Chapter 41: Daniel Smith

Daniel was up reasonably early the next morning. He took a quick run through the shower, then dressed in one of his new uniforms. Included in the clothing had been several red and gold hair bands; whoever had delivered it had known that he would need them. He was not surprised, after that self-updating letter the night before, very little would have surprised him.

The thing he had the most trouble with was his tie; after ten minutes of trying to figure it out, Ron took pity on him and showed him how. "You don't wear ties much, do you?"

"No," Daniel said. "Where I came from, closest thing they had to a school uniform was these ratty and stained white T-shirts with 'Morning Sun Boys' Home' stencilled on them."

"So it was an orphanage?" Ron asked. At Daniel's curt nod, he pressed: "What about your parents?"

"I never knew them," Daniel admitted. It seemed easier to talk to Ron than to talk to the whole group. "I lived at Morning Sun for three years, before that it was foster homes."

"Oh." Ron managed a near half-Windsor. "That'll do, I think."

"Thanks." Daniel headed downstairs, hungry once again. The tables were not covered with the awe-inspiring feast of the night before, but they were laden with toast, pancakes, bacon, eggs, kippers, porridge, and several beverages.

The blond-haired brat, Malfoy, made a few disparaging remarks about Magenta's hair as her was arriving, but she laughed him off. He and his two thugs (Daniel had mentally rechristened them "Dumb" and Dumber") backed off when Daniel and Cassandra arrived, obviously they weren't into fair fights. He would find out just how true that was later on.

The week began well enough. Daniel had a natural aptitude for transfiguring things: he managed to turn a matchstick into a reasonable likeness of a needle; only Hermione Granger's work was comparable. History of Magic was dull, but everyone seemed to agree. Daniel spent the class doodling on his paper. Then came potions. Snape was too busy tormenting Harry to bother with anyone else. Daniel's boil-curing mixture wasn't the greatest, but at least he didn't melt his cauldron or set himself on fire.

He left the classroom late, having been last in line to wash out his cauldron, and he took a wrong turn. Instead of heading to the staircases, he found himself at the Slytherin entrance. He quickly turned around and hurried back the way he came. Halfway there, something wrenched his feet out from under him. Swearing, he went down, his wand and cauldron clattering away.

Malfoy and his two cronies walked up. "Tripping hex, mudblood," Malfoy explained, grinning lazily.

"What is it with you so-called pure-bloods?" Daniel said in response. "Is it the inbreeding? It's not something I'd be proud of, knowing that my parents were related."

Crabbe and Goyle did not comprehend, but Malfoy did; his face darkened. "Crabbe! Goyle!" he pointed at Daniel. Obediently, they grabbed him by each arm.

"Very impressive, Malfreak," Daniel spat. "Can they sit and roll over, too? Arghhhh!" The last came when Malfoy's fist hit his stomach.

"There's your first lesson in respect, mudblood," Malfoy said.

Daniel didn't bother with wit. He rammed the heel of his shoe down on Crabbe's toe. Crabbe staggered, just for a moment, but it caused him to lower his head, and a split second later, Daniel had his ear in his mouth. Screaming, Crabbe released him. Goyle followed suit a moment later when Daniel jabbed a finger in his eye.

Malfoy tried to fall back, but too late. Daniel's fist ploughed into his nose, flattening it. He fell on his butt, blood splattering his new silver and green tie. Smoothly, Daniel snatched up his cauldron and used it as a bludgeon, knocking Crabbe and Goyle to the floor as well. Leisurely, he recovered his wand. "I hope the ensuing lessons are equally fun, Malfizzle," he said, and headed for the stairs. It would have been the perfect exit, had he not bumped into a Slytherin prefect right then.

Professor McGonagall, summoned from her office because the main offender appeared to be in her house, glared at the foursome. "All right. What happened here?"

Malfoy and Daniel spoke as one. McGonagall pointed at Malfoy. "You first," she said.

"He insulted us," Malfoy said, holding a hanky over his still-bleeding nose. "Said we were all inbred. Then, when Crabbe and Goyle tried to grab him and throw him out, he attacked us all. And he beat them with his cauldron."

McGonagall eyed the two thugs. Both had lumps rising on their heads, lending credence to Malfoy's tale. "Mr. Smith? Is this true?"

"He left out some stuff," Daniel said. "Like the tripping hex he used on me."

"That's not true!" Malfoy was outraged. "I never touched my wand!"

"Then you won't object to me seeing it," McGonagall said. Receiving the implement, she tapped it with her own. "Priori Incantatem." As the four boys watched, a tiny image formed in the air, of pink lightning shooting from the wand and a boy being tripped. "Interesting. Looks like a tripping hex to me. Mr. Smith, perhaps you had better tell me what happened. Mr. Malfoy seems unreliable."

Daniel told the truth. He had learned long ago that telling an authority figure that you were blameless and pure rarely worked, and made them distrust you afterwards.

McGonagall glared at them all, then spoke. "Very well. Mr. Malfoy, five points from Slytherin for illegal hexing, and five more for starting trouble. Mr. Smith, ten points from Gryffindor for your disgusting insinuation about their parents." She turned back to Malfoy and his thugs. "And thirty points from Slytherin, ten each, for your assault on him."

"What about what he did to us?" Malfoy shouted. "He almost tore Crabbe's ear off!"

"I do not punish students for acts of self-preservation, Mr. Malfoy. The three of you assaulted a smaller student, and he was not obligated to fight fair." Daniel stuck out his tongue at Malfoy, and McGonagall effortlessly went on: "Five points from Gryffindor for that, Mr. Smith."

"Sorry," Daniel said.

"In addition, you will all serve detention at eight o'clock tonight. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, you will assist our caretaker, Argus Filch, in his duties. Mr. Smith, our esteemed Herbology professor needs help in degnoming Greenhouse One. Any questions?"

"No," Malfoy said. Daniel shook his head.

"You are dismissed," McGonagall said. "Stay out of trouble in the future, or next time the penalty will be far more severe."

Daniel headed for Gryffindor, and his head of house fell into step beside him. "You have fine taste in enemies, Mr. Smith."

"You can call me Daniel. Smith is just a name they assigned to me when I was born because my mother called herself that."

"As you wish, though I call all students by surname in class. And no, you don't get to call me 'Minerva'?"

"Wasn't asking to. Who were those three pr… uh, persons?"

"The blond one was Draco Malfoy. I attended school with his grandfather, and his father is a school governor. They've been involved in some terrible things over the years. Many of the very things you learn to defend against here."

"Speaking of which, I looked for some books on defensive magic, but they're all in the restricted section. What's up with that?"

McGonagall sighed. "You would be interested in that, wouldn't you. Very well, I will make you a deal. If you can stay out of trouble for the remainder of the month, I will give you permission to take out a copy of one of the premiere texts on the subject. Fair enough?"

"Fair enough."

"Very well then Daniel. Good day."

Chapter 42: Cassandra Serenity

Cassandra awoke the next morning to the sounds of the other girls in her dorm room getting up and heading out for their first day of classes. Pulling open the heavy drapes that surrounded her bed Cassandra could see that Magenta was up as was Alondra, Erin, and Lavender. Hermione had already headed down to the great hall for breakfast and Parvati was still in bed with the drapes done up tightly around it.

Slipping from beneath the warm covers Cassandra felt a shiver as the first bit of cool air hit her body. Bracing she thought to herself as she moved over to her drawers. Pulling out the common Gryffindor uniform and one of her black robes Cassandra headed out for a warm shower before starting her day. The warm water felt good and she was soon wide awake and ready for the day.

After having gotten dressed and brushing her hair into a nice manageable state, Cassandra followed some of the other Gryffindor's back down the maze of stairways to the great hall. Harry, Ron, Magenta and Erin were all already sitting down to eat when Cassandra strolled up beside them and took a seat next to Magenta.

"Oh, this looks so good" was all Cassandra could manage, as she looked the large stacks of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and other treats in front of her.

"Sure is" said Ron through a mouth full of eggs as he helped himself to another serving of sausage.

Filling up her plate with some pancakes and bacon, Cassandra watched as the schedules were handed out to each of the students. Glancing over it as she took a bite of pancake with butter and honey syrup, she noticed that she would be having Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall, History with Professor Binns, Potions with Professor Snape, Herbology with Professor Sprout, Charms with Professor Flitwick, Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Quirrell, and Astronomy with Professor Sinistra. The schedule didn't seem too bad in Cassandra's eyes and she was just happy to be here right now.

Transfiguration was not what Cassandra had expected at all. Professor McGonagall was very strict and powerful. The first day of class she had turned her desk into a pig and back again in the blink of an eye. The whole class had been very impressed, but realized quickly that they would not be working on doing anything like that for some time. Instead they were assigned to try and change a match into a needle. Hermione was the only one to get it to be both silver and pointy. Cassandra hand managed to turn it silver or pointy, but never both at the same time.

History with Professor Binns was about as action packed as watching laundry dry. His monotone voice and seemingly uninterested demeanour left most students hanging their heads down and falling asleep quickly. Only Hermione seemed to be able to stay fully awake in his class and even Cassandra wondered how she did it.

Double potions with Professor Snape was anything, but boring on the other hand. The air in the dungeons classroom was thick with tension. Professor Snape seemed to have some unknown hatred for Harry and everyone could see it in each look and with every sentence he spoke to him. Cassandra wondered what Harry could have done to upset Snape so early on in the year, but then wondered if Snape really needed a reason to be upset.

Juliet, Cassandra's mother, had gone to school with Snape and she had few good things to say about the man. Of course she rarely spoke as it was, but that only made Cassandra's feelings towards the man more pronounced. If her mother had disliked him enough to tell her about him that meant he was bad news.

Charms, so far, had to be Cassandra's favourite class. Professor Flitwick was both funny and interesting in Cassandra's eyes. When he toppled down from his books at mentioning Harry's name Cassandra couldn't help, but let out a tiny giggle. His cheer and mirth filled Cass with a very strong warm feeling and she liked that.

Every first year seemed to be looking forward to one subject in particular which was Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Quirrell. However, after having met Professor Quirrell the excitement seemed to fizzle out. He was a rather scared man it seemed and everything or anything would just about set him off. He also had a distinct smell to him that seemed to follow him wherever he went.

With Potions being the last class for the week Cassandra relaxed happily in the Gryffindor common room. The fire was bright and she was now waiting for Magenta to finish up some studying in the Library. As Cassandra waited she replayed the last week in her mind. It had had its ups and downs, but it had been a good first week and most important of all was that she had not yet been awoken in the night by her dreams. This thought made Cassandra very happy even though she knew it was only a matter of time before that fact would change.

Chapter 43: Alondra Bracho

"Alondra, please pass me the powdered toad stool. Alondra? Alondra!" Hermione Granger called annoyed at her blonde haired partner. Alondra was busy looking to Sebastian across the room, sitting with a girl with short black hair and black eyes. He seemed annoyed at her constant chit chatter, and twice almost spilled over his cauldron in frustration. Alondra frowned and sighed deeply. Hermione followed her gaze and haughtily crossed her arms over her chest.

"Alondra, would you please pay attention to our assignment at hand and forget all about that boy over there! Honestly, you'd think you fancy him or something," Hermione said curtly. Alondra turned her head to look at her and narrowed her eyes angrily.

"Ok, Hermione, I get it! I'm sorry for dozing off, but don't say things that aren't true. Sebastian is my friend...my best friend...or at least I hope he still is," Alondra replied and her expression became soft and sad. Hermione breathed in deep, but shrugged.

"It's ok, Alondra. Just pass me the toad stool, all right." Hermione told her, her own tone at her a little gentler, since she had noticed the sad look on Alondra's face. Alondra went to the contents cupboard and took the vile that contained the toad stool and brought it back to Hermione.

"Here you go. Are we almost done?" Alondra asked, taking her seat again. Hermione carefully added the ingredient and a soft purple smoke rose from their cauldron. Hermione smiled proudly.

"We are now. And I'm sure Professor Snape won't find anything wrong with it this time," Hermione replied as she began to clean up around them. Alondra beamed happily.

"You're a natural, Hermione! I'm glad I'm your partner," Alondra said looking into her cauldron curiously. Hermione smiled a small genuine smile.

"Thank you, Alondra. I enjoyed being your partner as well. Despite that little minute or so you "dozed off", you were very helpful and quite talented at recognizing ingredients...well, considering you told me you had never done any kind of magical potion mix before," Hermione explained, Alondra smiled.

"Well, well, well. Miss Granger...Miss Bracho, I assume your potion is complete," Professor Snape drawled, Hermione nodded proudly and Alondra bit the inside of her cheek worriedly. Snape smirked not amused, and took a peek into their cauldron.

"Hmm... purple smoke...I specifically asked for...burgundy," Snape suddenly said, Alondra gasped and Hermione frowned angrily.

"I'm sorry, Professor, but you said the final result would be a cloud of purple smoke, not burgundy- I specifically recall your example and-" Hermione tried to say, but Snape scowled.

"5 points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger, for not following directions and daring to question my instructions," Snape bellowed and then walked away haughtily to his desk. His black robes, flowing like bat wings about him. Alondra shivered unconsciously and looked to Hermione carefully. Hermione looked beyond upset and on the verge of tears. Alondra frowned and softly patted her back, comfortingly.

"It's ok, Hermione. Don't listen to Professor Snape, we know what we heard, he's just being an arse!" Alondra said annoyingly. Hermione sniffled and rubbed her eyes, quickly. She smiled slowly.

"Thanks, Alondra," she said and breathed in now calm. Alondra giggled.

"Don't worry, we'll earn triple those points in Transfiguration, you'll see!" Alondra then said and Hermione actually chuckled and nodded. Alondra nodded, content that she had been able to make her stiff new friend laugh. She then looked up and saw Sebastian looking at her steadily. Alondra then flashed him a brilliant smile, stuck her tongue out at him playfully, and crossed her eyes goofily. Sebastian cracked a smile and then laughed freely, shaking his head at her contagious sense of humour. Alondra giggled and turned to finish helping Hermione clean up and head to their next class.

"I think he's still your best friend," Hermione said softly and smiled teasingly to Alondra. Alondra looked to her amazed at her playful remark, but beamed at it's meaning happily.

"Oh, I hope, Hermione. Sebastian is a great friend, and who cares if he's in Slytherin and I'm in Gryffindor we will always be friends, right?" Alondra replied giddily. Hermione shrugged lightly. Alondra nodded sure of herself and looked to where Sebastian was gathering his things and heading out the door. Alondra sighed deeply.

"Best friends for life," Alondra whispered and rushed to catch up with Hermione who was already out the classroom.

"Alondra! Hey, Allie!" a distinct voice called, Alondra spun around and saw Katie Bell rushing over to her. Alondra smiled.

"Hi, Katie! What's going on?" Alondra replied, the older blonde stopped infront of her and caught her breath quickly.

"I have something for you... err... from that boy you said was your best friend," Katie said and handed her a sealed letter.

"Sebastian! Oh, thanks, Katie! But how? Why?" Alondra asked confused as to how Sebastian gave Katie a letter for her and why. Katie shrugged and rubbed Alondra's arm in a sisterly comfort.

"Don't know, Allie. But he looked anxious...and besides I'd do anything for the sake of a true friendship. And you and Sebastian seem to have that..." Katie told Alondra sweetly. Alondra beamed happily and hugged the letter to her.

"Thanks, Katie...I'll see you soon, then?" Alondra said, Katie nodded.

"Have fun, oh and stay out of mischief...ok, I'm acting too much like a big sister here...bye, Allie!" Katie called and took off hurriedly. Alondra breathed in deep and looked down to the letter in her little hands. She wanted to open it then and there, but she'd wait til after dinner to really be able to read it.

That night at dinner, Alondra ate as much as her anxious stomach could hold and excused herself quickly from the table.

"What's the rush, Alondra?" Magenta asked, as she took a sip of her pumpkin juice. Hermione, Cassandra, Oliver, and Angelina quirked a curious brow, and Katie seemed to smile at her from down the table.

"Um...just gotta catch up on my potions homework...I want to be able and relax after my first week here," Alondra quickly replied and grinned.

"See you all, later," she called and rushed out of the Great Hall. As she ran up to Gryffindor tower, she pulled Sebastian's letter out of her robes. She went to stand beneath a very luminous torch and opened the letter quickly.

Dear Persephone,

Have you been having fun without me? Because, I've had plenty without you. Just kidding! It's hard for me to say this, 'cuz you know I hate being mushy and all...but I do miss you 'Sephone. You're the only one that understands my constant silence and 'arrogance'. The kids in Slytherin are ok, they're great, but they're ok. A bit too snobby for me and that's saying a lot! Anyway, I'm probably bothering you considering as to how many new friends you've got. Just wanted to check in and let you know that I hadn't laughed all week since we've been here, and today it felt nice...especially knowing that you made me laugh...just like old times! Well, I better go. Draco Malfoy is bothering some kid right now...maybe you know him, he has a Gryffindor patch on his robes...short, long brown hair. Whoa! That kid can fight! Ooops! Sorry, 'Sephone. Tell Katie that I appreciate her getting this letter to you, and all. Take care and write back if you like and can. Don't get into any trouble!...without me!

FOX'

Alondra had tears of joy in her eyes as she finished reading the letter. So they were still friends! She knew Sebastian would still be her friend, despite his house and that weird mood he was in during the sorting ceremony. Alondra laughed happily and hugged the letter tightly to her chest. She carefully folded it and put it back in her robes. She breathed contently and continued walking to the Common Room, thinking how she would thank Katie greatly for being Sebastian's 'messenger' and already noting what she would say in the letter she would write back to Sebastian. As she stood in front of the fat lady portrait and said the password, she practically danced into the Common Room. She then noticed that Cassandra and Magenta were talking animatedly by the fire and curiosity got the best of Alondra.

"What sounds like fun?" she asked the two girls, walking over to them.

"Well, we were thinking we could explore the castle this weekend. Do you want to come?" Magenta said.

"Sure, that does sound like fun!" Alondra agreed and they agreed to meet in the Great Hall the next morning at eight. Alondra waved goodnight and quickly made her way to her dormitory. She hastily brushed her teeth and hair, and put on her sleeping attire. She got some parchment and a lantern and closed the drapes around her bed.

"Ok, I need total concentration... "Dear, Fox..." Alondra said to herself as she wrote her letter to Sebastian for most of the night.

Chapter 44: Magenta Coldren

The first class of the day, History of Magic, was very dull. The only interesting part was the teacher. Professor Binns was a ghost who apparently didn't notice he was, well, dead. Magenta found it very hard to pay attention while he read form the book in a toneless voice. She spent the entire time drawing cartoons, something that Magenta enjoyed and was pretty good at.

The rest of the day went nicely, as did the rest of the week. Magenta didn't like Potions or History of Magic, but she loved Transfiguration and Charms. Defence Against the Dark Arts was an enjoyable time, though she didn't like the teacher. Professor Quirrell was a bit fidgety, he was the one she'd seen talking to Professor Snape.

By the end of the week, she had decided that Astronomy and Herbology were the best, besides Transfiguration. It was a good week, as far as school went.

Magenta entered the Common Room to find Cassandra sitting there, reading. She sat down next to her.

"Hey Cass," she said lightly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Well, what do you have planned for this weekend?" she asked, leaning back and massaging her neck. Magenta had been in the library reading, and keeping her head in that position for so long was a bit painful after a while.

"Oh, hi Magenta. Um, this weekend? I don't know... what about you?" she asked, tilting her head to the side. Magenta thought for a moment.

"Well, we could check out the castle..." she said. Cassandra smiled.

"That sounds like fun!" she said happily, closing her book.

"What sounds like fun?" asked Alondra, walking over to them.

"Well, we were thinking we could explore the castle this weekend. Do you want to come?" Magenta said.

"Sure, that does sound like fun!" she said. They agreed to meet in the Great Hall the next morning at eight.

They talked for a bit more. Magenta went up to the dormitory early, she wasn't a morning person, and she would have to wake up fairly early tomorrow. So she decided to get an early start on some shut eye.

Chapter 45: Cassandra Serenity

Darkness surrounded Cassandra from all sides, a deep darkness that held no light or even a flicker of shadow within its depths. The black world around her seemed to go on forever in all directions. Neither leading up nor down nor side-to-side the space left devoid of anything, even sound. Just as Cassandra tried to move and run from within the murky black, a light appeared. A light from the heavens shown down into the ink colored surroundings casting a small circle of visible space. As Cassandra began to run towards it a figure appeared, no two figures.

Harry was standing in the center of the light looking at, himself. The two Harry's were identical in all ways and staring at each other with their intense emerald green eyes. Neither moved nor spoke, but only continued to look at each other. It was then that Cassandra heard it. A high-pitched laughter echoed through the bleak silence. The sound of it gripped Cassandra's heart with fear and left her with a feeling of terrible dread. Something else was out there in the darkness and by the look on Harry's face he knew it as well.

A shiver went up Cassandra's body as she listened to the echoing laughter. It was then that something from the dark reached out and grabbed her. Holding her tight it moved around her squeezing her tighter and tighter as she struggled under its hold. She tried to scream, but the breath was being pushed from her lungs by the twisting arms, which had ensnared her. Each small breath was like stinging pain as the arms constricted tighter. Just as her last breath of air was being pushed from her lungs Cassandra saw someone step into the light with Harry, someone or something.

Cassandra jumped bolt upright, flailing her arms into the darkness to remove the arms which held her only to find that no arms where around her. Sweat soaked her skin and her sheets, but she was safe, safe in her own bed at Hogwarts. It had only been a dream she told herself trying to comfort herself from the frightening experience.

Yes, her dreams had returned. Those frightful dreams which invaded her sleep and left her thankful to wake up at all. They always felt so real and she truly feared that some night she would not awaken from them. Cassandra pulled her legs up in front of herself and wrapped her arms around them. Slowly rocking in the silence dorm room trying to convince herself that everything was alright once again.

Her grandmother had told her that her dreams were a gift, but Cassandra could see no gift in the fear and terror that they brought with them. This is why Cassandra rarely slept and would spend her nights at home reading or walking the gardens in the pale moons light. However, there was no garden here at Hogwarts and she did not want to wake her fellow roommates.

Pulling her hanging curtains back slowly Cassandra tried hard to not make a sound. Grabbing her bed robe she tiptoed to the door of the dorm room and quietly opened the solid wood door. Slipping out the door she closed it behind her without making a noise.

As she descended the steps into the Gryffindor common room Cassandra notice three house elves moving about picking up here and there. Looking up the three house elves saw the pale looking red head in a burgundy bed robe and hurried to the base of the stairs to meet her.

"Oh miss, you should be asleep" said the first one, who wore a pink colored pillow case like a dress.

"Yes, young mistresses should not be up this late" said another, who wore a dark blue loin cloth made out of cotton bath towels.

"Can we get you anything?" said the final house elf, who had on a hunter green colored sheet tied like a toga.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone would be up this late" said Cassandra as the house elves all stared up at her.

Cassandra knew all about house elves, her own family had one named Rosie. Rosie had been one of Cassandra's best friends growing up. Cassandra had never had many real human friends, but she had made good friends with Rosie and thought of her just as a sister.

"We house elves are always up late" said the one wearing the pink dress.

"Yes, yes always up" said the one in blue "need to take care of castle for young masters and mistresses."

"Do it at night to not be seen" said the one in green finally.

"Oh I see, I didn't realize that Hogwarts had house elves, but I guess it would need too to keep up with everything done here" said Cassandra after a moments thought. "Um, may I ask what your names are?" Cassandra asked tentatively, she knew that not all house elves where friendly, but these three seemed to be.

"Panthe" answered the one in the pink dress. Cassandra assumed that she must be a girl with her name and pink dress.

"Orest" answered the one in the blue loincloth. He appeared to be the oldest of the three and quite old at that.

"Quistle" answered the one in the green toga. Cassandra thought he looked younger than the other two.

Panthe reminded Cassandra of Rosie a bit with her awkwardly warm smile. While Orest looked old enough to be her great grandfather. Quistle looked as energetic as one could possibly be without bursting out of their own skin and Cassandra instantly knew that she would like all three of them.

"It's very nice to meet you all" Cassandra said while smiling down at all three of her new friends.

Each of the house elves looked very surprised. They had never been talked to before with such care, except for from Dumbledore of course. Each of them smiled in return to Cassandra and took her hand in a friendly hand shake as she extended it to them.

Several nights passed and Cassandra, Panthe, Orest, and Quistle had set up a wonderful night time routine. Each night Cassandra would awaken from a nightmare or not go to sleep at all. After looking to see if it was safe and the prefects where asleep she would slip from her room down into the common room where she would talk with the three house elves. Quistle would often bring with him some wonderful treats for Cassandra so that she didn't get hungry while staying up late.

Cuddled by the fire in the common room Cassandra would watch as the house elves cleaned the tower, sometimes offering to help, but always being refused politely. Cassandra would tell stories about Rosie and the forest near where she lived. Sometimes she would even read books aloud so that everyone could hear. This was her special time and she loved it.

If she did peacefully slip off to dreamland Panthe would use her magic to take Cassandra up to bed and tuck her in tightly or the three of them would get a blanket and let her sleep comfortably on the couch in the common room. This first night with the trio was one such night and Cassandra had finally managed to fall to sleep after spending a few hours with Panthe, Orest, and Quistle. Panthe levitated Cassandra up to her room and pulled back the tussled sheets as she lowered Cassandra softly into bed. Pulling the covers up over Cassandra's small frame and shutting the curtains to block out the soon to be rising sun. Cassandra happily snuggled back into her bed with new and happier thoughts filling her head. Hopefully those new thoughts would be able to abate the nightmares, which had awoken her earlier that evening.

Chapter 46: Rachael Jones

Ray didn't think she could feel any worse, but you know what they say, "it can ALWAYS get worse". Well that worse was in front of her.

To Rachael,

I am disappointed that you are in Slytherin. I would have accepted any other house BUT Slytherin, I have arranged for you to spend the summer holidays at your great Aunts house. DO NOT disappoint me any further.

Your Father.

Henry

'Both parents don't want me, one because I'm a witch, the other because of the house I was put in… stupid hat' she thought, remembering the sorting ceremony.

"Rachael Jones" announced Professor McGonagall.

She received encouraging smiles from Dorian and Erin as she made her way up to the three legged stool.

"Ray Jones, hmmm… where to put you?" said the hat before looking through her mind even more…. "Better be…. Slytherin…"

She vaguely remembered hearing Erin and Dorian gasp in shock, before she made her way over to the Slytherin table.

Well living in Slytherin territory wasn't any fun, once everyone had found out she was a half blood, that her mum was a muggle, no one had talked to her. The normally bright and bubbly 10 year old (yes she was only 10, she was turning 11 in late November and Dumbledore had given her dad a choice, he could send her there early or wait a year.) not only had no friends, but the ones she thought she had made on the trip to school were ignoring her as if she had the plague…

The first week was hell, literally, she got cold really easy, and so living in the dungeons under the lake, it was constantly cold and damp, leaving her spirits in much the same way. Because she had encountered such prejudges she had fallen back on her old behaviour, she simply sunk into the backdrop. Unless she was asked something she said nothing, not that it happened, being a Slytherin the only class she was likely to be asked anything, Potions, Snape seemed to want to mock Harry Potter. Every other class she was just ignored.

She sat at the Slytherin table in the great hall, she sat in the corner in as much shadow as she could find, it was Saturday morning, she had dressed in a pair of navy blue tracksuit pants with a baby blue stripe about 3inchs wide down each leg, with a fitted baby blue baby T'shirt.

She looked over at the Gryffindor table, at the people that she thought may be her friends, Erin sat with three other girls and the American boy. They were all chatting like they had been friends for every, oh how she missed someone to talk to.

The side door to the great hall opened and she saw her head of house Professor Snape enter, as soon as he left, she would follow him, she needed to practise her gymnastics, and he would know where she could practise, it was her outlet, if she couldn't practise, she would go mad, she already had moved less than ever before in her life. She was going to need to have a looooong session today.

Professor Snape could feel eyes watching him, he looked from table to table expecting to see someone watching him, but he couldn't see anyone… Wait, he narrowed his eyes at the opposite end of his house's table, yes one of the first years, what was her name? Something male wasn't it? Ray… Ray Jones, she was watching him from the shadows.

He got up from the head table and walked over to her.

"Miss Jones, a moment of your time please," he ordered. She got up and followed him back to his office.

"Sir?" she said uncertainly.

"Miss Jones, I contrary to popular belief I am approachable, is there anything I can do to help you?" he asked softly, noticing a look of fear flashing across her features, he knew that this would be another individual case.

"umm…" she started before Professor Snape started speaking again.

"How are you fitting in?" he asked.

"I'm not," she said in a small voice. "No one likes me because I'm a half blood, my mums was a muggle, and dad was a wizard," she added quickly, hoping not to anger the Professor.

"What do you mean by was? Have they passed?" he asked, wondering why he wasn't informed that the child's parents had died.

"When mum found out I was a witch she hasn't wanted to have anything to do with me, and once dad found out that I was sorted into Slytherin he disowned me, telling me I had to stay with some Aunt I've never met over the summer holidays," she quickly rambled, not noticing the look of fury that passed over the professors features.

"Oh…" was all he got to say, before Ray cut in again.

"Professor, look its not a big deal, what I wanted to speak to you about was I'm a gymnast, and I was wondering if there was anywhere I could practise?" she said quickly.

"Miss Jones, I will have to speak to the Headmaster before I can answer that question, as to the other matter, if you say it is nothing, then I wont say anything, other than my door is always open, day or night," he said getting up and showing her to the door, "I will let you know what the Headmaster says tomorrow."

It was the longest day in history, it seemed that everywhere things reminded her of what she was missing out on, friends walking around the lake, Quidditch practice on the Quidditch pitch, everywhere people having fun.

It also didn't help that Malfoy and his two goons had tripped her up outside the great hall and she had twisted her ankle, so even if Professor Snape told her she could practice, she wouldn't be able to. She wouldn't tell anyone what happened, she had learnt a long time ago that people who dobbed others in only made things worse for themselves.

Now she was sitting in her normal spot at the Slytherin table, trying unsuccessfully to sink into the backdrop.

"Miss Jones," her head snapped up, 'again' she thought, she got up and followed Professor Snape back to his office, trying not to limp.

"Professor?" she asked.

"Sit down and please tell me why you are limping?" he asked in a concerned voice. Ray blushed the colour of her hair.

"Ummm…"

"Miss Jones, do I need to remind you that I am your Professor and head of house and as such I wont have you lying to me," he said forcefully.

"It was Malfoy sir, he tripped me after lunch," she said, looking at the floor. "He said that filthy Mudbloods shouldn't allowed in Hogwarts let alone Slytherin."

"Ahh, well Mr. Malfoy has very defined beliefs, beliefs that have been drummed into him since he was born, mind you that doesn't give him the right to injure fellow students," Professor Snape said, "Now onto the other matter, the Headmaster has informed me that unfortunately there is no space that you can use that is properly set up with safety precautions, however he has told me that if I teach you some cushioning charms you should be able to practise outside during the warmer months, and during winter, we can find you an old classroom for you to charm," he said, "How does this sound?"

"Thank you Professor, when can I learn the charm?" she asked, perking up at the prospect of being able to practise again, even if it was only the floor routine she could work on.

"I will make you a swap, Miss Jones, you help me on Sunday mornings with some ingredient preparation, and we can start tomorrow afternoon, how does that sound?" he said.

"Sure," she said happily, "umm, are you sure I will be a help?" she quickly and quietly asked.

"I'm sure I can find something for you to do Miss Jones," he said smirking.

"Thank you Professor," she said getting up to leave, knowing that her time was up.

"Miss Jones, before you go, will you please take these to Madam Pomfrey in the Infirmary, and whilst your there have her take a look at your ankle," he said sternly, handing her a box filled with potions. "I will have a talk to Mr Malfoy."

"Thank you sir." She said.

Chapter 47: Cassandra Serenity

The dawn soon rose over the majestic castle, bringing with it streaks of golden light that filtered through each windowpane. The warm glow that accompanied each ray of light swept through the first year girl's dorm room, filling it with a soft light that beckoned the girls to awaken from the silent slumber. Even with currents drawn and blankets covering eyes, the light still seemed to penetrate through the lingering effects of the sandman's latest visit. With her eyes shut tight as she tried desperately to hold on the last traces of sleep even Cassandra could not deny the light and slowly began to rise.

She had had little sleep really. Between the nightmare, which had invaded in on her slumber and her joyful night of meeting Panthe, Orest, and Quistle, Cassandra had only had about four hours of rest. However, she was most used to this lack of sleep and pulled herself together rather quickly.

Cassandra could hear Magenta stirring in the bed next to her. Magenta being one of the few people Cassandra had met on the train ride, she was very happy that Magenta would be bunking near her for their time at Hogwarts. Cassandra could also see that Erin's drapes were open, but she was no longer in the room. A set of fresh clothing waiting on her bed told Cassandra that she must be in the shower right now.

Surveying the room Cassandra also noticed that Alondra was sitting by the windowsill with a rather sad expression on her face. Upon seeing Cassandra looking at her Alondra gave a soft smile and the expression of sadness, which had hung on her face, disappeared. She now looked more neutral, though still Cassandra wondered if she was just trying to put on a strong face while inside something else was going on.

Some of the other occupants of the room were still hanging on the last embers of sleep. Lavender, Parvati, and the ever-quiet Holly were all still raging against the light and defying its call to morning. All three seemed to be happily engaged in blissful dreams and Cassandra, for a moment, envied the easy with which they all slept.

Hermione as always was gone from the room. She rarely spent much time with her other first years and Cassandra wondered why she felt she had to distance herself so much. She was most defiantly the smartest witch in their year and Cassandra knew that they could become good friends if given the opportunity, but no such opportunity had yet appeared.

Slipping from beneath the covers Cassandra pulled on her bed robe and fastened it tightly around her slender waist before moving to her dresser. What should I wear today? She pondered. There was no school today as it was the weekend finally and so Cassandra decided to pull out a soft blue dress that had an empire waist and bell sleeves. It had always made her feel like a princess when she wore it and she wanted to be that princess today.

After showering and drying her long scarlet hair, Cassandra stepped into the brushed cotton dress. The hem fell to just below her knees and when she would spin it would fan out around her like a parasol. This truly was one of her favourite dresses. Only one thing could make it better she decided as she walked back over to her dresser and pulled out a long strand of crystals and glass bobbles held together on a single string. Fastening into her scarlet hair she smiled inwardly at herself. She felt pretty.

Magenta was now finally out of bed and looking at Cassandra with a most puzzled look. It was a cross between bewilderment and abject horror.

"Why are you wearing that?" Magenta asked as she pulled out a pair of jeans and a black tee shirt from her dresser. "You do know that we don't have to dress up or anything for the weekends, don't you?" the last part was more of a question. As if Magenta couldn't believe someone would want to wear a dress of their own free accord.

"Yes, I know" said Cassandra with a soft smile. "I just like to dress this way" was her only reply.

Magenta shook her head for a moment while rolling her eyes. "Whatever makes you happy I guess" the sentence was dripping with sarcasm and Cassandra knew it, but didn't mind at all. The two girls where very different in some respects while completely the same in others.

"Hurry up so we can go and get some breakfast. I still want to explore the castle today if we can" Cassandra said as she sat on the end of her bed, waiting for Magenta to hurry off to the showers and return quickly.

Erin had re-entered the dorm room shortly before Cassandra and had changed and dressed in the mean time. Now she sat on her bed wearing a pair of faded blue jeans and a warm red colored top. Erin's short golden brown hair slightly curled out at the ends to make a very cute hairstyle. Upon hearing about exploring her ears seemed to perk up.

"Are you going to walk around the castle today?" she asked to Cassandra as Magenta had just left for the shower.

"Yep, we thought it might be nice to look around and see what the castle had to offer" Cassandra replied with a smile. "Would you like to come with us?"

"Sure, that sounds like fun" Erin was smiling lightly. "We can all go to breakfast together and then head out."

As Erin and Cassandra had been talking Alondra had returned to the room from her shower. Her strawberry blonde hair still wet while wrapped up in a towel. She moved purposefully to her bed where a soft brown skirt and ivory colored shirt waited for her.

"Alondra, are you still coming with us today to look around?" Cassandra asked as Alondra began to dress.

"Yep, I wouldn't miss it for anything" Alondra said with a joyful tone in her voice.

Cassandra had to stop and wonder about this girl. At times she was bright and bubbly like a child with too much sugar. However, other times she was withdrawn and had a haunted expression in her eyes. Cassandra could easily see the duality in her personality, but couldn't help understanding it to some extent. She herself sometimes seemed to be two different people.

"Ok, we're going to wait for Magenta to finish getting ready and then get something to eat. Does that sound alright to you?" Alondra nodded in agreement to Cassandra's question.

Just then Magenta reappeared dressed in her dark blue jeans and black tee shirt. Her shirt had some writing on it, but Cassandra couldn't make it out at first. After a moment she finally figured it out. It read, upside down, If you can read this your eye balls are upside down. Cassandra shook her head and laughed lightly to herself. Magenta's black hair with pink steaks pulled back into a pony tail and held in place with a simple black hair tie. She leaned on the door frame while standing inside of it.

"So, waiting for me?" Magenta said with a slight giggle.

"Yep" replied Cass as she got up to head down for breakfast. The other girls in the room who wanted to join them fell in behind her.

As Cassandra, Erin, Alondra, and Magenta entered the great hall they could see that the Gryffindor table had much fewer people at it then on the weekdays. However, there were still a few people that Cassandra recognized as she made her way to the table. Daniel, Hermione, and the red head twins where all still at the table. As well there were some other older students that Cassandra didn't recognize.

Coming up to where Daniel was seated Cassandra smiled and said "Hi Daniel." Cassandra still wasn't sure if Daniel preferred to be called Daniel or Dan, but as that he hadn't ever said anything Cassandra thought it was best to call him by his full name until he corrected her.

"Hi" Daniel said as he looked up and saw the group of girls coming towards him.

He was wearing the black school pants as well as the white shirt, but without the tie or the sweater. He also had on his school robes over everything else, but open down the front instead of done up as he would have worn them during school hours. His long brown hair neatly pulled back with a Gryffindor hair band into a ponytail. Cassandra had noticed that this was what he liked to wear most of the time if he could get away with it.

The group of girls sat down around Daniel and began to eat. Each girl grabbed some of their favourite foods and helped themselves to the pumpkin juice. Daniel said his hellos to everyone as they sat down and each returned his greeting.

"Umm... Daniel?" Cassandra started out tentatively. Daniel looked up at Cassandra with a questioning glace and Cassandra thought it enough to continue on. "All of us where thinking about exploring the castle today. You know get a feeling for what is where and see if we can find anything neat" Cassandra was starting to feel a bit shy. She knew so little about this boy and though he seemed nice sometimes, he also had another side that Cassandra had luckily only heard of and never seen herself.

"Yeah?" Daniel prodded her.

"Well, would you like to come with us?" Cassandra finished lamely.

Daniel didn't answer right away which gave Cassandra a weary feeling, as if she might have intruded on some personal space that she didn't know about. Feeling as though she needed to fix whatever mistake she had made she added in quickly. "You don't have to come if you don't want to of course."

Daniel nodded his head and spoke up "Yeah, I think I'd like to come."

A wave of relief washed over Cassandra. She really didn't like the idea of upsetting anyone and she had feared that she had done just that with Daniel. However, things seemed alright for now and she was happy about that.

"We thought we would head out after breakfast." Cassandra said as she finished the last of her pumpkin juice. Daniel just nodded his head again and Cassandra took that as a good sign.

After the group of first years had finished their breakfasts they had left the great hall and began to wonder the school grounds. They started with the first floor, but quickly found that even though you might think are on the first floor some times you could end up on the second or fourth floor without even noticing how it happen.

Each of the group seemed to be hoping to find something else as they wondered the castle. Alondra was excitedly awaiting the flying lessons that would start on Thursday. She hoped that she would do as well as the others and looked forward to the ability to fly in some of the practices with her new friends on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Daniel wondered if there was a duelling area anywhere in the castle so that he could practice some defensive and offensive spell work. Also he wondered if a magical castle would have any muggle weapons. He had always felt better with the knowledge of some way to defend himself.

Magenta's thoughts were wondering as they made their way up to the seventh hall. She wondered if there was any where that she could work on the drawings that she had always loved to do. A nice drawing table by an open window would be really nice she mused lightly to herself.

Erin was wondering what kind of Quidditch books the library might have. She hadn't yet been able to head down there and find out for herself. However, she hoped that they would have some good ones.

"Hey, I think we're a bit lost because I remember seeing this wall hanging before" said Cassandra as the group passed a wall hanging of a man trying to teach trolls ballet.

"Your right, I think I remember this as well" Magenta said looking at the wall hanging.

"Well I think we just need to head this way" said Daniel as he pointed down one corridor.

The group followed, but once again ended up in front of the same wall hanging. However, this time something was a little different. A single door stood on the wall opposite the wall hanging.

"Err, was this here before?" questioned Erin as she pointed at the thick wooden door.

"I don't think so" Cassandra said, not to sure herself as to the answer.

"Maybe we should try it" Magenta added in.

"I'll do it" said Daniel as he stepped forward.

Taking the door handle into his right hand he pushed lightly on the door and stepped inside the room. Looking over his shoulder he motioned for the girls to follow him in. Stepping through the door Cassandra's breath caught in her throat.

Before the group of first years was an amazing room. Large inside, but not more than half the size of the great hall, the room still had a cosy feel to it. However, the truly remarkable thing about this room was its ceilings, which reached up into the heavens. At least a 100 feet high, much higher than the great halls ceilings Cassandra thought to herself.

On the far side of the room was a beautiful flag stone fireplace with the warm glow of a fire burning in its hearth. A comfortable looking set of chairs and couches in front of the fire were very inviting to Cassandra as she looked at them. However, she wanted to look around the room some more. To the left there was a large window, which over looked the lake outside. In front of the window was a tilted table that Magenta was staring at with disbelief. To the right was a duelling stage and on the wall beyond it hung several types of weapons, both magical and muggle alike. The far wall which had the fireplace was also lined on both sides with bookshelves. Cassandra couldn't see the titles of any of the books, but she could see that there were hundreds of books if not more.

Stepping into the room a bit more, Cassandra moved beyond the rest of the group so that she could look at every portion of the room. On the back wall near the door there sat several brooms, which were held, in place in a wooden cabinet. There was also even more weapons that lined these walls, swords, daggers, staffs, and other weapons that Cassandra was less familiar with.

As Cassandra crossed the room to the warmth of the firelight she noticed a large box of chocolates with a small card on them as well as several bottles of butterbeer. Picking up the cards she read.

Please come in and have a stay,
Share some time and spend the day,
Enjoy your visit and come again,
Just a little something from a friend.

Cassandra passed the note on to the others in the group, a puzzled look on her face as she handed it off. What could this mean? she thought to herself. Are we supposed to just enjoy the room? Cassandra just wasn't sure what this could mean.

"So now what?" asked Daniel after he read the card.

Chapter 48: Daniel Smith

"Obviously, we do as the sign says," Magenta said decisively, and sat down at the drawing table.

The others couldn't argue with that; each turned their attention to the aspect of the room that appealed to them. Erin joined Magenta at the table, a large and colourful book about Quidditch in her hand. Daniel made a beeline for the duelling area. It was liked with swords of various lengths, daggers, staffs, two spears of different lengths, a battle-ax, an iron-headed mace, a trident, and a halberd, the weapon that Swiss foot soldiers used against armoured knights. All were weapons that he had wanted to learn. Also, there were a couple of wands on the wall, though no one was sure whose they were or why they were there. A single suit of armour stood in the midst of it. "It's perfect," he said. "Just what I imagined."

"It looks like an armoury," Alondra said. She was looking at the brooms in the case, wondering if it would be all right to take one out.

Daniel picked up a sword. "It's sort of an armoury, but not quite. It's a practice room. Feel the edge on this weapon."

Cassandra did. "It's dull."

Daniel examined the toys. "They all are. They're meant for practice, not actual fighting. Except maybe that one." He pointed to a glass case that hung on the wall. In it was a sword very different from the others, which were unpretentious, utilitarian weapons. The weapon in the case had a handle studded with rubies. Something was carved in the blade. Daniel read it. "Godric Gryffindor. He was our house's founder, right?"

Alondra nodded. "Are you going to take it out?"

Daniel reached for it, but something seemed to stop him. "Uh. . . no. I guess not."

"Why?" Cassandra queried.

"I don't know. It's just not meant for me to have." He picked up one of the practice swords. "Now all I need is someone to fight with."

"Uh. . . ." Cassandra stepped back,

"No thanks," Alondra said. "Sebastian saw you in action a few days ago. Flattened a bunch of Slytherin's."

"Only three," Daniel said. "And I'd rather not talk about it, since I cost Gryffindor fifteen points and the lead."

"Could have been worse," Alondra said. "Slytherin lost forty, and wound up dead last." She doubted Sebastian liked that much.

Cassandra pointed. "Daniel? Look."

The suit of armour was no longer standing by the weapons. Instead, it had picked up the sword identical to Daniel's, and walked over to the center of the padded floor.

"Awesome!" Daniel ripped off his outer robe, then hastily unbuttoned his white shirt and lay it aside. He wore a simple white singlet underneath it. Sword in hand, he darted onto the floor. "OK, sir knight. How do we do this?"

Rather than raise its weapon, the knight pointed to a coat rack, on which hung a padded leather garment, obviously protective in function.

"Wow," Daniel said. "They thought of everything." He quickly struggled into the garment (figuring out the buckles took a few moments), then hung his robe and shirt on the rack. They were the first really nice clothes he had ever owned. "Now are we ready?"

In response, the knight raised its sword in the ready position. Daniel brought his up as well. Then, both moved, fluidly and with almost blinding speed. Steel clanged against steel, again and again. The two were obviously evenly matched. Cassandra had little doubt that if she had picked up a weapon, the knight would have been far slower and weaker.

Alondra eyed the intensifying battle with amazement. "Why would anyone choose to do that?" She wanted to know. "Aaaaiii," she involuntarily added as a blow from the knight sent Daniel sprawling and his sword bouncing away. Grinning, he scooped up his weapon and charged back into the ring. The fighting resumed, even more intensely.

Cassandra shrugged. "Boys will be boys," she said. By common consent, both girls rejoined the others, to pursue saner entertainment.

Chapter 49: Magenta Coldren

Magenta was only vaguely aware of Daniel having his fun with the 'knight'. She sat at her table, sketching a picture of the lake, which she could see through the window. She had a number 2 pencil, the one she preferred to draw with and a very large drawing pad.

"Magenta, what are you doing?" asked Alondra from across the room. Alondra was looking at some books on Quidditch, and she had just looked up from one she was quite immersed in, called 'Quidditch Through the Ages'.

"What?" Magenta asked, as if she had only just become aware that she wasn't alone in the room.

"I asked what you were doing... I was just taking a reading break, my eyes are getting a bit itchy." she said, rubbing one her eyes and giggling a bit. Magenta grinned.

"I'm drawing the lake, or at least trying to... it's not very easy." she said absently. Alondra smiled.

"Can I see?" she asked.

"Um... okay... it's not very much, you know.." she trailed off as Alondra put down her book and walked over.

"Magenta, what do you mean this isn't very much? This is great! Wow, I don't think I've ever met another eleven year old who can draw that well." she said, smiling. Magenta went very red.

"Thanks." she said quietly. Alondra went back to her book and Magenta continued to draw. She looked up after a few minutes. Daniel and his opponent caught her eye. She put down her pencil and strolled over. Daniel was taking a break. Magenta walked over to the wall and looked a sword, the one that read' Godric Gryffindor'. She turned around and walked over to Daniel.

"Hey, Daniel?" she asked. He looked up, panting a bit.

"Yeah?"

"Uh... you don't mind if I take a whack at this fighting thing, do ya?" she asked. Daniel looked at her and nodded after a moment. He stood and walked back over to the floor. Magenta followed. He picked up his own sword and handed the other to her.

"There is an extra suit over there, in that cabinet, I think." he said. Magenta walked over to the drawer, pulled out one of the padded tops and pulled it on over her shirt. She picked up her practice sword once again and walked over to Daniel. He raised his sword and brought is crashing into her own blade.

Magenta replied to the blow with great strength. Daniel wasn't ready for it. Most of the girls he'd met weren't very strong, and most of them didn't like to fight. But then again, he'd never met a girl with pink and black hair. She sent her sword crashing down again.

The rest of the next fifteen minutes was hard on both of them. Magenta was very good at this, but Daniel was as well.

It was a long time before they finally locked blades. Daniel ginned, he thought he had this in the bag. He tried to shove her to the ground, but she was holding out well. Finally, with a last burst of energy, she pushed as hard as she could and Daniel stumbled to the floor. Magenta grinned. She looked over to see Cassandra, Erin and Alondra, clapping. Apparently their little sword fight had drawn some attention from their friends. Magenta helped Daniel off the floor.

"Nice game." she said, panting. Daniel nodded.

"You too." he said. She gave him a quick high-five and walked over to the couch and opened up a butterbeer. Taking a swig, she looked around at the room. It was very big, and the ceilings were high.

"Well, I think I'll return to my desk. I think I'll go finish my picture..." Magenta said absently, walking over to her desk again, taking with her the butterbeer and some chocolate.

Chapter 50: Cassandra Serenity

The room was huge and held so many different wonders within it. There was so much that Cassandra could barely begin to believe that is was all real. The others seemed to have no trouble though and were each quickly at some task in the room. Daniel had nearly apparated to the duelling area and was currently looking over each sword with a wild glee. Magenta was already at the tilted desk by the window. Sun light filtered down on her and making her black hair shine brightly with the suns glow. Alondra was by the bookshelves her delicate fingers slowly touching each book as she inspected them. Erin had joined Alondra at the bookshelves and had already found a book, which interested her. Pulling it out from the other hundreds of books Erin looked over the old leather binding and opened its yellowed pages.

Daniel had begun to fight with a suit of armour and Cassandra couldn't help, but watch as the flying glints of silver moved before her soft blue eyes. Daniel's speed was incredible as was his strength. Cassandra had had no idea that he had so much physical endurance and strength. By looking at him you could rarely see his body, which was hidden beneath the large billowing robes he always wore. However, now Cassandra could see that he had an athletic frame with defined muscles. Each muscle was toned and Cassandra could easily see where Daniel's strength and speed came from. As he finished up the battle with the suit of armour Cassandra and Alondra clapped and smiled at him. He seemed out of breath of a moment, but was then back into the fray without a second thought.

After clapping and watching Daniel for a few brief moments Alondra moved over to Magenta and was looking over her shoulder at whatever Magenta had been doing. Alondra's strawberry blonde hair reflecting the suns warm rays as they dancing in the yellow strands. Cassandra couldn't help, but notice the way in which Alondra moved. It was graceful and fluid, much like the way Cassandra walked, but there was something else to it. Cassandra couldn't quite figure out what it was that made Alondra different, but there was something and it would take time before Cassandra would be able to figure it out.

Cassandra had spent so much time watching the others as they each found something to do; she had completely forgotten that she might find something to do as well. Looking around the room once more Cassandra eyes came to rest on one item in the room. The wooden cabinet at the back of the room which housed the school brooms. With ceiling as high as these there was more than enough room to get in a bit of flying.

Cassandra had always enjoyed being in the air. Sometimes she wondered if she had not been born in the air because it felt so natural to her. With the wind whipping through her scarlet hair and the freedom of going anywhere, Cassandra knew that flying was one of her most cherished joys.

Moving with a fluid purpose Cassandra crossed the room to the back wall and opened the wooden cabinet, which housed the brooms. For a moment she just stared at the beautiful sight of the brooms. Taking a single slender finger Cassandra traced down the handle of the closest broom to her. The wood was smooth and polished. The broom looked almost new though there was no name on it to say where it had come from. Gripping the handle tightly Cassandra removed it from the cabinet. It felt light in her grasp as though she was holding on to air.

No one had really noticed Cassandra in the back of the room. Each person was fully content to be together while still being alone to enjoy themselves. Cassandra mounted the broom and with a single push off from the floor she was hovering three feet in the air. The excitement of flight filled her even at this small accomplishment. Closing her soft blue eyes of a moment Cassandra just let herself be. Feeling the air, the room, and the people there with her, all of it was connected and Cassandra loved to feel that connection. Without even opening her eyes she took off into the air. Higher and higher, Cassandra opened her eyes a moment later as she exploded into speed.

Flying around the room high enough so that she would not hit anyone below, Cassandra felt alive and free. For the first time since coming to Hogwarts she felt more herself than at any other time. This is where she belonged and she knew it. She had missed her home where she could spend each night flying with the darkness for cover. However, that little bit of sadness slipped away before Cassandra could even fully recognize it. She zipped about feeling the air and watching the people below.

Magenta had moved from her drawing desk and was making her way over to Daniel. Watching from high above Cassandra watched, as Magenta seemed to ask if she could join in the fighting. Daniel handed her a sword and the two began to lay on to each other. Cassandra couldn't help, but think that they were quite equally matched as they continued to fight. Daniel had strength and speed while Magenta had quick reflexes and size. The two of them would make a terrible team if they ever happen to join up for a fight Cassandra thought to herself.

As the fight was ending Cassandra slowly came down to hover about two feet from the ground. Watching as Magenta gave a final thrust that sent Daniel down to the ground. Jumping down off the broom Cassandra applauded the two fighters and smiled at them both. They were both very good Cassandra thought.

"Wonderful job, both of you" Cassandra said as Magenta held out her hand to Daniel, an offering of peace and friendship.

Both of the fighters nodded in her direction and gave small smiles. The fight being over they each looked a bit out of wind. Magenta crossed to the coffee table where she fetched a butterbeer before returning to her tilted desk to draw some more.

"You want to have a go?" asked Daniel as he got his third wind.

"Um… I'm not very good with heavy swords" Cassandra replied.

Daniel gave a shrug and began to get ready to fight with the suit of armour again. Looking around at the several kinds of weapons on the wall a certain style of sword caught her attention.

"However, if you wouldn't mind using rapiers I might give it a go" Cassandra continued as she moved over to a beautiful rapier with a golden hand basket, which hung on the wall.

"Err, sure why not" Daniel said as he moved to the wall to fetch a rapier for himself.

The two returned to the fighting area each with a rapier in hand. The blades, of course, had been dulled on these just as they had been on Daniel's other practice swords. The rapier was light in Cassandra's hand, perfectly balanced, as all good rapiers should be.

Lifting her sword up and taking a defensive position Cassandra readied herself for the ensuing battle with Daniel. He was strong and fast, but the rapier was not for strength it was for agility. With her graceful and fluid movements, Cassandra hoped that she would get at least a few good hits in.

"Ready?" Daniel questioned.

Cassandra nodded her head and the two began to fight. Cassandra tried to keep her body sideways as to leave less area open to attacks. Daniel seemed to be doing the same. Daniel had taken the offensive and was wielding attacks from both overhead and occasionally from the left side. Cassandra had enough speed and quickness of the wrist to defect a good majority of the blows. One caught her by surprise when Daniel changed his pattern and came in from the right. The rapier nicked the side of her left leg and Cassandra was very grateful for dulled blades.

Cassandra had also managed to get a few blows in under Daniel's offensive attack. Moving from a defensive block Cassandra followed the sword up until she got a slash at Daniel's upper left arm. Looking down at the red mark that was left on his leather suit, a spell used to mark where hits landed, he gave Cassandra a rather wicked smile. Cassandra knew that her time was short as she saw the fierceness in his eyes.

With a two step rush and faked right attack Daniel slid his sword under Cassandra block and scored a direct hit to her heart. The little red mark started to flash showing a fatal hit had been made. Both fighters were a bit out of breath from the concentration used in their fight.

"Good fight" Cassandra said as she removed the leather armour from her upper body.

"Yeah, got a few hits in" Daniel replied as he sat on the floor.

Looking down at the red mark that was beginning to fade from the leather armour she had just been wearing Cassandra added "I can see that."

Both Daniel and Cassandra laughed for a moment at the obvious understatement that he had made. Smiling down at Daniel, Cassandra concluded that she liked seeing him like this. A bit more open and with a smile on his face. He was always so closed off from everyone. It was nice to see him having fun with people and letting his guard down if it was only a small amount.

"Want a butterbeer?" Cassandra questioned as she looked at Daniel.

"Um, sure" he replied.

Cassandra walked over to the coffee table in front of the fire and grabbed two of the butterbeers. Then turned around and walked back to Daniel handing him one of the bottles. Cassandra opened her butterbeer and began to slowly sip it. The cool drink was very refreshing after the flying and sword fighting.

"I wonder what this room is meant to be?" Cassandra questioned more to herself than at anyone around her.

"Don't know" said Daniel as he looked around and continued to drink his butterbeer.

"Well I think I'm done with fighting for now" said Cassandra as she looked at Daniel. "Maybe it's time for a nice book."

"Have fun" he said as he continued to drink his butterbeer.

Cassandra smiled and made her way over to the bookshelves. There were hundreds of books on nearly every subject, both magical and muggle alike. Looking over each volume Cassandra wasn't sure what she was in the mood for until a certain title caught her attention. Advanced Charms and Spells for the Curious Mind she read as she looked the books spin. Pulling the book from the shelf Cassandra could feel the age of the book from its weathered leather cover.

Taking the book she made her way over to the couch in front of the fireplace. Erin was sitting in one of the chairs reading by herself quietly. Cassandra took a seat in the left side corner of the couch and pulled her feet up behind her. Opening the book she was amazed at the level of difficulty with some of the spells and charms. At the same time she was very curious if she could perform any of them. She had always had a special talent with charms as had her mother and grandmother before her.

Settling into a comfortable spot Cassandra became immersed in the book, taking in every line as if it were nourishment for a starving man. Using her wand hand she would mimic the movements shown in the book while mouthing the words. Never actually saying the words or using her wand, she would practice each movement and syllable until she felt she was ready to really try it.