C H A P T E R O N E
HOGWARTS EXPRESS
The Weasley's walked up onto the platform, right where they always parted for the new school year ahead of the children. Molly Weasley, the mother of the four flaming red headed children standing in front of her, pulled a brown paper bag out of her coat, handing it to the shortest boy. He let out a groan and forced a small grin upon his face.
"You shouldn't have," he mumbled, knowing it was the same turkey and mayonnaise sandwich she sent with him on the train every year.
"You, too, Fred, GEORGE!" Mrs. Weasley yelled to the two twins who had run off in front of them hoping to escape her grasp. "Come back here, you're not entering that Platform without your sandwiches! It's a long ride now, get back here."
Obediently the two twins halted and walked back to her. They grabbed their bags and placed them on the baggage carts they pushed along. "You know I hate turkey. Why don't you ever buy ham?" George grumbled, slouching down. He heaved, pushing the cart another ten feet. After a few moments he looked back to see Fred placing one of the infamous Canary Creams in his mother's purse while she bent over and wiped dirt off of Ron's face. "Fred, come on, we're going to be late and not get our compartment!"
"Oh, I'm coming!" Fred yelled, running after him. George ran right into the barrier between platforms nine and ten, disappearing into thin air.
Fred was ten feet from the barrier when a blonde girl he recognized as a Ravenclaw sixth year cut in front of him. "Good morning Fred, good to see they haven't expelled you ye-"
She was cut off as she crossed the barrier. He shook his head and followed her through, finding her on the other side chatting with a brunette girl. "I always have said that they would cancel the World Cup the second he-who- shall-not-be-named came back to claim Potter as his first victim. The only problem was Potter escaped him once more. That boy is running out of lives I tell you." she was telling the girl, her nose stuck upon into the air like so many of the Ravenclaws.
"Hey Diggle, when are you going to get hit by a bludger that will set you straight?" Fred asked, her quickly passing by.
She narrowed her eyes at him, just as a boy placed his foot out causing Fred to trip in front of her. She rolled her eyes and looked over at the dark haired boy that had tripped him. "Weasley, you had better watch where you're walking. You've already put your parents into the hole more then the others." an arrogant voice placed down upon him. "You put us seventh years to a shame."
He lifted his head off of the ground to see Noah Alexander, Slytherin's House Prefect. "Just because you get everything you want doesn't mean you must put us down." He pulled his old, graying robes out from under himself, trying to force himself off of the cement ground.
"Yes, it does." he spewed, turning on his heal and looking at the girl.
"Well, if it isn't Marclay Diggle. How's your uncle treating you? Still trying to go after the things that aren't good enough for you?" He raised his eyebrows, placing a smirk upon his face.
"You okay, Weasley?" she asked, holding her hand out to Fred. He took it and she helped him get himself up off of the ground. "Noah, I suggest you keep your ignorance to yourself. Just think, you'll be gone next year and for once I'll have a moment of peace."
"Right, Diggle." he shunned, turning on his heel away from her and heading to where a Slytherin girl stood, tapping her toes waiting for him. She looked down at her watch and then up at him. "You're late, Noah. We're suppose to be a couple, how do you think we can do that when you're always flirting with that so-called Snape's niece?"
Marclay shook her head and smiled at Fred. "I hope he didn't harm your ego with his arrogance."
"Yes, well, I don't think he could harm anyone's ego." Fred laughed. "Got to go now. Got to get on the train, only have a few minutes until it leaves."
"I've got to go find Blake! You just reminded me." she quickly pushed her baggage cart away, heading straight for a light haired boy who stood tall, observing the people entering the train. As she stopped, she fixed the owl's cage upon her trunk, making sure it was in its spot and wouldn't fall to the ground. She then got on the tip of her toes, just so she could place a kiss on his cheek.
Fred shook his head, and looked to where George was yelling his name. "How I reminded her of that oaf of a Head Boy I have no idea." he commented to himself, pushing his baggage cart to the window George was hanging out of.
"It's good to see you again. Owl mail isn't what they put it out to be." Two two's hands linked together as she went to his side. "So, how's it like being Head Boy?"
"What all the rest of them have put it out to be. It's not much different from being a prefect, you know? I'm sure that you could understand what it's like." he responded, looking out at a younger boy darting across the platform. The two of them winced, seeing the boy slip on a magazine, obviously left from one of the girl witches interested in the Muggle's beauty ideas. "With how you're going I'm sure you'll be Head Girl next year."
"You really think so?" she questioned, letting go of his hand. "I have to go find Anna, I'm sure she wants to go over the passwords with us."
"It's Bundlewort... for the dorm's at least. And we all know that the prefects bathroom's password this year is Havickard. If you want to use it of course."
"That I may like to do." she responded, rolling her eyes so that he couldn't see. She leaned up and kissed his cheek once more, and then mumbled a "See you on the train." She hurried off into the opposite direction, noting that Fred had already entered the train.
"Crookshanks, NO!" a fuzzed hair fifth year yelled, running past her. Marclay immediately recognized the girl as Hermione Granger, a Gryffindor. "Don't you even dare."
The cat that had passed by her before hand ran through an opened door, chasing a small mouse. Marclay let it pass right by her, entering the first carriage. She walked in to see the various different looking wizards and witches walking by. She took her seat in the third compartment back, right next to another blonde girl. "He annoying you already, too?" Anna Jasc questioned, nodding towards Blake.
"He's too... prefect."
"Try having him send an owl to you every day over the summer deciding what the best route to take on controlling the younger Ravenclaw's is. It's like he's trying as hard as 'e possibly can to put me through hell," Anna stated, irritation filling her voice. "At least he isn't that dreaded Noah Alexander. That boy could kill a rat with his stench."
"Don't say that, Anna. We have better ties with Slytherin then the rest of the houses. We don't need them on our bad side now. Especially since the Dark Mark has been appearing more and more often. I'm just waiting for the toll of dead people to shoot up to an absolute high again." Marclay lectured, peering out of the window. "You-know-who's going to find out a way to get into Hogwarts just like he did four years ago, or he'll get a bloody spy. That's all we need."
"Yes, well at least we have Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore, my butt," Carrie Michaels declared, pushing her trunk inside the compartment. She pushed it under the seat and looked at the two of them. "He can't protect us against the Death Eater's."
"Oh, let's get off of this stupid subject." Marclay declared, glaring up at the two of them. "I've got to worry about being a prefect next year and being the captain of our Quidditch team."
"You should be used to it by now, it's your second year being captain. Since Davies left two years ago." Carrie said, jealousy feeling her voice.
"Blimey!" Marclay blurted out, her eyes becoming wide. "You two just started playing Quidditch two years ago, this is my fifth year. The rules are that the best player and more experienced player in each house is the captain. Not that the oldest is captain."
"We know that." Anna stated as the train's whistle sounded. This signaled that they had five minutes until the train was to leave. The five of them noted this and looked out at the other students hurrying onto the train. "Finally, I can't wait to get to Hogwarts."
"Me either." Carrie said, plopping herself down upon the seat next to Anna.
Marclay looked at the two of them. "I'm going to change into my robes."
"I will, too." Carrie said.
She lazily forced herself up off of the seat and rummaged through her trunk, finding the new robes. She pulled all sorts of things out of the trunk, finding everything she didn't need.
Marclay opened her trunk and grabbed the newly bought robes that had been placed up on the top. She walked into the "changing room" and quickly put her robes on. Moments later she emerged from inside it, dressed in her black robes and a gray skirt that had a matching sweater and white blouse. Carrie looked up at her, holding up her hat. "I found one thing!"
Marclay laughed, placing her Muggle cloths inside her trunk and then closing it tightly shut. She pushed it under the seat and looked at Carrie who was now putting all of her items back inside the trunk. The robes folded perfectly on the ground.
Anna sat sniggering in her seat, watching Carrie with caution. "I don't understand why you always put your robes on the bottom. Don't you ever remember?"
"Of course I do, but then I have to re-pack 'cause I'm afraid I forgot something." Carrie said, closing the trunk tightly and shoving it under the seat. "It's a bad habit of mine. I need a remembrall so I know I didn't forget to pack something."
"You're lucky it's your last year." Marclay said, dreading the fact that she still has one after this. She knew that the following year every Ravenclaw she had ever associated with would be leaving to pursue greater things, while she would be left to take over as house prefect or Head Girl of the school. Both thoughts she dreaded, for she didn't want to turn out like the students before her.
"Yes, well, sometimes I wish it wasn't. I'm going to miss singing the funny Hogwarts theme song and listening to the Sorting Hat sing his new song each year." Anna stated, a look of sadness crossing her face for a split second.
"It's a shame I won't get to see all the quivering first years go up to that Hat." Carrie added, placing a smile on her face. "Too bad I can't afford to buy a camera yet."
"Too bad they won't allow you to own one, Michaels." George said from the outside aisle. The train's last whistle blew; indicating the train was now on it's way to Hogwarts. "How are you doing?"
"What are you doing here? You're not a prefect." Anna stated. She looked upon George with a great look of disgust that only turned worse when Fred appeared behind him. "You know the only students allowed in the first carriage are the prefects and-"
"Head Boy or Girl." George stated. "I see that you all have your badges on. Are you going to boss us around now?"
"Plus," Fred said, "Those two are not prefects. They're just in here."
Anna tilted her head to the side and glared at the two of them. "We don't boss you around you've really done something wrong. Which, by the way, should be any second now."
"What are you talking about in here any ways?" Fred asked, seating himself next to Anna. He smiled at her and then shot his head towards Carrie. "I suppose you're a beater again this year? Shame, you know. We'll probably knock you to the ground before you can say 'broom stick.'"
"You know,
"I've mastered Bludger Backbeat. I can get it where ever I want to get it now." George smirked.
"Too bad, I mastered that my second year." Marclay said to him, pouting as though to laugh. "I guess you're a bit behind the times."
"Why do you expect you're captain?" Fred asked. "Want a toffee?" He offered one towards Carrie who stood nearest to him.
"They're really good." George laughed, placing a grin on his face.
"I don't accept candy from a Weasley twin. Sorry to say so myself. I know what you guys do to them." Carrie declared, pushing his hand away from her. "Why don't you go and try it on one of the first years? I'm sure they haven't discovered what you're like."
"Why don't you try one of these?" Marclay offered, holding out a handful of gumdrops. The twins stared at them for a moment, unsure of what to do. "They don't bite and I'm sure they aren't like your little charms."
"Alrightie." George said, grabbing three of them and shoving them into his mouth.
Fred grabbed the remaining four and put them in his mouth. The two of them chewed them and then swallowed. Marclay kept a content look upon her face as the two of them smiled at her. Their teeth were covered in ink, or so it seemed. She smiled at her own joke, knowing the ink wouldn't come out for five days. It was long enough for the two to get a taste of their own medicine (or so she had decided).
"Where'd you get 'um? They're really good. Don't taste like gum drops at all."
"I made them myself. They're Inkling Gummy Droppers."
"Why Inkling?" George asked curiously, grinning at her. He showed his teeth and the other two girls almost burst out laughing.
"Why don't you ask your brother?" she said, stifling a laugh that almost escaped her lips.
She watched the two of them look at each other and then look back at her. "So what?" Was the first thing Fred said.
"See, they didn't do a thing." she smiled and winked at Anna. "Why don't you go share them with your friends. I have plenty."
"I know what they taste like now." Fred suddenly said, looking back at George. "Butter-beer."
"Exactly." Marclay replied, handing them a bag with the Inkling Gummy Droppers in them.
Fred came and sat beside her an evil grin upon his face. "Here, try a Creamy." he offered her a cream cake, and she took it, raising her eyebrows.
"And what does this do?" Carrie asked, looking down at the small cake.
"Or should I ask, what does she end up doing or turn in to?"
"Nothing much." George said, winking at Fred. Neither had yet discovered their teeth. "Have fun!"
Fred and George quickly stood up at the same time and hurried out of the compartment. "Oh," Fred said, looking around the corner. "I wouldn't forget to unhex it before you pop it into your mouth."
"Right Weasley." Anna said. She waited until they had walked far enough down the aisle. She then stood up and closed the door, looking down at Marclay. "He's obviously trying to trick you."
"I know, that's why I'm throwing it out the window." she said, taking the cream cake and slightly opening the train's small window. She threw it out and watched it sail by quicker then you could see it. "I'd never eat anything those two gave me... or Lee."
"Don't blame you. For all you know it could have been a trick to see if you had been paying attention in Potions." Anna stated, watching Carrie going into the small room to change into her robes.
Marclay walked over to the door and looked out. She spotted Blake halfway down the aisle looking in on some third years. "Oh joy, he's getting carried away with himself again." She walked back inside and slouched down on her seat. She shifted her gaze to the window, watching the green trees fly by as they made their way to Hogwarts for the first day.
Meanwhile, further on down the train, Anna Jasc's younger sister, Kellie, a 5th year, was sitting in a compartment with her fellow Slytherins. Inside, were Draco Malfoy, her boyfriend, and his two friends, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, who happened to be her worst enemy, and Millicent Bulstrode.
Pansy and Millicent were talking amongst themselves. Every so often they shot an evil look at Kellie. She sighed and looked out the window, watching the trees whiz by. Kellie was much more happier knowing she would soon be arriving at Hogwarts. For being home with her dreadful older prefect sister was just too much for one girl to handle. Kellie was jolted out of her thoughts by Draco, chatting away about something and asking for her opinion.
"What?" Kellie asked, having no idea what they were talking about.
"Do you ever pay attention?" Pansy rudely asked. Pansy never missed a chance to be rude to Kellie. It was because she was jealous that Draco didn't like her.
"Yes, actually I do. Why would I want to when it's just you talking?" Kellie replied.
"Alright girls," Draco said, trying to stop the soon to be fight.
"What, Draco?" Kellie dully said.
"What has gotten into you today?" Draco asked, assuming something was wrong with her.
"Nothing! I'm fine!" Kellie lied. She hated lying to her boyfriend, but she wasn't about to tell him what she was thinking. Or whom she was thinking about in that case.
"Well, as I was saying, the Dark Mark has been showing up a lot more lately than usual. He's coming back. I know it. He'll be after Potter, too- Potter and Granger, the filthy Mudblood, will be the first ones to go," Draco continued.
"Can we talk about something a little more cheerful?" Kellie asked, still staring outside the window.
Everyone just stared at her as she continued to ignore them. Finally, she gave up and got out of her seat. She pulled out her trunk from under the seat and said, "I'm going to change and walk around. I'll catch you guys later."
Kellie took her robes and went to change after putting away her Muggle clothing, she decided to walk around for a bit. After all, it did seem like more fun than listening to Draco jabber away about depressing subjects. Kellie walked down the hall looking in at people and seeing if she recognized anyone. She eventually found three Gryffindors: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger sitting together in a compartment, chatting about the upcoming Quidditch season. Kellie entered the compartment and shut the door behind her. The three 5th years looked at her and immediately stopped talking.
"What do you want?" Ron asked. There was a hint of hatred showing in his voice. After all, Kellie was a Slytherin and Slytherin's and Gryffindor's didn't mix too well.
"I just wanted to talk," Kellie replied, staring at her shoes and trying to seem interested in them. Obviously, they didn't buy this act.
"I-I think we'll go, right Ron?" Hermione suggested. Kellie and Hermione were never really friends yet she felt a sudden twinge of happiness when Hermione had noticed she was upset.
Ron and Hermione exited the room and walked down the aisle, leaving Kellie and Harry alone.
"What's wrong, Kellie?" Harry asked. He and Kellie had been on good terms the past few years and Harry had even had a crush on her. Although ever since he heard that she was dating Draco Malfoy, his worst enemy, things seemed strange between them.
"It's just Draco. He's always talking about how good he is at everything and how his father does this and how he gets everything he wants and it's just bugging me! He doesn't even pay attention to me anymore!" Kellie said, trying to hold back tears.
"Aww Kellie I'm sure that he still loves you. It's just how he is. He gets too caught up in his little world and he forgets about the important people. Try not to worry. I'm sure it will work out," Harry explained, trying his hardest to comfort her.
Kellie sighed and replied, "Maybe you're right. I think I'm worrying over nothing. Look at me. I'm pathetic! I shouldn't be in Slytherin. I'm not fit for it."
"You're a great Slytherin. And a great person. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Kellie nodded and stared at the floor. A whistle rang out through the train and the students knew that they were close to Hogwarts.
"Well, I better get back to my compartment. Draco will be wondering where I am."
"Yeah, ok. See you later?" Harry said.
"Yeah," Kellie replied before walking out of the compartment and into the one where she found Draco and the gang.
"Where were you?" Draco immediately asked Kellie when she opened the door.
"Visiting. What's it to you?" Kellie replied, clearly not in the mood to be bothered.
"With who?" Draco inquired.
"I was visiting with friends! Unlike you, who doesn't have any!" Kellie spat before quickly putting her hand over her mouth, realizing what she had just said.
"What did you say?" Draco asked, eyes wide opened in shock.
"N-Nothing, I think I'll go now," Kellie replied while running from the compartment.
They had arrived at Hogwarts and thankfully it wasn't raining. The students made their way up to the gigantic castle in the horseless carriages, to have the feast that had been prepared for them. Kellie was silent on the way up and Draco seemed to look hurt. She felt bad for what she said but felt good about getting that off her chest. She wished she had a better boyfriend, maybe someone like Harry. She quickly scolded herself for thinking this, seeing as Slytherin and Gryffindor were the two most rivaled houses. It would never work, she told herself.
They were soon entering the Great Hall and seated, waiting for Professor McGonagall to bring in the first years. Kellie sat at the Slytherin table next to Draco and her friend, Bree Johnson. Kellie and Bree began talking about what the new year would be like and were soon in a deep conversation. The two hardly noticed that Dumbledore had rose out of his seat to quiet them all down. Dumbledore was Kellie and Anna's grandfather, so they had heard practically everything from him already.
"Before we get started I have a few words and notices I would like to say. First, please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, the third floor corridor is off limits. Now, onto the Sorting!" Dumbledore sat back down in his chair, watching Professor McGonagall sort the new students.
Kellie wasn't very interested in this, seeing as she had seen it done before. She began to look around the room at the teachers and students. Her eyes fell on Harry who was staring back at her. He grinned and Kellie smiled back. Alexia Wheaton, the Slytherin seventh year, nudged Kellie to get her attention and she broke her eye contact with Harry. Kellie then finished watching the Sorting and was soon very bored. When they were finally done sorting the students ending with, "Zaini, Ashleigh" ("HUFFLEPUFF!") and the food soon appeared before their eyes. Kellie smiled to herself and began to pile food on her plate, not caring if she looked like a pig because everyone knew that the food at Hogwarts was fantastic!
Draco was talking with Crabbe once again so Kellie turned her attention back to Bree, who was placing some chicken on her plate.
"So, you think Slytherin will win the Quidditch Cup this year?" Kellie asked, trying to start a conversation.
"I'm not too sure. I mean, yeah we're good, but Gryffindor has Potter after all. Have you seen him fly? He's amazing!" Bree said with excitement in her voice, her blue eyes sparkling. Bree wasn't on the Quidditch team but she was always willing to watch it.
"Yeah, Potter is good. I think we might have a chance this year. But Harry has that Firebolt. It can wipe the field with the old Nimbus 2001's!" Kellie said.
Bree nodded in agreement and continued eating her food. Draco, on the other hand, paid no attention to Kellie the whole meal. She really didn't mind as long as Bree was there to talk to.
After the feast was over, the students headed back to their dormitories. The Slytherins entered their dormitory by going through a brick wall. Kellie had always thought this was neat, ever since her first year. She went up to the girls dormitory and looked outside the window. They had a nice view of the lake and Kellie smiled to herself when she saw the leg of the giant octopus rise out of the water. Some people thought that was scary, but Kellie, on the other hand, thought it was neat.
She climbed into her four-poster and pulled the curtains shut, saying goodnight to Bree and laying back with her favourite book, 'Quidditch Through the Ages.' She lay awake reading for a bit before placing the book back on her nightstand and pulling her blonde hair into a ponytail. Pretty soon, Kellie drifted off to sleep with a full stomach and thoughts of Quidditch.
HOGWARTS EXPRESS
The Weasley's walked up onto the platform, right where they always parted for the new school year ahead of the children. Molly Weasley, the mother of the four flaming red headed children standing in front of her, pulled a brown paper bag out of her coat, handing it to the shortest boy. He let out a groan and forced a small grin upon his face.
"You shouldn't have," he mumbled, knowing it was the same turkey and mayonnaise sandwich she sent with him on the train every year.
"You, too, Fred, GEORGE!" Mrs. Weasley yelled to the two twins who had run off in front of them hoping to escape her grasp. "Come back here, you're not entering that Platform without your sandwiches! It's a long ride now, get back here."
Obediently the two twins halted and walked back to her. They grabbed their bags and placed them on the baggage carts they pushed along. "You know I hate turkey. Why don't you ever buy ham?" George grumbled, slouching down. He heaved, pushing the cart another ten feet. After a few moments he looked back to see Fred placing one of the infamous Canary Creams in his mother's purse while she bent over and wiped dirt off of Ron's face. "Fred, come on, we're going to be late and not get our compartment!"
"Oh, I'm coming!" Fred yelled, running after him. George ran right into the barrier between platforms nine and ten, disappearing into thin air.
Fred was ten feet from the barrier when a blonde girl he recognized as a Ravenclaw sixth year cut in front of him. "Good morning Fred, good to see they haven't expelled you ye-"
She was cut off as she crossed the barrier. He shook his head and followed her through, finding her on the other side chatting with a brunette girl. "I always have said that they would cancel the World Cup the second he-who- shall-not-be-named came back to claim Potter as his first victim. The only problem was Potter escaped him once more. That boy is running out of lives I tell you." she was telling the girl, her nose stuck upon into the air like so many of the Ravenclaws.
"Hey Diggle, when are you going to get hit by a bludger that will set you straight?" Fred asked, her quickly passing by.
She narrowed her eyes at him, just as a boy placed his foot out causing Fred to trip in front of her. She rolled her eyes and looked over at the dark haired boy that had tripped him. "Weasley, you had better watch where you're walking. You've already put your parents into the hole more then the others." an arrogant voice placed down upon him. "You put us seventh years to a shame."
He lifted his head off of the ground to see Noah Alexander, Slytherin's House Prefect. "Just because you get everything you want doesn't mean you must put us down." He pulled his old, graying robes out from under himself, trying to force himself off of the cement ground.
"Yes, it does." he spewed, turning on his heal and looking at the girl.
"Well, if it isn't Marclay Diggle. How's your uncle treating you? Still trying to go after the things that aren't good enough for you?" He raised his eyebrows, placing a smirk upon his face.
"You okay, Weasley?" she asked, holding her hand out to Fred. He took it and she helped him get himself up off of the ground. "Noah, I suggest you keep your ignorance to yourself. Just think, you'll be gone next year and for once I'll have a moment of peace."
"Right, Diggle." he shunned, turning on his heel away from her and heading to where a Slytherin girl stood, tapping her toes waiting for him. She looked down at her watch and then up at him. "You're late, Noah. We're suppose to be a couple, how do you think we can do that when you're always flirting with that so-called Snape's niece?"
Marclay shook her head and smiled at Fred. "I hope he didn't harm your ego with his arrogance."
"Yes, well, I don't think he could harm anyone's ego." Fred laughed. "Got to go now. Got to get on the train, only have a few minutes until it leaves."
"I've got to go find Blake! You just reminded me." she quickly pushed her baggage cart away, heading straight for a light haired boy who stood tall, observing the people entering the train. As she stopped, she fixed the owl's cage upon her trunk, making sure it was in its spot and wouldn't fall to the ground. She then got on the tip of her toes, just so she could place a kiss on his cheek.
Fred shook his head, and looked to where George was yelling his name. "How I reminded her of that oaf of a Head Boy I have no idea." he commented to himself, pushing his baggage cart to the window George was hanging out of.
"It's good to see you again. Owl mail isn't what they put it out to be." Two two's hands linked together as she went to his side. "So, how's it like being Head Boy?"
"What all the rest of them have put it out to be. It's not much different from being a prefect, you know? I'm sure that you could understand what it's like." he responded, looking out at a younger boy darting across the platform. The two of them winced, seeing the boy slip on a magazine, obviously left from one of the girl witches interested in the Muggle's beauty ideas. "With how you're going I'm sure you'll be Head Girl next year."
"You really think so?" she questioned, letting go of his hand. "I have to go find Anna, I'm sure she wants to go over the passwords with us."
"It's Bundlewort... for the dorm's at least. And we all know that the prefects bathroom's password this year is Havickard. If you want to use it of course."
"That I may like to do." she responded, rolling her eyes so that he couldn't see. She leaned up and kissed his cheek once more, and then mumbled a "See you on the train." She hurried off into the opposite direction, noting that Fred had already entered the train.
"Crookshanks, NO!" a fuzzed hair fifth year yelled, running past her. Marclay immediately recognized the girl as Hermione Granger, a Gryffindor. "Don't you even dare."
The cat that had passed by her before hand ran through an opened door, chasing a small mouse. Marclay let it pass right by her, entering the first carriage. She walked in to see the various different looking wizards and witches walking by. She took her seat in the third compartment back, right next to another blonde girl. "He annoying you already, too?" Anna Jasc questioned, nodding towards Blake.
"He's too... prefect."
"Try having him send an owl to you every day over the summer deciding what the best route to take on controlling the younger Ravenclaw's is. It's like he's trying as hard as 'e possibly can to put me through hell," Anna stated, irritation filling her voice. "At least he isn't that dreaded Noah Alexander. That boy could kill a rat with his stench."
"Don't say that, Anna. We have better ties with Slytherin then the rest of the houses. We don't need them on our bad side now. Especially since the Dark Mark has been appearing more and more often. I'm just waiting for the toll of dead people to shoot up to an absolute high again." Marclay lectured, peering out of the window. "You-know-who's going to find out a way to get into Hogwarts just like he did four years ago, or he'll get a bloody spy. That's all we need."
"Yes, well at least we have Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore, my butt," Carrie Michaels declared, pushing her trunk inside the compartment. She pushed it under the seat and looked at the two of them. "He can't protect us against the Death Eater's."
"Oh, let's get off of this stupid subject." Marclay declared, glaring up at the two of them. "I've got to worry about being a prefect next year and being the captain of our Quidditch team."
"You should be used to it by now, it's your second year being captain. Since Davies left two years ago." Carrie said, jealousy feeling her voice.
"Blimey!" Marclay blurted out, her eyes becoming wide. "You two just started playing Quidditch two years ago, this is my fifth year. The rules are that the best player and more experienced player in each house is the captain. Not that the oldest is captain."
"We know that." Anna stated as the train's whistle sounded. This signaled that they had five minutes until the train was to leave. The five of them noted this and looked out at the other students hurrying onto the train. "Finally, I can't wait to get to Hogwarts."
"Me either." Carrie said, plopping herself down upon the seat next to Anna.
Marclay looked at the two of them. "I'm going to change into my robes."
"I will, too." Carrie said.
She lazily forced herself up off of the seat and rummaged through her trunk, finding the new robes. She pulled all sorts of things out of the trunk, finding everything she didn't need.
Marclay opened her trunk and grabbed the newly bought robes that had been placed up on the top. She walked into the "changing room" and quickly put her robes on. Moments later she emerged from inside it, dressed in her black robes and a gray skirt that had a matching sweater and white blouse. Carrie looked up at her, holding up her hat. "I found one thing!"
Marclay laughed, placing her Muggle cloths inside her trunk and then closing it tightly shut. She pushed it under the seat and looked at Carrie who was now putting all of her items back inside the trunk. The robes folded perfectly on the ground.
Anna sat sniggering in her seat, watching Carrie with caution. "I don't understand why you always put your robes on the bottom. Don't you ever remember?"
"Of course I do, but then I have to re-pack 'cause I'm afraid I forgot something." Carrie said, closing the trunk tightly and shoving it under the seat. "It's a bad habit of mine. I need a remembrall so I know I didn't forget to pack something."
"You're lucky it's your last year." Marclay said, dreading the fact that she still has one after this. She knew that the following year every Ravenclaw she had ever associated with would be leaving to pursue greater things, while she would be left to take over as house prefect or Head Girl of the school. Both thoughts she dreaded, for she didn't want to turn out like the students before her.
"Yes, well, sometimes I wish it wasn't. I'm going to miss singing the funny Hogwarts theme song and listening to the Sorting Hat sing his new song each year." Anna stated, a look of sadness crossing her face for a split second.
"It's a shame I won't get to see all the quivering first years go up to that Hat." Carrie added, placing a smile on her face. "Too bad I can't afford to buy a camera yet."
"Too bad they won't allow you to own one, Michaels." George said from the outside aisle. The train's last whistle blew; indicating the train was now on it's way to Hogwarts. "How are you doing?"
"What are you doing here? You're not a prefect." Anna stated. She looked upon George with a great look of disgust that only turned worse when Fred appeared behind him. "You know the only students allowed in the first carriage are the prefects and-"
"Head Boy or Girl." George stated. "I see that you all have your badges on. Are you going to boss us around now?"
"Plus," Fred said, "Those two are not prefects. They're just in here."
Anna tilted her head to the side and glared at the two of them. "We don't boss you around you've really done something wrong. Which, by the way, should be any second now."
"What are you talking about in here any ways?" Fred asked, seating himself next to Anna. He smiled at her and then shot his head towards Carrie. "I suppose you're a beater again this year? Shame, you know. We'll probably knock you to the ground before you can say 'broom stick.'"
"You know,
"I've mastered Bludger Backbeat. I can get it where ever I want to get it now." George smirked.
"Too bad, I mastered that my second year." Marclay said to him, pouting as though to laugh. "I guess you're a bit behind the times."
"Why do you expect you're captain?" Fred asked. "Want a toffee?" He offered one towards Carrie who stood nearest to him.
"They're really good." George laughed, placing a grin on his face.
"I don't accept candy from a Weasley twin. Sorry to say so myself. I know what you guys do to them." Carrie declared, pushing his hand away from her. "Why don't you go and try it on one of the first years? I'm sure they haven't discovered what you're like."
"Why don't you try one of these?" Marclay offered, holding out a handful of gumdrops. The twins stared at them for a moment, unsure of what to do. "They don't bite and I'm sure they aren't like your little charms."
"Alrightie." George said, grabbing three of them and shoving them into his mouth.
Fred grabbed the remaining four and put them in his mouth. The two of them chewed them and then swallowed. Marclay kept a content look upon her face as the two of them smiled at her. Their teeth were covered in ink, or so it seemed. She smiled at her own joke, knowing the ink wouldn't come out for five days. It was long enough for the two to get a taste of their own medicine (or so she had decided).
"Where'd you get 'um? They're really good. Don't taste like gum drops at all."
"I made them myself. They're Inkling Gummy Droppers."
"Why Inkling?" George asked curiously, grinning at her. He showed his teeth and the other two girls almost burst out laughing.
"Why don't you ask your brother?" she said, stifling a laugh that almost escaped her lips.
She watched the two of them look at each other and then look back at her. "So what?" Was the first thing Fred said.
"See, they didn't do a thing." she smiled and winked at Anna. "Why don't you go share them with your friends. I have plenty."
"I know what they taste like now." Fred suddenly said, looking back at George. "Butter-beer."
"Exactly." Marclay replied, handing them a bag with the Inkling Gummy Droppers in them.
Fred came and sat beside her an evil grin upon his face. "Here, try a Creamy." he offered her a cream cake, and she took it, raising her eyebrows.
"And what does this do?" Carrie asked, looking down at the small cake.
"Or should I ask, what does she end up doing or turn in to?"
"Nothing much." George said, winking at Fred. Neither had yet discovered their teeth. "Have fun!"
Fred and George quickly stood up at the same time and hurried out of the compartment. "Oh," Fred said, looking around the corner. "I wouldn't forget to unhex it before you pop it into your mouth."
"Right Weasley." Anna said. She waited until they had walked far enough down the aisle. She then stood up and closed the door, looking down at Marclay. "He's obviously trying to trick you."
"I know, that's why I'm throwing it out the window." she said, taking the cream cake and slightly opening the train's small window. She threw it out and watched it sail by quicker then you could see it. "I'd never eat anything those two gave me... or Lee."
"Don't blame you. For all you know it could have been a trick to see if you had been paying attention in Potions." Anna stated, watching Carrie going into the small room to change into her robes.
Marclay walked over to the door and looked out. She spotted Blake halfway down the aisle looking in on some third years. "Oh joy, he's getting carried away with himself again." She walked back inside and slouched down on her seat. She shifted her gaze to the window, watching the green trees fly by as they made their way to Hogwarts for the first day.
Meanwhile, further on down the train, Anna Jasc's younger sister, Kellie, a 5th year, was sitting in a compartment with her fellow Slytherins. Inside, were Draco Malfoy, her boyfriend, and his two friends, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, who happened to be her worst enemy, and Millicent Bulstrode.
Pansy and Millicent were talking amongst themselves. Every so often they shot an evil look at Kellie. She sighed and looked out the window, watching the trees whiz by. Kellie was much more happier knowing she would soon be arriving at Hogwarts. For being home with her dreadful older prefect sister was just too much for one girl to handle. Kellie was jolted out of her thoughts by Draco, chatting away about something and asking for her opinion.
"What?" Kellie asked, having no idea what they were talking about.
"Do you ever pay attention?" Pansy rudely asked. Pansy never missed a chance to be rude to Kellie. It was because she was jealous that Draco didn't like her.
"Yes, actually I do. Why would I want to when it's just you talking?" Kellie replied.
"Alright girls," Draco said, trying to stop the soon to be fight.
"What, Draco?" Kellie dully said.
"What has gotten into you today?" Draco asked, assuming something was wrong with her.
"Nothing! I'm fine!" Kellie lied. She hated lying to her boyfriend, but she wasn't about to tell him what she was thinking. Or whom she was thinking about in that case.
"Well, as I was saying, the Dark Mark has been showing up a lot more lately than usual. He's coming back. I know it. He'll be after Potter, too- Potter and Granger, the filthy Mudblood, will be the first ones to go," Draco continued.
"Can we talk about something a little more cheerful?" Kellie asked, still staring outside the window.
Everyone just stared at her as she continued to ignore them. Finally, she gave up and got out of her seat. She pulled out her trunk from under the seat and said, "I'm going to change and walk around. I'll catch you guys later."
Kellie took her robes and went to change after putting away her Muggle clothing, she decided to walk around for a bit. After all, it did seem like more fun than listening to Draco jabber away about depressing subjects. Kellie walked down the hall looking in at people and seeing if she recognized anyone. She eventually found three Gryffindors: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger sitting together in a compartment, chatting about the upcoming Quidditch season. Kellie entered the compartment and shut the door behind her. The three 5th years looked at her and immediately stopped talking.
"What do you want?" Ron asked. There was a hint of hatred showing in his voice. After all, Kellie was a Slytherin and Slytherin's and Gryffindor's didn't mix too well.
"I just wanted to talk," Kellie replied, staring at her shoes and trying to seem interested in them. Obviously, they didn't buy this act.
"I-I think we'll go, right Ron?" Hermione suggested. Kellie and Hermione were never really friends yet she felt a sudden twinge of happiness when Hermione had noticed she was upset.
Ron and Hermione exited the room and walked down the aisle, leaving Kellie and Harry alone.
"What's wrong, Kellie?" Harry asked. He and Kellie had been on good terms the past few years and Harry had even had a crush on her. Although ever since he heard that she was dating Draco Malfoy, his worst enemy, things seemed strange between them.
"It's just Draco. He's always talking about how good he is at everything and how his father does this and how he gets everything he wants and it's just bugging me! He doesn't even pay attention to me anymore!" Kellie said, trying to hold back tears.
"Aww Kellie I'm sure that he still loves you. It's just how he is. He gets too caught up in his little world and he forgets about the important people. Try not to worry. I'm sure it will work out," Harry explained, trying his hardest to comfort her.
Kellie sighed and replied, "Maybe you're right. I think I'm worrying over nothing. Look at me. I'm pathetic! I shouldn't be in Slytherin. I'm not fit for it."
"You're a great Slytherin. And a great person. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Kellie nodded and stared at the floor. A whistle rang out through the train and the students knew that they were close to Hogwarts.
"Well, I better get back to my compartment. Draco will be wondering where I am."
"Yeah, ok. See you later?" Harry said.
"Yeah," Kellie replied before walking out of the compartment and into the one where she found Draco and the gang.
"Where were you?" Draco immediately asked Kellie when she opened the door.
"Visiting. What's it to you?" Kellie replied, clearly not in the mood to be bothered.
"With who?" Draco inquired.
"I was visiting with friends! Unlike you, who doesn't have any!" Kellie spat before quickly putting her hand over her mouth, realizing what she had just said.
"What did you say?" Draco asked, eyes wide opened in shock.
"N-Nothing, I think I'll go now," Kellie replied while running from the compartment.
They had arrived at Hogwarts and thankfully it wasn't raining. The students made their way up to the gigantic castle in the horseless carriages, to have the feast that had been prepared for them. Kellie was silent on the way up and Draco seemed to look hurt. She felt bad for what she said but felt good about getting that off her chest. She wished she had a better boyfriend, maybe someone like Harry. She quickly scolded herself for thinking this, seeing as Slytherin and Gryffindor were the two most rivaled houses. It would never work, she told herself.
They were soon entering the Great Hall and seated, waiting for Professor McGonagall to bring in the first years. Kellie sat at the Slytherin table next to Draco and her friend, Bree Johnson. Kellie and Bree began talking about what the new year would be like and were soon in a deep conversation. The two hardly noticed that Dumbledore had rose out of his seat to quiet them all down. Dumbledore was Kellie and Anna's grandfather, so they had heard practically everything from him already.
"Before we get started I have a few words and notices I would like to say. First, please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, the third floor corridor is off limits. Now, onto the Sorting!" Dumbledore sat back down in his chair, watching Professor McGonagall sort the new students.
Kellie wasn't very interested in this, seeing as she had seen it done before. She began to look around the room at the teachers and students. Her eyes fell on Harry who was staring back at her. He grinned and Kellie smiled back. Alexia Wheaton, the Slytherin seventh year, nudged Kellie to get her attention and she broke her eye contact with Harry. Kellie then finished watching the Sorting and was soon very bored. When they were finally done sorting the students ending with, "Zaini, Ashleigh" ("HUFFLEPUFF!") and the food soon appeared before their eyes. Kellie smiled to herself and began to pile food on her plate, not caring if she looked like a pig because everyone knew that the food at Hogwarts was fantastic!
Draco was talking with Crabbe once again so Kellie turned her attention back to Bree, who was placing some chicken on her plate.
"So, you think Slytherin will win the Quidditch Cup this year?" Kellie asked, trying to start a conversation.
"I'm not too sure. I mean, yeah we're good, but Gryffindor has Potter after all. Have you seen him fly? He's amazing!" Bree said with excitement in her voice, her blue eyes sparkling. Bree wasn't on the Quidditch team but she was always willing to watch it.
"Yeah, Potter is good. I think we might have a chance this year. But Harry has that Firebolt. It can wipe the field with the old Nimbus 2001's!" Kellie said.
Bree nodded in agreement and continued eating her food. Draco, on the other hand, paid no attention to Kellie the whole meal. She really didn't mind as long as Bree was there to talk to.
After the feast was over, the students headed back to their dormitories. The Slytherins entered their dormitory by going through a brick wall. Kellie had always thought this was neat, ever since her first year. She went up to the girls dormitory and looked outside the window. They had a nice view of the lake and Kellie smiled to herself when she saw the leg of the giant octopus rise out of the water. Some people thought that was scary, but Kellie, on the other hand, thought it was neat.
She climbed into her four-poster and pulled the curtains shut, saying goodnight to Bree and laying back with her favourite book, 'Quidditch Through the Ages.' She lay awake reading for a bit before placing the book back on her nightstand and pulling her blonde hair into a ponytail. Pretty soon, Kellie drifted off to sleep with a full stomach and thoughts of Quidditch.