Legacy

Legacy: Chapter Three

Friends

The train rattled on through the day, and the three companions soon got to know each other rather well. Death Eaters had killed Greg's father near the beginning of the war, which was why he had reacted so violently to Lauren and David. Though Lauren's parents had not been actively supporting Voldemort, they had declared that they wanted his side to win. However, he saw that both children were not like their parents.

"My brother, who's older than me, is a right little Death Eater. He's got a campaign going among the Slytherins to resurrect Voldemort's support and bring a new reign of terror. I don't think it'll work though. Professor Snape knows what he's up to," said Lauren, looking slightly sad.

David smiled slightly at the mention of his Uncle Severus. He had suddenly become a respected person after the war, due to his efforts in fighting for the Order and the Ministry. He had prevented the death of his future wife, the Muggle healer, and she had found a job in St. Mungo's.

"So, what lesson are you looking forward to the most?" asked Greg, changing the subject.

"Definitely Defence Against the Dark Arts," replied Lauren, with a grin. "It's one of the most important things we're ever gonna have to learn at Hogwarts, especially with people like my brother running around. I think Lucius Malfoy is still out there somewhere."

"He's my uncle," said David, sighing. "My mother's sister's husband. I'm looking forward to Potions and Herbology. I really enjoy the hands on stuff, and Aunty Pat, my adopted mum, says that even a Muggle can do them. In fact, she can, and she's a Muggle."

"Hey, is she that healer...?" asked Greg. David nodded. "She's incredible! I want to do Charms. Many spells have origins in Latin."

Everyone laughed again, and David looked at his watch. "Train'll be arriving in about an hour. Maybe we should get changed."

Lauren nodded and stood up. Pulling her robes out of her trunk, she pulled them on over her t-shirt and trousers. She then slipped her cloak over that, and sat down again, stuffing her sweater into her bag. Both boys did the same, glad of the uniform change that had come with Albus Dumbledore's position as headmaster. David had once read a book called 'Hogwarts uniform through the ages'. It had changed dramatically since the rough woollen cloak days of the founders. At least they didn't have to change fully.

They sat down again, and Lauren pulled a pack of Exploding Snap cards from her pocket. She dealt them out, and they began to play. David was terrified that the cards would explode in his hands, and held them very loosely. Sometimes just one would go off, starting a chain reaction in those nearby, and sometimes they all would explode. The cards returned to the pack after exploding, and would have to be taken out again.

They ate as they played, working down a pack of Every Flavour Beans. Lauren's favourite flavour was strawberry, Greg preferred vanilla, and David liked grass. Eventually the train began to slow down, and lights appeared outside the darkened windows. Smoke billowed again, and signs for 'Hogsmeade Station' appeared.

"Please leave your belongings on the train, they will be carried up to the castle separately. This includes pets," a voice echoed down the length of the train.

"Have you practised any spells?" asked Lauren, as they stood up. She looked very nervous, but was looking out of the window at the people starting to spill out onto the platform.

"One or two. Couldn't make them work though, no matter how much Aunty Pat showed me. Reckon Amanda'd be able to do them. She's good at that sort of stuff," replied David.

"I tried a few," said Greg. "I almost managed to change a needle into a matchstick, but it didn't work."

"Same with me," said Lauren. "Well, shall we go?"