A/N Thank you very much to Miranda Goshawk our first and only reviewer.
Still the story goes onwards. Enjoy!
Disclaimer- Harry Potter and all the associated belong exclusively to JK Rowling. We do this solely to fill our tedious days and are not generating a profit from its publication. However both Rikki and Imogen belong to us.
All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental
Chapter 2 The Sorting
"And so, in hope of continuing international magical ties with other countries, Hogwarts has the pleasure of hosting two exchange students from Beauxbatons Magical Academy."
Dumbledore peered over his half-moon spectacles at the two heavy doors at the end of the Great Hall. The two doors opened, creaking with age and two girls stepped from its shadows.
Imogen Usher and Rikki Carmichael strode purposefully towards the staff table as Dumbledore continued.
"Miss Usher and Miss Carmichael are joining our seventh years to complete their magical schooling. Both will be staying the entire year to partake in various social and scholastic activities. Ergo, it is fitting that Miss Usher and Miss Carmichael should be sorted into their respective houses. Professor McGonagall?"
Dumbledore turned towards McGonagall to commence the sorting of the two girls. She excused herself from the High Table and walked around to where the stool and the school's ratty Sorting Hat lay. She gestured to Imogen to step forward, and placed the Sorting Hat upon her head.
Imogen 's face wore an expression of skeptism, her eyes looking upwards on the dirty hat that rested on her head. She sat still as a voice spoke in her ear.
"Beauxbatons, eh? Mmmm.... ambitious and powerful.... quite ambitious, must say...yet you're quite a bold one... and you've a flair for the unexpected...I think, why not...GRYFFINDOR!"
Imogen soundlessly lifted the hat off her head and made her way towards the applauding table of Gryffindors. A vacant spot lay next to Harry and she lowered herself on to the long bench. Harry turned to her with a smile on his face. He'd noticed the reservation he'd felt towards her on the train had left as she sat with him. If she was Gryffindor, she had to be good. At least he hadn't unsuspectedly allied himself with a Slytherin.
Or worse, fancied one, came a sly voice in his head. He couldn't help but be taken back by the notion that had entered his head. Evidently, he found her attractive, but fancied? Perhaps he did, he thought as she smiled radiantly at him.
"Welcome to the best house in Hogwarts." He said turning to her, grinning with his revelation.
"Thanks," she said, turning to watch Imogen being sorted. "Umm, Harry, did that hat talk to you in your head when you put it on?"
She looked embarrassed as if she was fearful that it had only done so with her, or worse, that she had imagined it. Harry smiled at her chagrin.
"Yeah, it's a bit unnerving, isn't it?"
"A bit!" she said with a laugh. Reassured now that a telepathic hat was not a source of worry.
Rikki, meanwhile, wriggled her way onto the tall stool, smoothing her short school skirt under her robe. She waited for the Sorting hat to sort her. A sudden voice interrupted her silence.
"Ah, another Beauxbatons! Bit on the brainy side aren't you? Mmmm, yes. But then, you've very much a social butterfly. Social before scholastic? Yes.... I wonder if, maybe...GRYFFINDOR!"
As Rikki seated herself next to Ron, Dumbledore got to his feet again. Applauding subsided and silence swept the house like a blast of cold air as the students looked expectedly up at his wise face.
'And now let us eat!" The hall filled with cheers as the empty tabletops filled themselves with lamb, pork, chicken, mashed potatoes, salads and puddings.
Ron reached for a large dish of chicken drumsticks that lay in front of Rikki.
"S'cuse me," Ron said, with his mouth full of mashed potatoes. Rikki nodded, and helped pass the heavy dish to Ron as he helped himself to four large drumsticks and passed it onwards to Hermione, on his left side.
Rikki looked up from her plate of chicken and mixed green salad to the High Table. In the centre, was Dumbeldore who was heartedly tucking into a serving of roast pork. Her eyes passed over to the other teachers, McGonagall, and a wizened wizard who she believed to be Professor Flitwick. However the man who occupied the next seat she didn't know-although she did know she liked the look of him. She eyed his well-built body, his full face, and his rich brown hair. His hands gripped his knife and fork as he talked avidly with Professor Vector, from the Arithmacy department. He looked up from his plate to respond to Professor Vector, and in doing so, locked eyes with Rikki. Brushing her short blonde hair out of her eyes, she smiled sweetly at him, noticing that his eyes were a crystal clear blue. He smiled cockily at her, leaning one arm and looking amusedly at her. She looked at him from the corner of her eye, and gave a flirtatious smile. He winked at her, before turning back to Professor Vector to answer a question.
Rikki kicked Imogen under the table. Imogen looked over from Harry where she was talking about Quidditch. Rikki jerked her eyebrows to the High Table and smiled art Imogen. She turned around and saw the guy who Rikki had been looking at. Glancing back to Rikki, she watched her friend mouth the word "hottie!" She smiled amusedly and turned back to Harry.
Rikki shifted in here sat to talk to Ron.
"Ron, who's that man who's sitting between Flitwick and is it, Vector?"
Ron looked up from his third helping of roast pork. "Where?" he asked distractedly. "Oh him?" He nodded at the man who Rikki was talking about. "Oh-that's Oliver Wood. Used to go to school here, bout 5 years ago. Spent the last few years playing with Puddlemere United Quidditch team, Keeper. Did he knee in, so he's coming to teach flying and be the Quidditch instructor. Replacing Madam Hooch."
He shovelled another mouthful of pork and potatoes in his mouth. Hermione looked disgustedly at him.
"Brilliant, 'e is. Ruddy brilliant," Ron spoke thickly and swallowed. "Oi! Seamus! See that match against the Wimbourne Wasps? Thrashed 'em."
Seamus Finnigan, seated next to Harry and Dean Thomas, leant forward to talk to Ron about various Quidditch matches. Rikki listened to them talk until Dumbeldore got easily from his chair.
Silence yet again filled the Great Hall as Dumbledore' s voice broke the silence.
"As you are undoubtedly happily fed and watered and ready for bed, I must firstly inform you of certain start of term notices. Yet again, I must remind you all that all students are banned from the Forbidden Forest. Mr Filch also requested me to inform you that magic in the hall is against the rules. I also have another person to introduce to you all. I assume you are all familiar with Puddlemere United's ex-Keeper. Oliver Wood, also Gryffindor 's former Keeper? Oliver, as he has requested you call him, is here to replace Madam Hooch and fufill flying lessons and Quidditch umpiring duties. And now, I think, it is time for bed. Well? Off you go! And would Miss Usher and Miss Carmichael make their way to the Staff Table?" he called over the noise of scarping chairs and talkative students.
As the Great Hall emptied, Imogen and Rikki manovered their way to Dumbeldore. He led them to the end of the table.
'I believe an introduction is in order. Ladies this is Professor Snape, Potions master.'' Snape nodded curtly at the two girls as he shook hands.
'Hag rid, Caretaker and Care of Magical Creatures teacher," was greeted with an energetically pumped hand. Dumbeldore lead them past Professor McGonagall, Sprout, Sinistra, Trelawney, Flitwick, and Lupin until they came to Oliver. Imogen briefly shook hands with him and stepped back to allow Rikki to do the same. Rikki felt the tingle rocket up her arm and spread to her whole body as she smile semi-confidently at his handsome face. Feeling hot and bothered, she let go of his hand.
To change the subject, Oliver spoke up, "What are you ladies like at flying?"
Imogen brushed dit off, saying. "Oh fine, I was a Beater at my old school," while Rikki looked embarrassed at her mandatory black Mary Jane shoes. Looing back up again, sheepishly, she admitted.
"I've never really been that good at it- never really was able to balance the whole thing."
Dumbeldore' s eyes twinkled. "Well, as furthering your education with us, Miss Carmichael, I suggest some private flying lessons. Oliver?" He turned, enquiring, to Oliver.
"O-of course, Headmaster. When do you have a free moment?" Oliver asked Rikki scanning her face.
"I. don't know, as of yet. I haven't seen my timetable." Rikki smiled apologetically. "Perhaps we could arrange a time later?" She spoke with a subtle hint of hope.
"You, Rikki haven't seen your timetable but I have and I do believe you have a spare period Tuesday afternoon. After lunch." Rikki turned to see McGonagall answer.
"Alright." Oliver smiled and nodded. "I'll meet you in..." he paused, "..the Entrance Hall?"
"Right." Rikki nodded once. "Thank you."
Dumbeldore moved them on the end of the table. After meeting the teachers, Rikki sand Imogen excused themselves and left to resign in their dormitories. After being informed of the password and the directions to Gryffindor tower, the two girls turned to leave.
As their retreating backs disappeared into the shadows, Dumbeldore shifted slightly.
"Headmaster?" McGonagall questioned him.
"Those girls... I doubt Hogwarts have seen the likes of them before.' He shook his head." Yes, Minerva, they are ones to watch. To watch with awe." He turned and exited to the right, leaving the entire staff table, curious with is words.
Disclaimer- Harry Potter and all the associated belong exclusively to JK Rowling. We do this solely to fill our tedious days and are not generating a profit from its publication. However both Rikki and Imogen belong to us.
All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental
Chapter 2 The Sorting
"And so, in hope of continuing international magical ties with other countries, Hogwarts has the pleasure of hosting two exchange students from Beauxbatons Magical Academy."
Dumbledore peered over his half-moon spectacles at the two heavy doors at the end of the Great Hall. The two doors opened, creaking with age and two girls stepped from its shadows.
Imogen Usher and Rikki Carmichael strode purposefully towards the staff table as Dumbledore continued.
"Miss Usher and Miss Carmichael are joining our seventh years to complete their magical schooling. Both will be staying the entire year to partake in various social and scholastic activities. Ergo, it is fitting that Miss Usher and Miss Carmichael should be sorted into their respective houses. Professor McGonagall?"
Dumbledore turned towards McGonagall to commence the sorting of the two girls. She excused herself from the High Table and walked around to where the stool and the school's ratty Sorting Hat lay. She gestured to Imogen to step forward, and placed the Sorting Hat upon her head.
Imogen 's face wore an expression of skeptism, her eyes looking upwards on the dirty hat that rested on her head. She sat still as a voice spoke in her ear.
"Beauxbatons, eh? Mmmm.... ambitious and powerful.... quite ambitious, must say...yet you're quite a bold one... and you've a flair for the unexpected...I think, why not...GRYFFINDOR!"
Imogen soundlessly lifted the hat off her head and made her way towards the applauding table of Gryffindors. A vacant spot lay next to Harry and she lowered herself on to the long bench. Harry turned to her with a smile on his face. He'd noticed the reservation he'd felt towards her on the train had left as she sat with him. If she was Gryffindor, she had to be good. At least he hadn't unsuspectedly allied himself with a Slytherin.
Or worse, fancied one, came a sly voice in his head. He couldn't help but be taken back by the notion that had entered his head. Evidently, he found her attractive, but fancied? Perhaps he did, he thought as she smiled radiantly at him.
"Welcome to the best house in Hogwarts." He said turning to her, grinning with his revelation.
"Thanks," she said, turning to watch Imogen being sorted. "Umm, Harry, did that hat talk to you in your head when you put it on?"
She looked embarrassed as if she was fearful that it had only done so with her, or worse, that she had imagined it. Harry smiled at her chagrin.
"Yeah, it's a bit unnerving, isn't it?"
"A bit!" she said with a laugh. Reassured now that a telepathic hat was not a source of worry.
Rikki, meanwhile, wriggled her way onto the tall stool, smoothing her short school skirt under her robe. She waited for the Sorting hat to sort her. A sudden voice interrupted her silence.
"Ah, another Beauxbatons! Bit on the brainy side aren't you? Mmmm, yes. But then, you've very much a social butterfly. Social before scholastic? Yes.... I wonder if, maybe...GRYFFINDOR!"
As Rikki seated herself next to Ron, Dumbledore got to his feet again. Applauding subsided and silence swept the house like a blast of cold air as the students looked expectedly up at his wise face.
'And now let us eat!" The hall filled with cheers as the empty tabletops filled themselves with lamb, pork, chicken, mashed potatoes, salads and puddings.
Ron reached for a large dish of chicken drumsticks that lay in front of Rikki.
"S'cuse me," Ron said, with his mouth full of mashed potatoes. Rikki nodded, and helped pass the heavy dish to Ron as he helped himself to four large drumsticks and passed it onwards to Hermione, on his left side.
Rikki looked up from her plate of chicken and mixed green salad to the High Table. In the centre, was Dumbeldore who was heartedly tucking into a serving of roast pork. Her eyes passed over to the other teachers, McGonagall, and a wizened wizard who she believed to be Professor Flitwick. However the man who occupied the next seat she didn't know-although she did know she liked the look of him. She eyed his well-built body, his full face, and his rich brown hair. His hands gripped his knife and fork as he talked avidly with Professor Vector, from the Arithmacy department. He looked up from his plate to respond to Professor Vector, and in doing so, locked eyes with Rikki. Brushing her short blonde hair out of her eyes, she smiled sweetly at him, noticing that his eyes were a crystal clear blue. He smiled cockily at her, leaning one arm and looking amusedly at her. She looked at him from the corner of her eye, and gave a flirtatious smile. He winked at her, before turning back to Professor Vector to answer a question.
Rikki kicked Imogen under the table. Imogen looked over from Harry where she was talking about Quidditch. Rikki jerked her eyebrows to the High Table and smiled art Imogen. She turned around and saw the guy who Rikki had been looking at. Glancing back to Rikki, she watched her friend mouth the word "hottie!" She smiled amusedly and turned back to Harry.
Rikki shifted in here sat to talk to Ron.
"Ron, who's that man who's sitting between Flitwick and is it, Vector?"
Ron looked up from his third helping of roast pork. "Where?" he asked distractedly. "Oh him?" He nodded at the man who Rikki was talking about. "Oh-that's Oliver Wood. Used to go to school here, bout 5 years ago. Spent the last few years playing with Puddlemere United Quidditch team, Keeper. Did he knee in, so he's coming to teach flying and be the Quidditch instructor. Replacing Madam Hooch."
He shovelled another mouthful of pork and potatoes in his mouth. Hermione looked disgustedly at him.
"Brilliant, 'e is. Ruddy brilliant," Ron spoke thickly and swallowed. "Oi! Seamus! See that match against the Wimbourne Wasps? Thrashed 'em."
Seamus Finnigan, seated next to Harry and Dean Thomas, leant forward to talk to Ron about various Quidditch matches. Rikki listened to them talk until Dumbeldore got easily from his chair.
Silence yet again filled the Great Hall as Dumbledore' s voice broke the silence.
"As you are undoubtedly happily fed and watered and ready for bed, I must firstly inform you of certain start of term notices. Yet again, I must remind you all that all students are banned from the Forbidden Forest. Mr Filch also requested me to inform you that magic in the hall is against the rules. I also have another person to introduce to you all. I assume you are all familiar with Puddlemere United's ex-Keeper. Oliver Wood, also Gryffindor 's former Keeper? Oliver, as he has requested you call him, is here to replace Madam Hooch and fufill flying lessons and Quidditch umpiring duties. And now, I think, it is time for bed. Well? Off you go! And would Miss Usher and Miss Carmichael make their way to the Staff Table?" he called over the noise of scarping chairs and talkative students.
As the Great Hall emptied, Imogen and Rikki manovered their way to Dumbeldore. He led them to the end of the table.
'I believe an introduction is in order. Ladies this is Professor Snape, Potions master.'' Snape nodded curtly at the two girls as he shook hands.
'Hag rid, Caretaker and Care of Magical Creatures teacher," was greeted with an energetically pumped hand. Dumbeldore lead them past Professor McGonagall, Sprout, Sinistra, Trelawney, Flitwick, and Lupin until they came to Oliver. Imogen briefly shook hands with him and stepped back to allow Rikki to do the same. Rikki felt the tingle rocket up her arm and spread to her whole body as she smile semi-confidently at his handsome face. Feeling hot and bothered, she let go of his hand.
To change the subject, Oliver spoke up, "What are you ladies like at flying?"
Imogen brushed dit off, saying. "Oh fine, I was a Beater at my old school," while Rikki looked embarrassed at her mandatory black Mary Jane shoes. Looing back up again, sheepishly, she admitted.
"I've never really been that good at it- never really was able to balance the whole thing."
Dumbeldore' s eyes twinkled. "Well, as furthering your education with us, Miss Carmichael, I suggest some private flying lessons. Oliver?" He turned, enquiring, to Oliver.
"O-of course, Headmaster. When do you have a free moment?" Oliver asked Rikki scanning her face.
"I. don't know, as of yet. I haven't seen my timetable." Rikki smiled apologetically. "Perhaps we could arrange a time later?" She spoke with a subtle hint of hope.
"You, Rikki haven't seen your timetable but I have and I do believe you have a spare period Tuesday afternoon. After lunch." Rikki turned to see McGonagall answer.
"Alright." Oliver smiled and nodded. "I'll meet you in..." he paused, "..the Entrance Hall?"
"Right." Rikki nodded once. "Thank you."
Dumbeldore moved them on the end of the table. After meeting the teachers, Rikki sand Imogen excused themselves and left to resign in their dormitories. After being informed of the password and the directions to Gryffindor tower, the two girls turned to leave.
As their retreating backs disappeared into the shadows, Dumbeldore shifted slightly.
"Headmaster?" McGonagall questioned him.
"Those girls... I doubt Hogwarts have seen the likes of them before.' He shook his head." Yes, Minerva, they are ones to watch. To watch with awe." He turned and exited to the right, leaving the entire staff table, curious with is words.