The air outside was clear and crisp although it had a kind of haze

as if the last few weeks of sunshine were coming to an end

- just like the holidays. The haze was just the start of the weather changing,

just like today was the day when I went back to Hogwarts.

I was woken by a brisk knock,

followed by my aunt coming in and opening my curtains in one swift movement.

"You need to get up darling."

The light was pouring in,

momentarily blinding me before I became aware of my surroundings.

The early morning light filled my room whilst the curtains

rustled in the breeze coming from the open window

whilst the birds were still singing their morning chorus.

No one had stirred except for a woman who was creeping back from her nights dalliances.

I took time getting dressed.

I leisurely slipped into my dress, the cool fabric sitting closely to myself.

I sprayed my homemade perfume, watching the droplets float in the air

and settle on my skin.

I admired my necklace, pulling it straight so it sat evenly on my chest.

I shook my head and my earrings bounced energetically.

The hairbrush slid through my recently cut hair yet the waves still remained.

Pushing my glasses up my nose I carefully went to the kitchen.

"Morning" I said groggily as I slumped onto the kitchen chair.

"Good morning De. Help yourself to the bread, it's fresh, we bought it yesterday" my aunt replied smiling as she bustled around the kitchen.

I generously spread the honey above the thin layer of margarine on the thickly cut bread.

Honey always brought me back to here.

The sweet flavours reminding me of sun, dappled shade,

the sweet smell of flowers and the sound of laughter.

I was lost in my own world,

gazing out the window looking at the rich array of flowers

all nearing the end of their bloom when my uncle came in the room.

"Oh, it's not even quarter past six yet. Your train is at five to, isn't it? So we have plenty of time" he said looking at the clock when he sat down.

His gaze moved onto me a he poured himself a cup of tea. "It's been lovely having you back here De, don't forget us and forget to write, we both love reading your letters." Aunty nodded in agreement as she stood behind him, subconsciously rubbing his shoulders.

Breakfast was finished in silence, they looked at me with almost a sad smile on their faces.

"Here is your lunch darling," she said, handing me a brown paper bag " you'd better go and finish packing. We will see you downstairs at twenty to."

It must have been quite strange seeing us walking down the street before seven;

between us carrying a trunk, a cage and two bags.

The walk to the station was filled with bird song as my uncle picked flowers along the way.

"Thank you for everything you have done, I appreciate it greatly.

I know at times I have appeared slightly preoccupied, and have had a lot weighing on my mind;

you have both helped me lift that and see it in a new light

-even if you may not have known" I said carefully trying to pick the right words.

Aunty looked at me and smiled "we know more than you think, but we do not know the scale of this- I'd worry too much about you De, which is probably why you haven't told us.

You need to remember that there is that there is always the light in the darkness.

You need to keep fighting for what you believe in, and your flame burns brighter than most.

You have done us proud .

When we took you in we didn't know about any of this,

to a certain extent I believe that I should've protected you from all of this;

no one should have to go through this;

it pains me so much to see someone I consider my daughter

to be torn apart by a pack of ruthless wolves.

No one should have to pay for the mistakes if those generations before them.

No one should assume that you are like them.

I give you all my love in the hope that you will stay strong," she said as we stood on the platform- it was empty except for a group of teenagers some of whom were listening curiously without us noticing.

"Don't listen to what they say,

you won't turn out anything like them,

we have shown you all of our love.

You will not make the same mistakes as your parents," she said, hugging me tightly with tears in her eyes, whispering " I will miss you so much, my darling girl."

"Goodbye De," he said giving me the flowers as his strong arms engulfed me in a fatherly embrace.

They stood with their arms around each other waving goodbye,

with tears in their eyes as the train pulled out of the station.

Fields blurred outside as we reached a few minutes of speed

before slowing and stopping at another station,

the whistle was blown by the guard and the doors closed and this repetitive process began again; luckily it wasn't until another hour that people would start to recognise me.

The carriage was mostly deserted .

Only the sound of my pen writing on paper

and the low murmur of conversation from the teenagers could be heard.

I was working on a Herbology study that I had been doing over the summer

as during my many walks I had observed plants- some not very well known at all and only found in specialist books.

Once I was absorbed by my work I did not notice my surroundings,

I did not notice that the some of the other teenagers were looking at me.

I did not notice that the train was slowly starting to gain more people.

I did not notice Louie Ashton- a Gryffindor from my year,

board the train behind his mother – who had already passed through this carriage

until he stopped in front of me in the isle and spat

" You filthy whore. Tortured and killed many people yet over the summer?

Just like your old parents." He was viciously sneering when I looked up.

His hand clamped my shoulder.

"Let go," I said through clenched teeth.

His grip just increased.

"Get your filthy hands off me."

"Let go of her," one of the teenagers had stood up

, I vaguely recognized him, I had seen him around the village, maybe we went to school together? "You have no right to speak to her like that."

Ashton scoffed as he leaned in closer

"You always have someone to protect you, don't you Rowle?

When you are alone you are weak and pathetic,

especially with all of that pacifist bullshit.

One day you are going to be pushed off your high horse

and everyone is going to see you for what you truly are, a filthy murdering whore.

Just like your bitch of a mother, and look where that got her – rotting away in prison."

The carriage began feeling small,

I started to heat up as blood rushed through my veins in anger.

My ears were ringing .

In my rage he was the only one who was clearly visible.

I could see where exactly I wanted to punch him.

Shaking, through gritted teeth I slowly said

"Piss off, unless you want me to go to your mother," his eyes showed a flash of fear

" and tell her exactly what you are,

and also tell her that she needs to tell you what whore means,

and in what context it is appropriate to be used" I finished, almost hysterically but my voice remained forceful.

He paled and stalked off.

The corners of the boys mouth lifted upwards "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for back then."

" No problem," he extended a hand "Sam Marshal."

Taking it, smiling I replied " Cordelia Rowle."

"You're Carol and Graham Burns daughter, aren't you. What are you doing on a train to London?."

"Yes, I am. I'm on my way to school. What are you doing on a train to London?"

"Oh, we are out for the day," he pointed his head in his friends direction "Where do you go to school anyway?"

"It's in Scotland, but we all get a train from London," I explained.

"Do you want to join us?"

"Thanks, but it's fine, some of my friends should be getting on, here in fact," I said as we stopped at a station and the name was announced.

" See you around Cordelia," Sam said as he went back to his friends.

I smiled "I'll see you around."

Sitting back down I went back to my work,

only for a few seconds,

as a bag was dumped on the table whilst a trunk was clumsy put overhead.

"Morning Tommy," I said as I looked up.

"Hi," he replied as he unceremoniously sat down.

I turned to look at him "How are you?"

"Well-" he was cut off as Margery said "Hey De, how are you?"

she was a seventh year who had being staying at Tommy's for the past few years.

" I'm fine, how- what are you doing here, you left school three years ago," I exclaimed, rather loudly as I saw Tommy's brother Alex.

"I am your new head of house" he grinned.

"Don't look at me he only got asked the other day," said Tommy defensively.

My gaze went onto Margery who was twirling her black hair with her fingers.

She looked up and me and said "McGonagall knows about us. We are going to keep things completely appropriate." I raised my eyebrows. " we are going to be exactly what we are supposed to be when in school but when we are out of school we can be together."

The rest of the train journey was uneventful.

The train continued it's rhythmic whirring on the tracks

whist outside we went across more suburban areas, sprawling out as far as we could see.

Tommy and I had brief conversations but the rest was spent in a comfortable silence.

I looked across at Alex who was looking at Margery,

who was leaning on his chest as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

They were in their own world,

savouring the moment- both hoping it would last.

That they would never have to leave the train;

they could just stay there, I their loving embrace.

My thoughts drifted back to my aunt and uncle.

They would never realise how much I loved them.

I kept seeing their sad and proud faces waving at me

whilst my aunt's voice kept on repeating

You

Are

Not

Your

Parents.