Solara Lovegood and the Shadow of the Dragon
Chapter V: The Hand of the Witch
The day had come at last. The morning of September 1st dawned crisp and bright, with a soft golden hue that bathed the countryside as Solara and her family arrived at King's Cross Station. The bustling chaos of the Muggle world surrounded them, and Solara's sharp eyes took in the hurried travelers and the train announcements echoing overhead. Amid it all, she felt a tingle of anticipation unlike any she'd known before.
They stood between platforms nine and ten, their trolley loaded with her trunk, neatly labeled with "S. Lovegood," and Vhagar perched imperiously atop her trunk, glaring at the passersby. The great horned owl seemed disgruntled by the crowds, clicking her beak impatiently as if the noise offended her.
Solara stood before the seemingly solid wall, her heart thrumming with a mixture of anticipation and awe. She had read about this—about the many complex spells used to hide what transpired behind the wall. The idea had fascinated her, but seeing it in person, feeling the hum of ancient magic in the air, was an entirely different experience.
Taking a deep breath, she grasped the handle of her trolley. "Well, this is it," she murmured to Luna and Gaius, who stood beside her with wide eyes, while both of their parents kept a watchful eye to ensure no muggle observed a family of five vanish into a wall.
"Go on, love," Pandora encouraged, her voice soft but firm.
Solara took her first step toward the wall, and then another, until the world shifted around her. In a breath, she stood on Platform 9, and her jaw dropped. The magnificent scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express stood proud and gleaming, a marvel of both magic and engineering. Steam billowed into the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of students and parents. She marveled at the train itself, its intricate design and roaring power a testament to a different kind of brilliance. Muggle history books she'd read had detailed the industrial revolution and the evolution of trains—their ingenuity shaping steel into the veins of civilization. And yet, this train, powered by magic, seemed to encapsulate the best of both worlds: wonder and progress.
"This is incredible," she breathed, her voice laced with reverence. "A meeting of the past and the miraculous present." She touched the edge of her trolley, her fingers trembling slightly. "What a world this is."
Her family followed through the wall moments later. Luna wrapped her arms around Solara first, her arms surprisingly strong for someone so gentle, her voice filled with excitement. "You'll be amazing, big sis."
Pandora knelt to adjust Solara's cloak, a proud smile lighting her face. Cupping her daughter's cheeks, she pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Remember, darling, curiosity is your greatest strength. But don't let it get you into too much trouble."
Xenophilius embraced her with surprising strength, his usual dreamy demeanor replaced with a rare clarity. "Keep your mind open, Solara," he said. "Wisdom comes from the unexpected."
Finally, Gaius launched himself at her, clutching her around the waist. "Don't forget about us!" he demanded, his voice muffled against her robes.
Solara crouched down, ruffling his hair, before giving him a fierce hug. "How could I forget? I'll write every week. Vhagar will ensure my letters reach you—even if she scares the post owls."
Vhagar gave a low, disgruntled hoot as if to confirm her disdain for such mundane company.
Her family stepped back, allowing her to take her place beside the train. As she prepared to board, Solara turned to wave, a pang of unexpected emotion swelling in her chest. Solara would never admit it to herself, but she loved them.
"Take care!" Pandora called, her voice carrying over the din of the platform.
"And make us proud!" Luna added, her arms around Gaius.
Solara nodded, a soft smile on her lips, and with a final wave and a deep breath she then turned to step onto the train, her large trunk in tow. She flicked her wand, murmuring "Wingardium Leviosa," and her trunk hovered obediently in the air, trailing behind her as she strolled through the train's narrow corridors. Vhagar perched silently on the makeshift perch atop her trunk, her sharp yellow eyes scanning the passing students with scorn.
As Solara made her way through the slender passageways of the train, the sight of her levitating trunk drew immediate attention. A pair of older students paused mid-conversation, one nudging the other. "A first year, already using Wingardium Leviosa?" one whispered, eyebrows raised.
"Show-off," muttered a younger boy bitterly as he struggled to haul his own trunk behind him.
Solara smirked slightly, her wand hand steady as she guided her luggage forward. Her sharp ears caught snippets of whispered conversations:
"Did you see that? Bet she's been practicing all summer."
"She must be one of those prodigies. Wonder if she's Ravenclaw?"
"More like Slytherin. She has that look."
The murmurs only fueled her confidence as she peered into compartments, searching for an appropriate place to sit. Most were already occupied by groups of friends or older students who barely glanced her way. Others seemed too rowdy or cramped for her liking.
A compartment with two boisterous boys tossing a Chocolate Frog back and forth caught her attention briefly. One of them froze mid-throw, staring at her floating trunk. "Oi, look at that!" he exclaimed, earning a shove from his friend. Solara gave them a polite but dismissive glance and moved on.
Further down the train, she passed a gaggle of students whispering excitedly. One pointed blatantly at her. "Did you see that spellwork? Bet she's already got top marks!"
She rolled her eyes, though she couldn't suppress a small grin. "It's just a basic charm," she thought, though the attention was admittedly satisfying.
With a subtle shake of her head, Solara moved on, determined to find a quieter space. Eventually, she came across a compartment entirely empty. With a satisfied nod, she flicked her wand, lowering her trunk and Vhagar's perch into place. Vhagar ruffled her feathers as if approving the choice, and Solara took a seat by the window, letting out a quiet breath of relief.
As the train began to lurch forward, Solara sat by the window, gazing at the platform slowly disappearing from view. Her family waved energetically, their faces bright with encouragement. A part of her warmed at the sight, but another, more guarded part, already focused on the road ahead.
Her thoughts drifted to Harry Potter, the boy whose fame preceded him even in the wizarding world. What kind of person was he? She had only glimpsed a fragment of his personality during their brief encounter at Ollivander's—quiet, a little uncertain, but far from ordinary. Should she seek him out? Perhaps they might have more in common than he realized. Yet, she hesitated. Being too forward might come across as calculated, and Solara had long since learned the value of observing before acting.
Resigning herself to a comfortable silence and a good book—at least as much as she could manage with the train still bustling with activity as students moved through the corridor—Solara leaned back and pulled a book from her bag: Unforgivable Curses and Their Legal Implications, Volume 2. It wasn't long before the door slid open.
A bushy-haired girl, her face alight with a mixture of curiosity and confidence, stepped into the compartment. She carried an air of brisk purpose, clutching a book titled Hogwarts: A History.
"Oh, hello!" the girl greeted. "Everywhere else seems full, and I thought I'd ask before sitting down. Is this seat taken?"
Solara gestured toward the opposite bench, setting her book aside. "Not at all. Do join me."
"Thanks. I was starting to think I'd have to sit in the corridor." The girl settled in, carefully placing her book on her lap.
"I suppose that makes this space a fortunate find," Solara replied smoothly, extending a hand. "I'm Solara Lovegood."
The girl shook it with a firm grip. "Hermione Granger. Nice to meet you."
"A pleasure, Hermione," she replied with a slight smile, earning one in return from the Granger girl.
"Lovegood, you say? Any relation to Xenophilius Lovegood? He publishes The Quibbler, doesn't he?"
"Indeed, he does," Solara said, tilting her head. "Are you a subscriber?"
Hermione shook her head, a touch embarrassed. "Not exactly, but I've read about him. My parents are dentists, so we don't get many wizarding publications at home. Still, I've been reading everything I can to prepare for Hogwarts." She tapped her book. "This is my second read-through. Did you know the ceiling of the Great Hall is enchanted to look like the night sky?"
"I did," Solara replied, intrigued by Hermione's enthusiasm. "Though I suspect reading about it pales in comparison to seeing it firsthand."
"Absolutely." Hermione leaned forward, her eyes alight. "What about you? Do you know much about Hogwarts? Your family must have told you plenty."
"I've read my share of books," Solara admitted, a teasing glint in her eye, as she glanced towards the one at her side. "And I've done a bit of extra study into spells and charms. I like to be prepared."
Hermione's interest sharpened instantly, her posture straightening as if she were readying herself for a duel of wits. "Oh? What sort of spells?"
"Basic ones, for the most part. Lumos, Alohomora... I might have dabbled with a few more advanced ones, but nothing I'd risk performing without proper instruction." Solara's voice was light, but her gaze held a trace of challenge, as if testing Hermione's own knowledge, an unspoken "What do you know?" lingering in the air.
"Unforgivable Curses and Their Legal Implications, Volume 2?" the girl read aloud, tilting her head slightly before looking up with a stunned expression that slowly gave way to a wry grin. "Basic ones? That book doesn't seem to have anything basic about it," Granger continued, smiling as if relishing the intellectual challenge.
"What can I say? I like to do a little light reading every now and then," Solara grinned back with shrug.
Hermione's eyes sparkled with a mix of awe and amusement. "Light reading? That's not light reading—it's practically a legal tome! It's advanced magical theory and high-level ethics! Most grown witches and wizards wouldn't touch a book like that unless they were preparing for a career in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." She leaned forward, her curiosity overtaking her established decorum. "How did you even get your hands on that? I didn't think books like that were readily available to first-years."
"My parents spoil me," Solara replied, recalling the time she'd snuck into her mother's study and pilfered the book in question.
Hermoine's tone shifted slightly, more wary now. "You're not actually planning to practice any of the Unforgivable Curses, are you?" the girl added with a nervous laugh, though her gaze remained sharp, as if she were trying to gauge whether Solara was serious.
"If I were, pray to whatever god to save the poor fool who pushes me to that point. But until then, I have no plans to cast any of them," she lied. "So have you practiced any spells?"
Granger did a double take, seemingly unconvinced, before regaining her composure. "Oh! Yes! I've practiced a few myself—though without a wand." She slumped her shoulders slightly at the admission, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. "It's not the same."
"Why not?" Solara asked, genuinely curious.
Hermione sighed. "Underage magic is not permitted without magical guardians. My parents are Muggles. Therefore, I wasn't allowed to practice. But I know the swish and flick!" Her expression brightened as she mimicked the motion with her hand, her enthusiasm unshaken.
Solara smirked, amused by her companion's earnestness. "By the way, did you know that Alohomora can be used to unlock certain enchanted locks, though only if they aren't warded with higher-level protection spells?" Hermione added, her tone suddenly academic.
Raising an eyebrow, Solara leaned back in her seat, her wand resting casually in her hand. "I did," she said slowly, "though it sounds like you've put it to the test."
Hermione shook her head vigorously, her russet eyes alight with determination. "Oh no, but I've wanted to! Imagine the possibilities—breaking into a sealed library, unlocking an ancient chest…" Her voice trailed off, and a faint blush crept across her cheeks. "Not that I'd ever use it irresponsibly, of course."
Solara chuckled, leaning forward slightly. "Of course not," she said with mock seriousness. "You're Hermione Granger, after all. The future perfect student of Hogwarts."
Hermione's flush deepened, but she smiled nonetheless, clearly delighted by the exchange. "Well, if I'm the future perfect student, then what does that make you?"
"Ambitious," Solara replied smoothly, her tone brimming with confidence. "And curious—two qualities that pair well with magic."
"Reading a book like that," Granger nodded with smirk, "you might also be slightly mad."
"Why not all three?" Solara chuckled softly, leaning back in her seat. Though Solara still wondered about Harry Potter and the journey ahead, she found herself pleasantly surprised by the company she'd found.
"You are very strange, Solara Lovegood," she smiled.
"And you are very astute, Hermoine of House Granger," she shot back with a grin.
The girl seemed puzzled by the choice of words but continued to smile. Her gaze drifted to the trunk Solara had stowed neatly by her side and then to Vhagar's perch, where the owl stared imperiously down from the overhead rack. "You didn't store your luggage with the rest of the first years' trunks in the rear coach?" she asked, her tone more curious than judgmental. "That's where most people put theirs."
Solara shook her head, a small smirk playing on her lips. "I prefer to keep my belongings close. I don't like others touching my things. It's a habit that's served me well."
Hermione tilted her head thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense. My parents always taught me to keep track of my stuff, but I didn't think it would be an issue here."
"One can never be too cautious," Solara said lightly. "And besides, Vhagar prefers to stay where she can keep an eye on me." She gestured toward the owl, who ruffled her feathers with an air of contempt, as if confirming her mistress's statement.
Hermione nodded, her attention briefly returning to the large, imposing bird before shifting back to Solara. "That's quite an owl you've got there. She's beautiful."
"She's... particular," Solara admitted with a cynical smile. "But she suits me."
Hermione grinned. "I think I understand. Now, you said you've done some extra study into spells and charms? What's the most interesting one you've come across so far?"
Solara leaned forward slightly, her eyes glinting with excitement. "The Patronus Charm fascinates me. A physical manifestation of positive energy, created by focusing on your happiest memory? It's not something a first-year could manage, of course, but the theory behind it is brilliant. What about you?"
Hermione's face lit up. "Oh, yes! I read about the Patronus Charm too. It's incredibly advanced, but I can't wait to try it someday. For now, I've been practicing the levitation charm, Wingardium Leviosa. Did you know the key is in the swish-and-flick motion? It's all in the wrist."
"Of course." Solara nodded approvingly. "Precision is vital. Magic is as much art as it is science."
"Exactly!" Hermione exclaimed, clearly delighted. After a moment, she tilted her head and asked, "What about your upbringing? You mentioned your parents spoiled you? I know your father is the publisher of The Quibbler, but what of your mother? Any siblings?"
Solara's expression softened, her usual confidence tempered with a hint of warmth. "My mother is brilliant—Pandora Lovegood. She's an inventor and researcher, always experimenting with spells and charms. She's the one who encouraged me to look beyond wizarding knowledge and explore Muggle history, science, and literature. She believes there's magic in understanding all aspects of the world."
Hermione's eyes lit up with interest, but Solara continued before she could ask another question.
"And my siblings…" Solara's smile grew fond, her gaze distant for a moment as if recalling a cherished memory. "Luna, my younger sister, is wonderfully curious and kind. She sees the world in ways no one else does, finding beauty in the strange and overlooked. And Gaius—my little brother—is a handful, always brimming with energy and mischief. But he has a good heart, and I think he's going to grow up to be something special."
She paused, her voice softening further. "They've always supported me, even when I'm off chasing my ambitions. I'll miss them terribly, but knowing they're proud of me makes it easier to be here."
Hermione smiled, clearly moved by the affection in Solara's voice. "That's lovely. It sounds like you have a wonderful family."
"I do," Solara agreed, her tone resolute. "And they've shaped me in ways I'm only beginning to appreciate. And what of you? Your parents are Muggles? "
After a moment of calm, Hermione's brow furrowed slightly. "Yes, they are. Growing up, my life was normal enough, but honestly, compared to the wizarding world, it was a bit... boring."
"Boring?" Solara repeated, her tone incredulous. "Not at all. Muggle ingenuity is remarkable. Consider the Industrial Revolution, the invention of electricity, or space exploration. They've built wonders without magic. I find that endlessly fascinating."
Hermione blinked, clearly surprised but pleased. "You know, I've never thought of it that way. It's funny—here I am, so excited to leave the Muggle world behind, and you're reminding me of all the things that make it special."
Solara gave a small, approving nod. "Perspective is everything, Hermione. The wizarding world has its strengths, but so does the Muggle one."
Before Hermione could respond, the compartment door slid open. A round-faced boy with an anxious expression peeked in, nervously wringing his hands. "Um, sorry to bother you," he said, his voice small. "Have either of you seen a toad? I've lost mine—his name's Trevor."
Hermione sat up straighter, her tone brisk. "A toad? No, we haven't, but I'd be happy to help you look. I read about a simple summoning spell that might work—"
Solara held up a hand, cutting her off gently. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves." She turned her attention to the boy, her expression softening. "What's your name?"
"N-Neville," he stammered. "Neville Longbottom."
"Well, Neville," Solara said with a reassuring smile, "why don't you tell us where you last saw Trevor? We'll help you find him."
Neville's face brightened slightly, his relief palpable. As he began describing his last encounter with the elusive toad, Solara exchanged a glance with Hermione, before the three set off down the narrow train corridor. The murmur of other students filled the air, with Neville looking increasingly anxious as he clutched the edges of his robe, muttering softly about Trevor's habit of wandering off.
"Where did you last see him?" Solara asked as they passed another compartment. Her voice was calm, as if orchestrating a mission.
Neville glanced around nervously. "I—I think he hopped out near the middle cars. But he could've gone anywhere by now!"
"Let's retrace your steps," Hermione suggested, her tone brisk and efficient. "It's the logical place to start."
As they maneuvered past clusters of students, Solara tried to soothe Neville's nerves. "Toads aren't the fastest creatures, Neville. He's probably nearby, just tucked into a corner."
Hermione nodded. "Exactly. And besides, this train isn't that big. We'll find him."
The trio searched high and low, peeking under seats and asking other students if they'd seen a wayward toad. A group of older boys in Slytherin robes laughed derisively when Neville asked them, making him shrink back.
"Don't pay them any mind," Solara said coolly, her sharp gaze fixed on the sneering boys. "They clearly haven't got anything better to do." The Slytherins muttered something under their breath—something vile enough to warrant ripping their tongues out with hot prongs—but Solara turned back to Neville without sparing them another glance.
After checking several compartments and even peering into the luggage storage, the three were momentarily stumped. "Maybe we should split up?" Hermione suggested.
"Excellent idea," Solara agreed. "Neville, you check toward the back. Hermione and I will head up front and see if Trevor hopped toward the engine."
Neville nodded hesitantly, then scurried off toward the rear coaches, his voice faint as he called, "Trevor? Trevor!"
As Hermione and Solara made their way forward, Hermione glanced at Solara. "You're really good at keeping calm," she noted. "I think you're helping Neville feel a bit less panicked."
Solara smiled faintly. "Calmness is important in moments like these. Besides, I've got two siblings—I'm used to handling minor chaos."
They were nearing the front of the train when a loud laugh from a nearby compartment caught their attention. Solara peeked inside to see a red-haired boy sitting across from none other than Harry Potter—the boy she'd met at Ollivanders in the Alley of Diagon—with a pile of sweets spread out between them.
The door to the compartment slid open with a soft scrape. "Mind if we check in here for a moment?" Solara asked with an easy smile, though her mind raced at how she'd still managed to cross paths with Harry Potter despite her plan for subtlety. Her eyes flicked to him, recognition sparking in them. "Hello again, Potter." Hermione followed closely behind, her curiosity clearly piqued.
"Hi," Harry said, glancing up, looking slightly surprised but recognizing Solara immediately. "I remember you. From Diagon Alley, right?"
"That's right," Solara replied. "Solara Lovegood."
Hermione blinked, looking between them. "Wait, you've met before?"
"Yes," Solara said smoothly, stepping into the compartment with Hermione following. "Harry and I bumped into each other in Ollivander's. He was there getting his wand. We had a brief chat before heading off to different shops." She paused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You didn't tell me your name back then, though. I only knew you as 'Mr. Potter'—before Hagrid mentioned your name, that is. You never formally introduced yourself. The shame."
"Didn't get the chance," Harry admitted sheepishly. "I'm Harry. Harry Potter."
Hermione's eyes widened as she let out a small gasp. "Harry Potter? As in the Harry Potter?"
Harry winced slightly at the sudden attention. "Er, yeah. That's me."
Hermione's excitement spilled over. "I've read all about you! Your story's in so many books—A History of Magic, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, Modern Magical History—"
Harry flushed, looking both embarrassed and overwhelmed.
The red-haired boy cut in. "I'm Ron Weasley," he said, shooting Hermione an amused glance before nodding toward Solara. "And you are?"
"Solara Lovegood," she repeated with a frown, realizing the boy had been too busy stuffing his freckled face to hear anything she'd said. "And this is…" Solara began, gesturing to Hermione, before the girl spoke up.
"Hermione Granger," her compartment companion stated, mirroring Solara's own frown, though it seemed more cutting than Solara had expected for one so young.
After the brief introductions, she glanced at Harry with a faint smirk. "So, how's your wand treating you?"
"It's been fine, I think," Harry said, looking at her curiously. "What about yours?"
Solara twirled her wand between her fingers. "Haven't had much chance to test it yet. But I look forward to it."
Harry chuckled, his smile widening in agreement. "I know. I remember your... enthusiasm. So, uh... are you a first-year too?" he asked, glancing toward Hermione.
"Obviously," Hermione interjected, her tone brisk but not unkind. "Though, at the moment, we're actually searching for a boy's lost toad."
"A toad?" Ron asked incredulously, scrunching his nose. "Who brings a toad to Hogwarts? Bit old-fashioned, isn't it?"
Hermione scowled slightly, but before she could retort, Solara cut in with a smirk. "It might be old-fashioned, but that toad is important to its owner, so we're helping. Besides, traditions have their place, don't they?" The darker part of her mind recalled the burnings, torture, enslavement, and blood magic, that was prevalent in the traditions of Old Valyria.
Ron shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. "I guess."
Hermione, still standing, gave Solara a sidelong glance before turning her attention to the boys. "And what about you two? Do either of you know much about Hogwarts?"
"Not really," Harry admitted, looking sheepish. "I've read a bit, but everything's still... new."
Ron puffed up slightly. "Well, I know a thing or two. I've got older brothers—Fred, George, Percy. They've all been there. They still go there."
"Oh, good," Solara said with a dry edge, her grin betraying her amusement. "We'll have an expert to guide us."
"Not him!" Hermione said sharply, gesturing toward Ron. "His brothers, maybe."
Ron's ears went pink, and Harry stifled a laugh.
Solara clapped her hands lightly, drawing their attention. "Well, this has been delightful, but we really should keep searching for that toad before the train gets much closer to Hogwarts. Good luck settling in." She gave Harry a brief, meaningful nod before stepping back toward the corridor.
Hermione followed quickly, offering a parting comment over her shoulder. "If you're starved for real information about Hogwarts, you might try reading Hogwarts: A History." She turned to Solara with a small grin as they walked away. "Honestly, I doubt any of them have even opened a book about it."
"Probably not," Solara agreed, her tone light. But her mind flickered back to Harry for a moment. Despite his uncertainty, there was something about him—a quiet determination that intrigued her. Still, there was a toad to find, and she turned her thoughts back to the task at hand. "Come on. Let's see if Trevor's made his way to the next coach."
Little did Solara Lovegood know, back at her compartment, a very hungry owl had just found its dinner.