Second chapter... Yeah. This is... yeah.
I am so socially awkward.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but I wished I owned a hippogriff.
Chapter Two – The Black Start
Kings Cross was really busy today. People were bustling around, some running to try to catch their train, others just coming off one.
"Hurry up!" Molly called. This must look very strange to the muggles; a large bunch of redhead running through the station. Arthur isn't here though, he had work and either is Moony. I was a bit sad when I realized he wasn't coming to see me off but he had stopped by the night before so I was a bit happier.
"It's the same every year, packed with muggles of course…" Molly raved as we ran along the platform. "What was the platform number?"
"Nine and three quarters!" Ginny piped. "Mum, can't I go?"
"You're not old enough Ginny, now be quiet. All right Percy, you first."
Percy nodded and moved to the front. He started running. Despite seeing this so many times I still cringed when he got close to the wall but then he disappeared through it. I felt the nervousness and excitement spur through me at the thought of me going through with my own trolley.
Molly smiled and turned around, clutching a pouting Ginny's hand. She gestured to the twins. "Fred, you next."
"I'm not Fred, I'm George! Honestly woman, you call yourself our mother." I rolled my eyes and Fred sneaked a wink at me. "Can't you tell I'm George?"
"Sorry George." Molly said. The funny thing was she was actually genuinely sorry.
Fred laughed. "Only joking, I am Fred!" He ran quickly through the barrier, followed George who was grinning. Molly huffed, shaking her head. Ron and I shared a glance, biting down our smiles.
"Quick Amber, come on." Molly said impatiently. I nodded and lined up with the wall. In all honesty it didn't look very appealing, even though I knew better.
Taking a deep breath I started running towards the wall. Closing my eyes as I neared it, I felt a weird tingle pass over me as I ran through the barrier. Opening my eyes, I grinned.
The famous scarlet steam engine gleamed; Hogwarts Express painted on the side. I nearly squealed in excitement. I was going to be going on that! Merlin… I was going to Hogwarts! Still grinning I weaved through the crowds, trying to find the carriage to put my trunk. I spotted one of the twins' friends Lee Jordan carrying a small box. He opened it up and their were loud shrieks and scream and I managed to see one hairy leg sticking out. Shuddering, I continued to walk with my trolley down the platform. When I finally found the carriage, a familiar boy was there as well.
"Harry!"
Said boy's head snapped up and a smiled graced his face.
"Hello Amber." He said. He tried to lift his trunk but it didn't budge. I chuckled, coming to a stop next to him.
"Hello. Need a hand?" I asked. Harry blushed but nodded.
"Yes please." He said breathlessly. I caught a flash of red out of the corner of my eye.
"Oi Fred, George! Come here!" Both Fred and George appeared next to me and helped put Harry's trunks and mine in the carriage. Harry sighed, pushing his hair out of his eyes.
"Thanks." He said. George had a funny expression on his face and I wondered why, until I realized what exactly he was looking at.
"What's that?" George pointed to Harry's forehead. Fred leaned forward to get a proper look. He gasped.
"Blimey!" Fred breathed. "Are you –"
"He is!" George cut in. "Aren't you?"
"What?" Poor Harry looked so confused.
"Harry Potter!" The twins chorused.
"Oh." Harry said, realizing what they were talking about. I sent him an apologetic look. "Him… I mean yes, I am." The twins gawked at them and I rolled my eyes.
"Come on." I huffed. I grabbed an arm of each boy and smiled at Harry. "I'm sorry. Come one guys, your mother is calling!" Waving goodbye to Harry, I pulled Fred and George away and over to where the rest of the family were. Mollly was rubbing some dirt of Ron's nose but he was trying to wiggle free.
"Mum! Get off!"
"Ahh, has ickle Ronnie have some-fink on his nosie?" The twins teased. Ginny and I laughed loudly.
"Shut up!" Ron snapped, scowling.
Molly ignored us, looking around wildly. "Where's Percy?" She asked.
"He's coming Molly."
I pointed over to where Percy was strutting over to us, already in his school robes. The Prefect badge was pinned on his chest, sparkling brightly. He had his head held high, chest puffed out and he looked down on all of us. I thought he looked ridiculous.
He stopped next to Molly. "Can't stay long, Mother. I'm up front." He puffed out his chest more. "The prefects have two compartments to themselves –"
"Oh, are you a prefect, Percy?" Fred gasped. He slapped Percy on the shoulder lightly. "You should have said something, we had no idea!"
"Hang on," George put a finger to his chin and tapped it. "I think I remember him saying something about, once –"
"Or twice –"
"A minute –"
"All summer." I added.
"Shut up!" Percy glared at the three of us.
"How come Percy gets to have new robes anyway?" Ron asked,s till in his bad mood.
"Because he is a prefect." Molly said sweetly. She kissed Percy on the cheeks and I mimed vomiting. "All right dear, well have a good term – send me an owl when you get there." Percy nodded and strutted back to wherever he had come from. I was glad to get rid of him to be honest.
"Now," Molly whipped around to face the twins. She shook a finger at the twins. "You two behave this year. If I get one more owl telling me you've – you've blown up a toilet seat or –"
"Blown up a toilet! We've never blown up a toilet!"
"Good idea though, thanks mum!"
"It's not funny!" Molly snapped, glaring sternly at the twins. I bit my lip to hide the grin that wanted to break free. "And look after Ron and Amber."
"Don't worry mum," Fred said. "Ickle Ronniekins is safe with us."
"Shut up!" Ron exclaimed, turning a light shade of pink.
"And we will protect Baby A, don't worry." George said, throwing an arm over my shoulder. I growled, shrugging his arm off.
"Just because I'm a girl does not mean I can't handle myself!" I scowled, crossing my arms over my chest. The twins smirked and George tried to pinch my cheeks but I slapped him away.
"Enough you three!" Molly said. A whistled sounded. "Hurry up! Go!" I kissed Molly on the cheek and hugged Ginny before picking up my bag and pet carrier and ran to the closest open door. I stepped out of the way for Fred, George and Ron.
"Bye Molly! Bye Ginny!" I called, waving as the train started to go. Ginny started crying and I blew her a kiss, trying to make her feel better. She was going to be all alone this year. I couldn't wait until she starts Hogwarts next year. "Don't cry Gin!"
"Don't worry Ginny," Fred shouted. The train started to go faster and Ginny ran along the platform to keep up. "We'll send you loads of owls!"
"And a Hogwarts toilet seat!"
"George!"
"Only joking, mum!"
Ginny laughed, tears streaming down her face and stopped at the edge of the platform as the train left the station. I gave her one final wave before ducking my head back inside. The twins announced that they were going to find Lee and left Ron and I alone.
"Come on, let's find a compartment." Ron said. I nodded and picked up Vender's carrier and following down the halls in search for somewhere to sit.
After nearly ten minutes of searching, we found one with only boy in it. When he turned I realized it was Harry.
"Oh, hello again." I said cheerfully. "Do you mind? Everywhere else is full." Harry shook his head smiling.
"Not at all." He replied, gesturing to the empty seats around him. I smiled gratefully ad walked in to sit next to him. Ron followed and sat across form Harry and I.
"I'm Ron, by the way, Ron Weasley." Ron said, holding his hand out with a smile. Harry took it and I braced myself for what was to come.
"I'm Harry," He said. "Harry Potter."
Ron's eyes widened and he looked shocked. I giggled at his expression.
"Are you really?" He gasped. Harry nodded. "And do you really have the… the…"
"The what?"
Ron shifted. "The scar?" He whispered. Harry's face brightened and he nodded.
"Oh yeah." Harry lifted his hair out of the way, revealing his lightning bolt scar on his forehead. Ron gazed at it for minute.
"Wicked…"
"Honestly." I huffed, crossing my legs. Harry laughed while Ron rolled his eyes at me.
The next few hours went by quickly. Harry bought all the lollies from the trolley and he and Ron sat stuffing their faces. Harry I couldn't understand; he had never experienced Wizarding food. Ron however… it was quite disgusting sight.
At some point I brought out vender to let him stretch his legs. He padded through the mountains of food and jumped on Harry's lap. Harry scratched his ear and he purred before trotting back over to me. Ron's pet rat Scabbers had somehow wound up next to me. Vender hissed, swiping at it.
"Ron, put the vermin away please." I said, picking up Vender and placing him I my lap. Ron rolled his eyes but complied. I gave the dirty rat a disgusted look. It was a horrid pet, honestly.
Seeing Harry's look, Ron sighed.
"Pathetic, isn't he? I wish he was more exciting!" He complained. "He could be dead and you wouldn't know the difference."
"I'll be happy to test that theory."
"Shut up Amber." Ron snapped. I shrugged, petting Vender softly. "Fred gave me a spell to turn him yellow, want to see?" Harry nodded enthusiastically and I rolled my eyes. Boys.
Ron took out his wand, took a deep breath and went to speak but was interrupted by a bushy haired girl appearing in the doorway. She was obviously a first year like us, and like Percy was already in her school robes.
"Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost one." She asked, looking around. She spotted Ron holding his wand. "Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it then."
Ron look taken back but cleared his throat. He lifted up his wand.
"Sunshine, daises, butter mellow," he chanted. I sighed, waiting for it to fail. "Turn this stupid fat rat yellow!"
Nothing happened.
"Are you sure that's a real spell? Well, it's not very good, is it?" The bushy haired girl asked. Ron looked disgruntled and embarrassed. For a moment I felt bad for him – then I remembered he took the spell from Fred, who you should never trust.
"I've tried a few simple spells myself for practice and they all worked for me. Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean it's the very best school of witchcraft there is I've heard. I've learnt all our books off by heart; of course, I just hope it will be enough. I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who are you?" I blinked in surprise. Wow, this girl could talk.
I broke out of my thoughts, realizing that Hermione was looking at us expectantly.
"Oh, I'm Amber Weasley." I said, smiling politely. This broke Harry and Ron from their thoughts.
"I'm Ron Weasley."
Harry gave a timid smile. "Harry Potter."
The girl – Hermione – gasped. "Are you really? I know all about you, of course. I got a few extra books for background reading and you're in 'Modern Magical History' and 'The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts', as well as 'great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century'."
Harry blinked, clearly surprised. "Am I?"
"Goodness, didn't you know?" Hermione gasped. She was really enthusiastic… and talkative. "I would have found out everything I could if I were you. Do any of you know what house you'll be in? I'm hoping Gryffindor, apparently Dumbledore himself was in it and it also sounds the best by far from what I've heard. Anyway, you three better change into your robes, I expect we'll be arriving soon." Then she left. There was silence for a moment.
Ron broke it.
"Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it."
Rolling my eyes, I stood up, putting Vender back into his cage and grabbing my bag with my robes in it. "Don't be mean Ronald." I said. "I'm going to get change. I suggest you do the same."
Without waiting for an answer I slipped out into the hall, walking to the bathrooms. Slipping inside I quickly go dressed into the Hogwarts school robes. I fiddled with my tie; I wonder what house I'll be in? I hope I get into Gryffindor.
But what if you're put in Slytherin?
"I won't…" I muttered to myself.
You parents were…
That doesn't mean anything. Even if I don't get Gryffindor I won't be placed in Slytherin.
Sighing, I put on my tie. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
I arrived back at the compartment after I redid the plait in my hair. I didn't want it out because it was too bloody long. Soon after I arrived back the train started to slow and I watched out the window as we rolled into the train station.
I got a bit worried when I realized I would have to leave Vender on the train but it was quickly overshadowed by the awe that filled me when I caught sight of the castle. It looked beautiful! Charlie was right; there were no words to describe it. It was breathtaking. I can't believe I'm going to be going to school here!
"Firs' years, firs' years! Over here!" I looked over and grinned when I saw Hagrid waving all the first years over. "C'mon now, don' be shy! Any more firs' years? Mind your step now! Y'all righ' Harry?"
"Hey Hagrid."
"Okay, this way to the boats!" Hagrid bellowed. I shuffled behind Ron and Harry, trying to take everything in and focus on where I was walking. We arrived at the Black Lake where many boats floated near the docks. Hagrid told us four to a boat. Ron, Harry and I immediately sat together in one and Hermione, who sat in the back with me, joined us soon after.
No one said anything as they boats made their way across the lake. We were all taken away with the sight before us. Honestly, it was something that had to be seen. Words did no justice.
When we reached land we all quickly got out of the boats and were escorted to a giant door, where Hagrid proceeded to knock three times. Almost immediately the door opened, revealing a elderly witch who had her hair up in a tight bun and beautiful emerald green robes on. She nodded to Hagrid before swiftly turning and walking down a long corridor. We all scrambled to catch up.
She led us up a marble staircase, coming to a stop in front of another grand door. She turned to us with a piercing gaze.
"Welcome to Hogwarts!' Her voice rung out into the quiet atmosphere and I had an inkling she was one not to be messed with. "My name is Professor McGonagall. Now, shortly you will pass though these doors and join your classmates but before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor," I shared a glance with Harry and winked. "Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Now, while you're here your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you points; any rule breaking and you shall lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the House Cup."
"Trevor!"
A boy pushed his way to the front to get to the toad which I only just noticed was sitting in front of Professor McGonagall. I figured this must be Neville, the boy who lost his toad on the train.
Once he had muttered an apology and went back to his spot, Professor McGonagall said, "The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily." She walked through the giant doors and silence followed before someone decided to break it.
"It's true then? What they're saying on the train?" I turned around to see a very familiar looking blonde boy leaning on the railing and looking at Harry with a smirk. Oh joy, my cousin. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." People gasped and whispered, some trying to find Harry. I scowled and rolled my eyes.
Malfoy's eyes flickered to me then back to Harry.
"This is Crabbe and Goyle, and I'm Malfoy," Draco drawled. "Draco Malfoy." Ron snickered but stopped as soon as Malfoy whipped around to face him.
"You think my name's funny do you?" He sneered. His eyes flickered over Ron. "No need to ask yours. Red hair and hand-me-down-robes… You must be a Weasley." He turned back to Harry. I put a comforting hand on Ron's arm and he smiled weakly.
"You'll soon find out some Wizarding families are better than others Potter; you don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." Draco held his hand out to Harry. I held my breath, hoping Harry was as nice as I thought he was and he would realize that Malfoy was bad.
Harry looked at the pale hand for a moment, before looking back up. "I think I can tell for myself thanks." I grinned at Malfoy's affronted look but had no time to dwell on it as Professor McGonagall appeared.
"We're ready for you now." I felt the butterflies in my stomach suddenly flutter madly about as we were lead into the Great Hall.
I looked around in wonder, along with everybody else. Four long tables were the different houses sat reached from one end of the hall to the other, with the teachers table up front. Also up front were a stool and an old hat sitting on it. Looking up I gasped at the ceiling. It looked like the night sky! Candles floated above, giving the hall a warming feeling.
When we stopped I felt two hands pinch me on my side. I whipped around to see the twins smiling cheekily at me. I narrowed my eyes and poked my tongue out, receiving the same in return. Percy rolled his eyes and scolded the twins who ignored him. Turning back, I paid attention to what was happening up front.
"Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." Professor McGonagall announced. An old man stood up from his seat and I couldn't help but notice how long his beard was. It almost reached his toes!
"I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce." He said, smiling at us. "The first years please note, that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that the third floor corridor is out of bound to those who does not wish to die a very painful death. Thank you." Charming introduction I thought sarcastically.
"When I call your name, you will come forth, I will place the Sorting Hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses." Professor McGonagall explained. She picked up a large scroll of parchment and read aloud.
"Hermione Granger."
I looked over to Hermione, who looked like she was going to be sick. I felt bad. She walked up to the stool and sat on it, breathing heavily. Silence followed.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
I clapped loudly for Hermione who jumped off the stool and rushed over to the cheering Gryffindor table, grinning widely. I smiled at her and she smiled back.
A few more people went by, lots of Hufflepuffs for some reason and a few more Gryffindors. Then Malfoy was called up. He strode up and the Sorting Hat had barely touched his head before it yelled.
"SLYTHERIN!"
The Slytherin table erupted into cheers and Malfoy smiled cockily, walking over to the table. I rolled my eyes. Idiot.
A few more people went by.
"Harry Potter."
The hall gasped and broke into to whispers. I watched as Harry gulped and sent him an encouraging smile, he walked up to the stool. He sat down nervously and the hat was placed on his head. Everyone in the hall held there breathe; they all wanted the famous Harry Potter in their house. I just wanted him to be in anything but Slytherin.
His sorting took the longest but when the Hat yelled, "GRYFFINDOR!" I swear I have never heard a louder noise. The Gryffindor table erupted into applause and cheers and Harry jumped off the stool and ran over to the Gryffindor table. He got lots of slaps on the back and he couldn't stop smiling.
Once everything calmed down, Professor McGonagall continued to read out names. It wasn't long before Ron and I were called out.
"Ron Weasley."
"Good luck." I muttered. He gave no indication that he heard me as he walked up to the stool. He was so pale. He was shaking too. The hat was placed on his head and after a few second it yelled.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
I clapped and laughed at Ron's relieved look as he bounded over to the table, sitting next to Harry. I took a deep breath, knowing I was next.
"Amber Weasley."
Oh my Merlin…
Ooh, what house will Amber be in? Haha Please review! Hope you like it. xx