Hogwarts Express (3)

The train rocked gently as it sped along the countryside. The trolley witch had come and gone, leaving behind an assortment of sweets and snacks that now filled the compartment. Chocolate Frogs leapt from their boxes, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans were being cautiously sampled, and the rich smell of Pumpkin Pasties hung in the air.

Ember popped a Licorice Wand into her mouth and leaned back, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Alright," she said, her voice muffled as she chewed. "Let's make a game of it. Which house do you think you'll be sorted into?"

Nero, Lilith, and Alaric exchanged brief glances before answering at the exact same time.

"Ravenclaw."

"Slytherin."

"Hufflepuff."

Ember froze mid-chew, her jaw slack. "What?!" she exclaimed, nearly choking on her Licorice Wand. She sat up straighter, her fiery hair practically crackling with indignation. "Are you not coming with me to Gryffindor?"

Nero smirked, casually picking at a Chocolate Frog card. "Didn't realize that was a requirement."

"But why not?" Ember demanded, gesturing dramatically. "We'd make an amazing team! Gryffindor would be unstoppable with all four of us!"

Lilith raised an eyebrow, her voice as cool as ever. "As flattering as that sounds, Gryffindor isn't exactly my style."

"Same here," Nero added with a shrug. "Ravenclaw's where I belong. It's a family tradition. Besides, intellect and wit or impulsive bravery? That's a no-brainer to me."

"And Hufflepuff feels like home to me," Alaric chimed in, his easygoing smile softening Ember's pout. "Loyalty, hard work, and a love of creatures? That's where I'll fit best."

Ember groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "This is ridiculous. How are we supposed to stick together if we're all in different houses?"

"Who says we have to stick together?" Lilith asked, her tone teasing but her eyes glinting with amusement.

"Well," Nero said, a mischievous grin forming, "we could always convince the Sorting Hat to put us all in one house. Imagine Lilith in Hufflepuff."

Lilith shot him a cold glare, though the corner of her mouth twitched. "Highly unlikely."

Alaric chuckled. "And me in Slytherin? I'd be eaten alive!"

"What about Ravenclaw?" Nero suggested, leaning back. "I wouldn't mind a couple of new housemates."

"Ravenclaw?" Ember said, wrinkling her nose. "No offense, Nero, but I'm not sure I'd survive all the riddles."

The compartment was soon filled with laughter. After a moment, Ember leaned forward, her expression serious despite the lingering grin. "Okay, so maybe we can't all end up in the same house. But we can promise to look out for each other, no matter what. Deal?"

Alaric nodded immediately. "Deal."

Lilith hesitated for a moment before extending her hand. "Fine. Deal."

Nero added his hand to the pile, smirking. "Looks like we're stuck with each other."

Ember placed her hand on top, grinning. "An unbreakable pact! Without the literal unbreakable part. Let's shake on it."

They did, their hands clasped together in a silent promise.

The hours passed quickly after that. They exchanged stories, shared more sweets, and speculated some more about their upcoming Sorting Ceremony. When the train finally began to slow, the sky outside was painted in hues of orange and pink.

The group realized it was time to change into their school robes as the train neared its destination. Alaric stood first, gesturing toward the door. "We'll step out and give you some privacy," he said, addressing the girls.

Nero nodded, following him. "Take your time."

The boys exited the compartment, leaning casually against the wall outside as the sound of rustling fabric came from within. Ember's muffled voice carried through the door. "Why do these robes feel like they were made for someone twice my size? Ugh, they're supposed to be standard fit!"

Lilith's calm reply followed. "Hold still. I'll fix the clasp for you. Honestly, you'd think you've never worn proper clothing before."

There was a pause, followed by Lilith's curious voice. "What's that you're carrying?"

"What's what?" Ember asked.

"That silver dagger. You've got it strapped to your side."

"Oh, this?" Ember's tone turned nonchalant. "It's… a family tradition. I've been training with it for years. It's enchanted, but I haven't mastered all its properties yet."

Lilith's gray eyes narrowed in interest, even though Ember couldn't see her. "What's it for? Don't you use your wand?"

Ember hesitated briefly before answering, her voice laced with just a hint of mischief. "I'm only allowed to draw it for one reason."

Lilith arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And what reason is that?"

Ember chuckled softly. "Let's just say it would scare you to know."

"Try me," Lilith replied coolly.

"Nope," Ember said with a grin audible in her voice. "Some things are better left unsaid."

Lilith didn't respond, though her eyes glinted with something between intrigue and skepticism.

The door slid open a moment later, and Lilith stepped out, perfectly composed in her robes. Ember followed, adjusting her slightly crooked collar and wearing a smug smile.

"All yours," Lilith said to the boys, her tone clipped but polite as she stepped aside.

"Thanks," Alaric said, stepping into the compartment. Nero followed, the girls now lingering outside to allow the boys their turn.

Inside, Nero unfastened his trunk and retrieved his robes. Alaric, already half-dressed, glanced over and chuckled. "That dagger Ember's carrying, did you catch that exchange?"

Nero smirked. "Hard not to. She's good at deflecting questions. Makes you wonder what else she's hiding."

"Yeah, but at least it keeps things interesting." Alaric said with a grin.

A few moments later, they emerged, fully robed and ready, joining the girls as the train began to slow. Together, they gathered their belongings and prepared to disembark.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 chapters today! (1/2)

50 chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 65: The Summon (3)