ch. 1 : arrival

Instructions

Astrid sighed as she stepped onto the train at Platform 9 ¾. Another year, another sendoff getting driven to a train station by a Ministry of Magic car, instead of her adoptive parents. Yay. She walked along the aisle looking for the friendly face she’d seen so often for four years. She looked into a car, and her face soured. There, sitting between Hestia Carrow and Daphne Greengrass, was a fellow fourth year, in Gryffindor’s opposing House, Slytherin, Aurelia DeValois. The daughter of two important Ministry officials just like Astrid, who looked uncannily like her, was, in Astrid’s opinion, a total snob. Astrid walked past, muttering profanities. She finally found the train car she was looking for, and slammed the door shut, making the occupants jump. “I am so annoyed. Just one look in her direction sours my entire day!” Her friends, Lizi Windlewan and Essie Haru shared a look. “Is this Aurelia DeValois we’re talking about?” asked Essie tentatively. Astrid gave her a withering look. “Who else?” sniggered Lizi. This time it was her turn for Astrid’s glare. They sighed and went back to their books and puzzles. Thirty minutes later, the food cart came rattling down. When it got to their train car, they each bought a medium sized portion of their favorite foods, which made them less grumpy to some degree. “Oh, look!” said Essie. “I got Silver Dumbledore!” Astrid smiled. Essie and Lizi were notable collectors of Chocolate Frog card collectors. “Oh that’s nice!” said Lizi not looking up from her food. “Aren’t those really rare though?!” asked Astrid incredulously. “Well yes, but I’ve already got one of these.” Essie said, sounding slightly disappointed. “So do I.” said Lizi. Astrid shook her head. “Mental.” She muttered. “C’mon, we should change into our robes.” Another thirty minutes passed, and they arrived at Hogwarts. The little first years bustled past towards Hagrid, who was shouting “Firs’ years! Firs’ years over here!” over the din of the crowds. Astrid could distantly hear him shout a greeting to Harry, who was seemingly one of his favorite students. “Hey Astrid!” Someone called from behind her. It was Hermione Granger. “Hello, Hermione! How are you doing?” Astrid asked, slightly perplexed. “I was wondering if you would like to join my club, S.P.E.W.? It stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare.” Astrid was ready to get moving, as Essi and Lizi were getting up ahead. “I must go, Hermione, I’m sorry, but come talk to me about it later! I’ll see you!” And with that, she sped away, trying to catch up with Essie and Lizi. And in the process, she bumped into someone. “Oh- sorr-“ the rest of the word was lost when Astrid saw who it was. “Watch where you’re going!” Aurelia said as she brushed off her outfit. “I don’t want any of the mudblood filth from that Essi Haru to get on my designer.” Aurelia said. “You know, Essi may be Muggle born, but you’re HALF the witch she is.” Astrid said angrily. And with that, Astrid stormed off to the carriage her friends were motioning her towards.