Dangerously Yours - Mattheo Riddle

The Boat Ride

Alora looked up as she heard a loud voice echo through the train: 'We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately.'

Alora's stomach lurched with nerves, she looked over at Mattheo who sat across from her. He looked the same as he always did, cold and unbothered. Alora fidgeted nervously as she watched Theodore, Jasper and Astra all begin to shove their treats into their pockets, Astra shot her a small grin and stepped closer to her. 

Alora instantly felt more relaxed at her presence. She looked across at Astra as she felt her softly nudge her arm into her side. Astra was smiling down at her, "dont worry Potter, it's gonna be fine.'

Alora didn't know why, but she trusted her almost instantly, nodding her head softly. 

The train slowed right down and finally stopped. People pushed their way towards the door and out on to a tiny, dark platform. Alora shook slightly as she felt goosebumps cover her arms in the cold night air. Then a lamp came bobbing over the heads of the students. 

Alora felt someone towering over to her. She looked up and was met with dark brown eyes, "quit worrying so much freckles, you've been excited the whole train ride... just think back to that excitement."

Alora nodded her head softly. He's right. She thought, trying her best to calm her nerves. She looked over at Astra who was conversing with Theodore... she looked like she couldn't wait to get to the castle, not a hint of fear in her. 

'Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here! All right there, Alora?'

"You know him?" she heard Astra asked her, her voice filled with confusion. Alora nodded her head, smiling softly at Astra

Hagrid's big hairy face beamed over the sea of heads. He must have noticed that she was panicking, so she sent him a small nod

'C'mon, follow me – any more firs'-years? Mind yer step, now! Firs'-years follow me!'

Slipping and stumbling, they followed Hagrid down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path. Alora tried to keep herself calm... it was getting more and more dark the further they walked. "As-" she went to turn to her friend but as she looked around, she couldn't see her anywhere. She looked around some more, searching the crowd of first years for Astra. 

"She was looking at something on the side of the path and fell behind... dont worry, I'm pretty sure Rowle stayed behind with her," she heard someone speak up, she looked over and saw Theodore who was also looking behind them, his height came to an advantage as he managed to catch a small glimpse of Jasper and Astra who were now at the back of the group, bickering about something

"Yep, theyre fine," Theodore snickered, turning back to face the front, shaking his head at the sight

"Are you sure we should leave them alone? Back in the train it seemed like they hated each other," Mattheo spoke up, his eyebrows raised

"Jasper's a dick, im hoping she'll sort him out," Theodore shrugged

"Wish her luck with that," Mattheo said, rolling his eyes

'Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec,' Hagrid called over his shoulder, 'jus' round this bend here.'

There was a loud 'Oooooh!'. Abruptly, the slender path widened, revealing a breathtaking view of a massive, obsidian lake. On the far side of the lake, atop a towering mountain, a magnificent castle perched like a sentinel against the star-studded night sky. Its grandeur was illuminated by the shimmering lights that emanated from countless windows, adorning it with numerous turrets and majestic towers.