Forgive the lateness of this chapter, but it took an INCREDIBLY long time
to write this! Not to mention Fanficion being down and my beta reader
taking about a month to read it! It's like nine pages long on original
format! But I do hope you enjoy it!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily thanked Danny again, and lugged all of her belongings onto the crimson train.
Merry little place this is, isn't it? She thought scornfully, as a burly, scary-looking boy stepped on her foot.
Walking off the stinging in her foot, she picked her way through the bustle of each compartment, enduring shoves and shouts with gritted teeth.
Breathing heavily and cursing under her breath, she shoved open the door to the last compartment and tumbled into a nearby seat.
Two startled girls looked up. They were almost complete opposites; one had long blonde hair and hazel eyes while other had sleek, mid-shoulder length black hair with dark blue eyes and rimmed glasses.
"Oh. hello. Sorry to disturb you." Lily said, smiling apologetically and mentally racking her brains for where she was going to sit now.
"That's quite alright, we're used to it, after having those annoying boys pop in and out of here." replied the blonde with a friendly smile.
"Haven't seen them yet." Lily mused aloud.
"You will. They're like pesky flies, they won't go away unless you swat them." The black-haired girl said calmly, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world, crossing her legs yoga style.
"Why, I don't believe we've introduced ourselves!" the blonde girl said suddenly. "My name is Misty Hamilton, and my partner in crime here is Sabrina Felicity Brimstone." Misty said and held out a pale hand. Lily shook it.
"I prefer not to be called by my full name, if you please. Sabrina will do just fine." Sabrina said, adjusting her cat's-eye glasses.
"Or Sabby, as her father so affectionately calls her." Misty whispered.
Sabrina pretended not to hear this comment and stared out the window with a sniff.
"What do you suppose it's like at Hogwarts?" Lily asked, after the silence between the three of them had thickened.
"My sister said it was the worst way to be trained for a witch and transferred to Beauxbatoms in her fourth year. She said the teachers were awful and the material ill-taught. I hear they let frogs loose in the halls and if you're late for class, they dye your hair a repulsive-colored green for the rest of the day. So I've heard, anyway," Sabrina said. Lily gulped and tugged at her collar a little.
"My brothers loved it. Then again. they did pull an awful amount of pranks on the Transfiguration teacher. poor thing." Misty put in, fingering a silver horseshoe-shaped charm on a delicate silver chain around her neck.
Lily nodded in silent agreement. "I'm a Muggle, so I've no clue what it'll be like."
"We can only hope we don't have to battle trolls." Misty said ominously.
Lily blinked, not knowing whether or not she was kidding.
"Misty, be a dear, fetch me my book please." Sabrina said, crawling catlike into the seat in front of them and stretching her long legs out.
Misty rummaged in a large bag beside her and threw Sabrina a large leather- bound book, then pulled out a long, blue satin ribbon out of her purse and tied her hair into a ponytail.
"Sabrina's cool as a cucumber when it comes to most things. She was raised to be a very serious child." Misty whispered to Lily.
"I can tell." Lily answered, peering at Sabrina, who was bent over her book.
And that pretty much ended their conversation until.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Wow! Lily, that's so cool!" Misty squealed, digging her light blue nails into Lily's arm.
"Ouch! Yes, it's a very pretty sight, Misty. You can let go of my arm now," Lily said, wincing.
Hogwarts was fast approaching, and all the windows in the castle were lit up in the also fast approaching dusk. It was like something out of a fairy tale.
"Wha-what? Is it time to get up and wrestle trolls?" Sabrina muttered groggily, her black hair falling across her face.
"You fell asleep?" Misty asked incredulously.
"My head is still pounding from when we jolted down those hills!" Lily said, rolling her head from side to side emphatically.
Sabrina blinked, and then sat up and finger-combed her hair. Misty and Lily simply watched her do this, because at the moment it seemed more interesting than looking at their future home for seven years. Minds of eleven-year-old girls often worked in odd ways.
A loud droning voice suddenly came up over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hogwarts. Please leave all belongings and exit the train slowly and orderly. First years will be met outside. Please do not shout, scream, squeal, or make any unnecessary noises."
"What a quaint way to start the next seven years off; some old guy drones us to death," Sabrina sneered, grabbing her black leather purse off the seat and starting down the train.
"Sabby, don't have a bad attitude about this or we'll ship you off to Durmstrang!" Misty said, shaking a finger. Lily laughed and followed them out. She was stepping off the train when an owl caught her eye.
"Hey, look at-"
Her foot caught itself in a vine, making her trip and sprawl out face-first right smack-dab in the middle of all the first years.
"How utterly embarrassing, Lily dear," Sabrina said, laughing and helping her up.
"Thanks. I think." Lily said, brushing the extra mud off of her new robes.
"First years, come this way!" called an elderly man, waving a lantern.
"An old man is escorting us to Hogwarts? What is this, the old guy parade?" Sabrina spat, hitching her purse up.
"What's it with you and old people anyway, Sab?" Lily asked curiosly, as they strode up the dew-laden grassy hill.
"Mum, Dad, my sister, and I lived with my mother's parents. I hated them." Sabrina said simply.
Lily nodded, though wondering what two people could possibly do that could cause this much hate in a person. They fell silent for the rest of the trip to the magical castle.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Slipping slightly on the grass as they finally reached the Hogwarts front door, the three collapsed on each other, breathing heavily. The old man opened the door and herded them in. A stern-faced, black-haired teacher led them off to another set of large doors. At these, she stopped and turned to them.
"Welcome to Hogwarts! In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates for the sorting," she announced in clipped words. Lily thought she saw her smile.
"I can't wait, this is too exciting!" Misty squealed, grabbing onto Lily's poor arm again.
Though Lily didn't voice it, her insides were burning with anticipation and fear. Then slowly, ever so slowly, the great oak doors opened and light flooded out over the first-years.
Misty's grip seemed to tighten as the three awkward friends stepped carefully into Hogwarts, as though the floor was made of a delicate glass and would break if they stepped too hard.
Hundreds of thousands of candles were lit and floating around the main hallway, casting eerie shadows on the faces of other students.
"I'm so nervous I can't walk straight," Misty whispered.
"I'm so nervous I could faint dead right here!" Sabrina hissed.
"I'm so scared I'm going to turn around and leave." Lily said, staring straight ahead where a small stool was being set out by a very old-looking man.
"What's that for?" asked Sabrina, whose eyes were wide open.
"Oh no! We're doomed! We really do have to fight a troll! I WANT TO GO HOME NOW!" Misty shrieked.
The whole first year line turned to look at Misty, who blushed furiously. "I meant I could handle whatever they make me do."
Lily, who'd been holding her laughter in, hiccupped. Misty glared at her.
"Well it was funny!" Lily said truthfully, biting her lip to hold back giggles.
The loud scraping of two cabinet doors being opened made heads swivel to where the lady with black hair was carrying to the stool what looked like a brand-new felt witch's hat.
"Does the troll put that on to dual with us?" Sabrina asked, looking at the hat with sudden interest.
"Why would a troll have to wear a hat to fight us? Wouldn't he just club us to death?" Lily asked, causing the three of them to break out into giggles in the silent, awkward atmosphere of Hogwarts.
"When I call your name, you are to approach the stool and put the Sorting Hat on, then you will go straight to your House table." The black-haired lady called out crisply.
"We just have to try on a hat?" Lily exclaimed, feeling foolish.
Sabrina and Misty gawked at the woman.
"I'm going to kill my brother," Misty said, clenching her fists.
Lily didn't get to reply because the first name was already called out and excited murmurs and titters swept through the first years like a tidal wave on the sand.
The hat, to Lily's astonishment, voiced something that sounded like 'Hufflepuff' out of a little rip near its brim!
Sabrina let out a little squeak as her name was called.
"Good luck!" Misty whispered.
Sabrina coolly sauntered up to the stool, and reluctantly placed the hat just barely on her head. She shut her eyes tightly, gripping the sides of the stool hard and firm.
"GRYFFINDOR!" It shouted. Misty nearly pulled Lily's arm off as shouts of 'hooray' erupted from the both of them.
Sabrina, before taking off towards Gryffindor table, grinned at them and ran to the table.
Lily's nerves were wearing down to breaking point when the woman, dubbed 'Professor McGongall' finally called out.
"Evans, Lily!"
This is it, Lily. Don't do anything stupid! She thought, and boldly stepped forward. Misty gave her a pat on the back, and smiled sadly.
Lily took a deep, shuddering breath and sat awkwardly on the stool, placing the hat delicately on top of her head.
(Ok, the stuff the hat says is in bold and the stuff Lily says.well, isn't.)
Hello, Lily Evans.
Er. hello. How does everyone know my name?
Why, don't you know? You're destined for great things, Lily Evans.
What sort of things?
Oh, I could go on and on about what you will accomplish in your life span, but I would be ruining it.
I'm sure you'd not want to spoil my horrible fate. Aren't you supposed to tell me which House I'll belong in?
Oh, I already know which House you'll belong in, Lily Evans. It doesn't take much to decide the fate.
I don't mean to sound.er.think rude but could you move it along a little bit?
1
2 Of course, you, Miss Evans, are destined to be in.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Lily's shut eyes slowly opened, and stunned, she walked to the cheering Gryffindor table in silence.
"AHA! I KNEW IT! I KNEW YOU'D BE IN GRYFFINDOR! A JOB WELL DONE!" Sabrina hollered, hugging Lily, who was still in shock.
"I. don't believe it." Lily stammered, but Sabrina was too busy trying to get Misty's attention.
"Ok, Misty should be up soon. what letter are we on?" Sabrina asked, settling down in her seat.
"K, I think." Lily muttered.
Sabrina nodded and checked her reflection in one of the spotless golden plates.
"Do I have a pimple, right here?" Sabrina asked, pointing right near her nose. Her skin was milky white, with no flaws whatsoever.
"Not a single blemish exists on your face, Sabrina." Lily said smiling, knowing Sabrina probably wanted to hear that anyway.
"I take very good care of my skin!" Sabrina said primly.
After several impatient foot-taps and loud sighs omitted from Lily and Sabrina, the 'H's' were called out.
"Hamilton, Misty!"
Sabrina and Lily's eyes snapped forward and stared at Misty, as though she would disappear if they didn't look.
The hat seemed to pause, and Lily thought her lungs would explode if she didn't take a breath soon.
"Gryffindor." The hat said mysteriously and unusually quiet, not to mention unsure of itself.
"How queer. The hat seems to have lost its vote of self-confidence." Sabrina snickered.
Why did the hat falter? Lily wondered, as a very flushed Misty pranced over to the table and delicately sat down.
"That was really weird, don't you think? I mean, the Sorting Hat was all 'I cannot choose because you are destined to suffer a great many heartaches' so I kindly requested to be in Gryffindor with my friends." Misty chirped, but said no more on the subject.
"Oh, wow! Look at that guy!" Sabrina said, staring at a particularly tall boy with messy black hair and sparkling warm brown eyes.
"He's cute." Misty replied, her attention focused raptly also on this boy.
"I don't think he's cute. I think he's actually rather gangly and.well, ugly," Lily said in disgust. "And plus he's too tall. How on earth are you to kiss him?"
"What's the sudden interest in kissing?" Sabrina asked, turning around to face Lily.
"No particular reason." Lily said airily, wishing Sabrina would go back and stare at Gangly-Boy.
"Have you ever been kissed Lily?" Misty asked tentatively.
"Of course I have!" Lily spluttered, turning a light shade of pink. The truth was quite the contrary; she'd never been kissed. She'd spent her miserable eleven years at an all-girls academy where they not only learned how to do math and science, but old-fashioned social work such as table setting, waltzing and other forms of dancing, sewing and many other sorts of impractical balderdash not even valid in the 1960's.
"Who was it? Was he cute? Handsome? Smart? Rich?" Sabrina asked, fluttering her eyelashes. At the moment, Lily found it quite hard to believe she was supposed to be the "serious, shy one."
"You wouldn't know him, he was quite a shy boy with"-Lily looked around the room- "red hair and. blue eyes."
"What a combination!" Misty said, looking around the room as well.
"I've been frenched before." Sabrina said mysteriously.
"By whom?" Misty said sharply.
Sabrina flushed a dark crimson. "No one, Misty."
"WHO?" Misty pressed, in a dangerous, steely voice.
"Yes, who Sabrina?" Lily repeated, an evil grin crossing her features.
Sabrina gulped. "Well Misty, remember John Burgsby?"
Misty let out a high-pitched squeak. "Eep! You mean that annoying neighbor whose parents worked for the Office of Wizarding Health?"
Sabrina nodded glumly. Misty laughed out loud. "Oh, I hated him! Always telling me how to play Quidditch! I could beat him flying on my broomstick backwards!"
"Now, now Misty. Let's not be too modest!" Lily teased, though she had not the faintest idea what Misty was talking about.
All the while they were talking about boys and kissing, the Sorting Hat had been put away and the Headmaster was calling for quiet.
"Ahem!" Came the feeble coughing of the frail-looking wizard.
All heads slowly rotated to where this old wizard was standing.
"Thank you. Welcome, new Hogwarts attendants! For the next seven years, I look forward to seeing you, and hopefully not in my office." A few weak chuckles could be heard.
The Headmaster beamed as he continued, "I see so many bright faces of the future, and it's exciting to think I'll be educating you. I don't want to delay this celebration anymore, but I have a few announcements to be made before we dig in. Firstly, the Forbidden Forest, as always and every year, is out-of-bounds for anyone. Secondly, Quidditch practices start in exactly one month, and Quidditch tryouts are in two weeks. I do believe Gryffindor needs a new Seeker."
Several people at the end of the table nodded vigorously.
"Well, I shall delay the feast no longer, enjoy yourselves!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* wipes sweat from forehead * Wow. Did that take long or what? R/R!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lily thanked Danny again, and lugged all of her belongings onto the crimson train.
Merry little place this is, isn't it? She thought scornfully, as a burly, scary-looking boy stepped on her foot.
Walking off the stinging in her foot, she picked her way through the bustle of each compartment, enduring shoves and shouts with gritted teeth.
Breathing heavily and cursing under her breath, she shoved open the door to the last compartment and tumbled into a nearby seat.
Two startled girls looked up. They were almost complete opposites; one had long blonde hair and hazel eyes while other had sleek, mid-shoulder length black hair with dark blue eyes and rimmed glasses.
"Oh. hello. Sorry to disturb you." Lily said, smiling apologetically and mentally racking her brains for where she was going to sit now.
"That's quite alright, we're used to it, after having those annoying boys pop in and out of here." replied the blonde with a friendly smile.
"Haven't seen them yet." Lily mused aloud.
"You will. They're like pesky flies, they won't go away unless you swat them." The black-haired girl said calmly, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world, crossing her legs yoga style.
"Why, I don't believe we've introduced ourselves!" the blonde girl said suddenly. "My name is Misty Hamilton, and my partner in crime here is Sabrina Felicity Brimstone." Misty said and held out a pale hand. Lily shook it.
"I prefer not to be called by my full name, if you please. Sabrina will do just fine." Sabrina said, adjusting her cat's-eye glasses.
"Or Sabby, as her father so affectionately calls her." Misty whispered.
Sabrina pretended not to hear this comment and stared out the window with a sniff.
"What do you suppose it's like at Hogwarts?" Lily asked, after the silence between the three of them had thickened.
"My sister said it was the worst way to be trained for a witch and transferred to Beauxbatoms in her fourth year. She said the teachers were awful and the material ill-taught. I hear they let frogs loose in the halls and if you're late for class, they dye your hair a repulsive-colored green for the rest of the day. So I've heard, anyway," Sabrina said. Lily gulped and tugged at her collar a little.
"My brothers loved it. Then again. they did pull an awful amount of pranks on the Transfiguration teacher. poor thing." Misty put in, fingering a silver horseshoe-shaped charm on a delicate silver chain around her neck.
Lily nodded in silent agreement. "I'm a Muggle, so I've no clue what it'll be like."
"We can only hope we don't have to battle trolls." Misty said ominously.
Lily blinked, not knowing whether or not she was kidding.
"Misty, be a dear, fetch me my book please." Sabrina said, crawling catlike into the seat in front of them and stretching her long legs out.
Misty rummaged in a large bag beside her and threw Sabrina a large leather- bound book, then pulled out a long, blue satin ribbon out of her purse and tied her hair into a ponytail.
"Sabrina's cool as a cucumber when it comes to most things. She was raised to be a very serious child." Misty whispered to Lily.
"I can tell." Lily answered, peering at Sabrina, who was bent over her book.
And that pretty much ended their conversation until.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Wow! Lily, that's so cool!" Misty squealed, digging her light blue nails into Lily's arm.
"Ouch! Yes, it's a very pretty sight, Misty. You can let go of my arm now," Lily said, wincing.
Hogwarts was fast approaching, and all the windows in the castle were lit up in the also fast approaching dusk. It was like something out of a fairy tale.
"Wha-what? Is it time to get up and wrestle trolls?" Sabrina muttered groggily, her black hair falling across her face.
"You fell asleep?" Misty asked incredulously.
"My head is still pounding from when we jolted down those hills!" Lily said, rolling her head from side to side emphatically.
Sabrina blinked, and then sat up and finger-combed her hair. Misty and Lily simply watched her do this, because at the moment it seemed more interesting than looking at their future home for seven years. Minds of eleven-year-old girls often worked in odd ways.
A loud droning voice suddenly came up over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hogwarts. Please leave all belongings and exit the train slowly and orderly. First years will be met outside. Please do not shout, scream, squeal, or make any unnecessary noises."
"What a quaint way to start the next seven years off; some old guy drones us to death," Sabrina sneered, grabbing her black leather purse off the seat and starting down the train.
"Sabby, don't have a bad attitude about this or we'll ship you off to Durmstrang!" Misty said, shaking a finger. Lily laughed and followed them out. She was stepping off the train when an owl caught her eye.
"Hey, look at-"
Her foot caught itself in a vine, making her trip and sprawl out face-first right smack-dab in the middle of all the first years.
"How utterly embarrassing, Lily dear," Sabrina said, laughing and helping her up.
"Thanks. I think." Lily said, brushing the extra mud off of her new robes.
"First years, come this way!" called an elderly man, waving a lantern.
"An old man is escorting us to Hogwarts? What is this, the old guy parade?" Sabrina spat, hitching her purse up.
"What's it with you and old people anyway, Sab?" Lily asked curiosly, as they strode up the dew-laden grassy hill.
"Mum, Dad, my sister, and I lived with my mother's parents. I hated them." Sabrina said simply.
Lily nodded, though wondering what two people could possibly do that could cause this much hate in a person. They fell silent for the rest of the trip to the magical castle.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Slipping slightly on the grass as they finally reached the Hogwarts front door, the three collapsed on each other, breathing heavily. The old man opened the door and herded them in. A stern-faced, black-haired teacher led them off to another set of large doors. At these, she stopped and turned to them.
"Welcome to Hogwarts! In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates for the sorting," she announced in clipped words. Lily thought she saw her smile.
"I can't wait, this is too exciting!" Misty squealed, grabbing onto Lily's poor arm again.
Though Lily didn't voice it, her insides were burning with anticipation and fear. Then slowly, ever so slowly, the great oak doors opened and light flooded out over the first-years.
Misty's grip seemed to tighten as the three awkward friends stepped carefully into Hogwarts, as though the floor was made of a delicate glass and would break if they stepped too hard.
Hundreds of thousands of candles were lit and floating around the main hallway, casting eerie shadows on the faces of other students.
"I'm so nervous I can't walk straight," Misty whispered.
"I'm so nervous I could faint dead right here!" Sabrina hissed.
"I'm so scared I'm going to turn around and leave." Lily said, staring straight ahead where a small stool was being set out by a very old-looking man.
"What's that for?" asked Sabrina, whose eyes were wide open.
"Oh no! We're doomed! We really do have to fight a troll! I WANT TO GO HOME NOW!" Misty shrieked.
The whole first year line turned to look at Misty, who blushed furiously. "I meant I could handle whatever they make me do."
Lily, who'd been holding her laughter in, hiccupped. Misty glared at her.
"Well it was funny!" Lily said truthfully, biting her lip to hold back giggles.
The loud scraping of two cabinet doors being opened made heads swivel to where the lady with black hair was carrying to the stool what looked like a brand-new felt witch's hat.
"Does the troll put that on to dual with us?" Sabrina asked, looking at the hat with sudden interest.
"Why would a troll have to wear a hat to fight us? Wouldn't he just club us to death?" Lily asked, causing the three of them to break out into giggles in the silent, awkward atmosphere of Hogwarts.
"When I call your name, you are to approach the stool and put the Sorting Hat on, then you will go straight to your House table." The black-haired lady called out crisply.
"We just have to try on a hat?" Lily exclaimed, feeling foolish.
Sabrina and Misty gawked at the woman.
"I'm going to kill my brother," Misty said, clenching her fists.
Lily didn't get to reply because the first name was already called out and excited murmurs and titters swept through the first years like a tidal wave on the sand.
The hat, to Lily's astonishment, voiced something that sounded like 'Hufflepuff' out of a little rip near its brim!
Sabrina let out a little squeak as her name was called.
"Good luck!" Misty whispered.
Sabrina coolly sauntered up to the stool, and reluctantly placed the hat just barely on her head. She shut her eyes tightly, gripping the sides of the stool hard and firm.
"GRYFFINDOR!" It shouted. Misty nearly pulled Lily's arm off as shouts of 'hooray' erupted from the both of them.
Sabrina, before taking off towards Gryffindor table, grinned at them and ran to the table.
Lily's nerves were wearing down to breaking point when the woman, dubbed 'Professor McGongall' finally called out.
"Evans, Lily!"
This is it, Lily. Don't do anything stupid! She thought, and boldly stepped forward. Misty gave her a pat on the back, and smiled sadly.
Lily took a deep, shuddering breath and sat awkwardly on the stool, placing the hat delicately on top of her head.
(Ok, the stuff the hat says is in bold and the stuff Lily says.well, isn't.)
Hello, Lily Evans.
Er. hello. How does everyone know my name?
Why, don't you know? You're destined for great things, Lily Evans.
What sort of things?
Oh, I could go on and on about what you will accomplish in your life span, but I would be ruining it.
I'm sure you'd not want to spoil my horrible fate. Aren't you supposed to tell me which House I'll belong in?
Oh, I already know which House you'll belong in, Lily Evans. It doesn't take much to decide the fate.
I don't mean to sound.er.think rude but could you move it along a little bit?
1
2 Of course, you, Miss Evans, are destined to be in.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Lily's shut eyes slowly opened, and stunned, she walked to the cheering Gryffindor table in silence.
"AHA! I KNEW IT! I KNEW YOU'D BE IN GRYFFINDOR! A JOB WELL DONE!" Sabrina hollered, hugging Lily, who was still in shock.
"I. don't believe it." Lily stammered, but Sabrina was too busy trying to get Misty's attention.
"Ok, Misty should be up soon. what letter are we on?" Sabrina asked, settling down in her seat.
"K, I think." Lily muttered.
Sabrina nodded and checked her reflection in one of the spotless golden plates.
"Do I have a pimple, right here?" Sabrina asked, pointing right near her nose. Her skin was milky white, with no flaws whatsoever.
"Not a single blemish exists on your face, Sabrina." Lily said smiling, knowing Sabrina probably wanted to hear that anyway.
"I take very good care of my skin!" Sabrina said primly.
After several impatient foot-taps and loud sighs omitted from Lily and Sabrina, the 'H's' were called out.
"Hamilton, Misty!"
Sabrina and Lily's eyes snapped forward and stared at Misty, as though she would disappear if they didn't look.
The hat seemed to pause, and Lily thought her lungs would explode if she didn't take a breath soon.
"Gryffindor." The hat said mysteriously and unusually quiet, not to mention unsure of itself.
"How queer. The hat seems to have lost its vote of self-confidence." Sabrina snickered.
Why did the hat falter? Lily wondered, as a very flushed Misty pranced over to the table and delicately sat down.
"That was really weird, don't you think? I mean, the Sorting Hat was all 'I cannot choose because you are destined to suffer a great many heartaches' so I kindly requested to be in Gryffindor with my friends." Misty chirped, but said no more on the subject.
"Oh, wow! Look at that guy!" Sabrina said, staring at a particularly tall boy with messy black hair and sparkling warm brown eyes.
"He's cute." Misty replied, her attention focused raptly also on this boy.
"I don't think he's cute. I think he's actually rather gangly and.well, ugly," Lily said in disgust. "And plus he's too tall. How on earth are you to kiss him?"
"What's the sudden interest in kissing?" Sabrina asked, turning around to face Lily.
"No particular reason." Lily said airily, wishing Sabrina would go back and stare at Gangly-Boy.
"Have you ever been kissed Lily?" Misty asked tentatively.
"Of course I have!" Lily spluttered, turning a light shade of pink. The truth was quite the contrary; she'd never been kissed. She'd spent her miserable eleven years at an all-girls academy where they not only learned how to do math and science, but old-fashioned social work such as table setting, waltzing and other forms of dancing, sewing and many other sorts of impractical balderdash not even valid in the 1960's.
"Who was it? Was he cute? Handsome? Smart? Rich?" Sabrina asked, fluttering her eyelashes. At the moment, Lily found it quite hard to believe she was supposed to be the "serious, shy one."
"You wouldn't know him, he was quite a shy boy with"-Lily looked around the room- "red hair and. blue eyes."
"What a combination!" Misty said, looking around the room as well.
"I've been frenched before." Sabrina said mysteriously.
"By whom?" Misty said sharply.
Sabrina flushed a dark crimson. "No one, Misty."
"WHO?" Misty pressed, in a dangerous, steely voice.
"Yes, who Sabrina?" Lily repeated, an evil grin crossing her features.
Sabrina gulped. "Well Misty, remember John Burgsby?"
Misty let out a high-pitched squeak. "Eep! You mean that annoying neighbor whose parents worked for the Office of Wizarding Health?"
Sabrina nodded glumly. Misty laughed out loud. "Oh, I hated him! Always telling me how to play Quidditch! I could beat him flying on my broomstick backwards!"
"Now, now Misty. Let's not be too modest!" Lily teased, though she had not the faintest idea what Misty was talking about.
All the while they were talking about boys and kissing, the Sorting Hat had been put away and the Headmaster was calling for quiet.
"Ahem!" Came the feeble coughing of the frail-looking wizard.
All heads slowly rotated to where this old wizard was standing.
"Thank you. Welcome, new Hogwarts attendants! For the next seven years, I look forward to seeing you, and hopefully not in my office." A few weak chuckles could be heard.
The Headmaster beamed as he continued, "I see so many bright faces of the future, and it's exciting to think I'll be educating you. I don't want to delay this celebration anymore, but I have a few announcements to be made before we dig in. Firstly, the Forbidden Forest, as always and every year, is out-of-bounds for anyone. Secondly, Quidditch practices start in exactly one month, and Quidditch tryouts are in two weeks. I do believe Gryffindor needs a new Seeker."
Several people at the end of the table nodded vigorously.
"Well, I shall delay the feast no longer, enjoy yourselves!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* wipes sweat from forehead * Wow. Did that take long or what? R/R!