Chapter 4

A True Hogwart's Welcome

The students eventually realised that their feet were still moving against their will. Professor Dumbledore knew very well how to stop it, but at quite dark times like these, who was he to stop the students from having a good time?

It was true. Despite the non-stop dance party, everyone was having a blast. Even the Slytherins had allowed a temporary truce, deciding to let loose and have fun! Through this, everyone momentarily forgot about their problems and were just living in the moment. After all, who wanted to dwell on the problems of the outside world when they were in their safe little one here?

Unfortunately, the fun had to stop eventually and with a flick of his wand, the music was gone, giving everyone control of their feet again.

"Now before we start our late feast, may I bring your attention back to the sorting hat-"

"What? Hey, I thought I'm still here only because someone forgot bout me! It's flattering Dumbledore, but we had a deal! Once a year; no more, no less!" the sorting hat cried indignantly from his stool.

The students chuckled at the hat's words but paid attention nonetheless. The hall was absolutely silent, but if you listened close enough, you would hear a pair of voices; both very soft and very restless.

~~ L&J ~~

"Hey Padfoot! Where are the fireworks? What happned to 'em?"

"I dunno Prongs! I had set them to go out about five minutes after! Don't ask me where they are! You were the one who placed them!"

"What? I obviously did not! If I did, do you really think I'd be asking you?"

"Actually, yes."

"Padfoot…"

"No! Honestly, I am serious!"

"…"

"Not. One. Word. Anyway, the box should have a picture on it! Maybe we can-"

"Will you two shut it? Professor McGonagall's already shooting daggers at you!" Remus whispered harshly. Both boys brought their attention back to the front to hear the headmaster announce, "Now let us give a warm welcome to Arabella Monique! She will be joining us as a sixth year. I hope that whichever house she ends up in will welcome her with open arms!"

They watched as a girl their age walked nervously towards the headmaster. They had not noticed the newcomer earlier and stared as she sat down on the stool. Arabella had dirty blonde hair that was swept casually to the side. Her eyes were piercing blue and a nervous smile played on her lips. She was beautiful, with her eyes wide and cheeks a light pink at all the attention she was getting. As the hat was put on her head, the boys realised that they were leaning forward, curious to find out which house she would end up in.

Who is she? Where had she come from? Why hadn't I been listening to Dumbledore earlier? Numerous thoughts went through James' mind during the long wait.

Finally, the hat shouted triumphantly, "Hope you enjoy Hogwarts Arabella! Such a lovely girl… GRYFFINDOR!" At first everyone was silent as they digested this new piece of information.

"WOOHOO! OH YA!" Sirius' enthusiastic shout rang in the Great Hall. Everyone laughed and followed suit just as enthusiastically. Soon, Arabella received a true Hogwarts welcome and sat there, glued to the seat, overwhelmed by the school's spirit.

BOOM!

Arabella jumped at what sounded like the fourth of July. Everyone stared in awe as fireworks began exploding behind Ms Monique. She stood rooted to the ground as the many sparks and colours starting forming letters, letters forming words, and quickly forming sentences. The whole of Gryffindor table cheered as the message became clear:

GRYFFINDOR. FUTURE HOUSE CHAMPS.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Brought to you by

The Marauders~

" … So that's where the fireworks went!"

A/N: I liked the idea of the fireworks just exploding behind Arabella ^^ That idea just popped into my head in English class today :3 More of Arabella next chapter! I already have a little idea in my head ;) Hope you enjoyed dis! Sorry it's so short... Wanted to update early :3 Promise next chepter'll be longer! :D

Review, ya? Will really make my day ;)