Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 8 - Time to Be Sorted
The Hogwarts students and new faculty members filed off the train and onto the school platform. Ginny took off to talk to some of other fifth- years. Dawn noticed, a giant of a man who appeared to be directing everyone. She thought that he looked a lot like a big scary biker.
"That's Hagrid," Harry told his three new friends. "He is the groundskeeper here and also teaches the magical creatures classes."
"He looks kind of scary," replied Dawn.
"Oh no, he is just a big teddy bear," Hermione told her.
"Yeah," said Ron, "we hang out with Hagrid a lot during the school year. He is really nice, but be careful of his pets."
"Pets?" asked Shannon.
Ron explained, "His pets are generally creatures that you would want to slay. And, personally, I wouldn't stop you if you did."
"Ron, be nice," chided Hermione.
Hagrid noticed the six teens and walked over to them. "Harry, Ron, Hermione, how are you all doing?"
"We are great," Hermione answered.
"Glad to be back at Hogwarts, then are you?"
"It's like coming home," said Harry.
"Well there are lots of things different this year - new Slayer program, new faculty. Should be an interesting year."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione nodded their heads.
Hagrid continued, "So then who are your friends?"
"This is Andrew, Dawn, and Shannon," Hermione said as she pointed to each of them. "Shannon is one of the new Slayers. Dawn is here to train to be a Watcher. And, Andrew will be acting as the historian for the new program, recording what goes on."
"Wonderful. Well I best get back to it. You three should get on over to the carriages," said Hagrid to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Hagrid's comment prompted Dawn to look over to the carriages. "Damn, those horse things are evil looking," she commented. Shannon and Andrew both agreed.
"All three of you can see them?" Harry asked.
"Of course we see them. Is there some reason we shouldn't be able to?" Shannon was looking at Harry oddly.
"It's just. . ." Ron began to explain, but was quickly interrupted by Hermione. "We will explain it to you later. We really ought to be getting up to the castle."
The three young wizards waved farewell to their new friends.
"Am I the only one who finds it odd that all three of them have seen death. I mean in our Care of Magical Creatures class, there were only three people who had," Harry commented.
"Why did you interrupt me like that?" Ron asked Hermione.
"Do you remember how magical Hogwarts seemed that first day of first year?" she asked. Harry and Ron both nodded. "I just think that Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew should get to experience that kind of magic. I didn't want us to taint it by talking about death."
Ron smiled. It was just like his Hermione to think of others' feelings first. Though he was beginning to wonder, when it was that he started thinking of her as his.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione climbed into one of the carriages, while Hagrid was calling out to the students who were still milling around the platform, "First years and new Slayers, please gather here. We will head off for the castle in just a minute."
Hagrid then walked over to the new faculty members.
"Hagrid," greeted Wesley, "it has been ages. How have you been?"
"Why, Wesley, almost didn't recognize you all grown up. And a professor at Hogwarts, very impressive."
Hagrid addressed the new faculty members, "If you all could follow the upperclass students, Professor Dumbledore will meet you at the castle."
Giles, Wesley, Buffy, Willow, Xander, Faith, and Wood boarded the carriages to the castle.
"Now where were we?" said Hagrid. "Oh yeah, first years and new Slayers, please follow me. Don't worry about your trunks. The house elves will take care of them."
Hagrid lead the first years and new Slayers down to the bank of a lake where boats were waiting. From there Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew could see the silhouette of Hogwarts Castle against the night sky. The castle itself was huge.
"I feel like Cinderella going to the ball," Dawn dreamily whispered to Shannon.
"I feel more like Belle right before she finds out that she is trapped with the Beast forever," replied Shannon hesitantly.
Andrew stepped between the girls and slung an arm around the shoulder of each. "This is more like the kind of place the brave warriors explore as they quest for lost treasures."
"You spent all your free time in high school playing D&D, didn't you?" said Shannon.
"Yeah, and now I get to live the fantasy," replied Andrew without a clue that Shannon had meant the comment as an insult.
The three teens climbed into one of the small boats together. As they pondered where the motor was, all of the boats began to move forward on their own toward the castle.
"This really is going to take a lot to get used to," commented Dawn. Shannon and Andrew nodded their heads in agreement.
Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew exited their boat and followed the other new students up a large staircase. At the top, an older, severe looking woman in wizarding robes greeted them. "Welcome, children. I am Professor McGonagall. In just a moment we will proceed into the Great Hall for the sorting ceremony. When your name is called, you will proceed to the stool that is at the center of the stage and place the Sorting Hat on your head. When the hat calls out your house, you will exit the stage and sit with your housemates. You will attend all of your classes and live with the others in your house."
The new students heard Professor Dumbledore's voice above the noise of the older students. "Welcome back to Hogwarts. We are living in a time of great change. As some of you may know, the Slayer line has come to an end. There is no longer one girl in all the world with the strength and skill to fight the vampires; there are now many. All of the girls in the world who possessed the potential to become the Slayer have been activated. This year, Hogwarts will be offering a new program for the training of the Slayers. The Slayers will be sorted into houses along with the new first year students."
As Professor Dumbledore took his seat, the Sorting Hat began to sing,
"It's once again that time of year for the Sorting Hat to sing.
Then loudly houses all will cheer as new ones we will bring.
A Gryffindor fights bravely and never shows his fear.
A Ravenclaw thinks logically with wit that's very clear.
A Hufflepuff holds loyally and patiently stays the year.
A Slytherin strikes powerfully giving a cunning leer.
So step right up. It isn't tough.
Let the sorting begin."
"Damn," whispered Shannon to Dawn, "the hat really does talk - or sing."
Professor McGonagall began calling the names of the new students. Aidan Abrams was the first one called. The young first year looked terrified as he walked over to the stool and placed the Sorting Hat on his head. After a moment the hat called out, "Hufflepuff," and loud cheers went up from what must have been the Hufflepuff table.
Shannon was the first of the Slayers to be sorted. When she heard her name, she walked over to the chair and put on the hat. "I see bravery in you," the hat said quietly to her. "You were cut down by an enemy, but you returned to fight in the final battle. You are without a doubt a GRYFFINDOR," the hat yelled the final word.
Shannon was relieved as she walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. The Gryffindor students were thrilled to be the first to have a Slayer in their house.
Hermione whispered to her, "Now we just need Dawn and Andrew in our house."
Shannon nodded at the other girl and crossed her fingers.
When Kennedy's name was called Willow sat very still. Giles was a Gryffindor and Wesley was a Ravenclaw; so both of those must be good houses. From what she could see from the faculty table, the Hufflepuff kids seemed ok too. However, the kids at the Slytherin table gave Willow the creeps. She hoped that Kennedy didn't wind up in their house.
Kennedy placed the Sorting Hat on her head. "Hmmm, what do we have here. You possess much power as a Slayer, but unlike the Slayers that have gone before you this evening, you want more than anything to wield that power," the Sorting Hat said to Kennedy. "SLYTHERIN," the hat yelled.
The Slytherin table went crazy. So far they had been the only house without a Slayer. Kennedy flipped her hair and walked over to the table where her new housemates sat. Malfoy smirked at the Gryffindors.
Willow leaned over Buffy to get closer to Giles. "This isn't a good sign is it?" she asked him, hoping against hope that she was wrong.
"I am sorry Willow. Being sorted into Slytherin unequivocally confirms that she craves power. And for a Slayer, that rarely turns out well."
Faith interjected, "Yeah but look at me. I turned out ok. Well except for the killing people and helping the big bad your senior year."
That didn't make Willow feel any better.
Soon it was Dawn's turn to be sorted. When Professor McGonagall called, "Dawn Summers," she practically ran across the stage to the Sorting Hat. She placed the hat on her head. "You really are a hard one to sort. You have so much magical energy about you. How you twist and turn it will make all the difference," said the Sorting Hat.
Dawn quietly answered the hat, "Please just put me in Gryffindor with my best friend."
The hat replied, "And so the decision is made GRYFFINDOR," shouted the Sorting Hat.
Dawn ran over to the Gryffindor table and sat next to Shannon. Shannon said what they were both thinking, "Now all we need is Andrew."
Buffy was thrilled that her sister was in Gryffindor. Giles was the best Watcher ever, and if Dawn wanted to be a good Watcher in the future, then she could do no better than following in Giles' footsteps.
Giles smiled to himself. In many ways he considered Dawn to be like a daughter. He was so proud that she was sorted into his old house.
The last new student to be sorted was Andrew. He placed the sorting hat on his head and waited. It took almost a minute before the hat spoke, "I do not feel any magic in you."
"I don't have any," answered Andrew.
"Then my boy, I do not know how to sort you."
"Well then can I just go with my friends?" Andrew asked.
"Where are your friends?
"Gryffindor."
The Sorting Hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR."
As Andrew joined his friends, the stool and Sorting Hat were taken away.
Professor Dumbledore again addressed the students, "I am sure that our returning students are not surprised that I have some announcements to make. The Forbidden Forrest is called Forbidden for a reason. No student is to enter it under any circumstances. Also, students may not leave their house dormitories after hours. The new faculty and the Slayers will be patrolling the castle and the grounds each night. If you are discovered wandering the halls, your house will lose points."
"Now, I would like to introduce the newest members of the Hogwarts Faculty. As always, we have a new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Giles was a student of Hogwarts - Gryffindor House." Giles stood for a moment, nodded his head, and sat.
We also have a new professor of Muggle Studies. Professor Bolgya has herself lived the past ten years in the muggle world. Prior to that she was a student at Victoriana Academy, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry located in the United States." Professor Bolgya stood. She was a young petite woman with a fair complexion, dark mahogany hair, and emerald green eyes. 'Feminine in every way,' thought Wesley. With a smile and a nod, she took her seat.
"Professor Wyndam-Pryce will be teaching History of the Slayer. Professor Wyndam-Pryce is also an alumnus of Hogwarts - Ravenclaw House." Wesley did the same as Giles, standing for a moment, nodding his head, and then taking his seat.
"Professors Summers, Wilkins, and Wood will be teaching Slayer Fighting Techniques." Buffy, Faith, and Wood rose to their feet and smiled at the students.
"Lastly, Professor Rosenberg will be teaching Research Skills." Willow stood and waved to the students.
Dumbledore continued, "As many of you know, Mr. Filch retired at the end of last term. We have a new caretaker at Hogwarts, Mr. Harris." Xander stood and waved.
"And now," said Dumbledore, "I have but some final words for you - bibbity bobbity boo."
The tables magically filled with a plethora of food. All of those new to Hogwarts, students and faculty alike, gasped. Then everyone dug into the dinner.
****************
After dinner, the new faculty members were led by a house elf to their quarters. Professor Dumbledore had explained earlier, that the faculty for the Slayer program would have their own separate quarters from the rest of the faculty. For reasons, he did not explain, the new Muggle Studies professor would share their quarters.
As the group walked through the castle, Xander leaned into Willow and whispered, "I feel like I just got sucked into a Dungeons and Dragons game." Willow replied with a giggle.
The house elf led them to a portrait of a young woman in fighting stance holding a sword in one hand and a wooden stake in the other. "That's appropriate," quipped Faith. The elf spoke the word 'chosen' and the portrait opened revealing the faculty quarters.
The faculty quarters had a similar setup to the student houses. The new faculty member stepped into a large common room filled with overstuffed chairs and warmed by a brightly burning fire. Several spiral staircases lead to private quarters on both the upper and lower floor.
The house elf directed each of the new faculty members to the stairway that would lead to their rooms. The group said their good nights and retired to their own quarters. Each was amazed to find that their quarters consisted of a private sitting room, bedroom, and bath. They found that their things had been unpacked and their trunks tucked neatly away in the closets.
****************
The new students were lead to their respective houses by their house prefects. Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew followed their friends to Gryffindor. They stopped in front of a large portrait of a fat lady. "Password," the fat lady demanded. "Fizzle-Fazzle," said Ron.
The portrait opened, and the teens entered the Gryffindor common room. Hermione took Dawn and Shannon to the girls' dormitory. Dawn and Shannon were happy to find that they were sharing a room with Hermione. Though they were surprised to find that there were two other girls in the room as well, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patel.
Harry and Ron took Andrew with them to the boys' dormitory. "You are going to be rooming with us and three other guys, Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnegan," explained Harry.
"Cool," replied Andrew.
****************
Draco couldn't sleep that first night back at Hogwarts. He was annoyed. Most of the Slayers had been sorted into Gryffindor. Slytherin only got one, and like most of the Slytherin girls, she seemed like a bitch.
He had really hoped that Dawn would be put into Slytherin. He had learned her name during the sorting ceremony. Even though she had been placed in Gryffindor, there was something about her that he felt drawn to. Of course her sister was a professor, which could get him in trouble. Also, Potter, Weasley, and Granger would make sure he never got near her. 'And why would she want me anyway?' he thought. He had made her cry, though for the life of him he couldn't figure out why.
Chapter 8 - Time to Be Sorted
The Hogwarts students and new faculty members filed off the train and onto the school platform. Ginny took off to talk to some of other fifth- years. Dawn noticed, a giant of a man who appeared to be directing everyone. She thought that he looked a lot like a big scary biker.
"That's Hagrid," Harry told his three new friends. "He is the groundskeeper here and also teaches the magical creatures classes."
"He looks kind of scary," replied Dawn.
"Oh no, he is just a big teddy bear," Hermione told her.
"Yeah," said Ron, "we hang out with Hagrid a lot during the school year. He is really nice, but be careful of his pets."
"Pets?" asked Shannon.
Ron explained, "His pets are generally creatures that you would want to slay. And, personally, I wouldn't stop you if you did."
"Ron, be nice," chided Hermione.
Hagrid noticed the six teens and walked over to them. "Harry, Ron, Hermione, how are you all doing?"
"We are great," Hermione answered.
"Glad to be back at Hogwarts, then are you?"
"It's like coming home," said Harry.
"Well there are lots of things different this year - new Slayer program, new faculty. Should be an interesting year."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione nodded their heads.
Hagrid continued, "So then who are your friends?"
"This is Andrew, Dawn, and Shannon," Hermione said as she pointed to each of them. "Shannon is one of the new Slayers. Dawn is here to train to be a Watcher. And, Andrew will be acting as the historian for the new program, recording what goes on."
"Wonderful. Well I best get back to it. You three should get on over to the carriages," said Hagrid to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Hagrid's comment prompted Dawn to look over to the carriages. "Damn, those horse things are evil looking," she commented. Shannon and Andrew both agreed.
"All three of you can see them?" Harry asked.
"Of course we see them. Is there some reason we shouldn't be able to?" Shannon was looking at Harry oddly.
"It's just. . ." Ron began to explain, but was quickly interrupted by Hermione. "We will explain it to you later. We really ought to be getting up to the castle."
The three young wizards waved farewell to their new friends.
"Am I the only one who finds it odd that all three of them have seen death. I mean in our Care of Magical Creatures class, there were only three people who had," Harry commented.
"Why did you interrupt me like that?" Ron asked Hermione.
"Do you remember how magical Hogwarts seemed that first day of first year?" she asked. Harry and Ron both nodded. "I just think that Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew should get to experience that kind of magic. I didn't want us to taint it by talking about death."
Ron smiled. It was just like his Hermione to think of others' feelings first. Though he was beginning to wonder, when it was that he started thinking of her as his.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione climbed into one of the carriages, while Hagrid was calling out to the students who were still milling around the platform, "First years and new Slayers, please gather here. We will head off for the castle in just a minute."
Hagrid then walked over to the new faculty members.
"Hagrid," greeted Wesley, "it has been ages. How have you been?"
"Why, Wesley, almost didn't recognize you all grown up. And a professor at Hogwarts, very impressive."
Hagrid addressed the new faculty members, "If you all could follow the upperclass students, Professor Dumbledore will meet you at the castle."
Giles, Wesley, Buffy, Willow, Xander, Faith, and Wood boarded the carriages to the castle.
"Now where were we?" said Hagrid. "Oh yeah, first years and new Slayers, please follow me. Don't worry about your trunks. The house elves will take care of them."
Hagrid lead the first years and new Slayers down to the bank of a lake where boats were waiting. From there Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew could see the silhouette of Hogwarts Castle against the night sky. The castle itself was huge.
"I feel like Cinderella going to the ball," Dawn dreamily whispered to Shannon.
"I feel more like Belle right before she finds out that she is trapped with the Beast forever," replied Shannon hesitantly.
Andrew stepped between the girls and slung an arm around the shoulder of each. "This is more like the kind of place the brave warriors explore as they quest for lost treasures."
"You spent all your free time in high school playing D&D, didn't you?" said Shannon.
"Yeah, and now I get to live the fantasy," replied Andrew without a clue that Shannon had meant the comment as an insult.
The three teens climbed into one of the small boats together. As they pondered where the motor was, all of the boats began to move forward on their own toward the castle.
"This really is going to take a lot to get used to," commented Dawn. Shannon and Andrew nodded their heads in agreement.
Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew exited their boat and followed the other new students up a large staircase. At the top, an older, severe looking woman in wizarding robes greeted them. "Welcome, children. I am Professor McGonagall. In just a moment we will proceed into the Great Hall for the sorting ceremony. When your name is called, you will proceed to the stool that is at the center of the stage and place the Sorting Hat on your head. When the hat calls out your house, you will exit the stage and sit with your housemates. You will attend all of your classes and live with the others in your house."
The new students heard Professor Dumbledore's voice above the noise of the older students. "Welcome back to Hogwarts. We are living in a time of great change. As some of you may know, the Slayer line has come to an end. There is no longer one girl in all the world with the strength and skill to fight the vampires; there are now many. All of the girls in the world who possessed the potential to become the Slayer have been activated. This year, Hogwarts will be offering a new program for the training of the Slayers. The Slayers will be sorted into houses along with the new first year students."
As Professor Dumbledore took his seat, the Sorting Hat began to sing,
"It's once again that time of year for the Sorting Hat to sing.
Then loudly houses all will cheer as new ones we will bring.
A Gryffindor fights bravely and never shows his fear.
A Ravenclaw thinks logically with wit that's very clear.
A Hufflepuff holds loyally and patiently stays the year.
A Slytherin strikes powerfully giving a cunning leer.
So step right up. It isn't tough.
Let the sorting begin."
"Damn," whispered Shannon to Dawn, "the hat really does talk - or sing."
Professor McGonagall began calling the names of the new students. Aidan Abrams was the first one called. The young first year looked terrified as he walked over to the stool and placed the Sorting Hat on his head. After a moment the hat called out, "Hufflepuff," and loud cheers went up from what must have been the Hufflepuff table.
Shannon was the first of the Slayers to be sorted. When she heard her name, she walked over to the chair and put on the hat. "I see bravery in you," the hat said quietly to her. "You were cut down by an enemy, but you returned to fight in the final battle. You are without a doubt a GRYFFINDOR," the hat yelled the final word.
Shannon was relieved as she walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. The Gryffindor students were thrilled to be the first to have a Slayer in their house.
Hermione whispered to her, "Now we just need Dawn and Andrew in our house."
Shannon nodded at the other girl and crossed her fingers.
When Kennedy's name was called Willow sat very still. Giles was a Gryffindor and Wesley was a Ravenclaw; so both of those must be good houses. From what she could see from the faculty table, the Hufflepuff kids seemed ok too. However, the kids at the Slytherin table gave Willow the creeps. She hoped that Kennedy didn't wind up in their house.
Kennedy placed the Sorting Hat on her head. "Hmmm, what do we have here. You possess much power as a Slayer, but unlike the Slayers that have gone before you this evening, you want more than anything to wield that power," the Sorting Hat said to Kennedy. "SLYTHERIN," the hat yelled.
The Slytherin table went crazy. So far they had been the only house without a Slayer. Kennedy flipped her hair and walked over to the table where her new housemates sat. Malfoy smirked at the Gryffindors.
Willow leaned over Buffy to get closer to Giles. "This isn't a good sign is it?" she asked him, hoping against hope that she was wrong.
"I am sorry Willow. Being sorted into Slytherin unequivocally confirms that she craves power. And for a Slayer, that rarely turns out well."
Faith interjected, "Yeah but look at me. I turned out ok. Well except for the killing people and helping the big bad your senior year."
That didn't make Willow feel any better.
Soon it was Dawn's turn to be sorted. When Professor McGonagall called, "Dawn Summers," she practically ran across the stage to the Sorting Hat. She placed the hat on her head. "You really are a hard one to sort. You have so much magical energy about you. How you twist and turn it will make all the difference," said the Sorting Hat.
Dawn quietly answered the hat, "Please just put me in Gryffindor with my best friend."
The hat replied, "And so the decision is made GRYFFINDOR," shouted the Sorting Hat.
Dawn ran over to the Gryffindor table and sat next to Shannon. Shannon said what they were both thinking, "Now all we need is Andrew."
Buffy was thrilled that her sister was in Gryffindor. Giles was the best Watcher ever, and if Dawn wanted to be a good Watcher in the future, then she could do no better than following in Giles' footsteps.
Giles smiled to himself. In many ways he considered Dawn to be like a daughter. He was so proud that she was sorted into his old house.
The last new student to be sorted was Andrew. He placed the sorting hat on his head and waited. It took almost a minute before the hat spoke, "I do not feel any magic in you."
"I don't have any," answered Andrew.
"Then my boy, I do not know how to sort you."
"Well then can I just go with my friends?" Andrew asked.
"Where are your friends?
"Gryffindor."
The Sorting Hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR."
As Andrew joined his friends, the stool and Sorting Hat were taken away.
Professor Dumbledore again addressed the students, "I am sure that our returning students are not surprised that I have some announcements to make. The Forbidden Forrest is called Forbidden for a reason. No student is to enter it under any circumstances. Also, students may not leave their house dormitories after hours. The new faculty and the Slayers will be patrolling the castle and the grounds each night. If you are discovered wandering the halls, your house will lose points."
"Now, I would like to introduce the newest members of the Hogwarts Faculty. As always, we have a new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Giles was a student of Hogwarts - Gryffindor House." Giles stood for a moment, nodded his head, and sat.
We also have a new professor of Muggle Studies. Professor Bolgya has herself lived the past ten years in the muggle world. Prior to that she was a student at Victoriana Academy, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry located in the United States." Professor Bolgya stood. She was a young petite woman with a fair complexion, dark mahogany hair, and emerald green eyes. 'Feminine in every way,' thought Wesley. With a smile and a nod, she took her seat.
"Professor Wyndam-Pryce will be teaching History of the Slayer. Professor Wyndam-Pryce is also an alumnus of Hogwarts - Ravenclaw House." Wesley did the same as Giles, standing for a moment, nodding his head, and then taking his seat.
"Professors Summers, Wilkins, and Wood will be teaching Slayer Fighting Techniques." Buffy, Faith, and Wood rose to their feet and smiled at the students.
"Lastly, Professor Rosenberg will be teaching Research Skills." Willow stood and waved to the students.
Dumbledore continued, "As many of you know, Mr. Filch retired at the end of last term. We have a new caretaker at Hogwarts, Mr. Harris." Xander stood and waved.
"And now," said Dumbledore, "I have but some final words for you - bibbity bobbity boo."
The tables magically filled with a plethora of food. All of those new to Hogwarts, students and faculty alike, gasped. Then everyone dug into the dinner.
****************
After dinner, the new faculty members were led by a house elf to their quarters. Professor Dumbledore had explained earlier, that the faculty for the Slayer program would have their own separate quarters from the rest of the faculty. For reasons, he did not explain, the new Muggle Studies professor would share their quarters.
As the group walked through the castle, Xander leaned into Willow and whispered, "I feel like I just got sucked into a Dungeons and Dragons game." Willow replied with a giggle.
The house elf led them to a portrait of a young woman in fighting stance holding a sword in one hand and a wooden stake in the other. "That's appropriate," quipped Faith. The elf spoke the word 'chosen' and the portrait opened revealing the faculty quarters.
The faculty quarters had a similar setup to the student houses. The new faculty member stepped into a large common room filled with overstuffed chairs and warmed by a brightly burning fire. Several spiral staircases lead to private quarters on both the upper and lower floor.
The house elf directed each of the new faculty members to the stairway that would lead to their rooms. The group said their good nights and retired to their own quarters. Each was amazed to find that their quarters consisted of a private sitting room, bedroom, and bath. They found that their things had been unpacked and their trunks tucked neatly away in the closets.
****************
The new students were lead to their respective houses by their house prefects. Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew followed their friends to Gryffindor. They stopped in front of a large portrait of a fat lady. "Password," the fat lady demanded. "Fizzle-Fazzle," said Ron.
The portrait opened, and the teens entered the Gryffindor common room. Hermione took Dawn and Shannon to the girls' dormitory. Dawn and Shannon were happy to find that they were sharing a room with Hermione. Though they were surprised to find that there were two other girls in the room as well, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patel.
Harry and Ron took Andrew with them to the boys' dormitory. "You are going to be rooming with us and three other guys, Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnegan," explained Harry.
"Cool," replied Andrew.
****************
Draco couldn't sleep that first night back at Hogwarts. He was annoyed. Most of the Slayers had been sorted into Gryffindor. Slytherin only got one, and like most of the Slytherin girls, she seemed like a bitch.
He had really hoped that Dawn would be put into Slytherin. He had learned her name during the sorting ceremony. Even though she had been placed in Gryffindor, there was something about her that he felt drawn to. Of course her sister was a professor, which could get him in trouble. Also, Potter, Weasley, and Granger would make sure he never got near her. 'And why would she want me anyway?' he thought. He had made her cry, though for the life of him he couldn't figure out why.