Laura woke up at dawn the next morning. For a split second she didn't
remember where she was, but in the next instant it hit her. She was in her
new four poster bed in the dorm, at Hogwarts. She sat up, suddenly wide
awake. Getting up, she went into the bathroom washed up and got dressed.
Laura hoped the clothes she was wearing were ok. She was dressed in her
usual muggle attire, low ride jeans and a half t-shirt. Grabbing her school
bag, she picked up some parchment, a quill, ink and her school books.
Putting all of this in her bag, she headed down the stairs and out of the
portrait hole. Laura hoped she would remember the way down to the Great
Hall. After a couple of wrong turns she finally made it. Laura noticed
there was only one place setting at the end of the Gryffindor table, so she
went over and sat down at it. Almost immediately food and drink appeared
for her.
Just as Laura started eating, Falkor came swooping into the room and landed on the table across from her. Seeing him reminded Laura she needed to send letters to her parents and Heather. So taking out a quill, ink, and a couple pieces of parchment, Laura began writing her letters. Both ended up being quite short, seeing as not much had happened yet. Laura just wanted them to know she had made it safely. After she was finished, Laura rolled up the both letters and tied them to Falkor's leg. "I know this is a long trip, but please take both these letters to Heather, she can pass my parents letter to them herself." And with that, Falkor playfully nipped her finger and took off.
Right as Laura was finishing up breakfast, Professor McGongall walked into the Great Hall. Shw alked over to Laura and said," Good morning. Since it is already Thursday, and students are arriving on Sunday, we need to start right now with your studies. This morning you will be working with me on Transfiguration, and then this afternoon you have Charms with Professor Flitwick. So if you are done, follow me."
Laura swallowed her last bite of food, grabbed her school bag, and followed McGonagall out of the Great Hall and over to the classroom. Laura took a seat at the desk in the very front of the classroom. She took out her book, Intermediate Transfiguration, and looked up at Professor McGonagall, waiting for her to start the lesson. They started off the class fairly easy, changing a needle into a toothpick. Laura managed this task in just a few minutes, so the lesson quickly heated up. McGongall was very surprised at how fast Laura was learning, but Laura was even more surprised. While watching her student, Minerva thought to herself," It looks like we did find the right girl. She is picking things up faster than I ever could have thought. At this rate, she will be more than ready when classes start on Monday." After four hours of lecture and transfiguring many different things, McGongall announced that the lesson was over, and Laura could head out and get some lunch. So Laura thanked Professor McGonagall, and headed out to the Great Hall for lunch.
Just as Laura was finishing up lunch, little Professor Flitwick walked over to her and inquired," Are you finished? If so, it's time to go."
"Man, I feel rushed. Always having to shovel my food, to hurry up and get to class. If this keeps up, I'm going to have permanment heart burn," thought Laura to herself. Out loud all she said was," Yes, I'm ready," and followed Flitwick to his classroom. The first Laura had to do was take numerous pages of notes. Next they went over some spells in her book, Standard Book of Spells-Grade 6. After that part of the lesson was out of the way, Flitwick cleared his throat and said," I spoke with Professor McGonagall earlier, and stated that you pick up things very quickly. So let's get started, shall we?"
Professor Flitwick ran Laura like crazy. He had her zooming things across the room, levitating objects all over the place. The problem for Flitwick was that since they were the only two in the room, Laura had to try many of the spells on him. After four hours of this, Laura thought she was going to collaspe, but just then Flitwick said," Well, that's enough for today. I think you will do just fine, when classes start on Monday."
Laura thanked Professor Flitwick, and dragged herself out of the classroom. Thinking that she would just skip dinner and head up to bed, she started heading for the stairs. Right before she started heading up, Laura was stopped by Professor Snape.
"Where do you think you are going Miss VanGelder?" asked Snape.
"I'm exhausted after eight hours of intense studying. I was heading back to my dorm, I really need to get some sleep, sir," replied Laura with a yawn.
"You can sleep later. Right now you are coming down to the dungeon with me to study potions. If you are as quick a learner as I hear, then should be done sometime tonight. If not, then I guess you will be staying up all night."
Laura couldn't believe it, all she wanted to do was get some sleep, but no. Now she had to go and spend hours in the dungeon, alone with Professor Snape. She followed Snape down to his classroom, and took a seat at the desk right in front of the room.
"Now I have heard from the other Professors that you are a quick study. We shall see. Potions is not an easy subject for most. There is no stupid and useless wand waving in here. This class requires actual brain power, and since you were sorted in Gryffindor, you probably don't have much to spare. Now take out a quill and some parchment. Copy down everything I say and write on the board. After lecture I will have you attempt to brew two potions. One fairly simple and the other will be quite difficult." And with those words, Snape started his lecture.
"Man, no wonder most of the students don't like him. What a jerk!" thought Laura to herself, as she started writing. After two hours of constant talking and writing, Snape announced it was time to mix her potions. Laura looked down and saw that she had written twenty five pages of notes. She was also noticing that her hand had gone numb from all the writing. The first potion was a simple one to cure boils. Laura made the potion perfectly, and she could tell that Snape was disappointed. The second potion Laura had to mix was quite complicated, a truth serum. It took an hour to complete this one, due to the fact that it had to be brought back to a boil after each ingredient was added. After checking her serum, Snape admitted that Laura had made it right. Now he seemed to be doublely disappointed. It was obvious to Laura that Snape had been hoping she would mess at least one of the potions up. After cleaning everything up, Laura grabbed her stuff, and started heading out of the classroom. Right before she made it out the door, Snape called out," Well Miss VanGelder, it seems you are not the brainless git most Gryffindors are. I've got my eye on you. Don't think you can mess with either me or this class."
"Professor Snape, I thank you very much for that warm compliment. Goodnight sir," replied Laura, giving Snape a big smile.
Laura headed back up to the Gryffindor tower, now so tired she could barely see. She walked up to the portrait of the Fat Lady, mumbled the password, and climbed in through the hole. Without even changing her clothes, Laura fell into bed. She was asleep before her head even hit the pillow.
The next two days went pretty much the same. Laura spent all day in classes for History of Magic, Herbology, Astronomy, Arithmancy, and of course Care of Magical Creatures. Finally on Saturday night, Laura met with Professor Lupin for Defense Against the Dark Arts. This was the one class she had been looking forward to. Lupin started off with lecture, which lasted for two hours. After lecture was finished, Lupin decided Laura was ready for some practicals. First he had her work with a variety of creatures such as hinkypunks, grindylows, and red caps. After Laura had successfully made her way around them, Lupin told her he had something special to work with next.
"What is it Professor?" she asked.
"Well since you have read the books, you should be familiar with Boggarts," at this Laura nodded her head yes. "I managed to catch one that had taken up residence in one of the dungeons. It's here in this box. Do you remember the spell to use on a Boggart?" "Yes I do. It's Riddikulus," answered Laura. "That's correct. Remember to imagine something funny when you say it. Are you ready?" asked Lupin.
Instead of answering, due to the fact that she was concentrating, Laura just nodded her head yes. Lupin opened the box and Laura's mother stepped out. The figure spotted Laura, and heading towards her saying," I told you, you were strange! There's no such thing as magic! You have no friends! What is wrong with you?!" Laura hesitated for a second, she had not been expecting her mother, but in the next instant she raised her wand and shouted," Riddikulus!" Suddenly the figure of her mother was dressed like a clown, in full makeup and wig. Laura started laughing, and the Boggart stumbled. As soon as it faltered, Lupin forced it back into the box.
"That was very good Laura. You got it on the first try. I guess that will be all for tonight. It's already after midnight, and I'm sure you are tired. How are you holding up?" asked Lupin, looking concerned.
"I'm doing okay I guess. It's just that so much has been thrown at me at once. I've never felt thus tired in my life, at least it's over for now. All I have left is a ton of homework. I'll be spending all day in the library working on it tomorrow. Well at least until the other students arrive at dinner time," responded Laura with a yawn.
Laura started gathering up all her stuff, getting ready to head back up to Gryffindor tower. Lupin stopped her just as she was leaving and said," If you need anything, please feel free to come and speak to me Laura. Goodnight. I'll see you later."
"Goodnight Professor, and thanks. I'll keep it in mind," and with that comment, Laura headed out of the classroom, and back up to the common room. Once she was in her room, Laura barely managed to get changed before she fell into bed. The last thought on her mind, before she fell asleep was," At least I get to sleep in tomorrow."
Just after dawn the next morning, Laura was woken up. She opened her eyes, and squinted towards the window. There she could see Falkor tapping on the glass with his beak. "So much for sleeping in," thought Laura with a laugh, as she walked over to the window to open it. Falkor flew in and landed on her bed, dropping a letter. Laura ran back over to the bed, picked up the letter, saw it was from Heather, and tore it open. It said: Laura, I'm glad you made it there safely. I hope you are having fun, and you're not working too hard. Your parents haven't given me a letter to send to you yet.(Like you really care anyway) Write me again soon, to let me know what you've been up too. Love, Heather P.S. A lot of the kids at school have been asking about you, including your crush, Michael.
Laura was laughing as she finished reading the letter because while she was at that school no one gave her a second thought, but now that she was gone they all asked about her. Oh well, that's life, thought Laura and she got up and showered. After getting dressed, she grabbed her school bag and headed downstairs for breakfast, and then off to the library to do her homework.
Laura sat in the library all day, under the careful watch of Madam Pince. The pile of parchments, that were finished, kept growing. Finally as dusk started to fall, Laura knew it was almost time for dinner, and that meant the other students would be arriving soon. She gathered everything up, gave a quick goodbye to Madam Pince, left the library to head to the tower to get changed. When Laura got back to her room, she found her school uniform, with the Gryffindor colors, laid out. Quickly she changed, and headed back downstairs. Professor Dumbledore wanted her there before the other students arrived. Walking into the Great Hall Laura saw all the place settings set out, and she started to become nervous; would the other students like her? Most of the staff were already seated at the High Table. Laura spotted Dumbldore, and walked over to him with butterflies in her stomach. "Good evening Professor."
"The same to you Laura. The students will be arriving any minute, are you ready to be introduced?"
asked Dumbledore with a kind smile.
"As ready as I'll ever be," replied Laura.
"Well that's all I could ask for. I will wait to introduce you until after the first years are brought into the room, but before they are sorted. So if you would like to just sit here, in Professor McGongall's seat, we shall begin to get ready, " and with that Dumbledore sat down, with Laura sitting next to him.
Laura looked at the rest of the staff already seated, and spotted Professor Lupin talking to Professor Sprout. Lupin saw Laura, gave her a quick smile, and turned back to Sprout. In the next few minutes students started piling into the Great Hall. No one really noticed Laura at first, it wasn't until almost everyone was in and seated before she was seen. There was a lot of finger pointing and whispering, everyone was wondering who the young girl next to Professor Dumbledore could be. Finally after what seemed like an hour of being stared at, at least it seemed that way to Laura, Professor McGongall walked in leading the first years. Laura noticed how nervous and scared the little first years looked, and she knew exactly how they were feeling. McGongall brought them all up by the High Table, told them to wait and be quiet, because Professor Dumbledore wanted to say a few words before the sorting. At this, Dumbledore stood up, as the whole hall became silent.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all students. Mr Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to remind you that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term, so if anyone is interested in playing for their house team, they should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I am happy to say that this year we have a new transfer student all the way from America.: At this Dumbledore bid Laura to stand up, then he continued," Her name is Laura VanGelder. She is joining us for her sixth year. Laura has already been sorted, into Gryffindor House. I hope you will all make her feel welcome. Laura you may now join your housemates at you table."
Everyone in the Great Hall was staring at Laura as she walked down from the Hight Table over to the other Gryffindor students. She was just wondering if anybody would offer her seat, when all of the sudden a chubby faced boy, about her age, stood up and said," Laura there's an empty seat next to me if you want."
Laura looked at him gratefully, then sat down and replied," Thank you very much. Are you are?"
The round faced boy sat down next to her, turned red and said," My name is Neville Longbottom."
"Of course, now I remember him," thought Laura to herself. Out loud she said," Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Neville." At this, Neville turned an even brighter shade of red, but before he could respond, Professor McGongall started speaking.
"When I call your name, sit on the stool and put the hat on your head. Then you will be sorted into your house."
One by one the first years came forward, and were sorted into their new houses. Gryffindor got eight new students, Ravenclaw received nine, Hufflepuff got ten, and Slytherin received eight. Once the new students had gotten to their tables, and the sorting hat was put away, Dumbledore stood up again. "Dig In" was all he said. Suddenly the dishes on front of them were piled high with food. Everyone started eating and talking amongst themselves. Laura noticed a lot of the students were still staring in her direction, and she guessed that a lot of their conversations were probably about her. Deciding to ignore all the stares, she turned to Neville. Neville saw this as an invitation to start a conversation.
"So Laura, you transferred here all the way from America. What was your old school like back there? Why transfer here?"
"My school was actually pretty boring, nothing at all like Hogwarts. As for why I decided to come here, well Porfessor McGonagall made a good argument and convinced me to transfer," answered Laura.
The students sitting around them were listening in, and they could tell Laura wasn't saying everything. A boy sitting across from Neville cleared his throat and said," Since Neville isn't going to introduce us, I guess I will. My name is Seamus Finnigan, and this guy sitting next to me is Dean Thomas."
"Nice to meet you both," replied Laura.
Before Larua knew it, dinner was over. She realised that she had, had a pleasant time. Getting up, she walked out with Neville, Dean, and Seamus. Together they headed up to Gryffindor Tower. As they were walking, Laura told them what the password was. When they got to the portrait of the Fat Lady, she smiled at Laura and said," There you are dear, how did it go?"
"Fine thanks. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo." And with that the four of them walked through the hole into the common room. There were already quite a few students in there, and when they saw Laura, they all turned to stare. It was starting to make her feel quite uncomfortable, so she decided to head up to bed early. Turning to Neville, Dean, and Seamus, Laura said, " You know what, I'm really quite tired. I think I'll head up to bed now. Goodnight you guys, see you tomorrow morning."
"Goodnight Laura," said Neville, Dean, and Seamus in unison.
Laura turned around and headed up to her room. She quickly changed and got into bed. The she pulled the curtains around her four poster bed shut. Laura wanted her new roommates to think she was already asleep, because she didn't think she could handle any more stares tonight. After about an hour, Laura heard the other girls come into the room and get ready for bed. She lay in bed for quite awhile, unable to fall asleep. Finally after what felt like hours, Laura fell asleep, thinking about what the next day would bring.
Just as Laura started eating, Falkor came swooping into the room and landed on the table across from her. Seeing him reminded Laura she needed to send letters to her parents and Heather. So taking out a quill, ink, and a couple pieces of parchment, Laura began writing her letters. Both ended up being quite short, seeing as not much had happened yet. Laura just wanted them to know she had made it safely. After she was finished, Laura rolled up the both letters and tied them to Falkor's leg. "I know this is a long trip, but please take both these letters to Heather, she can pass my parents letter to them herself." And with that, Falkor playfully nipped her finger and took off.
Right as Laura was finishing up breakfast, Professor McGongall walked into the Great Hall. Shw alked over to Laura and said," Good morning. Since it is already Thursday, and students are arriving on Sunday, we need to start right now with your studies. This morning you will be working with me on Transfiguration, and then this afternoon you have Charms with Professor Flitwick. So if you are done, follow me."
Laura swallowed her last bite of food, grabbed her school bag, and followed McGonagall out of the Great Hall and over to the classroom. Laura took a seat at the desk in the very front of the classroom. She took out her book, Intermediate Transfiguration, and looked up at Professor McGonagall, waiting for her to start the lesson. They started off the class fairly easy, changing a needle into a toothpick. Laura managed this task in just a few minutes, so the lesson quickly heated up. McGongall was very surprised at how fast Laura was learning, but Laura was even more surprised. While watching her student, Minerva thought to herself," It looks like we did find the right girl. She is picking things up faster than I ever could have thought. At this rate, she will be more than ready when classes start on Monday." After four hours of lecture and transfiguring many different things, McGongall announced that the lesson was over, and Laura could head out and get some lunch. So Laura thanked Professor McGonagall, and headed out to the Great Hall for lunch.
Just as Laura was finishing up lunch, little Professor Flitwick walked over to her and inquired," Are you finished? If so, it's time to go."
"Man, I feel rushed. Always having to shovel my food, to hurry up and get to class. If this keeps up, I'm going to have permanment heart burn," thought Laura to herself. Out loud all she said was," Yes, I'm ready," and followed Flitwick to his classroom. The first Laura had to do was take numerous pages of notes. Next they went over some spells in her book, Standard Book of Spells-Grade 6. After that part of the lesson was out of the way, Flitwick cleared his throat and said," I spoke with Professor McGonagall earlier, and stated that you pick up things very quickly. So let's get started, shall we?"
Professor Flitwick ran Laura like crazy. He had her zooming things across the room, levitating objects all over the place. The problem for Flitwick was that since they were the only two in the room, Laura had to try many of the spells on him. After four hours of this, Laura thought she was going to collaspe, but just then Flitwick said," Well, that's enough for today. I think you will do just fine, when classes start on Monday."
Laura thanked Professor Flitwick, and dragged herself out of the classroom. Thinking that she would just skip dinner and head up to bed, she started heading for the stairs. Right before she started heading up, Laura was stopped by Professor Snape.
"Where do you think you are going Miss VanGelder?" asked Snape.
"I'm exhausted after eight hours of intense studying. I was heading back to my dorm, I really need to get some sleep, sir," replied Laura with a yawn.
"You can sleep later. Right now you are coming down to the dungeon with me to study potions. If you are as quick a learner as I hear, then should be done sometime tonight. If not, then I guess you will be staying up all night."
Laura couldn't believe it, all she wanted to do was get some sleep, but no. Now she had to go and spend hours in the dungeon, alone with Professor Snape. She followed Snape down to his classroom, and took a seat at the desk right in front of the room.
"Now I have heard from the other Professors that you are a quick study. We shall see. Potions is not an easy subject for most. There is no stupid and useless wand waving in here. This class requires actual brain power, and since you were sorted in Gryffindor, you probably don't have much to spare. Now take out a quill and some parchment. Copy down everything I say and write on the board. After lecture I will have you attempt to brew two potions. One fairly simple and the other will be quite difficult." And with those words, Snape started his lecture.
"Man, no wonder most of the students don't like him. What a jerk!" thought Laura to herself, as she started writing. After two hours of constant talking and writing, Snape announced it was time to mix her potions. Laura looked down and saw that she had written twenty five pages of notes. She was also noticing that her hand had gone numb from all the writing. The first potion was a simple one to cure boils. Laura made the potion perfectly, and she could tell that Snape was disappointed. The second potion Laura had to mix was quite complicated, a truth serum. It took an hour to complete this one, due to the fact that it had to be brought back to a boil after each ingredient was added. After checking her serum, Snape admitted that Laura had made it right. Now he seemed to be doublely disappointed. It was obvious to Laura that Snape had been hoping she would mess at least one of the potions up. After cleaning everything up, Laura grabbed her stuff, and started heading out of the classroom. Right before she made it out the door, Snape called out," Well Miss VanGelder, it seems you are not the brainless git most Gryffindors are. I've got my eye on you. Don't think you can mess with either me or this class."
"Professor Snape, I thank you very much for that warm compliment. Goodnight sir," replied Laura, giving Snape a big smile.
Laura headed back up to the Gryffindor tower, now so tired she could barely see. She walked up to the portrait of the Fat Lady, mumbled the password, and climbed in through the hole. Without even changing her clothes, Laura fell into bed. She was asleep before her head even hit the pillow.
The next two days went pretty much the same. Laura spent all day in classes for History of Magic, Herbology, Astronomy, Arithmancy, and of course Care of Magical Creatures. Finally on Saturday night, Laura met with Professor Lupin for Defense Against the Dark Arts. This was the one class she had been looking forward to. Lupin started off with lecture, which lasted for two hours. After lecture was finished, Lupin decided Laura was ready for some practicals. First he had her work with a variety of creatures such as hinkypunks, grindylows, and red caps. After Laura had successfully made her way around them, Lupin told her he had something special to work with next.
"What is it Professor?" she asked.
"Well since you have read the books, you should be familiar with Boggarts," at this Laura nodded her head yes. "I managed to catch one that had taken up residence in one of the dungeons. It's here in this box. Do you remember the spell to use on a Boggart?" "Yes I do. It's Riddikulus," answered Laura. "That's correct. Remember to imagine something funny when you say it. Are you ready?" asked Lupin.
Instead of answering, due to the fact that she was concentrating, Laura just nodded her head yes. Lupin opened the box and Laura's mother stepped out. The figure spotted Laura, and heading towards her saying," I told you, you were strange! There's no such thing as magic! You have no friends! What is wrong with you?!" Laura hesitated for a second, she had not been expecting her mother, but in the next instant she raised her wand and shouted," Riddikulus!" Suddenly the figure of her mother was dressed like a clown, in full makeup and wig. Laura started laughing, and the Boggart stumbled. As soon as it faltered, Lupin forced it back into the box.
"That was very good Laura. You got it on the first try. I guess that will be all for tonight. It's already after midnight, and I'm sure you are tired. How are you holding up?" asked Lupin, looking concerned.
"I'm doing okay I guess. It's just that so much has been thrown at me at once. I've never felt thus tired in my life, at least it's over for now. All I have left is a ton of homework. I'll be spending all day in the library working on it tomorrow. Well at least until the other students arrive at dinner time," responded Laura with a yawn.
Laura started gathering up all her stuff, getting ready to head back up to Gryffindor tower. Lupin stopped her just as she was leaving and said," If you need anything, please feel free to come and speak to me Laura. Goodnight. I'll see you later."
"Goodnight Professor, and thanks. I'll keep it in mind," and with that comment, Laura headed out of the classroom, and back up to the common room. Once she was in her room, Laura barely managed to get changed before she fell into bed. The last thought on her mind, before she fell asleep was," At least I get to sleep in tomorrow."
Just after dawn the next morning, Laura was woken up. She opened her eyes, and squinted towards the window. There she could see Falkor tapping on the glass with his beak. "So much for sleeping in," thought Laura with a laugh, as she walked over to the window to open it. Falkor flew in and landed on her bed, dropping a letter. Laura ran back over to the bed, picked up the letter, saw it was from Heather, and tore it open. It said: Laura, I'm glad you made it there safely. I hope you are having fun, and you're not working too hard. Your parents haven't given me a letter to send to you yet.(Like you really care anyway) Write me again soon, to let me know what you've been up too. Love, Heather P.S. A lot of the kids at school have been asking about you, including your crush, Michael.
Laura was laughing as she finished reading the letter because while she was at that school no one gave her a second thought, but now that she was gone they all asked about her. Oh well, that's life, thought Laura and she got up and showered. After getting dressed, she grabbed her school bag and headed downstairs for breakfast, and then off to the library to do her homework.
Laura sat in the library all day, under the careful watch of Madam Pince. The pile of parchments, that were finished, kept growing. Finally as dusk started to fall, Laura knew it was almost time for dinner, and that meant the other students would be arriving soon. She gathered everything up, gave a quick goodbye to Madam Pince, left the library to head to the tower to get changed. When Laura got back to her room, she found her school uniform, with the Gryffindor colors, laid out. Quickly she changed, and headed back downstairs. Professor Dumbledore wanted her there before the other students arrived. Walking into the Great Hall Laura saw all the place settings set out, and she started to become nervous; would the other students like her? Most of the staff were already seated at the High Table. Laura spotted Dumbldore, and walked over to him with butterflies in her stomach. "Good evening Professor."
"The same to you Laura. The students will be arriving any minute, are you ready to be introduced?"
asked Dumbledore with a kind smile.
"As ready as I'll ever be," replied Laura.
"Well that's all I could ask for. I will wait to introduce you until after the first years are brought into the room, but before they are sorted. So if you would like to just sit here, in Professor McGongall's seat, we shall begin to get ready, " and with that Dumbledore sat down, with Laura sitting next to him.
Laura looked at the rest of the staff already seated, and spotted Professor Lupin talking to Professor Sprout. Lupin saw Laura, gave her a quick smile, and turned back to Sprout. In the next few minutes students started piling into the Great Hall. No one really noticed Laura at first, it wasn't until almost everyone was in and seated before she was seen. There was a lot of finger pointing and whispering, everyone was wondering who the young girl next to Professor Dumbledore could be. Finally after what seemed like an hour of being stared at, at least it seemed that way to Laura, Professor McGongall walked in leading the first years. Laura noticed how nervous and scared the little first years looked, and she knew exactly how they were feeling. McGongall brought them all up by the High Table, told them to wait and be quiet, because Professor Dumbledore wanted to say a few words before the sorting. At this, Dumbledore stood up, as the whole hall became silent.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all students. Mr Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to remind you that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term, so if anyone is interested in playing for their house team, they should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I am happy to say that this year we have a new transfer student all the way from America.: At this Dumbledore bid Laura to stand up, then he continued," Her name is Laura VanGelder. She is joining us for her sixth year. Laura has already been sorted, into Gryffindor House. I hope you will all make her feel welcome. Laura you may now join your housemates at you table."
Everyone in the Great Hall was staring at Laura as she walked down from the Hight Table over to the other Gryffindor students. She was just wondering if anybody would offer her seat, when all of the sudden a chubby faced boy, about her age, stood up and said," Laura there's an empty seat next to me if you want."
Laura looked at him gratefully, then sat down and replied," Thank you very much. Are you are?"
The round faced boy sat down next to her, turned red and said," My name is Neville Longbottom."
"Of course, now I remember him," thought Laura to herself. Out loud she said," Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Neville." At this, Neville turned an even brighter shade of red, but before he could respond, Professor McGongall started speaking.
"When I call your name, sit on the stool and put the hat on your head. Then you will be sorted into your house."
One by one the first years came forward, and were sorted into their new houses. Gryffindor got eight new students, Ravenclaw received nine, Hufflepuff got ten, and Slytherin received eight. Once the new students had gotten to their tables, and the sorting hat was put away, Dumbledore stood up again. "Dig In" was all he said. Suddenly the dishes on front of them were piled high with food. Everyone started eating and talking amongst themselves. Laura noticed a lot of the students were still staring in her direction, and she guessed that a lot of their conversations were probably about her. Deciding to ignore all the stares, she turned to Neville. Neville saw this as an invitation to start a conversation.
"So Laura, you transferred here all the way from America. What was your old school like back there? Why transfer here?"
"My school was actually pretty boring, nothing at all like Hogwarts. As for why I decided to come here, well Porfessor McGonagall made a good argument and convinced me to transfer," answered Laura.
The students sitting around them were listening in, and they could tell Laura wasn't saying everything. A boy sitting across from Neville cleared his throat and said," Since Neville isn't going to introduce us, I guess I will. My name is Seamus Finnigan, and this guy sitting next to me is Dean Thomas."
"Nice to meet you both," replied Laura.
Before Larua knew it, dinner was over. She realised that she had, had a pleasant time. Getting up, she walked out with Neville, Dean, and Seamus. Together they headed up to Gryffindor Tower. As they were walking, Laura told them what the password was. When they got to the portrait of the Fat Lady, she smiled at Laura and said," There you are dear, how did it go?"
"Fine thanks. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo." And with that the four of them walked through the hole into the common room. There were already quite a few students in there, and when they saw Laura, they all turned to stare. It was starting to make her feel quite uncomfortable, so she decided to head up to bed early. Turning to Neville, Dean, and Seamus, Laura said, " You know what, I'm really quite tired. I think I'll head up to bed now. Goodnight you guys, see you tomorrow morning."
"Goodnight Laura," said Neville, Dean, and Seamus in unison.
Laura turned around and headed up to her room. She quickly changed and got into bed. The she pulled the curtains around her four poster bed shut. Laura wanted her new roommates to think she was already asleep, because she didn't think she could handle any more stares tonight. After about an hour, Laura heard the other girls come into the room and get ready for bed. She lay in bed for quite awhile, unable to fall asleep. Finally after what felt like hours, Laura fell asleep, thinking about what the next day would bring.