Daughter of Sirius

Saki Clearsky Black stared up at the scarlet red Hogwarts Express train as it pulled into the station, steam billowing magnificently from it’s stack. People began clambering on, eager to get the best seats, and Saki clutched her mother’s hand tighter. This was to be her first at Hogwarts, and she was NOT excited to leave her mom. She’d always thought, after watching her older twin brothers, Rion and Avani, board the train and come off saying how amazing Hogwarts was, that she would love finally boarding the train herself, but now she wasn’t quite sure. “Go on.” Her mother’s voice interrupted Saki’s worried thoughts and she looked up. Her mom smiled down at her and glanced at the train. “Your’e brothers are already on.” “Fine.” Saki said slowly. Her trunk was already on board, so all she had to lift was her barn owl, Cricket. She’d named Cricket after… well, crickets. Cricket hated cages and refused to ride in them, so instead she would fly up and ride on Saki’s shoulder. “I’ll write you.” Saki’s mom said. “Promise?” Saki said as Cricket nibbled her ear affectionately. “Promise. Now go on.” She leaned over to whisper in Saki’s ear; “If you hurry, you might get to see your God brother.” Saki grinned fiercely and hugged her mom. “I wish!” She snorted happily. Suddenly the magnificent train’s whistle blew, and Saki whipped around. The train was about to leave!

“Saki, get on, get on!” A voice called. Emily Rim, Anna and Roni Ribbon, and Max Flamewink were crowded around a compartment window, calling to her. “Ach! I’m coming, I’m coming!” Saki gave her mom a quick hug, the turned an leapt spectacularly into the train, Cricket hooting in surprise.

The doors shut behind her and Saki raced to her friends compartment just in time to wave goodbye to her mom. She stared at her mother until she disappeared behind a corner, then let out a breath of triumph and slouched onto the bench next to Anna and Roni. Anna exchanged grins with Saki and opened her mouth to say something when Roni interrupted.

“Saki!” She said. “You almost missed the train!” “Wasn’t it awesome?!” Anna said to her cousin Roni, grinning her trouble-making grin. “Did you see her jump?” Anna turned to Saki. “How’d you do that?” “Easy,” Saki said, grinning back with pride. “I just did!” Roni rolled her eyes and Max leaned towards Saki to stroke Cricket. Cricket warbled happily. Saki smiled. “On her back.” She advised Max. Max obliged and Emily’s attention went from the cousins to Saki.

“Have you seen him yet?” She asked. “What? Who?” Saki asked. “Harry!” “Duh.” Anna added. “No, not yet.” The thought of finally seeing her god brother in person made her stomach do an excited flip. She knew she could never talk to him, but she wanted to at least see him. “I have!” Max said. “When we were getting in. He was with a boy with bright red hair and lots of freckles. A Weasley, I bet.”

Hmm. Saki thought. Bright red hair and freckles. That shouldn’t be hard to spot! I bet I could see them at the sorting! “Anything from the trolley, dears?” The compartment door slid back and a kindly elderly woman pushing a trolley cart full of sweets stood there. “Oh!” Emily said. “One chocolate frog, please?” “And a Bertie Bott’s every flavored beans fro me!” Anna said.

They paid the lady and she gave them the chocolate frog and Bertie Bott’s every flavored beans and left. “Oooh! I got Albus Dumbledore!” Emily said, staring at the bearded man waving to them from the card. His hair was a silver grey exactly like his long flowing beard. “Yuck!” Anna exclaimed after popping a green and white bean into her mouth. “Broccoli!” “Give me one.” Roni said. Anna handed her a dark brown one that looked like chocolate. “Thanks.” Roni popped it into her mouth and pulled a face. “Dog poo, huh? How does It taste?” Anna said, grinning mischievously. “Delicious. Hak!” They all burst into laughter, Cricket hooting joyfully in approval.