Chapter 2: Hogwarts.

Nadia awoke in the early morning of September 1st, her first day at school. The house was surprisingly quiet. So she used this opportunity to quickly shower and dress before she went down for breakfast.

When she entered the kitchen however, the sight shocked her because the only person accompanying the space was Mrs Weasley. Who was currently sitting at the kitchen with a tissue and crying. Nadia hurried forward and sat in the chair beside Mrs Weasley and took her hand for comfort,

"Mrs Weasley whatever is the matter?" Mrs Weasley hushed her crying and glanced over at Nadia with glassed over eyes.

"The guys haven't come back yet! And to top things of something bad happened in was in the daily prophet! Death Eaters! Supporters of You Know Who were there! What if something happened to them and I wouldn't even know about it!" Mrs Weasley started her sobbing again and Nadia began to ponder what Molly was talking about. She assumed that the Daily Prophet must be some newspaper, however her mention of 'Death Eaters' and 'You know who' confused her. Who were they? And why did this mysterious man not have a name? Suddenly a sound of many voices and trudging feet echoed outside breaking Nadia's train of thought. She glanced over at Molly to see that she had stopped crying and in its place was a relieved smile. The seconds later the burrow door burst open and a middle aged, ginger man stood in the threshold. The man looked pale and tired, his shirt and trousers were dirty and his bright ginger hair was matted with sweat. This man in front of Nadia she suspected, was Mr Weasley. Then to correct her assumption Mrs Weasley jumped up from her seat and rushed over towards Mr Weasley and gave him a bone-crushing hug.

"Ohh thank Merlin, you're Ok? What about everyone else? Is anyone hurt?" Mrs Weasley exclaimed as she fretted over Mr Weasley.

"Yes molly, I'm quite alright, and don't worry everyone else is as well. "Mr Weasley spoke calmly and reassuring which made Molly relax and give Mr Weasley, yet another hug. Suddenly the sounds of a boy shouting behind Mr Weasley broke through which made Nadia laugh quietly to herself,

"Come on mum, stop fussing over dad, it's cold out here get in dad!"

"Yeah get in dad." The second voice sounded all too familiar to the one before and Nadia assumed that they must be the twins Fred and George.

After absorbing Fred and George's words, Mr Weasley continued on through the threshold and into the kitchen followed by the twins, the ginger girl Ginny, The ginger boy Ron and his two friends Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. While Molly fretted over her children and Ron's two friends, Nadia decided to take in the people's appearances before her. The two twins were very lanky and skinny, with the Weasley's signature ginger hair. However, both their hair was long and bushy and their eyes were a deep cedar that sparkled with mischief. Ginny however, looked somewhat different her face was heart shaped and her features made her look sweet and gentle. Her hair was also ginger and hung gracefully down her back. She then proceeded along the line to Ron, his features, contrasted with that of Ginny's making him seem lazy and scruffy. His ginger hair was messy and unwashed and his facial features made him look annoyed. However, his also cedar eyes looked gentle and sympathetic making Nadia feel more relaxed in Ron's presence. Next she observed Hermione Granger, he hair was curly and bushy and was the colour of chocolate. Her facial features were symmetrical and bore the look of knowledge and kindness. Then lastly she looked over at Harry Potter. His hair was cut long and was the colour of charcoal, his eyes were a light shade of coffee and covering them were a pair of oval silver glasses.

After Molly had deemed everyone alright, she begins to introduce me to the Weasley's and their two friends,

"Right dears, before we get ready to leave I'd like to introduce you to Nadia Bowman, please make her feel welcome." After Mrs Weasley said this she felt all eyes turn to her, the twins and Harry raised their eyebrows in approval and looked Nadia up and down, whereas Hermione and Ginny gave her a warm, welcoming smile. Nadia help but smile back. Shortly after Mrs Weasley made everyone disperse and pack their trunks because they were leaving in 1 hour. Nadia, Hermione and Ginny trudged up the stairs and into Ginny's bedroom where they proceeded to packing their trunks.

"I bet your rather excited to be coming to Hogwarts's Nadia." Ginny exclaimed loudly, breaking the silence.

"Ohh yes, Hogwarts's is really exciting, only how come your parents wouldn't let you come until now?" Hermione asked quizzically, Nadia wondered if she should tell the two girls that one she's adopted and two she could potentially be a muggle-born. What if they decide to hate her? She quickly decided no these girls seem too nice to judge me on something as silly as that.

"Yes actually, I am rather excited to be honest! And in all honesty my parents aren't really my parents, I'm adopted you see and I think my parents didn't want me to find that out and leave them. So I think they decided it was best that I stayed in a muggle school." Nadia's words she realised shocked and intrigued the two girls and she was relieved that they didn't hate her after all.

"You mean you don't know who your real parents are?" Ginny asked rather curiously.

"No, I know nothing about them, I could be anything. A muggle-born, a half blood or a pureblood. To be honest it's quite hard not knowing who you fully are." Nadia replied sadly. The two girls pulled Nadia into a comforting hug and she felt herself feeling much better.

"Don't worry Nadia, whatever you are we won't judge, we don't care about blood status like the slytherins. And it's not so bad being a muggle born either, I'm one myself." Hermione said politely making Nadia feel a lot better about herself.

"Hold on minute, what's a slytherin?" Nadia asked timidly, hoping the two girls won't laugh at her about her lack of knowledge with the wizarding world. However, the girls responded completely differently, instead of laughing at her they smiled.

"Slytherin is one of the houses at Hogwarts, they value Cunningness and ambition. Then there's Hufflepuff, who value patience and loyalty. And then there's Ravenclaw, they value creativity and cleverness and lastly Gryffindor, that's us, we value Courage and bravery. However, I can already tell you have what it takes to be a Gryffindor, don't worry." Ginny smiled reassuringly back at Nadia and she smiled too. All Nadia kept thinking was she wished, with all her might that she would be placed in Gryffindor.

After countless stressing from Mrs Weasley, numerous amounts of pranks played by Fred and George and last minute packing of things people had forgotten, The Weasley's and Harry, Hermione and Nadia finally made it to platform 9 and 3/4. Nadia glanced over at the Hogwarts's express and her body began to hum with excitement. The candy red of the train gleamed into Nadia's eyes beckoning her forward and eventually after many agonising minutes of saying goodbye to Mr and Mrs Weasley, they finally boarded the train.

After many failed attempts of trying to find an empty compartment, they eventually found one at the end of the train, the Weasley's and Harry, Hermione and Nadia climbed through and took their seats. After a while the soft of sounds of an old lady rang through the train accompanied by a clang of metal wheels. The lady stopped outside our compartment gave us a smile and said,

"Anything from the trolley dears?" Harry and Ron jumped up excitedly and proceeded to buy things Nadia had never even heard of in her life. Then they returned to their seats carrying things with labels named 'Droobles' and 'Berty Bot's every favoured beans.' Nadia started at the unknown sweets quizzically, however, she did not ask what they were in case she was laughed at by not knowing what wizard sweets were. Shortly after the lady departed Fred and George decided to leave for 'Prank Purposes' and Ginny departed shortly afterwards to go seek out her friends.

"This is horrible. How can the Ministry not know who conjured it?" Hermione asked breaking the silence, Nadia glanced over at her and noticed in her hands was a copy of the Daily Prophet. On the front was a news article about the happenings at the Qudditch world cup. Even though, Harry, Ron and Hermione has told Nadia countless times the story of You Know Who, Nadia still don't not quite get it and was still confused about what happened at the Qudditch World cup.

"Wasn't there any security or. . .?" Nadia cut in eager to learn more and understand the situation that occurred at the world cup.

"Loads, according to Dad. That's what worried them so much. Happened right under their noses." Ron said loudly, eager for the others to hear what he said. Nadia however, felt confused is you know who was such a horrible surely the security would be rather high? Then she remembered what Hermione said earlier, "The Dark Lord was Perished ages ago by Harry, if he ever came back people would have a hard time believing that he was." Suddenly a small gasp from Harry alerted Nadia out of her thoughts and she glanced over towards him. His hand was clutching his forehead, no his scar.

"lt's hurting again, isn't it? Your scar?" Hermione asked quietly with concern laced through her voice.

"I'm fine." Harry shouted rather rudely, causing myself and Hermione to flinch in surprise.

"You know Sirius will want to hear about this. . .. what you saw at the World Cup and the dream." Hermione stated, after a short silence Harry nodded, causing the conversation to end.

While Harry sat their writing his letter, Hermione suggested that now was a good time to change into our robes, Nadia quickly agreed and they left the compartment to seek out the changing rooms. At the way, Hermione suddenly stopped causing Nadia to stumble into her back and nearly fall to the floor. Thankfully she caught herself just in time. Nadia glanced over Hermione's shoulder and notices 3 boys standing in front of them. Was tall, handsome and had strikingly bright platinum blonde hair. The two behind him however, were fat, ugly and rather strange looking. Yet, on all of their faces was a hideous, angry scrawl and Nadia couldn't quite fathom why.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? It's the filthy Mud blood! And who's her little friend." The boy sneered causing his face to look angrier. He glanced over Hermione's shoulder and landed his eyes on Nadia. He proceeded to look her up and down and when he finished he nodded his head in approval. Nadia couldn't help but blush.

"Wow, I've never seen you before and I defiantly would have remembered you." He gives Nadia a charming smile and her blush deepened.

"Leave her alone Malfoy!" Hermione shouted and his eyes moved back over to her, his scrawl darkened and Nadia couldn't help but step back.

"I wasn't talking to you filthy Mud blood." He shouting, Nadia didn't know what Mudblood, however, she knew it wasn't a very nice word because she noticed the tears welling in Hermione's eyes. Nadia began to get angry and she moved in front of Hermione and stood defiantly in front of Malfoy.

"Don't you dare speak to my friend like that!" Nadia said menacingly, however this Draco, reacted completely different to how she would have liked. Instead retaliating or walking away he simply just smiled.

"Why you're a bit feisty aren't you?" Instead making Nadia blush this time it made her angrier. She grabbed Hermione's and pushed passed Malfoy towards the changing rooms.

"Who was that Hermione?" Nadia asked quizzically.

"That was Draco Malfoy and his two sidekicks Grabbe and Goyle. They're both slytherin and their horrible. Anyway thanks for sticking up for me, you're such a great friend." She smiled kindly at Nadia and gave her a tight, warm hug. Even though Malfoy was an evil, horrible person, she still couldn't help think that he was rather good-looking.

After all the first-years had been sorted and seated into their new houses it was now Nadia's turn.

"There will be one more sorting before the feast, please welcome Nadia Bowman a new fourth-year student." Professor McGonagall declared which was followed by loud wold-whistles and cheers, mostly coming from the Gryffindor table. Nadia chuckled quietly to herself and proceeded to walk up the steps towards the wooden stool and the talking hat. When she was comfortably sat on the stool professor McGonagall placed the hickory coloured hat atop Nadia's head.

"Hmm now this is a rather tricky one let's see. The obvious choice would be Slytherin seeing as both your parents were placed there, however, I don't you have what it takes to become a successful slytherin." The hats words gripped to her mind, her parents were slytherins? Does that mean they were bad people? The hat spoke again forcing Nadia out of her thoughts.

"Well you do indeed have the brains and the creativity for Ravenclaw, yet something is missing. Like Hufflepuff, your very Loyal and rather patient, yet again there's something missing. Your very brave, yes very much brave. However, do you have everything it takes to become a Gryffindor? I think so! Gryffindor!"

The words echoed around the great hall and Nadia's face lit up, the hall then erupted in a cacophony of shouts and whoops again mostly from the Gryffindor table. Curiosity, leaked through her and she quickly glanced over towards the Slytherin table were her eyes meet Draco's. He smiled gently and mouthed to her,

"You should be in Slytherin" His words shocked her? Why does he want her in his house for?

When Nadia had finally seated herself at the Gryffindor in between Hermione and Ron, the great hall had quietened and Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat.

"Well, now we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement. This castle will not only be your home this year. . .. but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen. . .." Suddenly Professor Dumbledore was cut from his speech by an old, ugly looking man who proceeded to whisper something in the professor's ear. He nodded a few times and the old man left.

"That's the caretaker. Professor Filch, no one likes him." Hermione whispered quietly in her ear and Nadia nodded.

"So Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Triwizard Tournament. For those of you who do not know. . ." Once again professor Dumbledore was stopped halfway through his speech by a very loud and boisterous George shouting,

"Brilliant!" This helped in the majority of the great hall to erupt in laughter and Nadia even saw professor Dumbledore fighting back a giggle.

". the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools. . .. . .for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single student is selected to compete. Now let me be clear. lf chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when l says. . . . . .these contests are not for the faint-hearted. But more of that later. For now, please join me in welcoming. . . . . .the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. . . . . .and their headmistress, Madame Maxime." After Dumbledore's revelation the great hall doors burst open and a rather tall looking women entered the room followed a flock of twenty-so ladies wearing artic blue dresses and matching hats. Most of the boys around the hall including the Weasley's and Harry were staring dumbfounded at the approaching girls. Nadia and Hermione just rolled their eyes and laughed.

"Bloody hell" Ron stated and Nadia had a hard time convincing herself that Ron was in fact drooling.

"Blimey that's one big women" Fred and George exclaimed at the same time, rather loudly too, causing the people surrounding to explode in laughter. Finally, the Beauxbatons students finished their performance and proceeded to take their seats at the Ravenclaw table. Nadia noticed Ron's face fall in disappointment.

"And now our friends from the north. Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang. . . . . .and their high master, lgor Karkaroff!" This time the great doors opened more violently and the Durmstrang students filled in rather fiercely and manly, followed by who Nadia presumed was the headmaster and a very good-looking man. The Durmstrang students' performance was much less graceful then that of the Beauxbatons students and much more violent also. Suddenly shouts of "It's Viktor Krum" echoed around the hall and Nadia couldn't help but wonder who Viktor Krum actually was. However, Hermione must have noticed her confused expression and quietly whispered in her ear the answer to her question,

"Viktor Krum is the seeker for the Bulgarian Qudditch team, the number 1 seeker in the world!" She then pointed to the man walking beside the headmaster and Nadia nodded. Finally, the Durmstrang students finished their performance and went to sit at the slytherin table, again Ron's face dropped in sadness. Then immediately just seconds after the Durmstrang students sat down the once empty tables were now magically filled with plates, cups, cutlery and food. Nadia's face lit up and she realised how hungry she was and she grabbed her knife and fork and began to eat.

After everyone had finished their meals and the tables were now once again cleared, professor Dumbledore stood up from his seat again and continued his speech from earlier.

"Your attention, please! l'd like to say a few words. Eternal glory. That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament. But to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks." After hearing these words Fred and George smiled and begun to flex their muscles as if to show the whole Gryffindor table how strong they were.

"For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain all this. . . . . .we have the head of the Department of international Magical Cooperation. . . . . .Mr. Bartemius Crouch."

Suddenly the magical ceiling above flashed so loudly as lighting struck the building, a few people screeched in fright and Nadia watched as a blonde haired man with a fake eye, struck the ceiling with magic and calmed the ceiling.

"Bloody hell. lt's Mad-Eye Moody." Ron exclaimed, causing Nadia to wonder who exactly Mad-eye Moody was.

"What Alastor Moody? The Auror?" Fred Replied quickly, with curiosity written on his face.

"Auror?" Nadia said confused, what the hell was an Auror?

"Dark-wizard catcher. Half the cells in Azkaban are filled thanks to him. He's supposed to be mad as a hatter, though, these days." Hermione explained to Nadia, with knowledge swimming through her eyes. Nadia quickly glanced over at the Auror and noticed him greeting professor Dumbledore as if they were old friends. Then the chatter was stopped to silence once again as someone, Nadia presumed was Mr Crouch began to speak,

"After due consideration. . . . . .the Ministry has concluded that, for their own safety. . . . . .no student under the age of 17. . . . . .shall be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament. This decision is final." His words proceeded with an ensemble of boos and shouts.

"That's Rubbish!" Both Fred and George shouted angrily.

"Silence!" Dumbledore roared and the great hall was once again met with silence. Mr Crouch then continued as if he wasn't interrupted to begin with,

"The Goblet of Fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament. . . . . .need only write their name upon a piece of parchment. . . . . .and throw it in the flame before this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly lf chosen, there's no turning back. As from this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun."

Shortly after Mr crouch said this professor Dumbledore dismissed everyone and Nadia, Harry, Hermione and the Weasley's trudged their way to the Gryffindor common room. However, ever since they entered the common room Fred and George would not stop talking about how unfair Mr Crouch and professor Dumbledore were being and it made Nadia feel rather tired. So she said a quick goodnight to everyone and herself and Hermione went upstairs to bed.

Nadia eventually feel asleep to thoughts of a certain blonde haired male.