Author's Notes:
Here's Chapter 141 for you!
This chapter was supposed to be uploaded on September first. It would have been perfect, but I am not a perfect writer and only managed to finish it today.
Some good news, though, is that November is approaching quickly and bringing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). As with every year, I will continue The Marriage Decree for NaNoWriMo, where I aim to write 50,000 words in 30 days. I've won eight out of the nine years I've attempted, so I'm confident. As usual, I upload as I finish a chapter, so rest assured you'll be getting a few chapters next month.
Also, this year, I'm starting a NaNoWriMo lunchtime club at the primary school where I work, which is just an excuse to write while working. I've had about 15 children interested so far, which is amazing. I want them to have fun instead of worrying about spelling and grammar like they would in class.
Anyway, I enjoyed writing this chapter and having Sophie be the focus. Although, writing from a younger perspective is hard. Thankfully, I work with plenty of eleven-year-olds and think I did well.
Love, DW
P.S. Enjoy x
September arrives quicker than Sophie expected. The beginning of summer dragged on as she wasted weeks ignoring her father and wishing days would roll by faster. Although, their family holiday was a turning point. After talking to her father about her worries, the last week of August flew by with days full of father-daughter activities.
Now, the night before the first of September, Sophie can't sleep. Her stomach is in knots with nerves, and her heart is heavy with guilt. She wishes she had more time to spend with her dad because tomorrow morning would be the last time she'd see him until Christmas.
Sliding out of her bed, Sophie clicks on her desk lamp and unfurls the last letter she had received from Elizabeth Montgomery. Her friend had informed her at the beginning of August that her French cousin would be joining them at Hogwarts instead of attending Bauxbaton. Sophie had felt jealous and discarded, so she hadn't replied. Reaching for her parchment and quill, Sophie finally scribbles a reply, hoping Elizabeth hasn't forgotten about her. After sending Athena on her way, Sophie climbs into bed, slightly less nervous. It's only ten o'clock, so hopefully, Elizabeth will reply in the next hour or two.
Five hours later, Sophie is wide-eyed, staring at the stars on her ceiling. Obviously, Elizabeth no longer wants to be her friend; otherwise, she would have replied. Why would Elizabeth want to be her friend anyway? Curling up on her side, Sophie feels her tears dripping down her cheeks as she tries to sleep.
For Sophie, her few hours of sleep felt like a blink. The sun shining through her window is the only indication that she slept. Feeling groggy, Sophie descends the staircase, stopping at the bottom when she hears her dad speaking to someone. She hopes it isn't her mother. David had called Gwen as soon as they returned from their holiday. It had been awful, listening at his bedroom door as her father shouted at Gwen until she agreed not to show up at King's Cross.
Peering into the kitchen, Sophie finds Hermione and Draco, dressed in matching beautiful robes, sitting at the kitchen table.
"What are you guys doing here?" Sophie runs, wrapping her arms around Hermione in a much-needed hug.
"We wanted to see you today, and this is our only chance," Hermione explains, returning the hug. "How are you? You look tired. Did you get enough sleep last night?"
"No." Sophie shakes her head. "I was too nervous," She explains.
"Classes don't start until Monday, so you'll have the weekend to rest and make friends," Hermione assures her.
Sophie swallows hard, awkwardly glancing down at her feet, "Elizabeth hasn't replied to my last letter. I asked if I could sit with her and her cousin; now I'm going to be on my own."
"We know the Montgomery family," Draco mentions. "They're a respectable family. I'm sure Elizabeth will go out of her way to make you feel welcome."
Hermione hugs her again. "We must get going; we have meetings all day at Hogwarts."
Draco offers her his hand, but Sophie hugs him. He has been a grateful addition to her family since he married Hermione.
"Remember what I told you," Draco states, holding her at arm's length. "Walk with confidence, and you'll be fine."
Sophie stands tall, rolling her shoulders back and holding her head high.
"You've got this." Draco smiles. "We'll see you in the Great Hall," he adds before they leave.
After bidding them goodbye, David turns to his daughter and asks, "Breakfast in the city?"
"Yes, please."
Sophie races upstairs, quickly dressing in jeans and a jumper (as Hermione had advised), then brushes her teeth and styles her curly hair out of her face with a handful of blue butterfly clips. "I'm ready to go."
David had carried her trunk and Athena to the car, so they were ready to go.
"Are you sure you have everything?" Her dad asks, standing on their front doorstep, a house key in his hand.
"Yes, I'm sure." Sophie climbs into the front passenger seat.
"Very well," David mutters, locking the house.
In the city, David parks in King's Cross car park, paying for a two-hour ticket, before heading out to find somewhere to eat. They soon come across a pastry cafe, where they order tea and croissants for breakfast. Sophie stares out the window, watching all the Londoners busily make their way to work. The tea settles the nerves in her stomach, but she can't manage to eat more than a few bites of her croissant, so her dad wraps it in a napkin to take onto the train with her.
At ten o'clock, they return to the car to collect her trunk and Athena. Sophie pushes the trolley through the main entrance of King's Cross, earning a few concerned and curious glances from muggles passing by.
"Do you think they're wizards?" Her dad whispers, pointing over at a sandy-haired family dressed in robes and cloaks huddled at the bottom of the stairs. The mother is scolding her youngest son, who looks about Sophie's age, while the eldest son smirks in amusement.
No one seems to be paying them attention.
As they walk over a bridge, Sophie gasps, "Look, Dad," pointing at a long queue of people waiting by a brick column.
"What am I looking at?" David squints in the right direction.
"All those people are waiting to enter the platform," Sophie comments. "Did you see that man? He just disappeared through the bricks."
"I'm not seeing anything."
"Oh," Sophie looks up at her dad. "There's probably some charm or something protecting the platform."
"Makes sense," David sighs.
When they reach the platform, the queue's gone down. Now David is aware of the people surrounding him; he feels a little nervous but holds himself together for Sophie's sake.
The wait isn't long, and it's Sophie's turn to walk through the bricks soon. Hermione and Draco had explained in great detail how to get onto Platform nine and three quarters, but Sophie is still scared that it won't work and she won't get to ride the Hogwarts Express.
Taking a deep breath, Sophie grips tighter on the trolley and reminds her father, "Hold on tight, Dad."
Before she can take a step, someone behind her scoffs, "Come on, mudblood, we don't have all day."
Sophie sees red. Turning around, she removes her wand from the waistband of her jeans, pointing it up at the teenage boy behind her, realising it's the family her dad had pointed out. "What did you just call me?"
"Sophie," her dad snaps, grabbing her wand hand and pushing it down. "You haven't even made it to school yet," he warns her, not wanting her to get expelled for using magic before she even steps inside the castle.
"You're right." Sophie glares at the older boy - dressed in black Hogwarts robes with a green tie - replacing her wand in her jeans. "I'll wait until I get to school."
"That's not what I meant." David's heart is thumping in his chest.
Sophie grips hold of the trolley, and David only has a second to grab on before Sophie is walking, head held high, through the wall, proving to herself and that boy that she belongs here.
Platform nine and three-quarters is a sight to behold. Sophie's eyes scan the Victorian tiles lining the walls and floor, where wizards and witches of all ages stood, dressed in various fashions. At the same time, their children ran around excited to be surrounded by family and friends. Sophie gathers that the first of September is not only the first day of school but also a social occasion that brings all family members together. Glancing up at her father, she sees his attention drawn by the maroon and black steam engine waiting at the platform's edge to take the students off to Hogwarts.
Sophie's eyes scan the platform, looking for Elizabeth. She hopes Draco is correct and Elizabeth still wants to be her friend. They walk closer to the Hogwarts Express so Sophie can store her trunk and Athena. Her dad runs his hand along the smooth, clear body of the train as a conductor helps her lift her luggage into the train.
"Sophie! Sophie!"
Her face splits into a grin, and all her worries slip away as she turns and opens her arms for a hug from her friend, Elizabeth.
"I'm sorry for not replying, but I had already packed all my writing implements away," Elizabeth instantly apologises.
"Oh, that's okay," Sophie mutters, feeling stupid for not having thought of that. It had been late.
Their hug breaks, but Elizabeth takes Sophie's hand, "You must come to meet my cousin," she says, dragging her over to her family.
"Dad, I found Sophie," Elizabeth announces.
"I can see that," Mr Montgomery chuckles. "How are you feeling, Sophie?"
Sophie has never met the man towering above her. His long blonde hair, which Elizabeth had inherited, hung past his shoulders with a few braids tied back in a bun. His moustache is perfectly styled with a curl, matching the permanent upward turn of his mouth. It's in contrast to the blackness of his robes and cloak, both accented with silver chains like the hair metal bands that her father is embarrassed to admit he still enjoys.
"I'm a lot better now I've found Elizabeth," Sophie admits.
"Anyway, Sophie," Elizabeth pulls her friend over to a blond-haired boy who looks much like Elizabeth. "This is Florian, my cousin."
"Hello, Sophie," the boy says with a slight French accent, offering his hand. "I believe we are to be friends, according to Elizabeth."
Sophie grins, "That would be nice."
"Do you hope to be a Ravenclaw too?" Florian asks.
"Of course."
Behind Florian, the doppelganger of Mr Montgomery places a hand on the boy's shoulder, "I'll be proud wherever you're sorted."
Florian's dad keeps his blond hair short on the back and sides but long on top, which he gently pushes back out of his eyes. He wears a white turtleneck jumper and trousers beneath his black and gold cloak.
"Dad, every Montgomery has been a Ravenclaw!" Florian complains.
Elizabeth leans over to whisper, "Our dads are twins."
"I gathered," Sophie chuckles.
"We haven't got long left; we must find a compartment, or we'll be forced to share." Elizabeth's eyes bulge as she grabs Sophie and Florian's hands and pulls them towards the train.
"I guess I'll introduce myself," David awkwardly laughs. "David Adair." He holds his hand out to Elizabeth's father.
"I'm Isaac, and this is my brother Elliot."
David shakes hands with the two men.
"Is this your first time?" Elliot asks.
"Yes, Sophie's my only child."
"They're so young. It's hard to remember that this was us once upon a time - off to school all on our own," Elliot sighs.
"That's not helping," David sighs, standing on his tiptoes to keep an eye out for his daughter.
"Don't worry!" Issac clasps his shoulder. "Hogwarts is the safest school in the world. Especially with Headmistress McGonagall and Hermione Granger walking the halls." He winks at David, indicating his knowledge that Hermione is David's niece.
"Those are two women I feel confident leaving my child with," Elliot agrees.
David smiles, proud of his niece.
"Dad!" Sophie runs towards him. "It's amazing. I can't wait to set off."
"You better show me your compartment so I know where to wave when you depart," David suggests.
The two of them walk towards the train. "Their parents seem nice," David comments.
Sophie grins, "Are you making friends?"
He scoffs, "I don't know about that."
The steam train whistles loudly.
"We have only five minutes." Sophie throws her arms around her dad.
Groups of students push their way onto the train with their families or friends, wanting to get into their compartment before they depart.
"Make the most of every opportunity, have no regrets and have the time of your life, Sophie." David kisses the top of her head.
"Come on, Sophie!" Elizabeth holds her hand out as the wave of students continues to move towards the train door.
"I miss you already, Dad," Sophie tells him, giving one tighter squeeze before taking Elizabeth's hand and climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express.
David cups his eyes against the window, watching for his daughter. He grins when she sees him and rushes to the window, pressing her hand against his.
The whistle sounds again as the doors close and lock by themselves.
David sees his daughter say, 'Bye, Dad', and then he removes himself from the window. The sound of the engine increases until David can hear nothing else. Slowly, the train pulls away from platform nine and three-quarters. David waves towards his daughter's compartment until they disappear around a bend, off to Scotland.
Deflated, David turns to leave, not sure how to even do so without Sophie, when Isaac beckons him over.
"Would you like to join us at the Leaky Cauldron?" Isaac offers. "It's a tradition my wife and I started when our eldest went off his first year, and I assured her I would continue with Elizabeth."
"Sure, I've been there before," David agrees.
"You don't mind disapparition, do you?" Elliot asks.
"Not at all, but I'll need to stop by the car a pay for another parking ticket," David mentions.
"Fascinating," Elliot mutters, taking David's arm as they reach the brick wall. "It can be difficult for your people to leave without one of us." He clarifies as they pass through the wall together.
Sophie presses her face against the window, watching as they quickly leave the inner city for the rolling hills of the countryside. Elizabeth and Florian soon retreat to their seats to read.
As soon as she relaxes back in her seat, Florian loudly closes his book, and Elizabeth glances over the top of her own.
"Isn't it strange," Florian begins, locking eyes with Sophie. "That none of our mothers could make it to our departure."
"Florian!" Elizabeth hits his arm with her book. "I told you Sophie doesn't want to talk about her mum."
"Yeah, which is suspicious. How come you and your dad are allowed to know, but my dad and I aren't?" Florian asks.
"Your dad knows about my mum?" Sophie asks.
"Yeah, I told him before you told me not to tell anyone, but he promised not to tell anyone else. By the way, mum knows too, sorry," Elizabeth apologises.
"It's fine."
"Can I know then?" Florian asks, hopeful.
"No offence, Florian, but I've only just met you. I don't know if I can trust you yet."
Florian huffs, opening his book to ignore them.
"So," Elizabeth awkwardly begins. "How was your summer, Sophie?"
Sophie and Elizabeth discuss their summers in great detail, with Florian commenting when he thinks of something. Since Florian and Elizabeth had spent most of their summer together, he didn't have much to add.
Elizabeth is halfway through a story (about her mother taking her and Florian to the beach) when their compartment door flies open. A red-faced, sandy-haired boy enters, sliding the door closed behind him.
"Has the trolley witch been here yet?" The boy asks, breathing heavily.
"No, what's going on!" Elizabeth asks, standing to peek out of the door.
"She's just been to my compartment, and my brother wouldn't let me buy anything. She knows what I look like. Will you buy me five galleons worth of sweets?" He asks, glancing at the three faces staring at him.
"Why would we do that?" Florian questions.
"I'll give you a galleon," the boy offers.
"Does it look like I need a galleon?" Florian laughs.
"I'll do it," Sophie offers. "Not for a galleon, but a bag of peppermint wands."
"Deal!" The boy hands over five galleons and then races out of their compartment.
"Are you going to do it?" Elizabeth asks.
"I'm not going to steal his money," Sophie says. "I don't see the big deal."
"Why would his brother not allow him to buy his sweets himself? I don't want to get involved," Elizabeth mentions.
"You're not involved. I'm the one buying."
Half an hour later, the trolley witch opens their compartment door, "Anything off the trolley?"
"Yes, could I have a galleon's worth of peppermint wands, please?" Sophie orders and the trolley witch begins scooping. "I have four galleons left. Could I have a mix of whatever's most popular? I'm a muggleborn, you see, and I want to try everything." Sophie lies politely to the witch.
"Of course, dear," the trolley witch hands over the bulging bags of sweets, and Sophie pays.
"Thank you," Sophie calls as the witch leaves.
"Are you a muggleborn?" Florian asks, hoping to discover information about her mother.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Sophie sticks a peppermint wand in her mouth.
When the boy returns, he collapses into the seat beside Florian, holding his hand out for his sweets.
"First, I need a name," Sophie holds the bags out of reach.
"Gaius Broadmoor," the boy answers.
"Hello, Gaius," Sophie smiles. "What's your brother's name?"
"Why?"
"He sounds like a bully. I need to know his name, so I can avoid him."
"Oh, Tobias Broadmoor. He's in fifth year and a Slytherin prefect."
Elizabeth gasps, "I knew we shouldn't have helped him. He's a Slytherin."
"He's not anything yet, Elizabeth," Sophie reminds her, handing the bags of sweets over.
"Do you mind keeping hold of a couple of bags? If my brother finds them, he'll tell my mother and then she'll send me a howler," Gaius explains, digging into a bag.
"Sure."
Sophie hides them in her backpack as she curiously watches Gaius. He's a strange person, but she doesn't know if that's him or his probable pureblood Slytherin family because she knows how weird Draco can be.
As soon as he's finished, he stands, "Thanks, I'll find you tomorrow for the other bags," he informs her, then leaves.
"What a strange fellow?" Florian comments.
"I'm going to follow him," Sophie stands, grabbing her cloak from her backpack and throwing it on.
"Sophie, please don't. I don't want to associate with him. He seems like a troublemaker," Elizabeth begs.
"Which is why I want to follow him."
Sophie follows at a distance behind Gaius until he ducks into a compartment near the back of the train. Their curtains are drawn across the compartment's door and window, allowing Sophie to creep right up to their compartment and listen.
At first, all she hears is laughing, until a voice she recognises as the teenager who had called her a mudblood speaks, "I asked you a question: where have you been?"
"I just went for a walk," Gaius replies, his voice quiet and small.
The teenager, who must be Gaius' brother Tobias, laughs, "I'll send the news to mother that you're exercising; she'll be thrilled."
The compartment bursts into raucous laughter.
"Come on, Gaius, you can't cry from a little teasing when you get to Hogwarts," Tobias comments, and Sophie's heart drops. His brother is a bully, but it seemed there would be no avoiding him. "No one in the Slytherin common room will let you get away with that. I'm not going to defend my poor excuse for a brother either," Tobias sneers.
Sophie can't listen anymore; she slides the compartment door open and draws the curtains back.
"There you are, Gaius." Sophie glances at the boy beside the window, red-faced from tears and trying to make himself as small as possible. "I saw you drop this as you walked past," Sophie adds, holding out a galleon from her pocket.
"Oh, it's the first-year mudblood," Tiberius taunts.
Sophie glances at the fifth-year with pure disgust on her face, "I wasn't talking to you."
Infuriated, Tobias stands up, towering over Sophie, "Show me some respect; I'm a prefect."
"I think McGonagall may have made a mistake there," Sophie comments, turning back to Gaius. "Why are you sat in here with these losers? You should come to join my friends; we're quite nice."
Gaius stands up, ready to follow Sophie, but Tobias barks, "Sit down, Gaius."
Sophie's wand had been concealed in her cloak pocket, but now she points it at Tobias, "My father's not here to stop me this time."
Tobias laughs, "What's a little first-year going to do?"
Sophie has held her wand in her hand many times, feeling the weight as she waves it around, pretending to cast the spells and charms she'd read about. However, she never uttered a word while doing so, too scared to cast a spell and get expelled from Hogwarts before she even began. Hermione explained how the Ministry wards on underage magic work. On the train, with hundreds of underage wizards and witches, there's no way the Minister would know it was her who had performed magic.
"Mucus ad Nauseam," Sophie enunciates perfectly. A flash of green light expels from the tip of her wand, blasting Tobias in the face.
Immediately, Tobias begins to aggressively sneeze and groans as he sits back in his seat, reaching for a handkerchief in his pocket as his nose streams with snot. His friends laugh as Gaius pushes past them and out the door.
They race down the corridor, out of harm's way. The counter-curse is easy, and surely Tobias would come after them after his illness had subsided.
"I can't believe that worked," Sophie grins, excited to tell Hermione and Draco about perfectly casting her first spell. She'll probably get into trouble for it, but they'd still be proud.
"Curse of the bogies, classic," Gaius laughs as they burst into Sophie, Elizabeth and Florian's compartment.
"What is going on?" Florian asks, wide-eyed.
"Sophie cursed my brother; it was awesome!" Gaius exclaims.
"You can't use magic outside of Hogwarts." Elizabeth reminds.
"It was so worth it!" Sophie beams, closing the curtains over their door.
"That's the first time anyone's ever stood up to him," Gaius admits.
"Well, he needed to be taken down a peg or two. We should tell a professor what he did; maybe they'll strip him of his prefect title. He's going to abuse his power," Sophie suggests, already knowing she would be telling Hermione and Draco at the soonest possibility.
"I wonder who the new Head of Slytherin will be; maybe we could tell them," Elizabeth agrees, suddenly on board.
"No, Tobias will know it was me, and it'll only get worse." Gaius shakes his head.
"Not if you stick with us," Sophie tells him.
"I'll be sorted into Slytherin, and they'll be nothing any of you can do," he slumps in his seat.
"You know, you can ask the sorting hat not to put you there," Elizabeth mentions.
"Can you really?" Florian questions.
"Yes, I read in one of the Potter biographies that he asked not to be sorted into Slytherin, which is why he got Gryffindor," Elizabeth explains.
"I suppose it's worth a try." Gaius glances out the window, deep in thought. "My mother may kill me if I got sorted anywhere other than Slytherin."
"Who cares what your mother thinks?" Sophie declares. "Wouldn't you rather be happy?"
Gaius shrugs, returning to stare out the window, so Sophie leaves him be.
Florian moves to sit beside his cousin, and they softly chat about what they are most looking forward to at Hogwarts. Sophie wants to ask Florian why he chose to attend Hogwarts rather than Bauxbaton, where his older sister already attends. But as she's keeping a secret, she assumes Florian would keep that a secret, at least to be petty, if not for an actual reason. As Gaius watches the passing countryside with his forehead pressed against the window, he eventually drifts off. Sophie opens Hermione's copy of 'Hogwarts, a History' that she had gifted her a year ago. Littered all throughout the book are her cousin's comments and extra information that Hermione has gathered in her seven years at Hogwarts. Sophie wishes to know everything she possibly can about her new school. Suppose there were more students like Tobias Broadmoor, which Sophie is sure there will be. She doesn't want to be bullied if they perceive her as a muggleborn due to her lack of knowledge.
A few hours later, someone slides their door open, and Sophie has her wand in her hand before they can open their curtains.
"Hello, first-years!" A tall, dark-haired girl smiles, then raises an eyebrow at Sophie. "Using magic outside Hogwarts is illegal until you're of age."
"Sorry!" Sophie quickly pockets her wand.
"It's not her fault," Gaius announces, and all eyes fall on him. "My brother has been targeting her because he thinks she's a muggleborn, and Sophie helped me get out of his compartment."
"Your brother?"
"Tobias Broadmoor."
The girl's face contorts as she tries to hide her disgust, "Well, I'm glad you've all made friends so quickly. I'm Rose Zeller, Head Girl. If Broadmoor bothers any of you again, let me know, and I'll deal with him."
"Thank you, Rose," Sophie beams at the Head Girl.
"I'm just making my rounds to introduce myself to the first-years and inform you that we will be arriving in an hour. You might want to change into your robes." Rose leaves, sliding their door shut.
"Thank you for standing up for me, Gaius." Sophie smiles at the boy.
"What are friends for, right?" Gaius asks, sounding hopeful.
"Right," Sophie agrees, glancing at Elizabeth and Florian.
"Of course we're friends." Elizabeth grins.
"Sure," Florian mutters.
Feeling giddy to have three friends already, Sophie jumps up, offering her fist to Gaius, "Rock, paper, scissors for who changes first."
"What?" Gaius shares a clueless look with Elizabeth and Florian.
"You don't know this game," Sophie asks in disbelief.
"Is this a muggle thing?" Florian asks.
"Yes, I guess," Sophie sighs, before spending ten minutes explaining the ins and out of 'rock, paper, scissors' multiple times so her new friends can understand. Finally, she repeats, "Rock, paper, scissors."
Sophie and Gaius play to the best of three, but Sophie wins the first two and decides the girls will change first, so the boys step out into the corridor.
After drawing the curtain across their compartment windows, Sophie and Elizabeth set about changing out of their muggle clothes into their robes. It will take Sophie a while to get used to calling her regular clothes 'muggle' clothes. Still, it certainly helps that she loves the fantastical feeling of her robes.
In the corridor, waiting for the boys to change, Sophie spins like a ballerina, watching her cloak sway around.
Elizabeth leans against the window, clutching her stomach, "I'm feeling rather nervous now."
"What for?" Sophie stops spinning to stand by her friend.
"My father told me about the sorting ceremony; we have to sit on a stool and wear the Sorting Hat while hundreds of people stare at us. I'm not particularly good at being the centre of attention, even for just a minute," Elizabeth admits.
"Elizabeth Montgomery, you are going to be perfectly fine," Sophie assures her. Then leans in to whisper, "Hermione told me the names are called alphabetically by surname."
"You might very well be first up to be sorted, Sophie," Elizabeth gasps.
Sophie takes a step back, not having thought about that. "I meant that statistically speaking, your name will be called in the middle, so everyone might be bored by then."
"How are you feeling?"
"Well, now I'm feeling ill. I don't want to be first," Sophie sighs, leaning beside her friend.
"You might not be first."
"I'm Adair; there's only Aa, Ab and Ac before me; probability isn't in my favour," she points out.
The boys tear the curtain open, allowing the girls to enter the compartment.
"We just realised Sophie will probably be the first to be sorted," Elizabeth explains upon entering.
"I'll be close behind you, Sophie," Gaius comments.
"And we will be one after the other." Florian gestures to his cousin.
A few minutes later, the Hogwarts Express pulls into Hogsmeade station, and all jolliness dissipates as their nerves set in.
"First-years, over here," a tall blond boy calls, holding his lit wand high for all to see.
Sophie and Elizabeth hold hands anxiously as they walk over to the boy, where a few other first-years gather. Florian and Gaius stand behind them, eyes curiously taking in the environment.
Eventually, Rose Zeller joins the tall blond boy in front of the first-year crowd.
"Hi, first-years, my name is Rose Zeller, and I'm your Head Girl," Rose waves at them.
"And I'm Euan Abercrombie, your Head Boy," he finally introduces himself.
"While the older students make their way up to the castle, we will take you a different, more special route." Rose grins, clearly excited to be able to travel with the first-years.
"Follow us," Euan beckons.
The first-years automatically form into a line of twos or threes, following after their Head Boy and Girl. Fifteen minutes later, they arrive at a sparkling lake lined with eleven rowing boats.
"Please arrange yourself into groups of four; the rowing boats are charmed to row themselves across the Great Lake," Rose announces.
"Focus on the beauty that will be your home for the next seven years," Euan adds.
There's no need to discuss this as Sophie, Elizabeth, Florian and Gaius walk forward, already in a group of four, and climb aboard the first rowing boat. They patiently wait for the rest of their year to organise themselves and for the Head Boy and Girl to climb into their boat before setting off.
Sophie peers over the side of the rowing boat, trying to catch a glimpse of any magical creatures swimming below. However, it's far too dark to see anything but her reflection lit by the rowing boat's lantern. As they row past the trees, Hogwarts Castle comes into view for the first time and gasps of awe echo back as each boat rounds the trees. Each window (from the ground floor to the tallest towers) is illuminated by candlelight, creating an almost eerie atmosphere. Still, Sophie's read about the castle and has heard plenty of stories from Hermione, Draco and their friends, so she knows how homely the castle feels once you've settled in.
Elizabeth's hand finds hers again, and their fingers lock together tightly, both girls completely overwhelmed.
"I can't believe I'm here," Sophie whispers to her friend.
"It's more beautiful than my family described," Elizabeth returns.
As the boats pull into the dock house, the first-years are met by a giant man, and their eyes widen.
"Professor Hagrid, these are the first-year students," Euan introduces them.
"Alright, you two better head up to the castle before these lot arrive," Professor Hagrid suggests to the Head Boy and Girl, who quickly rush up the hill towards the castle. "Before Headmaster Dumbledore made me the Care of Magical Creatures professor, it was my job to collect the firs'-year students from Hogsmeade and bring you across the lake. I do miss the look on your faces, but I have more responsibilities now." Professor Hagrid straightens his massive pink and yellow tie.
"Hermione's told me all about Hagrid," Sophie whispers to Elizabeth. "He's the best!"
"I'll walk you up to the castle and pass you over to deputy headmaster, Professor Flitwick," Hagrid explains. "Let's go!"
Hagrid has to take shorter steps up the long path from the docks to the castle to ensure the young student's shorter legs can keep up with him. Sophie and Elizabeth rush to fall into step beside him.
"Professor Hagrid, which house were you in?" Sophie asks, wanting to converse with the giant who had been such an essential part of her cousin's early life at Hogwarts.
"Well, I was a Gryffindor, of course, the best house," he proudly admits before his smile falls. "I shouldn't have said that. All houses have their upsides and downsides."
Elizabeth laughs, "My mum's a Gryffindor."
Hagrid nods, "What's her name?"
"Poppy Montgomery."
"The Minister for Media, Poppy Montgomery?" Hagrid asks.
"Yes!" Elizabeth beams.
"You want to follow your mother to Gryffindor?" He asks.
"No, I'm more like my father; he's a Ravenclaw."
"Well, the Sorting Hat has never been wrong," Hagrid explains.
"What about Harry Potter?" Sophie asks.
Hagrid glances down at her, his eyes twinkling, "What about Harry?"
"He asked to be a Gryffindor, didn't he? What if he was supposed to be somewhere else?"
"The hat wouldn't have placed Harry in Gryffindor if he didn't belong there."
Upon reaching the castle, Hagrid leads them through the Grand Door and into the magnificent foyer. Flaming torches stand on either side of four large marble statues, which Sophie knows are the founders. Continuing up a staircase, they reach a finely dressed small man.
"Hagrid, the first-years were due here five minutes ago?" the man informs his colleague.
"Professor Flitwick, we have some curious firs'-year students that had many questions." Hagrid pushes his accusations away.
Professor Flitwick shakes his head, "Very well, make your way to the staff table."
In the silence of Hagrid's departure, they can hear the muttering of hundreds of voices on the other side of the ornate doors they were stood before.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," says Professor Flitwick. "Before our start-of-year banquet can begin, you will all be sorted into your houses."
As the mummers from the Great Hall die, Professor Flitwick claps his hands, "It's time."
With a flicker of his wand, the doors open. Professor Flitwick leads the group of students down the centre towards a stool in front of the staff table. Sophie keeps her eyes focused ahead, not wanting to see the hundreds of people staring at them. As they gather around the stool, Sophie scans the staff table, and upon seeing Hermione and Draco at one end, her mouth cracks into a grin.
"Is that the Sorting Hat?" Sophie asks Elizabeth, nodding at the pile of leather scraps on the stool.
"Must be," Elizabeth whispers.
Sophie looks at Professor Flitwick, waiting for him to call her name to be sorted, but he doesn't speak, and neither does anyone else. The nerves grow in her stomach as the seconds tick by until a booming "Welcome!" echoes around the hall.
First-years' eyes flicker around the Great Hall, searching for the source until the pile of old leather rises and begins to sing.
"I am the Sorting Hat,
This is my sorting song,
It's a new year,
Let's have a cheer,
I'll find where you belong.
Just place me on your head,
And I will do the rest,
This is Hogwarts,
I'll read your thoughts,
Which house for you is best?
Courage, nerve and daring,
Is adventure a crave?
Then Gryffindor,
Never a bore,
But only for the brave.
Are you fair and loyal?
Hardworking like the rest?
They'll be your friend,
Until the end,
Hufflepuff is the best.
For those who are cunning,
Have ambition and pride,
Resourcefulness,
Will be your bless,
Slytherin is your guide.
If you cherish wisdom,
Intelligence and wit,
Eager to learn,
They never spurn,
Ravenclaw is your fit.
I am the Sorting Hat,
This was my sorting song,
Please take a seat,
Dangle your feet,
Let's find where you belong."
Sophie stares at the Sorting Hat in awe as the hall applauds the sorting song while the Hat takes a bow. Now more than ever, she wishes to be a Ravenclaw, although she's not sure how she feels about the sorting Hat reading her thoughts.
"When I call your name, you will sit on the stool, and I will place the Sorting Hat upon your head to be sorted," Professor Flitwick announces as he unfurls his parchment.
Sophie takes a deep breath, knowing what's coming.
"Adair, Sophie," Flitwick reads, climbing up a pair of step ladders beside the stool.
Elizabeth squeezes her hand encouragingly. As she slowly walks up the steps towards the stool, she catches Hermione's eye, and her cousin nods back with a smile.
"I can do this," Sophie mutters as she turns and sits on the stool, ignoring the curious eyes watching her.
As soon as the Sorting Hat is placed on her head, the rim falls over her eyes.
"Sophie Adair, of course, you can do this; you just need to sit still. I have the hard job here, trying to find the perfect house for every student, every year for eternity," the Hat explains, speaking into her mind.
"Do you ever regret placing someone in a certain house?" Sophie asks.
"I've never made a mistake."
"I know; I just meant, do you ever think a student would have done better elsewhere, even if they did well where they ended up?"
"I stand by my belief that Harry Potter would have been great in Slytherin."
Sophie thinks about the Harry Potter she has met numerous times and can't picture him being as cunning or prideful as the Slytherins she knows.
"Ah, you've met him," the Hat comments. "Potter turned out well, but he was shaped by Gryffindor. You are friends with many Slytherins, too; perhaps you belong there."
Sophie pulls a face, "I've met Tobias Broadmoor, and I don't think that will work out well."
The Sorting Hat laughs in her head, "You certainly know yourself well, Miss Adair.
Perhaps Hufflepuff. You've proved yourself to be a loyal friend on the train."
"No, thank you."
"I bet you want to be a Gryffindor, like cousin Hermione Granger. You certainly have nerve and courage."
"Look, I've wanted to be a Ravenclaw since I learned about the four houses. I value my intelligence, and I am eager to learn, as your song said, and that's something I've been rejected for by other children. I want to be accepted and make friends with people who share the same values."
The Hat hums, "You make a compelling argument."
"Please!"
The Hat chuckles in her head before announcing to the hall, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table erupts into cheers.
"Thank you," Sophie manages to think before the Hat is taken from her head.
Sophie slides off the stool, locking eyes with Elizabeth, grinning and clapping her hands excitedly. She just hopes her friends will be sorted with her. As Sophie runs down the steps towards the Ravenclaw table, she hears Hermione's voice travelling from the staff table. As she glances up, she finds Hermione cheering for her, tears in her eyes as she mouths, 'Well done!'
Professor Flitwick calls the next student, "Allens, Oliver," as Sophie joins her house table.
She's never felt prouder.
"That's the longest hatstall I've ever witnessed," a blonde girl admits as Sophie sits beside her. "I'm Alannis Shepley, Ravenclaw prefect, seventh-year." She points to her prefect badge, pinned to her tie.
"Sophie Adair," she holds her hand out, and they shake.
"Why did the hat take so long to sort you?" asks a boy wearing a prefect badge.
Sophie just shrugs, "We had a good chat."
"Well, I'm Roland Abberley, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our house," the boy informs her.
Sophie focuses on Flitwick and the Sorting Hat; a pompous-looking boy named Aaron Austen walks up to the stool. Before the Hat can even touch a strand of his black hair, it calls out, "SLYTHERIN".
"That tends to happen for Slytherins. The Hat just knows when a student belongs there," Alannis explains.
Why hadn't the Hat known where to send Sophie? The Hat pondered every house before she had convinced the Hat that Ravenclaw was the right choice for her. Had she been right to choose for herself? It was the Hat's job, after all, to sort students.
From the front of the hall, Professor Flitwick announces, "Gaius Broadmoor."
"He's my friend," Sophie comments.
"Broadmoors are Slytherins," Roland grimaces.
"Gaius isn't anything yet. He's very unlike his brother." Sophie frowns.
As the Sorting Hat is lowered onto Gaius' head, he reaches up, grabs the rim and jams it on his head. Laughter echoes around the hall, but Sophie can see Gaius muttering something under his breath.
"What's he doing?" Tobias Broadmoor questions from his place at the Slytherin table behind Sophie.
The Hat seems to be listening intently to Gaius before calling out, "RAVENCLAW!"
"WHAT!" Tobias shouts.
"I certainly didn't expect that," Alannis mutters, clapping lightly.
Sophie stands as Gaius races down the aisle between the Ravenclaw and Slytherin tables and quickly hugs him.
"You did it!" She cheers.
"Gaius!" Tobias hisses from his seat, not far from them. "What have you done? Mother will not be happy."
"But I will be," Gaius retorts, turning his back on his brother as he sits beside Sophie.
After Gaius has been given the prefects' introductions, he and Sophie wait patiently for the Montgomery cousins' names to be called.
Ravenclaw gains two new students (Harrison Finlay and Lucile Jones) before Elizabeth's name is called first.
Like Aaron Austen, the Hat barely touches her head before shouting, "RAVENCLAW!"
"Yes!" Sophie cheers and claps as her friend join her at the Ravenclaw table.
Sophie hugs Elizabeth tightly, finally allowing her nerves to subside now that she knows she and her friend will be together. However, they don't have long to celebrate as Florian's name is called.
"Is that you're brother?" Roland asks Elizabeth.
"Shh," Elizabeth ignores the prefect, focusing on where Florian is sitting on the stool, Hat balanced on his head.
The Sorting Hat takes its time, but nowhere near as long as Sophie, before nodding and announcing, "RAVENCLAW!"
Elizabeth cries, "We're all together!"
Once Florian joins them, the four new friends are so excited that they can barely focus on the rest of the sorting ceremony. Although, a commotion spreads around the hall as Anders Tarquin is sorted into Gryffindor, just before his twin sister, Beatrice Tarquin, is sorted into Slytherin.
Finally, as Philip Winslow is sorted into Hufflepuff, the sorting ceremony ends, and Professor McGonagall takes to the lectern, which has replaced the stool.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts!" she speaks, taking a moment to glance at each table. "Before our banquet begins, I would like to congratulate Professor Granger and Professor Malfoy on their return to Hogwarts."
Sophie applauds loudly, along with the rest of the school.
"This year, Professor Granger will be taking over as Head of Gryffindor," McGonagall announces. The Gryffindor table goes wild, cheering and banging their fists on the table.
Hermione stands, taking a bow of thanks to her table of students, then sits back beside her husband.
"And Professor Malfoy will be Head of Slytherin," McGonagall adds.
The Slytherin's reaction is a lot more civilised as they clap politely. Draco stands, his face stern as he stares at his students, and swiftly bows before sitting.
"He's funny!" Sophie laughs.
Alannis breathes sharply, "Don't let him catch you saying that. You do not want to get on his wrong side. He's a Death Eater and ruled the school during the war. I can't believe McGonagall allowed him to teach here, never mind become head of the Slytherins."
Sophie frowns at her prefect, "He was a Death Eater. Obviously, he's changed; otherwise, McGonagall wouldn't have put the students at risk of being influenced by him."
"You're young and naive," Alannis mutters. "I've known him for seven years. My first year was the Triwizard Tournament when his Master returned. I've only ever known Death Eater Malfoy. He may have renounced his ways and been playing happy family with Granger, but the Dark Mark is forever. Once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater."
"Well, I'll wait to make my own opinion." Sophie turns back towards Professor McGonagall, ignoring Alannis.
"Our first-years are lucky to have the weekend to settle in and explore the castle before classes start on Monday," McGonagall continues. "So, enjoy the banquet, have a good night's sleep and enjoy your time here at Hogwarts."
The Headmistress claps her hands once, then raises them high as platters of food and drink goblets appear on the table. Everything Sophie liked was before her, pilled high with silver serving spoons at the ready. She takes a bit of everything on her plate: a battered fish, chips, carrots, peas, a Yorkshire pudding and sausages, a fried egg, beans and a slice of buttered bread.
"That's quite the meal, Sophie," Elizabeth comments.
Sophie glances at her friend's plate to find she's only served herself chicken, roast potatoes and carrots.
"I want to try everything," Sophie explains before digging in.
"Hey, Sophie," Roland calls. "Look, Professor Malfoy did some terrible things during the war, but I believe he has changed," he admits. "He's a great teacher, and Professor Granger married him."
"Not by choice," Alannis interrupts him.
"No, but she wouldn't still be with him if he was still a Death Eater. They were arch-enemies for like seven years; she must actually love him to still be with him," Roland explains. "And don't preach that bullshit that he brainwashed her. She's the strongest witch I know."
"I just don't trust him." Alannis shrugs.
"Who are you talking about, Shacklebolt?" Another seventh-year asks.
"No, Malfoy."
"Oh, he's fine. Alannis holds a grudge because her cat died in the Room of Requirement at the Battle of Hogwarts," the seventh-year laughs. "I'm Lawrence Knoll." He reaches across to shake hands with Sophie. "You got quite the reaction from Professor Granger."
Sophie's eyes widen, "Probably because I was first."
"Yeah, probably." Lawrence shrugs. "Anyway, the person you don't want to trust is the Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"Why?" Florian sits taller to ask.
"You've heard about the Marriage Decree, right? Four of our professors were forced into marriage by it," Lawrence mentions.
The group of first years that are listening nod in agreement.
"Well, rumour on the train this afternoon is that he's planning a new Marriage Decree this graduation," Lawrence explains.
"That's just hearsay," Alannis rolls her eyes.
"No, my brother Abraham got married in the first one, but they haven't had a child yet. They received a letter in June; they will be remarried next June," Lawrence explains quietly, holding the attention of the seventh-years and the first-years around him.
"Shit!" Alannis curses.
"It doesn't mean there's going to be another decree. It just means they have an extra year to conceive before being forced to remarry," Roland suggests.
Alannis catches the worried looks from the listening first-years, "Look, it's not that important right now. It's the start-of-year banquet. Let's enjoy it!" She sends a forceful look towards her fellow seventh years.
"Oh, yeah, it's really nothing for you to worry about," Lawrence shrugs, smiling at the first-years, before digging into his shepherd's pie.
Sophie sneakily looks towards the staff table to find Hermione, Draco and Pansy looking at her, and her worries disappear. The three professors discretely raise their goblets in a toast to her. Sophie smiles sincerely, picking up her goblet and taking a sip of the pumpkin juice. Perhaps she can send them a letter and ask to meet them over the weekend. Although, it may be suspicious to see a first-year wandering the hall with a professor they haven't officially met yet. She just has so much to discuss with them. Sophie knows her cousins aren't on good terms with the Minister for Magic, and perhaps they know more about this new Marriage Decree. It would undoubtedly help Sophie fit in if she could find out information for the seventh-years.
After dessert has been served and Sophie has completely stuffed herself, Headmistress McGonagall informs the students that it is time to retire to their common rooms. The prefects are to lead the first-years and show them to their dormitories, where they can settle down for the night and get to know each other.
Alannis and Roland guide the first-years through various corridors, up numerous flights of moving staircases and a spiral staircase leading to a door with a bronze door knocker in the shape of an eagle.
"The other three houses simply have to give a password to enter their common room. Rowena Ravenclaw wanted us to be constantly curious and always thinking. Hence, we have to answer a riddle to gain entry," Alannis explains.
Sophie's stomach drops. What if she can't answer the riddle? Will she be locked outside of the common room all night?
"But don't worry," Roland continues. "There isn't just one correct answer. You will usually be allowed entry if you explain your thought process."
Alannis picks up the knocker and raps it against the door twice.
The eagle animates as he speaks, "What belongs to you, but other people use it more?"
"Any ideas?" Alannis asks the group of first-years.
A boy at the back raises his hand.
"Leonard, go for it?"
"Your name?" Leonard suggests, his voice cracking awkwardly.
The door slowly swings open.
"Good one, Leonard." Gaius smiles, clapping the slighter boy on the back.
"Thank you."
Roland silently leads the first-years through the door into the Ravenclaw common room, allowing them to take everything in.
Sophie spins, taking in the circular room. Hanging from the wooden ceiling were strips of blue and bronze silks, which then cascaded down the walls. Each arched window held a cushioned seat where students could draw the silks to privately study. Portraits of prominent Ravenclaws hung on the walls between each window. Below were two-foot-high shelves lined with thousands of books around the common room. A midnight blue carpet, which is scattered in accurate constellations, covers the circumference of the common room and is furnished with group desks for studying. While a circular paler blue carpet in the middle of the room is furnished with blue couches, chairs and divans for socialising. Eventually, Sophie spots a ladder in an alcove leading up to the ceiling, where she assumes it ascends high up into the tower.
"We will now split up to show you the dormitories," Alannis announces. "Boys and girls can't enter each other's dormitories, so the girls must follow me." She walks over towards a door on the right.
"And boys follow me." Roland gestures to a door on the left. "Wow, only four! We're girl strong this year."
Alannis leads the seven girls through the door into the girl's dormitory. The corridor is long and warmly lit, with candles between every door.
"Usually, we only have four or five girls and boys a year, but we've gained seven girls, so we've split you between two rooms," Alannis explains. "These two doors," she gestures to the first door on the left and the first door on the right, which face each other, "are for the first years."
Sophie glances at the right door and reads, 'First-year: Nancy, Imogen, Philippa, Robin' engraved on a bronze plaque. Her heart soars as she reads, 'First-year: Sophie, Elizabeth, Lucile' engraved on the left door.
"If you ever need me on a night for anything, don't hesitate to find me at the end of the corridor in the seventh-year room," Alannis announces. "Now, before you retire for the night, I must inform you that first-year curfew is nine o'clock, which means you must be in the common room by then. I will check the corridor at nine in case any of you are stuck outside, but after then, I will be forced to removed points from our house, so please be back on time. Also, you are responsible for yourself now. No one will tell you when you go to bed, but if you're late for class because you were up late, you will lose points. Finally, on your bed, you will each find a map of Hogwarts. We are the only house to provide first-years with one, so keep it a secret from any friends you have in other houses. We pride ourselves on taking our education seriously, as you can imagine. We don't want to be late for class because we got lost. In the morning, you will be given your timetable; I recommend you use the weekend to familiarise yourself with the quickest routes to each classroom."
Sophie has a determined look on her face as she nods in agreement. She planned on using the weekend to explore the castle anyway but now had a good reason to do so.
"It's eight o'clock, so I'll leave you to settle into your rooms and get to know each other. It's been lovely to meet you all. Tomorrow night we will be holding a get-together for all Ravenclaws to catch up; please join us."
Alannis leaves by returning to the common room, leaving the first-years still gathered in the corridor.
A tall, ginger girl turns to face the rest of them and scoffs, "I thought she'd never shut up."
"She's just doing her job," Elizabeth defends the prefect. "Telling us everything we need to know."
"I found it helpful," Sophie adds.
"Only a baby or a muggleborn wouldn't know what she was telling us." The girl smirks.
"What do you have against muggleborn?" Sophie asks, stepping towards the ginger girl.
"My brother, Benedict, is in his fifth-year, and he told me muggleborns always want special treatment because they don't know certain things. They have to study more than everyone else just to get to our level, you know?"
"No, I don't know," Sophie answers. "I know we're all here to learn, and those who study more tend to achieve more. If you want an excuse to study less, don't blame muggleborns when you get worse grades."
"I'm glad we're not sharing a room," the girl comments.
"So am I," Sophie returns. "Who's Lucile?" She scans the other girls.
A small, pale girl with long dark hair and a blunt fringe raises her hand with a smile.
"Let's go!" Sophie opens the door to their room for Elizabeth and Lucile to enter. Afterwards, she slams it shut.
"Whoa!" Elizabeth says, taking in their room.
Sophie thinks the Ravenclaws might have gone overboard with the blue theme. She takes in the sky-blue curtains hanging from their four-poster beds, the Ravenclaw blue rugs beside them, and the blue bedding.
On one bedside table sits Athena in her cage, and Sophie's trunk is positioned at the end of that bed.
"I guess this is my bed," Sophie dives onto the bed closest to the door. "Hi, Athena!" She greets the blind owl.
Elizabeth's bed is beside Sophie's, and Lucile's is opposite.
"That's the cutest owl I've ever seen!" Lucile smiles, sitting at the foot of her bed with her feet on her trunk.
"Thank you, she was actually my cousin's husband's owl. I just never gave her back, and he finally told me I could bring her to Hogwarts," Sophie explains.
"Oh, I thought you were a muggleborn because of what Nancy was saying," Lucile admits.
"Nancy," Sophie repeats the name, matching it to the ginger girl's face in her head. "No, I'm half-blood, but I was raised in the muggle world. My cousin's a muggleborn. I just don't see why people have such a hold up over those of us who get to live in both worlds." Sophie explains.
"I am a muggleborn," Lucile admits. "From Yorkshire."
"I'm from London." Sophie smiles, feeling confident despite talking to a stranger. "My name's Sophie, by the way."
"And I'm Elizabeth. Sophie's my best friend."
"You knew each other before today?"
"Yes, we met in Diagon Alley two years ago," Elizabeth answers.
"Elizabeth was my first friend in the wizarding world, but just today, I've made two other friends," Sophie explains, then looks down awkwardly. "A third couldn't hurt if you want to be friends."
Lucile laughs, "I'd like that, thank you."
Half an hour later, the three girls enter the common room to find Florian, Gaius and Leonard sitting on the couch with another boy lying on the floor, a pillow beneath his head.
"Finally, what have you been doing?" Florian asks as they approach.
"Sophie got into an argument with this mean girl called Nancy," Elizabeth explains, sitting beside her cousin on the couch.
"That's kind of your thing, isn't it, Sophie?" Gaius half-jokes.
"I'm not going to stand by while someone's being a bully," Sophie shrugs, sitting on the plush carpet beside the unknown boy. "Lucile, this is the two friends I was telling you about, Florian and Gaius."
"Hi." Lucile waves sitting beside Sophie.
"And this is Leonard and Harrison. They're cool." Florian introduces them.
Harrison is already dressed in his pyjamas and finally sits up to shake the girls' hands. His long, brown hair is tied back in a loose bun, and he has a pair of glasses pushed on top of his head.
"We were discussing which lesson we're most looking forward to before you joined us," Harrison explains.
The three girls listen as the boys go over their most anticipated lesson until it's their turn to choose. Then they theorise about what each professor will be like and what they will most likely learn in their first week at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Thank you so much for reading.
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