Author's Note: Happy New Year to all of you who live in China and all of you who celebrate the Lunar New Year! I don't but I looked it up and found out that 2014 is the year of the horse. A quick announcement: because my schedule is all crazy and I don't currently have my laptop, updates will generally be every month or so. As before, I probably won't leave this without an update for four weeks in a row, but it will be around three and a half. Feedback will have an effect on this, so please review! If you are a reader of my other story or a reader interested in reading my Albus Potter series, I have bad news. This has taken so much time off me that I will be putting A New Threat on hiatus until probably July or August and Albus will come out in late June to early July. Of course, these are estimates, so they may be later. Thanks for sticking with me and happy Year of the Horse to all of you, and 馬年快樂,所有的你!
CHAPTER TWO
SPLIT APART
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As the other first years stared up in amazementat their first sight of Hogwarts Castle, Avis simply sat back and yawned. She had been here too many times with her family. She had scolded the students when they failed to cast a Patronus at Avis's mother's and Addy's father's annual all-day Patronus lesson for the fifth-year students while Avis herself hadn't even touched a wand. She had helpfully demonstrated her Animagi abilities to the seventh-years interested in becoming one themselves while Scorpius lectured them about his school. Today was just to refresh her memory of the castle, but the sight of it all lit up in the darkness still took her breath away. The Astronomy tower, the highest in the castle, sparkled in the moonlight, casting a large shadow on the majestic facade of the Great Hall. Eli was just as mesmerized; being Muggle born, he probably hadn't seen many ancient castles of magic.
Once they got across the lake, Eli and Avis were right behind Hagrid, leading the pack of first-years up the old stone steps to a large pair of polished oaken doors. Hagrid set down his lantern and knocked thrice on the door. Behind the door, Avis heard the gruff voices of Harry and her uncle, Al, arguing with several unfamiliar voices, but couldn't make out what they were saying. There was a long pause before the door opened to a panting heavily and sweating profoundly, Neville Longbottom. Behind his rapidly-aging face, Avis could barely make out the slim forms of Harry, Al, and a head of flaming-red hair slip quietly into the Great Hall. She thought the red-haired woman was her mother, but her she was supposed to be at the Ministry.
"Evening, Hagrid. Sorry I'm late," Professor Longbottom panted, throwing a slight wink towards Avis, "Are all the first years present and accounted for?"
"As far as I know,"
"Excellent. Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them from here."
"Fine wit' me." Hagrid picked up his lantern and walked off into the night. Professor Longbottom watched him go, his eyes sparkling. He was as old as Harry, his once-black hair now gray in many places and faint wrinkles on his kindly face. He quickly gestured the first-years inside. They did not enter the hall, but a small chamber off of it.
"Welcome," he shouted, throwing his arms out wide, "to Hogwarts! You will soon enter the Great Hall and enjoy the start-of-term banquet with your classmates, but first, the Sorting! You will be placed in one of the four houses. They are named: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Your house will be like your family—you will eat with your house, have class—"
The door to the Great Hall opened slightly, causing Professor Longbottom to flinch. Addy Potter stepped quietly into the room, obviously not wanting to be noticed. "Addy!" Avis cried, abandoning Eli and throwing her arms around her best friend. Addy, oddly, was clad in bright-green jeans and a purple shirt, standing out amongst all the other dully colored students.
"Why weren't you on the train?" Avis demanded, "And what are you wearing?" Addy laughed. "It's American. Green jeans are scarce in London. Like it?"
Avis rolled her eyes.
"As for you first question…." Addy's expression darkened. "I'll tell you later," she whispered directly into Avis's ear.
"So, as I was saying," Professor Longbottom continued, "You will eat with your house, have classes with your house, and eat and sleep in your house common room. Be warned-rule-breaking will not be tolerated at Hogwarts. Your Heads of Houses are responsible for your discipline, so behave. Rule-breaking will lose your house a number of points, according to the severity of your transgressions. On a lighter note, if you work hard and follow rules, your triumphs will earn you house points. At the end of the year the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor! Despite what some may say, each house has produced its share of great people. I hope you will show great respect whichever house becomes your home.
"The heads of houses are as follows: I, Professor Longbottom, am the head of Gryffindor House, Professor Bailcott is our Potions master and the head of Ravenclaw House. He is a jolly young fellow and I'm sure you will appreciate your classes with him. Professor Smelthy is our professor of Defense against the Dark Arts and the head of Slytherin House. Do be nice to her. Finally, Professor Sparrow is our head of Hufflepuff and our resident Charms teacher. I hope you will greatly respect them and your other teachers, no matter what house becomes your own.
"The Sorting Ceremony shall take place in a few moments inside the Great Hall. I will alert them of your arrival and fetch you when the rest of the school will be ready. There is nothing to be worried about. Please wait quietly for my return and I will be back momentarily." He left the chamber.
The crowd of first years relaxed, but were anything but quiet. As soon as Professor Longbottom left, they erupted in noise. Addy was asked by a dozen people if Harry really was her grandfather and if that was why she didn't have to wear the school uniform. She shook them off, one by one, until Avis decided to introduce her to Eli, then find out why Addy wasn't on the train. "Eli, this is Addy Potter, my best friend and cousin. Addy, this is Eli Kogan, I met him on the train." They shook hands for an unusually long time, much to the annoyance of Avis.
"Addy," she cut in, "Why weren't you on the train?" Addy's expression again darkened, and she pulled Eli and Avis over in a corner and began speaking very quietly. "You know about the dragon attack on New York City?" They both nodded, "Good. So, the article said that the Aurors and Aucopi didn't discover the caster of the Imperius Curse, right? Well, they did, it just wasn't released to the press. Just so you know, this is top secret, you can't tell anybody."
"So, why weren't you on the train?" Eli asked, not catching on.
"I'm getting to that. So, in addition to discovering the caster, the Aucopi Officecaptured him and put him on trial under Veritaserum. Truth potion," she added in response to Eli's blank look, "He was very resistant to questions, even under Veritaserum, and the Aucopi Office was hesitant to give him more. Their supplies were limited and an overdose is poisonous. I guess that they only found out that he had an accomplice and was building a 'special' army and that his next target after New York was our family. Since he was in custody, we didn't get much protection, but really early this morning, at about five in the morning, midnight in America, he escaped."
A loud scream issued from the first years upon seeing the house ghosts, but the secretive trio barely heard them.
"Again," Addy continued, "his capture and trial weren't released to the public, and obviously not his escape. Of course, the public already knew that he wasn't dead and on the run, but now, since we got him on trial, we know just how big of a threat he is. Anyways, Uncle Ron got us up immediately and told us to get to Hogwarts. So, I've been here since this morning. PJ, Iris, and Mum are at the Ministry, and Dad and I are here. Ron took his best Aurors to hunt for him, and left Dad and Aunt Rose to guard the castle."
Avis was gaping over all this information and had a troupe of questions dancing in her head, but asked, "So, Mum and Uncle Al are here? In the castle? And what's this guy's name?" Addy nodded.
"Yep. 'Until further notice,' by the words of the Head Auror. I asked Dad what his name was, but he frowned and walked away."
"That doesn't sound good. None of this sounds good, except for the fact that your dad and Mum are going to be here." Avis said. Addy frowned.
"I don't think they'll act like our parents, though. Dad's famous, and so is Aunt Rose. They won't want any unnecessary distractions. They're working, after all."
"Uh, Addy?" Eli asked, "Who're PJ and Iris?"
Addy smiled, "My brother and sister. They'll be coming to Hogwarts in a few years. PJ's crazy and Iris is… different. Like Auntie Luna or Aunt Lily."
The three laughed, becoming the only noise in the room after Professor Longbottom came into the room holding a frayed brown hat, which Avis knew to be the Sorting Hat.
"They are ready for you. Follow me."
The crowd pushed forward behind Neville, with Avis, Addy, and Eli now in the back. Even though she had seen it before, the Great Hall still made her gasp. Thousands of candles hung in the air, reflecting their light on the golden tableware. Four long tables held hungry students while a raised table at the front of the Hall sat the teachers. Harry was seated in his gold chair at the center of the teachers' table, examining the first years with interest. Both chairs next to him were unoccupied, as well as a third one farther down the table. Avis took one of the chairs to be Professor Longbottom's, then the other two to be for Rose and Uncle Al, who were nowhere in sight. Various cousins and family friends smiled at Avis and Addy as they passed. The ceiling was bewitched to look like the night sky, which was done so well that it didn't look like the Hall had any ceiling at all; that the walls just melted into the night.
Professor Longbottom placed an old stool at the front of the Great Hall and the Sorting Hat on the stool. It looked remarkably ordinary for anyone who didn't know what it was capable of. Sure enough, Avis heard Eli and several other first year students gasp when it opened its brim like a mouth and began to sing.
A thousand years or more ago
Four wizards began to put on a show.
An unusual show, full of building and hassle,
but what would soon become our wondrous castle.
A castle full of learning, a castle full of stuff,
A special kind of castle, to fill our brains with fluff.
And, lo behold, Hogwarts came about,
A school that's filled with magic, filled with everything but doubt.
The school was ruled by four, with very different visions,
but soon they came upon a unanimous decision
To only take their own, the ones just like themselves.
Said Gryffindor, "I'll only take the brave, the courageous, friendly and loyal.
Those who've suffered for their friends, through endless hours of toil."
Said Ravenclaw, "I'll only stand to teach the witty and the smart.
It is wit beyond measure that sets Ravenclaws apart.
Those that have a mental flaw
are not fit to be a Ravenclaw.
Said Slytherin, "Only those of purest blood are fit to be with we.
Only the cunning, ambitious leaders are allowed to rule with me."
Said Hufflepuff, angry at her peers,
"All are welcome here, despite their wits and fears."
And thus the founders ruled for many years
until Slytherin alone began to steer.
He wanted only pure-bloods, but the others told him no.
Outraged, Slytherin stormed off, all those years ago.
Before he left, he and the others placed their brains in me.
So try me on, and I'll tell you where you ought to be!
Choose your house carefully, for it determines your friends.
Keep them close, keep them by, until the very end.
Darkness is approaching, though from an unexpected direction
So buff yourselves up, and get rid of imperfection.
And, finally, ready yourself for your final stand,
for an unexpected danger is at hand.
The younger students started cheering, but the older students (and Avis) held their applause back. She knew that the hat could say some very wacky things, but that it also never lied. The hat took a bow. Professor Longbottom stood immobile for a few moments, then shook his head and unfurled a very long scroll.
"When I call your name, come up here and place the Sorting Hat on your head. Abbott, Julia!"
A very small girl stumbled up to the stool. She jammed the hat on her head and, a moment later, the hat screamed, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Her face lit up. This was obviously the house she had wanted. She skipped over to the Hufflepuff table, blushing.
"Acrom, Peter!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as "Acrom, Peter" strolled calmly to his table. Avis had zoned out entirely—she was half-asleep and desperately wanted to get off her feet—until she heard, "Kogan, Eli!"
"Good luck," Avis whispered to Eli, "I hope you get Gryffindor."
"If that's where you and Addy are going, sure," he whispered back. He walked up to the stool, a confident smile on his face. He was one of the tallest first years, even taller than some second and third years, so he looked odd sitting on the tiny stool. The hat had not even been on his head for a second before it screamed, "SLYTHERIN!"
Avis's shoulders slumped in defeat in unison with Addy's. Eli gave them a sympathetic smile and left to join his classmates.
The names droned on for another five minutes with no interest whatsoever until Avis heard a most familiar name.
"Malfoy, Avis!
Whispers erupted throughout the Great Hall.
"Avis Malfoy? As in Scorpius Malfoy, leader of the Order of the Phoenix?
"Didn't I see her mum earlier?"
"The name sounds familiar..."
Avis hesitantly pushed through the gaggle of first years to reach the hat. She sat carefully on the stool and Professor Longbottom placed the Sorting Hat on her head, giving her a slight wink.
"My, my, another Malfoy," a small voice said, causing Avis to flinch. "One way or another, all of you always go down in history books. I sense you, Avis Malfoy, will be no different."
"Wh-what do you mean?" Avis thought, confused.
"My, my, like father, like daughter I suppose. Your father asked the same thing when he was here. Well, it's all here in your head. I would put you in Slytherin—"
"Yes!" Avis pumped her fist, she needed a friend her age in her house.
"Yes?" The Sorting Hat mused, "Ah, Eli Kogan. I sense a bit of, hmm, romantic interest, maybe?"
"No."
The Sorting Hat laughed at Avis's thoughts. "My, my, why so young? You are persistent, maybe Hufflepuff would suit you?"
Avis had just officially decided that she didn't like the Sorting Hat very much.
"Oh, wait, Avis. Maybe.. I see a lot of loyalty in you. Gryffindor, maybe?
Avis snapped. "No! It's my head and my house. You are going to put me where I want to go!"
This time, the Sorting Hat laughed aloud to the entire hall; a laugh that made many students (and teachers) look up from their conversation with confusion.
"Oh, Avis, like I said, you are persistent. Alas, I sense a little loyalty in this head of yours, too. I will let you decide, my dear, but I think you know where you are destined to be.
Avis looked at Addy, who gave her a thumbs up. Avis knew where she had to go.
"We have an agreement, my dear?
"We do."
"All right, if you say so, better be—"
"Wait." Avis had to ask.
"My dear?"
"Could I ask you a question?"
"You just did, but carry on."
"What you said in your song, about the unexpected danger, is that true?"
"My dear, when I was newly sewn, Rowena Ravenclaw bestowed upon me the Inner Eye. With the Sight, I have been able to accurately predict future events, but in recent years, my ability has become cloudy. I do not know when danger will be approaching, or how, or where, but I do know it will approach."
"But what danger? C'mon, you must know something more."
"Avis, you already asked me your question. Now, go join your friends at the table of Godric GRYFFINDOR!"
The hat shouted the last word to the entire hall. The Gryffindor table exploded with applause, but the other tables looked relieved. Avis must have had a confused look on her face, because her applause ceased quickly. Nevertheless, Avis skipped to the table and asked the closest person she could find, a petite second year girl how long she was under the hat for. The girl laughed. "A while. The longest that I've ever seen. It was definitely at least twenty minutes. Thank Merlin it's over."
"Thank you," she replied, grinning. She knew she had taken a while, but she didn't think it had taken that long. Avis found a seat and almost missed Addy's Sorting while she was busy shaking hands and answering questions about her father.
"Potter, Aderyn!"
The hall went silent. Harry sat up straighter in the headmaster's chair. Avis couldn't see Uncle Al or Rose anywhere, but she assumed they were watching. She crossed her fingers while Addy got on the stool and waited. All eyes were on her; she was hard to miss, being the only one not in school uniform.
The hat was on her head for just a few minutes, a mere fraction of Avis's twenty, until it shouted out, "GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table again exploded with cheers, Avis included. Harry winked at Addy as she strolled over to her table and took a seat next to Addy. They both spent the remainder of the Sorting shaking hands and answering pointless questions. When the Sorting was over, Professor Longbottom rolled up his scroll, tucked the Sorting Hat under his arm, and took a seat next to Harry at the High Table. Harry stood up, spread his arms wide, and said, "New students, old students, teachers, staff, ghosts, and guests, welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have an announcement to make before we stuff ourselves to the brim. All announcements shall take place after the feast. Dig in!"
The plates were instantly overwhelmed with every kind of food Avis could imagine. Turkey and steak were piled high on gold platters. The goblets filled themselves with the best pumpkin juice Avis had ever tasted. There were even many simple, peanut-butter sandwiches for picky eaters. The entire hall was laughing and talking with their friends. Avis was just finishing her pudding when Harry rose from his chair. The hall fell silent.
"Ahem—a few start-of-term notices now that we are all fed and watered. First years should note that the forest is strictly forbidden to all students. A few older students had best remember that as well.
"Our caretaker, Mr. Vetus Wynn, has asked me to remind you that no magic is to be used in the corridors and that all Weasley's Wizard Wheezes' products are banned from all students without the permission of myself or one of the other teachers.
"For those interested in Quidditch tryouts, they will take place during the second week of term. If you have any questions, please contact Madam Devolo.
"Congratulations to our new prefects—Emma Thomas and Leo Scamander of Gryffindor, Jocelyn Keyes and Draper Voten of Slytherin, Mary Mentasi and Silvan Berkman of Ravenclaw, and Patrick Longbottom and Allie Anderson of Hufflepuff—and to our new Head Boy and Girl, Mr. Alexander Cosmo of Slytherin and Ms. Molly Brown of Gryffindor.
"There are no new teachers this year, but please be as nice as you can possibly be to Professor Smelthy. She had been diagnosed with a cancer that even magic can't fix. Her days on this Earth are fading."
Professor Smelthy did indeed look frailer than usual and Avis felt sorry for her. She couldn't imagine her Healer say to her, you're going to die in less than a year. Harry's expression darkened.
"And finally, I must end on a somber note. As you all very well know, late last night, a dragon had attacked various parts of New York City. This morning, the Morning Prophet purposely left out a crucial fact on this investigation. I did not agree with this. The public has a right to know everything going on. But alas, I, as Headmaster and no longer Head Auror, have only limited power over the Ministry. My sister-in-law, the Minister for Magic, asked me not to publicly disclose this, but you are allowed to know. According to past events, studies have shown that this new threat is the third most dangerous threat of all time. In case you were wondering, Herpo the Foul is number one, Lord Voldemort is number seven, and Astoria is number six. I still have many connections with the Auror Office and, for your ultimate protection, have convinced them to place their best Aurors in the castle. One had readily agreed to come and the other had no choice as I am his father."
A few first and second years laughed, but the others did not.
"Please welcome Mrs. Rose Malfoy and Mr. Albus Potter!"
The hall erupted with applause as Al and Aunt Rose entered the hall. As they passed the Gryffindor table, Al winked at Addy and Avis and Rose waved. They took their seats next to the Headmaster. Rose whispered something to Harry and his jolly expression suddenly melted into one of fear. She whispered again to Harry and his expression lit up a little, but Avis could tell it was fake. When he started talking again, it was very fast.
"For those of you who do not know, Albus defeated the Dark sorceress Astoria… what was it Al, fifteen years ago?"
"Eighteen." Al said in a small voice, blushing.
"Eighteen years ago and Rose… well… helped."
The hall laughed again and Harry got shoved by Rose.
"Now, classes resume on Wednesday, you'll get your schedules tomorrow at breakfast, first years, follow your prefects to your dormitories and common rooms and good night!"
The long benches slid back with a sickening scrape. Harry was obviously anxious to talk to Rose about whatever she told Harry. Sure enough, while the other students were exiting to the Entrance Hall, Avis saw Harry have a rapid conversation with his son and niece.
"Gryffindor first years over here, please!" Avis heard Emma Thomas, the new Gryffindor prefect, call. "This way to the common rooms!" A herd of students, Addy and Avis included, gathered in front of Leo Scamander and Emma. Avis quickly scanned the hall for any sign of Eli, but he was nowhere in sight. Avis knew both of them. Emma's parents worked in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement together, so Rose saw a lot of her parents and their family occasionally came over for dinner. Leo Scamander was the grandson of Luna Lovegood and son of Addy's Aunt Lily.
"Leo, Emma!" Avis called. "Addy! Avis!" Emma said, "You're parents told us to tell you to meet them back in the Great Hall. I'm sure you know how to get back to the common room? If you can't ask the portraits." Without waiting for a response, Leo and Emma led the excited Gryffindors from the Entrance Hall. "Thanks Leo!" Addy called, "Thanks Emma!" Leo winked, turned a corner, and vanished. Avis and Addy were alone.
"Well," Avis said, "Let's go." Addy shrugged and followed Avis back into the Great Hall. Upon entering, Avis noticed many things at once. For one, it was much quieter than it had been five minutes ago. Most of the blazing braziers had gone out, but enough were aflame to see. Lastly, the hall was empty except for Avis, Addy, their parents, and Harry.
"Avis!" Rose said, giving her daughter a hug. "Mum!" Avis said jokingly, "It's been too long. A whole twelve hours!"
"Addy!" Rose said. I haven't seen you for so… what are you wearing?" Addy looked down at her ridiculous getup of her green jeans and purple shirt.
"Like it?"
Rose turned to Al. "Al, did you really get her this?" He chuckled. "Of course not! It was all Ilana's idea."
"Addy, Avis!" Harry said, giving his granddaughter a hug, "Ads, are you OK? You know, after last night?" She nodded hesitantly. Harry smiled, then turned to Avis.
"Avis! I haven't gotten to see you since last year when Rose took you with her when she and Uncle Al did their lessons with the fifth years. How've you been?" Avis shrugged. When she got a response, it was not from Harry, but Al.
"Aren't we all. Now, Avis, Addy, we, Dad, Rose, and I, have something important to talk about."
Nobody moved.
"Alone, I mean. But, before you go, I have to tell you something. Right now is the only time when Rose and I will be you parents. After tonight, we're strictly on the job. Unless it is extremely important, ignore us. I know a lot of people know of me and Rose, so we can't play favorites, even with you. We'll treat you like the other students, only because we have a lot of work to do. I'm sorry, but this is how it has to be. And-"
"The point is," Harry cut in, "is that we can't be your parents. We are Ministry workers assigned to work at the school. Now, get to bed before I go and tell the Headmaster!"
"Bye!" Avis said, but Addy simply waved her hand in farewell. They slowly turned around and walked towards the hall's enormous oaken doors. As soon as they exited, the doors closed behind them.
"Well," Addy laughed, "What's so important that they have to talk about?" Avis gave a little start. "You didn't see Mum whisper something in Harry's ear? And how right after that he was anxious to get us all out?"
"Well, I noticed the second part, but not the first. I suppose you don't want to listen to them and go up to our common room?" Avis grinned. "Oh, I don't want to go up to the common room. But I do want to listen. You wouldn't have any banned products by any chance, do you?"
Addy grinned, catching on. "You know… as a matter of fact I do." She reached into her (horrid) pocket and produced two small, flesh colored ears connected by a string. Avis gasped in sarcastic surprise. "Addy! Extendable Ears! They're banned! How could you!" Addy laughed. "C'mon, let's listen."
Addy stuck one ear under the Great Hall's great doors and held the other in front of her. "Shhh," Avis whispered, "I figured out the hard way that these work two ways."
Very faintly, the two could hear a conversation brewing.
"—just a little harsh." Rose's voice.
"Well, I love them and all, but this is huge, and I had to get them out. No one can know about this." Al's voice this time. He sounded worried.
"Never mind about that, how did you find this out?" Harry's voice.
"Ryder," Rose said, "He was the first American to arrive, so even Adelaide didn't know yet. So, he blabbed to his Aucopi and word spread to the Aurors."
Avis heard her mother's frantic breathing which appeared all too often in the Malfoy household.
"Al was here at the castle already, so he didn't know, and you, Harry, didn't know, so when Ryder got there, Dad went all crazy and, instead of having me look for... You know... him, he sent me here. Ilana and your grandchildren, Harry, are with Hermione, so they're fine."
"All right," Harry said commandingly, "The teachers can't know about this, so I'll ask you two. Should I secure the castle and trap him in here, or not? If I do, nothing's coming in or out. I'd want to if he's here, but we still need connections with the outside world."
Al took a deep breath. "Secure it. If he's here, then we can search the castle for him. If he's not, that's one less crucial hiding place for him. And the fact that he knew it so well..."
Harry sighed. "Right, so I'd best get going to secure the castle. Al, Rose, when you're ready for bed, come see me in my office. The password is Ilana. G'night."
"G'night, Dad."
"Good night, Harry."
Avis heard footsteps growing louder as the three exited. "Addy!" she whispered, "Get the ear and hide!"
Addy grabbed the ear and pulled Avis and herself behind an ornate bust of Rowena Ravenclaw. The hall's doors opened slowly and Harry, Al, and Rose exited. Avis felt Addy's hand shake as her father and Rose passed by and turned down a long corridor. Harry withdrew his wand and stepped outside into the crisp, golden air. Avis heard him mutter a few words before turning around and stepping back inside. He turned down a different corridor than Rose and Al, presumably towards his office.
Avis let out a deep breath that she didn't know she'd been holding. Next to her, she saw Addy do the same. "Well," Addy panted, "Best get to our common room." Avis nodded and they trotted off towards the first of the 142 staircases they could find. They were directed by the sleepy and irritable portraits, Avis quite often having to explain that they had permission from their parents to be there. It wasn't entirely true, but enough of it was true to convince Addy that they were simply "bending the truth" and not lying. It was a particularly long journey, considering that they had to backtrack three times and every time, Addy kept getting stuck in the fake step. Thankfully, they didn't encounter Peeves, the nasty poltergeist whom Avis had been warned about by her mother.
Their entrance to the common room was blocked by a snoring, plump portrait. "Wha-What!? Why are you awake at such a late hour? Go away! I'm sleeping!" Avis bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Miss?" she soothed, "Is this the way to the Gryffindor common room?"
"Ugh—do you have the password? No password, no entry. Hurry up, I want to go back to sleep!"
Avis had no idea what the password could be. She looked at Addy desperately for help, but she only shrugged. Avis was going to go to Harry and ask for the password when a ghost floated by. He was dressed oddly in a ruff and tights, and his neck was bloody. Upon noticing them, the ghost floated up to Addy and Avis. "My, my," he laughed, "Out midnight snacking? On your first day? How very naughty of you! Anyways, nice to meet you, I'm Sir Nicholas de-Mimsy Porpington, resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower. I recall you two being a little 'distracted' during the feast."
An off-topic thought occurred to Avis, but she couldn't keep from blurting it. "You're Nearly Headless Nick, aren't you?"
"If you don't mind, I would prefer Sir Nicholas, and if you want to know why I'm nearly headless—"
"We're good!" Addy cut in, "We don't need a demonstration. Please Nick, do you know the password to the common room? You know we're Gryffindors!"
"I know, I know. I won't tell anyone about your wanderings tonight, but leave you with a warning. The password is Bablamocha." Nick turned and began to drift away.
"That's that. Let's get to bed," Addy said sleepily, "Bablamocha. Wake up! Bablamocha!"
The portrait swung open lazily, revealing a hole in the wall which the two both scrambled through. Inside was an empty round room with many squishy armchairs and couches. The two girls found their dormitory and entered quietly, as the three other girls were sleeping. Their trunks had been deposited next to their soft, four-poster bed. Too tired to talk, Avis and Addy slipped on their pajamas and climbed into bed. Avis would talk to Addy about Eli tomorrow. Right now, her focus was on settling into her new home.
Avis lay in bed, her thoughts wandering. She thought about the attack and Addy's family. She thought about her classes at Hogwarts and if she would pass or not. She thought about Addy's father and grandfather and their heroic deeds at Hogwarts. Avis wanted to accomplish that, too. Most of all, she thought of Eli and his and Addy's certain "attraction" to each other. She rolled over and let her eyelids carry her into a soft, dreamless sleep in her new home.
