Alexandra Rose
Harry, Hermione, and Ron got on the train, as the Hogwarts Express rolled out of the station.
"You three behave yourselves this year," Mrs. Wealsey shouted from the platform.
"Don't worry Mum, we will," Ron assured her
"Come on," Hermione said, as she tucked Crookshanks under her arm, "We better find seats."
Harry peered into the windows, trying to find an empty compartment, when he looked in to see Cho staring back at him. Next to her was Michael Corner, who had his arm casually over her shoulder. Surprisingly, Harry didn't care at all, in fact, he had convinced himself that he didn't even like her anymore.
"No luck," Ron said glumly
"Harry – Ron – I've found one! Ginny is in here and – oh my – "Hermione exclaimed
Dragging their luggage, Harry and Ron ran to Hermione's side. "WHAT THE –"
"Hello Ronnykins."
"Y-y-you!" Hermione said angrily
"Nice to see you too, Hermione."
Beside Ginny, Fred and George were lazily sitting in the compartment, surrounded by a bunch of 'treats'.
"Fred," Ron began," You've got some explaining to do."
"I'm not Fred, he is!" the twin replied, as they both started laughing
"No way," Ron said," You're Fred."
"And what makes you so sure about that?" the other twin piped up
"Because George," Ron said smugly," You giggle."
"I do not!" George said, pretending to be offended," Giggling is for girls."
"Which makes it even more true," Ron said," You giggle."
"Do not."
"Do to."
"Do not."
"I think you two have had a little too much Fire Whisky," Harry laughed, "You finished Hogwarts last year – remember?"
"Firstly, we don't drink," George said sternly, as Hermione beamed at them.
"Fire Whisky that is," Fred added with a wink," We prefer Ginger Scotch."
"Then it's the scotch," Ron said, as though that settled the matter
"Honestly, you two," Hermione scowled
"And secondly, the reason we're here is because Mum wanted us to keep a close watch on her Ickle Ronnykins," George sniggered
"That's a lie!" Ron shouted
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Oh, just tell them the truth," Ginny said irritably
"Alright, the real reason we are here is because Dumbledore needed some assistance around the castle," George said
"And with our expertise, who else is better for the job?" Fred added
"Hmm let me think," Hermione said sourly, "many."
"What sort of assistance at Hogwarts are you doing?" Ron asked," Helping Dumbledore get rid of Filch, by aggravating him to death?"
"Actually, we are going to be helping Filch," George retorted
"In more ways than you would know," Fred said quietly
"How?" Hermione asked suspiciously
"Apparently, Peeves had become unbearable to cope with around the school," George said
"Even the Bloody Baron can't control him," Fred added
"So, we've come to Dumbledore's rescue," they said in unison
"Sure you have," Hermione snorted
"Anything off the trolley dears?" the trolley lady asked
"No thanks," George said brightly, "We're all set."
"Here Harry, have one of these," Fred said as he held up a basket full of multicolored chews.
"Erm.. this isn't one of those Skiving Snackboxes, is it?" Harry asked hesitantly
"No this is just some gum George and I invented, that we need to test on someone before it goes public," Fred replied
"Perfectly safe."
Harry cautiously picked up a piece of gum that was bright pink and began chewing on it. Ron looked at his carefully and said, "He's alive! Gimme one!"
"This stuff isn't that blad," Harry said awkwardly, "I meant to slay blad."
Something is wrong, Harry thought, why can't I speak properly?
"Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione asked nervously
"Galloping Gargoyles!" Fred exclaimed, "Harry, you took one of Weasley's Numb Tongue Gums!"
"What?" Hermione screamed, "I thought you said there wasn't anything dangerous in there."
"It's not dangerous Hermione," Fred said annoyingly, "Harry just won't be able to feel his tongue for a couple of hours."
"Oh, is that all," Hermione said acidly, "Harry, you're drooling."
Hermione was right, as Harry saw that there was a large amount of spit on the sleeve of his robe.
"Oh yeah, that's another side effect," Fred whispered to Ron, "Not being able to contain your saliva."
"Oh Ron, I just remembered! We have to go to the Prefect's Compartment," Hermione said brusquely
"Why?"
"Because" Hermione said, as her eyes flashed dangerously, "The Head Boy and Girl have to briefly go over a few rules."
"C'mon, Hermione," Ron whined, "Can't we just pretend that we forgot?"
"You irresponsible toad!" Hermione yelled, "It matters a lot Ron. How you ever became a prefect, I'll never know."
"I agree with you on that, Granger," Malfoy said as his slid open the door.
"What dlo you wan' Malfloy?" Harry tried to ask
"What's the matter with him?" Malfoy said as he looked at Harry with intrest
"None of your business, that's what," Hermione said ferociously
"Touchy," Malfoy sneered, "And what is this?" he added as he picked up the basket
Harry saw Crabbe and Goyle look hungrily at the sweets, as Malfoy poped a blue candy into his mouth.
"Hey, that's ours," Fred said angrily as he grabbed the basket out of Malfoy's hands.
"Sorry Weasley, I know how important this must be to you," Malfoy smirked," It probably cost all your life savings."
"That's it, I've had enough," Hermione said as she took out her wand and poked Malfoy in the chest.
"Easy Granger," Malfoy said mischievously, "You can try and take me on, but I'm not getting the blame for any of your injuries." Hermione glared at him, as she saw Crabbe make a fist and punch it into his other hand.
"Fine," Hermione muttered as she sank back into her seat, "What are you smiling at Malfoy?"
"Nothing Granger," Malfoy said dreamily, "I was only admiring how good you look today," he said as he quickly covered his mouth in shock.
"WHAT?" Harry said as he accidentally sprayed Ron in saliva.
"He was only joking," Goyle said uncertainly
"No I wasn't!" Malfoy shouted, looking extremely embarrassed
"Get out Malfloy," Harry said pointing his wand at him
"Please Potter, what can you do? You can't even talk!" Malfoy snickered
"No, but he can drench you in spit," George laughed
"So you better watch out, or Harry might just give you the 'Turbo Charge', Fred said menacingly, "Isn't that right Harry?"
"Right," Harry said as a large blob of spit landed in the center of Goyle's forehead.
"Where did it go? Where did it go?" Goyle said, spinning around stupidly
"Goyle, you can be so thick sometimes," Malfoy said as he looked apologetically at him.
"Hey Draco, what's all the commotion about?"
"Nothing concerning you, Parkinson," Malfoy replied, "Sorry I meant to – to say-"
"Well?" Pansy asked impatiently
"Did you get a hair cut?" Malfoy asked slyly
"Yes, I did! I'm so happy you noticed," Pansy said proudly
"Did the hairdresser warn you that you would look like a pug dog after you got it cut? Or did she just leave it as a surprise?" Malfoy asked
"W-what?" Pansy asked, who looked like she was on the verge of tears, "You mean you don't like it?"
"Obviously not," Malfoy said as he clutched his mouth, "Sorry I-"
But it was too late, Pansy had ran down the hallway screaming at the top of her lungs. "Parkinson, wait!" Malfoy said as he ran after her, followed by Crabbe and Goyle.
"There's more where that came from," Fred sniggered
"What did Malfoy eat," Hermione asked, who couldn't stop herself from laughing
"Weasley's Truth Telling Toffee," George smiled, "Too bad we were hopping Ronnykins would eat it."
"Why?" Ron asked, sounding offended
"Because Ronnykins," Fred grimaced, "We could have heard about all the girls you liked." Once again, Ron's ears flamed red as he mumbled, "Not funny."
"We're here," Hermione exclaimed, as she quickly stepped off the train, and into a carriage with Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Luna Lovegood.
"I dlon't hear Haglid," Harry said anxiously
"Oh Harry, stop worrying," Hermione said a matter-a-factly
"Is there any room in there?" someone asked timidly
"Of course, Alexandra," Ginny said before anyone could disapprove
"Thanks," the girl murmured as she sat across from Harry. "I'm Alexandra Rose."
Harry gently shook her hand, "I'm-"
"Harry Potter," she answered for him, "I already knew that."
"Are you new?" Ron asked
"No," Alexandra said stiffly
"Then how come I've never seen you before? Ow!" Ron yelped as Ginny kicked his leg, "That's the same spot," he moaned as he rubbed his already-bruised shin.
Alexandra had waist-length dark brown hair and brown eyes. She was shorter than Harry, and had a warm smile. Harry gazed into her eyes. They are so...mysterious, Harry thought
"Who are you staring at?" Ron asked
"No one."
"Yes, you were staring at her," Ron said as he jerked his head towards Alexandra
"No I wasn't," Harry flushed
"Interested in a fifth year," Ron said with a sniff of disapproval, "Really Harry."
"Oh, Ron," Hermione bickered, "lay off."
"You have a habit of acting like a git, don't you?" Alexandra asked, who appeared to be much more confident around Ron.
"I do not! I just find it amusing that my mate has a liking for a-a-a fifth year!" Ron said triumphantly
"Why? I'm a girl aren't I?" Alexandra said smoothly, "Just because you can't get any." Ginny, Alexandra, and Luna burst out laughing as they walked up to the castle.
"I'll tell you what she is," Ron said in a low voice, as he got out of the carriage, "a pain in the neck."
"You mean you're not the only one?" Hermione giggled
Suddenly, Draco Malfoy came striding past them, followed by a large group of people chasing after him. Neville was trailing behind the group, due to the fact that Seamus and Dean were tightly holding onto his robes.
"What happened?" Ron asked Dean
"Malfoy's lost his mind," Dean shouted as he tried to hold back Neville, "He's speaking his opinion, which isn't doing him any good." Harry, Hermione, and Ron all exchanged looks and smirked.
"He told me that I would end up the same way as my parents," Neville said furiously
"He didn't!" Hermione said, sounding shocked
"Florglet ablout it Neville," Harry managed to say
"Come on, we better get inside," Hermione said as they all left to the feast.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron made their way up to the Great Hall with the rest of the sixth years. At the Gryffindor table, Ginny was in deep conversation with Alexandra, who glanced up at Harry and blushed.
"Let's slit ovler thlere," Harry said, ignoring Ron's 'ugh' with he spat in his face.
Harry sat next to Ron, with Ginny on his other side. Across from him, was Hermione and Alexandra, who had both read Hogwarts: a History, and were busy talking about its 'interesting' content. In Harry's opinion, they both sounded like encyclopedias.
"I'm telling you Alexandra," Hermione said, "I thought it was ingenious when Sir Edwards declared that the Concilio Shield should be used for anyone who ventured into the Forbidden Forest."
"Oh yes, I thought it was," Alexandra said as she looked directly at Harry, "beautiful." Harry felt his cheeks get hot, as Ron gave him a disgusted look.
"Well, I think it's a disgrace," Ron blurted
"You've read Hogwarts a History?" Alexandra asked
"No, but by listening to what you were describing," Ron said angrily, "It sounds more disturbing to me."
"You have no idea what you're talking about," Alexandra said cooly before returning to her conversation.
Just then Harry saw Professor McGonagall bring out the Sorting Hat, and place in on a stool in front of the hall. "Attention please," she said sternly, "The sorting is about to begin." After hearing this, all four house tables fell silent as the Sorting Hat began to sing:
I may not be a pretty site,
But judge not on what you see,
I'll take a look inside your head,
To see where you ought to be,
Perhaps you belong in Gryffindor,
Whose bravery is off the chart,
Their boldness and gallantry,
Place Gryffindors apart,
You might belong in Slytherin,
And are those of great ambitions,
A house full of pure blood wizards,
Who all make cunning decisions,
Or yet perhaps in Hufflepuff,
Who are patient and loyal,
Kind-hearted and sensible,
They keep their head up in turmoil,
Or maybe in wise Ravenclaw,
Who are those of the sharpest mind,
Where intelligence is surest,
Is what that house is behind,
Though I am forced to split you up,
Which will lead you in different ways,
The houses must stay strong within,
I ask you to remember this phrase,
Together we stand,
United we fall,
Our enemies can take one house,
But they cannot conquer us all...
For a moment the Sorting Hat seemed to stop, as a couple of people began clapping. Suddenly it broke out into song again, but it was...in a different language? Harry thought uncertainly
Coacto ego locutus sua lingua,
Audio meus monitio;
Cincuenta annus abhinc,
Phasmatis Luna cuius evigilo;
Hec annus ea ambulo moenia Hogwarts,
Explevi sua infectus negotium;
Cavi cautum quae incompertus,
Quod Luna lucis patefacio iterum...
All of a sudden, the Sorting Hat stopped singing and said in a normal voice, "Let the sorting begin!" Everyone in the hall was bemused at what they had just heard, for the Sorting Hat always spoke in English before.
"I didn't understand one damn thing that stupid hat said," Ron said irritably
"Well, of course you wouldn't Ron," Hermione said anxiously, "Unless you understand Latin. I didn't understand anything, either, other than the word 'luna' which means 'moon.'
"What was the point of it speaking in a totally different language?" Harry asked, "I bet no one in the school knows how to understand Latin."
"Well, obviously not, after all it is known as the 'dead language'," Hermione said
"I can understand it," Alexandra said as she suddenly looked as though she hadn't spoken up.
"What?" Ron asked, "You understood the hat? Well, what did it say?"
"It – um - said something about – er – the school houses having to be – um – be nice to each other, "Alexandra said rather lamely.
"Oh," Ron said in disappointment, "Is that all."
Dumbledore rose from the staff table as the talking in the Great Hall ceased. His eyes twinkled through his half moon spectacles. "Well I see our Thinking Cup has taken up a new language," Dumbledore chuckled with the accompaniment of a few polite laughs," I ask you all to lend me your ears as I briefly go through a couple start-of-term notices. Firstly, first-years ought to know that the Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that there are a number of things that are not permitted at Hogwarts, and if anyone has any questions feel free to ask him. Also, I am happy to tell you that two of our old students will be returning this year," Dumbledore paused for a moment," Mr. Fred and George Weasley have kindly offered to assist Mr. Filch in some problems we are having with our poltergeist. Peeves has become uncontrollable, and I warn all students to watch out for him. We also have a change in our staffing this year. Professor Moody has eagerly accepted the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; welcome back. Quidditch tryouts will take place this Saturday, and Mme Hooch requires the whole team be there. Also, the minister, Mr. Fudge, has asked me to tell you that no student is allowed within distance of the 'Shrieking Shack.' It is rather dangerous around there, and if found the consequences will not be pleasant. That is all."
"I have to go and ask Fred and George something," Ginny said as she abruptly walked over to the twins. They were standing on each side of Filch, and tried to look very important as they puffed up their chests.
"That's a good imitation of Percy," Ron sniggered
"Oh, Ron we have to escort the first years to the common room," said Hermione
"Oh yeah," Ron sighed, "Hey you little toerags! Over here!"
"Ron! You can't call them that!" Hermione scowled
"Why?"
"You – are – a – prefect!" Hermione said, as though she was talking to an infant.
"Okay Hermione, there's no need to be rude," Ron yelled
"Like you aren't," Hermione retorted as she and Ron disappeared into the crowd.
Harry started walking towards Neville, when someone asked, "Are we going to the common room then?" Harry turned around to face Alexandra, who had gone slightly pink in the face.
"Erm..okay," Harry replied awkwardly
Harry and Alexandra walked through the hallway without saying a word to each other until they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Erm..do you know the password?" Harry asked hopefully
Alexandra shook her head. "Search me." Harry raised a curious eyebrow at her as she turned almost as red as Ron's ears.
"I – I didn't mean it that way," she said quickly
"I know you didn't," Harry laughed, "I was only trying to be funny."
"I've got the password Harry!" Ginny came running up the staircase, "It's Pixie Dust."
The portrait hole swung open as the three of them stepped inside.
"Well I better go to bed," Harry said, "I'm a little tired."
"Me too," Alexandra said anxiously
"Right then, bye," Ginny yawned
"Bye."
Harry began walking up the steps to the dormitory, when he heard someone following him. He then saw through the moonlight someone jogging towards him.
"Goodnight Harry," Alexandra said softly
"G'night Alexandra," Harry said sleepily as Alexandra whispered into his ear, "Call me Alex."
