Snippet #1628381

Valerie hurried on to the train just as it was leaving; even after five years of doing this she still was late every time. She pulled her luggage along as she looked around for a seat. Her fuzz ball of a cat, Ruby, meowed and complained to her. "I know you hate the cage, you'll be out soon I promise", Valerie said softly, not wanting to look ridiculous speaking to a cat. Even though she spoke to Ruby all the time, as if she could actually understand. She passed by an empty cabin and took her seat. The train was pulling away now. As Valerie pulled Ruby out of her cage and on to her lap, she started to reminisce about her first train ride to Hogwarts.
It felt like it was only yesterday. Valerie had been completely and utterly thrilled when she received her letter of acceptance. Seeing as both her parents, and older brother- Harry Chambers- were all successful, powerful wizards of Slytherin, Valerie had high hopes for herself. As did her parents. Just like with Harry's letter, they had it framed and hung above the fireplace where anyone could admire it at any time. Most student entering their first year were eleven, and although Valerie had already turned twelve, it made saying goodbye to her parents no easier. Thankfully she had her brother to stay with her during her first three years. But now that she was older, she liked that he had already graduated.
And now, here she sat, five years later. With Ruby in her lap, purring away, just like the very first time. Valerie was entering her sixth year at Hogwarts, and with only one year to go after this one, the excitement- and pressure- was starting to set in. She hoped to find some of her friends on the train so she wouldn't have to spend the entire ride alone.