A/N: Okay, this is really late! But it's Winter Break, and I'll be update a bunch more, trust me! And this chapter's short too, so it doesn't even cover anything I owe you guys. I'm working on the next chapter, so yeah. Don't worry.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything but plot and Aubree Sewell.

From train, to little boats, to the school grounds, we finally reached our destination, Hogwarts. As we entered, I was utterly surprised. Just at the size of it was… riveting. I freaked out when I saw a few ghosts, I literally screamed. Not a good thing if you see ghosts. But Hermione whispered that they're friendly ghosts. Relieved, we stepped on the stairs and they started moving.

"Bloody hell," I gasped from shock, "seriously, magic is not my thing."

Harry and Ron snickered while Hermione gave them a warning glare. I might as well have shot one at them, but recovering my breath took that time. We ran down the stairs, out of the chamber, back across the hall and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall.

I gawped as I entered the Great Hall. Thousands of candles floating in the air, the hall was empty, except for them. The long table at the far end of the hall was for the staff, noticing the throne-like chair was for Dumbledore, who was indeed, the headmaster.

My stuff was in some other big room, no need to worry about that. I smiled as I twirled down the aisles between tables.

"So big!" I shrieked. I guess it was impossible for my claustrophobia to come.

"I know!" Hermione ran up to her. "The Sorting Hat Banquet is about to start!"

"Huh?" I stopped twirling. "The What Banquet?"

Harry walked up to me. "The Sorting Hat Banquet is where you get sorted into which house you're going to live in all the years you'll be here."

"Okay," I paused, "which house are you mates in?"

"Gryffindor." All three of them replied.

I groaned. "What if I don't get in the same house as you… and Ron and Hermione?" I slightly blushed at my comment. Almost caught…

"Don't worry… we'll still be friends." Harry said, sadly though, as if he'd never see me again. Sad, sad thoughts.

I gulped as the other students started piling in. Not good, not good. Loads of other students would get sorted as first years, of course. Being sorted as a fifth year... kind of stinks, doesn't it?

Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table. I wandered and followed the first-years who were sitting at some table, waiting to be sorted. Sighing, I sat hesitantly with the first years. I felt like so old compared to the first-years. Looking back at the trio, they gave me a confident look as I showed no expression. Feeling daggers shooting at my back, I turned to find Draco looking at me. I sent daggers back.

The staff lined up behind the table in orderly manner and sat down as if in perfect timing. Dumbledore saw me and winked; I blushed at the fact that he was trying to make me feel better. A lady in emerald robes took out a three-legged stool and placed a hat-like thing, patched, frayed, and extremely dirty, on the stool. It sang an introductory song, which was pretty well written, and apparently made Ron and some first-years snooze. I learned that the Sorting Hat was made thousands of years ago by the four house founders: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. I knew I would have to know it, so I mentally made a note of this.

Then, the Sorting Hat began to call names.

I was half asleep by the time they were even near the letter S. I can tell, everyone was restless; well, at least the ones who haven't been sorted yet and whoever has been at this school for so long and have already been sorted. I was so tired; I almost didn't hear the Sorting Hat say my name.

"Sewell, Aubree." It stated as I jumped, startled to hear my name. Before standing up, I glanced at Harry, who gave me an encouraging look.

I hesitantly stood up and walked to the three-legged stool and the Sorting Hat. I grimaced at it before sitting down silently. I felt all eyes stare at me as I gulped and the lady put the hat on me. I think I could've fit in as a first-year; I was quite short.

Okay, so, I just sat there as I could hear the Sorting Hat mumble something. Very loyal, Hufflepuff. Yet stubborn… Gryffindor qualities. Very cunning, like a Slytherin. Definitely not a Ravenclaw. After about almost a minute, the Sorting Hat rumbled and roared, "Gryffindor!"

I literally jumped off the stool and ran toward the Gryffindor table, where everyone was cheering, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I was so glad to be with them, I swear. If I wasn't I wouldn't have made any friends. Ginny pounced on me and Harry patted me on the back. And that felt better than it should've been. It's just a pat on the back, yet I couldn't help but to grin at that. Ron just rolled his eyes while Hermione lightly smacked him in the arm.

I glanced at the Slytherin table while sitting between Hermione and Harry; Malfoy was staring at me straight in the eye. I glared back before I started to make a light conversation with Ginny and Hermione. I couldn't help but think of some things to do to that Malfoy boy when I got the chance. And Harry, Ron, and Hermione were just the people to help.

The Sorting was finally over, and I think I was asleep, because I was awoken by Hermione. "I was just resting my eyes," I told her, "seriously; I have had lack of sleep for the past few days, if you haven't noticed!" Ginny giggled as Dumbledore tried to get everyone's attention.

And he finally did, after everyone saw him look at me with a wink.

"Students!" He calmly said, his voice echoing around the Great Hall. "Welcome to another year in Hogwarts!" Applause rung through the hall as everyone clapped and cheered. "This year, we were very special to have a special attachment to the castle. We have a real tomb on the west side of the castle, where History of Magic classes will be held." More applause hung around the big space. I groaned; history was always my worst subject. "Classes will resume in the next few days, so please get ready to uncover history you will never expect." He winked at me once again; was there something I was missing?

Students started piling back into the corridors of the Hogwarts castle. Dumbledore asked the trio and me to stay behind; I just wanted to rest into my bed. But that wasn't going to happen soon. As soon as everyone left, a swish of his wand closed the big doors and he motioned us to huddle around him.

"Harry, Ron, Hermione," he shook his head as he said this, "some things might happen at Hogwarts because of this tomb. People might get hurt," he eyed me as he said this, "and you three are the most trustworthy young wizards I can trust."

Harry nodded. "So, what do you want us to do?"

"I need you three to protect Aubree from whatever is going to come her way."

A/N: Again, sorry it's so short! I appreciate reviews!