The Enemy

Chapter 3: Reunion

Kings Cross Station was filled with hurried families running from one side to the other, kids carrying heavy trunks and owls cages, parents in complete distress by their kids leaving and the mess they made along the way.
Kids and teens hugged their parents with glossy eyes and bittersweet expressions, parents kissed their offspring on the forehead while wishing them good luck, friends ran towards each other cheering their reunion, siblings cried together for the separation.
Fathers waved at their kids, mothers blew kisses, and just like every September 1st, Platform 9 ¾ roared with the nervous first years, the seven years held nostalgic features, and right in the middle of the platform stood the family of three.

Cassiopeia, Hestia and Thorfinn Rowle stood side by side watching the scarlet train getting more filled with students by the second, the mother tightened her grip on her daughter's arm as a family of muggleborns passed by their side. Cassiopeia recognized them as the Evans, she knew Lily Evans, the poor girl was the object of all of Potter's desires, something he made very public.

The girl's father held a face free of emotion as he took in his surroundings, Hogwarts is getting dirtier every year, he thought bitterly to himself.

Finally, by 10:45 sharp the family they had been waiting finally arrived, Cassiopeia averted her gaze from the Evans when the sound of someone apparating by their side echoed in her ears, turning to her side stood Walburga and Orion Black, both with a tight grip on their son, Regulus Black.

Cassiopeia bit back her smile upon seeing her best friend and moved towards the elder couple to greet them, she realized that Orion wouldn't let go of Regulus' arm, he just kept squeezing it harder until the boy let out a whimper. The green eyed girl couldn't help but notice the missing brother.

Regulus moved towards the train with his head hung low holding his trunks, the girl made motion to follow suit but her mother's nail digged deeper into her forearm so she stood in place, Hestia lowered her voice and said directly to the girl's face, not even bothering herself as spit flew from her mouth.

"I do not want to hear about your stupid antics this year, Cassiopeia Hestia! I do not want to receive another letter from your head of house claiming your blew up toilet seats, invaded other house's common rooms and released pixies. Your father and  I will not accept this sort of behavior from you anymore, if I receive so much as one letter from professor Slughorn I'll make sure you return home immediately and I'll ask personally for you to get your mark before you turn 17." Cassiopeia eyes immediately darkened at the mention of the mark her parents wanted her to receive as soon as she graduated Hogwarts. She was shocked by the lack of secrecy and discretion from her mother, making her fear for herself.

Trying her hardest to cover the emotions rising in her body, the young girl nodded towards her mother and made her way inside the train to find Regulus.

The sound of someone apparating made the girl turn back to where her parents and the Blacks previously stood but she met the sight of only emptiness, both couples had already left. Exhaling a deep breath in relief, Cassiopeia entered the train and started looking inside each compartment  trying to find the familiar faces she missed the most during the past two months stuck in her family manor.

Cassiopeia stopped abruptly on her steps when a compartment door flew open and the girl was immediately engulfed in a bone crushing hug. The homely smell of chocolate and tea filled her nostrils making her relax instantly and wrap her arms around the girl she grew to love as a sister.

"I missed you so much, Cas" Annabele said in a muffled voice as her face was buried in the shorter girl's neck

"I have missed you too, Bele. So much" the slytherin girl said with a sigh as she squeezed her friend even tighter by the waist.