Mudbloods

Chapter One

                                                                           Kings Cross Station

The sun was rising on kings cross, casting a yellowish light over the train station and people in it. Hoards of passengers cycled in and out of trains, scurrying back a fourth through an ocean of travelers. Through the ocean swam a group of three who would've easily stood out in any ordinary group of pedestrians, but they were concealed by the rush of people. They were so concealed, that nobody took notice when the group passed right through a seemingly solid wall.

It was the end of summer and fifteen year old Selene Catsen's first day going back to school. Although Selene looked like any other teenage girl, something about her was peculiar. Just looking at her didn't give any clues, however. She was a short and stout girl of hispanic descent, with pale eyes and a rather flat nose. The only hint someone might get was at times her hair could appear one color and in a blink return to a slightly different one. Selene was a witch, but compared to everyone in their current location, that wasn't special, as Selene and her family had just arrived on platform nine and three quarters.

"Sweetheart," Mrs. Catsen was dusting off her daughters clothes while her husband hauled the luggage. "Be safe okay? You know how they've been treating our kind lately, especially since he came back"

"I'll be fine, Garrett will be with me," Selene gave her parents reassurance and started picking up her luggage for the train. "Bye! I'll stay safe and whatever!" And with that Selene gave both her parents hugs and boarded the train. Mr. Catsen turned to his wife,

"I believe in her you know," he said, looking down on his wife's watery eyes. "I may not know much about this world of magic, but I know our daughter, and she will be safe" The two then departed through the barrier they arrived from, back into the vast ocean.

The train was just as much of an ocean as the station. Students of all ages swarmed the carriages, and few compartments were left empty. Despite the crowd, Selene did not have trouble finding a place to sit. She slipped into a compartment occupied by a thin blonde boy. The boy waved shallowly as she walked in. "Garrett!" Selene swung here trunk to the top compartment over her seat, and sat down across from her friend. He was a tall, pale boy of fifteen, though his appearance made him look several years older. He was a pure blooded wizard, but this didn't hinder him from accepting those who were not. Selene and Garrett were not the average pair of friends, in fact, they could not have been more different.

"Selene," Garrett looked rather shocked to see his friend. He started to mumble something but stopped when he saw Selene staring at him quizzically. "Y-you changed your hair"

"Oh, uh yeah. My parents didn't want me to stand out," Selene squinted and held her breath, an odd sight for any normal person. But the true oddity was happening on Selene's head, as her hair changed from dark brown to a bright cherry red. She smiled, and for a moment, Garrett did too, but his face faded back into concern. "So, you had something to tell me?" Selene gave him the same concern back.

"Oh um," Garrett's pupils darted around the compartment, like small brown fish in his eyes. He leaned in closer to Selene, "I'm- I'm afraid for you. My parents," A look of disgust came over Garrett's face, "They've been talking a lot about the return of the dark lord. It's dangerous out here for your kind, they say he's taken over the whole school," his voice turned tense and he leaned closer to Selene, "Listen, I've heard rumors they're doing blood tests at school. I-I don't know what they'll do to muggleborns. I don't know what they'll do to you."

Selene had her eyes fixed on the ground. Her expression was blank, but it soon cracked into a look of determination. "Well," she looked up to face Garrett. "I guess we'll just have to see what happens."

The train ride was long and filled with conversation. While Garrett would frequently express worry for Selene, but she shrugged it off and said she'd be alright. They chatted for hours about Harry Potter, The Dark Lord, and other happenings in the wizarding community. It was dreamily nightmarish going back to school, traversing over Scottish planes and slowly transitioning from the boring muggle world to the magnificent world of witchcraft. Slowly but surely, the train made its way to Hogwarts. It was filled with its usual warmth and homeliness, but a tense aura loomed over the students. Periodically, dark men would pass through the halls of each carriage, men that neither Selene or Garrett had seen before. Conversations seemed to be hushed and stressed. Nevertheless, Selene worked to keep positive talk flowing, and Garrett tried his best to keep his personal stress level down.

When the train stopped reality hit the two like a pound of bricks. They were not the only ones with the dark lord on their minds. Kids were huddled in tight groups, quickly whispering. The air was cold with anxiety and fear. This was not the welcoming, cheerful Hogsmeade station Selene knew. She turned to Garrett, who was walking shakily next to her. His face was stark white with fear, hair falling over his face, and eyes transfixed on the ground as they walked.

"What's wrong?" Selene whispered as she nudged his shoulder. He pointed a trembling finger at the gates leading out of the station. Two stout figures in black cloaks were interrogating a small second year.

"I know them," He muttered, still staring at the ground, "Death Eaters."

Selene went pale. She'd heard of the Death Eaters from classmates and the paper, but never had seen one in real life. They were the followers of He-Who-Must Not Be Named, and had committed terrible crimes on those who weren't of pureblood descent; those who were just like her. "Well, c-come on then," she could not have been less confident in her tone, yet they continued to trudge towards the gates. They were feet away, and Garrett was visibly shaking now. Selene took charge and strode up to the gates where the two figures were standing. Garrett slowly followed.

"Young lady, young man" one of the Death Eaters crowed from under their hood. She was an ugly woman, with a round face and her hair pulled into a tight bun. "State your names and houses, and we shall determine if you pass,"

"My name is Selene Catsen of Gryffindor house. This is Garrett Howard of Slytherin. Now let us through,"

"Hold one second child, like I previously stated we shall determine if you shall pass"

Selene protested but the woman simple pulled out a clipboard while the second figure barricaded the gate. "Ah here we are Garrett Howard, pureblood. Yes, your parents are good family friends of ours. Welcome back to Hogwarts." The second figure opened the gate and Garrett cautiously walked through. "Now, Selene Catsen, blood status-- Unknown. Well Amycus looks like we've got another one for The Ministry."

The second figure lashed out and grabbed Selene's arm. "What are you do--"

But Selene couldn't finish her sentence before she was shocked by an indescribable sensation.