The Daughter of Darkness

The final days of August were as sunny as any traditional British summer is, which would be best described as fleeting moments of sun that struggled to get through the oppressive clouds that covered the sky. Joa didn’t notice this. Instead of focusing on the weather that ‘bleak’ would only be a compliment to, she as usual spent her time inside the manor reading everything she could. Instead of gazing across the melancholic skies, she buried herself in ‘Magical Drafts and Potions’. When she could’ve spent her time hankering after a blue sky, she delved into ‘A History of Magic’ for what could quite easily have been the hundredth time- using her new copy of course, the signed copy from the Lestrange library she wouldn’t dare defile with ink. Her copy she was taking with her to Hogwarts however… That was free to be written in and Joa had already written at least one thing on nearly every page. Joa had waited long enough for her Hogwarts letter and now she was definitely going, she didn’t want to be behind for one second. She’d read all her assigned textbooks at least thrice, cover to cover, and was confident in everything to do with theory. Actually taking the words off of the pages and putting them into practice would be something else, just the thought of actually doing the spells, doing magic… Hogwarts was going to be amazing.

This summer had been the best one in Joa’s opinion. Ever since she received her Hogwarts letter, her life seemed to get so much brighter and more exciting since then. She had ventured out into the wider wizarding world, explored further than the black, iron gates that enclosed the Lestrange manor and started her journey into her future. She had braved Diagon Alley, suffered on the Knight Bus and learnt she had a wider family than she knew. The Malfoys and her had exchanged many an owl since they had discovered each other, the letters from each one had their distinctive style that didn’t need to be signed for Joa to recognise who wrote them. Lucius’ letters were best described as informative, they were usually full of ministry affairs, he wanted to get her up to speed on them, especially with what he called ‘threats to the pureblood way of life’. Her cousin Draco, his letters were less extremist in Joa’s opinion, a lot of it was clearly him parroting his father. Joa didn’t know how much of this pureblood rhetoric was really believed by Draco, she much more preferred his paragraphs about Hogwarts and speculating about what to expect. Apparently the potions master, a man called Severus Snape, was a long time friend of his father. Joa doubted this friendship would extend beyond Draco though.

However her favourite letters were from her aunt. Narcissa Malfoy shared her blood with Joa being her mother’s sister. Her letters were not full of the same pureblood diction that her husband and son’s letters were laden with, instead they were full of stories about her and her sisters growing up. The tales of Narcissa, Andromeda and Bellatrix growing up were something Joa treasured, it was amazing being able to learn something about her mother that wasn’t just tales of her infamous cruelty. It made her feel more of a person and less of a monster. Her aunt was her most frequent correspondent, even when her letters didn’t contain tales about her mother. Her aunt was the only member of the Malfoy household who took the time to respond to her feelings that she exposed, whenever she mentioned the loneliness of her home or her excitement about Hogwarts, Narcissa was the only one to address those issues. Narcissa was encouraging Joa and Draco to become friendly, so they had someone to rely on at Hogwarts. Even though she was the on;y Malfoy she had never met, Joa loved hearing from her aunt and she had kept every letter she had written in a small chest that was already half full. 

It wasn’t just tales of her mother’s youth that were received from her aunt. Something Joa treasured far, far more than the stories was what was tucked into many of the envelopes, behind the letters. Something Joa often found inside were copies of old photographs of her mother. Sometimes they were portraits of Bellatrix, official, formal occasions where she had excellent posture and displayed an air of elegance. Other times, the photographs were of all three Black sisters, Narcissa, Bellatrix and Andromeda, the last two looking strikingly similar except for her mother having untamable hair, even at a young age. These photographs, Joa kept close but she would keep them in her bedside table whilst she was at Hogwarts. They would not be disturbed or damaged there.

However it was a letter from Lucius that Joa learnt that her journey to Hogwarts was not going to be quite what she had read about. Starting from this year, not everyone would have to trek down to King’s Cross Station for eleven o’clock in the morning on September the first. This was mainly good news for Joa despite the alteration to what she expected. This year, 1991, was the first year that the Hogwarts Express would make several stops along its journey to the Scottish Highlands. This is something that made total sense to Joa, the Lestrange manor is in Northumberland, several miles out from the muggle city of Alnwick. It is in the county that borders Scotland; the idea that a student living so much closer to Hogwarts than London would have to travel so far down South seemed ridiculous to Joa, evidently to the ministry as well as they now had approved three stops on its path to Hogsmede. The new stops were going to be in Nottingham, York and Edinburgh, Edinburgh was the one that made sense to Joa to go to, it meant travelling North but there was no point travelling South to York just to go right back where she came from. The ministry had set up new hidden platforms in each of those cities; she'd be travelling to Edinburgh Waverley train station. All that she had left to do before the day was pack.

September the first finally came and fortunately, because of the new stations, Joa hadn’t overslept despite falling asleep in the early hours, too excited to sleep. When she awoke, she was greeted by the grandfather clock on the opposite side of the room saying it was a few minutes past midday which caused her to panic for a moment. What a way to wake up. Breathing a sigh of relief she swung her legs off the side of the bed and hopped down to the floor. She quickly got dressed into her plain Hogwarts robes and looked at herself in the mirror. Looking back she saw herself with a big grin on her face, she didn’t even notice the empty eye socket she had, she was focused on her robes. She was going to Hogwarts in a few hours and that was the only thing that mattered to her at that moment. 

Joa reread the last letter she had received from Lucius Malfoy as she bit down on a piece of toast that was covered in strawberry jam. It had been delivered by owl yesterday morning and today she swung her legs under the dining table as she read her uncle’s words again. 

To my niece, Joa,

I trust this letter finds you well. I hope your final days at Lestrange Manor have not been too dreary. The house-elves, I presume, have attended to your needs adequately. I understand that your excitement for the upcoming term at Hogwarts must be building, as it does for every young witch and wizard before their first year.

As you are well aware, the time has come for you to embark on the next chapter of your life. In light of your special circumstances and the illustrious lineage from which you come, I have ensured that a Ministry car will be waiting outside the Lestrange Manor on the afternoon of September 1st. You will have a trusted and discreet driver who will see you safely to Edinburgh. There will also be an auror accompanying you, I am unsure of whom it shall be but there shouldn’t be any issue. 

As your uncle, I feel a great sense of responsibility for your welfare, particularly in light of your heritage. The Lestrange name, while not revered by many anymore, carries with it certain burdens. You must understand, Joa, that navigating this world requires more than magical talent. It requires foresight, alliances, and a keen sense of when to seize opportunity. I have no doubt that you will grow into your own remarkable power, just as your mother did before you, but you must learn to cultivate strength not just in magic but in influence as well. Though the world may see you just as Bellatrix Lestrange’s daughter, I know you are destined to carve out your own legacy. Do not be afraid to embrace your power Joa, but know that I will always be here to guide you should you need counsel. I can sense you will be powerful, remember restraint can often provide greater opportunities to your benefit. 

I encourage you to foster the bond you have begun with Draco. The two of you, together, could shape the future of our world in ways others can only imagine. Draco has often spoken fondly of your letters, and I believe that whilst at Hogwarts, your connection will grow even stronger. You are both cut from the same fine cloth- descendants of ancient, noble bloodlines and together, you can rise to greatness. 

I look forward to hearing of your successes and of the friendships you will surely make. Do not hesitate to call upon Draco if you need anything- he is your family, and family must stand together. May your journey to Hogwarts be uneventful, and may you restore some level of pride to the Lestrange name with what you do.

With sincere regards,
Lucius Malfoy

The letter had caused a mix of emotions inside of Joa. Whilst she was grateful for what her uncle had done for her, the ministry car meant she wouldn’t have to go on that dreaded Knight Bus  again, the fact an auror was accompanying her gave her a sense of unease. Of course the ministry would be concerned because she was going to Hogwarts, her mother’s legacy has cast a large shadow over her and an auror’s presence in the car wouldn’t make it the most comfortable ride. Joa didn’t know any aurors, she didn’t know many people to be fair but it did make her a bit uneasy. She hadn’t even learned any spells yet, but of course a Lestrange would need watching wouldn’t they? 

Joa wouldn’t let the fact that she had had an escort to Edinburgh ruin her day however; she was going to Edinbrugh and after that, she’d be at Hogwarts. She’d be off into the world and she would be learning magic, performing spells, brewing potions. There was so much that would await her once she arrived at the castle. There was so much to see, so much to learn and that made her grin from ear to ear. Hogwarts would not only be a place for her to learn, it would be an escape from the lonely and dreary manor. Maybe she would make some friends too. Joa had Draco yes, but he was her cousin so does that really count? A few people who also loved reading, that’s who Joa thought she would get on with most. 

The ministry car was due to arrive at half three on the dot, it would arrive at Edinburgh with half an hour to spare for Joa to wait for the Hogwarts Express which would arrive at five o’clock. Despite having packed and repacked many times the night before, Joa was still certain she was forgetting something. She opened her trunk again but everything was there. Her robes were there, her textbooks, everything was packed except for her wand which was stored in her pocket. Joa had gotten into the habit of twirling the curved instrument whenever she was reading textbooks, especially when she was reading something that she didn’t fully understand. Shutting her trunk, she left it by the front door as she crept up the stairs for what would be the last time until next summer. There was something she needed to do before she could go to Hogwarts, something she had never done before.

Joa Lestrange stood outside the door, her small hand hesitating just inches from the brass handle that gleamed dully in the dim hallway. The rest of the Lestrange Manor was silent, save for the house-elves that were busying themselves somewhere in the manor. Her heart was racing. The door before her had always been closed, untouched for as long as she could remember. It was her mother’s room- the room of Bellatrix Lestrange, the woman who had given her life but whom she had never known. Over the years, she had walked past it countless times, always giving it a glance but she had always held back from opening it. She had never gone beyond holding the cold handle, she never even twisted it but today Joa felt different. She had barely slept the night before, too nervous, too excited, her mind swirling with thoughts of what Hogwarts might be like causing her to oversleep the train leaving London, fortunately not her ride to Edinburgh though. But as the time ticked closer to half past three another thought had entered her mind- a persistent whisper telling her that she couldn’t leave without knowing something, without knowing what was behind the door. What was her mother’s room like? 

Her hand shook as she reached for the door. What would she find behind it? Would it be a room frozen in time, untouched since her mother’s departure to Azkaban, or had it been cleared out long ago by the house-elves, leaving nothing but a cold, empty space? Joa swallowed hard and pressed her palm against the cold metal of the handle. With a soft click, the door creaked open, revealing a room cloaked in shadows.

Joa stepped inside, her small frame slipping through the narrow crack in the door. As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she was struck by how still everything was. Dust motes floated in the air, disturbed by her entrance, catching the weak light filtering in through a single, tall window on the far side of the room that was hidden by slightly translucent curtains that hung like shrouds. The air smelled faintly of something old and forgotten, but there was another scent too- something faintly floral, like the lingering trace of perfume long since faded. The room was larger than Joa had expected, with high ceilings and an almost shadow-like interior that was penetrated by the lonely window. Dark, heavy furniture filled the space, covered in layers of dust. Clearly the house-elves had not entered here also, whether it was out of respect or fear for her mother, Joa didn’t know.

There was a four-poster bed draped in dark green silk, its sheets untouched for years, so perfectly made and pristine that they looked like they may never have been slept in. A pair of boots, scuffed and worn, lay by the foot of the bed, as though Bellatrix had taken them off one evening and would return to put them on again. A large wardrobe stood against one wall, its doors slightly ajar, revealing neatly hung robes- some black, others deep red or emerald. A vanity stood in the corner, its surface cluttered with old vials of perfume, a few open, their scents long faded. Joa’s gaze drifted to the mirror above the vanity. The glass was cracked in one corner, the fracture running through the reflection like a scar. For a moment, Joa imagined her mother standing there, looking into the mirror, preparing for something- perhaps another battle, another mission for the Dark Lord. 

Joa took a tentative step forward, her shoes making no sound on the thick, dark carpet beneath her feet. She felt as though she were intruding on something sacred, something forbidden, yet there was no one to stop her. There was no one to forbid her from entering this room before but it had felt wrong to. It was and always would be her mother’s room. Joa felt like an intruder even though she was still in her home. She ran her hand over a dark green, velvet armchair, the dust that lay for a decade undisturbed, decorated her fingertip; the one imperfection amongst the flawless peace of the room.

Her gaze fell onto a table, tucked away in the corner of the room and her breath caught in her throat. There, half-buried under a thick layer of dust, was a photograph. Joa’s heart sped up as she moved toward it, her fingers trembling as she picked it up, softly blowing to get a clearer view of the image. The photograph was old, curved from being held so many years ago but the image was clear. It was a picture of her as a baby, cradled in her mother’s arms. Bellatrix was smiling in the photograph- a strange, unsettling smile that didn’t reach her eyes. There was a softness in the way she held Joa though, with a tenderness that was a complete contrast to her cruel reputation. Despite what many who knew her mother would think, this photograph was proof to Joa that Bellatrix did once care for her daughter. Joa chose not to wonder if her mother still did, now she was locked away with the dementors.

Joa carefully set the photograph back down atop the dust laden table, a tear threatening to fall from her one remaining eye. Her mother had cared for her and that made Joa’s heart ache with longing for the woman she had never known. Maybe one day, maybe far in the future, she could meet her. But Joa knew this would never happen. Her mother was in Azkaban and she would never be allowed to visit her. Visits to the prison were infrequent and only for ministry officials in extremely rare circumstances. There was no way she’d be allowed to drop by for a quick visit, especially considering how dangerous her mother was known to be.

With one final look into the room, Joa stepped out and gently closed the door with a creak, leaving the room almost exactly how it was. She made her way downstairs with the newfound knowledge of her mother’s love for her. She felt a deep sense of contentment within her as she made her way downstairs and picked up her trunk, fully packed, ready for the next stage in her life. The Lestrange manor felt less empty now that she had been in that room, ironic as she was about to leave, but at least it would be a better place to return than she was leaving it. 

It was almost time for the car to arrive as Joa sat outside the manor, her small figure dwarfed by the grandiose and towering stone columns that flanked the entrance. Joa sat on top of her trunk and watched down the long, winding road that approached her home. Her heart was racing with anticipation as she spotted the Ministry car that was taking her to Edinburgh. It was the only car that had been on this road in a long time so Joa immediately knew it was for her. A sleek, dark vehicle pulled into view, its enchanted wheels gliding smoothly across the uneven stones. The car was an elegant, old-fashioned thing, with polished black panels that gleamed in the pale morning light. Its design was reminiscent of an era long past, a subtle nod to the magical world’s tendency to cling to traditions even in the face of muggle modernity. As the car came to a halt in front of her, the door clicked open with a soft hum, revealing a young faced driver with an expressionless face, his eyes focused straight ahead at her. He took her trunk and placed it in the boot before gesturing for her to climb into the back seat, next to the figure of someone arguably as infamous as her mother.

“Get in, girl,” the voice of Alastor Moody growled, his voice rough and gravelly. “We haven’t got all day.”

Joa climbed into the backseat, settling into the plush leather as the door closed behind her with a soft thud. The air inside the car was thick with an unspoken tension, the kind that made her stomach churn with both excitement and anxiety. Moody sat across from her, his gnarled hands resting on his knees as he continued to study her. For a moment, she considered the irony of it all: an Auror tasked with escorting the daughter of Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the most feared Death Eaters in history. A shiver ran down her spine, not from fear, but from the weight of her family’s name hanging over her. She shifted nervously in her seat, her fingers tapping lightly on the inside door handle as she watched the countryside start to blur past the window.

The enchanted wheels glided silently across the cobblestones. Joa stared out of the window, watching the twisted trees and dark hedgerows of the Lestrange estate fade into the distance. A strange, bittersweet feeling washed over her as the manor disappeared from view. It had been her home for so long, but now, for the first time longer than a day trip, she was leaving it behind. She was now on her way to Hogwarts. 

For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence in the car was thick, almost suffocating. Joa stole a glance at Moody, who was sitting rigidly, his face half-shadowed by the flickering light. His electric-blue magical eye spun lazily in its socket, scanning their surroundings without pause, more often than not at her, whilst his normal eye remained fixed straight at her. Joa could feel the weight of his scrutiny, the silent judgement that hung between them like a sword poised to drop. His rough, scarred hands rested on his knees, his posture tense and alert, as though he expected an attack at any moment. 

Joa bit her lip, wondering if she should say something as she fidgeted with her robe. The silence between them felt strange, almost unnatural. She was nervous- this was only her second journey outside the safety of Lestrange Manor, her second real step into the wider magical world- and the weight of Moody’s presence only added to her growing anxiety. But at the same time, there was an unmistakable spark of excitement within her. She was going to Hogwarts. The thought was enough to make her stomach flip with anticipation.

But before Joa could summon the courage to say something first, her guard broke the silence, though his voice remained low and gruff as though speaking to her was an effort he’d rather not expend.

“So,” he began, his eyes narrowing slightly as they studied her, “you’re Bellatrix Lestrange’s daughter.”

It wasn’t a question. His tone carried with it the weight of years of suspicion, distrust, and perhaps even a little disdain. Joa shifted in her seat, her back straightening a little as she met his gaze. She continued to fidget nervously with her robes as she couldn’t meet his eyes- either his regular or his mechanical one.  She had been expecting her mother to be mentioned, but that didn’t stop the flood of emotions it stirred in her. Curiosity. Fear. Longing.

“Yes,” she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper, her accent lilting the edges of the words. “I… I am.”

Moody’s magical eye spun rapidly, as if trying to discern some hidden truth in her small, nervous frame before continuing its ceaseless sweep of the countryside. He leaned back slightly, his expression unchanged.

“Hmph,” he grunted, the sound rough and unimpressed, as if the very fact were something he had already known but wanted to hear confirmed. “I suppose you know who your mother is. What she’s done.”

Joa swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the hem of her cloak. The name Bellatrix Lestrange carried with it a legacy of terror, cruelty, and dark magic. She knew the stories. She had heard them all her life, from the house-elves, even from the rare visitors who came to the manor and cast furtive glances her way. But knowing the stories and knowing the woman were two very different things. She had never met her mother. Not once. And yet, Bellatrix’s shadow loomed over her like a constant reminder of the blood that ran through her veins.

“Yes,” Joa whispered. “I’ve heard the stories.”

“Stories, eh?” His tone had a hard edge to it, as though he didn’t believe for a moment that ‘stories’ was all she knew. “And what do you think of those stories? Of the woman your mother was?”

Joa felt her chest tighten. This was not an easy question, and she wasn’t sure how to answer it. What did she think? She had grown up hearing tales of Bellatrix’s cruelty from the house-elves, of her obsession with the Dark Lord, of the terrible things she had done in his name. And yet, despite all of that, she longed to know her mother, to be with her, to feel loved. But she also knew that any expression of that longing would be met with disdain, especially from someone like Moody.

“I don’t know,” Joa said carefully, choosing her words with caution. “I never knew her. She... she was gone before I could remember anything. All I know is what others have told me. People… people hated her.”

Moody’s magical eye swivelled back to her, and his human eye narrowed further. For a moment, he said nothing, the silence in the car growing heavy once more. When he finally spoke, his voice was harsh, filled with a mixture of anger and something else- something darker.

“Hated, you say?” Moody’s voice was low and gravelly, as though he were speaking through clenched teeth. “Hate’s too simple a word for someone like your mother. Hate doesn’t cover the terror, the pain, the madness she caused. She wasn’t just a Death Eater, girl. She was the Death Eater. Darker and more dangerous than most of them. Enjoyed it, too.”

Joa’s throat felt tight, her stomach twisting into knots. She had heard these things before—of course she had—but hearing them from someone like Moody, someone who had faced her mother and lived to tell the tale, made them feel all the more real.

“She killed,” Moody continued, his voice a low growl that caused Joa to flinch. “Tortured. Left nothing but destruction in her wake. All in the name of the Dark Lord. And she didn’t stop there. No. She enjoyed it. Took pleasure in the suffering she caused. Some people, you see, they do terrible things because they think they have to, because they’re following orders. But not your mother. She did it because she wanted to. Because she liked it.”

Joa felt her breath hitch in her throat. She wanted to argue, to defend the mother she had never known, but the weight of Moody’s words pressed down on her, suffocating any sense of protest she might have had. Instead, she remained silent, her eyes fixed on the worn, scarred leather of Moody’s boots as the car continued its smooth, silent journey through the countryside. The car lurched slightly as it took a sharp turn, and Joa glanced out of the window, watching the landscape blur by. They were getting closer to Edinburgh now. The excitement that had bubbled within her earlier was now tempered by a heavy weight in her chest, a reminder of who she was, of what people would think of her.

“Do you think they’ll be afraid of me?” Joa asked quietly, her eyes still focused on the scenery that was becoming less natural and more built up by the second.

Moody grunted, his magical eye spinning once more before settling on her. “Some of them, yes. And rightly so. You’ve got a name that makes people nervous, girl. They remember your mother. They remember the war. Your existence is a reminder of those dark times.”

“Are you afraid of me?” Joa asked before she could stop herself, her voice trembling slightly.

Moody’s eyebrows shot up, and for the first time, a flicker of amusement crossed his scarred face. “Afraid of you?” he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief. “Hah! I’ve faced Death Eaters, Dark Lords, and creatures you can’t even imagine. You? You’re just a kid, Lestrange.”

Joa felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she didn’t break eye contact. “I know,” she said softly, “but... people will think I’m like her. I don’t want that.”

Moody’s expression darkened again, the amusement gone as quickly as it had appeared. “Doesn’t matter what you want, girl. People see what they want to see. And if they see Bellatrix in you, that’s what they’ll believe. It’s up to you to prove them wrong. Or right.”

The rest of the journey passed in silence, with only the soft hum of the car’s enchanted engine filling the air. Joa watched the landscape shift from rolling hills and dense forests to the cobbled streets and narrow alleys of Edinburgh. The city bustled with activity, witches and wizards weaving through the streets alongside Muggles, unaware of the magical world that coexisted with their own. Finally, the car came to a halt outside the station and the driver stepped out, opening the door for Joa before retrieving her trunk from the boot. With a murmured extension of gratitude Joa took it from him as she and Moody climbed out of the car. As Moody got out of the car, his movements were slow and deliberate as he scanned the area with both his normal and magical eyes. Joa followed, stepping out onto the cobblestone street with a small shiver as the crisp Edinburgh air hit her. The station loomed in front of her, dark and imposing, the distant sound of trains and the bustle of Muggle travellers filling the air.

“This way,” Moody grunted, nodding toward the hidden entrance.

Joa followed close behind, clutching her small suitcase tightly in her hands as they made their way toward the station. She could feel the magic in the air thickening as they approached, like a veil of energy just waiting to be passed through. The entrance itself was nothing remarkable at first glance—just a narrow archway between two buildings, almost too small for a person to walk through without turning sideways. But as they stepped closer, Joa noticed a faint shimmer in the air, like the surface of a pond disturbed by a single ripple. The magic was subtle, but it was there, marking the divide between the Muggle world and the magical one. Joa swallowed hard, gripping the handle of her trunk tightly. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and then, without looking back, she stepped forward.

For a split second, the world blurred around her. The air felt denser, thicker, and there was a faint pressure against her chest, as though she were pushing through an invisible barrier. Then, with a soft pop, she emerged on the other side.

The sound of the Hogwarts Express filled her ears immediately—the hiss of steam, the distant clatter of the train’s wheels as they settled into place on the tracks. Platform Nine and Three-Quarters was bustling with activity, but in a way that was different from the Muggle side. Wizards and witches, young and old, moved about, some bidding farewell to their children, others boarding the scarlet train that stood proudly in the centre of the platform. The air was thick with excitement, and the chatter of students filled the space, mixing with the cries of owls and the occasional bark of a toad. Joa’s heart raced as she took in the scene. It was everything she had imagined and more. She had dreamed of this moment for as long as she could remember- her first step into the world of Hogwarts, the world of magic.

She spotted him almost immediately. Her cousin, Draco Malfoy, stood hanging off the train, his pale hair gleaming in the sunlight, his posture as stiff and proud as ever. He was already dressed in his school robes, which were impeccably neat, and beside him stood two hulking boys that Joa recognized from his letters as Crabbe and Goyle, their expressions as blank as she had imagined. Draco caught sight of her, and for a moment, his face flickered with something—a mix of surprise and something else that Joa couldn’t quite place. He said something to Crabbe and Goyle before striding over to her, his chin lifted slightly, his expression carefully controlled.

“Joa,” he said as he approached, his voice sharp and precise. “I wasn’t sure you’d make it. Moody giving you trouble, was he?”

Joa shook her head, trying to find her voice. “No,” she managed to say, though her mouth felt dry. “He just… brought me here.”

Draco raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering over her as though assessing her. “Good. Can’t have you missing your first train to Hogwarts, can we? Come on. I’ve saved us a compartment,” he said, gesturing to the train. 

As they boarded the train, Joa couldn’t help but feel a mixture of relief and nervousness. The compartment Draco had reserved was at the very back of the train, away from the bustle of the other students. It was a small space, but comfortable, with deep maroon seats and large windows that overlooked the platform. Joa slid into one of the seats, her heart racing as she tried to take it all in. Draco sat across from her, his expression unreadable. Crabbe and Goyle sat closest to the door. For a moment, there was silence between them, the distant sounds of the platform fading as the train prepared to depart. Joa fidgeted with the edge of her robe, unsure of what to say. Draco seemed so composed, so in control. She felt like a child in comparison, overwhelmed by everything even though they were the same age.

The train’s whistle blew again, and with a sudden lurch, the Hogwarts Express began to move. The platform outside slowly disappeared from view as the train picked up speed, and Joa felt a rush of exhilaration as she realised that she was truly on her way to Hogwarts. As the train sped through the Scottish countryside, the conversation in the compartment flowed around her, though Joa remained mostly quiet, content to listen and observe. Draco and his friends were discussing Quidditch and Hogwarts houses, with the older boys debating which house they would be sorted into.

“I’ll be in Slytherin, of course,” Draco said with confidence, leaning back in his seat. “It’s the only house worth being in.” The others nodded in agreement, their voices rising as they discussed the merits of Slytherin over the other houses. Joa listened in silence, her mind wandering. Would she be sorted into Slytherin too? It seemed almost inevitable, given her family’s history. But part of her wondered if there was another path for her-one that didn’t follow in her mother’s footsteps.

“I’ll probably be Slytherin too…” Joa said quietly, attempting to join in with her cousin and his friends’ conversation. 

Draco looked at her with a slight smile.

“You should be, cousin. It is the only prestigious house after all and besides, you are a Lestrange and I am a Malfoy. It’s where we are meant to be. With the noble houses.” He almost sneered as he said this, it was something Joa didn’t like about her cousin. “It would be unheard of for both our families if we weren’t sorted into Slytherin, we’d be a stain on our family’s names.” He paused, for a moment before adding a comment that was very uncalled for. “Not that you could do anything worse than your mother though.” Joa’s heart ached as she suppressed her anger. Comments like that, she knew would follow her but it still hurt to hear from her family.

“I guess…” Joa responded, non-committedly as she looked out the window at the Scottish countryside, not wanting to reveal her true feelings. Draco, oblivious to her discomfort, continued talking, now shifting the conversation to his expectations of being at Hogwarts. Crabbe and Goyle just nodded along with whatever he said, offering no original thoughts of their own. The hours passed slowly as the train made its way through the Scottish Highlands, the scenery becoming more rugged and majestic as they drew closer to their destination. Joa tried to distract herself by reading through her journal, though she found it hard to focus. The anticipation of what lay ahead made it difficult to concentrate. Her thoughts flitted from the Sorting Ceremony to the classes she would take, to the professors she had heard about from Draco, and back to her constant worry about being judged by her family name.

As the sky darkened and the train began to slow, signalling that they were nearing Hogwarts, a rush of excitement ran through the students. Conversations grew louder, and students began bustling about in the corridors, pulling on their school robes and preparing for the arrival. As the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, the excited chatter of students reached a crescendo. The station platform was dimly lit, and rain had begun to fall softly, misting the windows of the train. The sound of the brakes squealing to a halt sent a shiver down Joa’s spine. This was it. She had finally arrived. The train doors slid open with a hissing sound, and students began spilling out onto the platform, their voices blending together in a symphony of excitement and anticipation. Joa followed Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle out of the compartment, feeling the cool, damp air hit her face as she stepped onto the platform.

The scene before her was one of controlled chaos. Students in their Hogwarts robes hurried to gather their belongings, chatting excitedly with friends, while older students shepherded the younger ones toward the waiting carriages. In the distance, the towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle loomed, barely visible through the mist and rain, its turrets and towers piercing the dark sky.

"Hurry up, first-years!" a loud, booming voice echoed across the platform. Joa turned to see a giant of a man standing near the edge of the platform, waving his enormous hand to gather the attention of the first-year students. His wild hair and beard made him look even more imposing, though his smile was warm and welcoming. "First-years! This way! Come along now!"

"That’s Hagrid," Draco muttered, sneering slightly as he glanced at the towering figure. "Half-giant. Father says he’s a complete oaf."

Joa didn’t respond, though she found herself intrigued by Hagrid. He certainly seemed friendly, and the other first-years were already moving toward him eagerly. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath before heading toward the group of first-years gathering around Hagrid. As she joined the others, she noticed that many of the students were eyeing her curiously, some even whispering to each other. She kept her head down, trying to ignore the attention, though she couldn’t help but feel the familiar weight of judgement pressing down on her.

"Right, first-years! Over ‘ere!" Hagrid called, his voice booming as he waved them toward him. "We’re takin’ the boats across the lake to get to the castle. Mind yer step, now."

Joa followed the other first-years as they made their way down a narrow path that led to the edge of a large, black lake. The mist hung low over the water, making the scene feel even more surreal. Small, wooden boats were waiting at the water’s edge, bobbing gently in the waves.

"Four to a boat!" Hagrid called, guiding the students toward the boats.

Joa hesitated for a moment before stepping into one of the boats with three other students she didn’t recognize. The boat rocked slightly as she sat down, but it felt sturdy enough. The other students were chattering nervously, clearly as excited and anxious as she was.

"Everyone ready?" Hagrid called, stepping into a boat of his own, which sank a little lower into the water under his massive weight. "Off we go, then!"

With a wave of Hagrid’s hand, the boats began to move, gliding smoothly across the surface of the lake. Joa gripped the edge of the boat, her heart racing as they moved further out onto the water. The mist swirled around them, and for a moment, everything felt eerily quiet. Then, as they rounded a bend in the lake, the mist began to clear, and the towering form of Hogwarts Castle came into view.

Joa’s breath caught in her throat as she gazed up at the magnificent structure. The castle was enormous, its spires reaching up into the sky, illuminated by the soft glow of torches and the flicker of lights in the windows. The sight was breathtaking, and for a moment, all of her worries and fears melted away, replaced by a sense of awe and wonder.

"This is it," one of the students in the boat whispered, their voice filled with excitement. "We’re really here."

Joa nodded, unable to find the words to express how she was feeling. She had heard stories about Hogwarts her entire life, but seeing it in person was something entirely different. The castle felt alive, its magic palpable in the air.

The boats continued their smooth journey across the lake, and soon they reached the far shore, where a set of stone steps led up to the castle’s grand entrance. Hagrid was already there, helping the first-years out of the boats and guiding them toward the steps.

"Up ye go, now!" Hagrid called, ushering the students forward. "The start-of-term feast is about to begin, and you don’t want to miss it!"

Joa climbed out of the boat, her legs feeling unsteady as she stepped onto the shore. The other first-years were huddling together, their excitement and nerves evident in their wide eyes and whispered conversations. This was it. Hogwarts. She was finally here.