Chapter 9: Hogwarts


It was a few days later Neville and company were taking Delaney to Hogwarts. She couldn't contain her excitement. They apparated to Hogsmeade. Delaney was still getting used to apparition so she clumsily fell to her knees.

"Here let me help you," Neville said, reaching out his hand to help her up.

Delaney smiled thankfully at him, grabbed his hand and stood up. Neville really liked holding her hand.

"So, what's this town called again?" Delaney asked glancing around.

"Hogsmeade," Neville answered first.

Delaney nodded and asked, "Hogwarts sorts kids into houses, right?" She already knew but wanted Neville to tell her.

"Yes. There's four houses Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin," Neville answered her again.

"What houses were you in?"

"We were all Gryffindors although I believe I should've been a Hufflepuff well at first anyway," Neville said.

Delaney nodded and asked. "If I had went to Hogwarts which house do you think I would've been in?"

Harry and Hermione thought for a moment but Neville instantly replied. "Hufflepuff definitely."

"I'd say Hufflepuff too," Harry agreed with his god-brother.

Hermione nodded and said. "Hufflepuff, I'd say."

"What are the traits of Hufflepuff again?"

"Loyalty, kindness, tolerance and patience." Hermione answered.

Delaney nodded and said. "I think I fit most of those expect for maybe patience. I'm quite impatient at times."

Neville nodded as they reached the castle and he said, "Well, here we are."

Delaney's eyes widened in amazement and Neville couldn't help but smile. Harry pushed opened the big open oak doors. It was amazing to see it in person.

"That's the Great Hall," Hermione said, pointing to the big room in the corner.

Delaney nodded.

They walked towards the Headmistress' office. Hermione knocked and a stern looking woman with black hair and green eyes answered.

"Hello Minerva," Hermione greeted the woman.

"Hello Ms Granger, Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom and ..." She stopped glancing at Delaney.

"This is Delaney Romero, we just discovered she's a witch." Neville told her.

"May we come in?" Hermione asked.

Minerva stepped forward and the foursome walked in.

"So, what brings you here?"

"We need to know why I never found out I was a witch until I was past Hogwarts age?" Delaney said softly.

McGonagall nodded and said. "I would like to know that too actually."

"You have no idea, either?" Hermione asked.

McGonagall nodded. "No, I don't. Are you related to a David?"

"Yes, I am. He's my dad's younger brother."

McGonagall nodded and said. "I taught him and your aunt as well."

"Okay."

McGonagall nodded and said. "Yes, your dad's brother was a Slytherin and his sister was a Hufflepuff."

"So, my dad did know about magic?"

McGonagall nodded and said. "Yes, but for some reason you never got your letter and your parents don't remember magic although their siblings and parents are magical."

"How could that happen?" Hermione asked.

McGonagall's brow furrowed and said. "I have no idea."

"Okay."

They continued talking about the next step and left. After that they stopped by the Three Broomsticks and had a quick lunch.

"That was delicious," Delaney said.

"It sure was," Neville agreed.

After that the four of them parted ways.