(Chapter 11 updated March 15, 2007)
September 1, 1990.
(The Chosen Four are reunited. Gryffindor has another.)
It was weird to be finally making my journey to King's Cross for the first time as a student. I had gone several times with my brother Kent, but now it was my time to go on the Hogwarts Express for myself. I had no clue what to was in store for me at King's Cross and more importantly Hogwarts. My father didn't even bother coming with me, which I was glad for. I didn't want him to ruin my moment of glory. And even better yet…. KENT home to bring me too!
This is a new chapter in my life. I have a new diary, new clothes, a new wand, a new owl, new books, a new trunk… basically everything is new. I am ready for a fresh start. Before I was always Katie the tomboy or Katie the flower freak. Maybe I will finally break out of my shell and make real friends. I was friendly with my childhood friends, but we never did the sleepovers or really going shopping together. It was enough for me then, but not I am at a stage in my life where I need to become more comfortable with who I am. And whats a better way than establishing a tight network of friends?
I knew how to get through the barrier after doing it several times dropping off and getting Kent with my parents. I was so happy it was my time. My brother put my trunk on the train as my mother gave me a hug. She knew I didn't want to be treated like a little child or embarrassed in front of others so she gave me a hug. Kent did also, and I had received glares from several girls around me. He Apparated after that for he had to return to the National Stadium. My mother followed suit soon after.
xXxXxXx The Four xXxXxXx
As I got on the train I found an empty compartment. It was a fairly early in the day so the train was essentially empty. There were a few people here and there, but I had not changed completely. If people were going to sit with me they were going to sit with me I was not going to go searching for them. I know that doesn't seem like the new and improved Katherine Ann Bell, but cut me some slack. A girl can only do so much.
Not soon after I was joined by a Chinese girl that told me her name was Cho. We hit it off almost right away. She was a big Tornadoes fan but admitted Puddlemere was a close second to her. (The Tornadoes were a good team despite their League standings. I personally liked Puddlemere, the Falcons, and the Tornadoes). We soon began to get deeply involved into conversation about coursework. We shared more than a mutual respect for quidditch. About an hour later another girl came into our compartment and asked if she could sit with us. Her name was Leanne and she got along really well with us. Before we knew it, the train was about to depart.
Leanne and Cho got along well too. We were all so similar yet different. I had an older brother that went as well as my parents, Cho's parents did as well, but Leanne was a muggleborn. She was taking it a lot better than some of the muggleborns I saw when we brought Kent over the years. Leanne was a muggleborn, but had read many books and had stayed in Diagon Alley with her parents for a month (instead of their annual vacation to a different country in the world) in Diagon Alley and had become accustomed to the magic. She's quiet, but I think she was just nervous.
The three of us talked for the rest of the ride as if we had been best friends for life. It was amazing how good of a time we had together. We really hit it off well. I didn't feel homesick. We all got a whole bunch of candy when the Trolly Lady came by. We had not even noticed the time fly by when a prefect came by and told us to get our robes on. Despite being the muggleborn, Leanne got into her's with the greatest ease and was the most comfortable in her's. Cho and myself had grown up with robes, but still had not managed to acquire the grace Leanne had managed to have learned during her month stay in Diagon Alley. I had a feeling we were going to be friends no matter what houses we were all sorted in.
As soon as we departed from the train we followed this really tall man (I swear he must be at least half-giant!) and got into boats. As we were about to leave we were joined by a fourth girl that immediately rubbed Leanne and myself the wrong way. Cho seemed to have recognize her from some where but did not mention much. We had some idle chit chat and before we knew it we were approaching Hogwarts! It was getting cold and I could not wait to get inside, sorted, and have a warm dinner in my stomach.
xXxXxXx The Four xXxXxXx
I was just so happy to have friends before the sorting because even if we weren't in the same house we would be bound to have at least one class together and we could study together. When Kent started at Hogwarts he would send home post almost every other day for most of his first year because he had such a hard time making friends. We never have been too competitive with each other but it made me feel happy inside that I had finally accomplished something my older brother had not!
The four of us, including the fourth girl who we learned on our way up the stairs was named Marietta, made a quick trip as it was quite nippy by the time we had arrived. Though Marietta was quite annoying, Leanne and myself bit our tongues to keep Cho happy, albeit Cho looked like she was prepared to kill Marietta there and then.
It was just awesome to be independent for once… well kind of… Being at school is going to make me have to change how I act. I am going to have to interact with people my age everyday and learn how to bite my tongue. My father was hoping I would become more studious (and become a Ravenclaw or Slytherin), but I had no intentions of pleasing him. I know that sounds really cruel and everything, however I am going to become my own person. I am not going to do things to please my peers, my friends, my professors, the headmaster, my brother, or my parents. I WILL DO EVERYTHING FOR MYSELF!!!
I will admit that sounds very selfish, but if I focus only achieving goals for myself I feel I will have a better chance of succeeding. That doesn't mean I won't hesitate to help someone with an assignment or get them out of a jam, but I will be doing stuff for personal fulfillment. I know that sounds weird and awfully Slytherin in a sense while also possessing hints of Hufflepuff. I just like helping others. In a sense I use others by helping them to make me feel good about myself.
I am very wise and do my work and receive top marks as many Ravenclaws, but I lack the ambition that drives Slytherin in academics and the passion for Ravenclaws. Nonetheless I am as dedicated, focus, and loyal as any Hufflepuff…that really makes me think that I will end up in Hufflepuff. I don't think I am brave enough for Gryffindor…
Though I have stood up to my father several times, I know when to and not to pick a fight, and am very headstrong. Once I make up my mind there is no way I am backing out of it. I am not perfect and I have never claimed that I am, but sometimes I feel like I have to be because everyone associates me with my parents or my brother. I guess that's how I could be in just about any house… though I would prefer death over Ravenclaw… and heck Slytherin too.
If I get into Hufflepuff I will have to follow in my brother's legacy… so I guess I will just have to prove that I am as brave if not even more so than even Godric Gryffindor himself! I just don't think I will get in there. In a sense I have too much ambition to not be in Slytherin. But that in combination with my natural intelligence could also put me in with those wretched Ravenclaws and then I would have to listen to my father go on and on about how my grades aren't good enough or how I am not acting the way a girl should. I am hardworking and dedicated. I have always been loyal to the few friends I have had so I guess I could have no problem getting into Hufflepuff.
I just don't know why I am bothering to even think I have a chance to get into Gryffindor. I will admit it would be awesome to be there, but I just cannot fathom being able to prove myself enough to get in there. So I guess I will just have to wait. Everyone (well aside from the muggleborns most of the time) have already chosen a house (and in some cases two houses) that they want to get into. I just can't really make up my mind because I am damned with my personality. Because of it I will get stuck in three houses that will ruin my life because of the expectations there will be for me on account of my family. And there is no way I will get into Gryffindor… though I will admit I have always fancied lions and the colors scarlet and gold…
xXxXxXx The Four xXxXxXx
The sorting hat sang its song, though I had paid little attention to it, but for a brief span of time I listened attentively. Then after it had sang its song it had immediately after said something that caught my interest. Something about the Chosen Four will protect the school. We are in for some tough times the next few years. The four will wield air, fire, water, and earth.
I had zoned out for quite a long time… well to me at least. Cho had poked me just as:
"Bell, Katie" McGonagall read off her list.
Cho was the one to poke me because we were in alphabetical order. There were one or two people ahead of me… I cannot remember. Cho came immediately after me and soon after her were Marietta and Leanne (though not consecutively). I had began the walk up the middle aisle before I glanced to one side and saw a familiar face, one I had not seen in a few years. It just surprised me which house he was sorted into. I guess he had really changed…
I saw Flint over at the Slytherin table. He is not much of a looker, but he sis (or maybe its was now that he is a Slytherin) a nice guy. He gave a quick smile and a nod while the people around him weren't looking. Not long after I placed the hat on my head. Now my fate for the next seven years and possibly the rest of my life would depend on the decision of a stupid, old, smelly hat.
xXxXxXx The Four xXxXxXx
"Merlin. The fourth has arrived. And she wields earth" the hat nearly shouted to me.
'So I am one of the Chosen Four. My grandma knows something. The tales of the Four to some extent were often the subject of my childhood nighttime stories.'
"Ravenclaw is wrong for you. You are wise, but have do have neither a passion for reading or a desire to learn more than that is expected of you. Slytherin is also an ill choice for you. You Katie Bell are as crafty and ambitious as many of the most prominent members of Slytherin house, but are too selfless to lie in the den of the snakes. You are cunning but lack the wit."
'There goes my chances with Marcus' I thought to myself. I never really saw myself as a Slytherin but it would be nice to be with an older student that could help shield me from unwanted admirers.
"Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. Both fine houses and as similar as the last pair. For while Ravenclaw and Slytherin valued intellect, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff valued actions and intent. The former couple judged the book by the cover so to speak. They were very narrow minded in their evaluation of a students character and ability. There are some things that cannot be learned out of a book. Doing things dishonestly or for the wrong intentions are not noble qualities"
'Not exactly good or bad choices. I guess I am a better person that I thought!'
"Katie Bell you need to have more faith in yourself. Godric and Helga as a couple and as individuals kept an open mind while evaluating possible dangers and their students. That is why they died together and Ravenclaw and Slytherin each died alone. For acting noble, brave, dedicated, and loyal will get you farther in life than solely relying on one's intelligence and ability at cheating others through wit or cunning."
'I don't understand' I thought.
"In time you will young lass. Remember to stay true to yourself. There are many evils you have yet to face. When you find your true love you will know it and they will appreciate everything that you are, have become, and will become. Change because you want to, not because others want you to. This is a hard decision because you share all of the qualities of both Godric and Helga as well as a few of the remaining founders. Earth would put you in Hufflepuff, but…"
'But what? If I have a legacy to fulfill!'
"GRYFFINDOR!"
xXxXxXx The Four xXxXxXx
I took off my hat and began to walk to the Gryffindor table. Before I chose a seat quite far from the Head Table I turned and saw a sad face on Marcus. I was greeted over at the Gryffindor by many giggles and odd stares. But I was drawn to this one kid. His warm personality seemed to draw me to him. He was older than me, but treated me with respect.
Cho was soon sorted into Ravenclaw. If fit her well. I had a feeling she would be a Ravenclaw. I still could not believe I had become a Gryffindor! My father would be so angry! I know I will eventually will have to be mature enough to tell my father I am my own person and that I will live my life the way I want to, but for now I will enjoy being a child.
Marietta not too long after was sorted into Ravenclaw. I gave Cho a Sympathetic look from my seat and she did not look very happy when Marietta plopped down right next to her. On the Brightside Leanne was also sorted into Gryffindor! I was so happy. As much as I had clicked with Cho, I felt a stronger connection with Leanne despite spending less time with her.
I still can't believe I got into Gryffindor! Well anyway time will tell how everything pans out. I still don't get why the Sorting Hat talked so much of the Founders Four and not about "The Four." It really confuses me and I wonder who the other three of "the New Four" are.
xXxXxXx The Four xXxXxXx
Dear Diary,
It's Katie here. I am so sad that my first year is over! I met so many awesome people in my year, those above me, and in the other houses. I had no clue that Hogwarts were going to be this fun. I really think that I am finally finding myself. I cant believe it has taken this long but I have finally have found a niche for myself in this thing called life.
I have to admit being girly can be fun at times. Cho, Leanne, and even Marietta to some extent have stuck by me through and through. It has been loads of fun and I cannot even imagine a year without any of them.
Then there is Alicia and Angelina in the year above me. Angelina is a starting chaser for Gryffindor and Alicia is a reserve one. They really took me under their wing. I think I may even try out as a chaser next year!
Then there are the Weasley twins. They are so funny. They always have everyone on edge…
Then there's Oliver and Marcus. My big brothers in a sense—Marcus is in Slytherin but he still tries his best to look out for me here and there. And Oliver, well the quidditch-Nazi is a good guy deep down but is too obsessed for his own good. I know I will most likely get a lecture from someone if this journal is ever found about how I used "Nazi" so loosely…but you should go try meeting Oliver…
Love, Katie
xXxXxXx The Four xXxXxXx
Author's Note
This is the longest chapter I have written! Its almost three thousand words strong! I want to thank everyone for being there for me. Since I have been so busy I am doing a mass update tonight. About five or six… maybe more chapters since my spring break starts after my last class tomorrow.
I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I have enjoyed writing and updating it for you the readers to enjoy. I hope the diary reflection at the end of this chapter and the previous one really helped you see into Katie and Cedric's personalities.
I went for a third person perspective for Oliver and Marcus because despite them being minor characters, a lot can be assumed from how they act, while Katie and Cedric have even less to their personalities/ characters.
Well I don't own any of this… I wish I did own the Harry Potter franchise!
Peace,
Griffin!