"Headless carriages," Char said looking at them. "Impressive." The group had just gotten off the train. It was pouring rain.
"I'm not sure if I want to go in those things," Amanda said, squinting at where the horses should be. Damien rolled his eyes.
"Come on!" They walked into the carriages and rode up to the castle.
"You know," Aly said as they rode up, "I have a bruise from you." Hayden frowned.
"Really? I didn't mean to hit you that hard. I was just trying to make my point."
"Your point hurt." He grinned.
"I'll bring up an ice pack after the feast, how does that sound."
"Peachy keen. Maybe you can give me a backrub?"
"Forget it. You're only getting the ice pack." Aly glared at him. They entered the castle and sat down at the Gryffindor table.
"I hope the sorting hat sings a song that's not as long as last year's," Damien groaned. "I'm starving."
"Stop complaining. We're all hungry," Hayden snapped. Aly watched as the first years were sorted into their houses. She spotted Harry two people away from her.
"Harry! Harry!" she hissed. He looked at her. "You ok? I heard about your...situation."
"I'm fine," he whispered back with a smile. She nodded and looked at Dumbledore, who stood up.
"Welcome back, to another year," he said beaming at them all. "Welcome to our first years, especially. I am sure you will enjoy your time at Hogwarts."
"I have a few notices: as you all know, Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban." Aly heard about that from Robin. "Dementors are stationed around every exit. Do not provoke them. They will not hesitate to administer a Dementor's Kiss." Students gasped.
"On a brighter note, I would like to introduce our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin." Lupin stood up as the Great Hall applauded politely. He sat down. "And our former Care of Magical Creatures teacher has retired to enjoy what is left of her limbs. I am pleased to announce that Rubeus Hagrid, our gamekeeper, will be taking his position." Hagrid stood up as the Gryffindor table roared with applause. He sat down, pleased. "And now, we eat!"
The table was lined with plates of food. Aly grinned. They continued eating and Amanda retold her vacation in Spain. She told Amanda about how Kay and Sam were going to take a gap year, but Mrs. Boyle threatened to cut off their heads if they did. Afterwards, they were dismissed. Aly waved at Hagrid.
"Nice job on getting the position!" she yelled. He smiled at Aly. They headed up to their dormitories as fell asleep as soon as they hit the beds.
