Chapter 3

As the Hogwarts Express rumbled toward the castle, Marcus gazed out of the train window. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks provided a backdrop to his throbbing head. He winced slightly, clutching it. "Merlin's beard, these headaches won't quit," he mumbled.

Concern flashed across Victoria and Eleanor's faces simultaneously. "Are you alright, Marcus?" Victoria asked, her voice tinged with worry. Marcus rubbed his temples. "Just a lingering side effect. Nothing to worry about", he tried to reassure them.

"Can't believe it's been a week already," Eleanor remarked, her eyes mirroring a mix of relief and lingering concern. Marcus had suffered a concussion due to apparating while being unconscious.On the one hand, he hadn’t splinched, a relief in itself, but on the other hand, it felt like his head had been subjected to an explosive charm. Marcus cautiously touched his forehead, every movement sending a jolt of pain through his skull. Despite the discomfort, he couldn't help but find a hint of humour in the situation. "Well, that certainly was an adventure, too bad I can’t remember any of it. I must say it feels like the worst hangover I ever had," he laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

Victoria managed a small smile, appreciating his attempt at humour. Yet, the weight of her decisions burdened her. "I still feel some guilt," she confessed quietly, her eyes briefly meeting Marcus's. Eleanor placed a comforting hand on Victoria's shoulder. "Vic, you did what you had to do. We're all here, safe and sound. Don't pressure yourself about something that’s out of your control." Marcus nodded slowly in agreement, while he tried to conceal the aching in his head during the movement by holding his chin. He didn’t say anything, but his face showed that he was thankful.

Eleanor tightened her hand on Victoria's shoulder as she continued. "Vic, it's thanks to you that we're all here now. You made the tough call, and we got out of there in one piece. No need for guilt; you did what you had to do." Marcus's playful demeanour shifted as he added, "Yeah, Vic, you saved us, but seriously, you could have lost a limb or something. Apparating in the middle of all that madness? That's next-level bravery—or maybe a bit of recklessness," he said with a wry smile, trying to lighten the mood. Victoria managed a small laugh, acknowledging the truth in his words.

As the train rattled on, Marcus grinned and continued to tease, "Who knows, we might have a secret Gryffindor in our midst." “You wish," Victoria laughed smugly, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. Eleanor chimed in, "Honestly, Victoria, that decision to apparate was the most intelligent one at the time. I say she is a true Ravenclaw, and she always will be." Her words carried a sense of pride, emphasising the wisdom and quick thinking that defined Victoria's actions in the face of danger. “I don’t know what a Gryffindor would have done,” she continued, ”but probably start duelling under the guise of being brave.” “That’s why it’s a good thing we have a Ravenclaw Headboy and girl”, Eleanor smiled, taking it as an opportunity to congratulate her friends again. Both Victoria and Marcus had put a lot of weight into their received responsibilities, although for other reasons.

The atmosphere in the train compartment was still grim, influencing Marcus, as he couldn't help but bring up his concerns. "You know, guys, I'm really excited about it, being Head Boy, helping students, overseeing the safety and all. I just hope I'll still have enough time to play Quidditch and give my best on the field. The responsibilities as the captain of a quidditch team are not to be taken lightly. I can’t let anyone down.”

His friends exchanged knowing glances. In an attempt to reassure him, Eleanor put her hand on his shoulder but retracted as it made him flinch due to the headache, "Don't worry, Marcus. We'll support you, and we'll find a way to make it work. Quidditch is in your blood, after all."

Marcus grinned, appreciative of his friends' understanding. "Thanks, guys. I can't imagine a year at Hogwarts without Quidditch”, as his friends rolled their eyes in response.

As the Hogwarts Express rumbled along the tracks, the compartment door slid open once more. This time, it was Hannah Turner, a last-year Chaser for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, who was looking for a place to sit. She scanned the compartment for an empty seat.

Marcus, always eager to connect with fellow Quidditch players, saw an opportunity to strike up a conversation. "Hey, Hannah! Looking for a seat?"
Hannah turned back and gave him a warm smile. "Yes, I am. Mind if I join you all?"

Eleanor and Victoria nodded, welcoming her to the compartment.
As Hannah settled in, Eleanor couldn't resist teasing Marcus a bit. "Marcus, didn't you mention something about writing a letter to someone over the summer?"

Marcus's face turned slightly pink as he cleared his throat. "Uh, well, yes. I may have thought about sending a letter to a friend.“ Victoria joined in on the teasing. "A friend, you say, who is it?"

Hannah looked curious, her eyes flicking between Marcus and his friends.
Marcus hesitated for a moment before he decided to come clean and finally admitted, "It was actually a letter for you, Hannah. I wanted to see how your summer was going and talk about Quidditch, you know, since we're both enthusiasts. I feel like we share the same passion about the sport.”

Hannah's face lit up with a friendly smile. "That's really sweet, Marcus. I'd love to chat about Quidditch with you."

Eleanor, ever perceptive to her friends' needs, subtly gestured to Victoria, giving Marcus some room to talk with his crush. Victoria, with her Charms book open in front of her, pretended to be engrossed in her studies. She occasionally jotted down notes, but her eyes often wandered to Marcus and Hannah, a small smile playing on her lips.

On the other side of the compartment, Eleanor was gently caressing her Kneazle, a loyal and comforting presence while exchanging amused glances with Victoria. Marcus and Hannah seemed engaged in a light-hearted conversation about Quidditch, sharing their favourite teams, players, and memorable matches from the previous season.

"So, Marcus, did you catch any exciting matches over the summer? Maybe even attended a professional Quidditch game?", asked Hannah. Marcus's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Oh, you bet! I went to see the Chudley Cannons play against the Montrose Magpies. It was an incredible match, even though the Cannons won in the end."

Hannah's face lit up with excitement. "That must have been intense! The Cannons have a strong fan base, and the Magpies are known for their skilful chasers."

Marcus couldn't hide his admiration for Hannah's passion for Quidditch. "Finally someone who understands what I’m talking about! Maybe we could catch a game together sometime? You know, if you're interested..."
Hannah smiled warmly. "I'd love that, Marcus. It would be great to have another Quidditch enthusiast to discuss the games with."