Slytherin Roar || Tom Riddle's Era

Chapter 3 || Prophecy Setting In Motion

Standing before the wall of the London platform, I couldn't stop doubting if this was the right way to enter platform 9 ¾ to the Hogwarts Express. Unconsciously, the Mist swirled around me due to my nerves, who knows what the mortals are seeing now. Take your guess.

"Ready?" My father, Joshua Pearce, declared through my pumping blood.

"No," I replied. 

My father chuckled in amusement and waited for me to get ready while my silver tabby cat, Argentum, meowed in annoyance. Taking in a deep breath, I darted towards the brick wall, pushing my cart, and shut my eyes tightly. I half expected to splatter against the hard surface, but instead, I felt the wind rush against my face and heard people chattering.

Opening my eyes, I was greeted by the sunlight from the glass above the station and the hundreds of witches and wizards bustling around saying their farewell to their parents. My father halted beside me and took in everything around him.

"Let's get your things inside the train." He took the handle of my trolly and pushed it through the flood of people. Following suit, I dodged the other limbs and stumbled my way to the train.

Hogwarts Express was long, carrying many compartments. It was polished, the black, red, and green surface shining against the sunlight. Just the sight of it made myself jumpy from my accelerating heart.

"I will miss you," Dad said.

"Me too, but don't worry. I'll come back during the winter holiday," I assured, grinning. He embraced me tightly and stayed in that position for a while. "See you, Dad."

"See you, Vivi. Take care," he whispered against my ear. Separating, he gestured towards the train. "Stay safe"

Chuckling, I shouted over the noise, "I will try!"

Entering the Hogwarts Express, I walked through the bustling students and somehow came into an empty compartment. Sliding the door, I stepped inside and lifted all of my luggage on the rack above the seats. Putting down Argentum's cage beside me, I brought her out, placing the tabby on my lap. Argy purred affectionately and let herself sleep on my thighs. Bringing out the book Annabeth gave me, I started reading while stroking her soft fur, waiting for the train to start moving.

Though, the peaceful moment was ruined like it always, when the door opened and closed with a big bang. Startled, I jumped, causing Argentum to yowl in protest from the disturbance of her slumber. I gazed at the two girls with narrowed eyes in concealed distaste.

"We are so, so sorry. But can we use this compartment with you?" one girl said. She had flowing hazel hair and bright green eyes, a carefree smile lingering on her face. She wore a white sweater with jeans, over that was a shin-length down jacket. "I'm Jasmine Green," she introduced herself. "And this is..."

"Emily Jones," a girl with sandy blonde hair with clear blue eyes said. She had that, 'I-know-everything' smirk curved on her lips cockily and was wearing a black turtleneck with a matching pair of jeans and a slightly tattered grey wool coat that was slightly oversized as if it was worn by an adult for a long time. "Nice to meet you."

"Vivienne Pearce," I tell them bluntly, nodding once.  "You can stay here."

I gestured to the seat in front of me before focusing back on the book. Glancing at Argentum, I saw her staring at Jasmine and Emily apprehensively. A breathy small chuckle left from me as I continued to read my ancient rune book in silence, ignoring the voices from the people sitting ahead of me.

"What are you reading?" Jasmine asked.

Sighing through my nose, slightly annoyed, I peeked over to her from over my page. "Ancient runes."