I Author's Note: Well, what did you think of my cliffhanger ending? Okay, okay, I'm sure you're all skipping over this part so you can read what happens to Ariele. Or maybe, you're about to click the 'back' button, because you can't stand my story and are leaving to look for another better one. Or MAYBE, you're clicking the back button so you can write your own story, because you were so inspired from this one. All right, never mind, go back to whatever you really /I were I doing before I started gabbing on about things that don't matter. Enjoy (and PLEASE review!)! ~Moondream.
/I
p
"RAVENCLAW!"
p
Hermione gasped, with excitement and resent. If only she'd been a Gryffindor. However, the Ravenclaw table was whistling and clapping uproariously. As Ariele slipped off the stool and skipped toward the Ravenclaw table, Hermione caught her eye and smiled.
br
All of the students enjoyed a great meal after the rest of the first years were sorted. As the students split for their common rooms, Hermione raced up to Ariele, Harry and Ron trailing behind her. Hermione grabbed Ariele's arm.
p
"Hey," She said, "Congratulations on getting into Ravenclaw."
br
Ariele grinned. "Thanks…Maybe you can show me around tomorrow. I'd like to get to know the 'ropes' as soon as possible. When I first got to Dremwick, it was impossible to find my way around--trick staircases and such popped up everywhere."
br
Hemione nodded. "Okay…Sure!" She said eagerly, "I'd be happy to do that. Maybe you could tell me more about Dremwick?"
br
"Like I know more about Dremwick than you do," Ariele teased, "Being that you've probably raided the library for more information about it. All right, it's a deal!" The two new friends went their opposite directions, Hermione with Harry and Ron promenading behind her.
br
"Um, Hermione," Ron said quietly, "Do you think I could (nervous cough) come with you?"
br
"Uh, yeah," Harry added, "Me too."
br
"No, you may not," Hermione replied, "I think we'll be fine by ourselves."
br
Harry glared. But before anything else could be said they had reached the portrait of the fat lady.
br
"Halfsprite!" Hermione said clearly. The portrait opened, and the students entered.
p
"See you guys tomorrow!" She called as they separated for their rooms. After changing into a long nightshirt and boxers, Hermione climbed into bed underneath the scarlet sheets. She fell asleep instantly.
p
center ~~~~*~~~~
/center
p
Hermione awoke to the boisterous sound of Lavender's snoring. She sighed contently before climbing out of bed. She looked at the bedside clock. It said 7:48 A.M. Hermione rolled over to go back to sleep, when she realized that she was due in the Dining Hall at eight. She flew out of bed hastily, arousing the other forth year girls, and creating such a clamor that she was sure Professor McGonagall would hear.
p
"We've got to hurry," Hermione said rush, "We don't want to be late for our first day!"
br
"Maybe you don't," Lavender said groggily, "But it certainly wouldn't bother me."
br
"Get up!" Hermione snapped.
p
Not long later, Hermione had reached the Gryffindor table where Harry and Ron were sitting, who had miraculously beaten her there.
br
"That's once in a million," She said as she sat down.
br
"I know," Said Ron dreamily, gazing at the Ravenclaw table.
br
"Not Ariele!" Hermione teased, "The fact that you guys beat me here this morning. I slept in."
br
"Mmm," Harry replied with his mouth full of toast.
br
"It's useless talking to you guys," Hermione muttered, "Well, I've gotta go show Ariele around before Transfiguration. See you!"
p
center ~~~~*~~~~
/center
p
"So, where exactly I is /I Dremwick?" Hermione asked as she showed Ariele the History of Magic tower.
p
"This is going to sound strange," Ariele said in her musical voice, "So you've got to believe me."
br
Hermione nodded. "Of course, I'd never I not /I believe you."
br
"Never say never!" Ariele chided.
br
"Well," She continued, "It's…It's…It's under the ocean."
br
"It's WHERE?" Hermione gasped.
br
"I was right, you didn't believe me!" Ariele grinned, "Yes, it's really under the ocean. All students have a special spell put on them so that they can breath underwater."
p
center ~~~~*~~~~
/center
p