6.5 years earlier

Elena woke up to her alarm-clock clanging violently against the metal parts of her nightstand, as it must have fallen over to the floor during the night.
- Honey! Are you up yet? - she heard her mum's voice – Auntie Ane and Ada will be here any minute now, please hurry up!
- I'll be ready soon! – she shouted back through the partly ajar door, slowly dragging herself up from the bed.
She opened her wardrobe and took out the outfit she had prepared the night before, then hastily left her small bedroom. Upon hearing her footsteps a white, noisy ball of fur ran to her.
- Good morning, Ruffles! How are you doing? - she asked her dog, leaning down to pet him - Good boy, good boy, Ruffie! Now let me through, please - she said, gently pushing him away to get to the bathroom.

Only after locking the door, did the thought hit her – "I'm going to Hogwarts in two days! I really am!". She looked at herself in the mirror with disbelief. This was the face of a future witch! She brushed her curly hair carefully, as always noticing a few new silver strands hidden between the brown flocks. Then she brushed her teeth and put on the black shirt and jeans, and finally used a little bit of her mom's pink lip-gloss. She was just leaving, when she the doorbell ring, followed by her mother's voice.
- The door is open! I'm stuck in the kitchen for now, I'm sorry! Elena! They're already here, come help them out! - Carwen kept shouting from the kitchen, unable to leave the pan unattended for even a second.

Aunt Aneira had indeed just arrived, as Elena noticed her taking of her blue trench coat and the fancy purple hat with feathers that she was almost always wearing, which revealed her knee high dress and auburn curls with characteristic white strands. Alongside her a tall short-haired blonde with similar yet less visible silver highlights, Adalie, Elena's cousin, was struggling to keep Ruffles away from her cat Fiona, whom she was carrying.
- Oh, Elena! Good morning, my dear, come here, let's greet properly! - Aneira exclaimed, when she saw her, leaving the girl no option but to let her hug her and leave purple lipstick marks on both her cheeks - Ada, give me that little monster, so you can say hi to your cousin - she said, stretching her arms to take the animal from her daughter.
Adalie obediently handed her the bald creature of a Sphynx cat she was holding and hugged Elena.
- Hello, 1st year! How are you feeling, huh? - she asked while playfully nudging her.
- I'm doing fine, actually. A little scared, that's it.
- Scared? - Aneira chimed in - And what is there to be scared of? Hogwarts is one of the most magical places in the world, both literally and metaphorically, you'll see for yourself. There's nothing to be scared of, my dear. And besides - we'll get you prepared for just about everything you might face! - she promised, while giving Fiona back to her
proper owner and heading to the kitchen with both of the girls.

- Carwy, baby sister, it's been a while! - the witch stormed inside the kitchen, barging the not fully open wooden door so hard it hit the wall, thus scaring the dog, who was still following the cat's smell, and causing Elena's father to spill coffee on his newspaper.
- Ane! How many times do I have to tell you to be more careful? Do you want to pay for the overhaul? The plaster is not indestructible, you know! - Carwen scolded her sister turning away from the stove to greet her.
- Come on, sit down, the pancakes are almost ready. You girls as well, just wash your hands first - she ordered, looking at Fiona with a bit of hostility.
- Yeah, and let down that cat, she'll manage on her own, I'm sure - Aneira added, catching her sister's gaze.
As the children went to the bathroom, the extravagant woman sat down by the table, choosing her seat in front of her brother-in-law, who had kept eyeing her from across the room ever since she entered and disrupted his reading.
- Morning, Franco! It's good to see you!
- Good morning, Aneira, it's good to see you too - he replied, finally able to focus his attention back on the news.

Just after the kids came back into the room the meal was ready and Elena's mom manoeuvred between the dog and cat chasing each other all over the room putting the plate of pancakes and a teapot on the table.
- Bon appétit! - she said, taking a seat herself - Oh, Elena, could you fetch us the maple syrup?
Her daughter put the bottle on the table, Franco put his captivating lecture away for now and everyone started eating.
- So, how's Apsel? - he asked Aneira.
- He's doing amazing, I think, touring around Europe with the Banging Veelas currently. The Ministry are watching them all the time though, they have no respect for creator's imagination.

- He's not using his imagination, mum! The lyrics are almost always just real accounts of magical events and you know that. Lazy writing, I'd call it!
- Oh, be quiet, will you? Both me and your dad simply came up with a way of monetising our experiences, there's nothing bad about it. And besides, if we keep the mixing of blood as it is, and I personally believe it'll be getting even more common as the years pass, then the wizards are just bound to be recognised by muggles as a minority one day.

- I love it when you act, like we're not muggles ourselves, mommy - Ada cut in sarcastically.
Elena's father, very much displeased with the exchange he prompted was looking at one Hughes-Eisenberg, then another, afraid something bad could happen and visibly uneasy at the sight of an angry witch, even if it was a 15 years old one. Aneira, on the other hand, kept listening keenly, trying to collect some information about the wizarding world, so that she would be able to help her precious daughter out, when its problems start affecting her as well.

- I am not! I acknowledge that we are not of pure blood and as such I have the more reason to support further integration of both of the worlds I live in.

- "We are not of pure blood" - the teen repeated mockingly - You better watch out - she turned to Elena - for bullshit like that when you're at school. "Purebloods, mudbloods, Veelabloods". Hell, if I wanted to hear so much about blood, I'd have actually gone to study medicine!

- Language! - Aneira raised her voice menacingly this time.

- Okay, okay, mom, I'm sorry. But don't you agree it's absolutely bonkers to judge people on their blood, not their skill?
- How could I say no to that, honey? We'd talked about it, one has to shun the bullies and choose a smarter crowd, that's the only solution, that's how I survived through those years myself.
- What are "mudbloods" and "Veelabloods"? - Elena asked with curiosity.

- Well, that's a conversation for another time, I'd say - Aneira answered, as if only now realising that two muggles were present throughout the whole conversation. Closest family of three witches, surely, but they were still colleagues and friends of people who thought that her paintings of centaurs were just a fantasy.

- No, it's not. Mudblood is a child of muggles, so like normal people, non-magical folk, and a pureblood is a child of wizards. And a Veela is a type of creature... - Adalie kept explaining, while her mother got up from her seat and went right behind hers, so that she could pull her by her ear while reprimanding her.

- You stop it, young lady! We'll explain everything to her on the way. And besides we should be going, it's half past eleven already. So the two of you - finish breakfast and I'll talk to Carwen and Franco, but in another room if possible - Aneira decided.

When the adults left the room, the girls went back to discussing magical affairs. Ada even revealed to her cousin that her dad was actually a half-Veela and what exactly those mysterious creatures were, despite her mother's earlier protests. She also revealed what she knew about the headmaster, teachers and the houses of Hogwarts, strongly encouraging her to join Ravenclaw to continue the family tradition and most importantly - be her housemate.

Meanwhile, in the small office upstairs, which guaranteed at least a bit of privacy, Aneira explained a few things about the school to her sister and brother-in-law and proceeded to arrange with them how much muggle money could they exchange to buy Elena's textbooks and other necessary objects. When they were finished, she went straight to the corridor and called the kids. Elena kissed her parents, who were just coming down the staircase, quickly put her black raincoat on, cause as she'd realised earlier, typical London weather had already kicked in, even though the morning was rather sunny and promised better conditions that the usual.

- Black? Everything black? You look like you're still grieving - Ada, herself dressed in a burgundy skirt and a complementary black shirt with colourful flowers and birds embroided into it, asked her provocatively, while putting on her purple coat.

- Don't worry about her, she clearly got off the wrong foot today - Elena's aunt tried to reduce the possible damage caused by her daughter - Goodbye, and thank you for the breakfast, Carwy. We'll be back by 6 o'clock - she said, pushing the girls towards the rainy street outside the already open door.

Elena trustingly let the older witches lead her to a suspicious small pub called the Leaky Cauldron and started asking questions only when they both stopped before a wall and took her hands.
- So, how does this work, exactly? It's a dead end, right?
- Hush - the auntie silenced her - I'll say an incantation and we'll land on the other side of the bricks, but I need to focus.

They arrived in the Alley at noon. The sun had once again resurfaced from amongst the clouds and now was shining birth, reflecting in the numerous puddles that had formed on the cobblestone street that outstretched before them. Aneira looked at the sky and then at her watch and smiled with contentment.
- There are some advantages to travelling in an enchanted car - she noticed referring to the elegant violet jaguar they left in front of the pub just minutes ago.
- Some... - Elena said with awe, captivated by the sight so much, that it rendered her speechless.
- So - Ada began explicating - this is the Diagon Alley, where we buy our school stuff - There's the Gringotts - she gestured to a grand building on the corner.

Her still speechless cousin was soaking up the view of the majestic wooden gate by which two tall marble columns stood. Elena raised her eyes to admire the multiple storeys of the white construction and read the golden board on top of it, on which ornate lettering announced the bank's name.
- Speaking of Gringotts, what would you say if I left you for a little while to go there to withdraw some cash for Elle, while the two of you could already start choosing her wand at Ollivander's?
- Auntie Ane, I told you not to call me that - the girl quickly regained her ability to speak.
- I'm sorry, dear, it slipped. So what say you?
- I'm getting my own wand, already? - Elena started with disbelief - I mean, sure, we can do that - she added quickly, prompted by the smirk her cousin gave her.
- Yeah, I'll help her out, you can go, mum! - Ada joined in and they parted their ways.

Aneira, while gifted with great organising skills when it came to plan things, was also a huge procrastinator most of the time and truly had no other option but to leave the girls alone, as they would only be a dead-weight while she was running errands. Could she have taken them here earlier, perhaps? Naturally. Would that ever be possible with her character? Definitely no. Ada was always the kid to be late everywhere in her childhood and even Madam Malkin knew that there would always be a letter awaiting her with Adalie's current measurements (this year together with Elle's, of course) arriving somewhere around the last week of August, not long before its sender would cross her doorstep hurriedly, coming to collect the product.

The Ollivander's shop was empty, when the two girls entered. It smelled of wood and dust.
- Mister Ollivander? - Adalie boldly called to the owner.
- I'm coming! - they heard him shout from the depths of his wand storehouse, followed by a loud rumble.
Finally he emerged from beyond the stillages with a dust sweeper in his hand.
- Good morning, -Eisenberg! Is something wrong with the wand? - the old man froze for a second, gathering his thoughts - Ash wood and unicorn core if I remember correctly?
- Yes and no, it's performing just fine. It's my cousin we need to buy a wand for. Elena Castel - she introduced her, moving to the side.
- Oh, I see... - the shopkeeper acted as if he hadn't noticed her presence before - Then come forward, Ms. Castel, I'm sure we'll find you the perfect fit.

After looking her in the eyes without blinking for a little while, he went back between the shelves to choose a wand for her, leaving the girls alone.
- He's weird - Elena remarked quietly.
- Sure he is, completely nuts, but good at his job like none other - replied Adalie - Now shut it - she said, noticing the man was coming back.
He laid a box on the counter. It was trembling due to the wand trying to get out it forcefully.
Elena opened it and took the long piece of vine wood out.
- Come on, don't be shy, try it out - Garrick encouraged her.
She waved it and the room went completely dark for a moment, all of the candles in the candelabrums on the wall suddenly put out.
- Well, that's not it - the old man acknowledged and went to search for another.

He returned quicker this time.
- And how about this one? - he wondered, putting it into the girl's hand.
She waved, even more cautious now and nothing bad happened. In fact, as she noticed after already having put it back in its case, one of the nearly dead roses in the blue vase nearby had changed, now brightly red as if it was freshly cut.
- It's been decided then. - concluded, packing the wand and handing it to Elena.
- And what is it?
- Oh, you're a curious little soul, I see. And rightly so. It's important for a witch to know her wand and vice versa. Yours in made out of yew wood and has a unicorn-hair core. A rather peculiar combination, I admit. Will you be paying now or at a later date?
- My mum will pay, dunno when she'll get out of the Gringotts, but she should be here any minute.
- Alright then - before the man could retreat back to into the depths of the store, the door opened.
- Speaking of the devil... – Adalie joked.
- Hello, ! Hope they didn't get on your nerves too much? - Aneira greeted him, already fishing in her small yet spacious plum-coloured purse for her wallet.
When she was done paying for the wand, all three of them said their goodbyes and exited from the shop to continue on their spree.

The second they were back on the street the adult witch began:
- Merlin's beard, it's already almost 1 o'clock! How have we wasted so much time is beyond me!
- And we're about to waste even more, momsy dear - the older of the girls was as always the first one to retort.
- Why would that be? - her mother inquired.
- Oh, don't you know? Because she refuses to get a proper companion, obviously! She told me at breakfast, when we were alone.
- Do you, now? Not everybody need to have one, you know - she gave her daughter a scolding look while trying to reassure Elena.

- I do want one, but I can't wrap my head around why would I not be allowed to simply take my dog with me!
- It's only the specific animals listed, who have a knack for magic, I'm afraid.
- I've already told her, mum. And she simply won't listen - Adalie explained.
- Well, maybe if she gives them a chance she'll find one for her? - Aneira speculated, guiding the girls straight to the Magical Menagerie.

In the chaos and clamour that reigned inside they spend almost a whole hour, before Elena finally decided she wasn't buying anything. Right when they were about to leave, she noticed a limping raven under one of the countertops. The poor bird must have been attacked by one of the cats. He had lost some of his feathers and got bitten on his leg, but otherwise it seemed fine.
- I'll take this one! – she announced to her aunt.
- I'm not sure you'll be allowed a raven in your 1st year, honey...
- I said I'll take him.
Caught off guard the witch had to agree and with a sigh of resignation she went to the checkout.
- I'll call you Superstes - Elena told the raven, earning a weird look from Adalie - It means survivor. See what those beasts did to him? - she asked her cousin, pointing at the cats wandering around the shop.
Before Adalie could upstage yet another little squabble, her mom diffused the situation, letting the shopkeeper pack the bird inside a cage with the help of its new owner and nearly pushing the girls out of the Menagerie.

In the next 4 hours, with Aneira's help and thanks to her organizing skills they managed to collect all of their necessary workbooks, a cauldron for Elena and even had the time to pop into the Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour before they departed. When they arrived back at her house, Elena was very excited for the adventure that was awaiting her, starting on Sunday, as well as pleasantly exhausted from all the fascinating events of the day. She went to sleep early, taking the cage of her newly found friend with her to the bedroom, deaf to her parents' complaints on its loud calls.

On Saturday, Elena's parents took her and her friends from the chemistry club she attended at school, or muggle friends as she caught herself calling them in her mind now after being introduced to the concept of dividing people by their magical aptitude (or lack of thereof), to the London Aquarium as a parting gift. Despite coming back home rather late in the evening, she could not fall asleep, preoccupied by all that was awaiting her the following day.
Superstes wasn't exactly making it easy for her either, as he kept making noise throughout the whole night and this time she seemed to be more sensitive to his screeching than the day before.

Tossing and turning until the sun was up she barely slept a wink. Therefore in the morning she begged her mom to let her drink some coffee and Carwen, surprisingly, agreed. Herself fretting over the fate of her oldest daughter, who was leaving the house to travel to that peculiar school and at such a young age, she possibly wouldn't even have noticed if Elena simply poured it into her cup without permission. Or poured it all over the table, for that matter. All she could concentrate on was how she knew so many people, who attended that academy, yet, perhaps with the exception of her sister's family, none of them happy. "Come to think of it, I actually don't know that many of its students" - she realized - "Lily and her husband, of course, and her death was so suspicious... car crash, they said, but Aneira wouldn't come to the funeral. That kid of hers, never found out what happened to him... And that boy, who followed Lily like a faithful dog, well, he was a man already last time I saw him. Wonder if he's still well out there somewhere?" - lost so deep within her mind she hardly noticed that her child and partner had meanwhile prepared to leave.

- Honey? - Franco shook her arm lightly - Are you alright?
- Sure, worried, that's all...
- I'm a tad upset myself, I admit - he reassured her - but I'm sure our little girl will do just fine. Will you be finishing those? - he asked her, referring to the two untouched pieces of toast still lying on her plate.
- No, I don't have the appetite. I'll eat when we get back - she said, standing up - Let's just go.

Meanwhile Elena, suddenly pumped up by the caffeine and by the realisation that the best period of her life was about to begin, with her full-black outfit on, was saying her goodbyes to Ruffles, who, unable to sleep in the same room as the raven during the night, was following her every step now, and carrying Superstes' cage along with her backpack to the car.
- Mom, dad, hurry up! Or we're gonna be late! - she shouted coming back from the garage.
- We're coming, flower! - Franco replied, going into her room to take the two suitcases.

They finally left at ten o'clock, certainly gambling a little on being punctual, but luckily managed to avoid getting stuck in a traffic jam and arrived at King's Cross Station half an hour later. The weather was rather pleasant, unexpectedly summery even, without a single dark cloud blocking out the sun's generous warmth. When they got out of the car and went towards the Station while Franco was looking for a place to park, they immediately noticed the tall, dressed in blue figure of Aneira standing in front of the entrance.
- Good morning, Ane! - Carwen said.
- Good morning, auntie Ane! - Elena eagerly accompanied her.
- Hello, dears! We've been waiting for you! - she exclaimed in reply - And to be completely earnest, I'm not complaining. Caught a little sunshine in the meantime.
- Yes, we're sorry, we couldn't get ready.
- You couldn't, mom! I was ready around nine!
- Sure you were, honey. Where's Ada? - she turned back to her sister.
- Oh, already at the platform, I presume. She wanted to join her friends and I'm not going to try to stop her - Aneira laughed.

Then the designated chauffer joined them, having found the miracle of a parking spot on Sunday in London.
- Hello Franco! - his sister-in-law greeted him, as all four of them entered the building.

Severus Snape started regretting his decision about apparating straight from the station the very second he went inside the building. As the school year was starting for muggle and magical families alike, it was filled with happy families, children crying or laughing, parents chirping to their bairns like mother hens, clumsy boys and girls toppling over their numerous suitcases. Complete ruckus everywhere he looked. "At least it fits my state of mind" he snickered sadly to himself, as thoughts were rapidly crossing his mind, while he was fighting to avoid thinking about the purpose of his visit in London.

He hid behind a column to avoid attracting to much attention to himself and started whispering the temporary-invisibility-to-muggles spell, when he saw Molly Weasley with the whole flock of her ginger, dim-witted children and another boy amongst them, with glasses and much darker hair and skin, caught his attention. He suspected who that could be and his hunch proved right when the kid raised his head and looked in his direction, probably prompted by his persistent stare, revealing he was an exact carbon copy of none other but James Potter himself. He instantly regretted provoking this incident, unsure whether the kid was actually able to see him.

The colourful silhouette of Aneira Hughes-whatever was the next thing that sparked his interest for a second or two, especially since he saw her earlier on the non-magical platform, standing beside a muggle woman whose eyes he recognised easily. The artist caught his gaze and bowed slightly in response, so he did the same.

"How comes I never saw her at the funeral, when I am sure I remember her sister from it?". The reminder of the emerald eyes of that woman triggered further unpleasant memories, those of the windy graveyard and both ceremonies of burial he witnessed and of the witch they were commemorating. "Why did I ever think it was a good idea to come to London to order the wreath?" Surely, it was the tenth anniversary this year and not many people apart from him would care. Well, maybe exactly those cousins of hers, maybe them, though will they even come in October? He very much doubted that. But was it even worth all the commotion, when for all he knew and expected Dumbledore wasn't likely to give him permission to visit the grave on the 31st? "Then at least she'll get the wreath delivered. So maybe it was indeed worth it, after all." he concluded, suddenly overwhelmed by grief.

Irritated by the emotions he dreaded so much, the man decided to get to Hogsmeade already and pulled his wand out again with that intention, when he was stopped by a familiar voice coming from behind.

- Severus, what are you doing here? – Lucius Malfoy was standing right at his heels, with one hand on his son's shoulder and holding his ornate cane with the other – This is professor Snape, your Potions' Master and the Head of the Slytherin House at Hogwarts, and a lifelong friend of mine – he explained to the boy, lifting his fingers from his back and stretching it in the teacher's direction to shake his hand.
With the amount of times Snape had visited the Manor in his life it was almost surprising that his son even needed the explaining, but the noble family had been making their greatest effort not to let their, either way a tad spoiled, only-child become too aware of their influence too soon. It was better to introduce him to their connections gradually, which they clearly had opted for in this case at least, judging by the mix of fear and respect on the blond boy's face.

- Greetings, Lucius – Severus responded with the same gesture. - Narcissa - he bowed his head in the direction of the witch, as always right by the side of her husband – And this is Draco, I presume? – he offered to shake the child's hand as well, simultaneously twisting his lips in what was intended as a smile.
That didn't work too well, as the boy backed off marginally, which in turn resulted in him being pushed by his father towards the Potions' Master.
- I am... Pleased to meet you, professor – he finally dared to utter, clumsily imitating the way his father greeted new acquaintances.

- And what brings you to King's Cross, Severus? Undoubtedly you're not escorting a kid to platform 9 3/4... – Mr. Malfoy decided to inquire.
- I had responsibilities to take care of nearby and decided I might as well apparate from here - he explained in a brusque tone, trying to signal that he would tolerate no further nosiness from his old friend.

- I understand - Lucius responded, looking at him quite intently - Well then, professor, we won't torment you any longer. We wish you a safe journey and when you arrive at Hogwarts I am convinced that you will take great care of Draco, guaranteed he lands in Slytherin House, of course – the wizard smiled ironically, as if such accident was so improbable it could only be a joke.

- And I am sure he will be an important addition to the House – Snape replied. - Now, if you excuse me, I indeed ought to leave. And so do you, if you intend to catch the train. Goodbye and safe travels to you too - he added turning to Draco, seconds before he disappeared from King's Cross.

Elena's family managed to find the platform 9 in no time, having the witch experienced in getting to Hogwarts by train act as their guide. Only there did it hit Elena's parents that she was supposed to board on platform 9 3/4.
- What did the letter say, again? 9 and three quarters? Are you sure? - Carwen kept asking in disbelief.
- Is it a joke of some sort? - Franco intended his question for Aneira, but to his surprise it was Ada who answered him having just jumped out from the wall before him.
- No, uncle, it's just magic - she chuckled - Kiss them goodbye and come with me! - she said to her cousin.

Elena did what her cousin commanded her to - she hugged both of her parents tightly, freeing them from the stupor caused by the older girl's stunt, promised that she'll remember to write letters regularly and asked them to pay Ruffles everyday from her. Ada barely let her finish when she pulled her hand and, helping her with pushing the trolley, swiftly travelled to the other side alongside her. There, still not fully used to walking through walls, Elena stopped in shock, watching all of the presumably magical families around her.

In the meantime Aneira tried to settle Elena's parents' nerves at least a bit and ditched them for a little while to join the girls at the hidden platform by herself, having decided that the muggle adults would be just dead weight for her. She found them talking with Ada's housemates.
- Hello, girls! I see you've already made you acquaintance with Adalie's friends - she approached them.
- She's gonna land in Raven anyways, best be prepared, right? - the cousin discerned, sending a knowing look to the rest when her mother started speaking.
- Certainly. I presume you'll manage from now on? Or should I help you get the suitcases inside? - she offered.
- Nah, we all know the spell, even if we're not technically on school grounds. Well, El doesn't, but Natasha will teach her - Ada decided.

She gave her mom a kiss on the cheek and the adult witch left them alone. The young Ravenclaws indeed took care of the first year student, showing her the incantation for Wingardium Leviosa and then helped her out with its usage on the bags, before the train started sorting them out itself the moment they landed on its floor. Soon enough the whole group was inside the train, taking up a whole compartment and the train took off.

The journey went smoothly for Elena, nicely nestled up amongst the older Ravenclaws, who spent the whole time on gossiping about the teachers, students and new classes that Ada, Natasha and Susanna were going to take this semester as fourth years. The two other students, as she found out during the ride, were called Cho and Mary and were only one and two years older than her, respectively, and as such had even more patience for her anxiety related to the begging of a new chapter of her life, which suddenly kicked. Luckily, the group got on really well from the start and while eating the pumpkin pasties in her seat next to Ada, Elena noticed that she felt almost at home amongst them.

At one point of the travel, however, the young girl was forced to leave them for moment to go to the loo. Finding it on the train prove a difficult task as she had to search three cars before it finally revealed itself. On her way back, while in a compartmentless wagon taken up mainly by Slytherins, she suddenly lost her balance and landed on her hands and knees on the floor.

- What is it, first year? Can't even keep your balance on the train? – she heard a laugh behind her back.
When she got back on her feet and tried to return to her car, she got stopped by three Slythers, blocking her way.
- Not so fast, grizzly girl – a tall blond boy said, although she wasn't even sure whether he was mocking her appearance or the tears that started filling her eyes.
She managed to contain them, but couldn't force herself to face the attacker.

- Come on, Cassius – a dark-haired girl tried to calm him a little – Do you have any wizards or witches in your family, grizzly?
- My aunt is Aneira Hughes – she answered proudly.
- Hughes? You're from that nutjob's family? – she looked at her friends in disbelief – Another mudblood-freak, just what this school needs!
Her insults were followed by a second burst of laughter, while Elena tried to fight off the urge to cry. She finally lifted her head up and looked at the mean teens bravely.
- You're so courageous, staring at us like that – said the other girl mockingly – Oh look, she has two different eyes! Just like my dog Motley-eyes, which I used to practice spells on – she said, in the middle of the sentence changing her tone to a menacing one – He's dead now. Cute puppy, he was, just as cute as you, little mudblood – she pulled on Elena's cheek.

- Ouch! – the blonde suddenly backed her hand – She bit me!
- Bad dog! Bad, rabid dog! – shouted Cassius, dishing out a kick towards El.
She dodged it and that very second someone else walked into the wagon.
- Why don't you all pick somebody your own size? – half of the Gryffindor Quidditch team had apparently just exited the Buffet Car, and, lead by their captain, they were the ones that saved Elena from further distress, as she found out later.
- Go, poor girl, we'll deal with them! – the boy whose voice stopped Cassius earlier said to her and she run away.

She spent the remaining twenty minutes of the journey crying to her newly found Ravenclaw friends, righteously outraged at the bullies. She felt very disappointed with herself for having to rely on the help of some random brave strangers instead of dealing with her problems herself. But the Ravens finally cheered her up a little just when they were arriving at Hogsmeade, where, to her disappointment, they had to separate.

The train stopped at the station after the sun had already set and when Elena heard Rubeus Hagrid, who was, she had been told earlier – the groundskeeper of the school, she felt excitement fill her heart again. After getting on a boat with three other girls she almost completely forgot about the accident from earlier. She was engulfed in conversation with one of the other first years, a sweet girl with curly hair called Hermione, about the interesting history of Hogwarts' houses, when the majestic castle appeared from the fog floating above the lake. She was taking in everything in awe, feeling like she were an adventurer from one of the books her mum used to read her when she was little.

The Sorting Ceremony began soon after they entered the school grounds. Elena followed the tall, skinny old woman dressed in a green robe, whose name she forgot immediately after hearing it, too excited to think straight, along with the other children and in the Great Hall saw her cousin and the other Ravenclaws smiling at her reassuringly.

The old woman then took the position in front of them, holding a big, tattered brown magician's hat. Standing in the crowd of 1st years, Elena waited impatiently for her turn to walk up to the dais, barely paying attention to the litany of names. She witnessed Hermione, those two boys she said she met on the train, Hannah, Draco and some others get sorted, before the professor finally read her name:
- Elena Castel.
She walked up daringly to the chair and sat down, while the Sorting Hat was placed on her head.

- Hmmm... Where should I put you? – it wondered for a while.
- Thirst for knowledge, lots of ambition for sure, loyalty too.. You're striving to be wise... or rather... cunning. Resilient above all... more powerful and smart than you give yourself credit for... devoted... even to those you've lost... manipulative... could be brave... – it murmured, and all she was thinking was that those didn't exactly sound like Ravenclaw characteristics, more like Gryffindor at best, but before she could give it a hint it where she would like to land, it announced – Slytherin!

She blinked a few times and even pinched herself to ensure it wasn't some sort of a nightmare her dream about the School of Magic turned into. Scanning the room with a rather absent gaze she noticed Adalie's worried expression and the sly smiles of some of the Slytherins she had the bad luck to meet earlier that day. When she vacated the chair, having been gently nudged by professor McGonagall, she suddenly felt all energy leave her and almost fell down.
- What is it, child? – the old woman asked her with sincere concern – Are you unhappy about the house you have been sorted into?
- No... yes, professor.
The old woman let her sit back in the chair and to the surprise of the whole hall she put the Hat back on.
- Sure, you could fit in Ravenclaw, but I already told you, Slytherin it is! – it scolded her, irritated - You'll find I was right in the years to come.

This time when she tried to stand up she just collapsed to the ground.