By: Ashley Ding

I held my sister’s hand and boarded the train. I looked around for an empty compartment as Audrey looked for her friends. Most of the kids were still in the station, so I had a lot of choices. I picked one at the back of the train, hoping no one would bother me. I wanted to get a head start on my Herbology Book. I’ve planted many things at home, and I was sure it would be one of my favorite subjects.

After about 10 minutes, the train started, and I heard shuffling outside of the compartment. I inwardly groaned as a boy and a girl entered the room.

“Ugh, what were those boys thinking? Making fun of you like that?”

I assumed she was talking to the boy.

“Because they’re wannabe Gryffindors.”

“Lily-”

Then they saw me. I glared at them, and ‘Lily’ backed away from me.

“C’mon, Severus, let’s go.”

“Wait, Snape?” I asked, gaping at them, a grin forming on my lips.

Severus looked at me, confused. Suddenly realization dawned on him.

“Amelia! Hey, nice seeing you” he grinned at me and left the compartment.

I rolled my eyes. He probably remembered when I ‘accidentally’ soaked him in water when we were young.

Soon after Severus and Lily left, two girls entered the compartment. I closed my book. I figured I should make some new friends.

“Hey,” I said, waving.

“Hi! I’m Camil1e Carrow, and this is Emily Greengrass!”

I recalled that the Carrows and the Greengrass families were in the sacred 28.

The other girl waved shyly.

“I’m Amelia Lestrange,” I said, sticking my arm out for them to shake. Camille shook it.

“Wow, Lestrange. Really? My parents are always going on about your sister, Audrey, saying she’ll be so successful and all.”

I chuckled, “So, what house do you want to be in?” Emily spoke for the first time. “Obviously Slytherin, but I think Ravenclaw is nice too,”

“Oh, well, my parents say Slytherin is the only good option. They think Ravenclaws are nerds, Hufflepuffs are softies, and Gryffindor, well, you know,” Camille said.

“Your parents seem strict,” I said in shock. “My mom just said all is fine, but Gryffindor.”