Chapter 334 - Interesting Conversations (1/2)
September 1st started overcast and raining, which in Rowan's opinion was a terrible omen. Severus would have laughed at her and had she spoke of her concern. But she had the rather distinct feeling that she had forgotten some vital detail. It was something so trivial that she'd just shoved it under the rug so to speak. But what?
Unlike the times before Aunt Georgine accompanied them to platform nine and three-quarters much to the annoyance of Severus. The Hogwarts Express, the scarlet steam engine, as usual, gleamed, puffing out great big clouds of steam as students and parents on the platform appeared like dark ghosts.
To both of Rowan and Severus's surprise not only did their grandfather hug them, but Aunt Georgine did as well. She sheepishly whispered into both of their ears, ”Take children. And be wary of Professor Dumbledore. For he is a Gryffindor and Gryffindor's do not see the world as we Slytherins see it. And enjoy yourselves, it will be a most exciting year.”
Rowan blinks at the honesty as Severus slowly nods his head in understanding. In rare form, Severus actually says, ”Thank you, Aunt Georgine,” while Rowan tilts her head in gratitude towards her aunt.
The two of them promise to write to their grandfather upon their arrival before they lug their things onto the train. They easily found a compartment, before Severus burst off in search of Lily. Owny who was napping in his cage merely sleepily hooted, before ducking his head back under his wing.
That last words of Aunt Georgine are causing alarm bells to go off in the back of Rowan's mind as she stared out the window and watched the drops sliding down. But before she could put it all together the compartment door slides open.
Terry sighs and says, ”Thank goodness, I finally found you!” With a grunt, Terry kicks his trunk into place, before gently setting down Alchemy's carrier right next to Rowan.
Rowan quickly forgets what she was thinking about upon seeing Alchemy emerge from his carrier. Meowing as he always did Rowan just like the rest of Slytherin found herself fawning over the adorable cat. Happily rubbing the purring figure of Alchemy, she says, ”I don't know why Alchemy hasn't been kidnapped yet.”
”Oh, they've tried trust me,” Terry sniffed as he leaned back into his seat. ”But that jeweled collar of his isn't just for decoration. Mum and my sisters paid for the most expensive anti-theft magic spelled collar that money can buy. Trust me, when I say this, I'm more liable to be kidnapped and never be found again, then Alchemy here will ever be.”
”Yes, well, Alchemy is an angel,” Rowan cooed to the purring cat.
”Yes, yes,” Terry said with a roll of his eyes. ”So, you excited for this year?”
”Why?” Rowan asked curiously.
Terry eagerly leans over to answer, but the compartment door slides open. Their image must look rather strange as both of them are leaning towards each other. Severus loudly clears his throat and shoves Terry over as he takes his seat next to Terry. Lily giggles as she says, ”I hope we aren't interrupting anything.”
”Like what?” Terry snorted. ”Please Rowan isn't even my type even if my glorious blond self is her preferred type. I consider her too much of a good friend to even remotely consider ruining our glorious friendship!”
Rowan rolls her eyes and says, ”Get over yourself, Greengrass.”
The two of them begin to playfully bicker as the Hogwarts Express lets out its last whistle. The pistons hiss loudly, and the train begins to move. They banter for a bit more until Severus and Lily chat over the world quidditch cup at which point Rowan ignores all three of them and plays with Alchemy.
The rain became heavier and heavier as the train moved farther north. The outside sky is so dark with the windows steamed up that the lanterns are lit by midday. After lunch, Rowan easily tuned them out to take a nap as it was dark outside until she slowly awakens at hearing a rather strange conversation running the background. ”So, you're telling me that Durmstrang is another wizarding school?” Lily inquisitively asked.
”Yes, Lily,” Terry could be heard sighing in reply. ”Despite Durmstrang's horrible reputation and according to An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe, the magical institution puts way too much of an emphasis on the Dark Arts. Why Gellert Grindelwald attended there himself before he was expelled for his Dark Arts experiments!”
There's a long awkward pause after Terry words until he cautiously asks, ”You do know who that is, don't you, Lily?” Severus despite not speaking out loud must clearly be making his feelings known by glaring at Terry to shut up now.