A/N: I've finally taken the time to put up the betaed story by my new beta Kim.

None of these characters are mine except the obvious. The Harry Potter characters belong to the amazing J.K Rowling. Please review.

Chapter 1 - I'm Home

Emotions were running wildly through her body as she looked up at the colossal form looming in front of her. Her traveling cloak and curly, ruby red hair were blowing freely in the breeze as she strolled silently up the stone steps.

"I'm home," Laura said quietly to herself.

Suddenly, the humongous doors of Hogwarts sprang open, and a tall elderly man with a long white beard and half-moon glasses came striding toward her with his arms stretched out. "Welcome! Welcome, Miss Jones! I trust your trip went well."

"Yes, quite well. Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," she replied as she returned the friendly embrace.

Smiling brightly, he offered his arm and asked, "Shall we go inside then? I'm sure you would like to freshen up before supper."

Laura nodded, but before they could even take a step, he paused and looked around him.

"Where is your sister? I'm sure we sent her a letter this year," he said in a concerned voice.

"Oh, yes, she received her letter and was quite excited, but she wanted to ride the Hogwarts Express with all the other students. In the meantime, she went to stay at our aunt and uncle's."

"Very well then. Shall we continue?"

Nodding, they continued into the castle.

They walked in silence until they reached the 4th corridor. When they stopped in front of a portrait of a woman wearing a yellow bonnet, Dumbledore said, "The house elves have taken your belongings to your quarters, and I'll send one to tell you when supper will start if you would like to join us."

Dumbledore then turned his attention to the portrait.

"Password?" asked the woman.

"Carpe Diem," Dumbledore replied.

The portrait opened to reveal a doorway, and then Dumbledore turned back to Laura and said, "This will be your living quarters. If you need anything, I'm sure you know where my office is after your many years as a Slytherin."

With that, he smiled and left her to explore her new living space.

A/N: My very first chater...Make my day and review. Thanks to my beta Kim.

"Carpe Diem." is Latin

Which means, "seize the day" or "take the opportunity."