
Home Again
Delilah
It was 7pm when the train pulled into the station that night. I gently shake Mattheo awake and tell him we arrived.
"Hello there sleepy head." I teased softly when he stood up and stretched. He chuckled, kissed my cheek and grabbed my hand to lead me out of the train.
"I am starving." Pansy groaned, and Daphne nodded in agreement.
"I hope they have pudding." I hear from behind me. I turn to see Luna and Blaise walking hand in hand and I smile at the pair.
Luna and Blaise started dating last November, and they are honestly the sweetest. She makes him so happy, and Blaise deserves all the happiness. Luna has earned a place in our group, and Draco has a soft spot for her. He treats her like a little sister. It's adorable to see him soften, for her and Astoria.
We reached the carriages, and piled in like we always do.
"I don't know about you, but I might turn in for the night, eat a big breakfast." Mattheo said, and we all turned to look at him in confusion.
"Mate, are you feeling alright." Theo said, genuinely concerned.
Mattheo nodded, but I knew he was lying.
"No big thing, just tired. It's a Sunday tomorrow so I can rest up for Monday classes."
I furrowed my eyebrows, but I wasn't going to push him to talk in front of our group. I just put my head on his shoulder and snuggled into him.
“I hope they have pudding.” Luna said, her dreamy voice floating through the air.
“OO! Maybe they’ll have those mashed potatoes! The ones that they served at the end of term feast.” Theo added, his eyes sparkling at the mention of his true love, food.
“Why don’t you look at me the way you look at potatoes?” Daphne mumbled, an exaggerated frown on her face.
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The great hall was buzzing with conversation, as it always is the first night. I could see Mattheo was tense, so I squeezed his hand and led him into the quiet hallway.
"Are you sure you don't want to eat? You know it isn't healthy to skip a meal, Mattheo."
"Yes, I'm sure. I am honestly not hungry. You go ahead and eat, I'll be in the common room when you finish." He said, kissing my head and walking off towards a stairway.
Sighing, I decide to walk back into the great hall. The sorting had only just commenced and I could barely see through the flood of first years awaiting their house assignments.
I sat down next to Theo, who was currently arguing with Draco about quidditch…again.
“Ok, I just don’t understand. I have been on the team since 2nd year. Every. Single Year. And you’re telling me that I still have to try out?”
“Pretty much, mate.”
“Draco, you’re the captain. Why can’t you just reserve a spot for me.” Theo pleaded.
“No.”
“I hope you fall off your broom.”
“Theo!” I scolded.
He grinned at me before turning to talk to a first year who had sat down at some point.
I sighed, resting my head in my palm as I scanned the large room. I could see Hermione, Ron and Harry at the Gryffindor table. I caught Hermione’s eye and she waved. I gave her a big smile and a small wave in acknowledgement.
She’s nice. Her and Pansy get along well so I’ve seen a lot of her since 2nd year, when they actually became friends.
“What do you reckon the pink princess over there is gonna be teaching?” Pansy asked us, and we all turned to see a woman in the most embarrassing outfit I have ever seen, tied together with a sickeningly sweet smile that was obviously fake.
“Oh merlin, that’s Dolores Umbridge, from the Ministry of Magic. Nasty woman, I hear my father complaining about her all the time. Saw her in the Daily Prophet the other day.” Astoria said, dread lacing her tone.
“Oh goodie. That’s just what Hogwarts needs. Another ministry spy.” Draco drawled, rolling his eyes.
I eyed Umbridge, her smile plastered to her very hittable face.
Oh this will be fun, I thought to myself with a smirk.
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“Oh you should’ve seen her, she was absolutely repulsing. She looked like a hot pink cauldron cake.” I teased, laying on my stomach on the common room rug, Pansy sat on my back double french braiding my hair.
Mattheo sat on the sofa with a smirk, listening to Pansy and I gossip.
“OH! And, get this. I heard that Sirius Black was spotted at Kings Cross. He was allegedly seeing Potter off.” Pansy exclaimed, buzzing with joy.
She loves gossip.
“Uhh, I don’t know Pans. As much as I hate to say it, he’s too smart to slip up that bad. Ow!” I said, wincing as I felt her pull at a sensitive bundle of hairs.
“Sorry. Anyway, it's just interesting to me. I mean, he’s been hiding for 2 years now. If it were me, I would be taking risks.” She said, finishing my hair and climbing off my back.
I sat up with a stretch and smiled at Pansy. “Yeah, I guess. Thanks Pansy.”
“Mhm. Are you ready to go to sleep?”
“Yep, I’ll meet you in a sec.” I promised, and Pansy skipped away.
“Well she’s gossipy tonight.” Mattheo smirked.
“When is she not?” I laughed, sitting next to him and laying a head on his shoulder.
“Don’t worry about the future, mon amour. We’re here now. and we’re safe and we’re happy. There’s nothing else I need. Je veux ton amour, rien d’autre.” I said, kissing his head.
“Bonne nuit, amour.” He whispered.
“Bonne nuit.”