With the summer drawing to a close, Izzy felt a sense of anticipation and excitement. She had decided to take the Hogwarts Express this year, primarily to spend more time with Luna. The previous year had been a whirlwind of challenges and revelations, and she cherished the moments of normalcy that came with riding the train with her friends.
On the morning of their departure, Grimmauld Place was bustling with activity. Kreacher, grumbling but dutiful, helped with the luggage while Sirius and Harry prepared for their journey. Izzy finished packing her trunk, her thoughts already drifting to the train ride ahead and the time she would spend with Luna.
"Ready, Izzy?" Sirius called from downstairs.
"Just a minute!" Izzy replied, closing her trunk and taking a final look around her room. She grabbed her wand, tucking it securely into her robes, and made her way downstairs.
Sirius stood by the door, a smile on his face. "It's good to see you taking the train this year. Enjoy the ride."
Izzy nodded, returning his smile. "I will. Thanks, Dad."
They arrived at King's Cross Station with plenty of time to spare. The platform was already bustling with students and their families. The familiar sight of the scarlet Hogwarts Express filled Izzy with a sense of nostalgia. She spotted Luna in the crowd, her silvery hair catching the light as she chatted with her father.
Izzy made her way over, her heart lifting at the sight of Luna. "Luna! Xeno!" she called out, waving.
Luna turned, her face breaking into a radiant smile. "Izzy!" She ran over, hugging her tightly. "I'm so glad you're taking the train with us."
Xenophilius smiled warmly. "Good to see you, Izzy. Have a wonderful year."
"Thank you, Xeno," Izzy replied. "I will."
After bidding farewell to their families, Izzy and Luna boarded the train together. They found an empty compartment and settled in, their trunks safely stowed away. The train whistle blew, and with a lurch, they were off, leaving the bustling platform behind.
As the train chugged along, the countryside rolling by in a blur of green and gold, Izzy and Luna talked about their summer adventures. Luna's dreamy descriptions of her search for magical creatures were a delightful contrast to Izzy's more serious recounting of her work with the Order of the Phoenix.
"Did you know that the Crumple-Horned Snorkack is said to inhabit the forests of Sweden?" Luna asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
Izzy chuckled. "I've read about them in your father's magazine. Maybe one day we can go on an adventure to find one."
Luna's face lit up. "That would be wonderful, Izzy!"
The compartment door slid open, and Fred and George Weasley peeked in. "Mind if we join you, ladies?" Fred asked with a grin.
"Not at all," Izzy replied, motioning for them to come in.
The twins settled in, their presence bringing a lively energy to the compartment. They chatted about their latest prank ideas and their plans for the upcoming school year. Izzy listened with amusement, her eyes occasionally drifting to Luna, who seemed perfectly at ease in the company of her friends.
As the journey continued, the conversation turned to the upcoming school year. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and curiosity, with everyone wondering what new challenges and adventures awaited them at Hogwarts.
"So, Izzy," George said, leaning forward, "what's your plan for this year? Any big projects or secrets you can share?"
Izzy smiled mysteriously. "Oh, I have a few things in mind. You'll just have to wait and see."
Fred laughed. "Always keeping us on our toes, Izzy. We wouldn't have it any other way."
The rest of the journey passed quickly, filled with laughter and lively conversation. As the train approached Hogsmeade Station, Izzy felt a sense of anticipation. The new school year was about to begin, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, with her friends by her side.
As they disembarked from the train and made their way towards the carriages, Izzy felt a familiar thrill of excitement. The sight of the Thestrals pulling the carriages was a grim reminder of the past, but also a testament to her strength and resilience.
She turned to Luna, who was gazing at the Thestrals with her usual serene expression. "Ready for another year, Luna?"
Luna smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Always, Izzy. Let's make it a memorable one."
With that, they climbed into a carriage, joining their friends as they made their way up to the castle. The new school year awaited, full of promise and potential, and Izzy was ready to embrace it with open arms.
Izzy sat at the Slytherin table, enjoying the lively chatter and delicious food that marked the start of the new school year. The Great Hall was buzzing with excitement, students reuniting after the summer break and eagerly discussing their plans for the year ahead. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the clear night sky, dotted with twinkling stars.
As she glanced towards the head table, her gaze was drawn to a particular figure clad in a sickeningly pink cardigan and bow, the sight of which made her stomach churn. Dolores Umbridge. The realization hit her like a brick. This was the year Umbridge was at Hogwarts.
Izzy's eyes narrowed as she watched the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor delicately sip her drink, her demeanor outwardly sweet but with a sinister undertone that Izzy could feel even from a distance. Umbridge's presence was a dark cloud looming over what should have been an exciting year.
Luna, who was sitting at the Ravenclaw table, caught Izzy's eye and gave her an encouraging smile, as if sensing her unease. Izzy returned the smile, feeling slightly better. She knew she would need the support of her friends to get through what was sure to be a challenging year.
Just then, Dumbledore stood up to make his usual start-of-term announcements. The hall fell silent, every student eager to hear what the headmaster had to say.
"Welcome, everyone, to another year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore's voice boomed, full of warmth and authority. "Before we begin our feast, I have a few announcements to make."
The usual announcements about the Forbidden Forest being off-limits and the addition of new staff were made. Then, Dumbledore's tone became more formal as he introduced Umbridge.
"It is my pleasure to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Dolores Umbridge."
Umbridge stood up, her smile wide and her eyes scanning the room with a glint of condescension. She gave a small, polite wave, and the students clapped half-heartedly, clearly unsure of what to make of her.
As Umbridge sat down, Izzy's mind raced. She remembered the stories from her past life, the tales of Umbridge's tyranny and her cruel methods. This year, she would have to tread carefully. She knew Umbridge would be looking to make an example of anyone who crossed her.
Harry, sitting at the Gryffindor table, shot Izzy a look of shared understanding. They both knew what was coming, and they both knew they had to be ready.
As the feast continued, Izzy's thoughts drifted to her plans for the year. She would have to balance her studies, her responsibilities as Head of House, and now the additional challenge of navigating Umbridge's reign. But with Luna by her side and the support of her friends, she felt ready to face whatever came her way.
After the feast, as students began to leave the Great Hall, Izzy made her way over to Luna. They walked together towards the exit, the buzz of conversation filling the corridors.
"Are you ready for this year?" Luna asked, her voice calm and steady.
Izzy nodded, a determined look in her eyes. "I am. We'll get through it together."
Luna smiled, and they continued their walk, side by side, ready to face whatever challenges the new school year would bring.