🦁🔥

╰┈➤ ❝ [𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑂𝑁𝐸] ❞ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
⁺⤾·˚.⃗.  [ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴛᴏ ʜᴏɢᴡᴀʀᴛs ] 𑁍ࠜೄ ･ﾟˊˎ
﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋

The Hogwarts Express
( September 1st, 1994. )

𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓, and Cassie was already up, gazing out the window at the soft haze still lingering in the early sky. By eight, they'd need to leave for King's Cross Station to catch the Hogwarts Express, and the house was alive with the usual chaos of trunks, owls, and excited chatter.

Bill, Charlie, and Achilles had decided to come along to see everyone off, adding to the festive air. Percy, however, had sighed regretfully over breakfast. "I just can't justify taking more time off right now," he explained, offering an apologetic smile. "Mr. Crouch is really starting to rely on me."

Cassie, quietly amused, watched as George gave him a mock-serious look. "You know what, Percy? I reckon he'll know your name soon enough."

Mrs. Weasley, ever the planner, had tackled the village post office's telephone to arrange three Muggle taxis to ferry them to London. Cassie could hear her explaining to Mr. Weasley as they waited outside in the damp yard. "Arthur tried to borrow Ministry cars for us, but there weren't any to spare... Oh dear, they don't look too happy, do they?"

Cassie glanced at the disgruntled drivers wrestling with the weight of six Hogwarts trunks. As Pigwidgeon hooted wildly and flapped in frantic circles, Cassie couldn't help but smile at the familiar chaos. When one of Fred's trunks burst open to release a cascade of Filibuster's Fabulous No-Heat, Wet-Start Fireworks, she stifled a laugh as vibrant colors burst across the rain-slicked pavement. Crookshanks, never one to miss an opportunity, leapt onto a poor driver's leg, causing the man to shout in alarm.

The ride to King's Cross was cramped, with Cassie squeezed between Fred, George, and Olympia in the backseat of one of the taxis, their trunks pressing into their sides. She felt a wave of relief when they finally arrived, though it was short-lived; the rain had turned relentless, soaking them to the skin as they lugged their belongings through puddles and into the bustling station.

To avoid drawing too much attention from Muggles, they split into smaller groups. Cassie stuck close to Olympia, Fred, and George as they made their way to Platform 9¾, sharing lighthearted jokes to distract from the dreary weather. Behind them, she could hear the familiar voices of her brothers Atlas and Achilles, along with Charlie and Bill, all keeping an eye on the group.

The Hogwarts Express stood waiting, its scarlet paint gleaming even through the mist. Cassie's heart gave the same little flutter it always did at the sight of it. Steam swirled around the platform, cloaking the crowd of students and families in a ghostly haze. Pigwidgeon's hoots blended with the chorus of owls, the atmosphere electric with excitement.

Charlie was grinning as he hugged Ginny goodbye. "I might be seeing you all sooner than you think," he teased.

"Why?" Fred asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You'll see," Charlie replied with a sly smile, imitating Percy's formal tone. "Classified information, until such time as the Ministry sees fit to release it."

Cassie exchanged a look with Olympia, both girls raising their eyebrows at the cryptic exchange.

Nearby, Bill stood with his hands in his pockets, gazing wistfully at the train. "I sort of wish I were back at Hogwarts this year," he murmured.

George, ever impatient, frowned. "Why's that?"

Achilles chuckled, his tone full of mischief. "You're going to have quite an interesting year. Who knows? I might even get time off to come watch some of it."

"Oh, just spill it already!" Olympia snapped, crossing her arms.

But the train's whistle blew, cutting the conversation short. Mrs. Weasley hurried them toward the doors, herding them like a mother hen.

"Thanks so much for having us, Mrs. Weasley," Cassie said warmly as she stepped aboard, glancing back with a grateful smile.

"Oh, it was my pleasure, dears," Mrs. Weasley replied with a tender expression. "I'd invite you all for Christmas, but... well, I have a feeling you'll be wanting to stay at Hogwarts this year, with... one thing and another."

Cassie shot a curious look at Olympia as Ron groaned. "What do you three know that we don't?"

Mrs. Weasley only smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I'm sure Professor Dumbledore will fill you in soon enough."

The train began to move, steam hissing as it pulled away. Fred leaned out of the window, shouting, "Tell us what's happening at Hogwarts! What rules are they changing?"

But Mrs. Weasley only waved, her delight clear even through the rain as she and the others Disapparated.

Cassie settled into compartment six with Olympia, Fred, and George, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging. As the rain streaked down the windows, she leaned back, her heart buzzing with anticipation. Whatever lay ahead, she felt ready for it.

"This compartment must be charmed," Olympia observed, her knowing smile lighting up the space. "Just like the one we found last year."

"Called it the lucky compartment, didn't we?" Fred grinned, his eyes gleaming with fondness for the memory.

Cassie leaned back, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Oh yeah, I remember! We kept finding stray galleons under the seats! Wonder what sort of charm this one has?"

She caught Olympia's expression shift as her twin's gaze lingered a moment too long on George. It was subtle, but Cassie had known Olympia well enough to notice the slight flutter of her hand as she smoothed her skirt. Cassie smirked inwardly. 'Attraction charm, indeed,' she mused, though she decided not to comment just yet.

It was funny. Cassie assumed it must've simply amplified feelings. Because Cass didn't feel a thing for either Fred nor George, neither in the compartment or out of it: thus this compartment had little to no effect on her. Olympia on the other hand, well that was an entirely different story.

"Don't know," Olympia answered, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks as she glanced away. "But it's nice."

"Well, whatever it is, it's perfect," George murmured. His gaze never wavered from Olympia, and Cassie caught the soft glint in his eyes. He brushed a hand along the cushion and let out a satisfied sigh. "Spacious, cozy... I feel like I could sink into these seats."

Fred, always the energy in the group, leaned back with a mischievous grin. "Couldn't agree more. This year is going to be amazing—no doubt about it. And if it isn't, well, we'll make it amazing!" He shot George a playful look, and Cassie chuckled, watching the twins' silent exchange.

Olympia, humming softly, moved to sit down—and to Cassie's surprise, she chose the spot next to George. It wasn't unusual for Olympia to sit close to her, with the twins across from them. But this small shift didn't go unnoticed. Cassie's eyebrows shot up as she exchanged a quick look with Fred. His lips twitched, clearly trying not to laugh.

Cassie leaned back into her seat, her expression carefully neutral. She leaned over to whisper to Fred, "Well, whatever charm this compartment has, it's certainly working on them huh," she remarked lightly, though the knowing tone in her voice made Fred stifle a chuckle.

George, blissfully unaware—or perhaps perfectly aware—leaned closer to Olympia as if drawn by the cozy charm they were all convinced surrounded them. Cassie simply smiled, filing away this little interaction for later. The train hadn't even left the station yet, and the year already promised to be full of surprises.

"You're right, Fred," George said, his tone brimming with excitement. "This year's going to be something else. I can already feel it—the pranks we'll pull on all the ghosts, those elective classes we're sort of looking forward to, the Quidditch matches, trips to Hogsmeade..." His voice softened as he leaned slightly toward Olympia. "And, of course, every single free moment we have together, Olympia."

Cassie watched George gently poke Olympia's cheek, clearly savoring her flustered reaction. Olympia's blush deepened, and Cassie couldn't help but smile to herself. The charm of the compartment seemed to amplify everything—the warmth, the closeness, the unspoken feelings brewing between her sister and George.

"Any free moments you can manage, Georgie," Olympia replied with a teasing tilt of her head, though there was a hint of something serious beneath her lighthearted words. "But you'll have to compete with my mountains of homework and all those extra credit assignments."

George's grin softened, his gaze steady and warm as he replied, "I've got all the time in the world, sweetheart."

Cassie raised her eyebrows slightly at the uncharacteristic blush creeping across George's face. When Olympia leaned just a little closer, George's usual bravado seemed to waver, and Cassie had to suppress a chuckle.

Sensing that Olympia was steering the conversation away from dangerous territory, Cassie smirked as Olympia turned to Fred.

"So, Fred," Olympia asked, her tone deliberately light. "What's the first prank you two troublemakers have cooked up?"

Fred leaned forward, his grin wicked. "Oh, the first one's a classic. I'm planning to make Marcus Flint's broom go berserk during Quidditch tryouts. You know, just a little something to keep things lively." He laughed, glancing at George. "But let's be honest, something else will probably come up before then. Revenge pranks are the best, aren't they, Georgie?"

George grinned back. "The absolute best."

Cassie suddenly stood, an idea coming to her. "I promised Judeth I'd sit with her," she said, grabbing her bag. She paused at the door, her gaze flicking between George and Olympia with a knowing smirk. "Oh, and Fred—don't leave those two alone," she added, her voice thick with mischief as she winked and slipped out.

Olympia's cheeks flushed deep red. "Oh, shut up, Cass!" she called after her, though she couldn't help laughing even as her face burned.

Cassie chuckled to herself as she strolled down the corridor. She might not have stuck around to watch, but she had a feeling this compartment's charm had worked its chaotic magic just fine.

Cassie barely had time to register the towering figure in front of her before she collided with him, sending herself stumbling back against the narrow corridor wall. His bag hit the floor with a heavy thud, spilling its contents in a dramatic scatter across the train aisle.

"Bloody hell!" The guy cursed under his breath, his brogue thick and sharp with irritation. He shot her an accusing glare, dark eyes narrowing as they locked onto hers. "Oi! Watch where you're goin'!"

Cassie blinked up at him, her chest tightening at the sight of none other than Oliver Wood, looking every bit the brooding Quidditch captain he was. His hair was slightly damp, falling messily across his forehead, and his jaw was tight with clear frustration.

"Me?!" she fired back, bristling at his tone. "You were in the middle of the bloody aisle!"

Her words seemed to catch him off guard. He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching as though he wasn't sure whether to scowl or smirk. "Aisle's for walking," he shot back, his voice low and rough. "Not charging into people like some kind of rampaging hippogriff."

Cassie let out an incredulous laugh, dropping to her knees to help him gather his scattered belongings despite the heat of annoyance bubbling between them. "Oh, get over yourself. I'm helping so you don't block the whole corridor."

"I don't need your help," he said firmly, though there was an edge of amusement creeping into his voice now.

"Well, too bad," she retorted, snatching up a parchment before he could. "Now shut the hell up."

Oliver let out a quiet chuckle, the sound low and almost unnervingly smooth. "Feisty one, aren't you?" he murmured, his gaze flicking to hers as he reached for a book.

Cassie didn't dignify the comment with a response, focusing instead on the pile of items before them. She picked up a small, folded piece of fabric and froze as she realized exactly what it was—a pair of boxers. Her lips parted, caught between a laugh and a gasp, but before she could decide which to go with, Oliver's hand shot out, snatching them from her grasp.

A flush crept up his neck and into his cheeks, though his expression quickly shifted into something sly and self-assured, like he was determined to reclaim the upper hand. "Didn't realize you were so interested in my... personal effects," he said, his voice dropping into a teasing drawl.

Cassie arched an eyebrow, her heart racing at the sudden shift in his tone. "Oh, please," she said coolly, refusing to give him the reaction he was clearly fishing for. "If I'd known you were this disorganized, I'd have avoided you altogether."

"Would you now?" he asked, his smirk deepening as he leaned just a fraction closer, his eyes locking onto hers. The air between them was heavy, charged with a tension that neither of them seemed willing to acknowledge aloud. "Funny, 'cause you don't strike me as the avoiding type. Bit too bold for that."

Cassie straightened, tossing him a pointed look as she handed him another book. "And you don't strike me as the type to let your boxers fly around a train, but here we are."

Oliver laughed then, a deep, genuine sound that sent a shiver down her spine despite her best efforts to stay unbothered. "Fair point," he conceded, his tone more playful now but no less confident. "Guess we're both full of surprises, aren't we?"

"Guess so," she replied dryly, brushing her hands off as she stood. She glanced down at him, her expression cool and collected. "Now, if you're done blocking the entire aisle, I've got somewhere to be."

Oliver rose to his full height, his bag slung over one shoulder. He towered over her, his presence magnetic in a way that made it hard to look away. "Somewhere more important than here?" he asked, his smirk softening into something almost...challenging.

Cassie tilted her head, letting her lips curl into a faint, knowing smile. "Absolutely," she said, brushing past him without another word.

As she walked away, she could feel his eyes lingering on her, and for a moment, she wondered if she'd ever meet someone who could hold their own against her like that again. She didn't look back, but she couldn't help the tiny smirk that crept onto her lips as she heard him faintly mutter: "Bold, indeed."

Cassie slid open the door to the Gryffindor compartment, spotting Judeth instantly. Her friend beamed, jumping up and throwing her arms around Cassie in an exuberant hug.

"Oh, thank Merlin you're here!" Judeth squealed, pulling back just enough to hold Cassie at arm's length. "You have no idea how dull it's been without you. Now, sit! I need a full rundown of your summer. Was it as boring as mine or did something finally happen in that small, sleepy town of yours?"

Cassie barely managed to sit before Judeth started firing off questions, her words tumbling out in rapid succession. But then, mid-sentence, Judeth froze, her bright, watchful eyes narrowing as she looked Cassie over.

"Wait a minute," she said, tilting her head. "What's got you rattled?"

Cassie blinked, caught off guard by her friend's perceptiveness. She glanced around, noting the buzz of chatter from the other students in the compartment. Lowering her voice, she leaned in close, her expression still faintly incredulous.

"You're not going to believe this," she began, her tone hushed. "I just ran into—literally ran into—Oliver Wood. His bag flew open, things went everywhere, and he had the nerve to blame me! Called me a rampaging hippogriff, if you can believe it."

Judeth's eyes went wide, and before Cassie could stop her, she let out a loud gasp that immediately drew curious stares from a few nearby students. Realizing her outburst, Judeth slapped a hand over her mouth, her cheeks turning pink.

Once the attention drifted away, Judeth leaned in closer, her voice dropping to an excited whisper. "Oliver Wood? The Oliver Wood? Gryffindor's own heartthrob? The guy who could have practically any girl at Hogwarts falling over themselves to 'bump into' him?" She fanned herself dramatically. "Cassie, you just lived a dream. Do you even understand what you've done?"

Cassie rolled her eyes, crossing her arms with a huff. "Oh, please," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "If he's Gryffindor's heartthrob, I think our standards need a serious review. All I saw was an overgrown Quidditch captain with a superiority complex and a habit of leaving his boxers loose in his bag."

Judeth's jaw dropped, her eyes sparkling with disbelief and glee. "Wait—his boxers?" she whispered, fighting back another gasp.

"Yes, his boxers," Cassie confirmed, waving a hand dismissively. "And, for the record, they were just as insufferable as he is."

Judeth dissolved into muffled giggles, shaking her head as though she couldn't believe her luck. "Cassie Harrington," she said, grinning. "Only you could have the most romantic moment of your life and turn it into a scathing critique of someone's personality."

"Romantic?" Cassie shot back, arching a brow. "If your idea of romance is being blamed for his lack of spatial awareness and waving his undergarments around then you might need help."

Judeth simply laughed harder, wiping at her eyes. "Oh, Merlin, I'm so glad to have you back."

Cassie tried to keep her irritation intact, but Judeth's laughter was contagious, and soon, she found herself smiling despite her best efforts. Still, her mind drifted back to the moment in the corridor—the heat in Oliver's gaze, the tension that had sparked between them. She shoved the thought away, determined not to let Judeth's swooning commentary linger any longer than it already had.

Just as Cassie was starting to shake off the earlier encounter, the door to the Gryffindor compartment slid open with a smooth, almost theatrical motion. Standing there, exuding the kind of effortless confidence that bordered on arrogance, was none other than Oliver Wood.

He glanced around, his dark eyes scanning the room as if he owned it, and Cassie noticed the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. It was as though he knew he was the center of attention, and of course, the room seemed to respond accordingly.

In an instant, a group of popular Gryffindor boys—Quidditch players mostly—practically pounced on him. They spilled out of their seats, crowding around him like puppies eager for approval.

"Oi, Oliver!" one of them called, clapping him on the back. "Heard you've got a new playbook this year! Any chance we'll be seeing it at practice?"

"Wood!" A second year chimed in, grinning. "You think Gryffindor's got a shot at the Cup this time? Merlin knows we need it after last year!"

Cassie rolled her eyes so hard she was sure they might get stuck. She leaned toward Judeth, keeping her voice low but her disdain palpable. "They're like animals," she muttered. "It's pathetic."

Judeth stifled a laugh, her eyes darting between Cassie and Oliver. "Oh, come on," she whispered back. "You're telling me you don't find that the tiniest bit entertaining?"

"Not even remotely," Cassie replied flatly, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her seat. "Honestly, the only thing missing is him throwing a bone for them to fetch."

As if hearing her comment—or perhaps just sensing her disdain—Oliver's gaze swept across the compartment and landed on her. His smirk returned, slow and deliberate, his eyes glinting with amusement as though he was already savoring their next sparring match.

Cassie didn't miss a beat. She met his gaze head-on, arching her brow in defiance before rolling her eyes and turning her attention back to Judeth, determined to act unfazed.

But Oliver's smirk only deepened, as though her dismissal was exactly what he'd been hoping for. He leaned casually against the edge of the compartment, still engaging with his group of admirers, but his attention kept flicking back to her, the glint in his eyes growing sharper.

Judeth leaned in close, whispering with barely contained glee, "Oh, he's definitely interested. That smirk has challenge written all over it."

"Let him smirk," Cassie replied coolly, though her pulse quickened under the weight of his gaze. "He'll be waiting a long time if he thinks I'm playing along."

Judeth grinned knowingly. "Sure, Cass. Whatever you say."

Cassie forced herself to ignore the heat creeping up her neck, her expression remaining cool and composed. She refused to give Oliver the satisfaction of knowing he'd gotten under her skin. Still, the unspoken challenge lingered in the air, crackling like static between them.

And somehow, Cassie knew this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed today.