A/N: You have all been so sweet with your reviews and patient with me that I thought I'd give you this one ahead of schedule. Besides, the last one was a bit short anyways. Hope you like it!

Chapter 9: All Aboard!

27 August, 1991

It was a simple note when it came. Its briefness, however, did not prevent him from choking on his coffee in shock, nor did it stop the coughing fit that followed. With shaking hands, he opened the note once more and made sure he had read it correctly.

I send you a precious gift. Give her the refuge you once thought to offer.

Protect her Sev. Please.

- R

She was alive. And she was sending him her daughter.

1 September, 1991

8:09 a.m.

He was prepared this time. When his children came running into the room and jumped on his bed, yelling for him to wake up, he was already calmly sitting on the armchair by his fire. He had just finished getting dressed and had been in the process of pulling on his shoes when he'd heard the hurried footsteps down the hall. Knowing what they meant, he had quickly moved out of the line of fire.

"Morning pups," he told said, laughing at the pout Mia threw his way when she realized he was already awake.

"Good morning Papa," she finally said as she stood to kiss his cheek.

"Good morning dad," Harry said brightly.

"I know you're terribly disappointed that I was not there to cushion your hard fall but I think your dear Uncle Moony might still be available," he said with a smirk. He'd told Remus to set an alarm for his own safety, if he was still asleep he deserved to get jumped on.

"Well we wouldn't want him to be late. Let's go help wake him up Mia," Harry said as he pulled her out of the room and across the hall.

"GOOD MORNING UNCLE MOONY," he heard them call through the door.

"Ooooof. PADFOOT GET YOUR—OW, WATCH THE ELBOWS—DEVILS OFF ME" Remus bellowed soon after.

'Ah. The joys of fatherhood,' he thought to himself as he joined in the dogpile on top of his friend. Pun fully intended.

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Mia had opted for waking up her father and uncle before she got ready herself. She didn't want them waking up late and then having to rush around. So after they finally left her uncle's room she scurried back into her room to take a shower and get dressed. Her curls had become quite unmanageable the last few days as the air became more and more humid so she quickly dried and braided it, just like Tilly had taught her.

She walked into her closet and looked at the clothes she still had left. She had packed quite a bit of her Muggle clothes, since they were the most comfortable, and a few dresses. After looking around she finally settled on some blue muggle jeans and a gay short-sleeved shirt. She grabbed her white trainers and soon she was ready to go. Well, almost ready to go. She did another round through her room, making sure she had everything she needed, nervously fidgeting with her snake necklace as she did so.

"I have my clothes, shoes, books, quills, bathrobe, toiletries, comb, and hair ties. I already grabbed Artemis's toys, treats, bedding, and carrier. Have the wand holster Aunt Cissy gave me last week. Already put my book bag in the trunk, what am I missing? Oh! My training clothes!" she said suddenly as she spied the gym bag Mr. Travers had given her in the corner of the room. She quickly placed it in her trunk before putting a set of black robes over—she wanted them to be easy to grab when it came time to change. She glanced around before she picked up Artemis and put her on her shoulder, nestled under her braid.

"C'mon Ari, I think I got everything. Let's go make sure my brother is ready." She left her trunk behind since Lu would be taking it down.

"Harry, are you quite finis—what are you doing? Why is there clothes all over your floor?" she asked confused as he continued to throw things out of his closet.

"Mia! Oh, I…uh. I'm just looking for something," he said a bit nervously as he threw some of the clothes into his trunk.

"Jamie, please tell me you aren't packing until just now. I asked you if you were finished last night! You said you just needed to put your robes in the trunk!" she shrieked at him.

"Well I did. And some other things as well. But it's fine, see? Almost done. Just gotta…close…it" he said as he tried to snap his trunk shut. But no matter how he pushed down on it, it didn't budge.

"DESSY!" She suddenly yelled.

"No, Mia, please do—" he tried to say but he was interrupted by a loud crack.

"What does the young Miss need?" asked Dessy as she apparated into the room. Nan and Tilly's mother was an old elf, but you couldn't tell from looking at her. She stood straight as a board, her ears folded neatly surrounding her big green eyes. Her uniform was pure black with white stitching, to show that she was the Matron Elf of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black.

"Dessy Harry hasn't packed any of his things and we're going to be late!" Mia told her in a huff. When Dessy's eyes narrowed, Harry took a hasty step back and swallowed hard.

"Young Master knows better than to do this, he does" she told him sternly. "Dessy be teaching you how to properly fold your clothes since you were a babe. I will still hover you over my knee, young Master Harry. Dessy will do it, she will!" she threatened him as she wagged a finger at him.

"No Dessy, I'm sorry. I just thought I'd have more time," he implored her, throwing Mia a look filled with reproach.

"Now don't be looking at the Miss like that! She be a good girl, folding her clothes like Dessy taught her. She be ready like she is supposed to be! Dessy will fix this but if young Master forgets again, Dessy be reminding him of what it be feeling like to hovered over my knee," she told him with a glare.

Dessy suddenly turned and snapped her fingers twice. Everything exploded out of Harry's trunk and hovered in the air before his books and supplies took a dive and settled against the bottom of the trunk. One-by-one each item of clothing in the air began to fold itself as his shoes followed the books inside. Soon his toiletries, bathrobe, cloak, and pajamas followed. His clothes began to float down and arranged itself neatly, before his gym bag and a box of owl treats leaped out from beneath his bed and settled on top of the folded clothes.

"Oh, I nearly forgot that," Harry said with relief but fell quiet when Dessy turned to glare at him. A set of his school robes settled on top of the pile, much like Mia had done with her trunk, before his trunk snapped itself shut.

"There. Young Master's trunk be ready. Now you boths be getting to the kitchen now. Nan be done with breakfast and you will be needing to leave soon. Master Sirius be wanting to get there early to make sure you has a compartment," she told them sternly before disappearing with the trunk. No doubt she took Mia's down as well.

"Thanks for that Mia," he muttered as he went to leave his room.

"You're forgetting Hedwig's cage," she told his retreating back. When he stopped in his tracks she smirked before breezing past him, completely unrepentant that he was now on their Nanny elf's bad side.

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They had eaten breakfast quickly and had left the Manor a half past ten, apparating directly to Platform 9 ¾ . Lu had come with them so he could bring their trunks and pets, leaving the adults to transport the children. As soon as they were on the platform, however, the little elf disappeared without a sound.

When Mia and Harry looked up, they saw an immense cherry-red train surrounded by steam. It was incredible that a train that size could exist in the heart of King's Cross without any of the Muggles being aware of it. They were still staring in awe when they were nudged forward by their uncle and father, getting them out of the way of oncoming students. They quickly picked up their pets' carriers and moved aside.

"We're here a bit early but I wanted to make sure you two find a compartment and—Ah I see your aunt up ahead. Cissy!" he yelled after his cousin.

Narcissa turned when she heard her name called and smiled when she spotted Remus over the crowd. If he was here, no doubt Sirius and the children were as well. She grabbed Draco's arm and started heading their way, calling to Lucius as she did so.

"Hello darlings," she said as she gave everyone a hug and a kiss. Draco gave his uncles and Mia a hug before falling to stand besides Harry.

"You're rather early," Sirius finally said. Last they had spoken, they were going to be arriving a quarter to eleven as Lucius had a late breakfast meeting.

"Yes, well Lucius's plans changed so we thought we might get Draco settled in," she told them as she started to herd the children towards the train once more.

"Yes well, now that your cousin and his…friend are here, I think Draco can get settled in quite well," he told her with a sneer in Remus's direction that immediately put Sirius on edge. Lucius used every opportunity to demean his friend for his condition, but this was not the time nor the place. He didn't have to worry, however, since he simply turned around to face his son.

"Draco," he said before he gave him a brief hug and headed off to the apparition point. Draco, for his part, did not look surprised that his father had disappeared so soon after arriving and was soon drawn into a conversation with the children as they turned to head into the train.

"He didn't used to be like that, you know," whispered Narcissa sadly after a minute. "He was kind and affectionate when we met. Even after Draco's birth. But things….changed when everything came to light after His fall. Lucius knew I did not condone his part in it or the ideology—how could I when it cost my baby sister her life?" she asked as her eyes filled with pain. "He became distant after that—buried himself in his work. He adores Draco but he doesn't know how to act around him. Of course, it does not help that Draco is more like me than him. I know you wonder why I don't leave him. If it weren't for the marriage ceremony we had, I think I might have. As it were, the ritual does not allow for separation," she told them truthfully.

This was the first time that Narcissa had openly discussed her marriage to Lucius. Things must have been worse than they thought for her be speaking this way. She was a very reserved woman, always keeping her cards close to her chest.

"Well if you and the pup ever need a place to stay, you know my home is always open. You might not be able to leave the marriage, but you can leave him. Remember that," Sirius told her in a whisper as he gave her a tight hug. She hugged him back for a moment before stepping away.

"Thank you," she said with a sincere smile. "We better get these trunks on the train before the compartments fill." With that she flicked her wand and had Draco's drunk levitating behind her as she boarded the train, in search of the children. Remus and Sirius quickly followed suit, trailing behind her.

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"This one looks to be empty," Mia told the boys as the opened the door to the compartment about halfway down the train.

"Great. So who stays to claim it while we go get the trunks?" Draco asked as he placed his owl, Medusa, on the seat. Harry shrugged before he placed Hedwig's cage next to his.

"Mia should stay. We're both stronger than her so we should go get the trunks," he finally said as his sister took Artemis out of her carrier.

"Excuse me?" she said with narrowed eyes.

"Uh…that didn't come out right. You know, you're a girl and girls shouldn't—uh…a little help Draco?" he asked his cousin desperately.

"No, no. I think you're putting your foot in your mouth quite well on your own," replied the blond in amusement.

"Thanks, mate."

"You listen here brother dearest. Just beca—" but her scolding was put on hold as her Aunt Cissy entered the compartment behind Draco.

"Good. You found one. Alright, love, here's your trunk. Careful now, watch your head," she said as she placed it overhead above her son's owl cage. Then she stepped back out and let her father and uncle repeat the procedure with their trunks. No sooner had they the adults finished than they heard a high whistle pierce the air.

"That would be our cue to go. Train will leave in ten minutes. Be good now, all three of you. And remember what we learned this summer. I expect you to behave like the future Lords and Lady you are," her aunt told them with a watery smile as she began to hug them all and pepper them with kisses.

"Right you are Cissy. Behave, and watch out for each other," her father said before taking his turn smothering the children.

"And remember, stay out of trouble. But if trouble comes knocking, don't get caught," her uncle said with a smile before inflicting the third round of affection.

"Remus!" her aunt said with a laugh. Her uncle just winked at them before walking out. Sirius offered his arm to Narcissa as he made to step out of the compartment.

"We'll see you for the winter holls. Don't forget to write tomorrow!" he told them before he guided Narcissa out, changing into their public image between one step and the next. Her aunt's face became aloof and her eyes turned cold making her look like an Ice Queen. Her father seemed to stand taller, his lips thinning a bit as he adopted a flat expression. Gone were her father and aunt, and in their place stood Lord Black and Lady Malfoy.

Once their family was gone the children took a seat, almost bouncing in excitement. When the final whistle finally blew, they ran to the window and stuck their heads out the window. Standing on the platform was her aunt, sandwiched between her father and uncle. All three waved goodbye to them as the train began to pull away, her aunt sending them kisses. Just as Mia was about to pull her head back inside she caught sight of a woman in the crowd standing towards the back. She was wearing dark gray robes, with the hood up and covering her face from view; all Mia could make out were blond curls that blew with the wind from the train. Despite this, Mia got the unsettling impression that the woman was staring right at her. As the train pulled out of the station, Mia saw the stranger make a neat turn before heading toward the barrier and disappearing into the Muggle station beyond.

"You reckon we're almost there?" asked her brother a few hours later. He was sat on the floor leaning against her knees as he and Draco played a game of Wizard's Chess and ate their sweets from trolley.

"No. Papa said we won't be there until the evening," she told him as she ran her fingers through his hair from her spot on the seat and read. She put down her book and rummaged around in her pocket until she pulled out the wrist watch she had taken to carrying with her. "It's barely half-past four. We most likely still have two or three hours to go."

"But we've been on the train ages," complained Draco before moving his bishop.

"Ha! Check mate," her brother called out cheerfully.

"No, that's it. That's the fourth game you beat me at! I'm done playing," Draco said as he tipped over his King.

"Then what are we supposed to do?" asked Harry as he helped him pick up all the pieces. Some of them were being quite rude since he had sacrificed them along the way.

"I dunno,"

"Ugh. This is boring. Dad never said the train ride would be this boring."

"Please stop whining. It's quite annoying. Go, look for people if you need to. Just be quiet. And take Draco with you," Mia said annoyed from her spot. She was reclining against the outside wall of the train and had Artemis nestled against her throat as she read. She was quite comfortable but she couldn't concentrate with their talking.

"Why do I have to go?" asked Draco affronted.

"Because you'll keep him from doing anything too daft," she replied without looking up from her Potions book.

"Hey!" Harry said offended. He refrained from further protest when Mia turned a dark glare his way.

"Right. Off to find Blaise then. Or anyone," Harry said as he pulled Draco out of the compartment.

"About time," muttered Mia as she continued reading while petting Artemis. She could feel the kitten purring into her hair and it made her feel quite peaceful. The beautiful cat had fallen into a routine quite easily and had been fairly easy to train. She followed simple directions and loved to follow Mia around. Mia had even taken her on a run once, securing the small kitten within the hood of her running jacket. Harry had said Artemis kept her eyes wide open the entire time, taking in everything around them in the woods.

She had been reading for about thirty minutes when she heard the compartment door slide open again. Without even looking up she began to give her warnings. "If you make so much as a peep, I will hide Hedwig's box of treats so she pecks you every time she brings you anything."

"You know, can't say that would make a difference—"

"—but thanks for the warning."

'Oh no," she thought as she heard the familiar voices. She looked up and saw Fred and George standing right inside the compartment. They were both a bit taller than her and had the Weasley trademarks: bright red hair, face full of freckles, and dark blue eyes. They were standing half-leaning on the compartment wall, carrying what appeared to be a toad. She blinked at that.

"Is that Trevor?" she asked, pointing to the toad. Neville had rescued the poor thing the day after their campout when they found it injured in the lake at the Manor.

"Sure is. Saw the little fellow all miserable in his carrier and decided —"

"—he looked like he desperately needed a walk."

"Right. And does Neville know you're taking Trevor for a walk?" she asked suspiciously.

"About that. Might have forgotten—"

"—to mention that last bit to him."

Mia just sighed at their satisfied looks. "Fred, give me Trevor," she finally said after she sat up.

"How do you do that?" they asked at the same time. They were forever frustrated that she could tell them apart, no matter what they tried.

"You threw my favorite book into the lake," was all she said in reply. "Now give me the toad," she told them as she held out her hands.

"Now why would we do that?" asked George curiously.

"Because if you don't, I will tell your mother that you learned to pick locks so you can sneak into the broomshed at night" she told them calmly and watched their face blanche.

"H-how do you know about that?" Fred finally asked.

"Saw you guys through the kitchen window when we spent the night after you got back from visiting Charlie. I had been getting some water," she told them with a smirk.

"Right then. Freddie? How about we leave the toad with the nice girl," George asked his twin.

"Right. Here you go, we'll be off now," he said as he handed her the toad and scurried out of the compartment with his twin.

She was settled once more when not even ten minutes later the door flew open again. "Oh honestly! Is it so hard to let me read in peace?" she snapped annoyed. That is, until she saw a frantic Neville standing there getting ready to bolt at her sharp tone.

"Oh, Neville! Sorry, I thought you were the twins," she said apologetically.

"H-h-have they been in here? The twins I mean?" he asked as he began to wring his hands nervously. "It's just that I'm sharing a compartment with them and I think they let Trevor out and now I can't find him." He was getting more worked up by the second and looked close to tears by now.

"Neville, calm down. I have Trevor, it's fine!" she told him hastily.

"What? Where did you find him?" he asked her quickly.

"He's just here inside of Artemis's carrier. I didn't know where else to place him. I…liberated him from the twins," she told him as she got up to open the carrier.

"How? They never do that," he asked, staring at her in wonder.

Mia shrugged. "I was just persuasive," she said with a straight face. Neville didn't really believe that but he let it go. He was too relieved at having found Trevor after almost an hour of going up and down the train.

"You can stay here if you want. I think Draco and Harry have gone to see Blaise," she told him as she settled back into her seat with her book.

"You don't mind?" he asked hopefully. He really didn't want to risk the twins taking Trevor again.

" 'Course not. As long as you don't mind the quiet—I'll just be reading."

"Well okay. I'll leave Trevor here and go grab my Herbology book."

"Oh, that's alright. Here, you can borrow mine," she said as she climbed onto her seat and opened her trunk to pull out the book.

They spent the next hour reading peacefully, sharing the chocolate frogs and sugar quills that the boys had left behind. Mia had just decided to go check on her brother and cousin when the compartment door opened once more and the boys ran in. It was time to pull on their robes: they would be arriving in half an hour.

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"First years meet outside the train! Quickly now. You, there! Leave your trunk, they will be taken to your room," yelled an older student as she walked down the train. Mia could see the glint of her Head Girl badge on her robes as she got closer.

"Come on, move it firsties. You don't want to get left behind!" came the second shout of a male student, presumable the Head Boy.

"We better get going. Are you boys ready?" she asked as she bent to put an unhappy Artemis back in her carrier. Trevor, thankfully, was back in his own since Neville had returned to his compartment to change.

"Yeah, let's go!" cried Harry excitedly. He held out a hand to his sister, who twisted around and grabbed Draco's hand as well. Once they were sure they wouldn't lose each other in the crowd of students they headed outside.

"Firs' yers! All firs' yers' come wi' me!" bellowed the biggest man Mia had ever seen. He had to be seven feet tall! He had long coarse black hair and the wildest beard he she had ever seen. He was holding a lamp that had to be half her height over the crowd of students as they gathered around him.

"Woahhhh," she heard her brother say as he saw the man.

"Father told me about him. He was expelled from school when he was young and the Headmaster let him stay on as Groundskeeper. Father's been trying to have him fired all year since I'd be coming—says it wasn't safe with someone like him around," Draco said quietly.

Mia threw him a sharp look. "You don't actually believe that rubbish, do you?" she asked him evenly. Draco was a far cry from his father but every so often the prejudices he had grown up with showed through.

"No. No, mother said he was always kind to everyone. Had a penchant for strange pets though," he said as he shook his head and looked back up at the mountain of a man. Mia stared at him a moment before turning back around. Ten minutes later, after the Head Boy and Girl had ensured all students had exited the train, he began to speak once more.

"Alright! We'll be headin' towards the lake. Watch yer step now! And stay together!" he said as he began to lead them downhill.

"Well I hope I'm in Slytherin," Mia heard a girl behind her say.

"What's that?" came the voice of a second girl.

"You mean you don't know? Haven't your parents taught you anything?" she heard the first girl asked with contempt.

"My parents aren't magical," Mia heard the quiet reply.

"Oh, you're a muggleborn. My father says that muggleborns shouldn't be allowed to attend school." That was it. Harry had obviously heard the last comment and both she and her brother turned around furious.

The first girl was obviously from a wealthy family—Mia could see her robes were of excellent quality. She was about Mia's height and had short brown hair, brown eyes, and a mouth that was pinched in dislike. Next to her was a witch with strawberry blond hair and dark eyes, clearly her friend. The last girl, the muggleborn they had turned to stare down, had black hair and dark eyes. She had a look of shock on her face from what she had just heard.

"I'm sure what your father thinks will start to count one day. You know, when birds stop singing," replied Mia in a voice so cold, the first girl took a step back.

"You can't speak to me like that! Don't you know who I am?" she asked indignantly after she recovered.

"No. Can't say that I do. Nor can I say that I particularly care," she asked as she gave the girl a once over that found her lacking. That made Draco let out an amused chuckle. Harry, however, was still just glaring fiercely at the girl.

"I'm Violet Rosier! My father is Lord Rosier," she said, clearly waiting for them to be impressed.

"Hmmmm. Still don't care," Mia replied with total honesty.

"You obviously have no class. You should stick with the little muggleborn. No doubt you'll end up in Gryffindor. The common House," she said and with that her and her friend walked away.

"Thank you," replied the girl a bit hesitantly. She wasn't quite sure how she would be received and the girl with the strange eyes seemed very intimidating in that moment. As soon as she spoke, however, her eyes warmed up. The boys on either side of her relaxed, as well, which made her feel much better.

"You're welcome. And don't listen to anything she says. Harry's mum was a muggleborn and Papa says she was brilliant. One of the top students in her year. I'm Mia, by the way. Mia Black. This is my brother Harry Potter, and my cousin Draco Malfoy," she told her, pointing the boys accordingly.

"Nicola. Nicola Williams," she said with a smile.

"We best catch up," Harry said as he noticed the students burn around the corner in the path. Mia nodded and turned back around to follow him. They had to jog to catch up but when they finally did, they all stopped once more.

There before them rose Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It stood proudly in the distance, surrounded by the fog that had risen from the lake surrounding it. Mia thought the towers looked tall enough to reach out and touch the stars. It was the most enchanting sight she had ever seen, despite growing up surrounded by magick. She could only imagine how much more overwhelming it must be to all the muggleborns.

"Yer gonna need to get into the boats! No mor' than three to a boat!" bellowed the Groundskeeper.

"Let's go then," Draco said as he grabbed Mia's hand once more. He wanted to get to the sturdier looking boats first.

"We'll see you on the other side!" she turned around to call to Nicola as she was dragged away. The girl gave a faint nod before moving to the boats near her.

Once everyone had successfully climbed into one of the little boats, the Groundskeeper reached down to pick up a pink umbrella from inside his own boat and used it to tap it on the side. And then they were off, gliding smoothly through the water, and quickly approaching the looming castle.

"How on earth are we supposed to find our classes?" asked her brother more than a bit dismayed as the castle's size grew the closer they got.

"I'm sure we'll be fine," Draco said, but he didn't sound entirely convinced either.

The boats came together to form a single line as they approached the tunnel set in the Cliffside that disappearing beneath the castle.

"Watch yer heads now!" called back the Groundskeeper as he bent over in half to fit through the tunnel opening.

They were surrounded by complete darkness for a few seconds before the tunnel opened once more to reveal a dock of sorts. There was a small wooden platform attached to the stone steps that led up to what appeared to be a small stone chamber. One by one the boats stopped and let off its occupants before gliding forward once more and disappearing around a bend. When it was finally their turn, Mia hopped out gracefully first before reaching down to pull Harry up. He had a thing about standing up on boats since he fell overboard when he was seven while they were on holiday. Draco, knowing the story, placed a hand on Harry's back and helped steady him as he climbed out behind him. They climbed the stone steps and joined the students that had already gathered there. Mia could see large doors leading into the castle and, she assumed, the Sorting ceremony beyond.

"Right, yer to wait here for the professor. Welcome to Hogwarts!" boomed the man as he got back into his boat and floated down the tunnel.

"Mia!" she heard someone call behind her. She turned around and saw Neville, struggling to get through the throng of students. She smiled at him and turned around to tell Harry when she saw he had been cornered by the same girls as before.

"You're Harry Potter. I'm Violet Rosier and this is my friend Kaya Rowle. It's so nice to meet you," Violet said with a fake smile.

"Hmmm. Sorry, can't say the same," he said in the same voice his sister had used with her before. Mia snickered when she realized it had been too dark for the girls to see who he was before. They thought they were meeting for the first time.

"What are you laughing at?" she heard Violet snap at her.

"It's just a bit amusing, is all. How dense you are, I mean," Mia told her with an angelic smile. At this, both girls' faced turned red and they moved to face her fully.

"You don't know who you're talking to. You really should learn your place. What's your name anyway?" Violet snapped at her.

"Mia. Mia Black. That's my brother Harry. And that charming fellow right there is my cousin Draco Malfoy. So you see, Violet. I know who your father is. It just doesn't matter much," she said with a voice that had turned as cold as her stare.

Both girls' faces had gone pale knowing who they had been antagonizing this entire time. Violet, however, had apparently decided that she would not go down without a fight.

"Oh you're the one that Lord Black…took in. What? Did your own parents not want you? I mean you have those freakish eyes. Don't know why Lord Black would want someone like you," she said with cruelly. The students had began to whisper excitedly to themselves when her brother's name had rang out but, after Violet's words you could have heard a pin drop.

Mia's face had tightened for a second before it smoothed out into an emotionless mask. Harry looked livid, like he was ready to put Mr. Traver's training to the test. Draco looked like he could have shot an Avada with his eyes. He had just taken a step when the doors opened and out walked an older witch wearing square spectacles and emerald robes. Mia could see her black hair was pulled back into a severe bun that made her already stern expression worse.

"Am I interrupting something?" she asked tartly, a slight brogue shining through in her voice. She narrowed her eyes at the group in the middle, clearly aware that they were the instigators of whatever was happening. They all shook their heads, however, so she continued speaking.

"Well, in that case let's get started. I am Professor McGonagall and welcome to Hogwarts. You will accompany me down the hall and into the Great Hall, where you will be Sorted into one of four houses: Gryffindore, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin. After you are sorted, you can join your House and take a seat. The start-of-term feast will begin once everyone has been Sorted. I expect you will be able to behave yourselves in an appropriate manner as we enter. Any questions? No? Then let's not keep everyone waiting." With that she turned sharply and began to move into the castle proper, expecting the students to fall in line behind her.

Violet and her friend Kaya hurried to the front of the line, realizing that was the safest place for them at the moment. Harry, still seething, put his arm around Mia as they walked. She gave him a small smile in thanks before she turned to look straight ahead.

"Don't listen to her. She doesn't know anything," Draco leaned over to whisper before grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze.

"I know," she told him quietly. It was not the first time Mia had heard this line of comments, she just hadn't expected it here. Usually they came from middle-aged people whispering in the corners of her father's parties, not children her own age. She didn't have much time to dwell on that, however, because just then the doors ahead of them opened and she got her first look at the Great Hall.

The room was enormous, filled with four rows of long tables under the four banners levitating above them. The staff table was at the front of the room under large frosted windows; it was raised up on a small stone stage of sorts so the professors could oversee the students. What held Mia's attention, though, were the hundreds of floating candles that hovered under the enchanted ceiling. It reminded her of her bedroom ceiling at home, expect where hers was meant to show the Alya constellation, this one showed the entire night sky as it was outside.

"I read that it changes to show the weather outside," Harry whispered beside her.

Mia felt her brows raise in surprised at that and lowered her gaze to look at him. "I read too, you know. Sometimes," he said defensively.

"It's quite amazing," she told him as she looked back up at it. She snapped her attention to the front, however, when she heard the professor begin to speak. She held an unrolled parchment as she looked out over the group of first years.

"The Sorting Ceremony will now commence." With that she placed an old hat on the stool before her and stepped back.

'So that's the Sorting Hat. I thought it'd be…grander,' she thought as she looked at the worn and graying hat. She was just about to tell Draco so when the hat opened its mouth and cleared its throat before suddenly bursting into song.

"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 perchance in noble Slytherin,
Where silver tongues abound,

Their cunning, smarts, and patience,

Will lead you to astound;

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!"

After the hat finished the song, the Great Hall broke out in thunderous applause that took a few minutes to die down. Once it had ceased, the professor stepped forward once more, unrolled the sheet of parchment she had been carrying and picked up the Sorting Hat. "As I call your name, please take a seat on the stool so you may be placed in your House. Hannah Abbott."

A small girl with curly blond hair quickly walked to the front of the room and sat down on the stool before the professor. The professor placed the hat on the girl's head, where it promptly slipped down and covered her eyes. After about five seconds it opened its mouth and yelled,

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Next came Marie Bell who went to Gryffindor. That time the hat had barely touched her head before it had shouted out its decision. Mia was wondering why that was when she heard her own name being called.

"Mia Black"

She felt her stomach fill with nerves but made sure it didn't show on her face. Her Aunt Cissy would be proud to see her lessons had taken with the little witch. Mia could hear clearly the words her aunt had spoken as they practiced in front of the mirror while Harry and Draco did their best to upset her. 'A Lady of Houses such as ours must always present a confident front. You are the heir of a Noble House, darling, and everyone who looks at you must be reminded of what that means: strength and power.'

So Mia squared her shoulders and walked to the stool with her chin held high. She sat down primly and waited for the hat to be placed over her head. She did not expect it to talk, however. Her father had neglected to tell her that bit.

'Ahhh let's see what we have here. Oh, plenty of intelligence and a thirst for knowledge, yes. You would do well with Rowena's brood. The discipline, the wit, it's all there. But what's this? Oh my, my, my dearie. Look at the secrets you keep. Such cunning and strength it takes you to keep them hidden. Oh yes, you will do whatever you need to in order to protect those you love. Such a sly little witch you can be, isn't that right? Oh, no use trying to hide, I see it all. Yes, you might do well with Rowena's children but if you're to have a chance at keeping your secrets I better make it…..

"SLYTHERIN!" she heard the hat bellow, which made the whole room break out in whispers. It was no secret that her father had been unofficially disowned after he renounced his family ties when he was sorted into Gryffindor. And here his daughter was, being sorted into the House he had hated most.

'Hope I never have to do that again,' she thought fervently as the professor took off the hat and she walked to the Slytherin table. Her heart had nearly stopped when the house mentioned her secrets. She walked all the way to the end of one of the Slytherin tables, not wanting to talk to any of the older students. She ignored all the whispers around her and turned to watch the rest of the Sorting.

One by one the students were called up to the stool and efficiently placed into a House. Dozens of students were sorted before Neville wound up in Gryffindor, which would no doubt delight his grandmother. When Draco was called up he was quickly sent to Slytherin and made his way to her side, throwing his arm around her as they waited for Harry's turn. After about ten other students, Professor McGonagall finally got to his name.

"Harry Potter"

And the hall went silent. Mia fidgeted with her necklace with one hand and grabbed Draco's hand with the other, too busy looking at her brother to notice his wince of pain at her strong grip. It wouldn't really matter where Harry ended up, but she desperately wanted him with her. She held her breath, waiting for the hat to call out its decision—only it didn't happen.

"Hatstall" she heard some of the older students murmur in interest. She had no idea what that meant but she knew Harry would hate the added attention it would no doubt bring. Two more minutes went by before she finally saw the hat's mouth open.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Mia's shoulders lost their rigid set and she finally let go of Draco's hand, who immediately began to massage his numb fingers. She gave him an apologetic look before she was distracted by the hum of whispers that seemed to be growing in intensity. If her Sorting was guaranteed to fuel the gossip mill, Harry's would turn it ablaze. Before she could contemplate this long, however, she felt Harry drop down on her other side and give her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Relax, as if I would end up anywhere else," he told her with a smirk. She gave a relieved laugh and turned forward once more as the ceremony continued.

She was not happy, although not surprised, when Violet and Kaya ended up in Slytherin. Thankfully there were no empty seats around them and they sat at the last table, far enough away that Mia didn't have the urge to stab them with her fork. The twins ended up in Gryffindor, which surprised her. She had thought for sure with their intelligence and sneakiness it would be between Ravenclaw and Slytherin.

'Poor Neville will have to live with them,' she thought as she turned to look at her friend three tables over. He looked quite pale, as though he had just had the same realization. She soon saw Nicola take a seat beside him, having obviously been sorted with lions as well.

Blaise was the last to be sorted and he joined them in Slytherin, squeezing in between the students that sat across the table from Mia and the boys. He grinned as he threw a wink at Mia, obviously seeing her disappointed look. Mia rolled her eyes and turned to face the front of the Great Hall as the Headmaster stood from his seat and waved his wand in front of his throat before his voice boomed out.

"Welcome! Welcome to our new students who are ready and eager to learn! And welcome, too, to you returning students who have no doubt used the summer to empty out your heads once more! I know you are anxious to enjoy the feast, but a few words and announcements first. Please join me in welcoming our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Quirinus Quirrell!" A man about halfway down the table stood up with a nervous smile. He was of medium height and pale, with a large purple turban wrapped around his head. Professor Dumbledore waited for the polite applause to die down before he continued with a smile.

"Yes. Welcome Professor. Now, a reminder that the Forbidden Forrest is off limits to students, new or returning, unless specifically instructed otherwise. Our wonderful Caretaker, Argus Filch, would also like me to remind you that all joke products are banned in the school hallways and will be confiscated on sight. Lastly, 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," he said with a bland smile. Mia stared at him in disbelief, convinced he was about to start laughing at his joke. All he did, however, was clap his hands once before he continued. "Now then. I'll leave you with a few words to contemplate over our delicious feast: gook, dwak, timble." With that the tables suddenly filled with food of every sort imaginable and students across the Hall turned to dig in.

"That was…interesting," Draco drawled at last as he reached for some shepherd's pie.

"You don't think he was serious, do you? With the bit about a painful death? He couldn't have been serious," exclaimed Harry more than a bit apprehensive at the thought of getting lost and ending up dead.

"You never know with the Headmaster," one of the older students said as he leaned over to get to the rolls by Harry's elbow. "My brother swears that he filled a whole room with Boggarts once while he was in school. Something about research for the Defense professor of the time," he said with a shrug. "I'm Marcus, by the way. Marcus Flint, fourth year."

"Is that even legal?" asked Harry alarmed.

"I dunno. Then again, isn't much anyone can do about how Dumbledore runs the school. One of the best Headmasters the school's had in decades." With that he turned back around to his friends.

"You're awfully quiet about this Mia," Harry said as he finally turned to face her. Mia, however, had discovered that there was chocolate mousse among the desserts and was wholly unconcerned with their troubles.

" 'm Sure it will be fine," she finally mumbled distractedly as she took another delicious bite, causing the boys to shake their heads in amusement as they dug into their own food. Much later, after she had eaten actual food and dived back in for another chocolate mousse, the Headmaster stood once more.

"What an excellent meal our house-elves have prepared once more. Now, if you could please stand and join me, I'd like to end this wonderful night with our school songs. Pick your favorite tune and…we're off!" he said as he waved his wand in the air and the lyrics to the song appeared. Mia chose her favorite Weird Sisters song as she began to sing along.

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

The twins had apparently picked a funeral march and were the last to finish, with Professor Dumbldore smiling in great amusement as their final notes rang out. "Excellent range Misters Weasley! Now, everyone is dismissed. Prefects, please gather your first years and take them to your common rooms. Breakfast will be served at 7:30, with classes beginning at 9a.m. sharp!" he said loudly as students began to stand and exit the Hall.

"First years, come with me!" said a tall girl with dark skin who had her hair braided back. She stood at the end of the table and did a headcount before turning around and following the rest of the student body out. She didn't say much but she did stop every so often to make sure she hadn't lost anyone along the way. Finally, when they had travelled through a couple of corridors, they reached the stairs that led down to the dungeons.

"I'm Jade Rourke, sixth year prefect. I hope you were paying attention because you'll need to know how to get to breakfast in the morning. Our common room is in the dungeons, as you might have already guessed. It can get quite damp down here so—watch your step now, girl—so you might want to make sure to wear a jumper under your robes. The common room itself is quite comfortable as the elves keep the fires going throughout the day. Your timetables will be handed out tomorrow at breakfast by our Head, so leave enough time to come back for your books. Right then, here we are," she said as she led them behind a wall. All Mia could see when she looked at what Jade was looking at, however, was a bare solid stone wall.

"Neidr" she said and the first years gasped in awe as the wall seemed to melt before them. "Remember that password, it's the only way to open the common room and it is not a fun experience to sleep on the damp ground. Horatio here can attest to it" she said with a chuckle as an older student stepped out of the common room and the wall formed once again.

"It happened one time," grumbled the boy before turning to look at the first years. "I'm Horatio Jones and I'm a sixth year prefect for our House as well. Now, a few quick things before we go inside. Our Head of House is waiting to talk to you. Do not speak while he is speaking. Do not show disrespect. Find a seat and be quiet. He will answer whatever questions you have afterwards," he told them seriously before stepping aside and speaking the password once more.

The inside of the common room was very different from what Mia expected. She quickly took a seat on one of the couches and looked around intrigued. It was big and well-lit, filled with roaring fires and comfortable looking armchairs and couches. She could see more than a few study tables spread about the room, as well as a bookcase with several texts. The strangest part, really, were the windows. She didn't even think the dungeon could have windows. They glowed a strange murky green and she saw something suddenly dart through on the outside.

'That was a fish,' she thought taken aback. 'We're beneath the lake and that was a fish. This is so strange."

"Welcome," she heard a familiar deep and silky voice say. When she turned around she saw Professor Snape get up from one of the arm chairs. It took her a few seconds to recognize him because he looked quite different now; he had formal robes on and was now clean-shaven. "I am Professor Snape, Hogwart's Potions Master. I am also your Head of House, as you have no doubt been informed. A few rules I would like to go over: You are to never leave the common room alone, nor are you to wander about the castle without a companion. Our House is not looked upon…favorably by some and there will be those who may make their feelings known. Should that happen, you are to notify a prefect, the Head Girl, or myself. In that order," he told them as he began to pace slowly around the room. When his gaze landed on her he looked down and seemed to falter, making Mia realize she had begun to nervously fidget with her necklace once more.

'He probably thinks I wasn't paying attention,' she thought as she threw him an apologetic look. He stared at her a second longer before he continued with his pacing, as well as his speech.

"I will not suffer in-house fighting, we have enough conflict to deal with to be bothering with petty squabbles. If you have an issue, fix it. If you do not care for someone, ignore them. But I will not have hexes or spells thrown about. I expect you to be on your best behavior in class and assignments to be handed in on time. Should you find you are struggling with a subject, Prefects and older students will be available for tutoring before dinner for two hours. You will find them seated at the tables and ready to help. This means there are no excuses for poor marks in this House," he said firmly.

"Lastly, my office is always open to students should you have need. All conversations are confidential, so you need not worry about what you say. The girls' dormitory is to the right, the boys' to the left. The first two room in either hallway house the first years. Your name will be written beside the door so you know which one you will be staying in. Your trunks and pets have been brought up and you will find them at the foot of your bed. Any questions? No? Then I will see you tomorrow in the Great Hall to give you your timetables. Goodnight," he said as he shot Mia one last fleeting look before walking out.

"Well I don't know about you guys, but I'm beat," said Harry as he stood up. "Draco, mate, let's go get check out what room we're in and meet the other snakes" he said with a grin.

Mia stood up and gave him a quick hug, using the opportunity to whisper in his ear. "Don't forget the silencing spell." Harry gave a small smile before nodding his head. Draco yawned and gave her a quick peck before he followed Harry out.

'Might as well get this over with,' she thought unenthusiastically as she headed towards her room. Sure enough, she would be with her two new friends and they were already waiting for her. They were sat on the first bed and as soon as Mia walked in Violet stood to get in her way.

"Oh look. It's the castaway," she said with a sneer.

'This is going to be a long year,' Mia thought.

She looked at the girl in silence for a moment before she spoke. "That took you the entire feast to come up with, didn't it?" she asked with fake concern.

Violet turned red before she took another step closer to Mia. "I don't care if your dad is Lord Black. You don't matter and I'm not afraid of you," she said scathingly.

Mia closed the distance between them before giving her a chilling smile. 'You should be."

Perhaps it was the smile, or the way her eyes glowed a bit at her words, but whatever it was Violet took an instinctive step back and moved out of her way. When she realized what she'd done she blushed once more before turning away with a grumble.

Mia walked over to her bed and took out Artemis, carefully placing the kitten on her bed. She looked around and noticed there were two more beds in their room. She had no idea who they belonged to as she hadn't really taken a good look at the list outside the door. Deciding that she would find out soon enough, she leaned down to open her trunk and took out her pajamas. She was quite exhausted and she needed to be up early if she wanted to have a shot at the communal bathroom. She had just finished changing and was about to crawl into bed when the last two girls finally bounced in.

They were both pretty in very different ways. The first one had long blond hair and was a bit fuller than the average girl. She had delicate aristocratic features and pale green eyes. The second girl, by contrast, was on the taller side with short black hair and light brown eyes. They were laughing quietly at something as they walked in before Violet sprang up to introduce herself.

"Hello, I'm Violet Rosier. This is my friend Kaya Rowle," she said almost stepping on the blond girl in her haste to get close.

"Oh, uh, hello. I'm Pansy Parkinson," she said a bit startled.

"Millicent Bulstrode," said the dark-haired girl quietly, looking at the new girls.

"And you are?" asked Pansy as she saw Mia in the back of the room.

"Oh, she's not important, if you ask me" Violet said dismissively before Mia could answer.

"Oh, I but I didn't ask you, did I?" replied Pansy as her voice turned sharp. Mia looked up at that and decided she liked her.

"I'm Mia. Mia Black. Pleasure to meet you," she said with a small smile that was returned immediately by Pansy.

Millicent and Pansy both walked over to her, effectively ignoring Violet's sputtering, and sat on her bed.

"Can't stand rude people," muttered Pansy to her. "Oh, a kitten! Oh, I almost didn't see him under your pillow," she exclaimed suddenly.

"Her actually. Her name's Artemis," she told her as she extracted her cat from her bed.

Millicent snorted at that and reached down to pet her. "She's gorgeous. She has very strange eyes though. I've never seen anything like them," she said quietly. Pansy hummed her agreement as she leaned forward to pet her as well.

"Have you two known each other long?" Mia finally asked them.

"Sure. I've known Millie since we were little girls. Our mothers met at some event, you see, and found out we were the same age. We've practically grown up together," Pansy answered. She was clearly the more social of the two. "I love your eyes, by the way. They're quite pretty. A bit unsettling, but very pretty," she suddenly told her.

Mia blushed at the unexpected compliment. "Oh, uh, thanks."

"Don't pay attention to them. I've heard her older sister is just as nasty. She was in the same year as my brother, you see. Anthony couldn't stand her," she whispered to Mia as she looked over at the girls behind them.

"I feel sorry for your brother," she muttered under her breath, making both girls giggle.

"Yes, well I do too now. Don't worry though. I've been handling horrid people for a long time. My cousin Geraldine is a nightmare," she said with a shudder.

"We better get ready for bed. Have to be up early tomorrow," Millicent finally said.

"Yes, you're right," Pansy agreed with a sigh. "Well it was nice to meet you Mia. I think we're going to get along fine. Goodnight," she said with a smile. Millicent gave her a hesitant smile before moving away as well and heading towards her trunk. Mia returned the gesture before reaching around to close her bed drapes so she could settle in. Artemis quickly padded over to her and proceeded to burrow into her curls.

'At least I won't be outnumbered,' was her last thought before she drifted off to sleep.

A/N: Soooo what'd you think? Leave a review and let me know! Also, I take zero credit for the few quotes I included-they were just such iconic lines I had to include them. The songs are also property of Queen Rowling, except the Slytherin verse. I reworked that one since I thought the poor dears needed more praise.

ps- sorry about the formatting in the song, FFN format has been fighting me hard