Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any other element of the story. Emily Black and her mother and brother are my creations so don't use without permission :) Sarah (sweets), Rilee, and Nephiro own themselves.
A/N: I threw this chapter together fairly quickly, not as quickly as the last two though. Happy Sweets? Lol. I have no clue have long I'm going to be able to keep popping chappies out like this. Edited Note Popping out chappies? Lmao. That's a little disturbing. grins Oh well.Chapter 5 - Welcoming Feast
I watched the sorting quietly, thinking about how nerve racking it must be to go up and do that in front of the whole school. I could never do it. A small teacher came out and took away the hat and the stool just as Harry and Hermione came in with McGonagall. People around the hall whispered and pointed at them as they took their seats by Weasley. Everyone shut up though when a very old looking man stood up. All eyes were on him. He had long silvery looking hair with glasses shaped like half moons. I recognized him from Hermione's memories as Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster. I personally thought he looked scary.
"Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it's best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast . . ." He cleared his throat. 'I really don't like where this is leading . . .'
"As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises- or even Invisibility Cloaks. It's not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and everyone one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and the new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors." I hated this. Dementors? Is that what that thing on the train was? That creature was horrible!
"On a happier note," he continued. "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Oh goody. That nut case is going to be around all year. This day isn't going so good. "As to our second new appointment. Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs.
"However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his game keeping duties." I clapped like everyone else in the hall to show my respect but I didn't think he was apt to make a good teacher . . . Weasley pounded the table and yelled something. I didn't make it out nor did I care too. "Well, I think that's everything of importance. Let the feast begin!"
The plate in front of me was magically covered with all types of food. Chicken, beef, corn, pudding, etc . . . I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I can't remember the last time I had a choice to eat this much. I pushed my plate away and took a hold of my goblet. After a few slips I felt even sicker. I don't know why but I wasn't hungry and whatever the drink was made it worse. Then I heard a voice from behind me.
"Blackie." Great. What the hell does Blondie want? I threw my legs over the bench and turn to face the boy.
"And what can I do for you, mister Malfoy?" I asked innocently. People at the table were watching, waiting for something exciting to happen.
"Have you been sorted yet?" What? Why the hell did he want to know? We weren't even to school yet when he ruined my reputation with everyone.
"Why the hell do you care?" I said sternly.
"Why are you so hostile towards me all of a sudden?" he yelled. I could hear almost everyone quiet down to listen to us argue.
"Why? Oh you want to know bloody why?" He nodded and looked around. I could see he was going to ask me to talk softer but I continued on. "Not only did you just ruin a friendship with three people before it had a chance to really begin, but look around, use your eyes, I haven't been able to go anywhere without getting a dirty looks from anyone!"
"Well, they were going to know eventually, Black!" Now my own name made me cringe like it made everyone else do. When he says it like that it does make me seem evil. If anyone wasn't listening before, they surely were now. All eyes were on the two of us. This seemed to be more nerve racking than being sorted!
"Yeah! But now I'm already judged- just because I hang out with you. Just leave me alone Draco. I don't need you to mess with me now. I have more important things to do." He opened his mouth to reply but the sound of McGonagall clearing her throat cut him off. Both of us whipped around to face the unhappy teacher. I gulped, hoping I wasn't already in trouble.
"If you two insist on fighting like this, then we'll just have to put you in time out." I wanted to laugh but instincts told me not to. "Follow me Miss Black. We need to sort you." She turned and started walking out of the hall. I looked at Draco and stuck my tongue at him, knowing everyone was still watching.
"I hate you," I told him flat out, and then went to follow McGonagall.
"Well, that's very mature Emily!" he yelled after me. I hurried and caught up with the Transfiguration teacher and walked behind her like I was in trouble. When I glanced up I noticed there were two new figures walking by the uptight professor. One was tall, well taller than me, with shoulder length dark colored hair that seemed to have blue streaks. The other had black hair that went down to about an inch on her chest. She walked with authority, swaying her body as if she was God Almighty. This was the second time I had made this trip today, but I was happy not to have to do this like the first years did.
Soon we were sitting in Professor McGonagall's office, like Harry, Hermione and I were earlier. Professor spoke up, "Now, it seems like there has been some weird reason why all three of you are starting this year but we cannot deny you all an education."
"Uh, professor?" Spoke the "godly" girl.
"Yes Miss Miketsu?"
"What are we doing in here?" She was looking around, apparently amused by all this. I rolled my eyes.
"Weren't you paying attention moron?" I heard the other speak up. Miketsu's attention turned to her and glared with her deep amber eyes. Man, it was worse than my death glare.
"Girls. Stop it. You are like Miss Black and Mister Malfoy." I felt my cheeks go red. I was growing to really hate this teacher. "Now, I'll have you put on the hat first, Emily."
"Oh joy," I replied. I reached over her desk and took the old, smelly hat (that probably is infested with lice) from her hands. I placed it on my head and shut my eyes.
'Ahhh. A Black. I remember your father very well . . . he was a brave one, he belonged in Gryffindor.'
'Yeah, Yeah, Get on with it.'
'Feisty. Hmm. . . You have a lot of courage, and a little too much of a thirst to prove yourself. But, I'm guessing-'
'You're guessing!'
'Yes, I'm guessing you'd be best in-'
"GRYFFINDOR!" I sighed in relief. At least I didn't have to see Draco tonight.
"Ah, OK. Pass the hat along, Miss Miketsu, you're next." She didn't seem to be thrilled about putting on the hat either, actually I think she was going to say "No way" but decided against it. The hat wasn't on her head very long until it said, "Slytherin!" She smirked, looking very content and gave the hat over. The last girl looked as if this was her dooms day. It got an inch from her head before it yelled "Slytherin!"
'She didn't even get to put it on her head!' I thought.
"That settles it. I assume Professor Snape will perform the transfer spell on you two tomorrow, if you need it. I'll walk Emi here to the Gryffindor common room, and Whiskey here will take to the Slytherin room." She nudged her head towards a small looking creature with huge dopey eyes, rather large ears, and wearing what seemed like a bath towel. "Come along Miss Black." I followed McGonagall again out the door.
Professor McGonagall and I walked to the Gryffindor Tower without talking. To be honest the more I thought about it the less I wanted to be a Gryffindor. I wanted to be in Slytherin with my brother and the lovesick fool named Draco. At the rate of my popularity is going now- someone will try and kill me by the end of the year. We came to stop in front of a picture of some fat lady. She looked at us rudely and stuck her nose in the air.
"Password?" she asked us.
"Fortuna Major," McGonagall said. The lady seemed very irritated with the fact she got the password right. The picture swung out and a small hole was behind it. "Follow me Miss Black." "Uhhh. Ok, Professor," I whispered. She climbed through the hole and waited for me to do the same. I preceded and looked around at my surroundings. Most of the room was a deep red and gold was in some paces. Couches and chairs were filled with tired looking students as the embers in the fire began to slowly fade out.
"Your room is up the stairs and to the right. You should find all your belongings there. The password is 'Fortuna Major'," she explained to me. "Good night." I drew a long breath as she left the common room. I glanced around again. Nobody seemed to be paying any attention to me or even notice the fact that someone came in. I saw Hermione sitting in a chair in front of the dying fire and thought about going to talk to her for a moment but decided against it.
'She would probably scream for help if I even said 'hi' to her," I thought. Shrugging the thought off, I climbed the stairs and went into the girl's dormitory. I changed into my pajamas, climbed into my 4-poster and slept.
In the morning, I woke up to a room full of sunlight and chatter of female voices. I opened my eyes and saw that I was still at Hogwarts. 'This is a nightmare that won't end!' Sitting up in my bed I moaned a lot and grabbed my hairbrush off the stand next to it. I swung my legs over to the side, put my brush down and stood up. The talk in the room stopped when I got to my feet. All the girls, (all five of them) looked at me with horror and alarm.
"Watch it. I bite," I said to them. They all jumped as the words came out of my mouth. I rolled my eyes. "You girls are immature." I grabbed clean clothes and a robe and headed to the bathroom.
I hurried down to breakfast. I was pretty hungry now, probably from not eating the night before, and I wanted to get there before everyone else did. I entered the Great Hall with ease, not wanting to draw attention to myself. There were only four people seated at the Gryffindor table. They give me an expression of disgust as I sat down at the end (again).
The two girls from the night before walked in next, one after the other. They shoot me a weird look as they took their rightful seats at the Slytherin table. Next to enter was Draco, his cronies and some chick that reminded me of a dog. She glared at me and returned the look. I saw her whisper something in my Draco's ear, leaning in a little too close. I wanted to kill her but I don't know why; it's not jealousy . . . it's more like rage. Draco smirked at her and said something in return. The "girl" seemed to get angry and red in the face, and then glared at me again. Ha ha. Malfoy started walking over to me, and my "mean" face faltered and I started to blush. 'Dammit Emi! Stop!' I thought over and over again.
"So. Are you still angry with me Emi?" he asked sincerely. I didn't want to answer, but I figured I needed at least one friend.
"No. I'll get over it Malfoy. I've realized I have this bewitching charm that I can use on men, I can use it to get friends," I said to him. His smiled left his face, leaving him with a shocked expression. I just winked and took a sip of my orange juice.
"You aren't serious are you?" I almost spit out my juice as he said that.
"What!"
"I mean, are you kidding?" He laughed at my sudden stupidity. I joined in on the laughing, as he took a seat next to me.
"Yes. Of course I am joking! Besides I'm not that good," I answered. I chuckled and glanced at his face.
"What classes do you have today?" I picked up my schedule and held it in front of me. He leaned in closer to my face so he could see it; his breathe on my neck was warm and his scent was overwhelming. I had to use my hand to keep me from falling over. 'Dammit! You're falling apart again! Come on Black!' "You're free right now?"
"That's what it says. Then transfiguration, followed by lunch, then Care of Magical Creatures, with Slytherin."
"Good we do have a class together," he grinned, then kissed my cheek. I could feel more blood rushing to my head. Oh god . . . "See you in lunch Blackie." He got up and went over to his table. I watched him entertain the others; I suppose he was making fun of Harry's fainting spell on the train. I found it very funny. The trio walked in as Draco pretended to faint, Harry didn't find it one bit of it funny.
"Hey, Potter!" Shrieked the Slytherin girl from earlier. "Potter! The dementors are coming, Potter! Woooooooo!" I followed them with my eyes as they sat down by another redhead. I collected my books and walked out the Great Hall, determined to get the summer homework for Transfiguration done before class started.
A/N: Anyway. Yes I know the speech Dumbledore said took up a bit of time, actually all together it is- 390 words :P Pay attention to those other girls. They will be very important later. Hint hint.