WhoOp! Haha. I'm obsessed with HP fics right now, and it's NOT my fault. (ANGELIE!!) haha. But, I'm thankful. ^.^

Disclaimer: I in NO way, own harry potter. But, maralinda and christiana r mine! Muahaha!

Notes: some notes on my story: there's kind of a lot of stories put together, the main ones are Maralinda's and Christiana's. OH, and Mara n Christie lived as muggles until now. The HP movies and books are real. Okay, bye.

Pairings: H/Hr, D/M, R/C, De/G. ^.~

Essence of Hope:

Chapter one: Arrival

Two girls stumbled aboard the Hogwarts Express just as it pulled out of the station. "We made it!" said the brunette. "We're going to Hogwarts!" The two high-fived. They put their trunks up and sat down in an empty compartment.

"So, what do we do now?" asked the blond.

The brunette shrugged as she unwrapped a jolly rancher and popped it in her mouth, "OH!" she exclaimed after a minutes of silence, "I got the BEST idea! We can go check out the guys!" she grinned.

The blonde laughed. After realizing her friend was serious, she gave in, "Fine."

As they walked down the hallway, they peered into the compartment windows until they found some boys that looked their age. The brunette knocked and stuck her head inside, "Are you guys six or seventh years?"

"Sixth" answered one of the boys.

"Cool, they both entered the compartment, "Do you mind if we sit with y'all for awhile? We're new and we're trying to meet some other sixth years" asked the blonde

"Not at all," the same boy answered. The other two were busy playing a card game, although they seemed to be having a little trouble. "Excuse my friends, they're a little on the stupid side." Both girls gave him a look, "OK. They're A LOT on the stupid side."

The brunette smiled, "Oh, sorry, my name's Maralinda Clark."

"And I'm Christiana Parker" introduced the blonde.

"Well, I'm Draco Malfoy. Welcome to Hogwarts, I guess. Why are you two starting now?" he asked curiously.

"Our parents didn't want us learning magic for some unknown reason. We didn't even know we were witches until April" Maralinda commented.

Draco looked confused, "Then how are you going to keep up?"

Christiana answered, "We spent all of May, June and July catching up. It was way too intense. You're wondering how we fit five years of studies in three months, huh?" Draco nodded.

"They used some weird time slowing spell, it made us, literally, speed up. Thirty minutes felt like two hours to us. So, our summer was like.a year long. Plus, they gave us the crash course.

Draco looked horrified, "Holy crap! That must've sucked"

Christiana laughed, "It was okay"

Just then, the snack cart entered, "Would you kids like some snacks?" asked the lady.

=+= Draco's POV =+=

I made a face, 'Why do they keep calling us kids?' he shrugged it off. I looked over the cart and took some candy and handed over some coins. I turned to the girls, "You guys want some?"

They both shook her head. "I got my own candy," said Maralinda. The Snack Lady left the compartment.

'Maralinda's pretty cute. What am I talking about?! I've got a girlfriend already.' He thought as she pulled out a wrapped candy. I guess she noticed my confused look, "It's called a Jolly Rancher. Supposedly made of fruit, but its really artificial flavoring. Full of sugar, very addictive. It's a muggle candy."

"Oh"

"You wanna try one?" she offered. Christiana took out a lollipop and popped it in her mouth.

"Um.sure." I took the candy and carefully unwrapped it. I looked at it for a while.

"It's not going to bite you, you know." Christian said giggling.

I put it in my mouth, "It's pretty good" I said smiling.

Christian smiled, "Good. Mara, give him some of your stash, you got plenty. Plus, we need to go meet more people" she winked.

"Oh, alright." Mara reluctantly pulled out 10-15 jolly ranchers and held them out to me. "Don't worry, I got tons" she smiled a sweet smile at me, "Bye Draco. See ya Crabbe. Bye Goyle. Good luck on your card game" and they left.

=+= Christiana's POV =+=

"Haha, Draco's real." I grinned, I always wondered what they looked like after reading the books.

"Totally. Draco looks nothing like the movies or what I imagined. He's actually.really HOT" Mara said.

"He's all yours. Seems on the evil side to me. I'll pick another guy, but you'll have to help me, you know how I get" I explained.

"Yes, you and you 'H-Hi. I'm um.Ch-Christiana Park-er'" we laughed.

I looked into the next compartment window and gasped, "wow." I nudged Mara and pointed. There were three people in this one, too. Two guys and one girl (can you guess who it is?!) "you go first, Mara"

She rolled her eyes. I wasn't the kind of girl that liked talking to guys. She, however, is a total flirt. She thinks it's fun leading all the guys to thinking she likes them.

She knocked on the door and walked in, I followed. "Are you guys sixth years?" she asked in her angelic voice.

The redhead just nodded. "I'm Hermione Granger. Silence over there is Ron Weasley and this he's Harry Potter."

Mara threw a smile, "I'm Maralinda Clark, Mara for short, and this is Christiana Parker, we just call her Christie." I waved, wearing a nervous smile.

Harry and Ron both said hi. "You guys new?" Harry asked. We both nodded.

"Please don't ask how and why we're starting now. It's a long story." I turned toward Mara, "We should just say we were tutored at home"

She laughed and nodded. We talked for about ten minutes when another girl came in.

"Hey Lavender," Hermione greeted.

"Hey! You guys better get ready, we're almost there,"

"Alright, maybe we'll wee you guys later," Mara commented. I waved as I left, walking into the hallway.

"Harry or Ron?" Mara asked me.

"I don't know. Ron's pretty cute, but Harry's got charm. Plus, his green eyes are so dreamy," I sighed.

Mara just rolled her eyes.

=+= Draco's POV =+=

Blaise jumped in our compartment in her fashionably-altered robe. "Draco, honey! You better get ready, we're almost there," she hugged me, and I hugged her back.

"Okay, sweetie." I grinned. She started leaving, I grabbed her waist and pulled her close, "Where are you going?"

She giggled, "I have to go tell everyone else we're arriving. But thanks for the thought of keeping me close," She kissed my cheek and left.

I put on my robes and stepped our of the compartment to leave Crabbe and Goyle to finish their game of cards (they still haven't finished that one card game. Haha)

Someone jumped, putting their weight on my shoulders. "BOO!" said a female voice

After she got off, I whipped around, "Mara? Geez, you freaked the shit outta me!"

She giggled, "Sorry. I just needed to ask what you guys to after we get off the train."

Well, I'm not sure where you're going-"

Mara shook her head, "I KNOW where I'm supposed to go, I'm asking where YOU go"

"Oh! We go in carriages around the lake to the Great Hall and wait for the first years."

"Cool. Us, too. I've never been in a carriage. Always traveled either by car, bike, skateboard or plane old walking."

"What's a skateboard?"

"Oops. My bad. It's kind of like a muggle sport or a way of transportation. Like riding a broomstick, except it doesn't fly. Maybe I'll show you one day," She smiled, "Aikes. I should get back to Christie. Bye!" she waved, taking off.

"Bye!" I called after her.

=+= Maralinda's POV =+=

"Christie! Oh gosh. Where'd she go?" I asked no one. I had walked in our compartment where I was supposed to meet Christie, but she wasn't there.

The train stopped. Total commotion broke out outside the compartment. "Ugh, I'll find her later. She knows where we're supposed to go" I picked up the end of my robes and quickly got off the train.

"Maralinda!" I heard.

I turned around and smiled, "Hagrid! Have you seen Christiana?"

"Sure have. She's talking with Harry, Ron and Hermione over there."

I laughed, "Thanks. I'll see you later!" I ran towards her, "Christiana!" she turned around. "Where the heck were you?"

"Sorry!" she used her eyes to point at Harry, "I was talking with them."

"OH! okay." I grinned at her, she kicked my shim.

"Stop -"

She was interrupted by Hagrid yelling, "First years over here, other to the carriages. Remember, four to a carriage, you rascals!" The commotion started again. First years scurried to the edge of the lake and into the boats.

At the carriages, Christiana and I were left standing.

*pop* a voice spoke from nowhere, "What's wrong?"

"professor, we have nowhere to sit" Christie said.

"Oh, I knew I forgot to do something. Well, for now this will have to work. Ms. Clark please sit in one of the carriages while Ms. Parker, please sit in the other."

I hurried toward a carriage. I looked inside and noticed some redhead girl talking to Harry who was staring out the other window and Hermione and Ron deep in conversation. I opened the carriage door and stepped in "Hey" I said, nervously.

The redheaded girl looked at me, "Do I know you?"

I chuckled, "I don't think so. I'm Mara. Maralinda Clark. What about you?"

She grinned, "Ginny. Ginny Weasley. Ron's sister."

When Ron heard his name, his mind left his original conversation and onto Ginny. "Why'd you say my name?" she didn't answer, just rolled her eyes at me. I giggled "oh. Hey Mara. Where's Christie?"

"She's I-" the carriage jerked forward and I was pushed down onto the seat, "Ugh" I said.

Ginny giggled, I laughed along. "As I was GOING to say, she's in another carriage, professor McGonagall split us up."

After that, Ron, Harry and Hermione started talking about something about potions. I heard some words, which included "Snape", "prick-covered" and "git" before Ginny started talking to me. "Ron fancies your Christie friend"

I raised my eyebrows, "how can you tell?"

"I got sit brothers. I can tell when a guy likes a girl, even if they're trying to hide it.

"Wow. Six brothers. That's gotta be weird. But the knowing when they like someone must be fun" I replied.

"I guess. Bad thing is I can also tell when they don't" I noticed her glance at Harry.

"I'm sorry" I said sympathetically.

"Mara," Ron said, " are you and Christie going to get sorted?"

"Sorted?" my mind turned on again, "oh! yeah. They'll call us up after the first years are finished. What house are you guys in?"

"Gryffindor" They all said together.

"Wow. You're all together. That's cool"

The carriage stopped. Ron opened its door and got out, Harry followed and helped Hermione, Ginny and me out.

"Thanks," I said smiling. He just nodded.

=+= Christiana's POV =+= (same time as Maralinda's carriage ride) =+=

I opened the carriage door. "great." I muttered under my breath.

"Christie! Funny seeing you here without Maralinda. Oh, this is Blaise Zabini, my girlfriend." Both of them smiled.

"Hi! I'm Christiana Parker. I'm new this year"

"Cool. What house are you planning on being in? You are getting sorted, right?" Blaise asked, curious.

"I'm not sure and of course." I smiled a weak smile. "Real nervous about it, too."

"Don't be. You just sit on a stool and a hat is placed on your head."

"That easy, huh?" I grinned.

Draco looked really bored, he was watching Crabbe and Goyle attempt to spell the word reconcile, "OK! Can I join your conversation? Crabbe and Goyle are starting to freak me out."

Blaise giggled, "They're your friends!" I smiled

"NO! They're just easy to boss around, you know that Blaise,"

Blaise said repeated in a low voice what he just said, mocking him. (I'm making this ride short, I can't think of anything else to make them say)

The carriage stopped. I stepped out, hearing Draco practically yelling at Crabbe and Goyle, "IT'S R-E-C-O-N-C-I-L-E FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE!!! Just pronounce it! Oh my gosh! What kinda stupid gits are you?! Please do NOT answer that!!" I couldn't help laughing.

I saw Mara walk slowly toward Hogwarts. "Mara!" she turned around. I picked up my robes and ran toward her.

=+= Maralinda's POV =+=

I turned around to see Christiana struggling to run in her long robes.

"Hey Christie. Where do you want to sit in the Great Hall?"

"Well, McGonagall said we were supposed to go to the teacher table after you got in the carriage. Who'd you end up sitting with, anyway?" I grinned, "Don't say.Harry?" I just nodded, "SO not fair. Oh well, I got to know Draco better," she said, smiling an evil smile.

"Ugh. You suck!"

We entered the Great Hall. Everyone scrambled to his or her house tables, leaving us by ourselves standing there, again. "Maralinda, Christiana, follow me." Professor Snape said and led us to the teacher table up front. There were two chairs for us on the side.

"Maralinda, Christiana, it's good to see you again." Greeted Albus Dumbledore.

"You , too, Professor Dumbledore," Christie flashed a smile. He motioned us to take our seats.

As we did, the main doors opened and the first years were stunned by the size of the Great Hall. They were lead by Professor McGonagall. She stopped right in front of a stool with a hat on top. She turned around on her heel. She whipped out a scroll and flung it open in a smooth professional-like motion. "As I call your name, step up to be sorted,"

(A/N: I'm not going through all that. TOO many names! Lolz)

Right after the large commotion after the last first year was sorted, Professor Dumbledore stood up, "We are glad to have two new students joining our sixth years. They will also now be sorted. Minerva." everyone clapped as Professor McGonagall nodded.

I sat there very nervous. I fidgeted, my hands playing with my robe. "Clark, Maralinda," announced McGonagall. I slowly stood up and walked over. I sat on the stool and Professor placed the head on my head.

'Hm.you're a tough one. You're brave, could be Gryffindor. You've got a great mind, could be Ravenclaw. But you're also very cunning, that's Slytherin.' The hat "said"

'Thanks' I thought

'Would you prefer one?'

'Well, Harry's pretty cute, he's in Gryffindor. On the other hand, Draco's freakishly hot, that's Slytherin. I don't know. Just choose one already' I said, impatient.

'Hm.decisive and a temper. Better be SLYTHERIN'

I opened my eyes and saw the Slytherin table clapping. I smiled a weak smile at them and hopped off the stool. I turned to see Christiana clap nervously. 'Don't be scared. It's alright' I grinned and winked at her.

She smiled and nodded. I looked back at the table to see a seat across from Draco open, I took it. "Hey"

He grinned, "Congrats. Didn't think you had it to be a Slytherin"

"Psh. The nerve of that freaking hat. He said I had a temper, can you believe that? That son of a bucket,"

He laughed, "Ya never know. It could be"

=+= Christiana's POV =+=

I sat there watching Mara go sit down at the Slytherin table.

"Parker, Christiana" The Great Hall went silent once again.

I slowly stood up and walked over. I carefully sat on the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on my long, blonde hair.

'Ah. This one's quick. Nervous but brave. Shy but skillful. You'll do best in GRYFFINDOR' I looked over at Mara at the Slytherin table. She looked at me, grinning. I smiled back and headed toward the Gryffindor table.

"Christiana!" Hermione called out.

"Hey you guys" I sat down next to Red-headed girl.

""This is Ginny, Ron's sister" Harry introduced.

"Hi Ginny. You can call me Christie, lot easier."

Ginny just grinned.

"NOW! I welcome you to a new year at Hogwarts! What is to be achieved shall be achieved. Destiny will drive our souls this year. Many of us will be driven toward adventure, temptation will arise. Now with that, we eat," announced Professor Dumbledore, and with a flick of his wand, the plates were filled.

'Holy crap'

I smiled, "Aren't you going to eat?" Ron asked, piling his plate up.

I giggled and nodded, picking up my utensils.

=+= Normal POV =+=

After the feast was over, Professor Pallas, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts, or DADA, teacher, sent Maralinda and Christiana letters before everyone left the Great Hall. Maralinda opened her letter, it said:

~* Maralinda Clark *~

You and Ms. Parker are to meet me outside the entrance of the Great Hall.

~* Professor Pallas *~

Maralinda looked over at Christiana to see she got a letter, also.

With that, Professor Dumbledore stood and spoke, "Head boys, girls and prefects, please escort your house to its towers,"

Everybody got up, following those who were leading. Maralinda and Christiana followed the crowd towards the exit of the Great Hall, but stopped as they got out. "Good evening ladies, Follow me and I will show you to your rooms" Professor Pallas greeted.

They walked down the hallways and stopped in front of a Trophy case. "Amethyst" said the professor. The trophy case slid away, leading the way to a room with two doors. "This, is your common room. Maralinda, your room is on the left, Christiana's on the right. There is a password on your door. So those who you invite over cannot storm inside and destroy all your belongings. You may set the passwords yourself. Make sure you remember them. The first word you say to your door will be the password. Now, I will leave you to yourselves," and she left.

"Awesome! We got our own common room," Maralinda started dancing a victory dance. Christiana just laughed.

(A/N: you'll find out why they have their own rooms later!)

After searching the room for anything interesting, which there wasn't, she picked up one side of her trunk and dragged it toward the left bedroom. "Exteriority" that was one of her favorite words. The door opened. Mara looked back at Christiana and grinned, "See ya, girl"

"Bye" and the door closed.

Christiana grabbed an end of her trunk and dragged it into the right bedroom and said "daydreamer". The door opened and she went inside, closing the door behind her.





WhOop! Habit of saying that now. Haha. Newayz, what'd you think? R/R plz!!!!!

~* missy *~