CHAPTER 1: Introductions

A new year was about to begin at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Excited voices echoed from the old stone walls, as the students were filling into the Great Hall.

Whole countries were already under Grindelwalds control, but Hogwarts was still untouched.

It stood like a fortress among the scottish highlands and seemed impregnable. Which was the reason why severalfamilies from the continent sent their children so far away. This year were several new students to start at said school.

Most of them from beauxbatons, since the french Ministry for Magic was threateningly close to fall into the hands of the already mentioned evil wizard.

Tom Riddle was seated at the Slyhterin table and more than ready to start his fifth year, surrounded by his ususal group of fellow Slytherins. Some of them weak, therefore seeking protection. Some of them ambitious, sensing power. And ,of course, the cruel. Who were simply looking for any excuse. Tom was made Prefect this year, naturally. While he was watching the first years arrive crossed a smug expression his face. He was convinced that he had played his part brilliantly. Satisfied with himself he clapped politely to every new Slytherin. When the sorting was at its end

Professor Dippet got up up and made his way to the speaker's desk.

„My dear students, I am glad to see you all safe and well, back at hogwarts. In these troubled times we have to stick together and support those in need of help.

I would like to remind you that the forbidden forest is still forbidden. Don't go near it if you are not accompanied by a teacher. This year is quite extraordinary, we will have several new students from other schools join us. Since Hogwarts remained a safe haven throughout the fight against Grindelwald did some families decide to send their children to us, further away from any danger. I am certain that you will make them feel at home as good as you can."

As Dippet finished his little speech, the heavy oak doors opened once again, allowing a small group of teenagers into the great hall.

Whispers started to spread, speculating where the new students might come from. Most of the new arrivals were male, but for three girls. They walked up to the sorting hat as the first years did before.

„Vincent Remarque," said Professor Dumbledore in a clear voice that carried through the room.

The boy, probably a second year, sat down and after brief consideration of the old sorting hat, announced to be a Ravenclaw.

This procedure went on for a short time, since there were very few people. They had obviously started with the youngest and the last person ,the eldest was called.

„Medea Crane."

A girl with white hair sat down on the wooden chair. Tom noticed that this was the first name that sounded english. The hat had barely touched her when he loudly proclaimed: „Slytherin."

Polite clapping accompanied her when she sat down gracefully at the Slytherin table. Eyed suspiciously by her new classmates. But soon extended several of them their hand to her, smiling friendly. She had not yet said a word. Tom couldn't miss that some of his followers stared at her, obviously slaves to their hormones.

The beginning of the feast ended the diversion that was the strange girl.

Soon thereafter everybody got up and walked to their dormitories. The first years and the new one stayed behind and Tom stepped in front of them.

„We will now guide you to your dormitories. Slytherin house is located in the dungeons, so follow us closely." He let Druella Rosier, the other Prefect, take the lead.

Medea followed the overexcited first years, taking in her new home. When she had to take one of the boats to cross the lake she was overwhelmed by a feeling of belonging. She belonged here. Even though she was certainly missing Durmstrang, she knew to be just at the right place. Slowly, taking one step after the other, Medea came closer to the dungeons, deep down in the castle.

Behind her was a very handsome dark haired boy, she noticed him right away.

As his steps grew louder than the chattering of the first years, Tom fixed his gaze on the girl before him. From up close was obvious that her hair hadn't always been white. Tom was sure that is was the result of a curse or potion gone wrong, her brows were black.

He had seen this before, in his second year a Hufflepuff boy got green hair from what should have been a simple jinx. Seemed to be quite tough to get rid of this effect.

A sigh escaped him, he only wanted to get into his comfortable four-poster bed.

Finally they reached the entrance to the Slytherin common coom. Druella was standing next to it, telling in what room who would sleep.

„Crane, go right, then left to the girl's dormitories and then the second door on the right."

„Yes, thank you," was her simple response.

When Medea was out of sight, Druella turned her eyes on Riddle.

„Well, how was your summer?" smiling as broad as she could.

She couldn't believe her luck. A Prefect, she was made a Prefect. Together with Tom Riddle. They would spend quite some time together, because of that. And they would get to know each other closer, she was sure of it.

Without answering her question, he turned away to go to his room.

„Good night, Rosier," his calm voice was drained of all emotion.

She kept staring at Tom, as he exited the common room, with a heavy sigh.

Deep breaths.

My hand rested on the doorhandle. I opened the door and was greeted by emerald green. In this room stood six beds with chests in front of each. The other inhabitants, some of which I recognised from the feast, looked up with curious glances.

One after the other shook my hand. I found out that the petite girl with the curls was called Annis Black.

„So, this is Belvina Black. My first cousin," she motioned to a tall dark haired girl , who nodded politely.

„Over there is Josephina Flint. Very strong willed."

She had a face that looked like it was made of stone.

„And Hasper and Rosemary. They are both a little shy."

I smiled as friendly as I could and said: „Well, thank you for the introduction. I'm sure I'll settle in quickly."

„Where are you from ?" The girl called Belvina looked at me and spoke softly.

„I am british, at least partly. I was born here, but educated in Durmstrang, because my father's job at the Ministry took us to Scandinavia." All five seemed satisfied with my answer and I went to the bed that would be mine for quiet a while.

After some minor questions, mostly about the weather, I was finally laying down and ready to sink into a deep sleep.