"It's going to be fine, Stephen," Catherine Ordell said. The youngest Ordell, Stephen, was starting his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and had driven the rest of his family mad with his nervousness. "No matter which house you get sorted into, you'll find your home. The sorting hat does an excellent job of putting people where they belong. There is no need to worry. Besides, you'll have me and Philip to help you settle in," she continued, smiling at her eleven year old sibling.

Stephen visibly relaxed. Catherine soothed her younger brother's fears frequently throughout the weeks leading up to their departure. Like her mother, Catherine was excellent and soothing the people around her and making things seem okay. Her friends would often come to her crying and Catherine would calm them down and soothe their worries away. Catherine Ordell wore her heart on her sleeve; she cherished her friends and family and was fiercely loyal to them. It was no surprise to the Ordells, or even Catherine herself, when she was sorted into Hufflepuff.

Her older brother, Philip, was different. He was brave and bold; he would stand in front of friends and enemies alike and voice his opinions. Philip was a born Gryffindor. He was also a born leader and Catherine was sure he would make a wonderful Head Boy. Philip was fair, he would not be biased towards his own house or be ruthless to the other houses. Philip, Catherine thought, would make a great Minister of Magic one day. While Catherine was slightly biased towards her brother, it was apparent to everyone how effortlessly he lead his peers, how he could naturally capture their attention. Yes, Catherine thought, Philip Ordell would make a magnificent Minister of Magic.

Catherine Ordell watched as her parents took photographs of Philip for his last first day. Philip rolled his eyes in a charming manner when their mother began to tear up and leaned down to hug his mother as he had grown quite tall like their father. Sophia Ordell grasped tightly to her almost grown son, squeezing him to her as if he were still an infant before letting him go. Then, she turned her attention to her younger children.

"I trust the two of you will help Stephen settle in," Sophia said to Catherine and Philip before pressing a kiss on Stephen's forehead, "My baby is all grown up."

Stephen quickly looked to see if anyone was watching his mother's blatant display of affection. He was already worried about his reputation. Unlike his older siblings, Stephen was quick to worry about how others thought of him. He was terrified of having a poor reputation and was quick to fall to peer pressure if it meant he would fit in. Stephen let out a sigh of relief when he saw the other young witches and wizards were too busy with their families to observe his mother's kisses.

Finally Sophia looked at her daughter and a surge of pride welled up inside the elder woman. Catherine Ordell was a perfect daughter for most mothers; she was kind and caring, gracious and giving. Catherine did not have a string of boyfriends or a wild streak. Sophia's daughter was everything she could have ever hoped for, and she was growing up, going into her fifth year.

"My beautiful Catherine, I am going to miss you more than you will ever know. Take care of your brothers, good heavens they need it, especially Stephen. I love you darling," Sophia said to her daughter before wrapping her in a warm embrace.

Unlike Stephen, Catherine returned her mother's hug and whispered to her mother that she loved her too. Catherine then turned to her father Hector and gave him a goofy smile before being enveloped into one of his infamous bear hugs, reserved specifically for his children.

Hector Ordell spun his petite daughter around before setting her back on the ground and sending her on her way along with his sons. The Ordell children spared one final glance at their proud parents before boarding the Hogwarts Express.

The Ordell family was the picture of perfection, waiting to be shattered. And soon, it would be.