Chapter 14

The weeks leading up to September 1st were a flurry of activity and preparation. With the wand I had purchased from Ollivanders, I devoted myself to practicing spells diligently. The mysterious system guiding me set daily tasks, such as mastering advanced Transfiguration spells. The initial challenge involved transforming a matchstick into a needle—a standard first-year exercise. After achieving that with ease, the system escalated, assigning more intricate tasks like transfiguring a wooden block into a fully detailed bird sculpture.

At first, the spell yielded lumpy and misshapen results. However, after days of trial and error, the bird I created flapped its wings and chirped, its feathers so detailed they looked lifelike. The system seemed to adapt to my growing proficiency, presenting increasingly complex tasks. Completing each one brought tangible rewards, either an invigorating increase in magical power or shiny Galleons that clinked satisfyingly in my purse.

My photographic memory proved invaluable. I devoured the content of our course books, committing every word to memory with ease. The theories, incantations, and magical principles they contained became second nature to me. I even ventured into potion-making, choosing to brew the Cure for Boils, a standard first-year potion. The bubbling cauldron and the precise measurements demanded careful attention, but my first attempt was a resounding success. The system rewarded me with additional magical power for my effort, leaving me thrilled with my progress.

One evening, as I reviewed my notes, I turned to Lily. "Do you want to practice together? It's more fun with someone else."

Lily smiled but shook her head. "No, thank you. I'd rather wait until we're at Hogwarts. I'll figure it out there."

Disappointed but understanding, I let her be. Instead, I poured my energy into perfecting my skills. By the end of the month, I felt prepared for anything Hogwarts could throw my way.

The day before departure, Mum helped Lily and me pack our trunks. She lingered over every detail, folding our robes neatly and tucking in extra socks and scarves as though we were heading off to battle. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she hugged us tightly.

"Promise me you'll write," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Every week."

"We promise, Mum," I assured her, squeezing her back. Lily echoed my sentiment, and Mum finally let us go, her sadness palpable.

The next morning, Lily and I woke up early, too excited to sleep. After a quick breakfast, Dad loaded our trunks into the car, and we set off for King's Cross Station. Upon arrival, Mum examined our tickets, frowning as she read aloud. "Platform Nine and Three-Quarters? There's no such thing!"

I smiled, remembering what I had read. "It's hidden. Watch the barrier between platforms nine and ten. We have to run at it."

"Run at it?" Dad looked doubtful. "That's… unusual."

"I'll go first," I said confidently. Taking a deep breath, I pushed my trolley toward the barrier. For a moment, I expected to crash, but instead, a strange force seemed to pull me forward. When I opened my eyes, I was standing on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

The sight took my breath away. The Hogwarts Express gleamed in the sunlight, its scarlet engine billowing steam. Students swarmed the platform, chatting excitedly and wrangling their luggage. Owls hooted from their cages, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Moments later, Lily, Mum, and Dad appeared behind me, equally amazed. Mum's eyes welled up again as she pulled us both into a tight hug. "Take care of each other," she said. Dad patted my shoulder, his expression proud but subdued.

The whistle blew, signaling it was time to board. We quickly said our goodbyes, hugged them one last time, and hurried toward the train. My wand flicked as I cast a Levitation Charm, effortlessly lifting my trunk onto the train. Lily followed suit, and together we navigated the crowded corridor.

We found Severus sitting alone in a compartment, staring out the window. "Sev!" I exclaimed, rushing to hug him. He looked up, his usual guarded expression softening.

"Hello, Petunia. Hello, Lily," he said, nodding politely.

I levitated our trunks into the overhead rack and sat beside him, chatting animatedly about how excited I was for Hogwarts. Lily joined in, asking which house we thought we'd end up in.

"I think I'll be in Ravenclaw," I said thoughtfully. "It just feels… right."

Severus looked surprised. "Ravenclaw? I… hadn't thought of that, but it does suit you."

"I think I'll be in Gryffindor," Lily said, grinning. She turned to Severus. "What about you?"

Before he could answer, the compartment door slid open, and a boy with dark hair and striking grey eyes leaned in. "There you are, Angel," he said smoothly, his gaze locking onto me.

I blinked, startled. "Excuse me?"

He smirked. "Sirius Black remember me?. Mind if we join you? Everywhere else is full." Behind him stood three other boys: a bespectacled boy with messy hair, a sandy-haired boy with a kind face, and a smaller boy who seemed nervous.

"Sure," I said reluctantly, gesturing to the empty seats.

They filed in, and introductions were made. The bespectacled boy was James Potter, the kind one was Remus Lupin, and the nervous one was Peter Pettigrew. Sirius, however, seemed determined to monopolize my attention, peppering me with questions.

"What house are you hoping for, Angel?" he asked, his grin playful.

"It's Petunia," I corrected, rolling my eyes. "And Ravenclaw."

"Figures," James said, leaning back. "I'm definitely going to be in Gryffindor."

"Me too," Sirius said, though his tone was less certain. "But who knows? My whole family's been in Slytherin. Maybe I'll be the black sheep."

James made a face. "Slytherin? Ugh. Who'd want to end up there?"

I frowned. "What's wrong with Slytherin?"

James shrugged. "They're all ambitious, sneaky, and… well, you know, not exactly the friendliest bunch."

Severus's eyes narrowed. "My mother and grandparents were in Slytherin. They're good people."

"And that's not fair," I added, glaring at James. "You're being prejudiced."

James looked stunned for a moment but quickly recovered, his arrogance returning. "Fine, fine. But don't blame me when Snivellus here starts brewing something nasty."

"Don't call him that!" I snapped, standing abruptly. "You're nothing but a bully."

Lily stood too, her face flushed with anger. "Come on, Petunia. Let's find another compartment."

Without another word, we grabbed our bags and left. Despite my admiration for the Marauders in my past life, their arrogance was grating. As the train rumbled toward Hogwarts, I resolved to judge people by their actions, not their reputations.