AN: I do apologize for any error in H.P. facts, details and grammatical mistakes, as this is my own twist of the series and still in editing and writing phase. - Feel free to comment, mail if anything needs clarifying or changing.
It was two years after the second wizardry war, and it was a shock to everyone that the famous Harry Potter spared the life of Voldemort. It was all over the wizardry papers that the famous evil wizard turned over a new leaf. He was in fact reformed and had regretted his past actions even teaching at Hogwarts as a professor of the Dark Arts, more for the ministry to keep a very close eye on him if anything.
Dumbledore very clearly stated in an exclusive interview, that the troubled wizard had seen the grave error in his actions and had indeed changed, even if many of the magical world still regard his name as taboo. There are still some Death Eaters hidden in the shadows, but many had reformed after their leader abandoned their cause for war.
In the time of healing after the war, Hogwarts had expanded its curriculum and years for attending. The starting ages were once 11 and ending at 18, now expanded to college years of 18 and older. The ministry of magical education thought it best and perhaps a good attempt to start the beginning of some magical university in the realm, especially since many of which lost the chance at their education due to the war. It was the start of a brand-new era of magic, hopefully one that doesn't face enough threat of doom.
It was unlike Camellia and Krystal to ever be late. In all their years of traveling with their wizardry parents, they have never been late. Time was a great essence to Camellia particularly, since she had a goal in mind and strived to obtain. Attending Hogwarts, school of wizardry and magic was just another milestone to help get her to that goal.
"What's that over there?" Krystal asked, pointing over in the distance.
Her straight dark brown hair, whipping in the cold late September wind as they flew over the large lake.
Looking passed the gloomy mist that rose over the black lake, Camellia could make out the towers of the large castle. High in the clouds with her sister, Camellia observed the large crowd of Hogwarts's students surround the dock of the lake as a large ship came up from the depths of the murky water.
Landing not too far from the docks was a large carriage, pulled by strong and wizard-raised winged horses. It was supposedly a week into the new semester at Hogwarts, when Camellia and her sister were invited to attend. Well, more like their father told them to attend the school to not distract him while in his research.
"Well, it looks like we aren't the only ones arriving late." Camellia said with a smile.
She felt a shiver run up her spine as she felt the school's ward let them pass. It was times like these she wished she had bought a double layered cloak instead of a dragon hide leather jacket and leggings. Krystal came more prepared wearing an albino Brahmin coat and matching frost spider boots. Noticing her sister shivering, Krystal laughed aloud giving her sister a playful reprimanding.
"I told you to bring your Brahmin coat, instead of that Willow-Sprout dragon hide outfit. What were you expecting as the weather, sunshine and summer rains?"
"I wasn't expecting the already cold temperature in end of September. In America, it never got this cold till the beginning of November." Camellia said with an exasperated sigh.
Looking down Camellia saw the crowd move aside, while those on the ship and carriage got out in formal lines. Leaning forward she felt herself descend towards the dock of the lake, some gasps being heard as her sister landed beside her.
"Well, I guess we were a bit unexpected." Camellia muttered quietly, glancing at her sister who wore a shy smile as the crowd of students gawked at them.
"Is that a Pegasus?" Asked one female student, with a pug-like face wearing black and green robes.
"I don't think those are. Isn't there a law, outlawing the visibility of them?" An Indian girl asked to a bushy haired brunette, a book in her hand. Camellia took in the two girls appearance as she got down from her Equusian, Nightshade.
"Nightshade is, in fact, a cousin to the Pegasus and Abraxon breed of winged-horses, called an Equusian," Camellia stated, stroking the jet-black mane of her Friesian winged horse. Camellia glanced over at her sister as Krystal got down from her white and brown spotted Appaloosa, Maple.
Dumbledore came forward, with Professor McGonagall, Snape and Riddle following close behind after greeting the other headmasters.
"It's a pleasure to have you all here with us again this year" Dumbledore started to say, taking a quick glance over at the two sisters. "And some new arrivals that we have the pleasure of meeting today."
He continued to speak for another few minutes before the crowd of students filed into the large castle, Dumbledore and the other professors staying behind at the dock with the two sisters.
"Your father has informed me and the other staff, that you two will be attending school here." Dumbledore said, a twinkle in his old grey eyes.
"Yes. He thought it best for us, and his research that we attend a magic school for once." Camellia said with a shy smile, holding the reigns to Nightshade. "Is there a place we can rest our Equusians?"
"Of course. Rubeus Hagrid will take care of them." Dumbledore said. McGonagall spoke up then with a stern look.
"Well, I do say that one of you is dressed for the weather here." McGonagall eyed Camellia with a sympathetic look.
"I wasn't expecting the drastic change of climate, Ma'am." Camellia said quietly, looking down at her dragon skinned boots muttering. "I thought it would still be late summer here."
"It would seem that we will have to properly give you two your robes then. We'll head up to my office now before dinner is served in the Great Hall." Dumbledore said. With a quick turn, Dumbledore and the other professors left from the docks, after the half-giant Hagrid took the girl's horses. Camellia and Krystal looked at one another briefly before they followed behind.
Both sisters looked around the school's halls as they continued following the headmaster and McGonagall up a winding and everchanging staircase. The clicking sound of Camellia's boots echoed with the mixed whispers of students that saw them pass by.
"I guess we should have expected to be talked about." Krystal whispered quietly to Camellia. With a brief nod Camellia was soon distracted by a trio, standing in front of the entrance to the headmaster's office. Camellia recognized the trio right away, after all, who hasn't seen the picture of the Golden Trio in every newspaper in the past 3 years.
"Professor McGonagall, Harry and I wanted to know if you were needing any further assistance with tonight's schedule of Prefect duties?" Hermione asked, her eyes looking curiously at the two sisters that stood next to Dumbledore.
"That would be quite helpful Ms. Granger. I was, in fact, going to call you three after speaking to the Headmaster."
"Now Minerva, I can very well explain the school rules and expectations without you present." Dumbledore chuckled softly, walking over to the door giving the password before turning to face McGonagall and the Trio. "You are excused to your other duties for tonight." He finished saying before walking inside, the two sisters following nervously behind.
Once entering the office, Camellia observed the phoenix that was perched next to a large fireplace in the corner of the office. The room smelled that of a candy shop, all with sweet and chocolate scents that filled the office. Krystal noticed the beautiful bird too smiling at the creature as it nodded in greeting.
"Well, there should be robes for you two there on the table and once sorted it will shift to their respected colors. As you know, Hogwarts is now taking in those who are wanting to further their education past the seventh year. So, you two are more than welcome to attend to gain more knowledge, should you choose to do so." Dumbledore said with amusement.
His grey eye observed the two young witches in front of him as they curiously looked around his office. It wasn't every year that he had some late starters in the new school year, and those that were the daughters of a highly regarded Magizoologist at that. He had received an amusing yet important letter from an old student of his, asking if Hogwarts would be willing to accept two witches as their students. After a small incident, it seemed that the former student was seeking help from the school to help with his two daughter's magical abilities. From the letter and its contents, Dumbledore had to think carefully on how the outcome would be for the school. Not that he wanted to turn away the two witches, but he needed to have a better understanding of their capabilities. Let's just say he didn't want to make the same mistake of underestimating as he did with Tom.
"You girls wouldn't prefer to stay in the dorms, would you?" He asked curiously grabbing a glass dish filled with candy.
"Um...if we have to we won't mind, Sir." Krystal said quietly, glancing at her sister a bit nervously. After all the years of traveling the two sisters had never been separated, much less have sleeping and living quarters with strangers.
"Not at all. I just had a thought of letting you two dorm in the old cabin by the lake. I heard from your father that you two are not the best of socialites and nervous around others." Dumbledore gave a sympathetic smile as the two girls nod. "Well, then it's quite settled the where you shall live and sleep. Your schedules are right there on top of your robes and I hope to see you two down in the great hall." He said lastly before vanishing.
It was a few moments before the two sisters grabbed their robes putting it on over their attire, grabbing the schedules slipping it into their pocket. Camellia then turned around facing her sister with a cheeky grin.
"I do say, I make these robes look exquisite."
"Whatever you say, Sis. I'm sure you'll have it ruined or contorted into something else by the end of this week." Krystal said with a laugh, tying her hair back in a braid.
"Hmm...by the way, where is the Great Hall?" Camellia asked as they made their way out of the Headmaster's office.
"Um...he didn't say?"
"No."
"Well, I suppose we should ask one of the students here then." Krystal offered walking alongside her sister, their black robes billowing behind as they walked briskly.
"Sure. Tell me if you see anyone." Camellia said jokingly.
Both continued walking the halls aimlessly before hearing the stirring voices of others behind a large set of double doors. Thinking nothing of it, the two sisters opened the door stepping inside to be greeted with a grand hall lined with tables and students. Candles burning brightly floated in the air, as the ceiling was beautifully reflecting the night sky above. The smell of freshly prepared dishes wafted around the room, as students chattered among themselves. But it all ceased once the Headmaster cleared his throat and Professor McGonagall stood walking to a stool with a hat placed on top.
The sister's looked at one another a bit flustered before looking back at the long staff table, where they saw the headmaster smiling with amusement.
"I guess we found the Great Hall." Krystal muttered quietly.
"You think?" Camellia said.
She looked ahead feeling the stares of the students as she and Krystal made their way to the front, where Dumbledore was motioning them to come forward. Dumbledore rose from his chair then as he cast a Sonorus charm, his voice amplifying over the Great Hall.
"I would like everyone here to not only welcome our friends from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons but also our two new students who will be attending school with us this year." Whispered voices of the students were mingling about the room before Dumbledore cleared his throat again. "As you know, we have all gathered again this year to promote unity among the magical world and to remind ourselves that even in times of loss and mourning we still have friends at our side. It is with great pleasure and an honor that we have two former Ilvermorny students with us that will be now attending here at Hogwarts. As tradition, they will now be sorted into their houses." Dumbledore nodded then to the two sisters that approached Professor McGonagall.
"I'll go first if you want Camellia?" Krystal offered, smiling shyly to her younger sister. Camellia nodded nervously as to what house she'd be placed into. It was no mystery to her or her sister that she had uncontrollable powers at times, and was skilled in the magical arts of Dark Magic. After all, it was a small incident that occurred in Ilvermorny when she was a first year, that her parents decided that she was better off to be homeschooled.
"That's quite alright, dear." McGonagall nodded letting Krystal step forward in front of the stool. "Krystal Urqhart." McGonagall states, holding the sorting hat in hand. Krystal carefully sat down nervously on the stool. She felt the lingering stares of the students and staff in the room as the hat soon came to life speaking. She jumped slightly when hearing the voice of the sorting hat in her mind.
"Hmm... it seems you are quite kind and caring, to let your sister go after you. Partial to anyone and equal to those that approach you needing assistance, you do not pick favorites. You have a favor of forgiving others and a gentle hand to those in need, yet brave and smart when those you love are in grave danger and can't see beyond their greed." Once done with its observations it then spoke aloud, for all in the Great Hall to hear.
"Hufflepuff will be your house!" The sorting hat announced.
The students and staff in the hall applaud with smiles on their face, as some in the Hufflepuff table cheer excitedly. Krystal stood up from the stool, the inside of her hood turning a honey gold yellow to represent her house.
She walked over next to McGonagall quietly waiting for her sister. Her sister was so brave and courageous it was obvious what house she was to be placed into, Krystal smiled proudly looking at Camellia who had a worried look on her face.
With slow steps and an intake of breath, Camellia stepped up to the stool standing in front of it quietly as McGonagall read out her name.
"Camellia Urqhart." Hearing her name called, was similar to that of being sentenced for a crime. Not that McGonagall made her tone that way, it was justnerve-racking being sorted into a house compared to that Azkaban.
Camellia took a seat on the stool then, feeling the old hat sit upon her head. She felt the hat jump upon her head, a gasp coming from it above before it spoke in awe.
"Why...it's very rare to have yet another be able to speak Parseltongue. You dear, are quite the intriguing witch indeed."