September 1st, 1978

"You better not get into too much trouble without me."

I stifled a laugh looking at my older sister, "I would never, I'm Head Girl, remember?"

Marlene rolled her eyes at me, grabbing me by the shoulders.

"I'm serious, keep to yourself this year, I don't want any of those snakes messing with my little sister."

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Don't worry about me," I replied, "I can fend for myself, I learned from the best."

Marlene grinned, "You sure as hell did."

The platform was getting crowded as more families showed up to send their kids off to Hogwarts. Some of the younger students were trying to get away from their parents, who were trying to cling onto their children.

"You know mum and dad would be here if they weren't working."

I nodded, "I know, I'll write to them later tonight."

"Alright, well we better get you on that train," Marlene teased, "I can't believe my baby sister is going into her final year at Hogwarts!"

"I'm only a year younger than you, dumbass," I responded, trying not to smile. "You better get going, Dorcas is probably waiting for you."

My sister blushed slightly.

"You better write to me if anyone gives you trouble, I'll pummel them with bludgers."

I smirked, "I'm sure you will."

Marlene wrapped her arms tightly around me, pulling me into a bone crushing hug. I hugged her back despite barely being able to move my arms.

The train whistle sounded, signaling the upcoming departure.

I pulled away from the hug and gave Marlene a kiss on the cheek.

"I'll see you at soon" I said.

Marlene blew me a kiss as I started to walk backwards, "See you soon, Meredith!"

I grabbed my trunk and boarded the train, searching for my friends, who happened to be in our usual compartment.

Maggie and Emmeline both smiled when they saw me.

"Mer, we thought you were gonna miss the train," Emmeline teased.

I grinned, "Marlene kept me."

"Come in, sit down," Maggie said, gesturing to the empty seat next to her.

I frowned, "I wish I could, but I can't."

"Why not?" They both asked.

"I have to go to the Prefects carriage, give instructions, you know, Head Girl stuff," I joked.

Emmeline clapped, "You're Head Girl?"

I nodded.

"Wait-, so happy for you," Maggie started, "But who's Head Boy?"

I shook my head, "No idea, I hope it's someone nice."

The train whistled once more and started lurching forward.

"I have to go now, but I'll see you both at dinner," I groaned.

Both girls said goodbye to me and I left, venturing to the back of the train.

The Prefects carriage was open, with benches and tables everywhere, instead of separate compartments.

It seemed as if all of the Prefects were already there, talking amongst each other in their respective groups.

"Meredith!"

I turned my head to see Pandora Volant, a Ravenclaw Prefect from my year, waving me over with a smile. Pandora is one of the sweetest people I've ever met, and she's gorgeous. Bright blue eyes and pale blonde hair. She was sitting next to Thomas Mackey, one of my friends and my favorite patrol partner.

"Hey Pandora," I smiled, "How was your summer?"

She smiled back, "Oh it was great, Xenophilius and I got engaged!"

"Congratulations! When's the wedding?" I asked, sitting down next to her.

"This summer," She explained, "And you will be invited, of course."

Bertram Aubrey, a seventh year prefect from Ravenclaw, came over towards me and Pandora. "I hope you had a lovely summer McKinnon because it looks like you've got your work cut out for you this year."

"Thanks, but I think I'll manage just fine," I replied with a polite smile. I don't mind Bertram Aubrey, he's a bit stuck up because he's convinced he's smarter than everyone else, but right now I'm not enjoying his company.

"Oh, I don't doubt your capabilities as Head Girl," He added. "I just wish you the best of luck considering who the Head Boy is."

"And who might that be?" I asked.

Pandora's face lit up and she waved to someone across the carriage. "Reggie!" She called.

I glanced over to see none other than Regulus Black walking towards us, a Head Boy pin on his button-up shirt.

He smiled, "Pandora, lovely to see you." Regulus glanced over at me and Bertram, who was currently retreating to the other side of the carriage. "McKinnon," He said. "Guess we're partners."

"Lovely," I muttered.

Regulus gave me a fake look of politeness. "What was that?" He asked.

"Oh nothing," I replied. "I'm surprised you're not late, I figured you'd be off somewhere, or with someone."

Last year, and over the summer, Regulus Black gained a new reputation. He was still the perfect Pureblood son, and heir to the Noble House of Black, but from the rumors I've heard he's quite a bit of a womanizer.

I've never been one to believe all of the rumors I hear, particularly ones relating to people that I don't particularly like, but I started believing them shortly after running into Regulus this summer.

I was out with Maggie and Emmeline in the only wizard club in London. I walked into the bathroom only to see Emma Vanity sitting on the bathroom counter with her skirt riding up and Regulus Black between her legs.

They were so distracted that I probably could've left without them noticing but I was so sloshed that I stubbed my toe while trying to make my escape and started profusely cursing.

Safe to say that they noticed me.

Regulus yelled at me to get out while Emma watched me leave with a smirk.

So yeah, I think he's a bit of a womanizer.

"Well this is great," Pandora said. "Two of my favorite people will be practically running Hogwarts this year."

I smiled, "Yeah, it should be interesting."

Regulus rolled his eyes, looking visibly annoyed with me. Then he smiled politely when Pandora looked over at him.

"Should we get started now?" He asked cockily.

I cleared my throat, gathering the attention of all of the prefects. Most of them I recognize, but some of the younger prefect's are new faces to me. Thomas Macakey, one of my closest friends, sat talking with Davey Gudgeon and Florence Martin, both of the seventh year Hufflepuff prefects.

"Okay, this year Professor Dumbledore wants us to patrol in pairs, which he and McGonagall already picked out."

There were a few groans of annoyance.

"We'll find those out tonight and get them to you guys as soon as possible so we can get a patrol schedule started," Regulus added, not letting me finish. Content with what he said, Regulus looked over at me and waited to see if I was going to keep talking.

He is such a prick.

"Hogwarts is really trying to enforce inter-House unity, so the patrol partners will be two prefects from different houses, and maybe different years," I added.

When I finished speaking I glanced over at him to see that he was still staring at me, one eyebrow raised.

This is going to be a long year.