia said.
Rolling his eyes, he turned away to stand with James and Remus while Mr & Mrs Potter bought themselves a mug of coffee from the stand.
"Sorry about him, he's a bit..."
"Of an arse? Oh I know."
"Well, you could say that." The two laughed together and Ophelia hugged him once more before turning away. "I'll see you at the feast. Save me a seat."
Severus re-joined his group of friends and Ophelia couldn't help but worry about him. His friends were known to be involved in the dark arts, and they were frequently seen with The Death Eaters. She cared for Severus a lot; he was the only friend she had in Slytherin for many months. Even now, she only had two other friends in her house and that was Marlene McKinnon, she was a half blood who seemed far too engulfed in her brother to even notice her half of the time, and there was Cassius Prince, who was a pure-blood. Cassius was distantly related to Severus, although he didn't seem to get along with him for the same reasons as her brother; because he was involved in the wrong crowd. But despite Severus' struggles, regardless of the home he was raised in and how he went through similar to what she and Sirius did; Ophelia knew he had a good heart.
She rummaged through her bag in attempt to find a drink, but the undetectable extension charm that Mrs Potter placed on it made it virtually impossible to find anything without getting in the bag itself. She strolled over to Sirius and nudged him in the ribs. "Why can't you two at least try to get on? For my sake if not his."
"Because he's a total nut-job and I don't approve of your friendship. Everybody knows he's up to his eyeballs in dark magic, why would you want to be near him?" He laughed and James smirked.
"He's my friend, Sirius, do you realise how awkward it makes me feel constantly being stuck between your arguments?"
"ZZzZZzzZz" Sirius' fake snore made the group burst out in laughter, while Ophelia just pouted. She forgot how immature he can be. She never understood why they couldn't just be friends, or at least be mature about the situation. Running her hand across the red paintwork of the train, she admired how beautiful it really was. She looked around and saw a few first years looking extremely nervous and she smiled. Steam was slowly starting to fill the air when Mr Potter said, "You four best board the train, before it leaves without you."
"Thank you for everything, Sir."
"Please, call me Fleamont, Ophelia. Have a lovely last year back, and we will see you at Christmas."
Ophelia smiled and hugged him, then Mrs Potter. "Thank you."
"Anytime sugar. Have fun; try to keep your brother and James out of trouble." She laughed while squeezing her. She then made her way over to James and attempted to flatten his hair, cuddling him tightly.
"Mum! Gerroff me." James scowled while his mother just fussed over him even more.
Sirius, Remus and Ophelia laughed while they got onto the train in search for an empty carriage. Ophelia couldn't hold back the happiness surging through her body while a huge smile appeared on her face. The Hogwarts Express reminded her of all the happy times in her life. The strong smell of Pumpkin Pasty's and Honey Hoodoo's hit her as she walked in, which brought back all her memories. The first time she boarded this train with Sirius, she was so nervous but excited. Their first year was the only year their parents fussed over them, they stayed to wave goodbye and even packed them some sweets for the trip. Throughout the year however, their parent's attitude had changed dramatically towards the twins. As soon as they found out Sirius was in Gryffindor, they despised him. They treated him poorly, and Ophelia often threw herself in their way defending him. Regulus had started during their second year, and of course their parents were thrilled to have one child who wasn't rebellious and easily conformed into their idealistic expectations of the perfect pureblood child.
The train started its engines and slowly puffed down the tracks; they all waved to Mr & Mrs Potter and sat themselves down in an empty carriage, just when a short young man entered the room. He was a plump and dumpy sort of boy, who wore baggy clothes and had frizzy brown hair. He tripped and dropped a pile of books on the floor upon his entrance.
"Oh wormtail, you haven't changed in the slightest have you? Still clumsy as ever." Sirius laughed while helping him with his books.
"And we wouldn't change that for anything." Ophelia smiled sweetly. "What have you been up to during the holidays Peter?"
"Nothing much." he squeaked. "My mother has just opened a shop on Diagon Alley, so I spent the majority of it there. Boring really."
Interrupted by a knock at the door, a girl with beautiful copper coloured hair popped her head round with a smile, "Sorry to interrupt but I must steal James, Head boy duties."
"You can steal me any time, Miss Evans." James winked. "See you guys later." They both left the carriage, and the rest of them discussed the summer antics and latest gossip.
A few hours later the train pulled up to the station, which caused mild chaos between all of the students as they exited the train and boarded the carriages to be pulled up to the school. They were all dressed in their uniforms, and the trunks were already in the halls of Hogwarts. As the carriage pulled up to the school, Ophelia jumped down and fell onto the ground with a thud, completely misplacing her landing.
"Gee, Phe. I didn't realise you were actually falling for me." Remus winked and pulled her up into his arms.
"Moony if you don't mind, that is my sister you're flirting with." Sirius warned, laughing it off. Ophelia's head began to throb and she clutched her forehead tightly as everywhere began to spin.
"Are you alright? Phe?... Talk to me." Remus held her arms as she looked into his eyes.
"I'm fine, just misplaced my foot."
"You don't look fine." Sirius interrupted, looking concerned. "Maybe we should take you to the hospital wing."
"I'll be fine, stop fussing." Ophelia replied as she strolled up to the castle, stumbling a little as she found her feet, leaning on Remus occasionally. The students made their way across the gardens and into the main hall, Ophelia stopped to admire the views when they reached the entrance of the castle. You could see everything from here, even though it was dark. You could see the shimmer of the moon reflecting onto the black lake, and to the left was the entrance of Hogsmeade, which left a slight glow of the lights.
"I'll see you later, and remember... No more trouble." Sirius laughed. She smiled at him then made her way to the Slytherin table. She noticed Severus was sitting with his creepy group of friends, so she decided on sitting further down the table, in hope of avoiding them completely.
A man who was older in age, with a white beard, purple robes and half moon glasses stood at the front of the hall near the staff table. He beamed at the students. "Good evening and welcome to another wonderful year at Hogwarts. We hope this year is as productive as the last. Although we do have a small surprise for you this year, The Hallow Ball will be held on October 31st, but this year there is a slight change. We will be inviting two other schools to join us and I would like you all to be on your best behaviour. I have also been told to warn you, there is strictly no wandering around after nightfall and those of you who are sitting your NEWTS this year, study group is a must. I will be holding it in the hall Wednesday evenings. I expect to see you all there. Now, enough chit-chat, let the sorting ceremony commence."
The students gave a round of applause as the sorting hat began to speak. "Oh you may think I'm just a hat, but what lies beneath is so much more. It doesn't matter to me whether you are rich or poor. If you are slightly insecure, I will prove to you my skill by finding the house where you will soar." She smiled and watched the first years get sorted into their houses.
"Thomas Survee. HUFFLEPUFF!"
To which the Hufflepuff table cheered, and a few of the Slytherin's laughed. She rolled her eyes as she recalled the memory of her Sorting.
Four rows of long tables, full of students sporting black robes all coordinated with different colours, for each table. The first she noticed was Slytherin; the house of Green and Silver. She saw a few people that she recognised from her parents friend's houses. Lucius Malfoy was there, along with Bellatrix, who were in their sixth year. The next was Ravenclaw; the house of Blue and Bronze, and she noticed Gryffindor; Scarlet and Gold. The last table; the house of Yellow and Black. Hufflepuff; she looked around and everyone on the table looked warm and welcoming. She smiled and decided she could see herself settling there. "Hufflepuff is the worst house out of them all. You don't want to end up there; everybody who was a nobody ends up there." A boy, same height as her whispered. He had blonde hair, short and she noticed glasses folded in his pocket. She frowned at him and looked away, completely ignoring his comment. "I'm Cassius, by the way. Cassius Prince." He smiled at her and she responded in a very glum manner, "Ophelia Black." She looked away, admiring all the tables which all looked equally amazing. Ophelia was just happy to be here, it felt like this day would never come.
"Black, Sirius."A lady shouted from the top of the hall, which immediately grabbed her attention. She looked at her brother and they smiled together. It was the Blacks' family tradition to be placed in Slytherin, every family member had been sorted there for generations, but neither Sirius nor Ophelia wanted to be placed there. Ophelia looked back to the Slytherin table and noticed Bellatrix scowling at her; she looked at Narcissa who waved at her. Then she found Andromeda, who looked at her with a huge grin on her face, she was sat further away from her sisters which Ophelia found odd.
"Hmm, tough... I see a lot of courage, with a need to protect those you love. Definitely brave, would you fit in Slytherin, like the rest of your family?" The hat said loudly while Sirius shut his eyes, awaiting his fate. "Maybe not. I think... GRYFFINDOR!" Sirius jumped for joy and danced his way over to the Gryffindor table. The Gryffindor table cheered. Once he was sat, he looked at his sister and smiled.
"Black, Ophelia." The lady shouted, and Ophelia froze. "Come on, don't be shy."
Cassius nudged her and she eventually made her way up to the seat in front of the whole hall.
"Another Black! Ha! What a curious mind, cunning too. Hmm, you hold incredible power within you, crafty. Resourceful, brave... when you have to be. Extremely witty, with a sharp tongue. You have a thirst for knowledge and rather creative which would be best suited for Ravenclaw... But I can't ignore you are a perfect match, so I say... SLYTHERIN!"
Ophelia couldn't move, she was shocked to the core. She looked over to the Slytherin table and noticed Bellatrix was cackling away a long with her friends. She did not want to be in Slytherin, anywhere but there.
"Come on, quickly now. Go and sit down."
"Please, can't I be placed anywhere else?"
"I'm afraid not, now go." Ophelia stood and sat at the table which had been assigned to her, left crushed at the thought of being in the wrong house. Bella enchanted a paper plane to crash on her plate and Ophelia read it out loud. 'We're going to have so much fun, little cousin.' She noticed her cousin was in fits of laughter as she scowled at Ophelia. Andromeda wrapped her arm around her and whispered in her ear, "Ignore her; we really will have so much fun. I'll make sure of it." She smiled sweetly at her; she always loved Andy, even if she was a few years older than herself. It was nice to have someone looking out for you.'
"Ophelia? Merlin Phe, time to wake from your daydream. The feast is almost over and you haven't touched a thing." Whispered a pretty blonde girl opposite from her.
"Where the hell did you come from Marlene?" Ophelia rubbed her eyes and started to play with the food on her plate.
"I've been here for ages. You've just been away with the fairies again." She laughed. "And since when did you call me Marlene?"
"How have you been? We've missed you."
"We?"
"Sirius and I, obviously." Ophelia watched as Marlene turned into a fresh shade of red, "We meant to visit over the holidays, but we got a little held up."
"Yeah, I can see that. What exactly happened to you?"
"I'm sure you've heard by now Marley."
"I've heard the rumours. But who really believes anything that comes from your little brother's mouth?" She laughed and Ophelia smiled.
"What exactly has he been saying?"
The two were interrupted by a voice behind them. "Just that she was a disobedient little hag and Bella put you in your place, of course." He laughed with his friends while the two just rolled their eyes.
"Oh yes Regulus, how terribly great of her to harass an unarmed witch, but you forgot the part where Sirius hexed her into next week. I heard she is still recovering in St Mungo's... What a marvellous wedding present that must have been." Ophelia and Marlene stood up in fits of laughter and left the great hall.
"He's such an arse." Ophelia laughed.
"I agree... Did Sirius really do that?... Ah!" Marlene squealed.
"Did I really do what?" Sirius crept up behind her and pulled her into a bear hug.
"Uh... Nothi-"
"Have you missed me?" He started to kiss Marlene's neck, to which Ophelia acted as if she was vomiting.
"Do you mind? I don't want my last meal to make reappearance, thank you." Ophelia laughed.
"Don't be jealous Phe."
"Ha! Jealous of what exactly?"
"Well I don't see you having a man in your life?" Sirius laughed.
Ophelia rolled her eyes, "Only because you hex anyone who comes close."
"Because that's my job." He winked, "and you better remember it little sis."
They laughed together while Ophelia pouted. "I'm going to bed, goodnight."
That night she spent her time unpacking her things, getting everything ready for tomorrow's lessons. She observed her timetable; double DADA with Professor Wilkins, Transfiguration with McGonagall before lunch, then Potions with Slughorn all afternoon. She threw herself on the four poster bed and fell asleep while reading History of sacred magic.
The next morning, Ophelia skipped into the great hall with glee, feeling unbelievably happy to be back at Hogwarts this year. Ophelia was determined to make this year count. She perched herself on the Gryffindor table next to Remus, who was reading something from the Quibbler. James was sat with Lily next to him discussing quidditch related business, and Marlene was sitting in Sirius' lap caressing him while he scoffed down some toast. "Can't you two keep your hands off each other for five minutes? We're eating!" She laughed, putting a pile of fruit on her plate.
"If you don't like it, you can always go back to sitting on your own table." He laughed.
"Yeah, no thanks. So, has everyone decided who they will be taking to this year's ball?" Aiming her comment at Remus, who grinned from behind his newspaper.
"I have nobody in mind..." James said, grinning at Lily.
"Me neither." Sirius added. Marlene and Lily both rolled their eyes with a grin on their faces.
"What about you Remus? You must have someone in mind." James looked between Ophelia and Remus; in return she blushed, hoping Sirius didn't notice.
"Maybe." He winked and looked to Ophelia. "But I'll probably end up staying in the common room revising; our Potions exam is in November."
"You are such a romantic. Hey, here's a thought. Maybe you can take Slughorn to the ball, you never know, he might be a smooth dancer."
"Shut it Prongs." Remus shot a look at James and they laughed.
Screeches, whines and hoots echoed around the great hall as owls swooped down from all directions, parcels, letters and gifts landed in front of different students. Sirius and Ophelia didn't expect anything from their parents; they just watched everyone else as they opened their letters.
"These are from my mum, for you and Phe." James passed Sirius a box full of chocolates. Sirius started wolfing them down while Ophelia grabbed a handful, laughing at her brother.
"Here's a letter for you, Phe." Remus handed her a red envelope with a black stamp. Examining the envelope, she frowned in confusion. The envelope flew out of her hands and formed the shape of a mouth. Before Ophelia realised what was happening, a man's angry voice shouted from the letter and echoed around the room. She froze and her eyes instantly widened when she recognised whose voice it was, "Ophelia Cassiopeia Black! How dare you besmirch The Black's name by wandering around with a WEREWOLF! I didn't think it was possible to be more humiliated to call you my daughter, but it seems I was wrong. After all these years, you still think it wise to provoke me? Have you forgotten who I am?! We gave you clear instructions not to make a fool of us and look at the disaster you caused. We would be lucky to marry you to a troll after your performance, you vile creature. But listen here, you insolent little brat; I will ensure that Bellatrix' performance will feel like a mere tickle compared to what I will do to you, if I hear that you step one foot out of line again. I will know... I find out everything. You cannot hide from Orion Black." The letter caught into flames and sizzled away into nothing. All eyes seemed to be focussed on the Gryffindor table after the performance of the Howler. Ophelia silently prayed that the ground would swallow her whole. A blush was burning her face as she noticed everyone was staring at her, and almost everyone at the Slytherin table burst into laughter. Shame, resentment and humiliation washed over her as she choked back her tears. She fiddled with her thumbs and looked between Remus and Sirius. Her brother saw the pain in her eyes as she struggled to accept what just happened. "Phe, don't-"
Ophelia stood up and ran out of the hall in a flood of tears, ignoring the laughter and insults from the crowd of Slytherin's. Sirius pushed Marlene off his lap and stood, "I'm sorry. Our father is a delightful man, as you can tell." Sarcasm ran through his words, as he turned to sprint after his sister.
He couldn't find her; it was almost as if his sister had disappeared. "Ophelia! Where are you?" He spent ten minutes searching the castle for her, before something obvious hit him. The Map. How could I have been so stupid? He laughed to himself, knowing perfectly well she couldn't hide for long. Sirius stood to the side of the desolate corridor and pulled out what looked like a spare piece of parchment from his back pocket, unfolded it and whispered, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." With a tap of his wand, the parchment revealed a map which showed Hogwarts, and everyone inside the building.
"Come on, come on." He muttered as he searched for Ophelia's name.
"Aha! Mischief managed." He folded the parchment up and placed it in his pocket, while sprinting towards the stairs.
As he reached the top step, he noticed that the floors were flooded. Sirius frowned and followed the water, which lead to the girl's bathroom.
"YOU!" A ghost appeared, flying around Sirius. "Get your sister out of here; she's made a right mess you know. I hope you are going to clear it up!"
"Oh sod off Myrtle, you moaning git." Sirius frowned as he opened the door of the bathroom, and heard the muffled cries of a girl in one of the cubicles. The water started to form into the shape of a snake, and it hissed as Sirius stepped forward. The snake curled around Sirius, leaving him shaking in the snakes coil, attempting to move the water away. "Phe? Come out, please... You can't stay in there forever... Uhm, I may need your help with your little friend."
The door opened and Ophelia stood there, tear stained eyes and puffy cheeks staring longingly at the water-formed snake. She smiled at her brother, and the water collapsed hitting the floor with a thud. The fluid started to evaporate into thin air.
"I really hate snakes, you know." He smiled at her and she just looked at the floor. "Oh Phe, don't be upset. That's what he wants, just ignor-"
Her eyes flashed with anger and she scowled at him. "Ignore it?! How on earth do you expect me to ignore what happened Sirius, when the whole school overheard our lovely fathers rant? I've never been so humiliated." Tears pricked the corners of her eyes and Sirius pulled her into a tight embrace. He couldn't stand to see her in distress, especially because of their parents.
"I'm sorry. It will blow over, and nobody will say anything to you, I promise you that." He paused, wiping her tears with the corner of his sleeve. "Now, are you going to tell me what exactly happened here?"
"I just... lost control."
"Explain, Phe?"
"I don't know. I came in here, upset and angry. I washed my face in the sink, and started to play with the water in attempt to calm me down. But it overwhelmed me; it didn't calm me down. I just sizzled in anger. And at that moment, it was like the magic exploded. It broke the sinks, and flooded the room. I couldn't calm down, it just got worse... Until I saw you flapping your arms because of being held by the snake, it made me giggle."
"Well I am glad my misfortune amuses you. Come on, let's clear this up and get out of here." Sirius laughed. They turned to the door and noticed a tall rugged man leaning against the frame. Ophelia observed him closely as he scowled at her; he had black hair which was tied into a bun, and a scruffy beard to match. He was a tanned man and had a large scar across his cheek which fell down onto his neck. His black robes draped in the water as he stood, he held a neutral expression and his stern voice boomed around the room. "Oh dear... Miss Black... Look what we have here." He smirked.
"Professor Wilkins, I can explain."
"No bother. You will spend the next two Friday evening's in detention with me for your carelessness..."
"But Sir-"
"Do you want to make that three?"
Ophelia shook her head and he smirked at the girls defeat. "I didn't think so. Sirius, you will stay and clear this mess up. And you, come with me." He pointed at Ophelia as he turned towards the door.
She trudged down the corridor behind the Professor, and looked back apologetically to her brother. Struggling to keep up with his fast paced stroll, she walked as quickly as she could and disappeared into the corridor.
