I'm sorry for not updating quickly, my laptop is being faulty and my clicky-thing wasn't working, so it was kinda hard to get around. And, I don't even have a mouse to replace it with, that's why I had to use my really old laptop that is ancient and takes forever to load. But, it's finally here! Might not be able to update till next week as I have an English speech to prepare in less than a week. But, I'll try my best to write sometime this week. Thanks for the cool reviews!

CHAPTER II

HERMIONE

Finally entering the Great Hall felt strange for the returning students. The small things they all stared at while dining, had disappeared. The dull grey stone walls were replaced with cleaner and smoother bricks. The four house flags that hung by the hourglasses with colourful rubies, were slightly askew. The torches didn't burn as bright and the tables were new, fresh from any chips or chunks that had been made in the past. The teachers and professors sat in their respectable seats at the front, watching students streaming in through the doors.

'If you could all take your seats, our first years have arrived.' Professor McGonagall was standing tall by the head table, her bottle green robes trailed behind her as she took her seat.

The large oak doors were pushed open and nearly one hundred eleven year olds filed in behind Professor Slughorn. They tripped over each other, scrambling to see what they could with their short heights. Without waiting, Professor Slughorn immediately began calling out names and placing the Sorting Hat on each head. First years were sorted into each house, smiling nervously as their students welcomed them to their new homes.

When the sorting had finished, Professor McGonagall rose again and walked to the podium that resembled a golden owl. 'Good evening to both old and new students. I am pleased to welcome you to your second home here at Hogwarts.' She quickly glanced at the doors before continuing. 'Before we have our feast, I would like to inform you students of something we will all be experiencing this year. As most of you know, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is not the only magical school. There are many others like ours situated in different countries and places.

'I was informed no less than five days ago, that a school quite similar to ours has gone through a dreadful occurrence not long ago. While I cannot inform you of what had happened, as it is highly confidential, I can tell you that this very school I am talking about will be sent here to Hogwarts to continue their education.'

Gasps and whispers scattered through the hall, all of them trying to guess which school was arriving at Hogwarts.

'Quiet!' Professor McGonagall said, frowning at the small groups of students that still continued with their conversations. 'This school will dine with us, they will dorm with us, and they will attend the same classes as we do. I expect every student to treat them with respect and kindness. I will not have you misbehaving or being disrespectful to our guests. They have suffered enough; I won't have my students acting like baboons.' Her eyes trailed over each table, making sure that every person in the hall was paying attention. 'We will only have the students that are above the age of fourteen arriving as well as their headmaster. The remaining of their school has been sent to Brazil. Everyone please stand as we welcome the students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and their headmistress, Madame Olympe Maxime.'

As everyone scrambled out of their seats to see their entry, Hermione stayed sitting in hers, frozen in shock. 'Get up!' Ginny said, poking Hermione's shoulder. 'I want to see your friends.'

She slowly slid out of her seat and craned her neck to see ten rows of girls donned in silky blue uniforms, following suite, were another ten rows, but instead of blue skirts, there were light blue uniforms matched with dark grey vests. Right at the very back, was the half-giantess, Madame Olympe Maxime.

'Chérie!' A voice called out over the applause. Hermione stood on her toes, trying to spot the voice. Towards the back, a girl with long brown hair that hung in loose curls was waving excitedly. By her side was a girl who was a few inches taller with tanned skin and long black hair. Hermione grinned at the browned-haired girl's mischievous smile. Just behind the girls, two boys walked down the aisle, smiling as they observed the great Hall, apparently impressed. They scanned the tables, and when their eyes landed on Hermione, they waved, and their smiles got even wider.

Hermione looked even further down the row, struggling to find the last person that belonged in the Beauxbaton Quartet. 'Did you see them?' Ginny asked, sitting back down.

'All of them, except Lucas.' Hermione replied, returning to her seat.

'Welcome, students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Take your seats at any table you wish. Madame Maxime, if you would join us here at the Head Table.' Professor McGonagall gestured to an empty seat next to Hagrid.

'Merci, McGonagall.' Madame Maxime said with a smile.

'I assume you all are starving,' Professor McGonagall said. 'So, let the feast begin!'

The Beauxbatons students separated from their even rows and took seats at different tables. Golden platters of food appeared in the middle of the table, and Ron immediately spooned mashed potatoes on his plate.

Hermione whipped her headaround to look at the hand that had just been prodding her shoulder. 'Chérie, may we join you here at your table?' A girl asked.

'Of course – '

'Did you know that in the Second Wizarding World War, I defeated a giant?' Ron stared at the girl, his voice was soft and when he spoke, it was misty and strange.

'Well, that's another to add to your list.' A blonde boy laughed.

'Don't mind him. He's always like that when he's around people like you.' Hermione said, rolling her eyes.

'Er – People like her?' Harry looked up from his chicken with a puzzled face.

'I'm a quarter Veela,' the brown-haired girl explained with a lopsided smile. 'My friend, Ray has created a list of people who I should avoid as they always get so caught up with staring, they nearly always injure themselves.'

'You're beautiful.' Ron mumbled distractedly, his fork missed his mouth by an inch.

'Thank you, but please, do not let me distract you from your meal.' She said, pointing to the potato that had been squashed by Ron's elbow.

'Please, sit down. We have plenty of room.' Ginny said, pointing to the two empty spaces beside Hermione and herself.

'Merci!' The girl smiled, taking the seat beside Hermione. The blond-haired boy took a seat next to Ron while the other boy sat next to Ginny.

'Sorry, but who are you?' Harry asked with a nervous look on his face.

'Oh, pardon me for not introducing myself.' The girl smiled apologetically. 'My name is Sophie LeBlanc, myself along with my friends are seventh years from Beauxbatons. We are also very close friends with Hermione.'

'I'm Oliver, pleased to meet you.' The boy with the brown hair said with a smile.

'And, I am Raymond, most people call me Ray though.' Ray grinned, and shook his blonde hair out of his eyes as he scooped some food onto his plate. 'I do have a fraternal twin, but he appears to have gone missing.'

'I'm right here, stupid.' A boy with brown hair said from behind Harry. 'Is it alright if I take this seat?'

'No, it's all yours.' Harry said.

'Mon ami! Where were you?' Sophie asked, putting down her goblet.

'Got held up by a girl over there, she practically dragged me to their table.' The boy said, pointing to the table at the other side of the hall, the Slytherin table. 'I'm Lucas by the way, but call me Luke.'

'This girl, did she have a very high squeaky voice?' Ginny asked.

'In fact, she did. What's her name?' Lucas asked.

'Pansy Parkinson, the so-called Slytherin Ice Queen. Stay away from her, she is definitely not good news.' Ginny said, eyeing Pansy who was pouting and tugging at Malfoy's sleeve.

'Well, I'll be sure to stay clear away from her.' Lucas said, swallowing his food down. 'Now, who are you guys?'

'Ginny Weasley, I'm a sixth year, but I nearly always hang out with Hermione.' Ginny said.

'I'm Harry, it's my seventh year here at Hogwarts. That's my best friend, Ron Weasley.' Harry laughed, pointing at Ron who was still failing to put food in his mouth.

'So, you're the famous Harry Potter, Hermione's told us a lot about your adventures.' Oliver said.

'It's a pleasure meeting you all. I hope you don't mind us spending time with you this year, but, we would really prefer to hang out with Hermione and you three.' Sophie said.

'Stay with us forever, if you would like.' Ron said, finally joining the conversation.

'I can't believe he still hasn't broken any sort of limb yet, this is the longest one we've had so far!' Ray said, staring at Ron with disbelief.

The group of eight laughed at Ron's puzzled expression. Supper had quickly passed as Sophie, Lucas, Raymond and Oliver shared their stories about France. The large bowls of ice cream and pudding disappeared when every plate was scraped clean and every belly was full, the hall slowly quieted down when Professor McGonagall walked forward yet again.

'I hope you all enjoyed your first supper here at Hogwarts, don't worry, the following suppers will be just as good as this one. But, before you head to your beds, I do have several notices I would like to inform you of.' Professor McGonagall said. 'Firstly, this year we will have no Heads or prefects as I want everyone to relax from the recent events we have encountered these past months. Secondly, as most of you know, the Second Wizarding World War was held here at Hogwarts. The war was partially caused by blood supremacists who wished to exterminate any blood traitor or any witch or wizard that didn't come from a pure wizarding family. Because of this, I would like to focus this year on inter-house unity. The staff and I will be organising several events throughout the year, especially for those who are at or above their fourth year. The remaining students will be participating in classes that will be shared with different houses.

'Students of Beauxbatons, I hope you enjoy your stay here. I have come to the understanding that Madame Maxime has already informed you of the boundaries, rules and regulations here, so I allow you to proceed to your dormitories at the edge of the Forbidden Forest where your carriages await you, although, if you wish to spend more time with your newly acquainted friends, you may follow them to their common rooms. We will see you tomorrow morning for breakfast here at the Great Hall at seven-thirty sharp, where you will receive your class schedules. Every Beauxbaton student must return to their own dormitories by ten o'clock. First years, follow your head of houses, they will show you to your dormitories.'

Professor's McGonagall, Sprout, Slughorn and Flitwick escorted the first years out, and about forty other Beauxbatons followed after, heading towards their own carriages. 'Come on, Sophie, I'll show you the Gryffindor common room.' Ginny said.

'Okay, where is it?' Sophie said while getting up from her seat and crossing over to Ginny.

'Just follow me.' Ginny grinned and linked her arm with Sophie, they crossed the Great Hall, followed closely by Ron and Oliver, who was keeping an eye on Ron as he staggered after his girlfriend. Ray and Harry walked side-by-side, comparing French and English Quidditch teams.

Hermione faced Lucas who was watching several green rubies tumble to the bottom of the Slytherin hourglass. 'I'll show you to the common room, come on.'

'Lead the way, Mione.' Lucas said.

Hermione smiled, 'I'm glad you four are here. I received a letter from Sophie, you know, telling me that she would be seeing me soon. I was so confused, I didn't understand.'

Lucas laughed. 'And I, myself am glad to finally be here at Hogwarts. I had wanted to write you so badly, but Maxime forbade any of us to tell anyone.' Lucas said, brushing his shoulder against Hermione's as they walked out of the hall.

'So, what exactly happened that made you go here? What was the problem?' Hermione asked.

'Sorry, I can't tell you,' Lucas shot her a cheeky smile. 'Sophie says she called it.'

'Well, when will she tell us then?' Hermione asked.

'Tonight or tomorrow, I suppose.' Luke shrugged. 'Oh, I forgot to ask how –'

'Don't step on that.' Hermione cut in, pointing at the trick step that was on the moving staircase. 'Sorry, you were saying?'

'How are your parents?' Lucas asked, skipping over the step. 'You wrote that your mum had been having nightmares. How is she now?'

'The nightmares finally stopped, but, she was crying before I left for the train here.' Hermione said, absentmindedly waving 'hello' to one of the portraits. 'Write to her, will you? She likes your stories about your grandmother. Speaking of which, how is she?'

'I will,' Lucas smiled. 'She's okay, I guess. She's been getting sick though, she blames it on the weather.'

'She'll be fine.' Hermione assured, noticing the worried look on his face.

'I know,' Lucas said. 'But, she's getting old. I just hope she'll get better.'

'You can visit her for the Christmas holidays, you know?' Hermione said. 'Unlike Beauxbatons, we do have holidays away from school.'

'Really?' Lucas's face lit up. 'That means Sophie, Oliver, Ray and I can spend Christmas back at home. It'll be the first time in years. Will you come along?'

'I can't, sorry. I promised mum and dad that I would be spending Christmas back home. You know, getting back to the old routine.' Hermione said.

'No, that's alright. Your mum needs you right now.' Lucas said.

'We're here,' Hermione said pointing ahead. 'This is the entrance to the Gryffindor common room.'

Hermione stepped up the last few steps with Lucas and fiddled with the button on her clock, realizing that she didn't know that password.

'Is she always like that?' Lucas asked, pointing at the Fat Lady, she was swirling a glass of wine in her hand while she chatted to herself, laughing at her own silly jokes.

'No, she's only like that on Christmas holidays.' Hermione frowned and turned to the Fat Lady. 'Isn't it a bit too early for celebrations?'

'Hello there, dearie!' The Fat Lady giggled, only just noticing that pair now. 'Forget the password, love. Come on in, come on in!'

'That's not – Oh, never mind.' Hermione stared disapprovingly at the portrait. 'Come on, Lucas.'

Hermione followed Lucas through the portrait, a smile forming on her lips as she saw the warm fire glowing by its hearth. 'Where were you?' Sophie asked. 'I was beginning to worry you had lost yourselves.'

The six of them were spread out on the couch, laughing and smiling as they exchanged stories. 'Sorry, we're slow walkers.' Lucas said, flopping down on the couch next to Sophie and Ray.

'What's the topic for tonight?' Hermione asked, crossing the common room and settling down on the floor next to Ginny.

'Quidditch.' Harry and Ray grinned.

'They've been going on about it for so long, I've been incredibly bored.' Sophie said, cuddling closer to Oliver.

'When's the season starting this year?' Lucas asked.

'Tryouts are on the fifteenth, that's the Sunday after the next. And the first match is going to be with Gryffindor and Slytherin on the first or second week of November.'

'Do you think we'll be able to try out?' Lucas asked.

'I'll ask McGonagall tomorrow,' Harry said. 'Why? Would you like to?'

'Of course I'd bloody like to!' Lucas said, ignoring the disapproving frown that Hermione shot him. 'I played beater with Ray back home.'

'Are you any good?' Ginny asked. 'Because, we are in need of a good set of beaters, we haven't had any since about two years ago.'

'Ray and Lucas are the beaters I've seen at school,' Sophie said with a smile. 'They're incredibly synchronised and they're work amazingly.'

'I'll definitely make sure to ask McGonagall then,' Harry said. 'What about you, Oliver? Do you play?'

'I've been playing Chaser back home for a while now,' Oliver said. 'I'd like to see how Hogwarts plays with their teams, though.'

'Stop being modest, Oliver has been Chaser ever since his second year.' Sophie said. 'He was also elected team captain two years ago.'

'Chaser, eh?' Ginny said. 'I play Chaser as well, we've had good Chasers in the past, but we could have better. I'd like to see you on the pitch.'

'I hate to interrupt your talk, but its quarter-to-ten,' Hermione spoke up. 'It's probably best if you head down to the carriages now.'

'Can't we just stay here?' Lucas asked.

'No, Maxime will send you outside to look for your own bed, get up.' Oliver said, pulling Sophie along with him as he got up.

'You're such a spoil-sport, Ollie.' Lucas muttered.

'I'll walk you down. I don't suppose you remember it from three years ago.' Hermione said and pulled her cloak tighter around her body.

'I'll come with you, that way you're not alone when you come back up.' Ginny said before giving Harry a kiss on the cheek.

'Let's go.' I pushed the portrait open and held it open for the five of them to walk out.

Ginny and I led them down the moving staircase, past the Great Hall and out to the grounds. We walked in silence, the cold breeze blowing past us, sweeping up the leaves into large piles by the walls. The moon glowed brightly, casting a glow on the trees, creating fuzzy shadows. Owls hooted above our heads as they headed to their barn, the tower not far away from the newly repaired bridge. It didn't take long for us to cross the grounds to the edge of the forest, Hagrid's hut was blowing smoke out of its chimney, and about twenty pastel blue coaches were set out on the grass in the formation of a square grid. They were all linked to each other by small, covered walkways; their windows were gold, still shining from the light that was held inside their rooms.

'Better head in before Maxime or Odette has a fit.' Lucas said, walking ahead to one of the coaches towards the back.

'Odette?' Ginny asked, casting furtive glances at the trees as they dwelled further into the forest.

'She's Head Girl, she always bosses everyone around and wants everything done her way.' Sophie explained.

'Bloody annoying, if you ask me.' Ray muttered.

Sophie rolled her eyes at Ray before giving each Ginny and Hermione a hug. 'We'll see you tomorrow at breakfast, oui?'

'Yes, Sophie.' Hermione said. 'Au revoir for now, my friends.'

'Au revoir, goodnight.' They waved Ginny and Hermione goodbye once more before slipping into the carriage.

'Let's go, it's late. I don't want to get caught by Filch or Peeves on the way up.' Hermione said, putting her hands in her pockets.

'I like them,' Ginny stared at the blue door for a second before turning and joining Hermione. 'They're nice.'

'They are,' Hermione smiled. 'Come on, I have to get out of this cold.'

The moon followed the pair as they hiked back up to their dorms, their teeth constantly chattering as they tried to fight the cold.