"Anything off the trolley, dears?" The trolley woman came by with a smile. Mara's face lit up as she moved to the cart but Harry noticed Ron's face droop at the sight of the sweets. Catching Harry's eyes, Ron's ears turned pink as he pulled out a bag of smashed sandwiches. "Mum made me sandwiches for the ride." He explained but Harry could see the underlining message.
Mara sat down with her arms full of sweets. Harry groaned. "Mara…" He complained. He was not getting in trouble with this. Mara hushed him before pouring the sweets onto the seat. She grinned, taking a chocolate frog and carefully unwrapping it. When it was fully unwrapped, the frog came to life, going for a jump. Mid-jump, Mara skillfully grabbed it and bit off its head.
Hermione looked at her horrified. "That's terrible!"
Mara gave her a grin as she finished chewing the poor frogs head. "It's magic, Hermione. It's just chocolate."
Harry snorted and Mara gave him a warning glare. He grinned before turning to them. "Our Uncle moony got her addicted to them but when he first showed her them, she burst into tears because she thought he was killing actual frogs."
Mara shot him a glare as Ron burst into laughter.
Neville hid his smile before adding onto it. "That's why she bites the head off." He snickered.
Hermione looked between the two boys as Mara colored red. Curious, she asked, "Why?"
Mara groaned, her face bright red as Harry told them "Uncle Moony told her that the frog wouldn't feel any pain if you bite the head off first so it's humane."
Mara groaned, her head in her hands as Hermione gave her an amused smile. "What kind of magic do they use to make the frogs move?" Hermione asked, trying to get the heat off Mara.
Harry shrugged. "It's a combination of a couple of charms but it's kept secret by the company. I'm sure you could figure it out but it's more work than it is for a couple of sickles to buy one."
Hermione nodded as Mara stood up from her seat, handing candy to Ron with a bright smile. "I'll trade you some pasties for a sandwich."
He frowned. "You don't want these-Corned beef." Mara rolled her eyes.
"Of Course not but Breena might."
'Not likely. It smells retched.' Breena muttered from where she was curled, having been pushed off mara's lap.
Mara pretended not to hear.
"You might want to take it, mate. Her cat can be vicious," Harry told him with a smile.
Ron grinned and handed her the sandwiches for the candy. Mara grabbed a handful of chocolate frogs before holding them to Hermione.
She shook her head. "Sorry, my parents are dentists. They don't like me to have candy."
Mara pouted and Harry winked at her. "Your parents aren't here, Hermione and one pasty won't hurt you. If they ask, tell your parents it was to immerse yourself in wizarding culture."
Hermione gave him a frown but he could see she was repressing a smile. She looked at the large pile of candy before sighing. "All right but just one."
Mara and Ron whooped and Harry sent her a grin.
She picked up a Cauldron cake and tentatively bit a piece of it. Her eyes lit up. "It's really good," Her face turned pink as the others laughed.
Mara let out a sigh as she unwrapped another Dumbledore card from her chocolate frog. "Another Dumbledore."
Ron looked up. "You collect the cards too?" He asked with a grin.
Harry rolled his eyes. "She's got the whole collection."
Mara sent him a glare before giving Ron a sheepish grin who stared at her in awe. "I really like chocolate frogs. Uncle Moony always makes sure to bring some kind of chocolate every time he visits." She didn't mention why they both liked chocolate and Harry didn't either.
Mara's eyes lit up though when she spotted Bertie Botts every flavor beans. She grinned and Harry rolled his eyes, already knowing what she was going to do.
"Hey, Ron," Mara grinned at him, mischievously. "Why don't you and Harry have a contest? Who can eat the most Bertie Botts?"
Ron looked at her confused but didn't back down from the challenge.
Harry gave her an amused grin and Neville snickered in the background much to Hermione's confusion who gave them a confused look but Mara shushed her.
The Two boys each grabbed a Bertie botts from the container, Harry's was a dark brown color while Ron's was a green color.
Mara counted from three and the two boys plunged the bean into the mouth. As they chewed, Harry's mouth stayed a neutral expression while Ron's quickly turned into a disgusted expression.
"Grass." Ron choked out. Harry grinned. "Mint Chocolate."
Ron gave him a glare but Harry just grinned.
"Round Two!" Mara announced loudly, grinning at the two boys.
Ron picked up a pinkish color while Harry grabbed a white one.
"Salmon," Ron said with a shudder. Harry grinned. "Marshmallow."
So one it went, Ron never giving up.
"Mustard."
"Strawberry and Peanut Butter."
"Earthworm."
"Peppermint."
"Toffee!" Ron had shouted when he finally got a good one.
Harry raised an eyebrow, chewing on his bean. "Blueberry Pie."
Ron groaned. "I give up, I can't beat you! How do you do that?" He demanded.
Harry shrugged. "It's pretty easy once you figure out the secret. Marshmallow is more bouncy and Mashed potatoes is slightly more yellow."
Ron gave him a dirty look before slumping into the seat and giving a loud groan. It took only a few more hours before both Mara and Ron passed out, both having eaten too much candy.
As nighttime fell, Neville was the last to fall asleep leaving both Harry and Hermione in comfortable silence to read. Harry had started to read Hogwarts A History while Hermione picked up one of her varying books, he was sure it was the Transfiguration book for their class.
"How much longer, do you think?" Hermione whispered, trying not to wake the others as she finally broke the silence.
Harry looked up from his book to see Hermione clutching her book she had been reading for a while. Her hands were clenched around the book tightly. She fidgeted a few times under Harry's stare.
"Not much longer, I think." Harry paused. "Are you nervous?"
Hermione straightened her back as if to deny it and her mouth opened to protest but she faltered. She slumped against the booth.
"Yeah." She quietly admitted. "I'm not very good at making friends and I've only just learned about magic. What if I can't keep up?"
Harry was surprised she had admitted anything and smiled at her reassuringly. "Well, you probably know more than most of the first years on this train, most don't even bother reading Hogwarts A History or any books before they come." He smiled at her. "Personally, I think you might be at the top of the class."
Her eyes widened as she looked at him. "Really?" she asked, hopefully.
He nodded. "From what I've seen you're really smart and determined to succeed. A lot of kids aren't like that so I wouldn't worry about it. If you do your best in class, you'll be fine."
Hermione smiled at him, happiness flittering across her face.
"And, if I know my sister," Harry started, an amused grin coming across his face. "Then she already considers you a friend meaning that you have at least 3 friends, Mara, Neville and I. I don't know about Ron but he seems like he's a cool guy if a bit tactless."
Hermione gave him a brilliant grin. "Thanks."
There was a sudden lurch as the train began to slow down. Harry grinned. "Looks like we're here."
He quickly shook his sister awake, who made a protesting groan as he did so. Hermione was gently waking Neville and Ron who had fallen asleep in the corner of the compartment. They easily awoke. The train lurched to a stop and they heard the whistle blow as the others got up.
The compartment door opened as Mara struggled to keep her eyes opened and an older student wearing red lined robes stood in front. She gave them a sweet smile. "We're here to follow the corridor until you see where the first years are gathered." With that, she left to probably tell the other first years.
Mara was groggy as Harry led them to exit the train. She stumbled when Neville came crashing into her but Harry quickly grabbed her arm to stable her. Neville mumbled an apology which Mara waved off but she noticed that Hermione had disappeared suddenly.
As they left the train, Mara stifled a tired yawn. As soon as she stepped off the platform, though, her eyes went wide at the huge giant of a man in front of her. With curly black hair and a beard to match, he towered over the first years who had gathered in front of him.
It took a second before Mara finally recognized him, having met him a few times before.
"Hagrid!" Mara grinned up at him. His dark eyes latched onto hers before his face crinkled into a large smile.
"Well, all right there Mara, Harry too?" Hagrid asked.
"Yep! We're excited about the sorting." Mara grinned. She looked at Harry who gave the friendly giant a small smile before stating "Mara's already going to be a Gryffindor."
Mara rolled her eyes. "That's not a fact, Harry, it's your opinion, and I could be a Hufflepuff or A Slytherin!"
Three snorts of laughter came from next to her and Mara's face burned slightly as she pouted at them.
Harry grinned. "You're as much of a Slytherin as Dad is, Mara. You don't even know how to be cunning." Neville laughed but at Mara's betrayed look, covered it up with a cough though he was still smiling.
Ron laughed, turning to them. "I haven't known you for very long but I can tell you'll be in Gryffindor."
"Eh, you'll do fine in Gryffindor or any other houses so don't give it too much thought," Hagrid said before letting out a bellowing voice.
"First years, over here! Follow me to the boats!" Hagrid's voice rang out and Mara looked around, noticing that all the other taller students had disappeared. She shrugged as she turned to follow Hagrid who was already several paces ahead of her.
Mara fell into place by Neville who blushed as Hagrid led them down a rocky terrain downwards. Looking behind her, she could still see the lights from the train. It was quiet as the group of first years followed the towering giant. Mara only slipped a couple of times but was able to right herself immediately.
She stopped as she saw Hagrid had stopped in front of several boats, looking only to sit a few of them in each. "Four per boat! Four per boat!" Hagrid bellowed out so that all the first years could hear. Mara, being nearest to Hagrid, had to cover her ears with a grimace. She noticed Harry looking uncomfortable next to her as well.
Mara quickly stepped onto one of the boats, noticing it was steady for being on the water already. She climbed into a seat and Harry fell into the one beside her. Neville came behind them with Ron next to him. Looking around she noticed Hermione in the boat next to them with a blonde girl with a heart-shaped face, a dark-haired boy and a red-haired girl carrying a messenger bag. Mara raised an eyebrow at that as she smiled, looking around.
"Onward!" Mara almost gasped as from Hagrid's boat in front of her, he raised his hand as he yelled and all the boats began to move almost at once.
Mara looked down at the water as they continued. "Be careful, Mara." Harry's ominous voice came from beside her.
She turned to him quickly, anxiety rushing through her. "What?"
He gave a grin. "Or the giant squid will eat you!" Mara rolled her eyes at his antics until a timid voice came from behind them. "Giant squid?" Neville muttered, timidly, the fear beginning to show on his face.
Harry frowned, guiltily. "Sorry, Nev. It was just a joke. I'm sure that the giant squid isn't real."
Looking at the two boys behind her, Neville had turned pale but seemed to calm down at his words while Ron had looked halfway between interested and worried.
"What do you think they'll make us do to sort us? My brother Fred, said it was bad, like making us fight a troll."
Mara raised a disbelieving eyebrow but Harry's face turned neutral. She rolled her eyes as he nodded solemnly. "They might." Neville gulped. "Or they might make us wear an ugly talking hat."
Both boys exchanged a look at that. Harry grinned. "Either's possible really."
"Lower your heads!" They had almost missed Hagrid's yell but they quickly followed bowing their heads until Hagrid said it was okay.
It wasn't long that the boats rolled up onto the shore next to a large wooden door that was at least six times bigger than Mara herself.
With a loud, resounding knock on the door, Hagrid pulled back and waited for it to open. When it did, a tall witch with a pointed face and a large pointed hat with dark purple robes stared down at them.
She seemed to survey them, focusing on them before nodding to Hagrid. "Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here."
Hagrid nodded. "Well, Good luck with your sorting, Mara, Harry." He grinned down at them as they followed the witch inside.
Mara gave him a weak smile, as her stomach began to curl in knots. Was this it? Were they finally going to be sorted? Doubts began to cloud her mind as she began to panic. She wasn't ready for this. What if they separated her and Harry? She nearly jumped when Harry's cold hand landed in hers. He gave her hand a comforting squeeze and she smiled at him, taking a deep breath as they followed. Whatever would happen, it would be fine.
"I am Professor McGonagall-"
McGonagall suddenly stopped and began to give them a spiel that gave nothing Mara anything she didn't already know. Her mind drifted as she thought of the sorting. What if she and Harry did end up in separate houses? What if Neville ended up in Hufflepuff and Harry in Gryffindor and she ended up in Slytherin?
Her face paled at the thought. She would be all alone with the Slytherins then. What would mum and dad think? Mara quickly shook those thoughts out of her mind. Though she was sure her dad wouldn't be thrilled, he wouldn't be disappointed in her or hate her. Her mum would be fine with it as long as Mara wasn't getting into trouble.
Feeling a lot better, she jumped when Harry poked her in the ribs. By the time she looked up, McGonagall was gone and a new face was standing in front of her. A boy with slicked-back platinum blonde hair and a pointed face. Mara blinked quietly.
"I'm sorry?" Mara questioned him, his expecting face making her realize he had asked something.
His face curled into a sneer. "The girl-who-lived thinks she's so great she can ignore other's questions?"
Mara frowned, angrily but took a deep breath to keep calm, remembering her training. "I apologize for my rudeness; I was simply lost in thought. What was it you asked of me?"
His face turned blank as she surveyed her. "I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."
Her eyes lit in recognition but so did Ron's and he let out a quiet snort from beside her. Malfoy turned to him, an angry sneer on his face.
"Think my name is funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair and hand me down robes, you must be a Weasley." He sneered.
Mara kept calm on the outside but fumed internally as Harry finally spoke up.
"I do believe I quite expected more of an Heir of Malfoy than to insult another pureblood family, especially one part of the Sacred Twenty Eight." Harry calmly said to Malfoy.
Malfoy gave him a scrutinizing look as Mara saw Ron fume next to her. 'got you now,' she thought smugly.
"And you are?" Malfoy asked, his face showing nothing.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Heir Potter."
Malfoy gave a nod, his eyes narrowing as he seemed to judge Harry's presence. "I had heard the girl-who-lived was coming to Hogwarts but not Heir Potter as well." He continued, facing Mara, all hostility out of his face. "I had simply wanted to offer a hand of friendship towards Miss Potter and Heir Potter."
Before Mara could reply, Harry had quickly done so, his blank face betraying nothing. "We appreciate your generous offer and shall think upon your offer in the future when we know where loyalties lie."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed but could do nothing but back away. Behind them, most of the students looked confused except for some which were most likely purebloods, Mara thought. They all eyed Harry from the corner of their eyes.
As soon as Malfoy had stepped away, the door opened to reveal McGonagall again. Her head held high, she nodded to them. "We're ready for you."
Pushing the doors open, she quickly began to walk into the hall where the students hurried to follow.
Mara gasped as they entered the Great hall. Four tables were lined down the pathway holding hundreds of students each. Candles were lit up on every table and in the front on a raised platform was another table, this one holding what she thought the staff was. There were so many people that Mara almost stopped but Harry's push from behind her kept her going. Whispers were breaking out in some of the older students as Mara passed and she consciously moved her bangs so the covered her whole forehead.
McGonagall stopped in front of the staff table, the entire school looking at the group of first years as the older witch pulled out a long parchment and grabbed a scrubby old hat in the other hand. "When I call your name, come up and sit on the stool. I will place the hat on your head where it will then sort you. You may then take your seat at your respective table."
She didn't waste any time calling out the first name.
"Abbott, Hannah!" A blonde girl with a heart-shaped face made her way up to the seat. She looked white as a ghost as she sat down and the hat quickly fell over half her face, covering her eyes. It only sat there for a minute before calling out "Hufflepuff!"
A table decorated with yellow and black began to cheer and Hannah looked very relieved as the hat was taken and she ran over to the table.
Silence reigned as another name was called. "Bell, Peyton!"
A stunningly beautiful girl with long brown hair made her way up. She looked very calm and the least nervous of all the kids as she walked up and sat down. It was silent for longer than Hannah but only for about a minute or two before it called out "Gryffindor!"
The girl made her way to the table in red and gold and Mara began to relax as the ceremony went on.
"Bones, Susan" Went to Hufflepuff. "Boot, Terry" and "Brocklehurst, Mandy" went to Ravenclaw. "Brown, Lavender" became the second Gryffindor while "Bulstrode, Millicent" became the first Slytherin.
Mara shivered when she saw how unfriendly the Slytherin table looked but it was probably her imagination.
The ceremony went on and the group of first years began to thin out. Finally, "Granger, Hermione" was called out and Mara watched as Hermione bolted from where she was and eagerly jammed the hat on her head.
Mara smirked turning to harry. "Galleon on Ravenclaw." Harry looked thoughtful for a second before smirking. "Deal. Gryffindor."
They both waited anxiously until the hat finally announced "Gryffindor!" Mara gave a small groan before passing Harry a galleon. Hermione practically ran to the Gryffindor table.
"Greengrass, Daphne." Looking at the emotionless Daphne Greengrass, Mara instantly knew it was Slytherin. She grinned to harry. "Slytherin." He frowned. "Ravenclaw."
"Slytherin!" Mara grinned as she pocketed the money and the game went on, exchanging the coin as they both guessed.
Soon, it called "Longbottom, Neville!"
As Neville passed them, his face looking pale, Harry gave him thumbs up. "It's okay, Neville, just breathe."
Neville went up to the hat like it was the gallows and the hat quickly fell onto his head. "Gryffindor." They both said at the same time before looking at each other in surprise. It didn't take long before the hat called "Gryffindor!"
Neville looked beyond relieved and Harry made a motion to the hat on his head before he could take off running with it and catching Harry's eyes, he placed it down before taking a seat next to Hermione.
"MacDougal, Morag" went to Ravenclaw and "MacMillian, Ernest" went to Hufflepuff before "Malfoy, Draco" was called.
Mara rolled her eyes as he strolled up there like a peacock. Stifling a giggle, she didn't bother even betting.
Of course, instantly it shouted "Slytherin!"
There was "Malone, Roger" before "Moon, Lily" and Mara noticed the girl from the boats. She was certainly odd, with bright red hair, colorful rainbow socks, butterfly hair clips all in her hair and she carried a dark purple messenger bag that she kept a firm grip on the entire time.
She had a bright smile on her face as she sat on the hat but it only took a few seconds before it shouted "Hufflepuff!"
The Hufflepuff table applauded loudly for the girl but Mara noticed most of them were looking at her weird.
Shaking it off, there were only about fifteen kids left as the sorting continued. As soon as she heard the P's with "Parkinson, Pansy", she felt the anxiety begin to build in her stomach.
Worried, she clutched Harry's hand tightly as she waited for her turn. Hopefully, they had her nickname down and not-
"Potter, Amaryllis!"
Embarrassment filled her face as whispers began to break out among the students. Looking at the staff, she saw the headmaster, recognizing his long white beard as Albus Dumbledore. His eyes were twinkling as he stared down at her.
Mara felt like she was being judged and panic began to fill her but Harry moved his arm, grounding her and motioned to breathe. She nodded and took a deep breath before making her way up to the hat.
As the hat was placed on her head, it covered her eyes so she could no longer see. It felt like hours but was only seconds until the hat began to speak to her.
"Well, Miss Potter, I wondered when you might be showing up."
Mara froze in her seat as it began to analyze her. "Not a bad mind and certainly curious but you certainly don't have a thirst for knowledge like Ravenclaw. You would certainly fit in with the Hufflepuff's but I'm afraid your reckless nature would only cause trouble."
Mara paled even more. Hufflepuff would be fine but 'Please, just don't put me in-'
'Slytherin! You're ambitious all right but certainly not cunning. You are most certainly right, Miss Potter, they would eat you alive." The hat laughed. "You are much too trusting, too open."
Mara sighed in relief.
"You are certainly courageous, aren't you and reckless like most Gryffindors tend to be, however, you are certainly lacking the morality most Gryffindor follow. This may cause you to clash with your classmates."
Curiosity bubbled in her. "Mortality? What Mortality do Gryffindor follow?"
The hat seemed to be amused when it answered. "You shall soon figure that out, Miss Potter. You better be in-"
Harry waited anxiously as the hat took its time to sort Mara. He could hear whispers around them until it finally opened its brim and shouted "Gryffindor!"
Relief filled him as his sister looked considerably calmer if confused as she headed to sit down next to Hermione and Neville.
There were only about ten of them left and Ron was still next to him, looking green with anxiety but Harry knew what was next.
"Potter, Harry!"
Murmurs broke out of the students, almost matching those for Mara but different as he picked up on several comments.
"The girl-who-lived has a brother?"
"Are they related?"
"I've never heard of him before-"
Swallowing and focusing on putting his feet forward, he sat on the seat and the hat began to cover his eyes. It was silent before it spoke.
'Another one, Eh? You're much harder than your twin. You have a good mind, always searching for knowledge. Yet, you have quite a temper, don't you? Loyal to your friends, above your house, this certainly wouldn't do you any favors with the badgers. Certainly brave, and you have a mindset that those lions would very much appreciate. Yet, you are cunning, resourceful and determined above all else. Slytherin would be the best place for you.'
Panic shot through Harry, immediately thinking 'No, Gryffindor'
'Eh, are you sure? You could be great, you know? I'm sure of it.' The hat seemed surprised. 'Slytherin will help you reach your fullest potential. Gryffindor may only hold you back.'
'No, Gryffindor.' Harry thought firmly.
The hat seemed to give a sigh. 'I do take ones personal opinion into account but make no mistake, Mister Potter, I would've placed you in Slytherin. Make it- Gryffindor!"
Harry felt relief come across him and as the hat was taken off; he pushed his feelings of doubt down and sat next to Mara who gave him a relieved smile and a quick hug. Already, he could see several students staring at Mara.
Two more Gryffindors were announced "Roper, Sophie." And "Thomas, Dean." Before there were only two left standing, Ron and another boy who looked foreign.
"Weasley, Ron!"
Ron was green as he marched up to the hat and placed it on his head. It took a minute before the hat announced "Gryffindor!"
Mara and Harry both clapped loudly as he made his way to the table, sitting across from them and next to Neville.
An older redheaded called from down the table "Well done, Ron!"
"Zabini, Blaise" was called who took only a few minutes before it announced "Slytherin!"
Albus Dumbledore finally stood, his face showing his pleasure to the students. He lifted his arms wide as if to give all of them a huge hug.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. Before we begin our Banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are" Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"
He sat down as everyone began cheering. Harry and Mara exchanged a look while laughing. That certainly wasn't what they were expecting.
"Is he bit mad?" they heard a nervous first year, her name was Sophie he thought, ask the redhead boy from before. He grinned. "He's a genius but he is a bit mad, yes." He reached over to Harry. "I'm Percy Weasley, Harry. I'm a Prefect for Gryffindor."
Harry's eyes lit up in surprise. "Oh, you're one of Ron's brothers, aren't you?"
Percy nodded before turning to the other first years. Magically, the dishes in front of them were piled with food. Harry's mouth watered at the beautiful display and He noticed all the students began digging in.
The first years began to introduce themselves over dinner. There was Dean Thomas who had told them "Don't know if I'm muggleborn or not, my dad might've been but we haven't seen him in years."
Seamus Finnigan had told them "my dad's a muggle, me mums a witch, a bit of a nasty shock for him when he found out." This had several of them laughing.
There was Neville of course who had explained about his uncles dropping him out of the window which Harry and Mara both had scowled at, Neville had been excited but both of them and Lily had been furious. Lily had even scolded Neville's gran but that didn't really do much.
Sophie Roper didn't speak much but she was very nice and polite. She said she was a muggleborn and left it at that.
Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil had made friends already, both being half-bloods.
Peyton Bell, they found hadn't said a word the entire time they were there. She ignored pretty much everyone which nobody seemed to mind. Mara thought maybe she was just shy.
Of course, there was Ron and Harry but at the beginning of the feast, someone had dared to ask Mara "Do you really have the scar?" which made Mara nearly choke on her food and Harry glare down the second year who had asked.
Mara didn't answer but changed the subject.
That was all before the ghosts showed up. "Why you're nearly headless nick!" Ron had shouted at one of them. Harry immediately looked up to see the translucent man that looked like came from Shakespearean time.
He seemed affronted. "I prefer Sir Nicholas if you don't mind."
Hermione had asked the worst question. "Nearly headless? How can you be nearly headless?"
Of course, nearly headless nick just had to show them how he was nearly headless. A grotesque mess of organs and bone jutting out that he could pull off most of his neck. Needless to say, most of them had lost their appetite.
As the desserts began, he saw Mara immediately dig into anything chocolate and Harry rolled his eyes. Mum was still cursing Uncle Moony for that.
Harry looked towards the teachers, seeing McGonagall, Hagrid, what must be Flitwick, Lily's favorite teacher and then he spotted a greasy haired, sallow-skinned, hooked nose man he immediately identified.
Severus Snape.
As the man looked surveyed the students, looking very unpleasant, he turned to the man with a turban on his head to look at Harry. His eyes narrowed and a jolt of pain went through Harry's head as he did.
Harry grimaced, but the feeling was gone. He turned to look at Mara, who had turned to him as well. "You felt that?" Mara asked, concern filling her eyes.
Harry didn't answer. "Percy, is that Severus Snape?"
Percy turned to him before looking at where he gestured and nodded. He gave Harry a scolding look. "Professor Snape. He teaches potions but everyone knows he wants to teach Defense against the Dark Arts." Percy gestured to the man next to him. "Professor Quirrell teaches Defense this year but it's always changing."
"There's a curse, you see?" Harry turned to the new voice and recognized Fred Weasley and his twin who were grinning at them.
Percy scoffed. "There's no curse."
George waved him off before turning to them. "Every year there's a new Defense teacher because, at the end of the year, they die."
A shiver went down Harry's spine before the twins laughed and high fived each other. Percy rolled his eyes. "Don't listen to them; none of the teachers have died while I've been here."
"What happens to them?" Mara asked, her eyes lit with curiosity.
Percy shrugged. "Transfers, better openings, the usual stuff. It's weird how it always happens but there's no curse."
Soon though, the desserts disappeared and Dumbledore got to his feet again. He smiled down at the students. "Ahem- Just a few more words now that we are 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."
Fred and George both grinned as Dumbledore's eyes landed on them for a second before continued.
"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.'
As Dumbledore talked, Mara bumped her elbow into Harry's giving him a grin. Harry rolled his eyes. "You're the greatest seeker ever, Harry, you should try out." She whispered to him.
"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."
Mara exchanged a bewildered look with Harry. There was so much wrong with that sentence. Why are they hiding something that can kill a student in a school full of students? Why tell the students that because they are very well going to check it out because they told them not to?
Harry finished talking to Percy right as the school song began.
Mara attempted to sing along to the house song with the tune from row row row your boat but was beat when the Weasley twins were the last ones to finish singing to a slow funeral march.
Mara grinned as they finished, Dumbledore conducting the last few lines with his wand. "And now bedtime, off you trot!"
"Follow me, first years!" Percy told them, directing them through twists and turns that Mara was much too tired to pay attention too. It had been exhausting today.
Mara yawned again, her nap on the train only helping a little bit to curb her tiredness. Percy led them a while until he finally stopped to threaten the poltergeist, Peeves.
Mara could barely pay attention until they started again and finally, stopped at the very end of a corridor with a portrait of a very fat woman in a pink dress. She surveyed them and Mara raised an eyebrow back at her.
"Password?"
"Caput Draconis."
Mara followed Harry through the portrait when it swung open. They entered a circular room dressed in dark reds and gold's and made of stone. Rugs lay on the floor and comfortable looking armchairs sat everywhere along with a fireplace that was burning and four pairs of stairs. On the right was a staircase spiraling upwards and one spiraling downwards. The left was the same. Percy directed the girls to the right staircase going upwards and the boys to the left one.
Before she went up, she turned to Harry, pulling him into a hug. He was taller than her by an inch and as she let go, she pouted. "I'll see you in the morning, my twin." She giggled as Harry pulled a face.
"Don't remind me. Just go to bed, already, Mara."
She giggled as she headed up the stairs but called out "goodnight."
As she headed up the stairs, she came across a door and plaque next to it with names on it. Quickly reading it, she found her own name but also Peyton Bell, Lavender Brown, Hermione Granger, Sophie Roper, Fay Dunbar, and Parvati Patil.
Entering the room, she saw six four-poster beds set up in a circle, again decorated with reds and golds. There was a wardrobe on the left of every bed and a trunk at the foot of the bed, a small shelf above each as well and curtains that looked like that could be pulled over the bed. She quickly spotted her own stuff as well as Breena, who was flickering her tail staring at her.
She surveyed the others and could see Lavender and Parvati talking while Hermione and Fay were already in bed and the curtains were pulled around the last bed, Mara assumed it was Peyton's.
She collapsed onto her bed, Breena giving her a warning hiss.
'Must you humans make so much noise?' Mara didn't even care as she took off her shoes and wand holster, placing her wand on the small nightstand beside her bed. She yawned as she reached to the nearest post and unwrapped the curtains. She was surprised when the entire curtain immediately closed in around her, hiding the light from Lavender and Parvarti's candles. In the dark, she pulled up the neatly made bedding and cuddled under it.
There was a shift as Breena curled up near her feet and with a smile, exhaustion took over.