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Train of Fear

It seemed like forever till September 1st was upon Basil and Anna. Anna had all her things packed since the Diagon Alley trip which seemed so long ago. Basil wasn't as enthusiastic, more like in constant terror, which Anna mostly ignored since her happiness was almost deadly.

"Today is the day!" Anna yelled out as soon as she saw Basil outside with her things.

"I know Anna! You've reminded me since midnight." Basil laughed as she dragged her luggage to her Grandfather's car.

Anna threw her luggage rather harshly into the trunk and dashed to get in her seat. Basil closed the back and climbed in next to Anna and waited for Grandpa Sweets to come from the house to take them to station. Basil and Anna had already said their goodbyes to their parents, Basil's were fearful like her and Anna's parents were ecstatic.

"Oh Basil, I think I might explode." Basil admitted with a tone of discomfort.

"I can tell, you haven't stopped shaking since this morning." Basil agreed with a fake laugh behind her voice.

"Do you think we'll see the Potters at the platform?" Anna turned a bright red the moment she spoke.

"It's possible, but more of a chance we'll see them on the train." Basil replied bluntly as Grandpa Sweets took a seat in the driver's seat.

The ride over to King's Cross Station was especially boring to Basil. Anna didn't say a word since talking of Albus, Grandpa Sweets was muttering about Hogwarts, and Basil couldn't think of anything interesting to say to make the conversation more entertaining.

"We're here girls." Grandpa Sweets exclaimed once they parked outside the station.

Anna scrambled to the back of the car to retrieve her belongs and to put them on a cart. Basil took her things, Hairball in hand, and followed Anna down the many platforms of King's Cross. Arnold Sweets limply chased after them with some tips falling off his tongue for the two youngsters.

"Grandpa, I'll be fine! We're almost to the platform." Basil groaned as the platform nine was right in front of them.

"Well, this is goodbye for now. Anna, I know you'll do great. Basil, don't get into trouble." Grandpa Sweets hugged them both and waved goodbye.

Anna looked around for anyone who may be a Hogwarts student but no one stuck out to her. Basil pushed her towards another column where 9¾ would be and watched all the muggles around her to make sure they weren't looking.

"You're first Winchester." Basil pushed Anna towards the brick wall and waited for her first move.

Anna took a deep breath and held her cart close to her chest. The barn owl, Shadow, made a strange noise as if he was getting impatient with Anna's sudden nervousness. Anna abruptly charged towards the brick wall and then suddenly…she was gone. Basil knew Anna would probably be freaking out by this time so Basil just went for it. Hairball gave out a loud hissing right before the impact but soon stopped once they were through the wall.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Anna gasped in awe as everyone around her was in their wizarding robes and laughing.

"I…I can't believe this." Basil stood still like a statue as her eyes scanned her surroundings.

There were hundreds of wizards in the confined area. Many with suitcases and saying their sweet goodbyes to their beloved family members. A few elves ran pass with luggage over their heads and mumbling about in their high pitch tone. The train made a thick line of smoke coming from the pipe above the front of the train; a few students were in the train already and saying their goodbyes.

Anna pulled herself along to find a few famous wizards in the crowd, which Basil followed close behind. Anna's attention seemed to be somewhere else as her glances were off into the distance like she was looking for someone. Basil knew it was the Potters.

"Oh look! The Weasley's! I forgot that Rose Weasley will be in her first year too." Anna shouted out to point towards the also famous family in the wizarding world.

Basil looked to see the ginger family further down the train. They were talking and looked simply happy to be together. Hermione Weasley was kissing her daughters head while Ron Weasley was holding their son close and then they laughed over something. Basil turned her head before any negative thoughts popped up when someone else caught her eye. It was a boy her age with almost white blond hair with matching skin color.

"Anna, do you know who that is?" Basil asked in a small voice as her eyes were transfixed on the mysterious boy, he was hugging his mother and his father was saying something.

"Oh…oh! That is…um…Scorpius! Scorpius Malfoy." Anna declared with a haughty smug on her face after she identified him.

Basil smiled weakly and directed her attention away from the boy who was luring her in. Basil knew who his family was, they were evil wizards who were apart of Lord Voldermort's army, she always heard not to trust a Malfoy around her house. Yet, there was something strange about Scorpius, Basil didn't want to know though. She wanted to concentrate on keeping her mind on studies.

"There are the Potters!" Anna shook Basil like a maniac as her finger pointed towards the family.

Basil saw an older boy with wild hair and bright brown eyes dashing around with is cart with a younger girl sitting happily on the suitcases. Behind him were Albus and Harry and behind them were Ginny Potter. Ginny looked to her children with a cheerful smile and hugged Albus as they walked. Harry Potter was smiling and had a loose arm around Ginny and his eyes on James and Lily.

"I want to go say hi." Anna stated nervously but she didn't want to ruin the moment between the family.

"Well the train is going to leave soon so we better get a seat." Basil replied blankly while trying to find an entrance to the bulky train.

Basil and Anna jumped on the train, which was occupied by many wizards that were playing with different magical items, and found an empty box room to sit in. Their eyes scanned the outside where parents were waving frantically with bright happy faces.

"I wish my family could've come." Basil muttered mindlessly with a conspicuous frown.

"I know how that feels." Anna agreed with her head down as she went through her bag to find a book. Basil shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

They sat in silence for a while; Anna was reading a book while Basil stared blankly outside with envy towards the other kids and the love their parents showed to them. Basil's parents wanted to come, they really did, but the restriction of her family being near the Wizarding World was intense. Anna's family should've come, they were pure-bloods, but something came up at Mr. Winchester's work and Mrs. Winchester was busy at home. Suddenly, someone entered their unit.

"Can I sit here? I'm saving a seat for my cousins." The girl asked nicely with a friendly grin, her red hair and freckles were an obvious give away to who she was.

"Yes, of course." Anna accepted brightly as the girl sat in front of them.

"I'm Rosie by the way." Anna's ears perked up, her extensive knowledge was once again showing.

"Oh yes you're Rose Weasley. Very nice to meet you. I'm Anna and this is Basil. "Anna introduced sweetly.

Suddenly two other boys appeared through the door of the unit, Anna nearly died at the sight of them. James and Albus Potter entered greeting their cousin and sat next to the window to look for their parents. Basil gave Anna a sly smile, Anna was internally screaming, but Basil didn't want to say anything to embarrass her. The train gave a giant jolt, the Potters and Weasley waved at their families, and they were off to Hogwarts. The fear in Basil sped up while Anna's excitement seemed to dull for the school as her interest was on the Potters.

"Hello again. It is Basil and Anna isn't it?" Albus asked curiously, Anna quickly replied yes.

"Oh yes, your new friends Al. Are you both first years?" James questioned with a teasing tone.

"Yes, I'm very excited. Basil here isn't so much." Basil blushed a bit and nudged at Anna.

"Don't worry. As long as you know how to read the books and can perform magic, you'll do fine." Rose assured.7 Basil knew this wasn't so true for her.

"You girls seem familiar, are your families in the paper?" James asked as his eyes scanned their figures.

"My father is part of the Ministry of Magic, he is Leonard Winchester." Anna admitted with pursed lips and looking a bit sour.

You'll only find my family on the wanted pages, Basil thought bitterly and shook her head and responded to the question.

"My family isn't in the paper. I'm a muggle-born." Basil slightly lied. Basil was technically a muggle born under some circumstances.

"Oh look there's some sweets!" Anna shouted to divert the conversation. Luckily the cart was just pulling up.

The Potters bought some of the chocolate frogs, the jelly beans, and some other sweets. Rosie bought some frogs to herself. Anna paid for Basil's need for candy and handed her all the little sweets. They enjoyed their candies in peace with small talk and so far no awkward moments. Then there was another person behind the door.

"Oh. Wrong door." The blonde boy piped up with a smug facial expression.

"Oh it's you Malfoy." James rolled his eye as the younger boy was looking over the unit.

"Don't be so sour Potter. I am just trying to find my way back; I never want to be cooped up with filth like you." Scorpius shot back with a look of disgust to the older boy.

"Go away Malfoy!" Albus shouted with a look of anger in his eyes. Basil sat stiffly as her eyes were on the Malfoy boy.

"Don't need to tell me twice." Scorpius' eyes laid on Anna and Basil, "If you want friends that'll help you succeed, always come to me. Not this trash." Scorpius scoffed then walked away from the unit.

There was a fiery silence between the kids in the space. No one wanted to say a word since Scorpius left, especially Albus. Albus' expression was contorted and he looked like he was about to explode into screaming and curses.

"Why is Scorpius like that?" Anna asked curiously. Her eyes widen to make her look innocent.

"It's in his blood. Everyone before him was awful just like him." Albus spat with a murderous look in his eyes.

"His grandparents were the ones that helped Voldermort come after our father." James informed as his eyes focused on the scenery out the window.

"I would hope he would be more mannered since his family lost." Basil commented with a roll of the eye. Her thoughts then were preoccupied by remembering the stories of that fateful battle.

"He's only like that because of Lucious Malfoy. His mother also babies him a lot. That's what my grandmother says." Rosie added and looked back around her cousins.

Anna began to ask many questions about Hogwarts to James who answered very politely but tried changing the subject a few times. Basil slowly faded into her daydreams of magic and happiness. The images were vivid and lively, sparkles flew around and spun into a whirlpool that made different shapes; many were toads, brooms, and then it turned into a serpent like creature. It was misty and flew around Basil until it just disappeared and in its place was a dark figure which stood with glowing eyes and trembled forward.

"Basil! Basil Sweets!" A high pitch voice called out and pushed Basil over on the seat. When Basil recovered it was Anna.

"What happened? Why are you yelling?" Basil asked groggily as her feet were unsteady.

"We're here! At Hogwarts. Change right now! We'll be late." Anna ordered in a cold tone then pulled Basil off the ground.

Basil quickly changed into her school robes that were a size to big and followed Anna out of their unit. When they got to the hallway they saw Albus waiting for them with bags ready to be taken outside. Basil and Anna grabbed their things and ran outside to find the whole student body swarming around happily.

"First years! This way!" A loud voice bellowed over all the students.

Albus instantly smiled brightly and got on his tip toes to look over everyone; his short stature wasn't very helpful. Then through the crowd, the tallest man Basil and Anna had ever seen emerged and laughed towards Albus. His hair was grey and mangled around his large head.

"That's Hagrid, he's been here forever. He was a friend of my father's when my dad went here." Albus explained quickly then marched over to the huge man.

"Ah! Albus, good seein' ya boy." Hagrid greeted and hugged a much smaller Albus. Hagrid squeezed the poor boy till he was almost blue in the face.

"Good seeing you too Hagrid. Are we ready to get on the boats?" Albus asked while James and Rosie joined the group.

"I'm sure, get in firs years!" Hagrid's voice bellowed over the chattering of kids.

"See you brother, don't embarrass me." James shot at Albus then patted his head. James then joined some of his friends and left them to get into the boats.

Albus, Anna, Basil, and Rosie sat in a boat that was being pulled down the lake. Hagrid was making a speech about life at Hogwarts that bored Basil to death but Anna looked happier than ever. Albus began talking about the houses, kept saying how his family was always in Gryffindor and how he must get into the house or he might just explode. Basil never thought over what house she would occupy, mainly her fear was of her magic.

"Look! We're here!" A boy yelled out in another boat.

Hogwarts illuminated over the river with lights floating away from the windows. The boat hit the land and the students cleared out to dry land. They made a filed group and entered the castle, Scorpious was forced to stand next to Basil, and then they stopped at the staircase. Many of them were gossiping away at what would come next. All of a sudden, there was an echoing sound of tripping and slipping; it stopped suddenly when the door rushed open to show a man. The man was tall with dirty blonde hair that was neatly combed and had a little scruff on his chin, his hazel eyes were wide.

"Hello first years!" The man greeted with a smile, his teeth were crooked but his smile was sincere. "I am Professor Longbottom, herbology teacher. We will enter the great hall and make a line, and then you will wait to be sorted then walk to your house tables. Is that clear?" Professor Longbottom explained as he straightened his robes.

Some of the first years nodded, others just mumbled or stood silent. Basil looked directly to Anna, who was shaking terribly, and grabbed her arm to make her closer. Basil was in more terror than she had ever been in, her one fear might be coming true at any second. Albus skidded around the crowd to make it to the front of the crowd as all the students entered the hall.

Mistress McGonagall made a speech to everyone and then let the sorting hat sing his song for the year. Basil wasn't listening, her heart beat was louder than any hat or person announcing to everyone. Soon enough, the sorting began. Basil looked around; all the tables looked excited and clapped to everyone who went up.

"Adams, Peter!" The first boy, who Basil saw was with Scorpious on the train, was immediately sorted into Slytherin.

Basil's breathing was getting unsteady, her eyes were in and out of focus, and then her stomach felt like it was going to jump out of her mouth. Nothing felt worse than this moment.

"Collins, Derek!" The boy was tall and slim; his hair was jet black while his eyes were bright blue.

"RAVENCLAW"

The table clapped and whistled for the new boy. Anna was almost jumping, of course she would be last to be called, and kept whispering in Basil's ear about her excitement.

"Dabatos, Perri." A chunky boy clunked up the stairs.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Gelsimini, Persephone." A beautiful girl with long curly brown hair and bright honey eyes skipped up to the hat.

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Hewlett, Liam."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Basil slowly began to listen to everyone go up, the time seemed to go by slower and slower. Her stomach was constricting and her head was pounding.

"Jefferson, Kylie." A blonde girl with brown eyes and light freckles went up to the hat. Anna made a comment about her but Basil didn't listen.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

More and more kids went up but Basil was quickly whispering to Anna, who just said in return 'Hush! I want to see who is who." Or 'Stop worrying, you'll be fine.". This didn't help much.

"Malfoy, Scorpious."

Albus rolled his eyes and growled something awfully rude under his breath as Scorpious haughtily sat on the stool with the sorting hat placed on his head.

"SLYTHERIN."

Albus sighed with a bit of annoyance and said another awful rude thing under his breath. Rosie agreed while Anna asked another trivia set of questions to Albus and Rosie.

"Masters, Megara."

"RAVENCLAW!"

Anna made another comment to the girl then Ravenclaw. Albus joined in their chattering under their breath. Basil started to shiver again. A few more kids went up, went through a whole order of the houses, each one cheered and clapped for them.

"Potter, Albus." Basil and Anna stared at Albus as his steps quickened to the stool.

It seemed forever for the hat to choose for Albus, but Basil didn't mind. It meant more time for her to calm down. Anna grabbed Basil's arm with a tight grip then whispered something to Rosie.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The whole table cheered for Albus, even James stood up and whistled to his brother as he sat down. James slapped him on the back so hard that Albus nearly fell over. A boy and a girl went up with the last names of 'S', Basil knew she was next.

"Sweets, Basil." Basil swallowed hard and almost tripped on her way up.

Basil's legs trembled and her hands twitched unnaturally. The sorting hat was placed on her head; it began to mumble something into Basil's ear. Basil sat still and her eyes searched around for Anna.

"Mm very courageous I see….brave….oh very strange…."

Basil's thoughts were quick and negative, what could the sorting hat see? And why was it taking so long for it to make up its mind. Maybe her magic wasn't real, maybe she'll be sent back with a memory eraser. Basil thought more and more about the houses; she was happy with anything but Slytherin.

"No Slytherin? Very obvious of that. Oh yes, that's a good fit."

"RAVENCLAW!" The table erupted into cheers as Basil was stunned and took a seat at the table. Basil searched around the room to find Anna; she was clapping and smiling to Basil.

"Tang, Sylvestri." Another one of Scorpius' friends, his nose was like a beak and his eyes were birdlike and black.

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Weasley, Rose." Basil looked to Albus and James, who looked very excited.

Rosie wasn't there for much longer, the sorting hat put her in Gryffindor and she sat happily with her cousins and housemates. Basil waited for Anna to be called out.

"Winchester, Annalise." Basil snickered at Anna's name. No one called her by her whole name.

Anna was shaking so bad, her hands were clamped together and her smile was elucidating the whole room. Yet, the hat took a while and was silent for a long time. Anna's face began to frown and brighten then her face was blank and her eyes were wide.

"RAVENCLAW!"

Anna smiled brighter than before, her instinct was to run to Basil and sit with her. Basil was immediately hugged by her best friend and awaited the last person to be called.

"Young, Kristina."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The feat began shortly after, tons of food was placed on the long tables. Anna and Basil quickly loaded their plates with lots of food, it tasted better than they ever imagined. Soon enough, Anna had become friends with Megara (Who preferred Meg) and Persephone. Meg was a short girl with her blonde hair in a bun and her eyes hidden behind glasses.

"This is the best food I have ever eaten." Persephone threw more and more food in her mouth while Anna began talking about something else.

"Are you two both pure-bloods?" Anna asked curiously while piling her food onto her fork.

"Yes, both my parents went to the Italian magic school." Persephone agreed happily.

"Yes, my parents went here. How about you two?" Meg asked fixing her classes that were a little too big for her petite nose.

"My family is pure blooded." Anna replied, she was going to start another conversation to avoid Basil's answer but Basil was too quick.

"I'm a muggle born."

There was a haughty laugh that came behind Basil and there was some snickering. Anna and Basil turned to see Scorpius, Sylvestri, and Peter right behind them with a look of disgust on their faces. Sylvestri tiny black eyes were focused on Basil.

"You're a mudblood? You're filthier than the Potters and Weasleys." Scorpius spat as his lip curled in disgust.

"Back off Malfoy!" A voice yelled from behind the three mongrels. It was Albus.

"Oh now you have Potter backing you up?" Scorpius laughed as he got closer to Basil.

"Go away you arse. I don't need some pure-blood to tell me I'm not worthy." Basil growled, before she knew she pushed Scorpius into Peter and they fell.

Sylvestri looked like he was about to say something back to Basil but there was an elongated shadow over the young boy. His beady eyes looked up to see Hagrid with an angry look on his face. Sylvestri, Peter, and Scorpius skidded back from the half giant.

"Aye, is these three buggin' ya?" Hagrid grunted to Basil. Basil smiled towards the cowardly looking boys.

"No, but thank you Hagrid. I can manage." Basil assured then pushed herself off the large seat to help Scorpius off the ground.

Scorpius pushed himself up without the help of Basil and looked disgusted at the pure sight of her. He stomped off with his fellow goons to follow the Slytherin table off to their housing. Albus said his goodnight to Anna and Basil and retreated for the Gryffindor group.

"Come on, our Prefect is showing us where to go." Anna pointed out to show the slender brunet marching off. Basil was sure his name was Gabriel.

Gabriel spoke quickly and often scratched the side of his face after he spoke. The Ravenclaw house marched up a spiral staircase that was beautifully decorated with portraits of past Ravenclaw. Once they reached the top of the staircase, Gabriel held the eagle knocker and hit it again the door.

"What goes up but never down?" The eagle knocked asked, startling Basil half to death.

"Your age." Gabriel snapped fairly quickly and the door swung open. "The eagle keeps telling the same ones over and over again" He explained then scratched his face.

The common room was large and nicely decorated like the staircase. The carpet was blue and the bookshelves were stacked with thousands of book, the arched windows let in the nice breeze from outside, and there was a beautifully sculpted look alike to the Rowena Ravenclaw.

"Now, all should go to bed! We have lots to do in the morning. Classes starting!" Gabriel exclaimed then showed the entry to the dorms.

Anna and Basil went up a few more steps that led to a beautiful dormitory with nice, soft beds and windows that brought in the nicest breeze. Persephone and Meg soon joined them as their roommates.

"This is going to be amazing!" Anna exclaimed throwing her things onto her bed. Anna let out Shadow from his cage and scratched him behind the ear.

Basil found Hairball curled up already on the bed waiting for her. 'Must've found his way here' Basil assumed then patted the poor kitten. It was fairly simple to put her things away, Basil smashed her clothes into a pile and relaxed on the bed while Anna, Meg, and Persephone were struggling to keep everything neat and tidy.

All four of the girls put their things away and got ready for bed. Basil sat with her eyes on Hairball; her glowing eyes were focusing back on her master. Anna said a goodnight then let Shadow fly off to the owlery. Basil said a goodnight to them and laid down in the nice bed. It was peaceful, but it was still hard for Basil to fall asleep. 'No one must know…keep quiet.' Basil thought with her hands gripping her sheets closely to her shivering body. Soon though, Basil's eyes fell heavy and she fell asleep with only thing on her mind, classes tomorrow.