After both girls searched the entire train; there was no sign of Harry or Ron. They met back up in the compartment occupied by Sean, who had already woken up and was reading The Standard Book of Spells, and popping out his wand from it's invisible holster that he bought in Diagon Alley. He looked at the compartment door as it opened, revealing Daisy and a bushy haired girl. "Replacing me already Dursley?" he asked, with a smile.
"Hi there sleeping beauty," Daisy replied with a smile then indicated to the girl with the crazy hair. "This is Hermione, my cousin's friend. From what Harry told me, she's brilliant." Hermione turning a slight pink color as Daisy spoke.
Sean watched the bushy haired girl as she sat down next to Daisy, who was across from Sean; she seemed smart, she dressed appropriately, and although it seemed crazy, her hair definitely worked went well with her.
"Hi," Hermione said, slightly waving her hand. Sean didn't know what to make of her yet, she seemed pretty shy. Then again he was shy himself when he first meets people, she must feel uncomfortable with two first years she's never met before.
"So you're a second year, like her cousin?"
She nodded, "Yes, I'm also in his house with him, Gryffindor. We became friends after he saved me from a troll."
Sean nodded his head seeming unfazed. "Yeah that sounds like a Gryffindor alright. I've read about trolls before. I know they're pretty stupid, but also bloody hard to take down. How did he do it?" He had read most of his books before the school had started (and admittedly, bought a few books on the more uncommon Mythical creatures in the wizarding world.) but he was more interested in how an eleven year old boy was able to take down a troll to save this girl.
"Well, he didn't do it alone. Our friend Ron helped, and was Actually the one who knocked him out after the troll grabbed Harry. It's quite funny now that I'm not terrified of getting killed." She smiled remembering how she met her closest friend.
Sean closed his book, and listened intently as Hermione recounted the story of how Harry and Ron took down a fully grown mountain troll and the many other adventures they had their first year. By the time Hermione had finished the story about how she and Ron had helped Harry beat Quirrell and Voldemort it was dark out.
"We need to change into our robes," Hermione said. "we should be arriving soon." she opened the door letting Sean step out of the compartment so the girls could change into their robes, then they stepped out so that he could do the same.
The train came to a stop twenty minutes after the three changed. Hermione told Daisy and Sean to look for Hagrid- he was a giant, not hard to miss- and follow him to the boats. After she gave them a short run-down of how the night was to happen, and avoided questions about how they will be sorted, she left to follow the other second years.
They found Hagrid easily, as he was yelling out for first years to follow him and well, he was a giant. All of the first years began to file into boats. Daisy and Sean decided to stick together, being one of the last groups of kids to finally board a boat. The two were joined by a boy in black robes with a green tie and a snake pin on the left collar.
"Do you mind if I join you, unfortunately all of the other boats are taken." He said with an air of arrogance.
Sean and Daisy shared a quick look, sat up straighter, and Sean motioned him into the boat. "Of course, very interesting Pin you have there. Are you by any chance related to Fabian Daunt?" Sean said while Daisy smiled politely. "Who?" She whispered, quietly enough for the boy to not hear. He flashed a smile to her, before the boy spoke up.
He spoke specifically to Sean.
"Why yes, my name is Richard Daunt. Uncle Fabian works in the ministry, along with my father, who's in The Department of Security. How do you know of The Daunt Family?"
"I read about Fabian's work when he caught the Diricawl last month in the post." Dick nodded his head in acknowledgement. "So what does your family do?
"My father works with muggle parents. With this new 'Muggle Act' in place he now has the displeasure of teaching the muggles Our culture." Sean stated sourly. Daisy could barely hold herself together as she caught onto what her new found friend was doing. She had learned enough from Mrs. Weasley to know that in most pure-blood cultures, 'the man speaks without interference from the woman, unless directly spoken to.'
As Daisy tried to remember all of the rules for pure-blood culture, Richard turned to her and asked her about her parents. She immediately recoiled and looked to Sean for assistance. She didn't want him to know that she was a muggle, or the fact that her parents would rather be oblivated than keep her as their child.
Sean spoke up on behalf of Daisy noticing her distress "Her parents were recently caught in a fire without their wands. They did not survive, unfortunately. She has been spending her time at the Weasley residence." As Sean gave the impromptu excuse, Daisy let a single tear fall at the mention of her simple-minded parents. Quickly catching the tear, she put on a face of indifference as the boy looked at her shocked. "I had no idea. I am so sorry to hear."
"Well, onto a lighter subject," Sean started, "Do you know how one is sorted into the Houses?"
Richard perked up as if he knew all the answers, "I'm under the impression that each House is based off of blood status. Slytherin being the true pure blood house, no blood traitors like Gryffindor. Ravenclaw must be half bloods, and mudbloods obviously belong in Hufflepuff. Now that stupid muggles are going to be added into the mix, I think we need a new house. Call it blacksheep, cause they are out of place." he laughed.
Daisy tightened her fists, opening her mouth to comment, but Sean cut her off before she could speak. "Oh, Daisy, look, the castle!" Both Daisy and Richard looked to where Sean was pointing to the castle as it came into view.
"Looks like we're almost there." Daisy said, completely in awe of the view. A few boats ahead, a boy fell into the water. Hagrid pulled him out before a giant tentacle came out of the water. "What the hell was that!" Daisy all but yelled, moving closer to Sean in fright.
"I'm sure it's just the Giant Squid. I read about it in 'Hogwarts, A History', it protects the lake," Sean replied, trying to get a look at the creature.
"Giant squid… just lounging as we sail across the lake it's supposed to protect? Is that even safe?" Daisy's eyes were wide looking back at Sean.
"Relax, I'll do my best to protect you if anything were to happen." Sean reassured her.
Richard watched the two in fascination, they seemed to be close friends. Could they have been betrothed perhaps? The words tumbled out of his mouth without noticing, causing the two to look at one another awkwardly and then laugh.
"Oh, no," Sean said between gasps of air, having lost his breath from laughing so hard. "She and I have just been friends for a short while, but thank you for the laugh" Sean said as the boat stopped moving. He helped Daisy out of the boat after he climbed out followed by offering a hand to Richard, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Richard. Hopefully we can be friends in time. No matter the House we land in."
Richard made an odd, confused face, why would he say that when he's obviously a pureblood, and meant to be in Slytherin, as was the girl. He nodded and walked off, quickly moving to the front of the group. Once out of hearing range, Sean and Daisy started laughing again.
"Oh Look A Distraction! You sly fuck." she laughed harder, holding her arms to her stomach as she bent to the side, "And he thought we were meant to be married? Oh dear, I know some wizards are usually betrothed at birth, but oh, no thank you. No offence, but we just met."
He smiled at her, "I really hope no matter what house we land in, I will be your friend, and I will protect you as best I could." He spoke with such clarity, and his voice filled with more emotion than he had shown all day.
Daisy smiled again, "Even if you're a Slytherin and I'm a Gryffindor?"
"Even when you're in Hufflepuff." he replied with a sincere smile.
Daisy smiled back and bumped Sean's shoulder.
The two walked into the large castle, and gathered outside of the Great Hall. An older woman stood in front of the large, closed double doors.
"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. My name is Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts. Soon you will be sorted into your Houses. I will be back to retrieve you momentarily, please be on your best behavior." She said sternly, walking back through the double doors. The first years murmured amongst themselves. Sean and Daisy mostly stayed silent. McGonagall returned a few moments later and told all the children to follow her into the Great Hall.
All of the first years looked around in amazement as they walked through the Great Hall. Passing by rows and rows of tables. Many faces staring back at them as they continued walking.
When they got to the front Professor McGonagall pulled out a dirty looking old hat and placed it on a stool. The brim opened up like an odd, Tim Burton type of mouth and sang a long song describing the houses, and then promptly shut up.
"Now, as I call your name, you are to step forward, sit on the stool, and I will place this hat on your head. This will determine the House you go into. Andress, Julia."
A girl with short curly blond hair walked up to the stool and sat down. McGonagall placed the hat on her head, she looked around a little, nervous. A moment passed then the hat yelled out, "Gryffindor!" The girl nodded her head, jumped off the stool and joined the table of students wearing Red and Gold.
"That hat looks absolutely ridiculous." Sean whispered to Daisy.
Daisy barked out a laugh. This happened to be in between students, making the hall silent. The laugh echoed throughout the Great Hall. Daisy lowered her head and blushed..
Three other names were called; a Ravenclaw, a Gryffindor, a very wet Colin Creevy, and a Slytherin (Richard daunt) before McGonagall called on Daisy.
Daisy walked with her head up and back straight. Only Sean could see the slight shake of her fingers as she climbed the short steps to the stool. The hat was placed upon her head causing her to jump.
After a few moments of complete silence, the hat spoke out. "HUFFLEPUFF" she let a small giggle slip from her lips as she made eye contact with Sean and mouthed 'I told you so.'
More students were sorted, including an interesting looking blond with huge blue eyes. Lovegood, Luna was her name, she was sorted into Ravenclaw, interesting. "Reynolds, Sean" was called, causing Sean to look up.
He straightened his back, and walked with as much pureblood impersonation he could muster, hiding the emotions from his face as he gingerly sat on the edge of the stool. McGonagall placed that hat on his head and he realized why so many students jumped.
"So serious for a Muggleborn aren't you?" Sean heard in his head. He held back the jump as the voice spoke.
"Muggleborn? How would you know?" he thought snidely.
"Oh child, no need to lie. I see it all. A loving family, only child, very strict by your own right. Very protective I see. And with so much potential everywhere you go. An interesting mind to say the least."
"Shit" Sean thought, then he realized what he had just thought. "Uh, you didn't hear that right?"
"I hear all in your mind, I use this to find which House will best suit you. Like your muggle friend, she's very kind and open to any friend, though she is as cunning as you, she would have done well in Slytherin."
"I can honestly see Daisy in Slytherin now that you mention it. Wait, if you can hear everything in my mind then you know which house I would like to go to if I can Mr. Sorting Hat."
"You would want the House of the wise, cunning and predictable. The house of Snakes, but you are a muggleborn. Are you positive? They could shun you, hurt you even. Don't you think Ravenclaw could do good for you? You are a very intelligent young man."
"Hmm, I'm used to being shunned and hurt by other kids. I can handle it. Although I do love intelligence and others who can match my intellectual abilities, I think I'll stick with Slytherin thanks. Green is more my colour anyways mate."
"As you wish dear boy. I will say this first. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Slytherins are wise, and will find out your secret. Just be careful young one."
Sean let the words sink in as the hat yelled out, "SLYTHERIN"
McGonagall lifted the hat and Sean walked to the table next to Hufflepuff's, sitting across from the bench Daisy sat on.
He winked at her before facing his new classmates. He was met with a strange look from a boy with platinum blond hair, and two gorilla looking boys on each of his sides.
"Why did it take you so long to be sorted?" the blond asked. As Weasley, Ginny was the last of the names to be called, a red haired girl who was sorted into Gryffindor.
"Uhm, well I decided to have a talk with that bloody hat, he was planning on putting me into Ravenclaw. Can you believe that?" Sean put on a face of mock disgust.
The boy laughed once. The conversation was halted as Dumbledore said a short speech, and began the feast. All of a sudden tons and tons of food appeared on the tables. The boys started filling their plates .
The platinum blond boy spoke again, "So you must be a smart kid then. Ravens tend to be the bookworms of the four houses, why did you want Slytherin?"
"I'm Pretty smart, but I'm only that way because I like to read, which means I can retain information that will lead me to a Very fortunate future."
"Well, you have quite some ambition there, don't you? What do your parents do? My father is in the Ministry, very close with the Minister of Magic." He said, lifting his head in a way that said he thought he was of royalty.
"Uh, well my father also works for the Ministry. Unfortunately though, after this new act was passed, he has to help Muggles learn the way of our culture, and change the currency for them."
"That's bloody ridiculous, since that stupid law passed, all of the Purebloods have to 'Help' those idiotic Muggles. Honestly, It would be best if we just obliviate the lot and have them leave us be. Their blood is dirty anyway."
Sean flinched at this statement, which caused the blond boy to give him another strange look. He regained his composure, "I kind of agree. The Muggles are a hassle to us all. Especially now that we have to share our school with them. But if they are able to hold magic, shouldn't they be able to have a family that will know of it instead of being shunned? Or confused all the time? At least have an adoption and obliviation type of setup so no one feels rejected. " Sean said, his voice a bit shaky.
"That is… Definitely a different way of looking at it." The boy said, nodding his head in appreciation at the intellect this first year showed. He reached out an arm in a formal way,
"My name is Draco by the way, Draco Malfoy." The name triggered a memory of what Sean had read in one of his books.
"Draco Malfoy, heir of Phineas Nigellus Black, on your mother's side?" He asked, reaching out his own arm.
Draco looked impressed. This boy knew his history. "Yes, he's one of my Great uncles. How did you know?"
"Like I said, I'm Smart. My name is Sean Reynolds by the way."
Draco stopped talking, for dinner had ended, and dessert had shown up. Sean eyeballed the bread pudding, he forgot that he was even talking to someone. His mouth watered, he wished he had some ice cream. His eyes widened in surprise as a small bowl of Vanilla ice cream showed up next to his plate. Sean served himself a scoop of bread pudding over the ice cream and began eating. He quickly forgot about the conversation as he indulged himself in his sweet desires of dessert.
As they finished, Dumbledore began his welcome speech. He informed all first years of all the boundaries and rules that needed to be repeated. A greasy haired man entered the Great Hall, swiftly walking down the aisle to McGonagall. He whispered something in her ear, then both made their way back out the Great Hall in a hurry.
Sean turned to look at Daisy, who had looked toward him. "Harry?" she said, turning from her bench to Sean. This caused Sean to shrug both turned back to the Headmaster as he was finishing up the speech as if there was no disturbance. He then dismissed the Great Hall with a "Pip Pip."
Sean turned to Daisy once more as they stood. "Meet me here tomorrow before breakfast?" she asked, worry etched on her face. "Harry wasn't at the Gryffindor table."
"I'm sure he is fine. I'll be here before we come in for breakfast." He reassured his friend, as the Slytherin prefect lead them out of the great hall and towards the Slytherin dungeons.