Revised and Extended

CHAPTER FIVE Stern Warnings and Rogue Crystals

Professor Dumbledore, who until now had been sitting serenely at the head of the staff table, rose to his feet.

"Welcome everyone, to what I hope will be a most memorable year at Hogwarts. First years must be warned of the Forbidden Forest, which will not be easily mistaken for any other forest, as it is the only one on the grounds. Our returning caretaker, Mr Filch, has created a list of banned materials, which will be posted in each Common Room," he added with a slight smirk. "Finally, all students will take caution when near our new Whomping Willow, which has been planted for future Herbology classes. You shall keep your distance if you are not interested in suffering a most painful beating. Now then, let the feast begin."

He raised his arms and platters of turkey,mash and sweet corn appeared on the long tables, next to pitchers of banana juice, and warmed caramel crisp.

Lily grinned and muttered something that sounded like "I guess I'll have a lot to get used to."

Ophelia saw the others tucking in, and it occurred to her just how hungry she really was, having skipped the earlier meals.

Once everyone had eaten their fill, all the while exchanging stories of their families

"I'm sending an owl home first thing tomorrow morning." Sirius kept telling everyone. "Just wait until my mum hears I'm in Gryffindor! First in the history of Black's not to be sorted into Slytherin. Just wait until my mum hears."

"First years, please follow us to the dormitories," said a gangly looking Fifth Year, getting to his feet.

"I'm going to tire of that before the year is out." said Lily under her breath.

Ophelia laughed, "I'll bet you they manage to slip it in a few more times before the night is over."

"I wouldn't doubt that."

The Prefect, who they came to know as Fabian Prewett, led them through the castle, noting little details as they went along, such as which Professors were better not crossed-- Perth and Riley, of Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts --and those who were fairly pleasant-- Flitwick and McGonagall, who taught Charms and Transfiguration.

They eventually came to a stop in front of a portrait of a large, grandly dressed woman. The painting sprang to life. "Password?" she drawled.

"Sepp Hithara."

The frame swung back and they hesitantly stepped into the Common Room. They were taken up spiraling stone steps and to a small flet.

"Boys, up and to the left. Girls, up and to the right." finished Fabian, before heading down to his own dorm.

Mai, Peter and Cole-- the fifth boy sorted into Gryffindor --hurriedly left, leaving the rest of them standing awkwardly in the cold, cramped corridor.

James cleared his throat. "Shouldn't we be celebrating the fact that we all made it into Gryffindor?"

"Congratulations, Black. I didn't know you had it in you."Ophelia chuckled.

"Truthfully, neither did I."he admitted. "But everything's worked out for the best, so I'm in no position to complain."

Talia yawned, setting off the others.

"We should be getting to our dorms."said Lily. "We still have some unpacking to do."

Ophelia nodded and kissed her brother on the cheek. "Good night. Sleep well. 'Night James, Sirius."

Ophelia followed Talia upstairs to their dormitory. They found themselves standing in a circular room; the walls, floor and ceiling made entirely of silvery-white stone, and with five canopied beds facing inwards.

The other girl, Mai, was sitting rigidly on her trunk in the middle of the room. "I-I didn't know what beds you'd prefer."

"That's very kind,"said Ophelia. "Which reminds me, did anyone else notice that only four girls were sorted into Gryffindor? It's always ten to a house; five girls, five boys."

Mai shrugged. "It never occurred to me."

Phe pointed to the bed next to the window. "I want that one."

Talia and Lily claimed the beds on either side of her, leaving Mai to take the bed nearest the door.

They began unpacking and Lily retrieved an oddly-shaped instrument and put it on her night stand.

"What is that?"asked Ophelia

"Pardon? Oh, this is a record player."

She sat down next to her. "What does it do?"

And that was the exact moment the friendship between Lily Evans and Ophelia Lupin was solidified.

Lily brightened and quickly fiddled with a few latches and things, and immediately a great music sounded throughout the room.

Ophelia's jaw dropped. "It's...brilliant."

The song, she would later discover, was called "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", and was performed by a group called The Elton Johns.

A few moments later a wave of sleepiness hit them all and they climbed into their warm beds. Ophelia reached into her trunk, looking for her Mellezerant, but after several minutes of digging through weekend clothes, her search was deemed a failure.

She tiptoed over to Talia's bed. "Tal," she hissed, "Where is it? Where's my Mellezerant? Do you know?"

"Didn't you pack it?"

"I thought I had. Oh, I can't have left it at home. I wouldn't be that daft."

"Could Remus have it?"she asked.

Ophelia thought for a moment. "Maybe. I'll be right back."

She left the silent room and shuffled down the dark staircase, before colliding with her brother.

"Remus? What are you doing?"

He withdrew her glowing, pink Mellezerant from inside his robes. "I knew you couldn't sleep without this." he said.

She smiled and pulled him into as tight hug. "Thank you. I'll see you in the morning."

When she returned to her dorm, everyone was sound asleep, and a short while later, she joined them.