HEATHENS - Harry Potter ✔

CHAPTER TEN

The icy January wind blew against their faces as they pushed their trollies through King's Cross station. Even clad in hats, scarves and several layers, they couldn't escape the weather, and the cold air found even the tiniest holes and gaps in their clothing to force itself through. They had given their goodbyes to Sirius and Mrs Weasley when they left Grimmauld Place early that morning; Lupin and Tonks escorted them to the train.

"Come on," came Tonks's voice from the front of the group. "Hurry up or you'll miss the train!"

They all hurried across the station as fast as they could, but the layer of snow on the platforms made it difficult to push trollies and drag trunks. Luckily, both Hedwig and Pigwidgeon had remained at the castle for the holidays (since nobody had planned on spending the weeks in London), which reduced their luggage by two owl cages.

Fred had just closed door behind him and the rest of the group when the train set into motion with a lurch that made both Kiera and Ron almost lose balance. They waved at Tonks and Lupin who stood on the platform until they disappeared behind the bend.

"Well – we're going to find Lee," said George. "See you around."

Before any of them had managed to respond, he and Fred had turned and disappeared down the corridor.

Shrugging her book bag onto her shoulder, Ginny said, "Yeah, I'll go find Michael," and followed the twins, dragging her trunk behind her, red hair bouncing with her steps.

And then there were four.

"So, should we go find a compartment?" asked Hermione. Harry and Ron nodded and the three began to walk down the corridor, but Kiera stood still and stared blankly at the colourless houses of London. "Kiera, are you coming?"

The trio had paused some feet away. Kiera stared at Hermione for a moment. "Coming where?"

"To find a compartment," Hermione said, amusement in her voice as one of her eyebrows rose slightly.

Questions and sentences started in her thoughts, only to be cut off in the middle when others appeared on top of them. Kiera's eyebrows knitted together, and she blinked. In the end, she could only phrase one question to completion.

"Why?"

"Because we want you to sit with us," she stated. Ron didn't look like he completely shared the sentiment. "Unless you have other plans?"

"No," said Kiera, grabbing her trunk handle and pulling it behind her to catch up with the others, still feeling a little confused. Though they had got along (unexpectedly) well at Grimmauld Place, she had not expected them to still be in her company at school when they weren't imprisoned in the same house for days and where others might see.

They hadn't walked far when some shouted behind them. "Harry, Hermione, Ron! Over here!"

Neville Longbottom was peeking out of a compartment behind them, waving his hand. The trio immediately began towards their fellow Gryffindor, but Kiera was hesitant; she had never talked with Neville.

But only a few seconds had managed to pass before Harry looked over his shoulder. "Come on, Kiera," he said, nodding his head sideways towards the compartment which Hermione and Ron had already disappeared into.

With one last hesitant look at Harry, Kira followed him into the compartment. She sat down by the door, next to Ron and opposite Harry.

Neville, meanwhile, sent a quizzical look to Hermione who smiled and said, "Neville, this is Kiera Walker. Kiera, this is Neville Longbottom." When the look did not vanish from Neville's face, she continued reassuringly, "She's okay, Neville."