An announcement in the train told them to leave their luggage behind. When they got down on the platform, their attention turned to a loud voice shouting out, "First years, First years, Over here everybody".

They walked towards the voice only to find a huge giant of a man shouting out. He was very tall and broad in his oversized coat and had a big black bush of hair and beard. But he had gentle eyes; they could tell that he was a friendly person.

"All right! Everybody here? Only tha first years. Ya all hav ta go to castle by boats. Follaw me, kids." And he led them through the trees by the platform down a well worn path. Soon they were filled with awe staring at a huge castle across a big lake. It was magnificent. It was in a valley surrounded by mountains and a great lake to the south. There were lawns surrounding the castle which led into forest. Maybe there were greenhouses or vegetable patches there. It was a beautiful sight.

All of them hurried on to the boats, the Primells occupying one with Neville and another girl. She had a bushy brown hair and brown eyes. She was talking when they joined them.

"… and I read all about it in one of the books I bought. Well I am lucky to get at least 10 months preparation time, but those with birthdays nearby would be at a disadvantage." She abruptly turned to them. "Hi I am Hermione Granger. I am muggle born."

"Hi. We are Alex and Herissa Primell."

Her eyebrows rose, "Oh really! I've read all about you. You are known well for defeating the dark lord when you were just a baby. You fired a nonverbal spell at him without a wand…"

"Well I was just one year old. How would I remember?"

"It is written in books. The books also speak about Hogwarts. Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster is very powerful and known for defeating another dark lord…."

She continued chanting her memorization of books, but the twins tuned her out. They watched the huge lake, beautiful and peaceful in the dark. As they neared the castle, Herissa felt a strong aura, a welcoming one. It felt like Hogwarts castle was sentient, like it was happy to have students back. She thought so to her brother.

Alex! The castle feels alive.

Hmm me too. It feels like it is welcoming us.

Yeah. Like we belong here. Ummm... I worry, Alex.

About what?

That we will get lost in all this magic and amongst all these people, and drift apart. I mean, you are the boy-who-lived and all that, and I am a nobody.

Don't say such things Herissa. You are my sister, we will never be apart. And if the fame or anything does get to my head, I want to be able to always count upon you to bring me to normal. We will grow stronger together, you'll see. Now stop these morbid thoughts. Let's enjoy our new life, together.

Herissa was unconvinced, but smiled at her brother and nodded. They finally reached the shore and got out of the boats. Filled with anticipation of what was about to come, the students followed Hagrid as he led them to a huge oak door in front of the castle. A strict lady in purple robes was awaiting them there.

"Thank you Hagrid. I will take them from here."

And she led them inside to a hall which had two curving staircases on both sides. At the end of the hall was a pair of closed doors.

"Through these doors is the Great Hall where the whole school meets for dining and meetings. The doors will open momentarily and you will all enter. You will be sorted inside before you take your place with your house. Now, while in Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. Do good and you will gain points. Bad behaviour will lose points for the house. There will be a House Cup at the end of the year. Enjoy yourselves, but learn well in this school, for it will prepare you for the rest of your life. Now, please wait a while, the doors will open soon."

Saying that, she left them. The group immediately broke into small groups to chatter. Many of the gossips were regarding the arrival of boy-who-lived. A few regarding the entrance test for sorting; Ron was a part of it. Hermione was just relaying facts she read in books. James and Sirius, who apparently were from well known families, had a group all of their own. Looks like they are pretty popular. Alex joined that group since their topic was not him. Herissa stood by with Neville and two other boys, all of them waiting silently.

Then something happened that made some jump about a foot in the air - several people screamed.
"What the -?"
There were many gasps. Ghosts had just streamed through the back wall. Pearly-white and slightly transparent, they glided across the room talking to one another and hardly glancing at the first years. They seemed to be arguing. What looked like a fat little monk was saying: "Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance -"
"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not really even a ghost - I say, what are you all doing here?"
A ghost wearing a ruff and tights had suddenly noticed the first years.
Nobody answered.
"New students!" said the Fat Friar, smiling around at them. "About to be Sorted, I suppose?"
A few people nodded mutely.
"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" said the Friar. "My old house, you know."

And the ghosts just glided casually through the doors into the hall.

Soon, the lady came back, opened the doors and motioned them to come in. As they followed her, all the first years were fascinated with the dining hall. There were four vertical tables with older students seated. In the front was a long horizontal table on a raised platform where the professors were seated. The tables were filled with glistening cutlery ready to be filled. The marbled and polished floor, the candles that were floating in midair, the brightly lit room despite no source of light, and the enchanted ceiling only added to the captivating look of the room. Several of them could hear Hermione reciting from Hogwarts: A history that the ceiling was enchanted to show the weather outside. Finally they reached end of the tables and spread out before the professors' table. In front of them on a stool was a battered old pointed hat.

Once all were standing before it, they watched in fascination as the hat opened its mouth (which was probably a fold in it) and sang.

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!

All the students applauded the hat when it ended its song. Then the lady professor stood by the hat and held out a long parchment of names and started calling them out.

"Abbott, Hannah!"

A pink-faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right down over her eyes, and sat down. A moment's pause -
"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat.

The table on the right cheered and clapped as Hannah went to sit down at the Hufflepuff table. The ghost of the Fat Friar waved merrily at her.

"Black, Sirius"

The boy who had helped Herissa on the station walked confidently to the stool and put it on. The Slytherins seemed to have decided he would join them, for they were already getting ready to clap. But to everyone's surprise,

"GRYFFINDOR"

Sirius took off the hat with a smirk and sat down at the Gryffindor table. It took some time, but when students came out of shock, he received a very big applause from the Gryffindor table.

"Bones, Susan!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat again, and Susan scuttled off to sit next to Hannah.
"Boot, Terry!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
The table second from the left clapped this time; several Ravenclaws stood up to shake hands with Terry as he joined them.
" Brocklehurst, Mandy" went to Ravenclaw too.

"Brown, Lavender" became a Gryffindor, and the table on the far left again exploded with cheers. "Bulstrode, Millicent" then became a Slytherin.

"Evans, Lily!"

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Finch-Fletchley, Justin!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Sometimes, the hat shouted out the house at once, but at others it took a little while to decide. "Finnigan, Seamus," the sandy-haired boy next to Herissa in the line, sat on the stool for almost a whole minute before the hat declared him a Gryffindor.

"Granger, Hermione!"
Hermione almost ran to the stool and jammed the hat eagerly on her head.
"GRYFFINDOR!" shouted the hat. Ron groaned. "There goes my peace and quiet in Gryffindor." He seemed to be pretty confident that he would end up in Gryffindor.

When Neville Longbottom was called, he fell over on his way to the stool. The hat took a long time to decide with Neville. When it finally shouted, "GRYFFINDOR," Neville ran off still wearing it, and had to jog back amid gales of laughter to give it to "Lupin, Remus."

This boy looked in ill-health and unconfident amongst the crowd. He was in shabby second-hand robes, which pointed out his poverty. The hat took about a minute but declared him "GRYFFINDOR".

Malfoy swaggered forward when his name was called and got his wish at once: the hat had barely touched his head when it screamed, "SLYTHERIN!"
Malfoy went to join his friends Crabbe and Goyle, looking pleased with himself.

There weren't many people left now. "Moon" "Nott" "Parkinson" then a pair of twin girls, "Patil" and "Patil". The Primells were interested to see if the twins would remain together, but Padma Patil went to ravenclaw while Parvati Patil went to Gryffindor. They looked at each other in tension.

The next was a short mousy boy, "Pettigrew, Peter", who was sorted into "GRYFFINDOR".

"Potter, James"

His sorting was instantaneous too. "GRYFFINDOR"

"Primell, Alex"

There was absolute silence at once, and then chatter and whispers broke out throughout the hall, in the next instant.

Primell, the boy-who-lived?

Is he in first year?

Wow, he really has that scar!

Alex Primell, really?

And so on. Amidst these whispers, Alex put up a brave face and went and sat on the stool. He put on the hat.

Hmm good good. You have been a faithful hard worker for doing all the chores assigned to you. So Hufflepuff would take you happily. But for being able to use your magic so well, your talent would place you with Ravenclaw. You are determined to make a living for yourself even before all this fame was known, so ambition points to Slytherin. And your bravery with your uncle and in protecting your sister would place you in Gryffindor. So where should I place you?

How do you know all this?

I am sorting hat. I have to look into your mind and experiences to determine your talents.

Please don't tell anybody what you saw. We don't want anyone to know of our magic or twin bond.

Don't worry child, whatever I read here are bound to your privacy and none will know of them. So since you qualify to all houses, you will get a choice. Which talent do you price most?

I don't care. I want to be with my sister and protect her from bullies. Please wherever it is, put us together.

Well, I still have to see through your sister's mind, but your preference for protecting her would place you in "GRYFFINDOR"

The Gryffindor table broke out into a huge applause; pair of Weasley twins were dancing with the chant 'we got Primell'.

Alex walked to the table and sat at the table. Before he could reassure her, Herissa's name was called.

Good Luck

He thought to her. Herissa gave a subtle nod to him and walked to the hat amidst new whispers.

There are two Primells?

Oh, where did she come from?

Wow they look alike.

Didn't she loose her magic against he-who-must-not-be-named? I heard she is a squib.

Herissa felt disheartened at the gossip, but braved her heart, sat on the stool and put on the hat.

Hmmm… a very good grasp of magic. You could even decode me in a few years if you were allowed. But Ravenclaw would not suit you. There will be jealousy and domination issues for your soft heart. Your loyalty is strong but you do not have the necessary work ethics. You would rather take the smart way rather than the usual way. You definitely don't stick to rules. So, Hufflepuff won't suit you. You are not too much ambitious either; you care too much about others to be able to push them away from your ambition. So slytherin won't suit you. But oh my, diving in front of an attack to save your brother. That is bravery valued by Gryffindor. And since it matches with your desire to be with your brother,

"GRYFFINDOR"

There was a confused applause from the house, as people were still discussing about the other Primell. Parkinson, Pansy and Snape, Severus were other two who joined Slytherins. Snape actually looked sad that he was separated from his friend, Lily Evans, for they shared a look and nod at each other as he joined his housemates.

After that it was only a few more people who got sorted quickly. Once the sorting was finished, the headmaster stood up from his throne like seat and addressed the assembly.

"Good evening. To the new students, Welcome! To the returning ones, Welcome back! Another year of knowledge awaits you. Before you begin your feast, I would like to say a few words. They are Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you. Enjoy."

And voila! Food appeared onto the dishes out of nowhere. The twins had never seen so many things to eat on one table: roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and, for some strange reason, peppermint humbugs. Everybody dived into the feast. Ron actually felt disappointed that he had eaten a lot on the train, for he would have enjoyed being really hungry with this variety.

"That does look good," said the ghost in the ruff sadly, watching James cut up his steak,
"Can't you -?"
I haven't eaten for nearly four hundred years," said the ghost. "I don't need to, of course, but one does miss it. I don't think I've introduced myself? Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower."
"I know who you are!" said Ron suddenly. "My brothers told me about you - you're Nearly Headless Nick!"
"I would prefer you to call me Sir Nicholas de Mimsy -" the ghost began stiffly, but sandy-haired Seamus Finnigan interrupted.
"Nearly Headless? How can you be nearly headless?"
Sir Nicholas looked extremely miffed, as if their little chat wasn't going at all the way he wanted.
"Like this," he said irritably. He seized his left ear and pulled. His whole head swung off his neck and fell onto his shoulder as if it was on a hinge. Someone had obviously tried to behead him, but not done it properly. Looking pleased at the stunned looks on their faces, Nearly Headless Nick flipped his head back onto his neck, coughed, and said, "So - new Gryffindors! I hope you're going to help us win the house championship this year? Gryffindors have never gone so long without winning. Slytherins have got the cup six years in a row! The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable - he's the Slytherin ghost."
They looked over at the Slytherin table and saw a horrible ghost sitting there, with blank staring eyes, a gaunt face, and robes stained with silver blood. He was right next to Malfoy who didn't look too pleased with the seating arrangements.
"How did he get covered in blood?" asked Peter Pettigrew with great interest.
"I would never ask" said Nearly Headless Nick delicately.
When everyone had eaten as much as they could, the remains of the food faded from the plates, leaving them sparkling clean as before. A moment later the desserts appeared. Blocks of ice cream in every flavor you could think of, apple pies, treacle tarts, chocolate eclairs and jam doughnuts, trifle, strawberries, Jell-O, rice pudding - "
As Alex helped himself to a treacle tart, the talk turned to their families.
"I'm half-and-half," said Seamus. "My dad's a Muggle. Mom didn't tell him she was a witch 'til after they were married. Bit of a nasty shock for him."
The others laughed.
"Aren't yours a prominent pureblood family, Neville?" said Ron.
"Yes, my gran told me so. Well, my gran brought me up," said Neville, "but the family thought I was a squib for ages. My Great Uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off my guard and force some magic out of me - he pushed me off the end of Blackpool pier once, I nearly drowned - but nothing happened until I was eight. Great Uncle Algie came round for dinner, and he was hanging me out of an upstairs window by the ankles when my Great Auntie Enid offered him a meringue and he accidentally let go. But I bounced - all the way down the garden and into the road. They were all really pleased, Gran was crying, she was so happy. And you should have seen their faces when I got in here - they thought I might not be magic enough to come, you see. Great Uncle Algie was so pleased he bought me my favorite plant for our indoor greenhouse."

During the discussion, it came out that many of the first years were halfbloods; exceptions included Lily and Hermione, who were muggleborns. On Herissa's other side, Percy Weasley and Hermione were talking about lessons ("I do hope they start right away, there's so much to learn, I'm particularly interested in Transfiguration, you know, turning something into something else, of course, it's supposed to be very difficult-"; "You'll be starting small, just matches into needles and that sort of thing - ").
Herissa, who was starting to feel warm and sleepy, thought to Alex.

Hey Alex, pretty cool isn't it?

Alex who was in a chat with Dean gave a subtle look towards Herissa's drowsy state and chuckled.

Looks like you are about to fall asleep on the table itself.

Ha ha ha. Go back to your talk, boy-who-lived.

Shut up! And don't you dare call me that ever again.

Dean asked about something and Alex's attention was diverted again. Herissa looked around. She was pleased to see so many happy faces together. She really missed school, magical or otherwise. She looked up at the high table. Identities of the teachers were lectured by the seniors at one point. In the centre on a throne like chair was Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster. Next to him was Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts Transfiguration professor, Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. On the other side was Horace Slughorn, potions professor and head of Slytherinn. Sitting along the table were the other professors – Aurora Sinistra, Astronomy; Bathsheda Babbling, ancient runes; Charity Burbage, muggle studies; Filius Flitwick, charms; Pomona Sprout, herbology; Quirinus Quirrell, defense against dark arts; Rolanda Hooch, flying instructor; Septima Vector, arithmancy; Silvanus Kettleburn, care of magical creatures; Sybill Trelawney, divination; Poppy Pomfrey, Head Nurse. Two seats to the side were occupied by Rubeus Hagrid, one who had escorted them to castle, who was also the grounds caretaker; and Argus Filch, the caretaker of castle.

Alex was watching around casually when he made eye contact with Professor Quirrell. He felt his ring warm and a slow attack on his mind. When he was unable to penetrate, Quirrell's gaze widened in surprise and he looked at Herissa. Suddenly, Herissa stiffened and squeezed Alex's hand. She placed hand on her heart as she looked at her brother. The attack abruptly stopped and Quirrell did not look at them again.

What happened Alex?

Did you ring warm too? It was professor Quirrell, I am sure. I was looking at him when I felt an attempt at legilimency at me.

I felt that too. But more intense was the pain in my heart. It happened all of a sudden. Now the pain has vanished.

I don't know why he did that Herissa. Best be careful.

Yeah.

At last, the desserts too disappeared, and Professor Dumbledore got to his feet again. The hall fell silent.
"Ahern - just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.
"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."
Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins.
"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 trials will be held in the second week of the 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 very painful death."

Several students were confused at the serious tone the headmaster used to say that.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" cried Dumbledore. Herissa noticed that the other teachers' smiles had become rather fixed.
Dumbledore gave his wand a little flick, as if he was trying to get a fly off the end, and a long golden ribbon flew out of it, which rose high above the tables and twisted itself into words.
"Everyone pick their favorite tune," said Dumbledore, "and off we go!" And the school bellowed:
"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.

Everybody finished the song at different times. At last, only the Weasley twins were left singing along to a very slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped loudest.
"Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"

The feast ended and the students were led by the prefects to their dormitories. They climbed up the north tower and on the first level came to stop in front of a portrait of a fat lady, who was dressed extravagantly and sitting in a comfortable room in her painting. The first years were surprised when she looked at them and said, "Password?"

"Caput Draconis" was the answer the prefect gave.

The Fat Lady (they later learned that she was called as such) nodded her head and gave a smile, "Welcome to Gryffindor!" Her portrait swung open to reveal an entrance. The students entered through it into the common room of Gryffindor. They were welcomed by a roaring fire, stuffed armchairs, and windows all around providing a great view. Gold chandeliers cast warm glows all around. It was soft comfortable setting, for Gryffindors to relax and enjoy. There were two winding mahogany staircases, decorated in crimson and gold, through which the senior years were already leaving. The prefect turned around and addressed the first years, who were still standing huddled together.

"Welcome to the Gryffindor common room. I am Thomas Sean and I am one your prefect for this house. Our head of house is Professor McGonagall. She will meet you all before breakfast tomorrow to give out your schedules. Since the next two days are the weekend, you will have the chance to explore the castle and familiarize yourselves with where your classes are. Your classes will start on Monday. The right hand stairs lead to girls' dormitories while the other one to boys. The first room you come to will be for first years. The first years will all have their beds in a single dormitory. You will be able to choose your roommates from second year onwards. This room to the side leads to our study room; absolute silence is mandatory there. Now the curfew for first years is 9 and you are expected to be in beds by 10. To study and to do your assignments, you may also use the library and the study hall, which is adjacent to library and is common for all houses. Okay then, Goodnight everybody. Welcome to Hogwarts"

And he turned around and left to the staircase. Alex and Herissa hugged each other.

Stay safe and sweet drams sister.

You too brother. Don't let them overwhelm you.

They parted with smiles and went up to their dormitories. The first years mingled around for a while, but everyone was too tired to stay put. So they all headed to the dorms. Sirius and James looked at each other. They were having a loud argument about who would get the bed by a window. Both of them raced to the dorm to claim such beds. Seeing them hurrying, the rest of the boys followed them too. Their dorm was a large circular room with beds aligned with the walls. Each bed had a small storage box beside it and the trunks were placed in the middle of the room. The beds themselves were big enough for one person, with thick drapes hanging on each of them. To the right of the room was another door which led to the washroom. There were 3 big windows along the walls, only one which had a bed aligned to it. So James and Sirius raced to the bed and both jumped on it to claim it first.

"Aaarhh! What the...? Why are you two jumping on a sleeping person? Are you both crazy?" Alex cried out from under them. He pushed them both to the floor in a mighty thump. "Stay away!" He said angrily and closed the drapes of his bed.

Neville, who was sitting on the bed next to him, was trying very hard to hold his laughter. The Potter and The Black were sprawled on the floor looking wide eyed and terrified at the angry scolding from Alex Primell. Ron was just looking longingly at the bed, "But… but… only that bed has a window beside it."

James replied dazedly, "Yeah I know."

"I want a window bed too." He whined.

James looked at Sirius, "You ask him if you want. I am better off over there… or there… or somewhere."

Sirius looked contemplatively at the closed drapes, and shuddered, "Nah, he is scarier than my mother, and that is saying something."

Everybody joined them and selected their beds.

Herissa had already changed and was just sorting her things into her storage when the rest of the girls of her year entered. Hermione Granger was still verbose, telling to whoever listening what the seniors had told her at the feast. In her excitement, she seemed to have missed that everyone was tired around her, and definitely not in the mood to listen.

"... oh you should know Primell" she said in between her dialogue, "having a bed beside the window will only distract you in your studies and will affect your grasping power. I would suggest moving your bed sideways."

Herissa was shocked at the belittling tone that was directed at her. She did not know what to reply other than, "It's okay, I like it like this." Lily Evans came and stood beside her.

"Don't mind her. She is just excited for seeing the magical world the first time, and seems to have let go of all formalities of speaking. You came up first; you can your bed any way you want. I am Lily Evans."

"Thanks. Herissa Primell. Nice to meet you. I heard that you are seeing all this the first time too, isn't it?"

"Yes I am. I am excited since I learned that I could consciously do magic. You probably knew all that from childhood, didn't you?"

"Actually, Alex and I learned about the wizarding world only a year ago. So don't assume I know much more than you."

"Don't worry. Anyways, I am beat. See you tomorrow. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight!"

Thus went the first night at Hogwarts; in blissful sleep.