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He's a Keeper
Chapter One
I stared around me in awe, completely gobsmacked by what I saw. I had heard stories about the famous Platform Nine and Three-Quarters all my life. From my mother as a young child and then from my best friend Leanne and her parents as I grew up. I still remembered the distant look Mum would get in her eye as she spoke of it, describing the charged atmosphere, busy platform and magnificent scarlet steam train. As she had described the air was filled with slightly glittery, shimmering smoke from the engine, which ran only on magic. There were children darting all around the platform, calling out to friends, hugging their parents and adding to the cacophony created by the many voices, were the trains engine and the screeches of the owls that sat atop the trunks which I knew held all sorts of magical things.
I bounced on the balls of my feet in excitement and impatiently pushed my long hair off my face as I stared around me, trying to take in very detail of the busy scene. I was finally going to Hogwarts! The place I had dreamed about my whole life! I glanced at my Dad, who was standing beside me, he was staring, wide eyed, around him, a look of wonder on his tired face. Even as I watched his eyes darkened with sadness and I heard him sigh quietly. I knew this was hard for him. My dad was a muggle, it was my mum who I inherited my magic from. Dad had been surprised and a little hurt when Mum confessed to being a witch, but accepted her and her magic without much difficulty, he'd been excited to hear about the magical world that ran parallel to his own.
Mum had died though, when I was six years old she'd caught the muggle disease, cancer, in her liver. She'd had muggle treatment for it, but her magic didn't respond well and she had to be admitted to St Mungos. They'd gotten rid of the cancer, but the muggle treatment she'd had left her magically drained and more susceptible to disease. Six months later she'd caught a particularly nasty form of dragon pox which had evolved with the radiation she'd been exposed too. None of the usual potions worked and in the end it killed her.
Even though it was the muggle treatment that caused her weakness, Dad had trouble accepting that not even magic could save his wife. When I'd received my letter, confirming I was a witch he'd been very upset. He didn't try to stop me going, because he knew my Mum would've wanted me to learn how to control my magic, but he had been distant and I knew he hoped I'd refuse the offer. I hadn't and I couldn't help but feel guilty, like I was disappointing him.
I let go of the handle of my trolley and wrapped my arms around my Dad's waist,
"I'm sorry Dad," I said into his torso.
I felt his hand smooth my hair, then rest on my back,
"You don't have anything to be sorry for, Baby Girl. It's what your Mum would've wanted," his voice hitched with emotion.
I pulled away to look up at him, surprised to see tears swimming in his blue eyes. The only time I could remember my Dad crying was when Mum died.
"I'm going to miss you Daddy," I said softly.
"I'll miss you too Kates."
"I'll write," I promised.
"I know you will," he managed a small smile, "I want to hear all about it. And what house you're in."
I smiled,
"I'm going to be in Gryffindor. I want to make mum proud!"
"She is proud of you Kates," his voice was choked again, "and I am too."
He squeezed me tightly,
"You remind me of her more everyday, and I know she's up there looking down at us and smiling because she knows what an amazing witch you're going to be, and what an amazing girl you already are."
I pulled away to smile at him,
"Thanks Daddy, I love you."
"I love you too, I'll see you at Christmas. Leanne's over there," he said, pointing to a girl and her parents a little way away, "why don't you two grab some seats. I'm sorry I can't wait to wave you off, I've got a meeting I couldn't get out of," he finished guiltily.
"It's ok Dad," I said reassuringly, "I'll send you a letter tonight," I gave him one last squeeze before heading off towards Leanne. I turned to wave at him and call out one last goodbye, before he was swallowed by the smoke and hidden by a large red headed family, who had just arrived on the platform.
"Katie!" Leanne cried, barreling forward and wrapping me in a tight hug, "It's been ages since I've seen you!"
I laughed, gently prying her off,
"I saw you two weeks ago in Diagon Alley Leanne, that's not ages!"
"Yes it is!" She said dramatically, then brightened up and exclaimed, "I can't believe we're finally going to Hogwarts!"
"I know, isn't it exciting!"
We reached her parents who greeted me happily. My mum and Mrs Bright, Leanne's mum, had been best friends at Hogwarts and so Leanne and I had grown up together. Even after Mum died, Mrs Bright had made sure we stayed close friends, she was my godmother after all.
"Are you nervous, Katie?" Mr Bright asked, he was a tall man with dark hair, that was streaked with a few grey strands and a permanent smile on his face.
"Not really," I replied truthfully, "very excited though!"
Mr Bright laughed and clapped me on the shoulder.
"How can you not be nervous?" Leanne exclaimed, "I feel like I'm going to be sick!"
I shrugged, the nerves would probably kick in later.
"You'd better get on the train soon girls," Mrs Bright said, checking her watch, "I expect it'll be leaving soon."
As she said it a whistle sounded, and around us students began to say their final goodbyes.
"Bye Mum! Bye Dad!" Leanne cried hugging both her parents.
"Bye Mr and Mrs Bright," I said politely, allowing her mum to hug me.
"Bye girls, have fun!" Leanne's Dad said waving.
"Be good, and don't forget to write!" Her mum added.
Together Leanne and I, got our trunks and my owl, Athena, onto the train and with a final wave for her parents we began looking for an empty compartment. We passed one filled with giggling older girls who were crowded around a blonde girl who was blushing profusely, and one filled with rowdy boys. Then one that was filled with green smoke. The next had only one boy in it, but he glared at us so darkly that we continued without pause. Finally, just as the train began to move, we found an empty one, and after heaving our trunks onto the luggage rack we collapsed into the seats. We passed the journey trading notes about Hogwarts, talking about the classes we were looking forward to and the houses we wanted to be in. I wanted to be in Gryffindor and Leanne didn't mind but hoped Gryffindor like her mum or Hufflepuff like her Dad.
"Just as long as it's not Slytherin!" She said, with a shudder.
I agreed, her parents had told us (what I later realised was a very PG version) about the time around when we were born. They warned us that some people in Slytherin might not be very nice and advised we keep our distance.
After the lunch trolley came around, our conversation turned to Quididitch, for my last three birthdays Leanne and her parents had taken us to see a game. I loved it and wanted nothing more than to fly myself. Mrs Bright told me that my Mum had been on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team for a lot of her Hogwarts career and that had she been alive, Mum would've taken me to see games for sure. Leanne enjoyed the games, but was terrified of heights, (she argued that she was actually afraid of falling) so didn't want to play herself. But I dreamed of playing, of the freedom and the adrenaline rush, the feel of the wind in my hair and the quaffle tucked under my arm. I'd been wanting my own broom for as long as I could remember, but they were expensive and my Dad argued I didn't even know how to fly. Mrs Bright also pointed out I wouldn't be able to fly even if I had a broom because I lived in a muggle suburb.
As the sky began to darken, Leanne and I changed into our robes, I was definitely nervous now. I felt like someone had released Cornish pixies in my stomach. Leanne was looking pale and was scrunching the corner of her robes in her fist nervously. Our conversation stopped as the train began to slow down, Leanne and I exchanged terrified looks. Neither of us knew exactly what the sorting process was, it was a closely guarded secret that her parents had refused to share. As the train stopped, I stood up and after a moment so did Leanne.
"Come on," I said hoarsely.
We got off the train, sticking closely together and heading for the huge figure who was calling for the first year students to follow him.
"He's giant!" Leanne whispered pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders. Luckily it wasn't raining, but there was a biting wind that cut through our uniforms, chilling me to the bone.
I nodded, shuffling after the figure. We followed two boys down a treacherous path, where I nearly took my eye out on a low hanging tree branch. There were a few muffled curses as the people around us tripped in the dark. Leanne let out a little scream and clutched hold of my cloak as she slipped, I in turn grabbed the boy in front of me as Leanne threatened to strangle me and pull me down with her. The boy managed to steady himself giving me enough time to get my own balance and steady Leanne.
"Sorry," Leanne said as she hurriedly let go of her choke hold on my cloak.
"M'ok," I gasped, fixing my cloak, "thanks," I added to the boy who was peering at us apprehensively, perhaps wondering if we were going to trip again.
"No problem," he murmured.
"This is bloody dangerous," Leanne muttered darkly as a branch whipped her cheek.
"What's life without a little danger?" I teased, jabbing her with my elbow.
"A safe one!" She countered, rubbing her side and scowling at me.
"It'd be boring Le-Le!"
She groaned at the use of the nickname I'd given her years ago. But brightened up as the path opened out onto the shores of a lake. There were several boats, scattered around, which, at the command of the huge man, people began to clamber into.
"No more'n four to a boat!" He called.
"Here Leanne," I said, tugging her over to one. The boy who'd stopped us from falling and the boy who was walking beside him followed us in awkwardly.
"Hello," Leanne said happily, her mood swings are unbelievable, "I'm so sorry about before."
In the faint light of the moon, I saw the boy blush slightly,
"Don't worry about it."
"You aren't hurt are you?" Leanne asked in concern.
"No, I'm fine," I boy denied hurriedly, glancing at his friend.
Leanne seemed unconvinced, but said,
"I'm Leanne and this is Katie," she nodded to me, "What're your names?"
I felt a little sorry for the two eleven year old boys sitting in front of us, they both stared at her, probably wondering why on earth she was so bubbly and maybe trying to figure out what she'd said. Leanne talked a little fast when she was nervous or excited and at the moment she was both.
"Er...I'm Keiran and this is Zac," the second boy said.
"Nice to meet you!" Leanne grinned.
The boats started moving and Leanne fell foward, into Keiran's lap. She jumped up hurriedly to move away, blushing furiously, at the same time as he tried to help her off, and I leaned forward to pull her back, she being the lovable walking disaster that she is, lost her balance and promptly fell into me, sending both of us over the side and into the water. The lake was freezing and my robes and cloak were very heavy when soaked with water. I came up spluttering, my hair plastered over my face.
"LEANNE I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" I shrieked, looking around for my best friend. I was surprised to see that our boat was upside down in the water. We'd capsized it. Merlin, Zac was going to think we were whack jobs.
I heard the large man yell something, but I was still looking for Leanne and the boys. Kicking my feet hard, I swam to the boat, trying to flip it over, it was too heavy so I resumed looking around for my best friend.
"Leanne?" I called, starting to get worried, a head popped up a few meters to my left, coughing violently.
"Leanne?" I repeated.
The person shook their head,
"Zac," he choked out.
The other boats had stopped now and kids were beginning to point at us, some were laughing, others were calling out advice. The man had got out a pink umbrella for some reason and was pointing it at the boat.
"Where's Leanne?" I cried, beginning to panic, Kieran was making his way towards the boat where Zac was clinging, still trying to cough his lungs up.
"Leanne!" I screamed hysterically, fighting to keep the panicked tears that were prickling at my eyes at bay.
I held onto the boat, trying to calm myself down, but couldn't stop the tear that trickled down my face. Suddenly the boat, was flipped over and the huge man, was grabbing me by the cloak and depositing me in it along with the two boys.
"Sir, my friend!" I cried, "Leanne!"
Before he could say anything, something erupted from the water. I nearly passed out as I realised it was a tentacle. Screams sounded from the other boats as they realised the same thing. Several more tentacles breached the surface of the water and slowly they moved towards my boat and dropped a wet bundle into it.
"Leanne!" I screamed, grabbing her.
She was coughing and spluttering, but seemed ok. I hugged her tightly, pushing her sopping hair off her face.
"You idiot!" I said.
"Yeah, yeah, I know you're happy to see me Kates," she coughed, then began apologizing to the two drenched boys.
"Right, is everyone alright?" The large man yelled.
"Yes, sorry Sir," Leanne said.
He pulled his huge coat off and threw it over the four of us, before pointing his pink umbrella forward. The boats all began to move forward once more.
"Are you really alright?" Kieran asked Leanne.
She nodded,
"I'm so sorry, you're all wet and cold now, because of me."
"You're wet and cold too, so I think we'll forgive you," Kieran said with a smile.
Leanne smiled shyly back, then glanced at me anxiously,
"You're not really mad, are you Katie?"
I shook my head,
"Nah, you just scared me Le-Le. Besides I'm pretty sure that was the Giant Squid that just saved you, if that's not an adventure I don't know what is!"
Leanne laughed and ruffled my hair,
"You're crazy!"
"Well you're a walking disaster and I still love you!" I said defensively.
She laughed again,
"I suppose I can put up with your craziness then."
I smiled, relief coursing through me, I'd really thought for a minute there that I'd lost her. I grabbed her hand and gave it a little squeeze, before letting go. She smiled at me, knowing what I was trying to say.
"Well this'll be a story to tell," Kieran said brightly, grinning at Zac, who smiled slightly in return.
"Unfortunately it'll join the many crazy escapades of Katie and Leanne," I said.
"So, things like this happen a lot around you two?" Kieran glanced between us.
"Nope, only around Leanne, they never happen when I'm by myself," I nudged her with my elbow.
"I'm just talented," she said with a disdainful sniff.
"Yeah...talented..."
She elbowed me hard in the side,
"Shut it Bell."
"Look!" Zac suddenly said.
We turned to follow his gaze and my breath caught in my throat as I took in the magnificent castle, that was coming into view. The many windows were lit up, giving the huge building a golden, warm glow, and silhouetting it against the starry sky. It was a grand castle, with many turrets and towers. The building towered over us, but not in an intimidating way, it seemed to be welcoming us.
"Wow," I gasped.
"It's beautiful," Leanne breathed.
Kieran just nodded his mouth hanging open.
We drank in the sight before us, silent and motionless but for our shivers in the cold wind. When we passed under the outcrop and entered a tunnel, the spell was broken and I shifted slightly, and gave a huge shudder. I was freezing.
"So what house do you girls want to be in?" Kieran asked. I was beginning to think Zac didn't talk much.
"Gryffindor," I said confidently, while Leanne shrugged.
"I don't really mind, just not Slytherin!" She said.
"Ha that's funny, Zac wants to be in Gryffindor and I'm the same as you Leanne, I don't mind either," Kaiden smiled. He smiled a lot, even more than Leanne did.
I caught Zac's eye as Leanne replied with her usual cheerfulness,
"My money's on Huffelpuff," he whispered.
I glanced at Leanne, she was definitely cheerful and loyal, as well as hard working. And Keiran seemed that type too.
"Agreed," I said with a small smile.
We came to shore and the four of us clambered out of the boat. I stepped out of the warmth of the large coat so the others could have it, it was massive, but not big enough for the four of us to walk under. We all traipsed after the big man again, coming to a stop in front of a large door which he banged on sharply. It opened and the man stepped aside to let us enter. As we came to him he bent down to look at the four of us, he had a very hairy face, and dark eyes, but there was warmth in them and in his smile that took away from his intimidating hugeness.
"Yer' alright?" He asked kindly.
I nodded,
"Thanks, sir."
The others echoed me, and Leanne handed him back his coat.
"Ye can call me Hagrid, I ain't no sir," he said with a loud chuckle.
"Thank you Hagrid!" We chorussed before following our classmates inside.
They were all standing in front of a tall, black haired witch in emerald green robes. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun and her thin lips were pressed tightly together, in a stern expression, that made me immediately wonder if I'd done something wrong. Nervously I held my cloak up so it wouldn't drip too much water on the ground. The witch lead us into a small room off the grand Entrance Hall. We crowded in there, looking around nervously.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, my name is Professor McGonagall," the witch said, "The start of term feast will begin momentarily, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony, as your house is like your family. While you are here you will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitories, spend time in your house common rooms and eat at your house tables.
"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. During the school year your triumphs will earn you house points, while any rule-breaking will lose you points. At the end of the year the house with the most points will be awarded the house cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.
"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few moments in front of the rest of the school, I suggest you take the time to smarten yourselves up and prepare yourself while you wait."
Her eyes lingered on the four of us, who were still dripping wet, Leanne had bits of weed caught in her hair, Kieran had mud smeared on his face and Zac's cloak was fastened under his ear. No doubt my hair was a mess too.
"I shall return when we are ready for you," Professor McGonagall said, "Please wait quietly."
She swept from the chamber leaving about twenty nervous eleven year olds to huddle in awkward silence.
"You have weed in your hair," I said to Leanne, my voice echoing in the silence.
There were a few quiet giggles at that, as Leanne immediately began trying to untangle her hair from the slimy lake plant. I picked a few pieces out for her, before turning my attention to my own hair. I tried to run my fingers through it, but it was mattered into straggly wet clumps. Bending over and flipping my hair down I gathered it up, twisting it into a knot and snapping the hair elastic on my wrist over it. Hopefully it no longer looked like something had died in there. Zac had fixed his cloak and Kieran had succeeded in smudging the dirt on his cheek. I fixed Leanne's collar for her and in doing so got a whiff of her hair, which smelt like fish and dirty lake water, surprise surprise. I surreptitiously sniffed myself, and wrinkled my nose. Note to self, no more swims in the Black Lake.
Professor McGonagall returned and upon her instruction we formed a line and followed her out of the chamber and across the Entrance to the Great Hall. It was beautiful in an odd way, lit by thousands of floating candles that hung in the air above four long tables, it was packed with people. The students sat at the four long tables, which were lain with shiny golden plates and goblets. A fifth table was raised at the top of the Hall, which was where the staff were sitting. I picked out Professor Dumbledore right away. He was exactly as he'd always been described, with his long purple robes and silvery hair and beard. He surveyed us with piercing blue eyes, over the top of his half moon spectacles. I glanced up at the ceiling and felt my breath catch in my throat, it had been bewitched to look like the sky, and was a blue black colour, dotted with thousand of stars. I wondered what happened when it rained, would we have to sit with umbrellas?
I looked down and reddened slightly as I realised all the students and staff were watching us progress down the hall. Taking a deep breath and mustering up my confidence I concentrated on not tripping over. I wondered if there was a spell to turn oneself invisible; if there was I desperately wished I knew how to cast it. Even single eye in the Great Hall lingered on the four of us, we were dripping water everywhere, Leanne still had a bit of weed caught in her hair and my hair no doubt looked like a terrible. Leanne went bright red, and huddled closer to me. I glared around the room, staring those who looked for too long down.
"Go for a moonlight swim did we Zac?" A boy in his fourth year called as we passed where he was sitting.
Zac blushed, but scowled at the boy as people around the hall laughed. Leanne let out a tiny moan and huddled deeper into her cloak as if trying to hide. I gently pulled the bit of weed from her hair and threw it at the boy. He was too busy laughing to notice it coming and it slapped him across the face. His expression was priceless, and his friends burst out laughing, Leanne let out a little giggle and Zac grinned broadly,
"Nice one," he said quietly.
I smirked at the boy over my shoulder and kept walking. Professor McGonagall sent me a disapproving look, but didn't comment, which I suspected meant she approved more than she'd be willing to admit.
We came to a stop in front of three legged stool with a battered old hat sitting on it. The rest of the students quietened down under Professor McGonagall's stern gaze, and then everyone turned their eyes to the hat. I found myself looking at it curiously, then jumped violently as a tear opened in its brim, and the hat began to sing:
"A thousand years or more ago,
When I was clean and new,
There lived a pair of wizards great
And a pair of witches too.
They had a dream, a noble goal,
To teach the future race,
Together they established our marvelous school,
Upon this historical place.
And so these famous founders four,
Though they were all good friends,
Couldn't agree on who to teach,
On who was worthy to attend.
At last they came to a solution,
And so is was decided,
Each year they'd separate,
Into four houses divided.
And so into my fabric and seams,
Was mighty magic wrought,
The way to find the proper house,
For each new student sought.
And still today, here I am,
To take a look in your head,
And find the house where you'll do best,
And face the challenges ahead.
"In Gryffindor the brave will go,
The chivalrous and true,
If courage is your boldest aim,
The Lion is for you.
In Ravenclaw the intellect,
Is deemed a mighty prize,
If wit and knowledge are your love,
In the Eagle you'll rise.
In Hufflepuff the patient ones
Persevere within our walls
If you're loyal till the end,
The steadfast Badger calls.
In Slytherin, the resourceful ones,
Use cunning to achieve their ends,
If a deep ambition drives you on,
The Snake will find you friends.
Divided like a compass rose,
North, East, South and West
Separate parts of a greater whole,
United they are best.
Now pop me down onto your head,
So I can see within,
And without further a do
Let, the Sorting now begin!"
All around the Great Hall people broke into applause, I clapped along with them, giving the hat a slightly apprehensive look. I turned to comment on the singing hat to Leanne, but she was still staring at it with her mouth hanging open. I nudged her as Professor McGonagall stepped forward holding a roll of parchment.
"When I call your name, could you please step forward," she said her eyes wracking over us sternly.
I felt considerably better knowing I only had to try a hat on, but Leanne looked positively green with nerves. Keiran was no longer smiling, but staring at the hat as though he was worried it might suddenly leap at him. Zac was shifting from foot to foot nervously and a small girl in front of him was shaking like a leaf.
"Andrews, Timothy."
Oh dear God they were doing it in alphabetical order. I watched as a fair haired boy, stepped forward, swallowing nervously, before sitting down and placing the hat on his head. He jumped violently and stared around wide eyed, for a moment, before relaxing,
"RAVENCLAW!"
Timothy smiled and took off the hat before heading towards the table that had burst into loud applause at the Sorting Hat's announcement.
"Applebee, Tamsin," McGonagall called.
A tall girl with long blonde ringlets stepped forward and was sorted into Huffelpuff. Then Belby, Marcus became the second Ravenclaw.
My stomach churned unpleasantly, as McGonagall looked down at her list once more,
"Bell, Katherine."
Merlin save me. I stepped forward on wobbly legs, and carefully placed the hat on my head as I perched on the stool. Then nearly jumped out of my skin, as a voice said, right in my ear,
"Ah, what have we here!"
I managed to keep my expression one of cool indifference as I knew every eye in the packed hall was on me, but I sent out a tendril of questioning thought in direction if the voice.
"Plenty of brains here, but not an academic drive," the Sorting Hat mused, "And you definitely value loyalty and hard work, but you don't have the even temperament Helga favours. But ambition, my my, Miss Bell, you certainly want to prove yourself!"
I sent a hard thought at the Hat, firmly telling him that he better not be considering Slytherin.
He chuckled,
"There really is only one place to put such a daring, stubborn individual. Good Luck Miss Bell. GRYFFINDOR!" The hat yelled out for the whole room to here.
I smiled broadly and caught Leanne's eye as I took the hat off, she sent me a thumbs up as I made my way over to the enthusiastically applauding table.
"Bright, Leanne," McGonagall called as I sat down.
I watched as Leanne stepped forward, I could see her shaking from here.
"Come on Le-Le," I murmured.
After a moment of deliberation the Sorting Hat yelled,
"HUFFLEPUFF!" Even though I wasn't surprised, I couldn't help my disappointment as I watched her hurry over to the Hufflepuff table. She glanced over her shoulder and our eyes met, I gave her a nod and encouraging smile. She smiled back in a relieved way, correctly interpreting my look as promising we'd still be friends.
A few Gryffindors around me, said hello and welcomed me to the table. They introduced themselves, but all the names blurred into one. I was feeling a little overwhelmed so feigned interest in the Sorting. Watching as Chang Cho, and Edgecombe Marietta became Ravenclaw then Fawley, Sullivan became Hufflepuff.
"It's a small group again this year," the head girl, who had introduced herself as Sarah, commented to the boy sitting beside her.
"Yeah," he agreed, "Not many people had kids during the war."
As Zac and I had predicted Kieran was sorted into Hufflepuff too. I was still the only first year Gryffindor. Even as I thought this Larkin, Benjamin became a Gryffindor followed by McLaggen, Cormac.
The two boys sat down on the opposite side of the tables to me, I glanced at them curiously. Benjamin gave me a shy smile and murmured a greeting before turning back to the Sorting, but McLagen stared unrestrained at me a cocky smirk on his face.
"You're one of the chicks who fell in the lake!"
I gave him a disdainful look, and turned to watch as Meads, Gertrude became a Slytherin.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!" McLaggen said.
"Unfortunately I don't speak prat," I said with a deadly glare at him.
He looked confused for a moment as if trying to work out whether I was insulting him or not. Rolling my eyes I turned back to the front as Richmond, Viola also became a Slytherin.
"Simmons, Isaac," Professor McGonagall called.
I watched as Zac stepped forward, there were only two other boys left. I desperately hoped he'd be in Gryffindor, he seemed nice, if a little quiet, and if I had to go without any girls in my year in my house, I wanted Zac. I crossed my fingers as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
I cheered loudly as a grinning Zac came to sit beside beside me.
"Nice one," I said, with a smile.
He smiled back, and we watched as Spencer, Cole became a Slytherin and then Woodbridge, Aron became a a Ravenclaw.
Professor Dumbledore then stood, he was a rather old, queer looking man, but obviously well respected, because the Great Hall immediately fell silent again.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" He said with wide smile, "I'm sure you're all hungry, so I'll save the start of term notices until after dinner. Tuck in!"
He spread his hands as he spoke the last two words and dishes piled high with a vide variety of steaming food appeared on the table. I eagerly followed the Headmaster's advice, piling my plate high and tucking into the food, which was delicious.
Around us the older students began to talk, they introduced themselves again for the others benefit, and mine too as I remembered more names now, and asked us questions about ourselves and we in turn asked them questions about the school.
"Are you on the Quidditch team?" I asked excitedly when the Head Girl, made a comment about last years Cup.
"No," she said, "But this prat is," she indicated the boy next to her, Malcolm I think his name was, who was too busy eating to pay much attention to the conversation. He looked up when she elbowed him though, to glare at her.
"Bloody hell Sarah!" He complained in a Scottish accent.
She rolled her eyes,
"Katie asked about Quidditch," she informed him, nodding to me.
"Are you on the house team?" I asked him with interest.
"Yeah, I'm a Chaser."
"That's the position I want to play!" I exclaimed.
He grinned,
"You'll have to wait until next year to tryout for the House team, but there'll be two chasing spots opening up so you have a good chance."
I opened my mouth to respond, but McLaggen jumped in, saying he played Quidditch too,
"I'm an excellent Keeper," he said arrogantly.
"I'm afraid my little brother has that spot," Malcolm said stiffly, "In fact, here he comes now."
I looked around to see the boy I'd thrown the lake weed at and another boy who bore a close resemblance to Malcolm walking towards us.
"Oh no," Zac muttered as he saw them coming.
"Hello, hello, hello!" Weed boy said, squashing himself into a non existent space between Zac and I.
"What do you want?" Zac asked mournfully.
"Can't I congratulate my little brother for making Gryffindor!" He said with an easy grin.
"You're squashing Katie," was Zac's only reply.
It made sense that they were brothers, they shared the same defined, aristocratic features and blue eyes, though Zac's hair was darker in colour. His brother turned to look at me and immediately leaped away,
"It's the weed girl!" He cried, making the people around us laugh.
"Are you scared of little first years now Ethan?" Zac teased his brother.
While Ethan fiercely denied that claim, Malcolm raised his eyebrows at me,
"That was you?" He asked with a touch of admiration.
I nodded, a small smile crossing my face.
"Nice!" Malcolm said raising his hand to give me a high five.
I laughed and slapped his hand.
"That was a really good throw!" Malcolm's brother said excitedly, "Ethan's face was hilarious!"
I gave a little shrug, but kept smiling.
"I'm Oliver Wood, by the way," he said holding out his hand.
"Katie Bell," I replied shaking his hand firmly.
"Do you play Quiddich Katie?" Oliver asked.
Malcolm laughed, and grabbed his brother in a headlock,
"Indeed she does, we've got ourselves an up and coming Chaser here Oliver!"
"Get off," Oliver said succeeding in pushing his elder brother off.
"This one's got a one track mind Katie. He was dropped on his head at birth don't worry about him," Malcolm said seriously, cuffing his brother on the back of the head affectionately.
"Oi!" Oliver scowled, "I most definitely am not the only one, you've been hit by too many bludgers!"
"See what I mean!" Malcolm grinned, "Everything's always about Quidditch!"
"Quidditch is pretty awesome," I said with a smile.
"I like her!" Oliver announced, flashing me a winning smile, "So what team do you support Katie?"
I smiled ruefully,
"The Harpies of course, girl power for the win!"
Oliver laughed.
"I like Puddlemere though too," I added thoughtfully, "They've improved heaps over the last few seasons and they play a tactical game, not like some of the other teams in the league."
Oliver's eyes lit up,
"Puddlemere's the best!" He agreed and began rattling off some statistics and commenting on their signature plays.
"Now you've done it," Malcolm groaned, "He'll never shut up now!"
I ignored him, captivated by both what Oliver was saying and by how open he was with his emotions. He was obviously very passionate about Quidditch, I could see it in the brightness of his eyes and the way he waved his hands around as he spoke. I took the opportunity to scrutinize his facial features. He had sandy blonde hair and beautiful brown eyes, the colour of melted chocolate, a strong jawline and high forehead. He was tall and lanky with some obvious muscle, from Quidditch no doubt, and overall very good looking. His Scottish accent was rich and warm, very word seemed to roll off his tongue.
"...and the Chasers are finally doing more than just the usual reverse passes and feints!"
"Their Porkoff Ploy is coming on nicely," I agreed.
Oliver beamed at me and I couldn't help but smile back.
"Oliver, I think you just met your soul mate," Ethan said jokingly.
I blushed and Oliver just looked at his friend in confusion,
"What?"
Malcolm snorted and ruffled his brother's hair,
"You are never going to get a girlfriend Wood."
Oliver looked completely baffled by the turn in conversation and I couldn't help but giggle. I, Katherine Louisa Bell, do not giggle. At least not normally. I contemplated this for a moment, before mentally shrugging and spooning my last mouthful of self saucing chocolate pudding and vanilla ice cream into my mouth. Ah...I could get used to eating like this!
"You obviously like Quidditch then?" Zac said quietly to me.
I smiled and nodded vigorously,
"I don't really play as such because I live in a muggle suburb. I don't even own a broom! It's always been a dream, sometimes when I visited Leanne, we'd get her parent's old brooms out and have a go on them, but they're pretty old and a lot of the magic's faded from them. They only rise a few metres off the ground and don't go fast at all. I've been going to the professional games for most of my life though, I can't wait for a Flying Lessons!"
Zac smiled faintly,
"Yeah, they should be fun."
"Do you play or follow Quidditch?" I asked him.
He shifted a little uncomfortably,
"Yeah I guess. I like flying and wouldn't say no to tickets, but I don't have a team I actively support."
I nodded,
"So are you a pureblood then?"
He made a face,
"Not technically, there's some muggle blood going back about ten generations, but my parents, grandparents and their parents are all magical. Are you a halfblood?"
"Yeah, my Dad's a muggle."
Before he could reply, the food disappeared and Dumbledore stood to address us,
"Now our bellies are full, I'd just like to remind you all that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students, there are a lot of dangerous creatures lurking in those trees, nothing to worry about so long as you stay away," he peered at us over his half moon spectacles, his blue eyes dancing.
"Mr Filch also asks me to remind you that there is to be no fighting or dueling in the corridors and informs me that he has added eleven more objects to the Prohibited items list. For the full 398 item long list, please consult the board outside his office," he paused to smile slightly.
"Now allow me to introduce, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Jameson! I know you will join me in welcoming the Professor and wishing him the best of luck."
A tall man with dark hair and heavy brows, that gave the impression he was frowning, stood to a polite applause.
"Information about Hogsmeade trips and Quidditch trials will be available on your House Noticeboards over the next few days. Now off to bed! Classes begin tomorrow!"
There was a splatter of applause as people began to clamber to their feet, and leave the Great Hall.
"Follow me, Firsties," Malcolm said with a grin.
Sarah slapped his arm and gave us a kind smile,
"We'll show you the way to Gryffindor Tower."
I stood up looking around for Leanne,so I could say good night, but I had no hope of seeing her over the heads of the much taller student. Zac who was a whole head taller than me, craned his neck too, but shook his head apologetically. I gave him a small smile, before we followed Sarah and Malcolm out of the Great Hall.
"The easiest way to get to Gryffindor Tower, is if you go right to the top floor," Sarah said, leading us up the marble staircase. I looked up in amazement, there were staircases going everywhere!
"There are a few shortcuts, you can take, when you know the castle better."
"Be careful though, the staircases like to change," Malcolm warned with a gleeful smile.
The two seventh years, lead us to a doorway off the Grand Staircase on the seventh floor, we followed them through it and down a corridor to the very end, where we came to a portrait of a very large woman in a pink silk dress.
"Password?" She said.
"Lacewing flies," Sarah replied, the portrait swung forward revealing a round hole in the wall, "Make sure you remember the password," Sarah said to us as we scrambled through, "She won't let you in without it."
The Gryffindor Common Room was a cosy round room, with squashy armchairs, a few bookshelves, some tables, already littered with sweet wrappers, articles of clothing and gobstones.
"Boys if you'll follow me," Malcolm said.
Zac smiled at me and murmured a good bye before following Benjamin and McLaggen up a staircase to the right after Malcolm.
"Come on, Katie, I'll show you your dormitory," Sarah smiled, "Because you're the only girl in your year and McGonagall didn't think you'd want to be by yourself, you'll be sharing a room with the two second year girls. Angelina and Alicia are great, I'm sure they'll love having you."
I nodded nervously, hopefully these Angelina and Alicia people were friendly. I followed Sarah up a spiral staircase to the left, we stopped outside a door which read. 'First and Second Year Girls' then someone had added, "Enter at your own Risk," underneath it.
Sarah knocked on the door, I was still trying to work out if the 'enter at your own risk' was a joke or if I should get my wand out.
"Angelina? Alicia?" Sarah called, opening the door.
A girl with long black hair braided down her back and dark skin turned around from where she was bent over her trunk, when she saw who it was she smiled.
"Hey Sarah, how were your holidays?"
"Good thanks Ange, this is your new dorm mate," she said, pushing me forward lightly, "Katie this is Angelina Johnson, Ange, Katie Bell."
Angelina smiled at me,
"Hello Katie, welcome to Hogwarts. Hey Alicia!" She yelled in the direction of a closed door.
An irritated girl with light brown, almost blonde hair, holding a toothbrush, opened the door,
"Be patient Ange, I've only been in here a few minutes!"
"Katie, meet Alicia Spinnet, I promise she's not always this snappy," Angelina laughed.
Alicia brightened up and gave me a friendly smile,
"Sorry," she said meekly, "It's a pleasure to meet you Katie, Ange and I were so excited to hear we were getting a new room mate. It can get boring with just the two of us!"
"What are you saying Spinnet?" Angelina asked in fake outrage.
"I'll leave you girls to it," Sarah interrupted, smiling slightly, "Good night!"
"Thanks Sarah," I said to the older girl.
Both Alicia and Angelina called goodbyes.
"So that is your bed, Katie," Alicia said, indicating the bed to the right of where I was standing. The dorm room was circular, which made sense, seeing as we were in one of the towers. There were three four poster beds with red velvet curtains spaced evenly around the room. Two doors, one to the bathroom and one to the staircase. Three trunks rested at the foot of the three beds, which had a small set of drawers beside them. There was a window, with a window seat in between my bed and the bathroom door and a tall wooden wardrobe between what I assumed were Angelina and Alicia's beds.
"Last year there was a desk where your bed is," Alicia continued cheerfully, "but we never used it for much more than dumping our books."
I smiled at her and moved over to my bed,
"Are you two the only second year girls?" I asked them.
"Yeah," Angelina answered, "but we're good friends with the three boys in our year."
I nodded and began unpacking a few things from my trunk, we chattered away about trivial things as we prepared for bed, they warned me that the Potions Master, Professor Snape, wasn't very nice and was extremely biased towards his own house, which was Slytherin.
"Make sure you fill two vials with your potion," Alicia advised.
"Yeah, he's fond of 'accidentally' knocking them if his desk and giving you a zero," Angelina agreed.
"Thanks, so who's the head of Gryffindor?" I asked.
"McGonagall," they answered together.
"Damn it, I bet she doesn't show favouritism!" I complained.
The two girls laughed and shook their heads regretfully. I then told them about how I'd fallen in the lake and Angelina jokingly said, she'd been wondering what the smell was. I'd laughed and had a nice hot shower before I scribbled a quick letter to my Dad, telling him about the feast and the sorting and my new friends Zac, Angelina and Alicia. I didn't say anything about the falling in the lake, but I mentioned how I was disappointed Leanne and I weren't in the same house and said I was excited for class tomorrow.
"...Hopefully we'll have our first flying lessons soon!
I miss you already!
Love Katie."
I signed off, before attaching the letter to Athena, my beautiful grey owl's, leg and opening the window so she could fly out. I said goodnight to Alicia who was reading and Angelina, who was brushing out her long curly hair, and muttering about how unmanageable it was, before getting into my bed. I was exhausted and fell asleep quickly, thinking so far Hogwarts had been a pretty awesome adventure!
Thank you so much for reading! Please Review!
-IL