The Prettiest Weed

Chapter 1

It was magical. Silhouetted against the now starry sky, Hogwarts castle filled the horizon and was almost completely black other then the dark gold glow of lit windows. The sight was entrancing, inspiring, and fanned the faint spark of hope in more then one heart.

Andalora Proth clutched a hand to her chest as she stared up at the sight, sitting in the small boat that bobbed around in the waves and wind. Her mind was a cacophony of small thoughts, all shoving around against the loudest. This is it, she thought, swallowing hard and squeezing her other hand tightly. As if the wand in her pocket hadn't been evidence enough, it seemed to just now come to her that she was indeed a witch. Little Andi, the absurdly short foreigner, was going to do magic.

A hiss of pain jerked her from the small reverie. "Uh, Andi. I think you might be close to breaking my fingers."

The girl let go of the hand in hers with a squeak. "Oh, I'm sorry!" She turned her body towards the boy that sat beside her, managing an apologetic smile over slightly hunched shoulders. The light of the moon made his skin even paler than normal, though bringing out the golden flecks in bright green eyes. "Are you excited?" she asked, leaning forward and peering up at him. It was hard to stem the sheer amount of excitement. She almost vibrated with it.

His cheeks lifted with a gentle smile before he nodded once. Even with the exhaustion clear in his slumped posture, she could still see the joy bring a spark of life to his eyes. "Do you think the staircases really move like the books says?" he asked, pushing sandy brown hair from his face when the wind whipped it around.

"I hope so!" she squeaked in return, scooting closer and gripping his sleeve in her fingers. "I heard that when the moon is full, the ghosts spend the entire night dancing and singing around the castle. Can you imagine?"

At the mention of the moon, her friend looked over her head to gaze at the nearly full moon, peeking out from behind the largest tower of the castle. The corners of his mouth dropped and he swallowed visibly before dropping his sight down to his feet.

Andi frowned slightly and gave his sleeve a slight tug. "What's wrong, Remus?" she asked quietly, glancing over her shoulder at the two girls seated behind them to make sure they weren't looking their way.

Remus shrugged slightly, resisting as she moved even closer, their legs touching, and tried to wrap her small arms around his left one. "I'm scared," he whispered in a pained voice, "I just know something will go wrong and I'll have to leave."

Her brows dropped into a determined look. "Nothing will happen, you dork. You said the headmaster guaranteed that everything was perfectly safe. And he's the most powerful wizard in centuries! If that doesn't say anything about the school, what else does?" When he didn't respond to her words, she let go of his arm, pulled out her wand and twirled it in her fingers. "Plus, do you think that I wouldn't stop you if anything happened? I just so happen to be very proficient in magic, even if it's theory." She whipped the tip of her wand in a half circle then pointed at her hand and whispered, "Tutum Flamma!" A small fluttery blue flame dropped from the tip of her wand and rolled into her palm.

"Andi!" Remus gave a start and grabbed her hand, about to start smacking the flame out.

"No no, wait!" He froze at her word, eyes wide and mouth open in a slight 'o' shape. She reached out and poked the flame with her wand tip, sending it rippling, almost like jello. She looked up from it to meet Remus' gaze, giving him a wide grin. "It's a safe fire. And look!" She poked it again. "It wiggles!"

He let out a snort of laughter before reaching out to give it a poke too. Andi couldn't help but feel a flutter of pride at her first successful attempt at magic, but more so over managing to pull her friend's mind from his worries. She looked over his face, taking in the dark circles around his eyes, pasty skin, and the small Scooby-Doo band-aid she'd given him when a still healing cut on his jaw had opened up again. Yes, he looked haggard, but the sight of the tiny blue flame light up his face, bringing back his usual warmth.

There was a sudden jolt, throwing her forwards into Remus, and the tiny flame dropped from her hand. She squeaked and lunged forward, arms reaching around his chest to try and catch it. Her finger tips just barely missed and the fire went out with a soft hiss when it hit what appeared to be dark wet pebbles beneath the boat. Andi blinked in surprise, pulling back and looking around to find their boat shored inside a huge dark cavern.

A loud deep voice called over all the children and everyone began to climb from their boats to shuffle toward the man from earlier. He towered a good two or three meters over the children with lantern in hand. Remus pulled himself out of the boat then turned to hold a hand out for her. She took it, struggling to clear her legs over the edge. The girls behind hopped out, snickering at her as they skipped past and disappeared into the crowd. Andi glared at them as she finally slipped down, though still holding Remus' hand, and hurried to the back of the group.

"Come along now!" the giant bellowed before disappearing into the dark craggy tunnel. The crowd quickly followed after, many almost jogging to keep up with his wide gait, and emerged just beside the imposing stone walls of the castle. Andi resisted the urge to run up and touch the smooth stone, wanting to feel if it was actually real.

Just around the corner was the largest set of doors she'd ever seen set atop a wide set of stone steps, dwarfing even their large guide by meters. She looked over at Remus as he drew in a sharp breath, staring up with wide eyes. Her fingers squeezed his slightly and he managed to tear his eyes away to share a smile with her.

The night was quiet other then the sound of small feet clambering up the steps and the loud bang of the giant hammering on the door a few times. One side creaked open to reveal the tall and imposing form of a woman, draped in emerald robes and topped with a pointed hat, crooked to the side. Her face was stern behind the spectacles perched on her nose, matching her prim posture. Even her black hair was held to strict lines, pulled into a tidy and neat bun at the base of her neck. Though her expression softened as she took in the gaggle of new students. She turned and traded a nod with the giant, who trumped off into the castle.

She motioned for them to follow before striding purposely over to another set of doors, these beautifully gilded and a bit smaller than the last, across an equally large hall. The tall vaulted ceiling was unimaginably high, walls covered with bright torches, crowded with moving paintings, and a spectacular marble staircase behind. Andi craned her neck about, trying to view as much as possible once they stopped.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," the woman stated, voice clear and precise. "I am Professor McGongall." She paused when the children began to whisper and shift restlessly. "The start-of-term feast will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.

"The four houses are called Gryffindor-" Andi let out a soft squeal in excitement, earning a nudge in the side from Remus. "Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rulebreaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is credit to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a moment in front of the rest of the school. Make sure your are presentable."

At the words, many began to pat themselves down, smoothing hair and straightening robes. Andalora followed suit, tightening the bow holding her hair back and spot cleaning her glasses on the corner of her of her robe in an attempt to ease the curling nerves in her stomach.

"Do I look alright?" Remus asked, turning towards her while tugging at his blazer with shaking hands. She slipped her bright red frames back onto her nose before smoothing his lapels and adjusted the buttons at the top of his robes.

"You look perfect. And me?"

There was a moment of hesitation, ending with him looking away, cheeks slightly pink. "Wonderful," he mumbled, awkwardly shuffling his feet.

Before Andalora could comment at his odd behavior, Professor McGonagall clapped her hands once to gain everyone attention. "Form a line and follow me, please." Without a pause, she strode through the now open doors at a quick clip, the low roar that only hundreds of quieted voices could produce. The children scrambled into a line, trotting after and into the hall.

It was hard not to coo and ah at the breathtaking entry. The Great Hall put the front entrance to shame with soaring walls, waving banners, and floating candles. It was impossible to tell where the ceiling even ended or if there was even one at all. It was a dark clear sky above, thousands of little stars shifting and soft light of the moon at the very peak.

The sight was distracting enough that Andi didn't notice the line stop and rammed right into the back of the boy in front of her. Her hands shot out and caught his shoulders before he toppled over into the next person. "Oh, oh, I'm so sorry!" she whispered urgently while smoothing out the wrinkles she left on his robes.

He turned his head, peeking over his shoulder to stare at her with wide baby blue eyes. His pouting mouth twisted into a shy smile before he whispered back, "It's alright." The smile changed to a small frown of concentration and he twisted at the waist to fix her black tie. "Crooked."

Her own lips curled in turn, finding his quiet words rather endearing. She was about to thank him when the entire hall went silent. The boy turned and they both leaned around the taller children to see Professor McGongall setting down a stool and placing a floppy hat atop it. Even from the back of the line, she could tell it was raggedy, covered in patches and looking as if a stray breeze would cause it to fall apart. Then it gave a shake, like a dog ridding water from it's fur, and a slit opened up, though with great effort to separate the fabric. Andi gave a start, placing a hand on her new friend's shoulder again with tight fingers, feeling Remus doing the same from behind.

The hat took in a deep wheezy breath before belting out in song, voice filling the entire hall and almost rattling the empty plates atop the four long tables.

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve and chivalry,

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin,

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means,

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands-though I have none-

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

It finished the song with a loud popping 'p' before its mouth closed, the slit completely gone. The hall almost seemed to explode with cheers and applause.

Taking advantage of the loud noise, Andi leaned forward and held out her hand to the boy. "I'm Andalora Proth."

He turned fully, taking her hand and giving it a quick pump, smile much wider than before. "Peter Pettigrew."

"I hope we can be friends," she said earnestly, lowing her voice with the noise level. Peter gave her an eager nod, doing a small hop in his excitement. She laughed before sucking her lips in to stop the noise, noticing McGongall stepping up beside the stool with a roll of parchment in her hands. She grabbed Peter's shoulders and spun him back around before the woman noticed, steadying his equally small frame before he tipped from her strength.

"When I call your name, you will sit on the stool and don the hat to be sorted," the woman announced, the roll now unfurled in her hands. "Aderlose, Adrian!"

The first of the new students stumbled out of the line, a thin boy with a swath of rusty hair that hurried to the front, and gingerly say down on the stool. The hat barely touched the first few hairs on his head before it screamed out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Adrian leapt up and made his way to the cheering Hufflepuff table.

Andi leaned to and fro a bit, eyeing down the line to examine the others. Most were fussing about nervously, especially a taller boy with dark black hair near the front that was wriggling about like he had ants in his pants. The next two to be sorted took just a little time before McGongall paused, her eyes locking onto the squirming boy. "Black, Sirius!" Another dark headed boy behind him slapped his back before shoving him forward, earning an indignant squawk.

He sat, the hat dropping onto his head and then nothing. After a minute or two, the seated students began to murmur, the Slytherins becoming extra loud and staring at the boy intensely.

"What do you think it's taking so long?" Remus asked quietly over her shoulder.

"Maybe it asks you questions. He probably didn't read any of his books on the list yet," she answered a bit smugly. "We should be more than prepared."

After another long moment, the hat finally shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" The red and gold table just exploded, screaming and cheering as the boy, Sirius, jumped up from the stool with a loud whoop. The rest of the school seemed almost stunned, watching as he raced to his table and proudly took a seat.

Andi frowned, glancing at the ominously quiet Slytherins. "Do you know why they look so angry?" she asked Peter, watching as the next student sat on the stool.

"He's a Black," Peter almost squeaked, mouth in a tight line. "They've all been Slytherins for generations. He's the first one that isn't, much less being a Gryffindor." His voice took on an almost reverent tone.

"Perhaps you can be friends with him when you get sorted there too, then." Her words seemed to shake him, earning a wide eyed look of almost terror.

"I doubt it," he mumbled before turning back around.

"Carrow, Alecto!"

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Dots, Alice!"

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Duron, Juniper!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Evans, Lily!"

Andalora shifted again, sighing a bit as she felt her nerves rear up and drum on her lacking patience. She felt a bit envious as the fiery red head skip over to sit with the crimson and gold lions. Though her heart settled as Remus took her hand again, squeezing it slightly.

The minutes seemed to crawl, earning more fidgeting from many standing in line. At the call for "Lostrum, Nestor!" the fingers around hers began to tighten and grow damp. She glanced back to see Remus' face set in a terrified grimace. "Lupin, Remus!" A strangled whimper managed to escape him. Desperate to comfort him, Andi did the first thing that came to mind as he started forward. Before he could let go of her hand, she pulled him closer and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. The look on his face was priceless, bug eyed and mouth open as he was about to protest, but she shook her head and pushed him forward.

McGongall gave Remus an amused look as he sat on the stool, still a bit stunned. She began to place the hat on his head when it screamed, "GRYFFINDOR!" It hadn't even rested completely on his hair. Andalora grinned, clapping with the rest of the red table as her friend, looking even more dazed then before, stumbled over and took a seat beside the now infamous Mr Black.

Down the list McGongall went. Argyle Mannerin to Hufflepuff, Mary McDonald to Gryffindor, Marlene McKinnon to Gryffindor, Yula Nown to Slytherin, Oliver Penast to Hufflepuff. Then it was Peter's turn.

It was hard not to be a bit worried for the boy, so short, he was barely a few centimeters taller than her. She ruffled his corn silk locks and gave him an encouraging smile when he looked back with surprise. At her thumbs up, his brows dropped into a determined look and he almost strutted up to the stool. Once the hat dropped down, his face screwed up in concentration. It was another long wait, well over five minutes before the hat let out a loud, "GRYFFINDOR!" Andi hopped up and down in place, clapping and giving Peter a cheer as she skipped over to the table with a huge grin. He plopped down next to Remus, who gave him a pat on the back.

Next was the other black haired boy, the friend of Black's. Where the first had smooth, shiny locks, this one had an unruly mop that was long enough in the front to touch is rather long nose. He had an arrogant swagger when "Potter, James!" was called. The hat didn't even get close to head before it screamed and sent him to Gryffindor.

"Proth, Andalora!" Andi felt her chest constrict tightly and vainly tried to swallow down what bit of moisture was left in her dry mouth. It was time. She had to be sorted with Remus. She just had to. With a deep breath, she put her shoulders back, head held high, and calmly walked down. The stool was almost too high as she hopped up onto it, hands clutched together in her lap. Then the hat was down, covering her eyes.

"My oh my, another one from over seas. How charming." Andi almost fell off the stool when a low voice murmured around her. "Now where to put you? Clever, an inventor and hands on. Ah, but also so very honest, nurturing, loyal to a fault. Then there is your drive and courage, so fiery. The Prewett blood runs strong in you. It's too bad. You would make a wonderful Hufflepuff. But you would be much happier with those that will push you. Better be...GRYFFINDOR!"

Andi blinked at the sudden light as the hat was lifted away. The cheers were almost louder than the ones for Black. She stood on shaky legs and started towards the table, a smile slowly growing on her face. She did it! A laugh bubbled free and she threw her arms up, running down the path between the tables. Remus climbed up from the bench as she neared, arms held wide. She ran right into them, squeezing tightly and lifting him up off his feet with a squeal.

"I did it! Oh, I did it!" she squeaked, letting go to hop in place a bit more.

"Of course you did, you ninny," Remus said affectionately, pushing her down to sit between himself and Peter before sliding back in as well. "I don't know how you thought otherwise, being a Prewett and all." The surname earned a chocking noise from Peter.

"You're a Prewett?!" he gasped, head pulled back in surprise.

She snorted, nudging her glasses back up her nose. "My mother was, yes. But family line isn't everything. Take that Black kid." She pointed to the black haired boy just one spot over. At the mention of his name, he leaned back and peered around Remus.

"Well, would you look at that. A Yankee! James! The midget's a Yank!" Both boys looked at her with wide grins and an odd glint in their eyes. Andi felt her back straighten at the attention, lips turning down into a frown.

"Midget? I'm not that short!" she snapped, temper beginning to flare. The words earned a bark of laughter, short and loud.

"But you are a Yankee, yeah? Hard not to notice that horrid accent," Sirius said haughtily as he smoothly pushed his bangs from his face. He pinched his nose and attempted a rather poor valley girl accent, earning more laughter from his friend. Then he winked at her. It was hard not to notice how striking his eyes were, the light grey so deep, they almost seemed like quicksilver. For some reason it made her even more angry.

"Better then sounding like I'm talking with a mouth full of marbles, you uppity ass," she snipped, glaring daggers.

"It's arse, love."

"Ass."

"Arse!"

"Okay, that's enough!" Remus put a hand on her forehead, pushing her back and breaking the eye contact between the two. He then turned to look at Sirius with a frown. "We get it, she has an accent. You don't have to be mean."

"Aw, the Yank needs her boyfriend to protect her," James cooed, fluttering his lashes. The two burst into a fit of laughter as Remus grew bright red.

There was a clearing of a throat and everyone stopped to look towards the front. The last student was off to their table, McGongall taking the hat and stool away. It was then that Andalora finally noticed the painfully ostentatious slash of color that was the headmaster. She recognized him from one of the books she'd read. The long silver beard, crooked nose, and spectacles a dead give away. His robes were a bright buttery yellow with small stitched blue birds fluttering about on the fabric. He stepped up before the teachers table, smiling happily and giving a slight bow to the hall. "Welcome, welcome! Time for a new school year! I'd like to say a few words before we dig in. Juju! Hottata! Lubba!" The students and teachers all clapped, some just to be polite, others in genuine cheer.

Dumbledore lifted his arms up high and with an extravagant wave of each one, food popped up onto the many platters lining the middle of each table. Puddings and pies, fried fish and roasted meats, and heaps upon heaps of bread and vegetables. As soon as the smell reached Andi, she was hit with a wave of hunger, previously hidden under the nerves and excitement. She dropped on a few scoops of cottage pie, Yorkshire pudding topped with roast beef and carrots, last pouring over a good ladle of gravy. The sight alone made her hum happily before digging in.

Beside her, Remus piled his plate high with nothing but meat; pork, lamb, beef, a few sausag-eh, bangers, and just a drizzle of gravy. She lifted a brow at him as he shoved mouthful in, before noticing her gaze and grinning sheepishly around the end of a banger. It was hard not to laugh a bit, though it was soured when Sirius barked out a laugh himself, giving her friend a good smack on the back. When he leaned far enough forward for their gazes to meet, the smile morphed to a more cautious one, a curious gleam in his eyes. Andi just sniffed loudly before taking another bite and turning more towards Peter.

The blonde surprisingly had a plate of mostly roasted vegetables and a bit of fish. "You seem fairly familiar with British food," he said after a swallow, looking over her choices.

"Grandmother put me through 'training'," she muttered, pushing a potato around her plate with a fork. "Spent most of the summer trying to make her long lost granddaughter a proper British young lady. Etiquette lessons, basic magical history, and the like. I still can't understand a lot of things people say if they get into terms, but I get along well enough, I believe. Especially after my brother gave me a great list of insults!" She pulled her bag into her lap, riffling around to pull out her spiral bound notebook and slightly chewed pencil. She completely missed the boggled look Peter gave the items as she flipped through the pages to find one covered in scattered words.

Remus leaned over, looking over the page with a single brow cocked. "Is he really the best example for this stuff?"

"Oh, this is perfect." The two looked up to find James leaning down from behind trying to peek at the page. "The Yank takes on the proper use of our language."

"I bet she can't even make a baby cry," Sirius added in with a full mumble, lounging against the table with a roll half stuffed in his mouth.

"Want to bet?" she dared, glaring over at his stupid fine boned face.

"Oh, you are on!" James crowed, slapping both Remus and Andi on the back. "Alright now, let's hear your take on a good British insult, Yank."

"My name is Andalora," she said, turning her glare from Sirius to James. "And fine." She looked over the page, choosing out words based on what she'd heard from her brother's foul mouth. With her choice made, she looked between both boys. "Piss off and bugger yourself, you pikey bellend!"

The entire surrounding radius of students went near silent, many turning around to look at her, eyes wide and mouths hanging open. Andalora stiffened and looked around, feeling her face flush red with embarrassment. Had she said something dumb? "Eh, bollocks?" she managed in a weak voice, offering a half smile and a shrug.

It was James that broke the silence, bursting out into great guffaws of laughter while bending over and slapping his knees. Others joined in, some reaching over to pat Andi on the back or shoulder. Even Remus seemed a bit proud, though mortified at her terrible language. Though Sirius looked less than pleased, lips pouting out in a grumpy frown. "Bloody brilliant!" James managed to choke out, wiping the tears streaming from his eyes from laughing too hard. "You're alright, Proth."

"What a perfect first impression, sis." Andi whirled around at the voice, beaming when she saw her brother. Felix Proth was a tall, honey blonde with sky blue eyes, much like their father. Though it was easy to see their mother with the upturned and slight snubbed nose with the too wide mouth and slightly gaped front teeth. It was too bad he worn the green and silver colors.

"Felix!" she squealed, jumping up throwing her arms around her brother. He returned the hug with a laugh before holding her out at arms length.

"Look at you, little lion. I guess I shouldn't be surprised you didn't take after grandmother like I did," he said softly.

"Your brother's a Slytherin?!" Sirius blurted, upper lip curling in disgust. The older Proth leveled him with an icy look, causing the first year to cringe and look down at his now empty plate.

"I am, Black. Your observational skills are...exceptional," Felix jeered before turning back to his sister fully. "I just wanted to check up on you. Looks to me like you're doing fine though. I better head back to my table." He nodded at Remus, who returned it with a serious face and placed a hand on Andalora's shoulder. She sighed sadly as he walked back over to his table, a few of his housemates looking over at her with sneers.

Remus squeezed her shoulder, gaining her attention and offering a slight smile. She winced a bit at the dark circles around his eyes and pasty skin, remembering just how many days left it was until the dreaded night. "Good thing we're both lions, yeah?" he offered.

She nodded, mouth quirking up on the side slightly. They both slid back onto the bench, Peter patting her back comfortingly. She sighed, reaching out to take one last roll when suddenly the remaining bits of food faded, leaving perfectly clean platters and plates behind.

There was another loud clearing of a throat and Dumbledore stepped up again, hands behind his back as he waited for everyone to focus on him again. "Now that everyone is full to burst, it's time for our start-of-term notices. First years should note that the Forbidden Forest is as it says, forbidden to all students. Mr Filch, our wonderful caretaker, has asked I remind you that no magic is permitted between classes in the corridors." His eyes flickered over to the front of the Gryffindor table, smiling a bit and earning a snort of laughter from a set of twins.

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. Lastly, Professor Sprout has transplanted a wonderful whomping willow specimen to the school grounds. I highly recommend that every student no authorized to study it by Professor Sprout herself avoid the tree at all costs. It is a rather violent and high irritable." Remus sucked in a breath loudly beside her, drawing out a sharp pain in her chest for him. All she could do was remind him of her support with a brief touch. "Lastly! I would like to welcome our new addition to the staff. Professor Kennering will be taking the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. We hope you have a pleasant first year and many more to come!" There was a smattering of polite applause and much snickering, though many giving the new man an almost pitying look. "And now, bedtime! Off you all go!"

"First year Gryffindors, over here please!" Andalora looked around, spotting the source of the voice near the end of the long table. A tall dark girl with a riotous mane of thick curls, held back with a thick hair band waved over the heads of milling students. The small group of fresh lions managed to wind their way over and received a wide grin over glittering lavender eyes. "Hello, dears!" she chirped, giving her hands a single clap. "I'm one of the two prefects for our lovely house, Dorcas Meadowes." She paused, full lips twisting in a pout as she looked over their heads to search the crowd. "It seems I've lost my counter part." She gave herself a shake before smiling back at the new ones. "Well, regardless, let's get you up to the dorms so you can get some rest. Follow me!"

They headed off at a good clip, threading through the loud crowds and tiredly stumbling up the enormous marble staircase. Andi did her best to look around, taking in as much of the changing decor, but sleep pulled at her eye lids, making it hard to keep her head up all the way, much less gawk at the a particularly rude talking painting. She lost count of the sheer amount of stairs they took, her legs beginning to burn a bit once they slide through another tapestry. One last set of stairs before they stopped on a landing, paintings everywhere, some snoring, others murmuring as they looked at the new first years.

Directly in front of them was the largest one yet, with a rather fat lady in an extravagant and frilly pink silk dress, hair up in a precariously balanced mountain of brown curls. She clucked motherly at the small crowd, clapping her hands to her cheeks with a loud "Oh my! Welcome welcome, little ones! Password?"

"Tottle Tea," Dorcas said clearly, glancing back at them with a wink.

The portrait swung out, revealing a large round hole. Dorcas stepped right over, the rest of the group following. Andi clambered over with a bit of difficulty, earning a snicker or two from James and Sirius. Before she could retaliate, they were split, boys one way, girls another. She managed a wave to Remus and Peter, who returned them just before disappearing through the door of their stairwell. The girls' room was on the first landing, thankfully.

Andalora didn't even look around once they were inside. She was much too tired. She sought out the trunk with her initials on it, kicked off her shoes, and flopped onto the bed. Her eye lids dropped closed and she let the light chatter of her new dorm mates to lull her to sleep.

AN : I'm finally dipping my toes into some HP work! I'll be perfectly honest, I have about 3 different drafts of this story written in varying stages of the plot line. But after a few weeks, I've managed to find a fairly solid plot, all set out in stages. As to how long it will take to actually get it all out, I have no idea. I also don't plan on this being cannon once it hits a certain point. All backstory for characters and their history will be explained!
I have never had a Beta, but if you find a mistake anywhere, please don't be afraid to let me know. I hope to hear what you think!