*Shannon*

The city blurred past as Shannon gazed out the taxi window. Sunlight bounced off the buildings and heads swiveled as people quickly scurried about. The ticket in her pocket was heavy. She nervously fingered it. Part of her actually worried if she didn't touch it, it would vanish. The cab stopped with traffic, waiting for the light to go. Subtly, Shannon touched her waist to feel the hardness of her wand. Her wand. She owned a wand. (length, wood, core, adjective). As the cab rolled on, Shannon tried to focus on her breathing. However, breathing became nearly impossible as King's Cross loomed into view. Shannon wanted her mum more than anything.

Closing her trunk, Shannon looked around her room. This was it. Pulling her trunk into the hallway, Shannon startled.

"Mum! What are you doing?!" Dropping her hold on the trunk, she rushed to support her mother who was leaning heavily on the wall. "You shouldn't be out of bed."

"I'm alright, Shannon. I want to see you off." Mandy said, a smile marred by pain sat firmly on her lips.

"No. Mum, you aren't well enough for that. C'mon. Back to bed." Shannon guided her mother back into the bedroom. With some effort, she got her mother back into bed.

"I'm sorry." Mandy said, scarcely louder than a whisper.

"Don't be." Shannon slipped of her mum's shoes and returned them to the closet.

"You should have a parent see you off." Mandy teared up.

"I rather get on that train knowing my mum is safe in bed. And dad, well. You know how his jobs are. He's always running about." Shannon sat on the edge of the bed.

Mandy cupped Shannon's cheek. "So strong and kind. Wherever did you get that from."

"No idea." She said dryly. Sharing a smile, Shannon pulled her mum's hand from her face to her lap. "Really, mum. I'll be okay. I'll send you an owl when I get there. I'll even write you every day."

"You will not." Mandy said firmly. "You will study and make friends. And have fun." Mandy squeezed Shannon's hand. "But maybe once a week you can think of dear old mum and dad."

A car horn sounded twice and Shannon looked toward her trunk. Now that the cab was here, she wondered if she was ready.

"I expect that's for me." Shannon said.

Mandy pulled Shannon to her and held her tight. "I love you, sweet pea." Kissing the top of her head, Mandy fought back the tears and pushed Shannon up.

With a quick peck on her mother's cheek, Shannon dashed back into her room. Siam was sitting in her cage, glaring at her.

"Shannon?" Mandy called, an edge to her voice.

"Yeah?" Shannon held Siam's cage in one hand and righted her trunk in the other.

Mandy hesitated.

The cab honked again.

"Mum? I gotta go. Rita will be here soon and Keith is still asleep, But he won't stay that way if the driver keeps beeping."

"I'll miss you… but promise not to worry about me or miss us too much. Have fun."

Shannon steadied the trunk and put Siam down. She rushed back into mum's room and hugged her tight.

"And you work on getting better. I love you." Shannon pulled away and hurried to her belongings. She flew to her luggage and made her way to the front door. A small gift bag with her name on it was hanging on the doorknob. Stopping long enough to pop it in her trunk, fought back tears. "Bye, mum! See you at Christmas!" She quickly rushed out the door.

"Happy travels, little miss." The cabby said, closing the boot.

"Thank you." Shannon handed him the money, but before he took it he held up a finger.

"One tick, love." The man approached a woman and her husband coming from the station. They stopped pushing their luggage cart to speak to the driver. They were out of earshot, but the woman looked to Shannon and smiled. The three of them made their way toward the cab. The man and woman climbed in the back while the driver quickly shuffled their luggage into the boot. Without offering an explanation, the man quickly loaded Shannon's belongs onto the trolley.

"This'll be a might easier for you to get to your train, little miss."

"Thank you!" Shannon beamed and handed him the money.

Within minutes, she was right where Professor Snape had told her to go, at the barrier between 9 and 10. He told her to go through the wall, but as far as she could tell the wall was solid brick.

"Out of the way." A brisk, hushed voice commanded.

Startled, Shannon moved aside. A tall blonde man and his son strode past her.

"First years." The boy muttered and strolled through the barrier, his father right behind him.

Shannon couldn't help but gape as the wall swallowed them up and they disappeared.

"—terrible on my nerves—"

"I know, Gran."

"—filthy place! Oh, do hurry, Neville!"

Shannon found a strange woman and meek boy hurrying toward her.

"Are you sure you sure you can manage from here?" The old woman asked.

"Yes, Gran." The boy called Neville replied.

"Very well." She stood silent for a moment, then hugged the boy tightly. "Be safe. I love you."

"I love you, too." Neville said.

"And I don't want any bed letters from your professors this year! Keep your grade up in Snape's class."

"Yes, Gran."

And just like that, the woman hurried off. The boy pushed his trolley next to Shannon's.

"Hi." Neville said, cheeks pink.

"Hi." Shannon echoed.

"First time?" Neville asked.

"Yeah…" Shannon looked back at the wall.

"You got a name?" Neville asked.

"Shannon."

"Neville." He gestured to the wall, "Go on. I'll follow. Just run at it. It's easier than you think, I promise."

Shannon nodded and positioned her cart. Gritting her teeth, she barreled forward. The area around her transformed around her before suddenly depositing her on a platform outside. She slowed her pace and stared in wonder at the scarlet train before her. White smoke billowed from the stack as families milled about, saying their farewells.

"See?" Neville said. "Easy!" He pushed his cart past her.

Shannon suddenly felt as though she was being watched. She glanced around the platform discretely, until she made eye contact with the blonde man from earlier. He was looking at her strangely, almost as if he knew her and was trying to place where they had met. But Shannon was certain she didn't know this man. She looked back to the train, looking to see where the other students were going. Looking back, the man was still staring at her, only this time his expression seemed… intense, scrutinizing. On impulse, Shannon stuck her tongue out at him. She smirked at the incredulous look on his face. Shannon pushed her luggage toward the train. Oh, yes, Shannon thought, I'll be just fine, mum.

Finding a seat was proving difficult. So many compartments were already filled with talking students. She moved passed a compartment which housed only two boys, playing with a camera and chattering at a rapid pace. Shannon did not have the energy for them. Pushing on, she saw the boy from earlier, Neville. He smiled at her and gave a wave. She nodded her head, as her hands were full and hesitated. Then she them moved on. Maybe she'd luck out and find an empty one.

"Shannon? Right?"

She turned around and saw Neville in the doorway of his compartment.

"Come sit in here everywhere else is probably full by now."

"I don't want to be in the way of your friends." Shannon said.

Neville stepped forward and took her trunk. "That's the benefit of being me. I don't have many. So there's always room for more." He went back into the compartment and Shannon smiled. A friend? Shannon followed him into the cabin and sat across from him, her cat in the cage beside her.

"Nice cat. What's its name?"

"Siam." Shannon glanced around. "I guess you don't have a pet?"

"Oh! I do." Neville reached into his pocket and pulled out a toad. "This is Trevor."

The door slid open and two girls entered.

"Hey, Neville. Mind if Ginny sits in here with you? Harry and Ron seem to have disappeared and I want to look for them."

"Sure thing, Hermione." Neville said.

The redhead sat next to Siam and smiled at Shannon.

"This is Shannon. She's new this year, too."

"What house do you hope to get into?" Ginny asked.

"Oh… Um." Shannon shrugged. "Wherever I end up? What about you?"

"I want to be in Gryffindor. My whole family has been in it."

"I love Gryffindor, but Hufflepuffs are great too, Ginny." Neville said.

"So long as it's not Slytherin I'm happy. But I highly doubt I'll get into Ravenclaw. If Percy couldn't, there's no way I can."

The train lurched to life and parents called and waved from the platform. Students hung out of windows to wave goodbye. Shannon switched places with Ginny so she could waved to her parents. Shannon thought of her mum and hoped she wasn't arguing with Rita. They'd be friends from primary, but her mum was stubborn and Rita was pushy. Once they were clear of the station, the three fell into comfortable conversation. They spoke of their home lives and family. Neville gave them a rundown on the classes and professors, tips and tricks for succeeding at Hogwarts.

"And whatever you do, don't get on Snape's bad side." Neville said with a shudder.

"My brothers told me about him. He's supposed to be the hardest teacher at Hogwarts." Ginny looked concerned.

"They're right." Neville agreed.

"Isn't he the Head of Slytherin?" Shannon asked.

"Yeah. McGonagall is the Head of Gryffindor, Sprout is Hufflepuff, and Flitwick is Ravenclaw." Neville said.

"Anything off the trolley, dears?"

Neville and Shannon bought sweets. Even though she knew it was foolish, Shannon bought more than she ought to. Who knew when she'd have the chance to stock up on sweets? She put most of it in her trunk, but kept the beans and Peppermint Toads out. After all, her mum always said sharing made you friends. She offered them both some of her sweets. After a bit of munching, Neville excused himself to go change into his school robes. Shannon took the opportunity of silence to start a letter to her mum. Ginny pulled out a journal, tucking her feet under her, they settled into silence.

When Neville got back, Shannon went to change. There was a bit of a wait, but Shannon didn't mind. It gave her a chance to see what houses the other students were in. While Neville had commented on Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs being nice, Shannon noticed all the girls coming and going were smiling, laughing, and talking. To each other. Same house, different houses, it didn't seem to matter.

Once changed, Shannon made her way back to the compartment. The girl named Hermione had joined the group. Her Gryffindor robes were already on. Ginny slipped out to change and Shannon went back to her letter. Neville and Hermione were talking about their friends. Shannon assumed it wasn't rude, as Ginny went right back to her journal when she sat back down.

When the castle came into view, Shannon and Ginny stared. It was beautiful in the dusk lighting. The sky glowed orange and pink and the lake reflected the soft light. It was like a fairy tale, Shannon decided. Suddenly, all of her fears evaporated. This was going to be the start of a wonderful adventure.

The train pulled into the station, and Hermione started to tell the two girls where to go to get to the boats, but before she could finish, a disembodied voice instructed them to leave their belongings and pets on the train. Then it told the first years where to go. Once the announcement finished, the group left the train. Hermione and Neville parted ways with Shannon and Ginny. Shannon stared after them, startled by the horses. What were those things?! No one else looked at them, so she assumed, despite their creepy appearance, this must be normal. Yet another Wizard World convention to adjust to…

A huge man at least five times the size of herself toward over them.

"Alright, first yers. Off to the boats! Keep up!" He crowed.

Ginny and Shannon shared a smile and followed the man down the narrow path. The little boats didn't look like they could support the man, but soon enough, the group was making its way across the vast lake. Everyone in their boat was silent. Ginny sat next to her, and two boys sat in front of them. The one boy looked as if he had grey hair.

"Are you alright?" Ginny asked the grey haired boy, leaning toward him. "You look pale."

The boy leaned over the side of the boat and threw up.

Shannon suppressed a gag and looked away. Well, that will be memorable. She was quickly distracted by the castle looming ahead. It was even more breathtaking this close up. This was now home. She couldn't fully wrap her head around the idea.

The journey across the lake and up the narrow stairs to the castle seemed to take an eternity. The nerves that had abandoned her on the train were back in full force. What if she didn't get sorted into any of the houses? What if this had all been a mistake? What would happen if she couldn't be placed? Would they just toss her into some random house? Would she choose? Would she be sent home? Maybe Ginny and she would end up in the same house. Gryffindor didn't seem that bad.

The group was lead into the castle, through huge doors. The large man took them right to the stairs where a severe looking woman in green robes stood.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor, Deputy Headmistress, and your Transfigurations professor. In a few moments, I will lead you through these doors, into the Great Hall and sorted into your houses. You have to be sorted before you take your seats. There are four, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. It's important to remember that while here, your house will be like your family. Any triumphs will earn you points; any rule breaking will lose you points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup. Are there any questions?"

The group murmured "no ma'am" and McGonagall nodded once.

"Very well. Let's begin."

The Great Hall doors swung open. Shannon's jaw dropped as she took in the view. Candles lined the ceiling, which looked like the night sky. Long wooden tables ran from the doors to the large stain glass window. Under the large window was another table, full of faculty. Shannon anxiously scanned the line but didn't see Professor Snape. Where was he?

When they made it to the far end of the hall, McGonagall stepped up on to the platform and gestured to a stool with an old hat on it.

"When I call your name, you will come up and sit on the stool. I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will learn your proper house assignment." She turned and looked to the hat expectantly.

Shannon frowned. What could she possibly be—

"I'm the cleverest hat that ere there was!"

It was singing.

The hat was singing.

This was normal?!

Shannon glanced around. Most of the first years looked unsurprised but two looked equally as shocked as she did. She made eye contact with a small blonde boy and the two started laughing at the lunacy of it all. Shannon slapped her hand over her mouth.

"Wow!" he mouthed, before covering his.

They both quickly looked down.

The hall clapped politely when the hat finished its tune. Shannon wondered if it sang the same song every time, or a new one every year?

McGonagall stepped next to it, and unrolled the scroll in her hands.

"Rocsaria Nicolette Blastiline." McGonagall called.

A dark haired girl made her way to the stool. When she sat down, McGonagall place the hat on her head. Confusion showed in her blue eyes but was quickly replaced by joy as the hat announced

"SLYTHERIN!"

The table erupted in applause.

"Iarus Gerand Columbo" McGonagall looked about the students.

The grey hair boat from her boat stepped forward. That hat barely sat in his head for a few seconds before it declared:

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Again, the table shouted enthusiastically.

"Collin Creevey." McGonagall summoned.

The blonde boy Shannon had giggled about the hat with walked up. The hall laughed as he tripped on the step. Blushing, he quickly took his place on the stool. The hat sat a moment longer than it did on the last boy. But it finally said,

"GRYFFINDOR!"

That, Shannon decided, was the loudest table yet. Perhaps it was her imagination, but it sound like they had replicated the noise of a car crash.

Shannon watched as more students were sorted and the respective tables continued to cheer. Finally,

"Shannon Iris Noblette" McGonagall looked down to her.

"Go on." Ginny encouraged.

All sorts of thoughts spun around Shannon's head. Summoning what little courage she had, Shannon marched to the stool. McGonagall placed the hat upon her head, and it slipped right over her eyes.

"Well, well, well. You've Prince's blood in your veins. Remarkably like your father, the desire—the need—to prove your worth, you'll do well in... SLYTHERIN!"

The table cheered as McGonagall plucked the hat from her head. Shannon hopped off the stool, more than a little dazed and confused, but grinning at her welcoming applause. She quickly took an open seat at her table and a dark haired boy patted her back, welcoming her.

"Why bother putting it on her?" An older girl sitting diagonally from Shannon mocked. "Look at that hair! She's a Weasley. She's a Gryffindor."

"Ginerva Molly Weasley" McGonagall called.

"See? Just watch." She said.

Another Slytherin student laughed as the redhead took the stool. It barely touched her head before yelling:

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Shannon's heart sank. Now everyone she had met up to this point was in Gryffindor. And, going off Neville's words, she had the feeling Slytherins and Gryffindors didn't get along very well…

As McGonagall cleared the stool from the stage, an old wizard, Shannon assumed to be Headmaster Dumbledore, took his place at a podium with a large gold eagle on it.

"Another lovely sorting ceremony. Welcome new students. Welcome returning students. As some of you may remember, at the end of last year, our Defense Against the Dark Arts position opened up—"

"Surprise, surprise." The boy who'd patted her back muttered.

"—year, please join me in welcoming the renowned, Professor Gildory Lockhart."

It did not escape her notice that the girls cheered much louder than the boys.

The man in question stood and posed like he was a model. He winked at the hall before sitting back down.

"Thank you." Dumbledore said. "Just a brief announcement and then the feast."

"Have you noticed Potter's missing?"

"Really?" The girl craned her neck.

"Yeah, look at Granger and Weasleys. He's not there." The boy answered.

"I heard he wasn't on the train either." A different girl piped up.

"Good. Maybe Lockhart won't melt like Quirrel did." The other girl said.

"He didn't melt, he just quit. Who could blame him? We all hated him." The boy said.

Shannon looked back to Dumbledore and realized she missed whatever the announcement was.

"And with that, let's eat!" Dumbledore clapped his hands together.

Food appeared before them. The older kids quickly dug in, but Shannon just stared. They could just make food appear? She helped herself to some chicken, potatoes, and peas... but left plenty of room for the great pumpkin pie sitting before her.