Title: Designated Harbinger-chapter 11
Author: Lia
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: So far, none. In future, all HP books.
Disclaimer: I do not own HP. I'm not making any money. So, why go through this any further? Jessica and company, and this plot are mine.
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Belonging. Isn't that what we all want? Who's to say where we fit in? Do really really fit in anywhere? At Hogwarts a hat chooses where to place people. Still, we grow and change through the years. I think it's the person as well as time that leads us to where we're suppose to be.
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Alex and Jessica were comparing their favorite music groups while sharing a box of Bertie's Bott's Every Flavor Beans. "So, you like U2, too. Brilliant," he said popping a dark brown one into his mouth. Jess giggled when his face twists and he spits it out. "Bad one. Coffee flavored."
She took an orange colored one, and ate it quickly. He shot her a questioning look. Shrugging, she said, "Orange. Yep, like their new song. Oh, have you seen the movie 'Robin: Prince of Thieves.' I just love that Bryan Adams song. Was it big over here?"
He shakes his head, "Haven't seen it. I know the song you're talking about though. It was number one over here for a while last year." He glances at the two other girls who're sharing a box of Jelly Slugs, shuddering as the candies move around leaving a trail of jelly behind. "What do you think they're talking about?," he asks.
Jessica looks over at the two girls in deep conversation. At that moment they started giggling. "Just by looking at them? Boys. Probably Harry Potter," she responses rolling her eyes.
Alex looks away sickened. "I really need to start making some guy friends," he mutters to Jess's amusement.
She pouts, "But, I thought we had something special! How can you say that?"
He grins shaking his head, "Hey, what do you expect? I'm a guy!"
She laughs. "Well, then. Have another bean, guy," she says forcing another bean into his mouth as he struggles.
He munches on it and says, "Thanks. Cherry."
The peaceful atmosphere of the compartment didn't last. Door opening widely, three kids entered acting as if they owned the place. Two were bulky, dim looking, muscle types while the other Jessica recognized as the blond from the bookstore. He glanced over the room's occupants before focusing on Ginny.
"Weasel, where's your boyfriend? Lost him already, have you? How predictable," he said with a sneer. Ginny flushes brightly, worry returning as she thought of her brother and Harry.
Jessica frowned briefly before beaming at Ginny, "Boyfriend! Gin, you didn't tell me. Who is it? Come on, you've got to tell me as soon as the riffraff leave."
The blond glowers at Jessica. "Got a little friend, Weasel? Doesn't look like much. A would-be Hufflepuff. How good for you. All you need is a Mudblood to join you Muggle-loving freaks." Pausing, he throws a measuring look at Jessica. She stares back at him (obviously the leader of his gang) right into his gray eyes.
Ginny stands up and moves slightly in front of Jessica and Alex. "Leave Malfoy. We don't enjoy snakes around here," she says bravely.
Malfoy looks over Jessica, Alex (who is observing all this), and Zoey (who looks like she wishes she's in another room), before glaring at Ginny. "You don't even know if they are Slytherin or not. Fortinatlly, we know Slytherin won't be disgraced by you. Them we'll see, but I doubt they're up to our standard."
Jessica stands up next to Ginny. She can feel the energy crackling around her. "Didn't you hear? Are you deaf? She said leave. We don't allow slimy snakes to pollute our compartment. Get lost!," she said loudly, fists clenched. Malfoy looks at her surprised. 'Guess he didn't think the little would-be Hufflepuff would have a backbone.'
"Why would I listen to a Weasley? Or you? I'm Draco Malfoy, and you obviously have bad taste in friends. Do you even know who my father is?," he said despise dripping off his voice.
That was it. Jessica lost her temper. "My name's Jessica Bradley and hopefully, he's nothing like you. Friends are something you wouldn't recognize if they were standing right in your face. Now, get out! Take your dogs with you. Out, out, damn spot," she shouted pointing to the door. As she gestured, she felt the energy push out from her.
The three boys stumbled back. Draco almost fell on his butt. With a pointedly angered face, Draco smirked and turned to the door. With the parting shot, "Meet you worthless Mugglelovers later," he left. The two muscles following him.
As soon as he left, Jessica felt faint. She gracelessly sat back down in her seat and closed her eyes. 'What did I just do? Did I just move them with my aura? Wow, must of. It felt like I was physically shoving them. Man, I'm tired.' Zoey and Ginny were watching her wide-eyed.
Ginny shook her head, "That was absolutely brilliant. Never imagined seeing someone order him about like a dog. Maybe, you'll be put into Gryffindor with me."
Zoey nodded her head, "Oh, I'd say it's defiantly a possibility. You really looked amazing, Jess."
Jessica sighed and leaned her head on Alex's shoulder. For some reason, he just made her feel more relaxed and balanced. He glanced down at her. She shrugged but didn't move, "I'm glad he's gone. Wore me out though."
He smiled, "Well, I'm not surprised. She's American. They can be bloody vicious. Just don't go and sort into Slytherin, Jessica and we're all right. Wonder why they all stumbled like that?"
Jessica shivered at the thought of being in Slytherin. If Blondie is the standard for that house, she could definitely see where they were got their reputation. "Don't know. Don't care. Must have been the train. You guys are right. Slytherins are so not of the good." Jessica thought to herself that she was glad to meet these people instead of someone like Malfoy. They were nice people at heart. She hoped that they won't be separated into different houses.
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The rest of the train ride was relatively peaceful. It sure wasn't quiet. Instead of the regular 'Oh, school's starting. Why do I have to go?,' there was a feeling of excitement and high expectations in the air. A voice echoed through the train: "We well be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."
Zoey stood and began rumbling around in her trunk. "We better put on our black student robes," she said slipping hers on.
Jessica swallowed nervously before locating hers and pulling it on over her outfit. The others all shuffled around thru their trunks. Except for Ginny's, which was slightly faded, they were all wearing identical looking uniforms.
"Kinda plain," Jess muttered.
"Most schools have uniforms in England," Alex informed her.
The train finally stopped. People slowly pushed their way out onto a small, dark platform. It was early evening, the air cool. Jess shivered, starting to regret wearing shorts and a tee instead of something warmer. A lamp bobbed overhead, and a heavily accented voice called out, "Firs' years! Firs' years over here! C'mon, follow me. Watch yer step." The voice belonged to a large, hairy smiling figure wearing a large overcoat.
A nearby curly haired blond whispered to her neighbor, "I've heard of this bloke. His name's Hagrid, Hogwart's groundskeeper."
The new students all followed the man down a steep, narrow path. The only sounds were a few scattered whispers and the sound of crickets. "Jus' round this bend yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts," he called back.
"Ooooh!," the gathered group of first years exclaimed.
"Whoa, cool! Now that is what I call a castle!," said Jess.
Ginny smiled and nodded while Alex tried to close his mouth. Ahead of them was a huge black lake. Suspended on top a high mountain on the other side, windows alit, against a dark sky, was a massive castle.
There were many little boats on the shore. "No more'n four to a boat!," the Hagrid told the group. Zoey, Jessica, Ginny, and Alex all looked at each other before heading towards the same boat and climbing in. After making sure everyone was in a boat, Hagrid commanded the boats FORWARD. All of the boats moved at once, gliding across the lake. Most people were silent, waiting for what would happen next. Zoey looked nervously into the water and whispered to Alex about a Giant Squid that lived in the lake. We all had to duck when the boats reached the cliff's ivy covered tunnel which led to an underground harbor. The first years followed Hagrid nervously as they left the boats and approached large oak doors.
He knocked three times. The door opened revealing a serious looking, tall, black-haired witch in bright green robes in the doorway.
"The firs'years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here," she replied effectively dismissing him.
Hundreds of voices could be heard behind the door on the right of the Entrance Hall. Stone floor and walls, torches, and a marble staircase characterized the room. Professor McGonagall led us to a small, empty chamber off the main hall. We all squeezed in. It was a tight fit for there were about fifty people to be sorted.
The professor cleared her throat, "Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term banquet will begin soon, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. This ceremony is significant because, while here, your house will be your family. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room."
She then named the different houses, and informed us of the point system, the house cup, and the Sorting ceremony that will happen in a couple of minutes. Before leaving the room, she suggested we check our appearance and wait quietly. Jess rolled her eyes, getting impatient as well as nervous. Zoey was twitching like a nervous bird. Ginny and Alex seemed more relaxed. Ginny was chewing her lip and looked far away in thought. Alex just appeared resigned. Other students whisper quietly to each other, gossiping on what sort of test they'll be put through.
Professor McGonagall returned shortly and told us to form a line. They all walked out of the chamber, across the Entrance Hall, and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall. The room was amazing. A starry night sky existed where the ceiling should be. Candles floated above four long tables occupied by students. Golden plates and goblets filled the tables, waiting for food. At the end was a long table for the staff members. She led us in front of the entire school in front of the staff table facing the students.
She then positioned a stool in front of them. A worn, patched, and dirty wizard's hat was set on top the stool. Zoey and Alex looked at Jessica puzzled. 'A hat!,' they both appeared to say. Smirking a bit, Jess looked over the room. There were a few ghosts about as well as a lot of moving paintings. The colors shown among the tables showed yellow and black, red and gold, blue and bronze, and green and silver. At the last table her eyes locked onto a face with slicked back blond hair. Draco Malfoy was giving her an assessing stare that did not comfort her in the least. She glanced away first, the hat regaining her attention.
It twitched, and then a rip became a mouth-as the hat began to sing:
Four in past planned to make a refuge for posterity,
In accord began a school in which to teach,
And that's how Hogwarts came to be.
Varied in manner and qualities,
So likewise it was arranged,
For each house a different set,
And for each a Founder's name.
Bold Gryffindor are something to behold,
Eccentric and courageous to the last.
Sly Slytherin for those of great ambition,
Grow strong there and pride their past.
Hardworking Hufflepuff, loyal and gentle,
Will feel comfortable among their kind.
While Ravenclaw prize those who are clever,
Discover there those of like mind.
To find where students do belong they created little old me,
So put me on and we will see which house you will be.
With much pleasure I welcome you here among our number,
Hope you like it here at least until the season reaches summer.
The crowd clapped and the hat bowed before becoming motionless. Professor McGonagall pulled out a long roll of parchment and stepped forward. In a loud clear voice she said, "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted." Then she began calling out names:
"Mackerel, Bridget!" A skinny girl stepped forward nervously, and quickly put on the hat, and hopped on the stool.
After a minute, she smiled relieved, as the hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!" The table nearest the door cheered loudly and she rapidly sat down. A ghost dressed as a friar waved at her.
"Allen, Theodore!" A sandy haired boy walked slowly to the stool.
The hat yelled out, "SLYTHERIN!" He joined Draco's cheering table which was farthest from the door.
"Bell, Chloe!" A pretty pony tailed blond jumped and put on the hat.
After a few minutes: "HUFFLEPUFF!" Shocked she joined Bridget, and waved at an older girl at the red and gold table. They had a family resemblance thing going on. The older girl looked disappointed.
"Bradley, Jessica!" Jessica jumped startled. 'Wow, that was fast.' She took a deep breath, approached the stool, and placed the hat firmly on her head.
"Hmm, where should I place you? You are quite a contradiction. A Psychic and a Witch. Both pure in nature. Never had one like you here before. In Slytherin, you're sure to grow strong," an old voice similar to the hat's said to her mind.
'What! Slytherin, darn it. Hey, how can you be talking to me?'
The hat chuckled. "I see a great amount of intellect as well. Ravenclaw might be a suitable place. You'd learn much there, and gain stronger control."
'Control might be good. I didn't have control on the train. Dad always said that I have a touch of Mom's temper.'
Reading her thoughts and memories, the hat said, "Yes, you have courage as well. Much like the Gryffindor you mother was. Standing up for your friends, even new ones shows loyalty. Perhaps Hufflepuff, then. What do you feel like?"
Jessica shrugged. She was getting impatient as well as some of the other students. Almost ten minutes had pasted though it seemed longer to her. 'Why are you asking me? You are the one made to decide this. Choose whatever house would help me become the best I can be.'
The hat straightened itself, "Well, then. Enough boldness, and tongue on you already. Control is what you really need. Let it then be---."
The crowd was starting to whisper. They didn't normally see the hat take so long to decide. While waiting, Jessica's expressions could bee seen by all. First surprise, then annoyance, and slight confusion. The Weasley twins were starting to take bets when the hat announced-. "RAVENCLAW!"
Jessica took off the hat and headed to the loudest table, the blue and bronze one. She slid in next to a pretty black-haired girl a little older than her. "Hi! I'm Padma Patil. Welcome to Ravenclaw."
She looked around and saw smiling faces and welcomes coming from many directions. The lady ghost nodded at her regally. Smiling, she thanked them and watched the rest of the sorting along with her housemates to see where her friends were placed. 'I hope some of them are here with me.'
A girl named Gwendolen Clayworth joined the Slytherins, while a very short boy names Colin Creevey became the first Gryffindor of the year. Next were two Hufflepuffs, Phoebe Davies and Joseph Dawson. Jack Dunstan joined the red and gold table that was Gryffindor. A pair of fraternal twins were both sorted into Hufflepuff. Their names were Damon and Irene Edwards.
A smug looking girl named Melia Fawcett was next to join Jessica at the Ravenclaw table. She waved at another dark haired girl. "That's my sister. I just knew I'd be in Ravenclaw."
Melia took one look at Jess's outfit before turning back towards the hat. 'I don't think I'll be liking this one.' Jessica looked back hoping for to get a friend in her house.
A tall blond named Jason Garland was sorted into Gryffindor. A pale, cold eyed Drusilla Gaspar joined the Slytherins.
A boy joined Jessica and Melia at the table. "Hi, I'm Connor Green. I hope we get some more boys. Do you like Quidditch?," he asked. Jessica shrugged, while Melia chatted with the sandy haired boy.
Another person joined the table. "Oh, good. I was hoping for Ravenclaw. I'm Naomi Hamilton," said the girl with messily pulled back hair as she sat down next to Connor.
Jessica smiled, but focused on the next name called. "Harrison, Alexander"
Alex sighed before sitting on the stool and putting the hat on. After two minutes the hat called out, "RAVENCLAW!" Jessica jumped up and cheered. At least one of her friends was with her.
He smiled as he approached and sat down near her. "Cool! We're both eagles!," she said.
"Yeah, I'm glad to know someone else here, too."
Connor exclaimed, "Brilliant! My first roommate. I was starting to think that I'd be surrounded by girls." Alex rolled his eyes which made Jessica laugh.
Ethan Higgs-Hufflepuff, Medea Ingram-Slytherin.
A small nervous girl named Helen Jarvis joined their table. She sighed with relief and said something like hoping all this wasn't a sort of dream. Jessica assumed that she was Muggleborn. A skinny kid named Jeremy Jorkins was added to Hufflepuff. A guy named Guy Johnson joined the table and began making friends with Connor. He seemed to have an older Gryffindor sister who waved at him.
Ian Kinlan-Gryffindor, Lois Leatherby-Slytherin, Alice Linwood-Gryffindor, and Adam Lurke-Slytherin.
Jessica grabbed Alex's hand as Zoey Mansel's name was called. "Please be Ravenclaw, please be Ravenclaw," she said under her voice. Alex looked on wondering where their friend would go.
Zoey smiled nervously; quiet for once as the hat was placed on her head. After a moment's pause, it called out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" She waved as she walked on over to the yellow and black table. The two Ravenclaws both looked disappointed. Jessica told herself that they'd still be friends even though they are in separate houses.
Dylan Montague sorted into Slytherin, while Dan Osborne and Maeve Parker both went to Gryffindor. Gary Payton sorted into Ravenclaw, Grace Pritchard (who was not graceful) to Slytherin, and Arthur Quincy joined Ravenclaw. Gary and Arthur were getting along well. Gary informed us that he is half and half, started talking to Alex about their favorite sport soccer.
Leo Quirke-Slytherin, Diana Raleigh-Gryffindor, Brian Roberts-Hufflepuff, and Jarl Rukin followed by Xanthe Shelsher were Slytherins. A boy with many freckles, named Seth Spinnet joined Ravenclaw. He too seemed to have an older Gryffindor sister. Pretty, blond Elizabeth Summers skipped over to Gryffindor, followed later by a more reluctant Alan Taylor.
The students were all starting to get hungry at this time and loudly announced that fact. A curly-haired blond went to Ravenclaw. In a slight stuck up tone of voice she informed the rest that her name was Carol Walton. Jessica wasn't to sure about her yet.
The next girl to be sorted was Ginny. She nervously put on the hat. Almost immediately, it shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Jessica cursed under her breath disappointed again as Ginny joined her older brothers. She looked around the room, but didn't seem to find who she was looking for. 'Are her brother and Harry still missing?'
Only two students were left. Philip Wright went to Hufflepuff while Miriam Young joined Ginny at Gryffindor. Jessica looked around the room. She and Alex were at Ravenclaw, Zoey a Hufflepuff, and Ginny a Gryffindor. The hat placed us where it felt we would belong best. We were all separated, but she couldn't help but feel that this was only temporary. Her eyes set upon the Slytherin table. Draco was looking around smugly as if he owned the place.
'Oh, well. At least none of us became snakes.'
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So, what did you think? Surprised? Well, I had this part planed for a while. Remember those parts when she went to college camp or studied. Yeah, I know that it would be more convenient to have them all in Gryffindor, but that really wasn't realistic. Anyway would Ginny be so obsessed with the diary if she had really close housemates? Was it ok? I tried not to make it boring, but how interesting could the sorting be yet still being true to the books? How do you like the part with Draco? He's my first major cannon/original character interaction scene. Please, review!