Slender fingers covered by pale silk gloves grasped the cold metal railings of Platform 9 and 3/4, a sudden halt, and then footsteps again, accompanied by the echoes of rough heels tapping on the stone floor. Quicker and quicker it came, until a slim and delicate silhouette emerged from the barrier. She was a young woman, with brilliant white hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to cut through you like a knife on butter. She looked no more than eleven, yet the aura of elegance and poise drew some gazes here and there.
“Come on Poseidon,” Arianna's steps hastened as a black cat pounced on top of his mistress' head. He had handsome features and a coat of shiny black fur, that was made strongly visible by the girl's white hair underneath. Students were slowly beginning to trickle through the barrier, time was essence as the witch slipped through narrow corridors, seeking an empty cabin to call her own.
However long the peace may last.
Mother and father must have already left the bustling station after a simple hug and a few words by the barrier. It was a mild farewell, really, but she supposed it would have been worse if they were wailing and crying like all the others. Sliding into a seat by the windows, Arianna wondered if her mother would cry at all if she had the chance.
She idly stroked Poseidon as the bell rang vigorously, signaling for departure. His head jerked up, sniffed the air, and yawned, his mouth enlarging before smacking his lips together and stretching lazily. His whiskers drooped as he grunted, rolling onto her lap to find a perfect sleeping position and sliding off with a plop on the carpet.
“Manners Poseidon,” said the girl imperiously with a subtle hint of amusement in those eyes of hers, “You would be a horrible train buddy to sit with.” Poseidon's ears flattened against his head. Perhaps he didn't appreciate being called horrible.
“And don't be lazy,” she said suddenly, squinting at the seemingly ordinary trunk in front of her. It made a small growl, and lifted itself up onto the racks steadily. “Magical Drafts and Potions if you may,” demanded the youngster, as she watched the book slowly produced out from a flap, finally dropping onto her waiting hands.
She would have continued reading the book, yet Poseidon soon poked her cheek with a furry paw and meowing expectantly. They exchanged a look. “I know I know,” she mumbled, fishing a small can of tuna out of her pocket and gingerly tipped the contents into Poseidon's open mouth. He took a few moments, before burping loudly and licking the can clean of any remaining tuna.
“You are quite rude, Mr Swann.” she laughed at the cat, allowing him to curl up in her lap, gently rubbing between his ears as he did so. Poseidon gave a pleased purr.
