A/N Well another fun filled year at Hogwarts is about to start. In this chapter you learn A if I even bother to write a Sorting Hat song, What houses Amy's Cousins end up in, Who the Japanese Exchange Students are, and most importantly why they aren't using the Emeric Switch books this year.
Chapter Four Shiki.
Amy and gang were sitting on her front porch a stack of trunks off to one side waiting for a carriage to arrive. Myrtle of course was already at Hogwarts. About 10AM two carriages pulled up. Dobby along with another house elf were along for the ride.
"Dobby, put these first two trunks in the Front Carriage. They go right up to Gryffindor on Arrival. The other three go in the back carriage and will go where ever soon as it's determined," Amy informed the house elf.
"No Problem Amy Potter Dobby understands."
Dobby and his companion soon had all the trunks loaded. Emily rode in the first carriage with Amy while Elly, Joshua, and Abigale rode in the second carriage. Soon as they arrived at Hogwarts two more House Elves were waiting to assist with the trunks.
"Winky, Deory, come help Cronk and I with the first couple trunks. The other's aren't ready yet to go up," Dobby called out to the other two house elves.
"You got it Dobby," one of the other two house elves said.
"Come on I'll take you all for a tour of the Castle. I doubt we will get over to see Hagrid today he has to collect the other first years when they arrive on the train tonight," Amy told the group.
Headmistress McGonagall then walked out from the Great Hall.
"Amy, you are already here," she realized.
"Yes I was going to take some early arriving first years on a tour of the castle," Amy told the Headmistress.
"Good I have several Foreign students in my office you can add to your group. I told them I'd find a staff member to show them around but you will do. The password is," McGonagall said before whispering it to Amy alone.
"Where are the foreign students from?" Amy wondered.
"Japan," McGonagall responded.
Amy then lead her group to the Gargoyle.
"I need to stop off here for a second," Amy said. She then gave the password and went upstairs. She simply opened the door.
"konnichi-wa. I'm your tour guide on this fine day," Amy told them.
"You look like a Student," a fairly older male student said.
"Hebi," a younger girl about Amy's age said.
"Shut it Shiki, the Head master did put me in charge of the group as a whole," Hebi said.
"If anything Hichi should have been in charge," a boy a little older then Shiki said.
"Look if you two morons don't like it then tough but the Headmaster put me in charge not Hichi," Hebi complained.
That guy Hebi is definitely Slytherin material.
"I don't know about certain individuals but I'm going to accept this girls offer of a tour," Shiki said.
Everyone but Hebi joined her.
"Don't mind Hebi too much but he takes being in charge a little too seriously. The Headmaster at our school told us Hebi was only in charge during our journey from Japan," Shiki informed Amy.
"arigato Shiki-chan," Amy told her.
"do itashimasite," Shiki told her. "You speak nippon well."
"I took a special course on your language," Amy told her.
About twelve thirty Amy lead her group into the Great Hall. Everyone was busy getting things set up.
"Sit at the Staff Table for now Amy," Harry told her.
"Thanks dad," Amy said. "For those of you who don't know Professor Potter the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is my dad."
"Impressive," the oldest girl said. Amy came to realize she was Hichi early on.
"Where is the other member of your group?" Harry wondered.
"Who knows. He refused McGonagall's choice of a tour guide," Hichi said. "Your daughter has a very good grasp of our language."
"Of course I'm not real familiar with the pictographs but Romanized Japanese I can handle," Amy said. "Of course our teacher doesn't deal with the pictographs at all."
After lunch was over Amy continued the tour. They were up near the Divination Classroom in the north Tower several hours later when Ritala came floating up.
"Amy, your group is to report to the Entrance Hall right now," Ritala said.
"Thanks Ritala," Amy said.
They then headed for the Entrance Hall where the Japanese contigent along with Elly, Joshua, and Abigale went into the waiting area for the sorting. Amy and Emily heaved for the Gryffindor Table. Thankfully both were wearing their dress uniforms. Fairly soon After that the First Years were brought out with the Japanese Contingent behind them.
Harry then put the Sorting Hat on it's stool.
"Look everyone It's been a long year and I had the worst case of song writer's block of anything so I hope you don't mind if I just say this. The Brave will end up in Gryffindor, The loyal in Hufflepuff, the Cunning not to mention evil and twisted will be in Slytherin, and finally the Wisest in Ravenclaw. Ok now bring on the Victims," the Sorting Hat said.
Harry then started calling out names before too long he came to D.
"Dursley, Abigale," He called out.
Abigale then went and put the hat on. After a slight pause the hat called out "GRYFFINDOR."
Amy and her bunch of course were screaming away.
"OK Simmer down everyone. Dursley, Joshua."
A longer pause then for his sister greeted the hall. Suddenly he called out "HUFFLEPUFF."
"I don't ruddy believe it," Abigale muttered from where she was sitting near Amy. Two seats carefully held one for her brother, and one for Elly.
"Trust me it happens," Amy said.
Finally there were only a few first years left before the Japanese students were sorted.
"Weasley, Elly," Harry called out.
"GRYFFINDOR," the Sorting Hat called out before it was even on her head Elly took one of the two empty seats next to Abigale.
Once the Last First Year was sorted
"OK I will handle the first announcement. The Ministry of Magic has entered into an agreement between Hogwarts and the Tokyo School of Magic. Under the agreement eight students from their school will be attending Hogwarts this year. At a future point eight of our Students will be heading off to Japan to attend school out there for a year. I will of course be calling out the Students and giving their Hogwarts class year. They will be living with their class in the Houses. Baika, Sakura 5th Year."
"HUFFLEPUFF."
"Gensetsu, Gin 4th Year."
"SLYTHERIN."
"Ichizoku, Shunou Wa 6th Year."
"HUFFLEPUFF."
"Kishoukachi, Hichiriki."
"RAVENCLAW."
"Kusa, Hebi No Naka 7th Year."
"SLYTHERIN."
"Majikku, Shishou Wa 4th Year."
"RAVENCLAW."
What No Gryffindors?
"Senshi, Kaigaishii. 3rd year."
"GRYFFINDOR."
"Phew. I wonder where Shiki will end up she seems like a Gryffindor of course she probably isn't in my year."
"Suta-Raito, Shikkyaku, 2nd year."
"GRYFFINDOR."
You could see the excited look on Amy's face as Shiki walked over to the seat between Abigale and another first year girl Anna Hartington.
"Is this seat taken?" Shiki politely asked.
"I was originally holding it for my brother but he ended up in a different house," Abigale told her.
"Shiki, I was a little surprised you turned out to be a second year student," Amy said.
"Well those things happen," Shiki said as McGonagall stood up.
"OK AS you can see this year we have to be on our best behavior because of our Foreign students. For that reason Any infractions where a foreign student is involved will result in double points and double detention time being served. The Forbidden Forest is naturally Forbidden for all students. If you want to play Quidditch this year see Madame Conway as soon as possible since tryouts start soon. Also no magic is to be done in the corridors by order of the caretaker. Also we have one small teaching change. Professor Finch-Fletchley our transfiguration professor has taken a one year leave of absence from Hogwarts and will she assures me be returning next year. Therefore let me Quickly introduce our Visiting Professor of Transfiguration Professor Harrington."
When Amy looked at the new professor she realized who she was looking at.
"That's my dads former teammate Alicia Spinnett."
"OK everyone eat hearty."
Soon as the food appeared Julie addressed Shiki.
"So Shikkyaku. You familiar with Quidditch at all?"
"Japan is real big on Quidditch. Most countries is that area mainly use carpets not brooms so they aren't real big on it. If I was at my school in Japan I'd consider trying out this year," Shiki said.
"Man your name is hard to remember," Nigel said.
"Most people just shorten it to Shiki generally."
"Amy, when will we receive our class schedules?" Abigale wondered.
"Breakfast tomorrow. My dad will bring them around."
After dinner everyone headed for the Tower.
"I remember this portrait from the tour but you never said it was Gryffindor," Kaigaishii said.
"Well the members of the other houses aren't supposed to know it's here," Amy said. "Kai, someone will show you to your room. Shiki come with me."
Shiki then followed Amy and the other Second years up the tower.
"Your bed looks to be right here," Tonya said.
"Thanks," Shiki said.
"I'm sure you will have fun here," Hillary said.
The next morning Shiki shook Amy awake about five thirty.
"Amy, want to come down to the Common Room with me?"
"Sure," Amy said. Amy then put on a pair of normal work robes.
Soon they were in the deserted common room.
"Everyone seems so nice so far," Shiki commented.
"Trust me not everyone is that way. After all I didn't care for Hebi at all."
"Are there any guys you even sort of like?"
"Yeah," Amy said her face going a bright magenta. "Thing is he is a Slytherin. Gryffindor and Slytherin are big rivals. In fact the opening Quidditch Match is always between our two houses."
"Have you ever played Quidditch?"
"Gryffindor Keeper. That one guy I like in Slytherin is the keeper for his team."
"That must make it interesting."
"It kinda does. The first couple times we really chatted I treated him like dirt simply because of his house. Then I really got to know him and realized her is a nice guy."
"That's good to know."
"Your language just sounds so poetic."
"It shows even in our names. Take mine for instance in English it would translate out to Falling Starlight."
"What about Hebi's?"
"Snake in the grass."
Amy attempted to hold back a laugh.
"Did I say something funny?"
"Slytherin's symbol happens to be a serpent."
"Oh." Shiki had made the connection about Hebi ending up in Slytherin. "How long has your dad taught here?"
"This is his second year. He teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. It's rare for a person to hold that position two straight years. In fact my dad never had the same professor two straight years. HE also heads Gryffindor along with being the Assistant Headmaster."
"How do you manage?"
"It's a challenge in fact at first I didn't even want to be in this house."
Right then they heard a yawn from the stairs. Amy looked up to find Hannah.
"Morning you two," She said sounding still asleep.
"Morning Hannah, How was your summer?"
"Depressing," Hannah said. "All I wanted to do was get my hands on Hecate and wring her neck."
Shiki had a confused look on her face.
"Hecate killed my parents end of last calendar year."
"Sorry to hear that," Shiki said.
"The only time it really bothers me is when I go home to Epsom. If I'm here or in Hogsmeade it's not as big a problem."
"Who generally makes the Hogsmeade trips?" Shiki wondered.
"Normally third years on up. Only Amy has a waiver since she lives there and she can bring people with her and I'm one of the people to generally go with her. Her cousin Emily is another one on the list."
Before they knew it Breakfast was about to start. The 2nd year girls sat together in one spot at the table.
"Morning ladies," Harry said as he came around. "Got some nice fresh course schedules here."
"SO when do we visit the torture chamber of doom?" Hannah wondered. "Good not until Monday."
"This should prove interesting Double Herbology. What four days a week of charms Three each of History and Potions. What gives?"
"Because of Fridays off," Harry said.
"Oh," Hannah realized.
"Well I'll probably see you in class tomorrow," Amy said seeing she had Defense first thing Monday Wednesday Friday.
"True but I also want to see you during your free period today," Harry said.
Right after breakfast They headed for the Greenhouse. The Hufflepuffs were lead out by Professor Sprout who happened to be their head of house.
"I've got some fun stuff planned this year and yes we will be doing outside lab work like we did last year with the Wolfsbane. In fact next week we start the outside lab work. I'd like a couple volunteers to assist with setting up for the labs Monday afternoon.
"When exactly Monday Afternoon because At least the Gryffindor's are pretty tied up.
"We'll arrange a convenient time Miss Potter," Professor Sprout said.
"Professor, do we usually work individually in this class or with partners?" Shiki wondered.
"Generally with Partners since things can get a little hairy sometimes."
"I'm an exchange student so I don't have a partner," Shiki admitted.
"You can work with Hannah and I," Amy offered.
"arigato Amy-chan."
Class was basically a review of what had been covered the previous year. During lunch Amy noticed how Hannah seemed real depressed. Hannah was even that way during Charms.
"So you ready to head for your dad's office?" Hannah wondered.
"Hannah, take a break for a few days. I should be safe besides Shiki will be along," Amy said.
"Just be careful Amy," Hannah said.
Amy then headed for Harry's office with Shiki beside her. By chance he didn't have a class.
"Amy, how has Hannah been acting when you've seen her?"
"Tired and depressed bigtime. I had her take a break for a few days."
"Probably a good idea. What are your plans after lunch tomorrow?"
"Well at some point go visit Hagrid and I might slip home. Speaking of which do you have the waiver forms on you?"
"By chance I do," Harry said handing her one. Amy quickly filled it out listing Emily, Abigale, and Shiki on the list. She then handed it back to her father.
"I see a couple problems with your form Amy."
"What?"
"First of all you can't list Abigale on your form since she will for the most part be considered a Hogsmeade resident since she is sort of living with us. Joshua would be the same way. Even if it wasn't the case you have three listed. With Hannah it would be four."
"Hannah isn't on my list this year," Amy said. "Because of Hannah I looked at it as being permission to have an extra person join me. I'm just not sure Hannah is up to that kind of duty right away."
"Still," Harry said.
"Dad, even at that I have two people. Who knows in a couple weeks Hannah might be up to returning to duty," Amy said.
Out by the lake a figure pointed it's wand at itself and used a stunning spell on itself. The stunning beam caused the figure to fall off the shore into the water. As the figure fell you could make out a hint of blond hair.
Fairly soon it was time for History of Magic. Binns started out taking attendance.
"Adams."
"Here."
"Andrewson."
"Here."
"Faulkner."
"Here."
"Fitzgerald."
"Here."
"Fleming."
"Here."
"Johnson."
"Here."
"Lewis."
"Here."
"Mains."
"Here."
"Nelson."
"Here Professor."
"Potter."
"Here."
"Suta-Raito."
"Here."
"Watkins."
"Here."
"Williams."
Nothing was heard."
"Williams."
Still nothing.
"If Williams doesn't speak up now it will be ten points off Gryffindor."
Only silence greeted him.
"Very well. Wilson."
"Here."
"Wood."
"Here Professor."
Class was it's usual pile of boredom. Afterwards.
"What do you think happened to that one student?" Shiki wondered as they headed for dinner.
"I don't know?" Amy said. "She might have lost track of time I've had it happen to me. One time I was taking a nap during a free period and woke up ten minutes late for my dad's class."
"Not good," Shiki said.
"He understood since it was a result of Madame Pomfrey's sleep potion."
During Dinner Amy didn't see any sign of Hannah. About 6:30 McGonagall walked over.
"Miss Potter. Kari is out this week so your first session this term is next week," McGonagall told her.
"Thanks Professor McGonagall."
After Dinner they went up to the Common Room. Amy glanced at Hannah's bed and it was empty. "Who knows she could be at the library."
The morning at breakfast Amy saw a note on her plate.
"Amy
If you come for tea this afternoon bring your new friend along with all your cousins
Hagrid."
"Who is this Hagrid you mentioned him yesterday I think."
"You'd know him if you saw him he's kind of hard to miss," Amy told her.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts Harry gave the room a quick sweep.
"If anyone sees Miss Williams at some point have her stop in to see me."
After Defense they headed for Transfiguration.
"OK gang. I spoke with Professor Finch-Fletchley in order to get an idea of where you stand. We won't do anything new today being the first day of class and a Friday. How many of you don't have a copy of the Hogwart's Guide to Beginning and Intermediate Transfiguration?" Professor Harrington wondered.
Only a couple of hands went up.
"See Professor Potter by next class because I will be using that book exclusively. OK now I did a quick head count as everyone walked in and we look to be missing someone."
Something is up Hannah has completely vanished it seems."
About three o'clock Amy and her crew headed for Hagrid's hut.
"Perfect timing I just finished a fresh batch of Rock Cakes," Hagrid said.
Everyone thankfully passed.
"Amy, how has Hannah been lately?"
"Haven't seen much of her to be honest Hagrid."
"Abigale, I assume you and your brother are at least pleasant compared to your side of the family."
"We are actually, sir," Abigale said.
They had a long talk. Monday Morning Amy knew something was up.
"Did anyone see Miss Williams over the weekend. Come on most of you sleep in the same room as her. Someone since Friday has to have seen her."
"You know it is weird that the last time anyone remembers seeing her was in Charms on Thursday," Julie said towards the middle of the period.
"Could she have gone back to her family?"
"Her stuff is still here."
Harry ducked into his office. He came out ten minutes later.
"I just spoke with McGonagall. Everyone at this time is to begin to head for the Great Hall while the Staff looks for Miss Williams. Amy, Shiki, Stick around for a couple minutes.
Soon as everyone else left Amy and Shiki headed for his office.
"I spoke with McGonagall and I convinced her that you two should check Hogsmeade. First though We will need someone to check the lake. The Staff will check inside the castle," Harry said.
"I know just the person," Amy said.
Shortly after that Amy was briefing Moaning Myrtle in on the problem.
"No Problem Amy," Myrtle said as she floated up and did a swan dive into one of the toilets. "OK Amy Flush Away."
Amy flushed the toilet sending Myrtle at high pressure and speed toward the lake. She and Shiki then walked along the lake. Next thing she knew Myrtle came flying like a high speed cork from the lake.
"Amy, get help quick I found something down here."
Amy immediately took her wand out and sent a huge stream of sparks into the air. Professor Snape came running out right then.
"Miss Potter, why are you and your friend not with the other students in the Great Hall?"
"Because we are assisting in the search. Moaning Myrtle found something in the lake. "
"You two are lucky I happen to have this on me," Snape said handing out some gilly weed. "Once ingested you have one hour of underwater time. While you are gone I will get the Headmistress."
Amy and Shiki both consumed some of the weed and dived in. Myrtle lead the way eventually they found the figure that had fallen in on Thursday. Amy's heart almost sank. She signaled Shiki to take one side and they started to surface. By this time McGonagall, Pomfrey, and Harry along with a couple Ministry wizards were on hand.
"Amy, how is the search going?" Harry called out to them as Hagrid started heading their way with a couple of the boats.
"I'm not sure," Amy replied. Eventually the body was hoisted into a boat with Hagrid and Amy and Shiki were in the second boat. After a few seconds they reached shore. Amy then took a close look at the body before turning away. The body was Hannah's.
"She's dead," Madame Pomfrey said. "The way her wand is pointed I'm willing to bet suicide."
"How would she have killed herself. Most 2nd year students aren't well versed in the killing curse?" One of the Ministry Wizards wondered.
"She could have used a stunning spell on herself," Amy said. "She knew some advanced magic because of her special duties."
Everyone then headed for the Great Hall.
"Everyone can head off now except 2nd year Gryffindor," McGonagall said. "Classes will resume after lunch."
The Great Hall soon emptied out except for the 2nd year Gryffindors.
"We managed to find Hannah in the lake," McGonagall said.
"In the lake," Julie said. "Was she thrown in or shoved."
"One theory Miss Watkins and right now it's the best we have is she used a spell of some type on herself since her wand was pointed towards her.
"If she did commit suicide when did she do it?" Roger wondered.
"Probably between Charms and History last Thursday. After all She was in Charms but not history," Shiki pointed out.
"I'm excusing your class from classes the whole day," McGonagall said. The class headed for an empty classroom so they could talk in peace.
Closing Notes. First off I want to thank the author formerly known as Melissa Ivory for her help in planning this chapter. We started planning this chapter way back when I was writing Chapter 4 of Amy's First year. Try not to send me too many bad reviews about Hannah's sudden demise. I'm still seeking beta readers for this and future fanfics.