Raven looked around the great hall, partially in shock. It was very beautiful. She noted that the large ceiling was enchanted to imitate the sky outside: it depicted the setting sun perfectly. There were four large tables in the middle of the hall, each with a banner hovering over it. There was also a large table near the wall, with a banner hovering over it that she recognized as the Hogwarts shield. She smiled. "Maybe this won't be so bad after all..." she thought as teachers greeted her and her parents eagerly.
"Now, Miss. Stardust, we have to figure out how we're going to place you. Usually we sort students using the sorting hat, but I don't think it's necessary. Besides, we have all those new first years to get through... hmmm... Minerva, what do you think?" Dumbledore asked, turning towards the professor. She was about to reply when footsteps echoed in the hall. Everyone turned to see a tall man dressed in black robes walking towards them.
"Ahh, Severus. How nice of you to join us." Dumbledore said, indicating his lateness.
"My apologies, I was kept up at last minute. You must be Dameon Stardust." the wizard said, turning towards Raven's father.
"Yes. This is my wife, Arcavia. And this is my daughter, Raven." Dameon said, putting his hand on his daughters shoulder.
"Miss. Stardust, welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor Snape, potions master and Head of Slytherin. Forgive me for my lateness. I hope it doesn't mean that we start out the wrong way." he said, looking at her. Raven couldn't help but get temporarily lost in his dark eyes. And that voice...
"No, not at all." she replied.
"Good, thank you. Now, professor," he said, turning towards Dubmledore, "you were trying to place Raven in a house?"
"Yes, we were. I was just going to ask Minerva..."
"May I make a suggestion?" Snape interrupted.
"Yes, of course."
"I think I speak for all my students when I say she will be most welcome in Slytherin." he said, putting his plan into action.
"Slytherin? Don't you have enough on your hands? I mean, you're brewing up all those new potions for the Ministry, and you're taking on those extra students... along with your other work..." Professor McGonagall commented.
"True, but honestly, it wouldn't be a problem. I figured I could have Draco show the girl around while she gets used to things..."
"Draco? Draco Malfoy?" Raven interrupted with supressed excitement.
"Yes, do you know him?"
"Oh, they met in Diagon Alley the other day." Arcavia said, noting her daughters eagerness.
"If she already knows someone in the house... I don't see any harm that can come of it... Well, it's settled. She'll be in Slytherin for the year." Dumbledore said, smiling at her. Raven couldn't help but be happy. This time two days ago, she was packing last minute things, resenting every item she put in her trunks. Now, she was anticipating the year greatly. "A house elf will take your trunks to the girls dorms. I'm sure the students will make you feel most welcome. Ahh... I think I hear them coming up now. Raven, I'll introduce you to the school after the Sorting. If you'll just stand outside that door, it won't be long, I promise. Dameon, Arcavia, will you be joining us?"
"I'm afraid not, Albus. I've got some work to do with Fudge in the States, and we have to be back."
"Sorry to hear that. You're more than welcome to visit Raven anytime you wish."
"Thank you, we'll remember that." Raven's father replied. She said goodbye to her parents and they left in the same carriage that carried them to the castle.
"Where the hell is she?" Draco thought as he entered the castle, accompanied by his usual fan club of Slytherins. Raven hadn't been on the train, something that he had been looking forward to the night before. All dreams of getting the girl alone in a dark compartment were slashed when he learned that she would arrive at the castle before the students to figure out last minute arrangements. His father had given him a insuring promise that the girl would be placed in Slytherin. "Good. It will be so much easier to "get closer to her" in that common room late one night. I'll tell everyone to leave, and I'll cast a cooling spell so she'll have to get closer to me to keep warm. Then..."
"Draco, there's Potter!" Goyle said, pulling his robe sleeve. and pointing to Harry and his friends.
"Damn you! I was trying to figure out what to do with Raven..."
"Raven Stardust? The American Minister's daughter? Ohh! I heard she's hot! I'd like to get my hands on her!" Crabbe said, looking rather devious.
"Get off it, you git. I've already started working my charm on her. I met her in Diagon Alley yesterday." he bragged.
"How do you get all the luck?" an annoyed Marcus Flint asked.
"Because my father has all the power." Draco replied coolly as they entered the Great Hall. It was decorated in its usual start of year decor, and they took their place at the Slytherin table. All throughout the sorting, Draco made it a point to keep the spot next to him empty. Finally, after what seemed forever, McGonagall put the old Sorting Hat away and Dumbledore stood up to give his speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I would like to give an extended welcome to all first years, and I trust the older students will as well. Now, let's get down to things. As usual, out caretaker, Argus Filch, would like me to remind everyone that mo magic is to be used in the halls. There is also a list of restricted objects, all of which can be viewed outside of his office. The forbidden forest is off limits, except when our Care of Magical Creatures class allows it. Flying lessons will start soon, and out first Quidditch game will, be played the first weekend of October. Third years and above will be permitted to visit Hogsmeade village on specific weekends. See the list posted outside the hall for these dates. We have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Professor Crew, please stand up... Thank you.... I'm sure all the students will welcome you warmly. Due to the unfortunate circumstances that we all find ourselves in, the older students will find themselves with the same schedules that they had in their earlier years, despite any O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. grades they have received. Oh come on, it's not that bad." Dumbledore said when groan of protest came from some of the students. Draco was getting annoyed. When was Raven going to come out and join him? He smiled when the headmaster started announcing her arrival. "As many of you know, we have a guest joining us this year. She is attending her seventh year of school here at Hogwarts. She is joining us all the way from America, and she is the American Ministers daughter. With things the way they are, it was agreed that she would come here as an attempt to unite the European and American wizarding worlds. I trust that you will all join me in welcoming her. Raven, if you'll come out, please."
"There we go. Come on, baby." Draco commented quietly as Raven emerged from behind the back entrance to the hall. She was wearing a short black pleated skirt and a red button down top. Just as yesterday, the clothes complimented her shapely body perfectly. He noticed that among the applause there were whistles from boys from the different houses, including his own. "Too bad I've already got a claim in." Draco thought. He was delighted when Raven's eyes met his and she smiled at him. Crabbe and Gloyle looked at him jealously, as well as other boys that had followed Raven's glance.
"Professor Snape had arranged for Miss. Stardust to spend her year with us in Slytherin." Dumbledore said, looking at the professor. Severus was watching Raven intently, as well as many other men and boys in the room. When he said this, the Slytherin's cheered, and there were sounds of disappointment from the other tables. Dumbledore indicated that Snape should say a few words. He stood up and cleared his throat.
"Thank you, headmaster. Raven, I trust that the Slytherins will welcome you very warmly. Well, they better." he said, shooting a glare at the Slytherin table. He knew he didn't have to worry though. Besides, if they didn't, he sure would. "Now, you'll have to have someone show you around while you get used to the castle. Ahh... Draco. Will you come escort Miss. Stardust to the Slytherin table?" This was exactly what Draco had been waiting for. He was making a mental note to get his father something extra special for Christmas, and maybe Snape as well. "As for Raven, I'd give her something good every time she wants it." he thought, mentally undressing her as he walked towards her.
"I'd like to be the first student to welcome you to Hogwarts," he said, taking her hand and kissing it. "and an extra special welcome on behalf of Slytherin." he added, smiling at her.
"T... thank you." Raven said, a bit taken back and breathless. She smiled as he put his arm around her waste and lead her to the Slytherin table.
"Well, now that that's taken care of, let the feast begin!" Dumbledore said as large plates of food appeared in the middle of the tables.
"Oh, honestly! If she's gonna fall for that act, then she's not as bright as she's made out to be." Hermonie Granger commented to her friends at the Gryffindor table.
"Yeah, having Malfoy hanging on her does have it's drawbacks, but personally I wouldn't mind it if she were crammed up next to me." Ron replied, watching Raven move closer to Malfoy in an attempt to get away from a creepy 3rd year that was looking at her in a more than suggestive way. Draco shot an evil glare at the young Slytherin, and he immediately went back to eating his dinner. Raven smiled warmly at Malfoy in thanks. Hermonie rolled her eyes at her friend. "How stupid can he get?" she thought, looking back at the Slytherin table. Malfoy was flirting with the girl, and she looked like she was enjoying every minute of it.
"You have to admit, she is pretty." Ginny said as she put another chicken leg on her plate.
"More than that..." Harry said, his gaze fixing towards Raven. Hermonie looked around and noted that he wasn't the only one staring at her. She rolled her eyes and went back to her dinner. "One things for sure, she'll never be smarter than me!" she thought, only a bit satisfied.