Disclaimer: The characters and situations you recognize are the legal property of JKR, not me. Unfortunately.


"There is no way that, in a clean match, the Chudley Cannons would ever win against the Holyhead Harpies," I argued, laughing.

"I know that, but don't you dare say that in front of my friend Ron. And don't tell him I agree with you," he added quickly. He sighed. "I can't wait for him to come around. And Hermione." I looked down at my sundae, slightly bummed. It had been nearly two weeks since we'd met, and we'd spent a lot of time just wandering about Diagon Alley. I knew I shouldn't have felt jealous when Harry mentioned his friends, but I couldn't help it! It was like a reminder that my time with him was short. I felt my hair losing its volume, drooping unhappily to my waist. "I think you'd get along well with them," he finished. My stomach churned happily and my hair returned to its natural state. I looked up, feeling better that he was considering the possibility we'd still hang out when his friends came. "Ron is a huge Quidditch fan, and Hermione is the one who pushes Ron and I to finish our homework on time. Actually, she just pushes us around," he joked.

"Well, if Ron is a big Chudley Cannons fan, I just might have to decline," I kidded. I fell silent, trying to find the right way to formulate my next question. "Are you sure you'd like me to hang around with you? When school starts and all," I stammered. "I mean I'd understand if you didn't want to, I mean we just met and all, and you don't really know me really well and..."

"And you nearly knocked me unconscious," he completed. "Of course I want you to hang with Ron, Hermione and me. Who else would make sure you don't knock other people down?" I smiled gratefully at this. "Do you know which house you'll be in?"

I had no idea what he was talking about. "I have no idea what you're talking about," I stated.

"All Hogwarts students are divided into four houses, where they share a common room and dorms with those of their age and... well girls and boys are separated," he blushed slightly. "Anyway, this normally happens when we're first years, and how it happens is you put the Sorting Hat on your head and judging by what it sees, it will sort you," he finished. "I'm in Gryffindor," he added proudly.

"Oh," I muttered, sadly.

"Don't worry, I'll still talk to you, even if you're a Slytherin," he comforted me. I had no idea what he meant by that, but I was relieved. I asked him if he'd gotten all of his school supplies yet. He shook his head. "No, I was on my way to Flourish and Blotts when I collided into a brick wall in the form of you," he smirked. "Mind if we head there now? Then we could head back to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch and pick up something for your mum," he suggested. I nodded and gathered my things. We walked in silence, until he spoke up. "You know who I am by reputation, don't you?" he asked quietly. I hesitated, knowing I couldn't lie to him.

"Yes. Yes I do. Does that surprise you?" I sighed, unable to look him in the eye. "Some day I'll tell you exactly how I came across your fascinating story, but not today." I paused, trying to think of what to say next. "You know, at my old school, a lot of people thought you were just some make-believe hero the British Ministry created to calm down the Wizarding community," I giggled, nudging him. He laughed and pushed me back.

"Is that so?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Bet that this make-believe hero can beat you to Flourish and Blotts."

"I bet he can't." But he was already gone, running as fast as he could. I followed closely, but my short legs couldn't carry me as fast. I arrived shortly after him all the same, gasping for breath. "I guess... you win huh?" I panted.

"I guess I do," he replied, grinning. We walked in and the man behind the counter helped him get all his third year books, except for the Monster Book of Monsters.

"Why didn't you buy the Care of Magical Creatures book?" I asked, puzzled. "I thought you had that class."

"I've already got one," he muttered. "Nearly killed me when I tried to open it too."

I laughed, remembering when I got my copy. It took me a few days until I figured out how to tame it. It was just like the first day I got Arianell, my silver owl. She tried to bite me. She even managed to get a few scratches on my arms, I reminisced. I had to grab her, stroke her spine and she's been nice to me ever since, affectionate even. I tried the same with the book and ta-da! It opened easily. "We should go check on Hedwig and Arianell," I told Harry. "I bet they're awake and dying to go on a hunt."

"You're probably right, and knowing your owl, she'll be having a fit right now, knowing you're not around to let her out," he joked.

We made our way back to the Leaky Cauldron and we entered his room first. His snow-white owl had woken up, and he let her out unceremoniously. We then proceeded to my family's room, where Arianell was indeed angry at still being in her cage. To my surprise, my dad was there, tending to some bad scratches and bites. He looked at me when I entered, closely followed by Harry, and smiled, relieved. "It's good you're back, Mina," he said to me. "I tried to let Arianell out, but she wouldn't come near me. That and I can't seem to be able to heal these wounds properly, so if you wouldn't mind helping me out?" I was skilled in healing wounds, having volunteered a lot at the infirmary at Queen Maeve's. I took out some ointment to clean the wounds, and with a flick of my wand, they were gone.

"There we go, Dad," I beamed happily. Any excuse to show off in front of Harry is a good one, I thought. "That's why Harry and me came by anyway. I figured she'd want out by now." I walked over to her cage, gave her an owl treat and let her out the window. In that short amount of time, however, Dad had managed to start a conversation with Harry about Muggle psychology. I sighed, grabbed Harry's elbow and dragged him out the door. "We gotta go Dad! Be back for supper!" I yelled. I looked at Harry and let out a small laugh. "Sorry about that, Harry," I said. "My dad can be a little... weird sometimes. He teaches in Muggle high schools, but somehow feels he isn't in enough contact with Muggles. Not that there's anything wrong with Muggles," I added, sensing him tense up. He relaxed.

"It's ok, Ron's dad, Arthur Weasley, is worse than yours. He tries to grasp the concept of technology, fails miserably by the way, and is absolutely amazed at how Muggles function without magic," he confided. I felt relieved that at least he wasn't afraid of my dad. We were back out onto Diagon Alley by now. I sighed in content, knowing this was the last day before school started. Passing Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, Harry spoke up. "We still haven't had lunch, you know," he commented. "Where should we go?" As I opened my mouth to answer, I heard someone calling his name.

"Harry! HARRY!"

As he ran over smiling broadly to an incredibly freckled, red-haired boy and a tanned bushy haired girl, I stayed behind, unsure of what to do next. Should I go join them? Should I wait until he introduces me? Maybe I should just leave them to catch-up, I thought miserably. The red- haired boy was ranting on about his trip to Egypt while the girl tried to get words in about her trip to France. I felt my eyes turn cold. I turned to leave, when I heard Harry call out to me. "Mina! Where are you going? Come over here!" he exclaimed. Smiling shyly, I walked over to him and his friends. "Ron, Hermione, this is Mina. Adamina Champlain. Mina, this is Ron and Hermione," he introduced us. "Mina's from Canada, she moved here about three weeks ago. She's been staying at the Leaky Cauldron 'cause her house has a Doxy infestation and she'll be in Hogwarts but doesn't know what house yet. I'm thinking she'll be sorted with the rest of the first years. Isn't that odd though? Never had anyone transfer to Hogwarts half way through."

"Geez, Harry, will you tell them my life story too? Or can I do that?" I objected.

The girl named Hermione laughed, and motioned for me to sit down next to her. "It must so exciting for you to move here! Of course you must miss your friends back home terribly,"she added, but then bit her lip, as if regretting her last words. I shrugged them off.

"I never really had friends. Don't get me wrong, I had some, but between volunteering at the infirmary at my school, playing for the school Quidditch team and helping my mom out with the shop, I didn't see them much," I explained.

Ron choked on his ice cream. "You play Quidditch? Are you any good? What's your favourite team?"

"I don't support Chudley Cannons," I smirked. He groaned as Harry and Hermione laughed. "I laughed so hard when our Montreal team kicked their butts, seeing as Montreal is one of the worst teams in Canada. And I guess you could say I'm a decent player."

"Is your mum the one that opened the new store around the corner? Champlain's Antiquities and Magical Nick-Nacks?" Hermione asked. I nodded, inviting them over to the shop sometime as I stood.

"Sorry to cut this short, but I have to go to Ollivander's for a wand check-up. I want to make sure it's up to par so it doesn't damage my performance in school," I excused myself.

"Do you want us to come with you?" offered Ron. I shook my head, telling them I don't want to intrude, and that they had some catching up to do. I smiled and waved goodbye. I'll see them at supper anyway, they're all staying at the Leaky Cauldron, I reasoned. I made my way to Ollivander's and sighed when I passed the Firebolt. What a broom, I thought. Harry never said if there was Quidditch at Hogwarts. I probably wouldn't make it, there are so many students! Hopefully I'll still be allowed to go for a ride. I carefully opened the door to Ollivander's and to my relief, I wasn't the only one there. She seemed about my age, dark brown hair cut in a bob style. She turned when she heard me come in. She smiled.

"Hello!" she greeted me. "Coming for a quick check-up before school too?" I nodded, surprised she talked to me. "Me too. But I have no idea where Mr Ollivander is. I've been waiting for five minutes now, and no sign of him." She was a bit taller than me, and had brown eyes.

"Ah, I see. Is he always busy?" I asked.

"I wouldn't know, the last time I was in here I was buying a wand two years ago," she laughed. "You're not from around here. You have an odd accent." I laughed. "Where are you from?"

"I'm from Canada," I replied. "Moved here about three weeks ago. I'm Mina. Adamina Champlain." I held out my hand and she shook it.

"I'm Scarlett. Scarlett Havok," she introduced herself. At this point, Mr Ollivander found his way to the from of his shop.

"Here for a check-up, Miss Havok?" he smiled. She nodded and handed her wand to him.

"Ah, yes. I remember this one. 13 inches, pine, dragon scale. Correct?" Unperturbed by his accuracy, she nodded again. "It seems to be functional, Miss Havok, although it could use a waxing. It's a bit out of shape." She thanked him, and handed him a few coins.

"I've got to get going," she said to me. "I'll see you at Hogwarts!" She hurried out the door, not giving me the time to say goodbye. I focussed my attention back to Mr Ollivander. He motioned me forward.

"I didn't sell this wand... Tell me your name, dear," he said, as I gave him my wand for inspection.

"Mina. Adamina Champlain," I repeated out of routine, having met so many new people. "I moved here from Ottawa, the capital of Canada."

"I see. From where is this wand exactly?"

"From a shop in Cliodne's Crossway."

"Yes, yes, I can tell. The handwork is extraordinary, but it's a little different from their usual style. This wasn't made by any normal wand manufacture. Did you know that?" he raised an eyebrow at me questioningly.

"No, sir. I didn't. As a matter of fact, I never questioned the origins of my wand," I replied, annoyed. I just want my wand checked! I thought impatiently.

"Hmm. Seeing as you seem to be in a bit of a hurry, we'll get this over with then, shall we? 10 3/4 inches, yew and... could this be?" He screwed up his eyes and took a closer look He gasped. "No... this couldn't be." He looked up at me. I shifted uneasily, knowing what was to come. I had always avoided telling others what magical item was in my wand. "Thestral hair," he whispered. "Highly unusual, as it is very unstable and said to be a bad omen. Are you sure you got it in Cliodne's Crossway? It's not one of their usual items."

"Yes," I answered. I hesitated on whether to tell him the whole story or not. I sighed and continued. "When I went to buy one, the owners had brought out about a hundred wands or so, all of them starting to burn slightly as I touched them. They were extremely unhappy, as I was ruining a lot of their wands. We figured out a way, after about ten of them, to tell if they were mine or not without me having to touch them. All I had to do is reach for it." I paused, remembering what came next. "I was tired of standing there like a circus freak, having three witches in front of me muttering to themselves. I... lost my temper. And control." I shivered at the memory. "A weird wind picked up from nowhere, and I could hear some far-off chant. I remember reaching out to grab one of the witches, when all of a sudden a box pops out of nowhere and lands right in between the witches and me. They paled when they opened it, but let me reach out for it all the same. I carefully placed my hand over the box. The wand found its way to my hand." I fell silent. No one knew this. Not even my parents, who had grown impatient and had been waiting outside. Not even my friends back home, and I certainly wasn't going to go and shout it from the rooftops here.

"Well," he started, "the most unusual wands choose the most unusual wizards." He handed me my wand, and I noticed he hadn't been holding it with his bare hands, like when he had hold of Scarlett's. He was wearing dragon hide gloves. I looked at him, puzzled, but said nothing. I thanked him for his time, payed him and practically ran out the door. That was too weird, I told myself. I am never -EVER- going back there by myself again.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Ollivander watched as the young, pale-skinned, dark blond witch ran out of his store. "She's going to have work to do," he heard an old man whisper behind him.

"Yes, I don't doubt she will. But Thestral hair, Albus? And the story behind the last wand to be made with it? I don't like it," shivered Ollivander.

Albus Dumbledore smiled gently. "I have faith in her. She met Harry Potter, you know." Ollivander stumbled, surprised. "Therefore, I do not doubt she will rise to the occasion."

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

It was getting late, and I needed to get back to the Leaky Cauldron for supper. When I entered, I saw Harry, Hermione and Ron surrounded by an entire clan of red-hair. As I joined them, I heard the one with glasses stiffly greet Harry. At that, two identical boys, twins no doubt, went up to Harry, imitating their brother in exaggerated manners. I giggled, and they all looked at me. I stiffened. Harry beamed at me, grabbed my wrist and brought me towards the pack of people. I felt their eyes on me, and blushed. "Everyone, this is Mina. She's a friend I met during my last two weeks here," he introduced me. "She'll be going to Hogwarts, in her third year, like us."

"Hi," I managed, feeling my cheeks and hairline turn red. Harry called me his friend, I thought happily. It was dead silent in the room. Ok, this is awkward, I blushed. Then the short plump witch started talking loudly and brought me into a tight hug.

"You poor dear, you must think we're awfully rude for not introducing ourselves." Letting me go, she rambled on. "I'm Molly Weasley, this is my husband Arthur and Percy over there, he's Head Boy now, second in the family. Oh and the little red-haired girl over there is my only daughter Ginny. You've met Ronald, he's your age. And of course, my twin boys Fred and George. You'd do well to stay clear of them, my dear." She said this very quickly, winking at me when she mentioned Fred and George. They look like trouble, I laughed. Before I know it, they were all over me.

"Friend of Harry Potter's, are you, my dear?" said one.

"It'll do you no good, they're absolute no fun," said the other.

"It could be worse," said the first.

"She could be like Percy," finished the second.

"She's much prettier than Percy, thank heavens," continued the first, which I believed to be Fred.

"Oh, yes, much prettier," blushed the second, which must have been George. "Mind you, it's not really hard. Even Ronniekins here is prettier than Percy!"

All through this little presentation they'd each held one of my hands, and now that it was finished, they let go, although I'd have sworn the one named George gave it a small squeeze. I followed him with my gaze, confused. I wasn't given a chance to dwell on it, however, because at this Mrs Weasley shooed them away and my parents finally came down for supper. Tom graciously joined tables in the parlour so that we could all sit together. Mr Weasley struck up a conversation about Muggles with my father and my mother talked to Mrs Weasley about her shop and her frequent stays here. All the while, Fred and George made fools of themselves and conversation died late in the night. Even when the conversation had turned to Sirius Black, the escaped criminal, it didn't dampen my spirits. As I got under the covers of my bed, I pondered on the events of the day. I have a good feeling about all this, I sighed. Yep, a really good feeling.


I woke early the next morning. Today's the day I go to Hogwarts, I stretched lazily in my bed. And I'm friends with Harry Potter. Could things be any better? I got up slowly and went over to the window, where I heard Arianell's taping at the foggy glass. "Hello you," I whispered to her. "We're going to Hogwarts today. Isn't that great? And I've already made friends. Bonus!"

"Talking to yourself?"

I turned around so fast I nearly lost balance. "Good morning Hermione," I smiled. "Sleep well?"

"Yes I did, thank you. How about you? Nervous about today?" She sat on my bed while saying this, looking more excited than me.

I nodded. "You have no idea."

"Well, I think I have a pretty good idea," she sighed. "I'm Muggle-born, so I didn't even know about the Wizarding world until I was eleven. Both my parents are dentists, so imagine their surprise! I wish I had known about all this though, I feel like I missed out on so much." I didn't know what to say.

"Wow, your parents must have been surprised, to say the least. In Canada, there's a very fine line between the Muggle and magical world. My father chose to work in the Muggle and live in the magical. He loved his Muggle studies class so much, he just had to become a part of it," I explained, laughing. She laughed too. "My mother was exasperated when he actually got an English teaching position in a Muggle high school. It's so odd coming here, and finding that the Muggle world is beyond reach. I'm nervous about how I'll adjust to Hogwarts," I finished, biting my lip, worried that I'd said more than she could handle. She got up and pulled me into a hug. Surprised and happy, I returned it. She pulled away and looked at me.

"I'm sure everything will be fine. It's the sorting that's got you worried, isn't it?"

It's funny how you can have just met someone and have such a good connection with them. Hermione and I had that. I'd only met her yesterday, but felt like it had been forever. I could only nod at her question. "Yesterday Harry mentioned two of the houses, but didn't really explain what it was all about. Could you explain it to me?" I glanced at my watch and motioned that we should go down to breakfast. "On the train, maybe, seeing as we're kinda pressed for time."

"Of course! I hope you're sorted into Gryffindor, not that there's anything wrong with the other houses. It'd be fun to have someone in my dorm I can relate with. My other dorm mates are... not exactly my type of people," she blushed. I smiled, flattered that she thought we were alike. "Finished all your assignments I hope?" she commented. "I'm surprised Ron's done, he never gets any of his work done until the last minute." I chuckled at this and sat down next to her to have some cereal. I glanced at Hermione, who was enjoying porridge. I made a face.

"Ew, how can you eat that?" I said to her. "It looks disgusting." She stuck her tongue out at me and we burst out laughing. Mrs Weasley and Ginny came down and sat with us.

"Good morning girls!" Mrs Weasley beamed cheerfully. "Everyone sleep well?"

"You wouldn't believe how awful I slept!" exclaimed Ginny. "I dreamt I gave Ha... someone a love potion, but it turned him into a Double-Ended Newt! And then it followed me around, trying to give me kisses. It was awful." She let out a groan.

"I used a love potion once," Mrs Weasley said dreamily. "When I was a young girl, I had this thing for our neighbour, and thought I could trick him into taking it. It didn't work out, he suspected something when I offered him a greenish cupcake. Well, he didn't know it was a love potion, he thought I was trying to kill him, which to a little boy, is probably about the same thing." Ginny, Hermione and I giggled loudly.

After breakfast, the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione piled into Ministry cars while I waited on Dad to come outside so he could drive me King's Cross train station. My mother, having just opened her shop, couldn't come. I'd just kissed her goodbye before taking the front seat of the family Mini. "Write to me, Mina! Tell me how your teachers are! I want to hear it all!" she sobbed while waving frantically.

"I will Mom! I promise! Say goodbye to Mr Fortescue for me!"

"I love you pumpkin!"

"I love you too Mom!"

Dad drove out of the parking lot, and I lost sight of my mom. It felt awful to know I wouldn't see her again until Christmas but I was excited to finally see Hogwarts. When Mom did her exchange there, she said it was the most magical place she'd ever set foot in. I'm glad I get to experience it for myself. We drove in silence, trying to find the right words to say goodbye. Dad might have been an English teacher, he always was at a loss for words when it came to say something meaningful. We pulled into the parking lot and loaded my trunk and Arianell's cage on a trolley. Thankfully, my friends had waited for me to get there before heading onto the train. I knew Platform 9 3/4 wouldn't be easy to find. They greeted me with a smile. "There you are," Hermione said. "We were afraid you'd gotten lost. Come on, the train leaves in ten minutes and we don't want to be late!" She turned rapidly and Ron, Harry, Dad and I hurried after her. I was certain I heard Ron mumble, "Mental, that one," after Hermione. Harry shot me a look and I stifled a giggle. I was beginning to see what Harry had said about Hermione pushing them around. This is going to be an interesting year, I smiled to myself. Once on the platform, the train let out a long whistle. I saw Mr Weasley pull Harry aside, but I was too busy trying to get my trunk onto the luggage compartment to notice what they were talking about. I followed Ron back out to say goodbye to everyone. Mrs Weasley was acting like everyone's typical mother hen. Hugging each of her children, Harry, Hermione and to my surprise, me, she gave last minute warnings. I felt a slight tug at my shirt, and saw Dad behind me.

"Mina, you will be careful, won't you?" he asked me, concern filling his voice. "I want you to write to your mom and I often." He gave me a gentle hug. I held back my tears, feeling my hair become limp in my ponytail. I pulled away, nodding. He looked at my eyes and wiped some fallen tears, confused. "Pumpkin, were your eyes always this blue?" At that moment, the train let out one final warning. I left a small kiss on his cheek while he rushed me to the train doors. Ron reached out to grab my arm and with Harry's help, they pulled me onto the train. I looked back at my dad.

"Bye Dad! See you at Christmas!" I yelled back to him. He simply waved and smiled. I turned to face Ron and Harry. "Thanks for helping me on, guys," I panted. "I don't know if I would've made it on otherwise."

"Knowing your running speed, it's likely you'd still be on the platform," he chuckled. I punched his arm playfully. Ron laughed.

"Come on, Hermione went ahead to find us a compartment," Ron stated. "We're lucky Percy's Head Boy, he goes to the prefects' compartment, so we won't have him on our backs." We found Hermione at the very end of the train, but not alone. There was an older man, ("Professor R.J. Lupin," Hermione informed us), sitting at the window, apparently sleeping. Ron groaned and Hermione looked up.

"Sorry, but everywhere else was full," she apologized, annoyed at Ron. "What was I supposed to do, kick everyone else out of their own compartment?"

"That would have been rude, but more convenient," replied Harry. "I need to tell you something... in private." I made to get up, but Harry put his hand on mine and shook his head. I sat back down. Ron checked to see how heavy Professor Lupin was sleeping and it was established that he was in a very deep sleep. Harry proceeded to tell Hermione, Ron and I that Sirius Black escaped Azkaban, the wizard prison, to come after him. I wasn't surprised, Hermione and Ron were, but we were all worried none the less. The conversation turned to Hogsmeade, the small wizard village third-years and over are allowed to visit, but it was rudely interrupted by Harry's Sneakoscope going crazy. After it was stuffed back into Harry's trunk, Ron and Hermione continued on the all-wizard community's main attractions. I heard Harry slump, and I joined him. Harry told them his uncle hadn't signed his form and after Ron suggested Harry ask Professor McGonagall, Hermione asked me what I would want to visit first.

"I'd love to say I'd visit the Shrieking Shack, but I won't be heading to Hogsmeade any time soon either," I muttered. Harry seemed a bit happier at this. "My parents wouldn't sign my form."

"What?!" exclaimed Hermione.

"That's awful," agreed Ron. "Why not?" I looked down at my feet, avoiding their gaze.

"It's a long story," I sighed.

"Well, we've got the time," Harry said. "Besides, you're one of us. You can trust us."

"My mother doesn't trust that it's safe for me to go to Hogsmeade right now. Not until Sirius Black is caught and the Azkaban guards are back where they belong," I finished firmly. I could tell they had more questions, but I wasn't in the mood to answer them. Telling them part of the truth about why I couldn't go to Hogsmeade was enough information. But they're your friends now, my conscience reasoned. Don't you trust them? And more importantly, don't you want them to trust you?

After unsuccessfully trying to wake Professor Lupin when the plump witch came with her trolley at one o'clock, the compartment door slid open to reveal a pale light blond boy with two bigger boys by his side. He looks like he's got manure under his nose. He smells like trouble, I thought. I found out I was right enough when I heard him make sneering comments towards Harry and Ron, not even acknowledging Hermione. When he insulted Ron's family, Harry and Ron stood up fast. His pale grey eyes landed on me as I gasped. I saw them dart over me and felt my silhouette thin as he moved towards me. "Well, well, well," he grinned. "What have we got here?" He took my hand and brushed his lips on the back of it. "I'm Draco Malfoy," he introduced himself, smiling flirtatiously. Harry's face tensed. "You're quite the beauty. What are you doing with Potty and the Weasel?" I pulled my hand from his, disgusted by his snotty attitude. "Who might you be?" he questioned.

"I'm not interested," I replied coldly. I shot him a disapproving look, which he returned. He looked about to say something but the sleeping teacher let out a snort and Malfoy paled, if that's even possible. He turned and left, quickly followed by his two goons. Hermione and Harry smiled gratefully at me, but Ron just looked at the ground. His head lifted and his eyes met mine.

"My family's not really well-off money-wise," Ron grumbled. "Malfoy's is, and he enjoys flaunting it in front of my nose any chance he gets. He's a prick, he thinks that just because he's a pure-blood he's better than everyone else. He called Hermione a... Mudblood last year, and even wished she'd be the one to be killed by the Basilisk." I gasped in surprise. Mom had told me blood purity was an issue here, but I didn't think it was this bad.

"That's awful!" I exclaimed. "Blood has got nothing to do with magical ability. I can't believe it's such an issue here. In Canada, it's all about talent. If you've got talent, you're going places."

"Not everyone cares about this sort of thing," rationalized Harry. "I'm half-blood, Hermione's Muggle-born and Ron's pure-blood, but we don't care. I certainly don't think I'm inferior to Ron or better than Hermione because of my blood. If anything, Hermione's a better witch than me and Ron put together!" Hermione blushed at his compliment. She smiled at me.

"You'll meet plenty of people that will care about tradition, or blood purity and that sort of thing, but you'll meet as many and perhaps more that don't care," she continued. "I just remembered I was supposed to teach you about the four Hogwarts classes! So Harry's told you there are four. They are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin."

"The three of us are Gryffindor," said Ron. "Students from the same house tend to stick together most of the time. It doesn't mean you can't have friends from other houses, it's just easier to be with those in yours. We're sorted into Gryffindor because we possess certain qualities that are alike." They continued to explain it all to me, the founding four, the process, the qualities of each house, the competitions between houses and the detestable Slytherins.

"Slytherins are the worse," Harry muttered. "They enjoy bringing everyone else down to feel superior. Voldemort was a Slytherin." Ron winced uncontrollably at the name. Harry and Hermione seemed surprised I didn't.

"What? My parents told me that by not mentioning his name, we increase the power given to him," I shrugged. Harry nodded, impressed.

"Anyway, with what you just told Malfoy, I doubt you'll be sorted into that house," Hermione commented. "Hopefully you'll be with us.," she winked. I smiled gratefully. Then the train started to slow down. "We can't be there yet, it's much too early," she frowned. The lights went off. There was a lot of confusion as the door opened and in came two people. Ginny and a boy named Neville stumbled in, stepping on everyone and managing to wake Professor Lupin. The door slid open again. The Dementors were on board.


A.N.: Sorry if anyone got confused. I've been playing around with the chapters, putting the shorter ones together to make fewer but longer chapters.