Disclaimer: Shouldn't have to say it, but Harry Potter does not belong to me. I'm writing this with no intention of making a profit. Norton, however, is my brainchild and has been floating in my mind for months.
When Empires Crumble---
The Hogwarts Express had made this stop countless times, transporting countless students to and from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It wasn't an unusual sight to see the crimson engine grind to a halt at the small station just south of the massive school. What was uncommon was for the train to be making this stop on Halloween night, and stranger still, with only one occupant.
A boy of seventeen stepped into the darkness. He paused for just a moment, taking a deep breath of the crisp autumn air before stepping down onto the wooden platform. At first glance he looked like any other teenaged boy. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt with worn jeans and a pair of scuffed trainers. The knapsack slung across his back marked him as someone who was traveling away from home.
With a backwards glance at the train, he adjusted the knapsack, and began to move forward. After only a few steps, he was greeted by a severe looking witch in emerald green robes.
"You would be the new student, I assume," she greeted. "My name is Professor McGonagall," she paused and consulted a sheet of ivory parchment in her hand, "forgive me, but it seems there has been some mistake with your paperwork. The only name listed for you is Norton, would that be your given or surname?
He gave her a wry grin. "There's no mistake, Professor. Norton is the only name I gave when filling out the paperwork. It is my first name, I'd rather not use my family name for now." His face held a look of great pain for just a moment, but before McGonagall could even ponder how such a young face could hold a look of such utter torment, it was gone, his lopsided grin retuned. "I'd like to thank you for coming to escort me to the school tonight. I understand that your missing out on the annual feast, I apologize for the inconvenience."
She gave him a dismissive wave and gestured for him to follow her down the gravel path toward a lone carriage pulled by what he could only assume was some sort of horse. "I must admit, Mr. Norton, that it is highly irregular for us to accept transfer students, even more so after the school term has already begun. However, I understand that there are certain circumstances in your case, and exceptions have been made," the two of them climbed into the stage and she handed him a sheet of paper. "You'll find your class schedule there and some standard information on the school as well. You'll be placed in your house as soon as we arrive at the main hall."
Norton just nodded and took the proffered papers. Settling back into his seat, he felt the carriage lurch forward as he was carried closer to the school, as well as an uncertain future.
Reviews, good and bad are appreciated. Just keep it civil, people.
