CHAPTER 01.
"Déjà Vu"

September 1st, 1976 —
(Back to Hogwarts)

THE BITTERSWEET air gently blew against Elora's brown locks as she walked through the barrier onto Platform 9 3/4. Chatter engulfed the area as families gathered to bid their children goodbye; it seemed to be the most exciting yet difficult part of the journey.

Near the train, Theseus stood planted to his feet before taking a step forward to load Elora's trunk onto the rear of the train. As he fluctuated off of the steps, Elora embraced him with watery eyes. He held her for a moment longer, not wanting to let go as he chuckled softly.

Just then, the conductor sounded the air horn, alerting students to board the train on its final call before its departure. "I think it's time for you to go now, don't you?" Theseus mumbled gently into the crane of her neck. Elora shook her head, her grip tightening. "I will miss you."

He clutched her hand closely, giving it one last squeeze, "I will miss you even more. Go and have fun. Learn a lot!" He grinned, disheveling her hair. Elora stepped back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as just another block of weight fell off her shoulders. "I'll see you on the other side."

The conductor beckoned for any last passengers, students darting to file in line. Elora followed in sync, waving back at her dad enthusiastically.

As she made her way towards the front of the train, students rushed up and down the aisle. A redhead bumped into her, mumbling a small "Sorry, El," as she followed her friend Severus towards the back of the train. Severus in return, who had slim shoulders and a much darker demeanor, glared daggers into her soul.

They never did see eye to eye with one another.

Compartments were quickly filled, and Elora knew to expect the countless death stares that she would soon come to receive. She took a deep breath, choosing the nearest compartment closest to her. She opened the door delicately, glancing around before she met the peculiar gaze of three boys. "Hello. Is this seat taken?"

The boys shook their heads, glancing at each other before one with shaggy, raven-colored hair and round spectacles cut the unwanted tension in the room. "Not at all," he gestured to the empty seat beside him. He made enough room for Elora to squeeze through, just before a lopsided grin cast across his face.

"I'm James, this is Peter and Sirius."

Peter waved shyly at her, not sparing any more attention before he looked out the window. Sirius stood up, graciously offering his seat by the door. Elora smiled, secretly grateful that she wouldn't have to succumb to any of the motion sickness that was certain to await her. "Oh, I'm Elora by the way." She smiled weakly, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Scamander."

Just then, before any of them could say anything further, the door opened again. "Ah there he is, the man of the hour!" Sirius screeched beside Peter, who instantly retorted with a small, "Oi, couldn't be any louder could you? You're worse than my grand-mum at half past midnight."

Elora couldn't help but smile at that, before her eyes roamed back to the front. A tall, scrawny boy stood by the compartment door. He wore a tired look, his face pale with premature lines and scars that ran across his face. He had light brown hair with flecks of grey in it. His clothing was patched and fairly shabby. He wore an earth-toned, long sleeve shirt that shielded his body.

He glanced around the room, before his eyes landed on an unfamiliar girl. "Scamander, this is Lupin." Sirius smiled with a cocky grin, side hugging his long-time friend. "His name is Remus actually," Peter corrected quietly.

Elora shrunk vaguely in her seat, feeling a bit withdrawn from the amount of attention she was receiving. For the rest of the journey, she opted in closing her eyes to get some rest. Meanwhile, the boys spoke in hushed whispers as to not wake her. They all leaned in, hunched in a circle.

"Blimey, she hasn't moved once."

"Do you reckon she's still alive?"

"Shut it, both of you— or you'll wake her."

"Just let her be."

Finally, Elora tossed slightly in her seat, blindly moving closer to James. He yelped discreetly, startled by the sudden movement. Remus nudged him on the side, raising an eyebrow. "Looks like Prongs has got himself a new girlfriend," Sirius sniggered, running a hand through his hair.

"As if," James replied, embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I'd never go against my life-long commitment to Lily Evan's."

"Has she even spoken a word to you?"

"Why don't you mind your own business."

"Yeah. She hasn't."

The Great Hall at Hogwarts was a sight for sore eyes. It's history built within the foundation of four legendary founders. Thousands of lit candles floated midair, followed by four long vertical tables glittered with endless plates of food and golden goblets— including an enchanted ceiling that resembled the night sky.

Professor Dumbledore sat at the center of the staff table, along with the rest of the Professors who taught at Hogwarts. Previously, he had just finished giving out his grandeur of a speech before Elora and her best friend Kayla made their way towards the Slytherin table, where Jane waited for both of them anxiously.

They received odd looks from every angle, most especially from the Slytherins sitting opposite them. "I'm so happy we're all here together! How was your summer?" Jane squeaked, reaching over to grab a chicken drumstick from Kayla's plate. "Hey!" Kayla spoke over a mouthful.

Elora quickly interjected, "I couldn't wait the whole summer to see my best friends again. I spent countless hours dreaming of this exact moment." She said dreamily, hugging her utensil closely. Jane nudged her, while Kayla let out a gingerly giggle. "I'll tell you what, while I was at Paris I met a guy who attends Durmstrang Institute." She spoke proudly.

"Oof— you'll want to stay clear of those," Jane retorted, receiving a kick on the leg by Elora.

Loud chatter by the Gryffindor Table stole the girls' attention as they presumed to talk about their summer. Kayla buried her face into her hands, displeased with the voices that rang in her ears. "Bloody hell, I could listen to mandrakes screech all day and still not get used to those lot."

Jane attempted to stifle a laugh, before all three broke out into a huge fit of laughter.

Over at the Gryffindor Table, James smacked Sirius on the head. "That is for ruining any and all attempts with my dearest Lily, you prat."

James huffed out in annoyance, while Sirius retaliated with a quick defense. "Oi! I didn't do that when you bombarded my date with Marlene McKinnon, did I?"

"You have to admit, that's fair enough." Remus mumbled without looking up from his paper of The Daily Prophet. "What are you reading?" Peter leaned over from his side of the table.

"I'll have you know, Moony, I haven't seen you with one single gal since you rejected that last one— all within what? An hour ago?" Sirius smirked, winking at his best mate. Remus scoffed, not giving him the benefit of the doubt before proceeding to read.

"I heard there's going to be a party at the Hufflepuff Common Room tomorrow. Lily will be there," Peter seemingly opted in changing the subject as the chatter at the table slowly died down. "Great opportunity to throw another prank... if you know what I mean."

A mischievous grin grew both on Sirius and Jame's faces. "Oh yeah?"

"Tell us more, Wormtail."

They leaned close once again. One thing was for sure: a plan was under construction.

-

(layout inspired by Kayla)
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