A/N- Ah, finally able to get a chance to post. Sorry about the delay, everyone. I blame Order of the Phoenix. But this chapter is nice and long, so hopefully that makes up for the delay. I'll try not to let it go so long next time, honest! Anyway, I have a brief disclaimer this chapter, and then, on to the messages.
Disclaimer: This story was conceived and started before Order of the Phoenix was released. I've decided that I put too much work into the plot to change it, so I'm not going to. Plus, some people may not have finished the book yet, and I don't want to spoil anything for them. So, I will be continuing with my original plotline. Anything that does not agree with the events in the Order of the Phoenix, I don't care ;)
Sarah-Anna- I've been trying really hard to keep my charecters from being Mary Sues, because personally, I can't stand them, and I hate it when people say they are, so I'm glad you don't consider them Mary Sues either. We'll see a little more of Kassia in flashbacks later on too. Glad you like the story too! :)
Vereniel Greenleaf- Thanks! I'm glad you like my OC's, because I try really hard to make them believeable people. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
LoonyLoopyLisa- We'll be getting a few more flashbacks later on, so Kassia will be back. I love Sirius shouting out too, it just seemed like something he would do :)
Paige- Hehe, don't worry! Perdita is not going to end up with Neville, I promise. I have something much better planned.
Sabrina Potter- Yay! More of the Remus story! And I promise, Remus will be back later on. We haven't seen the last of him.
Alynna Lis Eachann- I'm with you, the Sirius' kid or Remus' kid are way too overdone. But poor Peter's never been given a chance, so I thought I'd be completely original and give him a family, not to mention all the potential it has :) I'm glad you like the story, and hope to see more of your reviews, because I have a lot of twists planned for this story.
~Lynx- I'm working on making the chapters longer, promise. Its just been hard, since these are just the beginning chapters. Harry and Perdita will figure out who the other really is in this chapter, and Perdita will eventually find out the truth about her father, but that's not until much later in the story.
mandy- Hehe, thanks! I'm glad you like it, and I hope to see more of your reviews :)
greeneyed*redhead- Yes, Ginny knowing about Sirius is a good thing, and comes in handy later on. Perdita is not going to end up with Neville, but she will end up with someone later on. No hints on who it is though!
Ayla Lupin- No, Sirius and Remus do not realize that Kassia is dead yet, but they'll find out once they speak to Mrs. Figg.
***********
"Come on, there must be an empty compartment around here somewhere." Harry said, peeking into another compartment on the Hogwarts Express. As was usual for the Weasley household, the group had been running late getting to King's Cross Station. "Aha! Here we go."
"It's about time." Hermione sighed, setting Crookshanks' carrier on the floor and letting him out. He promptly curled up in a sunny spot on the floor.
"I second that opinion." Ron said, shutting the door behind them.
"Have you heard back from Snuffles?" Hermione asked as Harry and Ron set Pigwidgeon and Hedwig's cages under the window. Hedwig's cage was empty, of course.
"Not yet." Harry replied. "I wrote and told him that Ginny had found out, but Hedwig hasn't come back yet. She'll probably be at Hogwarts waiting for me, knowing her."
"I still can't believe it." Ginny said, shaking her head a bit. "All those years, and we never realized that Scabbers wasn't really a rat."
"I'm just glad Sirius broke out and showed us who he really was." Harry said. "Who knows what he could have done if no one had exposed him."
Their conversation was interrupted by a soft knock at the door of the compartment. Ron stood and opened it.
"Excuse me." Said a shy voice outside. The owner had a pronounced French accent. "But do you 'ave any room in there? All the other compartments are full."
"Sure." Ron replied politely. "We have plenty of room. Come on in."
"Thank you." said the girl, stepping inside. "I do not know any- 'arry?!"
"Perdita?!" he cried when he saw her. They both stared in shock at each other. Hermione, Ginny, and Ron stared at both of them, confused.
"You are a wizard?" Perdita asked, at the same time Harry asked, "You're a witch?"
"Yes." They replied in unison. They started laughing.
"I never even thought of it." Perdita said. "Not even when Gammy told me your name was 'arry. I never suspected you were the 'arry Potter."
"Do you know what's going on?" Hermione asked Ron. Ron shrugged.
"Hermione, Ron, this is the girl I was telling you about." Harry explained to them. "Mrs. Figg's granddaughter. Perdita, these are the friends I was telling you about."
"Nice to meet you." Perdita said shyly.
"Likewise." Ron grinned. "My name's Ron Weasley."
"And I'm Ginny Weasley." Ginny smiled.
"Hermione Granger." Hermione said, smiling friendlily.
"My name is Perdita." Perdita smiled. "Perdita Pettigrew."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione's eyes all widened in shock. Ginny, however, wasn't fazed a bit.
"You'll love it at Hogwarts." Ginny said, sitting down with Perdita. "You look too old to be a first year though, so I assume that means you're a transfer student. Where did you transfer from?"
"Beauxbatons." Perdita answered shyly.
"Thought so. You have quite an accent." Ginny commented. Perdita blushed a bit. "Did you like it there?"
"Oh, oui." Perdita answered. "Madame Maxime was very nice. We all missed 'er last year though."
"Did you know Fleur Delacour?"
"You mean our champion in the Triwizard Tournament?" Perdita smiled. "I knew 'er, but not very well. She was in an 'igher year than me, and I mostly stayed with my own year."
"Understandable." Ginny smiled. "So, tell me about Beauxbatons. Do you have houses too?"
"Oui, but we 'ave only three." Perdita replied, amazed that someone actually seemed interested in her for once. "Maison du Requin, Maison du Renard, and Maison du Moineau."
"Neat." Ginny said. "We have four houses at Hogwarts. Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Gryffindor. All of us are in Gryffindor."
"Is Gryffindor the best?" Perdita asked shyly.
"Well, we think so, but our opinion is a bit biased, isn't it?" Ginny said, smiling over at Ron, Hermione, and Harry, who had finally sat back down, though they still looked a bit shocked over Perdita's last name. "What's with you guys?"
"Nothing." Hermione said quickly, forcing a smile. Ginny shrugged and turned back to Perdita.
"So, how do you determine what house you go to at Beauxbatons?" she asked.
"Well, we 'ave a special set of wands." Perdita answered. "Our Sorting is a bit like when we first choose our wand. We try each of the three wands, and whichever one we can make sparks come out of will be our 'ouse. According to the legend, the wands belonged to our three founders."
"Wow. Do you have a Sorting Song or anything?"
"Oh, oui." Perdita replied. "Madame Maxime brings out the wands and sets them on a table. They 'over in the air, playing music and singing. It is a different song each year, but it is always beautiful."
"That sounds a lot more interesting than ours." Ginny said. "We have a Sorting Hat that you try on. It tells you what house you should be in. It sings a song too, which it changes every year."
"Will I be Sorted?" Perdita asked nervously.
"Honestly, I don't know. We haven't had a transfer student that I can remember. Hermione would be the one to ask."
"Why me?" Hermione asked suddenly.
"Well, wouldn't it have said in Hogwarts: A History?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, Hermione. You're the one who's practically memorized the library." Ron grinned. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs.
"Well, I would think they would Sort you." Hermione said, forcing herself to be nice to Perdita. "You have to have a house. I don't know if they'll sort you in front of everyone though, or if you'll be sorted separately. What year are you anyway?"
"Fourth." Perdita said shyly.
"Great, same as me." Ginny grinned. "Everyone else is fifth year. Come on, I'll introduce you to the other fourth year Gryffindors, just in case you're sorted into our house."
"Okay." Perdita said, following Ginny out of the compartment.
"Pettigrew?!" Ron cried as soon as they were out of earshot. "She's a Pettigrew?!"
"I didn't know." Harry replied. "She never told me her last name."
"Probably for good reason." Ron said hatefully.
"Come on, guys." Hermione broke in. "I'm sure she has no idea her father betrayed Harry's parents. We didn't even know that until we saw him for ourselves."
"I know, but still." Harry said. "Another Pettigrew at Hogwarts? Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse."
"Oh, now you're just overreacting." Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "She hasn't even done anything."
"I'll bet you anything she's put in Slytherin." Ron said, looking darkly at the compartment door.
"And what if she's put in Gryffindor?" Hermione retorted.
"Why would she? Look who her father is."
"Her father was also a Gryffindor." Harry broke in. "So its possible she'd be there too."
"Great. Just great." Ron said, sinking back down on the seat.
"Anything off the cart, dears?" the witch outside asked. Immediately, all three forgot about Perdita and began buying as many sweets as they could carry. They had just sat down to eat them when they heard voices approaching.
"Father was in France most of the summer, on very important business." a drawling voice was saying. A second later, Draco Malfoy was standing in the doorway, Crabbe and Goyle standing behind him.
"Well, well. If it isn't my favorite Gryffindors." he sneered.
"Drop dead, Ferret boy." Ron snarled.
"How clever, Weasley. Been working on that one all summer?" Malfoy sneered. Crabbe and Goyle chuckled idiotically. Malfoy turned to Hermione. "Didn't think you'd show your face at school again, Mudblood. The magical world isn't safe for people like you now."
"Watch it, Malfoy." Ginny said, pushing him out of the way and stepping into the compartment. "You should know better than to insult a prefect."
"And what are you going to do about it, Weasley?" he smirked.
"I don't need to do anything. Hermione could take care of you all by herself." Ginny replied coolly, facing him.
"That's right, Malfoy." Hermione said. Ron and Harry looked between them, confused.
"Go ahead and take points off." Malfoy smirked. "I'm a prefect too, I can just put them back on."
"Who said I was talking about points?" Hermione replied. "It just so happens I've been studying all summer. I know what spell Mad Eye Moody used to turn you into a ferret last year. You wouldn't like a repeat of that incident, would you?"
Malfoy flushed deeply and glared at all of them. Without another word, he turned and left the compartment with Crabbe and Goyle. Hermione immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"I didn't think he was going to buy that." she said.
"Wow. Good bluff, Hermione." Ron complimented.
"What did you do with Perdita?" Harry asked, noticing she hadn't returned with Ginny.
"She's still talking with the other fourth years." Ginny replied, gathering up her bag. "I just came back for my stuff; I'm going to go sit with them."
"At least she didn't come back with Ginny." Ron muttered after his sister had left.
***********
After the train pulled to a stop, Perdita followed a group of first years to where Hagrid was. She wasn't sure if this was where she was supposed to be. But since she wasn't officially Sorted, she didn't think she could go with the other students. Timidly, she approached the huge, wild looking man holding the lantern and directing the first years along.
"Excuse me." she asked quietly. "I am not sure if this is where I should be."
"Ah, yer Perdita, right?" Hagrid smiled down at her. "Dumbledore told me there was a transfer student from Beauxbatons."
"Oui, I am." Perdita said, still quite timid.
"Yeh got nuttin ter worry 'bout." Hagrid assured her. "Yer supposed ter come wit the firs' years an be sorted wit them."
"Thank you." she said gratefully, hurrying to take the last of the seats in the boat.
She felt a tiny bit foolish, sitting with the first years. So, she simply sat in the boat, staring at the ever-nearing castle with interest. It looked much different from the Palace of Beauxbatons, she thought. Not bad, but definitely different. She had wondered what it looked like ever since Madame Maxime had taken some of the students there last year. Her mother had tried to describe what it looked like to her, but it was like trying to describe colors to a person who had been born blind. It was just one of those things you had to see for yourself.
I hope I'm in Gryffindor, Perdita thought to herself, as the boats reached the lake shore. Both her parents, she knew, had been in that house. Her grandmother had been a Ravenclaw, so being there wouldn't be so bad. But she definitely wanted Gryffindor, if possible. Her mother would be so proud…
Perdita suddenly had to fight back tears, because thinking about her mother brought back the painful memory of watching her die. I wonder if she can see me now, she wondered silently, wiping away the few tears that had escaped her eyes. She and Papa are probably up there watching me now. This thought did bring some comfort to her. At least her parents were together again. Perdita had always known just how much her mother missed her father. It was obvious when she spoke of him. These thoughts, however, were pushed from her mind as she and the first years reached the front door of Hogwarts. All of them looked up at the huge front doors in awe, as Hagrid knocked on the door. They opened to reveal a strict looking old woman in emerald green robes and square spectacles.
"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid said.
"Thank you, Hagrid." the woman said. She looked at them. "Follow me, please."
The group followed her up a set of stairs to the doors of the Great Hall. Everyone looked around in amazement. Down a corridor, they could see a few ghosts moving through the walls. But Professor McGonagall drew their attention back to her as she began to speak.
"Now, in a few moments, you will be Sorted into your houses." She began. "They are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. You will attend classes with others in your house throughout the year. Your achievements will earn you House points, while any rule breaking will lose you points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points wins the House Cup, a great honor. I trust you will all work hard, and be a credit to your houses."
The group listened intently to her every word. There was something about her that made you feel you had to listen, because the alternative would have very unpleasant results. Professor McGonagall then beckoned towards the doors and they followed her inside.
The four house tables, lined with students, stood on either side of the aisle as the new students filed into the room, taking their places right in front of the head table. A few students whispered amongst themselves as McGonagall walked forward and placed a ratty looking hat on a small stool. This must be the Sorting Hat Ginny had told her about. A rip formed near the bottom of the Hat, and a voice began to sing. Ginny wasn't listening, because she was looking around for Perdita, in the crowd of first years.
"Where is Perdita?" Ginny mumbled to herself, craning her neck to look at the group. "Where is she?"
"There she is." Hermione said, pointing her out. Perdita, though three years older than any of the students she stood with, did not stand out at all. In fact, she looked like a first year herself. She glanced around, just as nervous as the rest of them. She was as short as they were also. At first glance, she almost looked like a regular first year, not the fourth year transfer student that she was. But if they looked closer, they could see she was clearly older.
"Abbey, Tara." McGonagall announced, reading the first name. A confident looking blond haired girl stepped up to the stool and sat down.
"Hufflepuff!" the hat shouted. So that's it, Perdita thought. You just put it on, and it tells you where to go. That's easier than the Beauxbatons sorting was.
"Bulstrode, Randy."
"Another Bulstrode?" Ron muttered.
"Evidently." Hermione replied. She rubbed her neck, remembering the headlock Milicent Bulstrode had put her in during the dueling club in their second year.
"Slytherin!" the hat announced, and the boy hurried down and took a seat next to his sister.
"No surprise there." Fred commented.
McGonagall continued reading names until she reached "Peterson, Travis." Perdita's heart gave a small skip, because that meant her name would be called soon. She fidgeted nervously.
"Ravenclaw!" the Hat announced, and the boy hurried, grinning, down to his new house.
"Pettigrew, Perdita." Perdita swallowed hard and walked up timidly. She glanced around the room as she sat down, acutely aware that every eye was now on her.
Harry's eyes widened suddenly. He knew why Perdita seemed so familiar. It wasn't that he had seen her in the pictures of Mrs. Figg's house, or staring at him through the bushes. Seeing the scared look on her face as she headed for the Sorting Hat, he knew exactly why she was so familiar.
She looked exactly like her father, he realized. He had seen that look before, two years earlier. That frightened look in her eye looked exactly the same as her father, when they'd met him in the Shrieking Shack.
"Ah, another Pettigrew." a small voice from within her head said. Perdita gave a small startled jump.
"You went to Beauxbatons, I see." the voice continued. "A fine school, though I do believe you'll enjoy Hogwarts too. But…where to put you?"
"Gryffindor." Perdita thought hopefully. "Please, Gryffindor."
"Gryffindor, you say?" the voice chuckled. "Just what I was thinking. You'll do well there, that's for sure."
"Gryffindor!" the hat shouted.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at one another. Ron looked shocked that she was now in their house. But they couldn't say anything yet, because Perdita had climbed off the stool and was hurrying down to the Gryffindor table, taking a seat next to Ginny.
"This is great." Ginny whispered to her excitedly. "I was hoping you'd get Gryffindor."
"Me too." Perdita smiled shyly. She glanced at Harry, who was staring determinedly at the Sorting Hat. Ron gave her only a quick glance before looking away also. Hermione glanced towards the Slytherin table, as a first year headed there. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were whispering to one another, and she had a feeling it wasn't good. But then, McGonagall was carrying off the hat, and Dumbledore was standing up.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts." he smiled down at them. "I have only a few announcements to make before we begin the feast. First, a reminder to all students, the Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden. Secondly, Mr Filch has asked me to remind you that the list of forbidden objects at Hogwarts is readily available in his office. And thirdly, eat up!"
With that, plates of food appeared on the tables, and every last student made a dive for it. Perdita hadn't realized how hungry she was until the food had appeared. Suddenly, she was starving. As she and Ginny loaded their plates, Ginny told her about the teachers she would have. Like Ginny, Perdita was taking Divination and Care of Magical Creatures.
"Hagrid's a great teacher." Ginny told her between mouthfuls of food. "His animals are a bit dangerous sometimes, but he makes sure we aren't seriously hurt."
"What about 'istory of Magic?" Perdita asked, taking a bit of mashed potatoes.
"Professor Binns teaches that. He's a ghost." Ginny explained. "Its a boring class, and almost everyone sleeps through it."
"You do?" Perdita asked, surprised. "You do not like 'istory?"
"Its okay, but Binns is as dull as a flobberworm." Ginny shrugged.
" 'istory is the one subject I am good at." Perdita said. "At Beauxbatons, I took an extra 'our of it."
"Really?"
"Oui. The Muggleborn students take extra 'istory of Magic, while the magic born students take Muggle Studies. It is required. Though, if they pass a Muggle Studies exam, they do not 'ave to take it." Perdita explained.
"Neat." Ginny commented.
"Madame Maxime believes it is a good idea." Perdita explained. "The Muggleborn students learn more about the Wizarding World, and the magic born students learn more about the Muggle world. It is more even that way."
*********
"So, what was it like at Beauxbatons?" Ginny asked as they sat in the Common Room later that night.
"It was really nice." Perdita said softly. "I loved it there. The whole school was made of white marble, it was so beautiful."
"Wow."
"So, is it true they only have three houses there?" Colin Creevey asked.
"Oui." Perdita said, sitting down on her bed. "Maison du Moineau, Maison du Requin, and Maison du Renard."
"What do they mean in English?"
" 'ouse of the Sparrow, 'ouse of the Shark, and 'ouse of the Fox." Perdita explained. "They are named for our founders."
"Like the houses here are?" Neville asked curiously.
"Sort of." she replied. "Beauxbatons was founded by three Animagi. Maison du Renard is named for Cosette Beauvais. 'er form was a fox, and she was the cleverest of the three founders."
"Kind of like Ravenclaws." Ginny commented.
"Yes, but she was also very loyal, so in a way, she also 'ad Gryffindor qualities too." Perdita explained. "Cosette's younger brother, Gautier, was a shark Animagus. Maison du Requin is named for 'im. 'e was a warrior, very ambitious and determined. A mix of 'ufflepuff and Slytherin, I suppose."
"Why would a shark be considered determined?" asked Neville. "They're eating machines, hardly any brain at all."
"Ever tried to interrupt a feeding frenzy?" Perdita asked with a small smile.
"Good point." Neville laughed.
"The youngest sister, Melodie Beauvais, was a sparrow Animagus. Maison du Moineau was 'er 'ouse." Perdita continued. "That was the 'ouse I was in. The Sparrows are considered the most agile and artistic."
"How do you figure out what house you're supposed to be in?" Colin asked.
"We try out three different wands. One belonged to each of our Founders, according to the legend. Whichever wand you can make something come out of determines the 'ouse you belong in. Sharks were the green wand, Sparrows were the blue wand, and Foxes were the brown wand." she explained.
"That sounds more fun than ours is." Neville grinned.
"This Common Room actually reminds me of the Fox 'ouse." Perdita commented, looking around. "I liked the Shark 'ouse best though."
"You got to see the other houses?" the three asked in amazement.
"Of course." Perdita replied, surprised by their tone. " 'aven't you ever visited the other 'ouses in 'ogwarts?"
"No, we're only allowed in our own houses. That's why we have the passwords." Neville explained. "We don't even know where the other houses are."
"Really? We visited each other all the time. We always worked in groups of three during classes, one person from each 'ouse." Perdita went on. "So we took turns studying in the different 'ouses. There's 'ardly any 'ouse rivalry at Beauxbatons."
"What did your House look like?" Ginny asked.
"It was beautiful. We were up in the 'ighest part of the school." Perdita smiled, remembering how she stumbled on the stairs on a regular basis. "Our ceiling was even enchanted to look like it 'ad clouds floating across it, and the carpet looked like treetops. Very sky and air oriented, just like real sparrows. We even 'ad a family of sparrows that nested on the window sills."
"Wow."
"The Fox 'ouse was decorated like a forest though. The ceiling looked like it was made of leaves. They 'ad stone columns in there too, enchanted to look like trees. There was even a little fox that lived in there. 'is name was Pierre; 'e was such a sweet'eart."
"Oh, how cute." Ginny said.
"But the Shark's 'ouse was the best. It was actually built under the lake. The windows were enchanted so they would not break against the water pressure. You could see all the creatures in the lake swimming by the windows." Perdita went on. "It was like being in an aquarium. There was a shark living in the lake that the students nicknamed Jaws, but 'e was 'armless."
"Wow. I almost wish I went to Beauxbatons now." Colin commented. All four started laughing.
"Bet you could get some great pictures of the Beauxbatons castle, huh Colin?" Ginny laughed. Colin grinned in reply.
"Hey, I have one talent, and I plan to use it." he said.
"You are a photographer?" Perdita asked curiously.
"Yeah. Want to see some of my pictures?" Colin asked. He was always eager to show off the pictures he had taken.
"Oh, Colin, show her the one of the Champions." Ginny said as he went to get the book he kept the pictures he had taken in. He returned a few minutes later with a large photo album. Neville moved over to make room next to Perdita for Colin. Grinning proudly, he opened the book, flipping to the page Ginny had requested.
It was a picture that had been taken the previous year, just before the final task. Colin had managed to get a picture of all four Tri-Wizard Champions, before they had gone into the maze. He'd been at a distance, but after he magically enlarged the image of the four, they were much clearer. All four had a look of determination on their faces, mixed with nervous apprehension. Fleur looked exactly as Perdita remembered from school: determined not to show how nervous she was.
"This is very good, Colin." Perdita complimented. She started flipping through the pages to see his other photos.
"Thanks. I've been doing it for about four years." He replied.
"Most of these look like they are of 'arry." She commented.
"Colin's stalking him, that's why." Ginny laughed.
"Am not!" he protested immediately. "He's just very photogenic. Besides, I need to practice on someone."
"At least you aren't hero worshiping anymore." Ginny said. Neville let out a small snort of laughter. "What?"
"You're one to talk about worshiping." He teased. Ginny blushed.
"What are you all talking about?" Perdita asked curiously, looking up from the photo album.
"These two practically have their own Harry Potter fan club going." Neville smiled.
"Neville, you git." Ginny said, blushing even more now.
"Their first year, Colin was following him all over the place, snapping any picture he could. And Ginny had the mother of all crushes on Harry." Neville continued, thoroughly enjoying teasing his two friends.
"Who says I don't still have a crush?" Ginny grinned, lobbing a pillow at Neville's head. Perdita giggled at their play-fighting. Maybe I won't be so lonely here after all, she thought silently.
"That's one of my best." Colin said, pointing to the page Perdita had just flipped to. It was of Ron, Ginny, and the twins, all playing outside in the snow. Perdita had to admit, it was very good. Snow flakes billowed around the four as they tossed snowballs at one another, all looking as though they were having the time of their lives.
" 'ave you thought about doing this professionally?" Perdita asked curiously. Colin shrugged.
"It's more of a hobby than anything." he said modestly.
"We keep telling him he should work for the Daily Prophet when he graduates." Ginny spoke up. "But he insists he'd never be able to get a job there."
"It's really stiff competition." Colin pointed out.
"And you're really good. You have a better chance than most." Ginny replied.
"She is right, Colin." Perdita said, flipping through the pages once again. "These are better than a lot I 'ave seen. It wouldn't 'urt to try anyway."
"Listen to the girl, Colin." Neville grinned. Colin rolled his eyes good naturedly.
"Who is this?" Perdita asked, looking at a picture of Professor Moody. She didn't remember seeing him at the Sorting Feast.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher from last year." Ginny replied. "We're finally starting to get some that know their subject."
"Unlike Lockhart." Neville said. "Lupin was still my favorite though. Especially that Boggart lesson."
A blissful smile crossed Neville's face as he remembered how he'd made his Boggart of Snape wear his grandmother's dress and hat. Ginny was giggling now.
"I wish I'd been able to see that lesson." She said.
"I wish I'd been there too. That would have made a great picture." Colin said.
"You aren't a Fourth year, Neville?" Perdita asked curiously. She had assumed that since he was friends with Colin and Ginny that he was a Fourth year as well.
"Nope, I'm a fifth year." He replied.
"You do not mind 'anging out with fourth years?" she asked. Neville shrugged.
"Doesn't bother me." He replied, then grinned. "Besides, I like hanging out with my fellow misfits."
"Misfits?"
"That's what we call ourselves." Colin said. "Since none of us really fit in anywhere else."
"What do you mean?"
"We're kind of the outcasts." Ginny explained. "My brothers all have their own friends, and since I'm the only girl, I get left out sometimes. Colin's always snapping pictures, and a lot of people are tired of having their picture taken, so they avoid him a bit."
"Not that it stops me." Colin grinned good naturedly.
"And I am infamous for melting any cauldron I've ever touched." Neville finished. "Tornadoes cause less damage than I do."
"That just seems sort of...sad." Perdita commented. She felt bad now, listening them to put themselves down.
"Don't worry about it." Ginny said immediately. "It doesn't bother us. Besides, its everyone else's loss if they don't want us around."
"We couldn't care less, in fact." Colin added. "We don't care what anyone says. Although, the Slytherins tend to be a bit loud when voicing their insults."
"Oh yes, the Slytherins are the lowest of the low." Ginny replied. "They cheat every chance they get during Quidditch. And most walk around like they own the school."
"Your best bet is to just avoid them as much as possible." Neville warned. "They only care about themselves and their own house."
"Bedtime everyone." announced one of the sixth year prefects. Grumbling slightly, the Gryffindors began to file towards their dorms.
"See you guys at breakfast." Ginny said, bidding Neville and Colin goodnight.
"Same here." Colin replied.
"Nice meeting you, Perdita." Neville added. "And welcome to the Misfits."
Laughing, all four headed for their beds. Not long after, all was silent as Gryffindor House slept.
**********
But while Gryffindor House slept, one light stayed on in the Slytherin Dorms. Draco Malfoy was busy writing a letter back to his father. Before he had left for Kings Cross Station, his father had told him that if anything unusual happened at Hogwarts this year, he wanted to know about it, and a new student from Beauxbatons was certainly unusual. He didn't know why his father wanted to know about anything unusual happening, but he wasn't about to go against his father's wishes.
Dear father,
Remember how you wanted me to write to you if anything unusual happened here at school? Well, at the Sorting today, there was a transfer student from Beauxbatons...