The 30 days went by quickly as I read all of my school books, played - correction - lost more games of wizard's chess and flew around on my broom. Aries had taken to wandering around at night and chasing the house-elves, so I expect that they were just as happy as I was as time got shorter to September first.

The week before I had packed and unpacked my trunk several times, then I realised that I can shrink things and put them in the bag Mother got me. On August 31st I had an early night, and an early morning the next day so I spent a couple of hours lying in bed stroking Aries as she purred while she slept.

Mother and Father had woken early as well we were ready to go at 10 o'clock, Father Apparated us to the station and we went through the barrier with our trunks, Mother had done a weightless spell on them.

"Promise to write to us dears" Mother said at ten minutes to 11.

I hugged her tightly "I'll miss you." I said into her shoulder.

"See you in the holidays dear." She said tearing up.

Father didn't know what to do so I hugged him tightly "Bye Dad." I said. He looked surprised as I'd never called him Dad before - always Father.

"Goodbye Nash," he said returning the hug. Then Draco had his turn and we boarded the train.

"No Aries!" I cried as she ran up the train "I'll see you later Dragon!" I said running after my cat.

She stopped eventually outside a compartment with the boy from Madame Malkin's.

"Hi again, I said that I'd see you." I said holding out my spare hand, the other held a squirming Aries.

"Hello - please, sit down." He said after shaking my hand.

I closed the door and sat down opposite him, Aries calmed down and took the seat next to me.

"What's your cat called?" He asked.

"Aries, anyway you never answered my question, what's your name?" But once again we were cut off as a red-headed boy entered.

"Anyone sitting here? Everywhere else is full." He said.

The boy shook his head and ginger sat down.

Two taller ginger headed boys came and said "Hey Ron. Listen we're going down the middle of the train - Lee Jordan's got a giant tarantula down there."

My eyes lit up "Cool!" I said.

The two boys grinned at me and turned to the first boy. "Harry, did we introduce ourselves? Fred and George Weasley. And this is Ron, our brother. See you later, then." Okay so scruffy haired boy is Harry, ginger is Ron.

Fred and George left the compartment.

"Are you really Harry Potter?" Ron blurted.

Harry nodded. He's Harry Potter. Oh. My. God.

"Oh - well, I thought it might be one of Fred and George's jokes, and have you really got - you know..." Ron pointed at his forehead.

Harry pulled back his scruffy hair and there is was, a lightning bolt shaped scar.

"So that's where You-Know-Who - ?" I began.

"Yes, but I can't remember it." Harry said.

"Nothing?" Ron said.

"Well - I remember a lot of green light, but nothing else." Harry said.

"Wow." Ron said. I gaped at the Chosen One.

"Are all your family wizards?" Harry asked Ron.

"Er - yes, I think so. I think Mum's got a second cousin who's an accountant, but we never talk about him." Ron said.

I gasped "What's your last name?" I asked and accio'd the Peverell book from my purse.

"Weasley... why?" Ron said.

I flicked through the pages "I found this book in my Father's Library and it shows how all the purebloods are related." I said.

I stopped at a page "Is your name Ronald Weasley?" I asked.

He nodded "You are my fourth - no - third cousin... once removed." I said grinning.

"Really? What's your na-?"

"Sorry, I just had to ask, how did that huge book come out of that purse?" Harry asked.

"Oh, the bag has a bottomless and weightless charm on it," I explained.

"I heard you went to live with muggles, what are they like?" Ron asked Harry.

"Horrible - well, not all of them. My aunt and uncle and cousin are though. Wish I had three wizard brothers." Harry said.

"My aunt married a muggle, we never see them though." I said to myself as they continued talking.

Ron pulled out a rat and I grabbed Aries who tried to eat it.

"Ron - put away - the rat - unless you want it - to get eaten." I said.

"Oh!" He stuffed it back into his pocket.

I pulled out my wand and cast a sleeping charm on Aries.

"There we go." I said putting my wand away.

They were talking about not affording stuff so I just opened the Daily Prophet and ignored them until Ron gasped.

"What?" Harry said.

I put down the newspaper "You said You-Know-Who's name!" Ron said. My eyes widened in shock.

"I'd have thought you, of all people - " I said.

"I'm not trying to be brave or anything , saying the name. I just never knew you shouldn't. See what I mean? I've got loads to learn... I bet... I bet I'm the worst in the class." Harry said.

"You won't be. There's loads of people who come from Muggle families and they learn quick enough." Ron said. He was talking about Mudbloods. The Weasleys are obviously blood-traitors like Aunt Andy.

At half twelve a trolley came past "Anything from the trolley dears?" A woman asked.

I stood up "A Box of Bott's beans, Drooble gum, a pumpkin pasty and liquorice wand. Please." I said and paid.

I came back in while Harry was ordering and transfigured a marble into a small table to put my stuff on. I always carried marbles around for transfiguration.

Ron gaped at my table. I fed the liquorice wand to Aries, the house-elves had bribed her with liquorice to stop her chasing them. Harry came in and I waved for him to put his stuff on the table.

"Hungry, are you?" Ron said, he must have bought at least one of everything.

"Starving." Harry said.

Ron pulled out some squashed sandwiches "She always forgets I don't like corned beef."

Harry held up a pasty "Swap you for one of these. Go on-"

"You don't want this, it's all dry. She hasn't got much time, you know, with five of us." Ron said.

"Go on, have a pasty." Harry said.

A while later Harry picked up a Chocolate Frog "What are these? They're not really frogs, are they?"

"No, but see what the card is, I'm missing Agrippa." Ron said.

"What?" He said

"Oh, of course, you wouldn't know - Chocolate Frogs have cards inside of them, you know, to collect - Famous Witches and Wizards. I've got about five hundred, but I haven't got Agrippa or Ptolemy." Ron explained, I didn't collect the cards, I preferred Drooble's gum.

"So this is Dumbledore!" Harry said

"Don't tell me you'd never heard of Dumbledore? Can I have a frog? I might get Agrippa - thanks -" Ron said.

Harry said "He's gone!"

"Well, you can't expect him to hang around all day. He'll be back. No, I've got Morgana again and I've got about six of her... do you want it? You can start collecting."

Ron stared at the pile of Chocolate Frogs. "Help yourself, but in, you know, the Muggle world, people just stay in photos." Harry said.

"Do they? What, they don't move at all?" I said amazed.

We had a Bertie Bott's bean eating contest, who could keep eating without pulling a face, Ron lost on the first one!

A teary boy knocked on the door "Sorry, but have you seen a toad at all?"

I shook my head.

"I've lost him! He keeps getting away from me!" He wailed.

"Don't worry, he'll turn up." I said smiling.

"Yes, well, if you see him..." and the boy left.

"Don't know why he's so bothered. If I bought a toad I'd lose it as quick as I could. Mind you, I brought Scabbers, so I can't talk." Ron said.

"Ron! He might adore his toad." I said doubting my argument.

Ron was looking gloomily at his rat. "He might have died and you wouldn't know the difference. I tried to turn him yellow yesterday to make him more interesting, but the spell didn't work. I'll show you, look... " Ron rummaged for what I think was his wand. "Unicorn hair's nearly poking out. Anyway -"

A girl and the toadless boy came in.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one." She said.

"Nope," I said.

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it, then." She said.

"Er - alright. Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow. Turn this stupid fat rat yellow." Ron said.

Nothing happened "Ron that isn't a real spell, pallesco" I waved my wand. The rat's fur turned yellow, I waved my wand again and it when back to normal.

The girl gaped at me "Wow. I've tried a few simple spells just for practice, you're great at magic. 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 set books off by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough - I'm Hermione Granger by the way, who are you?" She said quickly.
She's a Mudblood. Pity, I like her.

"I'm Ron Weasley."

"Harry Potter."

Once again before I could say my name I was cut off.

"Are you really? I know all about you, of course - I've got a few extra books for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century."

"Am I?" Harry said.

"Goodness, didn't you know, I'd have found out everything I could if it was me. Do you know what house you'll be in? I've been asking around and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best, I hear Dumbledore himself was one, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad... Anyway, we'd better go and look for Neville's toad. You three had better change you know, I'll expect we'll be there soon." Hermione and Neville then left.

"Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it" Ron said. I liked her. "Stupid spell - George gave it to me, bet he knew it was a dud."

"What house are your brothers in?" Harry asked.

"Gryffindor. Mum and Dad were in it, too. I don't know what they'll say if I'm not. I don't suppose Ravenclaw would be too bad, but imagine if they put me in Slytherin." Ron said.

"What's wrong with Slytherin?" I frowned "All my family have been in Slytherin."

"That's the house. Vol - I mean, You-Know-Who was in." Harry said.

"Yeah." said Ron.

"You know I think the ends of Scabbers' whiskers are a bit lighter." Harry said. "So what do your oldest brothers do now they've left, anyway?"

"Charlie's in Romania studying dragons and Bill's in Africa doing something for Gringotts. Did you hear about Gringotts? It's been all over the Daily Prophet, but I don't suppose you get that with the Muggles - someone tried to rob a high-security vault." Ron said, I nodded newspaper was somewhere under the sweet wrappers.

"Really? What happened to them?" Harry asked.

"Nothing, that's why it's such big news. They haven't been caught. My Dad says it must've been a powerful Dark wizard to get round Gringotts, but they don't think they took anything, that's what's odd. 'Course, everyone gets scared when something like this happens in case You-Know-Who's behind it." Ron said. "What's your Quidditch team?" Ron asked.

"Appleby Arrows all the way!" I said.

"No! Chudley Cannons!" Ron said.

"I don't know any" said Harry.

"What! Oh, you wait, it's the best game in the world –" and Ron was off explaining Quidditch from every angle.

The compartment door slid open to show Draco, Vince and Greg. Draco turned to Harry "Is it true? They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, is it?"

"Yes. " Harry said.

"This is Draco, Vince and Greg." I said.

"My name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy." My twin said.

Ron hid a snigger with a cough – poorly.

"Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My Father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children than they can afford." Draco said.

"Draco!" I said.

"You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." Draco held out his hand.

"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks." Harry said.

"I'd be careful if I were you, Potter. Unless you're a bit politer you'll go the same way as your parents. They didn't-" Draco said slowly.

"Draco, I think you should go now." I said.

"You should come with us Nash; Daphne and Tracy have been asking for you." Draco said as he exited the compartment.

"Guys I'll be back in a moment, I should go change." I said leaving the compartment them.

I saw Hermione walking to the compartment "Hi Hermione" I said.

"Oh, Hi, you should really get changed, I asked the driver and we're nearly there." She smiled.

"I was just going to, thanks" I said.

I got to the end of the train and took out my robes, I waved my wand and they appeared on my while my other clothes appeared in front of me. As I walked back to the compartment I said "I love magic."

"There you are, come on, I never did catch your name." Harry laughed.

"Nash Malfoy" I said.

"Wait, are you related to that git?" Harry asked.

"'That git' happens to be my twin, he has some issues with thinking that being a pureblood, especially a Malfoy means that he is better than everyone, but he is really nice if your on his good side." I said.

"Well, let's hope your nothing like him." He said as we got off the train.

"I have to go and find Draco, sorry, I'll see you later though." I said smiling and looking for my twin.

"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" I followed the voice and eventually saw Draco, Blaise and Theo.

"Where were you?" Theo said.

"Doesn't matter." I said.

We were taken to some boats and luckily it was four to a boat, we approached a mountain with a castle – which I presume is Hogwarts.

"Nash, you didn't visit us in our compartment, didn't you miss me?" Blaise said.

I laughed and we got off the boats and then followed a Professor McGonagall to a small room.

I found Daphne and Tracy and they greeted me warmly before the Professor started talking.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. The start of term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take you seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room.

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."

I suddenly felt someone brushing my hair – it was Pansy. "You hair is so straight that it needs to not have any wispy bits or it look odd." She said.

Luckily she was side track when some ghosts appeared so I had a chance to wipe off the lipstick she had put on me. Professor McGonagall came back "Move along now. The Sorting Ceremony's about to start." The ghosts disappeared through the wall one by one "Now form a line and follow me."

We did as told and I took in every aspect of the hall, I could see Fred and George at one table, I could see Hagrid and Sev at the teachers table, but the enchanted ceiling was amazing, I made a note to self to find out how it was done so I could do the same for my room. At the front there was a four-legged table with a patched and frayed hat on top of it.

Suddenly the hat ripped open and began to sing. Yes 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 folks 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 Hall burst into applause and the Hat bowed at the four house tables. Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a long scroll of parchment.

"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted."

The first two went to Hufflepuff, then two to Ravenclaw, a Gryffindor, and Millicent went to Slytherin, I cheered for her. Hufflepuff, three Gryffindors, including Hermione and Neville, then a Ravenclaw and Draco went up, barely a second passed the hat declared him Slytherin without it even touching his head, I gulped.

"Malfoy, Nash"

I walked up to the stool and put on the hat and sat down.

"Slytherin, please, Slytherin..." I whispered.

"You don't fit there though, do you? You would much rather join Gryffindor, or even Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. You don't want to be Slytherin." The hat said,

"Please, it's my only choice. Please Slytherin."

"Okay, but you'll regret it SLYTHERIN!"

I went and joined Draco who hissed "What took you so long, you took almost ten minutes!" It wasn't that long, surely...

I didn't hear the next one but Theo and Pansy went to Slytherin. I stopped paying attention until Harry was called – into Gryffindor with him. I sighed. Ron joined him and lastly Blaise came with us.

Professor McGonagall rolled up the scroll and took the hat away. Dumbledore got to his feet.

"Welcome. 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!" He sat back down.

I laughed and stopped as no one else was on the Slytherin table really. The hat was right. I was going to regret this.

A ghost came and sat next to us so I bucked up the courage and asked "Sir, may I ask of your name?"

"Most call me the Bloody Baron." He replied dazed.

That is all I got out of him during dinner. The puddings disappeared and Dumbledore stood up again. "Ahem – just a few more words now we are fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.

"First years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well"

His eyes flashed to Fred and George. "I have also been asked by Mr Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors.

"Quidditch trails will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch.

"And finally I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death." I gulped.

He flicked his wand and a golden ribbon flew out and made words above the tables. "And now before we go to bed, let us sing the school song! Everyone pick their favourite tune, and off we go!"

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,
Teach us something please,
Whether we be old and bald,
Or young with scabby knees,
Our heads could do with filling,
With some interesting stuff,
For now they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
So teach us things worth knowing,
Bring back what we've forgot,
Just do your best, we'll do the rest,
And learn until our brains all rot.
"

Theo put an arm around my shoulders and we sang it in a round, Fred and George ended last with a funeral march tune.

"Ah, music. A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!" Dumbledore said.

I concluded that he was mad – great – but mad.

We followed some girl called Gemma Farley to the dungeons, the password was Parseltongue.

"Yay! Roomies!" Pansy screeched at us.

"Aries!" I cried and picked up my cat who was on, what I'm guessing was my bed in the middle of the five beds. We changed into our pajamas lay on our beds.

Pansy wanted to stay up, she thought it was going to be 'a really long sleepover' I joined Millicent in ignoring her and falling asleep instantly.