By Aiko Hotaru

I don't own SM or HP. However Hotaru's long name is mine!!!

The group walked off the ship together and looked to see a giant calling for the first years. Hotaru grinned and looked at her new friends. She felt at peace, like she finally belonged somewhere. After years of disgrace and horrible torture, she belonged. Harry and Ron smirked and raced ahead of the girls toward the giant. The group, including all of the first years made their way to the new home called Hogwarts.

Hotaru's heart thumped loudly in her chest as the man called Hagrid helped her into the strange boat. Harry, Hermione and Ron quickly joined her. "Alright boat's forward." Hagrid told the boats and soon they were on their way. Hotaru shook with anticipation at the thought of meeting the last of her family finally. Haruka said something that had made each passing night before this seem like an endless wait.

**Flashback**

"Hotaru…you also have a grandfather alive." Hotaru glanced at her father figure. "Really?" Hotaru whispered. "He's the strongest, wisest man that everyone wished they had for one. A man you will soon meet after you arrive at Hogwarts. I know. I will tell you about the time he discovered a use for dragon's blood. It was a huge mistake really." Haruka grinned, tucking the child in and beginning the tale. "You see he…" Haruka's happy voice faded as Hotaru hit reality again.

**End Flashback**

Hotaru blinked and looked up at the towering castle. It had a pleasant happy ring to the name. She felt herself lift in heart and soul. When Hagrid left the company, Harry seemed upset, but she gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder to reassure him he'd see his friend again. He gave her a happy smile. "Hello First years." Came a stern yet soft woman's voice. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall." The tall skinny woman stated. She had bright wed hair and dark greenish colored eyes. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your Houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your House will be something like our family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room. The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule breaking will lose points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. Be prepared and don't be afraid."

Hotaru smiled at the kind although stern lady. She knew immediately she liked this woman. She stepped up toward her and pulled her sleeve slightly, blushing somewhat. "yes?" The great professor questioned her. "I…My caretakers told me you call us by name…I was wondering if you could call me just "Hotaru Tomoe" Not the entire enormous thing." She looked at her feet. "Sorry dear. Rules are rules, sides its not THAT long." Professor McGonagall crossed her arms and smirked. Hotaru shuttered. "Alright ma'am." She crept back to Harry and his friends. Harry looked at her curiously. "What was that about?" Hotaru looked at the three curious friends she'd made and those listening in on the conversation and shrugged. "You will see." She told them.

The first years held their breaths as the professor led them into the room. The first few steps were hard for Hotaru and Harry and their group of friends, but they overcame the fear and found themselves mystified by the candles floating in the room. A group of adults dressed very oddly stood in the front. Hotaru realized the ceiling was somehow bewitched. "Dumbledore did a masterpiece." She heard one of the other first years, Susan Bones recite calmly. The name was the same as etched in her brain. She looked at the adults who sat in seats of wooden ancient chairs calmly watching their presence. Professor McGonagall moved more quickly than the group and went to a hat and thin chair up in the front of everyone. "When I call your names come here for sorting." She told the first years. "Susan Bones." The girl raced forward. The dull, dirty old hat was placed on her head and it immediately afterward called out, "HufflePuff!" So began the long wait of sorting…

TBC…