For those of you who followed the story when it was first written, please reread. You might find that many things have been changed. I've since grown in my writing.

I awoke to the roaring sound of a train outside my window. I pulled the pillow over my head, attempting to drown out the incessant noise. I groaned when the wailing outside refused to cease, and stretched in the unfamiliar linens that surrounded me. They smelt like stale dust. I rolled over, thinking that I had more room on my right than I did, and proceeded to fall onto the hard wood floor. Great, I thought, is this how my day is going to start?

For as long as I can remember, I always hated waking up in strange places. I sat up and threw my pillow at the window, where the once annoying train sounds were now in the far distance. I got up and stared at myself in the dusty wardrobe mirror on the far side of the room, attempting to remember where I was and what happened yesterday. As I continued to stare at the bags forming under my bright blue eyes, the events from yesterday came swarming back.

Gramps wasn't at all too happy with me. I don't remember much about my parents; I was muggle born, and by my fifth birthday they immediately deemed me a freak and gave me to the only person who could even remotely stand me: my Grandfather. He's an alright guy, he might drink more than he should, but as long as you don't cross him, he's pretty swell. The only problem is that he was never an "alright guy" to me. It was clear that he resented me; and it was because of that clarity that I resented him as well. Finally, during my fifth year at the Salem Institute for Wizards and Witches alike, we made our not-so-secret grudging feelings heard.

Then, about a week ago, a week before I would be resuming classes in Salem, he announced that I was leaving, for good. I would be going to England and resuming the rest of my classes, and life, there. And I couldn't have been happier. Last night, I said a very sarcastic good bye and Apparated out of there with all of my things and my cat, Felix. I never thought that I would be sixteen and on my own in an unfamiliar country. I smiled at myself in the dusty old mirror as I recalled the old three story Night Bus that came to my rescue in the streets of London and the rather desperate conductor, Stan, trying his hardest to flirt with me. It dropped my off here, at this little motel, the Leaky Cauldron.

I came out of my distracted flash back as Felix came trotting over to me out of the bathroom. He purred and rubbed himself against my shins. I smiled and picked him up, placing him on the unmade and unruly bed.

"Good idea, Felix. That's exactly what I need." I rubbed his belly, turned, grabbed my toiletries from my luggage, and made my way to the bathroom.

After a long, hot, and bubbly shower, I felt rejuvenated. Like I could concur the world and whatever the hell it brought my way. With my tan skin still tinged pink from the hot water, I proceeded to braid my long, wavy, blonde hair in a loose side braid, leaving my messy bangs in my face. I did my makeup and dressed in a pair of tight jeans, a white tank top, and old hightop sneakers. I couldn't help but smile at myself in the dusty old mirror. Just as I was wondering what the hell I was getting myself all ready for, a small tap at my window broke my stupor.

I opened my window and let in a barn owl two times bigger than my little black cat. He dropped a letter on the wood floor and perched itself on top of the desk chair on the other side of the room. I picked up the letter. It read: The Leaky Cauldron, 3rd Floor, Room 147. I quickly turned it over and ripped it open.

Dear Miss Amanda Brighte,

It has come to my attention that, given your situation, you are in need of a place to live and a place to learn. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry can provide you with both. It pleases me to say that you have been accepted into Hogwarts with open arms. I hope you will do us the honor of attending as one of our new 6th year students. Arrive at the train station no later than 9 o'clock this morning; I'm sure you will have no problem arriving on time.

I quickly looked at the clock. It read 8:45 am.

Also do not fret about supplies, I took the liberty of preparing your books and robes for you here at school. Seeing as you are sort on time, I will leave you with this last request: The next time you find yourself at the Leaky Cauldron, do try the pancakes. They were the best I had in years.

Sincerely, Your New Headmaster,

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Also accompanying the letter was a train ticket for the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾. I silently wondered to myself how the Headmaster knew so many things about me and my situation. It almost made me feel self conscious, which is definitely not like me at all. I quickly packed my things, grabbed Felix, and Apparated to the train station, not wanting to be late.

As soon as I arrived I gathered up my luggage and put it on one of the many carts at the busy entrance. Felix quickly jumped out of my arms and landed silently on top of the cart, clearly ready to go on this new trek. I took out my ticket and proceeded forward through the crowds of people. I started looking up and counting the numbered columns to make sure that I wouldn't lose track.

1, 2, 3, 4.

I could feel strange eyes on me as I kept walking. I can only imagine what all the muggles were thinking as they saw me walking with a cat just sitting on my luggage cart.

5, 6, 7.

I slipped on a puddle, but luckily caught myself before I fell on my butt in front of everyone. Felix eyed me with his light green eyes, clearly amused.

"Don't laugh at me." I whispered to him. I kept my voice down; all I needed was a complete stranger thinking I was the crazy cat lady. I kept walking.

8, 9… 10?

What? Something wasn't right. I looked back down to the number on the ticket. It clearly read 9 ¾, but the numbers on the columns skipped right on to ten. I was utterly confused. I retraced my steps and watched the numbers.

8, 9, 10.

Still the same. I was tempted to take out my wand and see if I could make it magically appear or something. Was I supposed to do that? I didn't have a clue. I stared down at the ticket again, and felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped, a little startled. I turned abruptly, my hand in my jean pocket clutching at my wand. I found myself staring into a pair of brilliant brown eyes. The boy standing in front of me was tall and lean, with rich ginger air. He had a clever and sweet air about him, and as he smiled at me, my cheeks turned rosy. I smiled at him, but my voice was nowhere to be found. He had rendered me speechless. My eyes darted over his shoulder and found a guy that looked exactly like him running our way with two luggage carts at hand. He had all the exactly features of the one standing directly in front of me, but the air about him was different. He exuded a clever and sweet feeling, but it was laced with, what was that, a hint of arrogance maybe?

Once the other joined me and what was clearly his twin, he elbowed him and they both grinned in my direction. My eyes went from one to the other, not sure which to focus on.

"No, you aren't seeing double-" The closer of the two said, inching forward.

"Although, we do get that a lot." the other twins said with a smile.

I cleared my throat and found my voice. I returned his smile. "Well, I expect that most people aren't used to seeing twins."

They grinned at me again and the closer of the two put his hand on my shoulder. "What an accent. You must be American, am I right?"

I just nodded.

The other twin stepped forward and bowed in a silly fashion. I couldn't help but laugh a bit. "I'm Fred-"

"And I'm George-" said the one with his hand on my shoulder.

"Weasley, of course." Fred said with a smile.

"At your service." George bowed as his brother just did and I laughed again.

"I'm Amanda Brighte, and I have a bit of a dilemma, but I don't expect the two of you could help me, could you?" I showed them the ticket and George smiled at me.

"Of course; we're heading there as well."

"Just follow our lead." Fred said as he took his own cart and ran straight towards the column between 9 and 10. I watched wide eyed as I expected him to crash into the bricks, but instead he went right through the wall.

George started laughing at my facial expression. "No, you're not hallucinating."

I looked up at him and he gave me a reassuring smile. It made the heat rush to my face as before.

"Now go and aim for the middle and just run. Don't doubt yourself." I nodded and took a deep breath.

I ran straight towards the wall and through the other side. Fred greated me with another grin and George came through right behind me. I stared in awe at the grand train and all the bustling witches and wizards before me.

"I don't think they have stuff like this in the states." I said.

George put his arm around me and started leading me toward the train.

"Come on, George you guys can snog later!" Fred yelled as he ran past us and boarded the train as the whistle blew, signaling the time for departure. I looked up at George and saw his cheeks tinged ever so slightly with pink. I elbowed him in the side with a smile as we began running after his brother, Felix at our heals.

Please, please, please review! Tell me whether you like the new and improved Amanda Brighte and her story :]