Harry Potter and The Daughter of Sirius Black. [CedricxOc and DracoxOc]

Train to School.

Arista Gryffindor's point of view.

The train rattled along the tracks, a rhythmic lull that had lulled Remus into a deep sleep across from me. I watched him for a moment, his face relaxed, oblivious to the world around him. I knew he could hear me, though—he always did, even in his sleep. With a playful grin, I leaned closer, my voice a whisper, "I'm going to find Cedric." Remus grumbled, a sound somewhere between a protest and a dream, and I couldn't help but giggle. 

I leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his head, then slipped out of the compartment, leaving Snuffles to keep him company. As I walked through the train cars, I felt a thrill of excitement. It was our first journey back to Hogwarts, and I was determined to make the most of it. Four cars down from where I had been, I approached Cedric's compartment. With a light knock on the door, I caught their attention. 

Looking up from a picture he had been studying, Cedric's face broke into a smile that lit up the train. He stood up and pulled me into a warm embrace, his lips brushing against my cheek. "I missed you," he murmured, the warmth of his breath sending a flutter through my chest. "I missed—" "Give her here!" The girls chimed in unison, yanking me from Cedric's arms and enveloping me in their own excited hugs. 

I laughed, trying to keep my balance among the whirlwind of affection as I returned high-fives and fist bumps from the guys, who stood back, amused by the chaos." How was the summer with your uncle?" Cedric asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. I could barely contain my smile. "It was amazing, absolutely amazing! He taught me some really advanced spells, and I'm just so happy. Growing up with Draco, I always felt like I had to be the worst of us two." Cedric nodded, 

Recalling the countless stories I had shared about my life with Draco and the constant comparisons that had weighed on me. As the train sped forward, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter, but halfway through our journey, I decided to change into something more comfortable. "See you later, love," I said to Cedric, giving him a quick kiss and waving to the others before stepping out of the compartment. 

As I made my way back to my own car, I was greeted by Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who were all gathered near Snuffles. "Oh hello, guys!" I said cheerfully. They greeted me back, each wearing their own expressions of relief and happiness to see me. "Hey Snuffles, you keeping out of trouble?" I asked, bending down to scratch his feathers. He chirped in response, while I felt a gentle nudge from Remus as he shifted in his sleep. 

I rolled my eyes, accustomed to his sleepy antics. After changing, I returned to the compartment, but just as I stepped inside, the train shook violently. The lights flickered and went out, plunging us into darkness. Panic surged through me as I rushed out of the bathroom, my heart racing. What I saw in the hall froze me in place. A Dementor, its head and upper body looming into our compartment, sent chills down my spine. 

Instinct kicked in, and I whipped out my wand, my voice strong despite the fear. "Expecto Patronum!" In a burst of shimmering light, my Patronus—a magnificent Occamy—shot forth, slamming into the Dementor and pushing it back out of the window. I rushed back inside, my heart pounding. Remus stood in the compartment, wand raised, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. 

He shot me an 'are you serious?' look, and I shrugged apologetically. His gaze then shifted to Harry, who was slumped against the wall, unconscious. "He'll be fine; he just fainted," I reassured, watching as Hermione and Ron nodded in relief. I stepped into the compartment, taking a seat next to Cedric, who looked both worried and impressed. Harry sprawled across an entire seat, still out cold. 

"Harry! Harry! Are you alright?" Hermione urged, shaking him gently. I could see her worry etched across her face. A moment later, Harry blinked awake, confusion clouding his eyes as Hermione handed him his glasses. "Thank you," he murmured, adjusting them. Remus quickly shoved a piece of chocolate into his hands. "Here, eat this. It'll help. It's alright; it's chocolate." Sitting up, Harry glanced around at us, clearly trying to piece together what had happened. 

"Wh-what was that thing?" His voice trembled, and I could feel the tension in the air. "A Dementor, one of the dark ghost like guards of Azkaban," I explained, crossing my arms as anger bubbled within me. I hated those creatures. They fed on despair, and I had no love for their presence. I'm also quite sure it can be seen and felt from my attitude. Harry looked at me in shock, the weight of the revelation settling in. "It was on the train looking for Sirius Black." 

"What's wrong, Arista?" he asked, taking a tentative bite of the chocolate, his eyes studying me. "Don't mind her; she's just a little... moody," Remus said with a dismissive wave and a knowing smile as he was trying to lighten the mood. I gave a sarcastic bow, my voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "You're welcome." With a huff, I left the compartment and made my way back to Cedric's side, needing the comfort of our friends after the harrowing encounter. 

I settled down beside him, grateful for his presence as the train chugged on toward Hogwarts, where more adventures awaited us.

***

Arista and Cedric sat together on the Hogwarts Express, the rhythmic clattering of the train a comforting backdrop. The others of their friend group mostly Cedric's classmates, had stepped out to talk to other students, leaving the young couple alone to catch up. The excitement of returning to school buzzed around them, but their focus was on each other. Cedric was watching Arista intently, she was adjusting the hair ornament she'd gotten from Cedric that Yule.

"Tell me about your summer," Cedric prompted, his gaze soft and warm. Arista smiled softly, her eyes drifting to the window. As blush filled her face, the fading sun hiding it in it's setting light. But Cedric is fully aware of how to get a sweet rise out of Arista. "It was different. I spent the whole summer with Remus. We talked a lot. About my mum... Arin." Cedric leaned in, curiosity evident on his face. 

"What was she like?" Arista took a breath, gathering her thoughts. "She was... vibrant. Full of life. Remus shared stories about their time at Hogwarts. They were inseparable back then." Cedric's expression softened. "That sounds special. Did you learn anything new about her?" She nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "Yes. Remus told me about the little things. How she loved to sneak into the library at night. It made me feel closer to her."

Cedric reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I can't imagine how it must feel to hear those stories. To connect with her like that." "It was healing," she admitted. "But it also reminded me of what I lost. I wanted to know her more. Really know her." "Sometimes, talking about them helps keep their memory alive," Cedric said softly. "It's like they're still a part of you." "Exactly," Arista replied, her eyes glistening. 

"And I realized how much she influenced who I am. I can see pieces of her in me. It's comforting." "What about you and Remus? Did you bond over her?" Cedric asked, intrigued. "Definitely. We spent hours reminiscing. I learned about their adventures, and it was like I could picture them. Young and fearless. It made me wish I could have known her as a student, like we are now." Cedric smiled gently. "You're carrying her legacy with you. That's powerful, Arista."

"Thanks, Cedric. That means a lot," she said, her heart swelling with affection. "What about you? How was your summer?" "It was good. I spent time with my family, trained for Quidditch. But I missed you," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "I missed you too," Arista confessed, her cheeks warming. "It's nice to reconnect." "It is," he agreed, leaning a little closer. "I'm glad we can share these moments together."

Arista met his gaze, a spark igniting between them. "Me too. I feel like we can talk about anything." "Exactly," Cedric said, his voice low and sincere. "I want to be here for you. Always." She smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. They had both experienced loss. But in this moment, together, they were healing. The train sped on, carrying them back to Hogwarts, where new memories awaited.