A/N: Any recognizable quotes from the Harry Potter franchise are taken from and belong to Harry Potter and Philospher's Stone by J.K. Rowling.
Momento Mori
Chapter Two: Castles in the Air
August 23rd came and passed without a great deal of excitement from anyone besides Bethany. It was her birthday, an occasion that was sparsely celebrated. Dana would usually bake a cake from a box or pick one up from the supermarket. She almost always had a chocolate cake— it was the most popular amongst the orphans, but it happened to be Bethany's least favorite. There was always a rousing, cacophonous chorus of 'Happy Birthday' before she blew out the candles and the rest of the children dug in and ravenously devoured their share.
This was, however, one of the happiest birthday's Bethany could remember. For one, Dana baked a lemon cake this year—it had been on sale at the store—and Bethany had been reading through all her textbooks, eager to know everything she could about the wizarding world. It was amazing realization, to realize she wasn't a freak, but was, in fact, someone with special abilities.
Almost a week after her birthday, September 1st had rolled around. Dana had driven her to King's Cross in her rusty, unreliable car. "I wish I could stay to see you off dear, but you know I don't feel right about making Richard and Jenifer watch all them kids by themselves, they're just kids themselves," she said with an apologetic smile.
"It's alright, Dana, I'll manage."
"Course you will. Now don't forget to send us a letter every now and then!"
Dana drove off, leaving Bethany with her heavy trunk and her school letter clenched in her hand. Bethany managed to load her trunk into a trolly with the help of a kind middle aged gentleman and she then began walking in the direction of where Platform 9 and 3/4 ought to be.
She found no sign of such a thing, but she did find a scrawny boy with dark hair who looked as confused as she did. Glancing around, she whispered loudly, "Are you looking for Platform 9 and 3/4, too?"
The boy jumped, but nodded. "Yeah. Do you know where it's at?"
"No."
Just then, a red haired woman with several children passed by, saying something about Hogwarts. Bethany and the boy exchanged a glance before following her.
After sending her twin boys on ahead, the woman explained to both Bethany and other boy that in order to go through to Platform 9 and 3/4, one must walk through where the signs for Platforms 9 and 10 were located. "It's best if you just run through. It makes it a fair bit easier."
Bethany thanked her before closing her eyes and running as fast as she could. She half expected to hit her head on the wall and be knocked unconscious. However, much to her surprise, she found herself on a bustling train platform, full of people who were recognizable as witches and wizards.
"Need any help?"
Bethany turned to see the two red headed twins standing in front of her. "Oh, um, yes. Thank you," she said, as they lifted up her trunk and helped load it.
"No problem," said one of the twins.
The boy with black hair came by as well, and the twins helped him load his possessions as well. Bethany took this as an opportunity to move onward. Her leather book bag, a purchase Professor Snape had assured her was a worthwhile investment, was slung across her frame, her crumpled robes inside along with one of her textbooks— either the Potions book or Herbology, she couldn't remember.
Bethany snuck into one of the bathrooms and gratefully shed away her baggy red sweatshirt and worn denim jeans. Though they were wrinkled, Bethany beamed with pride at the brand new set of robes she was wearing. Professor Snape had encouraged her to purchase them second hand, but she had refused. For the first time in her life, she was wearing clothes that were hers and hers alone.
She left the bathroom, now in search of somewhere to sit. Bethany passed compartment after compartment, each of them full.
"Hey! You there!"
Bethany turned around to see Draco Malfoy. He was already dressed in his school robes as well. "Bethany, right?"
"Yes," Bethany said, irritated. He had met her only a little more than a month ago; was she really that forgettable?
"I was hoping I would run into you," Draco said. "Come on, let's find a compartment."
She blinked in surprise, but was grateful nonetheless. She certainly wasn't going to protest the arrangement. He lead her through the compartment before exclaiming, "Oh, there's Crabbe and Goyle! I know them! Our fathers are friends!"
Bethany couldn't stop the grimace from forming on their face. "Who names their kids Crabbe and Goyle?" Then again, she thought, who names their kid Draco?
Draco laughed. "No, no, they're called Vincent and Gregory. I just call them by their surnames."
Bethany let out a sigh of relief. Still, it amused her that Draco would use a word as ostentatious as "surname". Even though their interactions were limited, Bethany rather thought some of his behavior and speech was in line with a ridiculously wealthy man from a Victorian novel.
They entered the compartment, where Draco introduced her to two burly, muscular boys named Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. Much of what they said was spoken in low mumbles and occasional grunts, and altogether not terribly impressive. Draco, however, didn't seem to notice or care, and began talking about the latest Quidditch game he had attended. Bethany, who was trying to remain involved in conversation, took this as an opportunity as to gain a full and comprehensive understanding of the sport, and began making inquiries. "—and once the Seeker catches the Snitch, the game is over."
"Can anyone else catch the Snitch?" She asked. "Like let's say a Beater catches it— is that against the rules or is the team awarded points and the game continues?"
"It's a penalty," Draco replied. "Actually, there's a book called Quidditch Through the Ages that outlines the rules precisely. I'm sure they've got a copy of it in the library at Hogwarts. Ooh, look— the trolley lady!" He jumped up from his seat beside Bethany. "Want anything?" He asked his companions.
While Vincent and Gregory requested Sugar Quills and Fizzing Whizbees respectively, Bethany declined. She would barely have enough money next year for supplies if she squandered it on things like sweets. "Oh, come on now," he said, "If anyone should try this, it should be you." He then promptly asked for two pumpkin pasties, four chocolate frogs, and a package of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.
"Here," Draco handed her a handful of sweets to her. "At least try it. If you don't like something, one of us will eat it."
Hesitantly, Bethany opened up the box advertised as a Chocolate Frog. True to its name, there was indeed a frog made of chocolate inside, seeming to stare up at her with beady eyes. She picked it up, breaking off a piece of it's foot. "Mmm!"
"Good, isn't it? What card have you got, then?"
"Card? Oh!" On the bottom of the box sat a blue card. Bethany picked up, looking down at a raven haired woman wearing midnight blue robes. "Rowena Ravenclaw," she read aloud. She glanced up at Draco. "The founder of Ravenclaw?"
"Yeah," he said, scooting closer so he could peer down at it. "I've got a couple of her cards at home, I think."
Bethany, deciding not to attempt eating her second chocolate frog just yet, tried the pumpkin pasty next. She deemed them to be "not bad".
"The house elves at home make them in the winter," Draco said wistfully, nibbling on his own.
Bethany frowned. "What are house elves?"
"They're creatures that wizards use as servants. Well, those of us who have enough money, anyway," he wiped crumbs off his legs. "We've got three at Malfoy Manor. Hey, you need to try these." Draco unwrapped the final sweets. "Careful, they really do mean every flavor."
Bethany cautiously picked up a golden bean and took a small bite, leaving half. "This is good," she said aloud, "but I don't know what it is."
Draco took the second half from her. "I think it's Butterbeer. You won't be able to have the real thing until we go to Hogsmeade third year, though. Father let me try a sip of it once."
Bethany managed to try beans that tasted like broccoli, coffee, plum, lime, basil, and mud. Draco had unfortunately reached for a bright red bean that he thought was cherry and was instead hot pepper. Crabbe and Goyle howled with laughter as he began wolfing down a chocolate frog to get rid of the taste.
"Actually, that was quite smart," Bethany told him. "Studies have shown that chocolate or even a glass of milk can help alleviate you after eating spicy food better than water can."
Before Draco could respond, the compartment door slid open, revealing a dark haired girl with a pug face and a petite blonde. "Hello, Draco!" The pug faced girl greeted him. "Oh, Vincent and Gregory are here too, Daphne! Hi, boys!"
They mumbled in response, whereas Draco replied with a "Hi, Pansy."
"Have you heard the news?"
"What?"
"Harry Potter is on the train!" Pansy revealed with excitement. "Daphne and I have been looking for him, to see if the rumors are true!"
"Really?" Draco asked, eyes widening.
"Yes!" She nodded emphatically. "Well, we had better get going—it was nice to see you!"
Bethany frowned at the girl as she left. "That was Pansy Parkinson," Draco informed her unnecessarily. "My mother and hers were friends back at Hogwarts."
It seemed as though all the friends Draco had were through his parents. However, Bethany figured she shouldn't judge. Up until now, she hadn't been able to find someone who wanted to converse with her for more than a few minutes, and the only person she could so far maybe consider as a friend was Draco himself. "She seemed rather rude to me," Bethany said bluntly.
Draco merely shrugged. "Do you want to see if we can find Harry Potter?" He asked everyone.
Crabbe shrugged whilst Goyle managed a "Sure."
Draco turned to Bethany. She offered a "Why not?"
And so the four of them left their compartment, Bethany carrying her book bag along in the hopes that she might find someone more pleasant to sit with.
It wasn't that she hated Draco— she didn't even dislike him. In fact, there was a great deal to like about him. He was knowledgeable on a number of things and could explain things to her without being terribly condescending; and what's more, he genuinely seemed to enjoy her company. However, it was apparent that his parents had given him everything he had ever desired, and Bethany rather suspected he parroted many of his father's ideas and opinions. He might be a useful ally, but it might be best for her to acquaint herself with others.
"Stop!" The group halted. Draco glanced inside one of the compartments. Inside what the dark haired boy Bethany had met when she had arrived to King's Cross. Across from him sat the younger brother of the helpful twins. "Do you think this is him? I think I see the scar on his forehead!"
Bethany stood on her toes. Indeed, some sort of scar seemed to be hidden beneath his dark hair. "I met him," she said quietly to Draco while Crabbe and Goyle gawked through the window.
"Really? I did, too. In Diagon Alley. I didn't know it was him until today. When did you meet him?"
"Today, when I was trying to get onto the platform. He seemed nice. So did the boy with him. His mum and brothers were very helpful."
Draco scoffed. "Him? He looks like a Weasley!"
"What's a— what's that?" Bethany asked, remembering with shame the last time she had heard Draco use a word she was unfamiliar with.
Draco smirked. "They're a family full of gingers. They have about ten kids and hardly any money. Just look at his clothes! I bet they've been worn by all the rest of them!"
Indignation swelled up inside Bethany, who was thinking about the used clothing currently in her book bag. She considering calling him out when he said, "Come on! We ought to save him from being bored to tears! No doubt Weasley is droning on and on about Muggles or something as equally as dull!"
Draco threw open the door with gusto and exclaimed, "Is it true? They're saying all over the train that Harry Potter is in this compartment!"
Bethany managed to back away from the other boys, lurking behind a wall so as not to be observed by the two boys in there. Clearly, making friends all by himself was not Draco's specialty. Bethany cringed as he insulted the Weasley boy.
Harry Potter didn't sound terribly impressed. "I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks."
Bethany let out a giggle. Goyle turned around, an expression of confusion etched across his features. Bethany paid him no mind, continuing to listen in.
"I'd be careful if I were you, Potter. Unless you're politer, you'll go the same way as your parents. They didn't know what was good for them, either. You hang out with riffraff like the Weasleys and that Hagrid and it'll rub off on you."
Draco, you idiot!
Soon enough, a fight broke out, and eventually Ron Weasley's rat bit Goyle and the three of them scrambled out. "Bethany, hurry up!" Draco called out, running down the corridor.
"I'll catch up later," she yelled back, but had no real intentions of meeting up with him again on the train ride.
She stepped into the corridor, where Ron Weasley was staring down at his rat. "Hello," she said, "I'm Bethany Riddle. Is your rat alright?"
"Yeah, I think so," said the redhead. "I think he's been knocked out though—no, wait. I don't believe it. He's fallen back asleep. I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley."
"And I'm Harry Potter," said Harry, grinning at her.
"It's nice to meet you both." A pause. "I like what you said to him, by the way. Draco, that is."
"Thanks," said Harry, running a hand through his hair.
"I don't think making friends is a talent of his—"
"What's been going on in here?"
A bushy haired girl appeared, with large bucked teeth. Her hands were placed on her hip, disapproving.
Ron ignored her. "You met Malfoy before, Harry?"
"Yeah. In Madame Malkins, while I was getting fitted for my rooms. He was insulting Hagrid and people whose parents didn't have magic." His brow furrowed. "Why were you with him? I saw you with him at first, but then you slipped away."
"I met him in Diagon Alley, too. He helped me find my books. He was decent enough to me but— he said something bad about people without magical parents to me as well. He found me on the train and had me sit with him for awhile, along with those oafs."
"I've heard of his family before. They were some of the first to come back to our side after You-Know-Who disappeared. Said they'd been bewitched. My dad doesn't believe it. He says Malfoy's father didn't need an excuse to go over to the Dark Side," Ron said. He turned to the bushy haired girl and asked, "Can we help you with something?"
"You better hurry up and put your robes on—" she glanced at Bethany, "Well, not you." She stuck out her hand. "I don't believe we've met yet. I'm Hermione Granger."
Bethany shook her hand. "I'm Bethany Riddle. It's nice to meet you," she added.
Hermione beamed before turning back to the boys. "I've been speaking to the conductor and he says we are nearly there. I certainly hope you haven't been fighting—"
"Scabbers has been fighting, not us," Ron nodded down the rat. "Do you mind leaving while we change?"
Hermione seemed put off. "All right. I only came in here because people outside are behaving very childishly, racing up and down the corridors. You've got dirt on your nose, by the way. Did you know?" She added before leaving.
Ron's hand flew to his long nose, rubbing the dirt off as best as he could. He glared at the space where Hermione had previously been standing.
Bethany gave them a very hesitant smile. "I guess I'll just leave now, give you some privacy—"
"Oh no," protested Ron. "You're fine, we'll just throw them on over our clothes— I was just trying to get rid of her," Ron said darkly.
Bethany frowned. "You didn't like her?"
"Did you?"
Bethany shrugged. "She seemed... Well, forceful is the world I would use for it, but I think she means well."
Ron grimaced. "She's a nightmare! She came in here, bragging about spells she'd tried—"
"But Professor Snape told me we weren't allowed to use magic outside of school!"
"Snape?"
"Yeah," Bethany said, "he was the professor who helped me around Diagon Alley. My parents have— well, they're dead. I've spent my whole life in an orphanage—"
And so that was how Bethany started out her entire life story to Harry and Ron, up from the day Professor Snape had left her in the orphanage as a baby up until he returned her there after their trip to Diagon Alley. Along the way, she learned more about each of the boys: for instance, Harry had grown up with Muggles as well, and Ron told her about his seven siblings.
"I don't envy you for that," Ron said with a shudder as he pulled the threadbare robes over his head. "My brothers have said Snape is the worst professor. He doesn't like students who aren't in Slytherin."
"Huh. I didn't realize he was in Slytherin. He was nice to me. Do you know what house you'll be in?"
"Gryffindor is my best guess. That's where my whole family has been," said Ron.
"So were mine. Hagrid told me so," Harry told her.
"Well, I don't know what house my family was in. I wish Professor Snape had told me."
"I'm sure you'll find out," Harry said. Bethany gave him a warm smile. Already, she liked the company in this compartment better— perhaps it was because all its passengers were able to form coherent sentences, or because both Ron and Harry seemed to be nice people.
A voice interrupted them, echoing throughout the train. "We will be teaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."
Harry, Ron, and Bethany exchanged dubious looks before scrambling out into the hallway and joined the crowd that was forming.
The train managed to come to a halt, and the trio began shoving themselves through. Bethany kept glancing back, making sure she had her sights set on the boys. They managed to climb off the train, still together. An icy chill permeated the autumn air and Bethany wrapped her arms around herself for warmth.
A glowing lamp appeared, accompanied by a loud, bellowing voice. "Firs' years over here! Firs' years! All right there, Harry?"
The voice, it seems, belonged to a large, bearded man. It would be easy to be frightened of him, if it weren't for the mirthfulness that seemed to radiate from him.
"C'mon now, follow me— anymore firs' years? Mind yer step now! Firs' years, follow me!"
All the first years scurried after the giant man. "Do you know him, Harry? Who is he?" Bethany whispered.
"That's Hagrid."
"Oh. He seems very nice," she replied.
They were soon walking down a narrow path, which seemed to be coated with mud as several students slipped on their way down. Bethany nearly lost her balance once, and had to seize Harry's shoulders to steady herself.
"Ye all get yer firs' sight o'Hogwarts in a sec, jus' round this bend here," Hagrid called out.
Bethany felt as all the breath had left her body. To say Hogwarts was magnificent was an understatement. No, resplendent seemed a more fitting world. It sat beside an impressive mountain, overlooking a dark lake, the lights shining off the bobbling waves. Bethany saw lofty towers, wondering what it would be like to live inside one of them.
It was everything she had dreamed of and more.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid shouted. Harry, Ron, and Bethany made their way to a small boat, followed by Hermione. Bethany heard Ron groan quietly to himself.
The four of them rowed their little boat towards the castle on Hagrid's command, Bethany's excitement growing the closer they came to the castle. She felt her heart beating against her rib cage, her palms were sweaty, her mouth sore from the wide smile on her face.
The climbed out of their boats as soon as they reached the castle, all eager to enter the place that would be their home for the next seven years. Through it all, a silence had fallen over the students, each of them in awe. Hagrid said a few words before knocking on the massive door, which opened almost instantaneously. A dark haired witch in emerald robes overlooked them, her glasses perched upon her nose.
"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid," she said, her voice clipped. "I will take them from here."
Professor McGonagall lead them through the castle, lecturing them as they moved through the castle and towards the Great Hall. She mentioned something about a Sorting ceremony, and advised them all to "smarten up".
"How do they sort us into houses?" She heard Harry ask Ron.
Ron shrugged. "Some sort of test, I think. Fred says it hurts a lot, but I think he was joking."
Before Bethany could inquire more about it, a pale specter zoomed past her line of vision. A high pitches yelp escaped her.
She wasn't the only one startled. Numerous students were making noises signifying their fear. Several translucent beings were floating amongst them, hovering above them. Each of them resembled a flesh and blood human in stature and features, it was clear these were whatever remained of someone's soul.
"Nobody told me ghosts were real!" Bethany hissed, looking at Ron. "Does every witch or wizard become a ghost after they die?" She has always believed in some form of the afterlife, but Bethany supposed remaining for centuries to watch the world shift and grow would be such a terrible fate.
"No," Ron responded. "You only become a ghost if your soul doesn't move on. Like if you really want to stay around."
"Cool," she murmured, glancing at the only female ghost among them, who was floating high in the air and paying no heed to the other phantoms or the first years.
"New students! About to be sorted, I suppose?" A jolly, fat ghost asked the group, now capturing Bethany's attention. After a few students nodded, he said, "Hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My house, you know!"
Professor McGonagall returned. "Move along now," she said sharply. "The Sorting is about to begin."
Bethany inhaled deeply. Whether there was a test or not, she knew if she was all nerves up, she would be bound to fail. "Form a line and follow me," she heard Professor McGonagall say.
Bethany stood in front of Harry, but behind a sandy haired boy. They marched in, ushered into the place that was aptly named the Great Hall.
There were four tables line up vertically throughout, one for each house, and another up a small flight of steps for the teachers. Lot candles hovered above, adding illumination. But the most radiant sight of all was the clear, starry sky above. It was one of the most breathtaking sights she had ever seen— she never had witnessed the stars so clearly in London.
"It's bewitched to look like the sky outside," Bethany heard Hermione Granger say, "I read in Hogwarts, A History."
An unpleasant sting of jealousy seized over Bethany in that precise moment. She had known that book would be useful, that it would have worthwhile information... what if she failed the Sorting test, all because she hadn't the money to spend on a book she had really wanted?
It was then that she noticed a ratty old hat perched atop a four legged stool.
Bethany was about to ask Ron what it was when it began to sing:
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
The other students began to applaud. "That's it?" She said aloud. "We just have to wear a talking hat?" Bethany wasn't about to complain, but she was surprised that it was such an easy process.
Professor McGonagall picked the hat up and called out, "Abbott, Hannah!"
A girl with blonde pigtails stumbled up to the front of the hall. Professor McGonagall places the hat on her head. A moment later, it cried out, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
The Hufflepuff table burst into cheers as she joined them. Bethany was relieved by the relatively simple process. But how was it the Hat knew which house to place someone in?
She watched as several students climbed to the front of the hall and were dispersed according to whatever the Hat shrieked out. Some took a long time; It took at least a couple of minutes for the Hat to determine Hermione Granger was a Gryffindor.
For other students, however, it seemed as though the Hat had barely touched their head. Such was the case for Draco Malfoy. He grinned triumphantly as the Hat shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" for all to hear. He seemed pleased as he hopped off the stool to join the roaring crowd of Slytherins.
Finally, "Potter, Harry!" was called by Professor McGonagall and Bethany knew that if she wasn't next, she would be close. The mere mention of Harry's name seemed to spark miniature explosions throughout the Great Hall as students whispered to themselves, trying to affirm if it was "the" Harry Potter.
Bethany watched with rapt attention as Harry sat on the stool, his face twisting every so often. Almost a full minute had passed before the Hat screamed, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Bethany beamed as Harry's face lit up. The entire Gryffindor seemed to come to life, celebrating the induction of Harry Potter as if they had just won a battle. "WE GOT POTTER!" Bethany heard one of Ron's brother yell.
Professor McGonagall waited for the raucous noise to die down before calling out, "Riddle, Bethany!"
She stepped forward, aware that her hands were trembling. Still, she remained composed as she sat down on the stool.
Riddle, eh? Bethany nearly jolted as the voice sounded in her head. It's been over fifty years since I've had to Sort a Riddle.
My father?
Yes, the voice confirmed. You're like him, you know. I see much of him in you...
Really? Like what?
Let's see, the Hat...said? You've a sharp mind, that for sure... A great thirst for knowledge, worthy of any Ravenclaw.
But I sense something more. You've ambition as well. You can see the uses people can serve for you. Is that not why you've chosen to continue to associate with people like Draco Malfoy, someone who possess little personal interest to you? You want to stand out, you wish to be unique.
A chill ran down her spine at the words that were not her own that ran through her mind. How could a commonplace object like a Hat see so deep into her mind that he knew the secrets of her mind? It fascinated and unnerved her, all at once.
You've given me quite the conundrum, the Hat admitted, but don't worry! There hasn't been a single student who has entered this ball that I haven't been able to Sort! You will prosper in either Ravenclaw or Slytherin, that I am certain of, and you will gain notoriety where ever you go— it is in your blood after all!
My blood? What do you mean?
Some of the wizarding world's noblest blood flows through your veins, Bethany Riddle. Revered, feared, and respected... they've all had a reputation that has lived on long after they've died.
Again, Bethany shivered. The words filled her with curiosity, with wonder, and with fear. How was it possibly that an orphaned girl had a family, had a blood line like the one he was speaking of? It seemed too wonderful to be true.
You're making this a difficult process, Bethany Riddle!
Whispers began floating though the Great Hall. Bethany managed to catch the words "hat stall".
I suppose I'll offer you a choice, the Hat finally said. So what will it be, Bethany Riddle? Knowledge or Power? Family or Books? Respect or Success?
Well, that depends. It's hard to measure power and success— it's more or less a self definition. Obviously, family would come before books every time, but I haven't a family to speak of. I've only ever had books. And it can be argued that knowledge is its own power. So, really it ought to be your decision, as both options have their merits.
An erudite response. I think that perhaps, in your time at Hogwarts, you shall learn a great deal, but I suspect that many more will learn from you. I think the best place for you is "RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaws clapped loudly as Bethany walked towards them. A boy with chestnut hair in the front waved her over. "I was watching the clock the whole time you were up there," he said, "You were up there for five minutes and twenty two seconds! The only hatstall of the year! Well, the only one so far!" He held out his hand. "Rodger Davies."
"Bethany Riddle. It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise. So what house was it thinking of putting you in instead?"
"Slytherin," She replied, taking notice of how he balked. Apparently, if unless you belonged to family like Draco Malfoy's, being a part of Slytherin was more of a badge of shame as opposed to a symbol of honor. "It mentioned something about how I had great ambition," she said, attempting to preserve his interest. "But I would expect that is also a valuable trait in Ravenclaws as well."
His genial expression had returned. "That's true," he observed, clapping once Lisa Turpin joined Ravenclaw as well. "It's a shame many of them choose to focus heavily on blood purity instead of bettering our world. I would imagine anyone with a Slytherin's ambition and keen eye could do real good. Then again," his lips curled upward in distaste, "I doubt many of them over there have any real brains. I suspect the one with true intellect come over to our side. Marcus Flint's a year ahead of me, and I doubt he has more than a couple of brain cells."
"I met a pair called Crabbe and Goyle on the train," Bethany revealed. "I swear I only heard a single word come out of either of them, the rest was all grunting."
Rodger laughed, and Bethany had a feeling that maybe Ravenclaw was the best place for her after all.
Ron Weasley finally stepped up to be Sorted, and the Hat only brushed his head before crying out, "GRYFFINDOR!" At this, Bethany started clapping.
"What are you doing? He's not in our house!" Rodger questioned.
"I knew he wanted to be a Gryffindor," Bethany said, "I figured I would cheer him on for getting the house he wanted."
After "Zabini, Blaise," joined Slytherin, a tall, elderly wizard stood at the podium. His white beard nearly fell to the floor. He reminded Bethany very distinctly of Gandalf.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words, and here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!
"Thank you!"
Everyone applauded him. "Who was that?" Bethany asked Rodger.
"Professor Dumbledore, of course!" As he said this, food magically appeared in the middle of the table. Her mouth watered instantly. She had never seen such appetizing food in person before. "He's the headmaster," Rodger clarified as she scooped a mountain of mashed potatoes onto her plate.
Bethany ate until her stomach ached, and she readily followed her Ravenclaw companions through the castle. They reached the eagle door knocker, which asked riddles which needed to be answered to gain access. The answer to "What is a five letter word that become shorter when you add two letters to it?" was "Short" and was answered by several students at once.
Bethany collapsed upon a four poster bed in the dormitory, staring up at the blue canopy. For the first time in her eleven years of life, she felt as though she had found her home.
A/N: Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, followed, or favorited this story! It means so much to me! For all my American readers, have a fantastic Labor Day tomorrow! I know I'll be using most of my free time writing more chapters for you all!
