It was dark by the time the train arrived at Hogwarts and the students piled out in a disorderly fashion. "First years, over here!" Called out a rough voice. "Ah, Ms. Stone? Please join us."
She turned to Severus. "Well, I'll see you in school then." He nodded back to her and she walked over to join the first years. Then he heard a simultaneous,
"Who's that, Snape?" (Remus Lupin)
"Not a girlfriend, is it?!" (Sirius Black)
"I've never seen HER before." ~staring~ (Peter Pettigrew)
James Potter was just about to say something too, but Lily elbowed him in the ribs. She wasn't fond of Severus, but she didn't like the way her boyfriend and his crew always picked on him. Severus glared at them all before turning to make his way to the school.
Meanwhile, the man with the rough voice identified himself as Paul Buxley, gamekeeper at Hogwarts. He was a tall, well built man in his 50's with a few scars on his face and a weathered look that comes with working outside. He seemed friendly enough, and escorted the group of first years and Alyssa onto a large ferryboat that glided over the lake to Hogwarts.
Upon entering the great hall, a young witch (probably her early 30's) approached them. "Good evening. My name is Professor McGonagall. When you enter the dining hall, you will be sorted into one of four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin." She then turned to Bhamini. "Since your previous school did not have separate houses, you will also need to be sorted." Bhamini nodded that she understood and they all followed Professor McGonagall into the great hall.
All of the other students were seated at four huge tables within the room. Each table had banners flying overhead indicating the house they belonged to. Candles also floated overhead, and a semi-cloudy night sky could be seen on the ceiling. At the head of the room was another table that seated all of the professors. McGonagall set down a stool and a old looking hat on top of it.
The hat suddenly began singing a song that described each house at Hogwarts. When it finished, McGonagall explained, "When I call your name, please come forward and sit on the stool. You will put on the hat and it shall sort you into your houses." Each first year went up one-by-one and were sorted into their houses. Each table cheered as a new member joined them. Finally, Bhamini was the only one left standing. Everyone's eyes were fixed on her with curiosity. She was clearly not the age of a first-year student, and her purple robes stood out against the traditional black Hogwarts robes. She scanned the room around her and felt sick to her stomach.
"I am happy to inform you all we have a new transfer student here at Hogwarts." Whispers and murmers broke out around the hall. A strict stare from McGonagall silenced them all again. "Bhamini Stone is joining us from the prestigious Manchester Women's Academy for her seventh year of studies." More whispers broke out. That elitist school up north? I hear they only accept pureblood rich girls… McGonagall continued, "I am sure you will all make her feel welcome here at Hogwarts and help show her around so she doesn't get lost."
"Doesn't look too happy to be here, does she?" Whispered Sirius to James. James was about to answer, but Lily was sitting right next to him and shushed them both. James smiled at his friend and they went back to listening to McGonagall.
Manchester focused on the arts as well as academic studies, something that Hogwarts does not. Hopefully her talents will enrich the rest of the students here. There were no separate Houses at Manchester, so she will now be sorted." McGonagall placed the hat on Bhamini's head. The hall was dead silent. Bhamini heard a small voice inside her head. Well, this is interesting. I haven't seen a Stone here for ages. My my…the family hasn't changed much I see. But you are a little different from the rest. Very focused on your studies. Better put you in…. RAVENCLAW! A few weak claps came from the Ravenclaw table. They obviously weren't too sure what to make of her yet.
"I wonder what she was doing with that slimy git, Severus earlier?" pondered Peter. "I thought for sure she would go to Slytherin, hanging out with the likes of him." Added Sirius.
At the Slytherin table, some students were now throwing her nasty glares. "Should have known she isn't Slytherin material." Remarked one boy with pale blonde hair and icy blue eyes. "I don't know. She looks alright to me." Snickered another. Severus didn't add to the conversation, a little disappointed that he wouldn't be able to socialize with Bhamini easily…most of his housemates were against inter-house mingling.
"If I may have your attention!" boomed a loud voice, "I have a short speech to make before the feast begins." The students ended their conversations and turned to the Headmaster. He was an older looking man with long sandy hair sprinkled with gray. "My name is Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster at Hogwarts. The first years and new student should know that the forest outside the castle is strictly forbidden, as is the Whomping Willow. No magic is to be performed outside the classrooms. If you have any further questions, please direct them to the Prefects or supervising head of your house. I'm sure this will be a great year at Hogwarts, enjoy the feast!"
As Dumbledore finished his speech, the tables suddenly appeared to be filled with all sorts of food and drink. Bhamini gave out a small yell at the sudden transformation. She explained to her new Housemates that at Manchester, all their food was prepared by a selection of wizard chefs and was hand served to them. A couple of the students scoffed at the idea, but Bhamini ignored them.
As people finished up their meals, a serious looking boy with short brown hair stood up from the Ravenclaw table. "Attention first years! My name is Ryan Anderson. I am the Ravenclaw Prefect along with Amanda Kingson." He gestured to a curly haired girl that had also risen. "I will now escort you to the dormitory, please follow me." The Ravenclaw first years followed him nervously, feeling a bit lost in the huge castle. "Bhamini?" Amanda asked, "I'll show you where your room is, ok? You aren't going to have to live with the first year students." They both laughed.
The first years had already followed Ryan out the door and the other Ravenclaw students were beginning to stand up. "Ravenclaw! Please follow me. I know you all know where the dorms are, but I still need to inform you of this years password." Said Amanda to the other students. Bhamini walked alongside Amanda as they made their way up the staircase and towards the south side of the castle. "Watch out for the stairs. They readjust themselves periodically." Indeed, as soon as she said this, Bhamini noticed that overhead another staircase was rotating as if on a hinge to face a different direction. On the third floor, they passed two large oak doors with each of the four House mascots carved onto the front. "That is our library in there." Amanda pointed to the doors. "Our rooms are just a little further down the hall."