I walked into the Great Hall with as much bravado as I could muster, under the circumstances of being a total wuss. I grew bolder by the second, heads turned, though it didn't help that I practically kicked open the double doors...

Oh well.

I was taken aback by the bewitched ceiling that reflected the weather outside–a gorgeous starry night shone through clouds. Goblets and candles floated around and above me as if I weren't there. There were flags hanging above four long tables–the house flags; red, yellow, blue and green.

I inwardly smiled as I returned to my march. I threw a few winks and waves as I passed thru the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables.

Neville was staring intently at me.

I walked a little faster making my robes billow.

"Ah," Dumbledore smile cheerfully at me, "you've finally decided to grace us with your presence, have you, m'dear?."

I stopped short of the staff table and jokingly saluted him. A few teachers murmured as with student. But a professor with black greasy looking hair and a hooked nose stared daggers at me, making me uncomfortable–must be the infamous Snape.

"Hiya Professor Dumbledore. Sorry if I'm late, had to shake out my nerves." I confessed in all honesty. "Well Professor-" I opened my arms wide and smiled innocently, "better to be late then to never have come at all."

McGonagal stood next to a three-legged stool; holding a faded pointed hat that had patches in several places–it seemed to be holding the damn thing together.

There was a twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes as he stared at me–he chuckled.

"But of course." He smiled gently. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Vixen. I speak for everyone when I say that we're very pleased that you've decided to come to Hogwarts and stay. Students, I am very pleased to introduce to you all, our exchange student from Canada, Vixen Valkyrie." There were indecisive applause from the student body.

Oh well, can't win 'em all.

"Some rather... terrible and unfortunate events have brought her here to Hogwarts. Miss Valkyrie will be joining the sixth-years during her stay. I wish for everyone here at Hogwarts to make her feel as welcomed and cared for as possible, regardless of what house she is placed it." Dumbledore turned his attention to McGonagal. "As you were Professor."

"Miss Valkyrie, if you will," she gestured to the stool.

I stepped forward and settled on the rickety stool–with my eyes closed, purely out of habit. I felt McGonagal place the shabby hat on my head swiftly. Immediately the hat sprung to life, scaring me shitless in the process. At first I thought it was just my imagination but I realized the hat wasn't massaging my head, it was probing my mind and delving into my past.

"Ah," the hat began, "a Valkyrie, why, it's been nearly seventeen years since a member of that influential family has graced these halls."

Good to know, you ratty old hat.

It heard my thoughts and proved it by forcing it's way further into my mind–and it didn't tickle either, it wasn't pain just pressure like flying, the muggle way.

"What's this? Well, well, it seems you'll be giving Miss Hermione Granger a run for her money in nearly all her classes. Excellent Ravenclaw material... No? Well your vast knowledge of potions and spells would make for a great Slytherin... Not that house either? But it's all here in your..head. You're a very powerful young lady, Miss Valkyrie.. Oh yes, you've got rare abilities and powers, some that even you yourself don't even know about. But if you do not go into Slytherin there's a higher chance of your powers to reveal themselves... Hmmm... You're some what of a slacker... no Hufflepuff material. You act as if you have a cruel nature and attitude it's only to mask your true self–you're very kind, generous and caring, though you scare people when you probe their minds with or without realizing it. You lookout for others and would gladly sacrifice your life for the protection of others; friend or foe."

I slowly opened my eyes and realized that damn hat was saying all that out loud–my cheeks flushed instantly and I looked down at my lap.

"Self-sacrifice for the protection of others' a very rare and noble quality. I think Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter and many others'll become admirers and instant friends of yours. Though I should forewarn you not to get near Draco Malfoy, if you two should end up alone, dare I say the consequences could be dire; all I shall say is that it's in your blood to dislike his lineage and beliefs. Which is why you'll be enjoying your stay at Hogwarts in. . ."

I opened my eyes and glared at the Slytherin table–Malfoy's pink hair was slightly hidden underneath a black pointed hat.

"Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat cried with all its might–or so it seemed.

The Great Hall erupted in cheers and applause, mostly coming from the Gryffindor table.

Professor McGonagal removed the hat from my head.

I jumped to my feet and ran straight for Hermione whom stood up with many Gryffindor's to welcome me. I practically jumped into her opened arms with glee.

She embraced me, smiling.

"Welcome to Gryffindor house, Vixen."

I smiled happily as people patted my back. I realized Dumbledore had more to say so I squeezed into the small opening on the bench with Hermione.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and waved his hand–silence ensued nearly immediately.

I took a quick survey of the people around me. Neville was to my right, Harry and Ron were across from me looking rather hungry; a few other boys were stealing glances at me, as were the girls further down the table.

"I have a few more announcements to make. As many of you have noticed, Professor Lupin has graciously accepted my invitation to teach Defenece Against the Dark Arts, once again this school year, good luck Professor."

Lupin stood up nervously–it seemed.

I joined in the uproar that ensued when he stood up. I whistled and cheered, while laughing at Ron whom was attempting to set off some sort of magical firework.

Lupin looked right at me and held my gaze.

I boldly winked at him and lipped "hey you".

He blushed and nervously looked away while taking a seat.

Dumbledore waved his hand and once again silence ensued.

"Miss Valkyrie made a few.. Suggestions for possible events and such at Hogwarts while I accompanied her to Diagon Alley a few weeks ago."

Everyone around me turned and stared for a second then back to Dumbledore.

"I have made the necessary arrangements to have most of her suggestions taken care of. As the months progress I will announce events as the dates close in. But as for enchanting of a few muggle objects–the Ministry of Magic has generously allowed for it. The following muggle artifacts will be allowed at Hogwarts–cd players, laptops, ipods, game consoles, flashlights, if you wish to have something other then those that Vixen had mentioned, please let me know and I will see what I can do. Every Common Room will have a muggle television and a game console too... alleviate the pressures of schoolwork. I know that you have muggle possessions that do not need enchanting, Miss Valkyrie, do not fret, it is alright.

"As for the events at Hogwarts there will be a Masquerade Ball held on October 31st. Students fourth-year and above are encouraged to go into Hogsmeade and find a costume that is complete with a mask. Professor's are also encourage to do so, but I will not force it upon them. As not to leave the first, second and third-years out of Halloween, you all will receive parcels from your parents or guardians that will contain a costume–you'll be going to London via the Knight Bus and go "trick-or-treating" as the muggles call it--with help from some kindhearted parents." He smiled warmly. "But for the next month you're all encouraged to slip a piece of parchment into the silver goblet, located in the Entrance Hall. Write the name's of a Professor and student very deserving of something wet and cool" He winked then opened his arms. "Now, tuck in."

The food appeared on the tables and everyone dug in.

Hermione looked confused at what Dumbledore said.

"Something wet and cool... maybe some sort of 'cool' potion? Oh it should be you Harry" she pondered.

I snorted then smiled when everyone looked.

"Not Harry, Hermione," I drank some cold pumpkin juice, "I'm writing Draco Malfoy as the student." I stared at my goblet of pumpkin juice and it turned from orange to black then vanish from the goblet.

"How can that prat be deserving?" Ron piped in.

I chuckled.

"I've know him for less then a day and I think he's deserving, you've all known him since your first-year and you question whether or not he's deserving. Hermione, you of all people should be writing his name down on a thousand pieces of parchment to make sure he's chosen."

She caught on. "Oh! It's something bad... isn't it?"

I nodded. "Dumbledore and I debated on what would be 'wet and cool' and make everyone think it was a good thing... I couldn't be a few things, I'm not sure what he chose."

I glanced at Neville who was eating some weird stew. I tried some bizzare meat and made Harry swear he wouldn't tell what I ate.

During the feast a bunch of boys introduced themselves. Seamus Finnigan–seemed to be a quiet lady's man... or so he wished. Ginny's boyfriend; Dean Thomas–idiot attempted to play footsie's with me; I used a spell to make his bowl of soup tip and pour (scalding) all over his lap. Colin Creevey–shyly took my picture with Neville; he didn't seem to bad, he excitedly talked about reading everything on my lineage–blah blah blah.

After the feast I threw Malfoy a nasty parting glance as Hermione linked arms with me and bustled me out of the Great Hall. She dragged me about the Entrance Hall and up the Grand staircase. . . . Which moved by the way. Watching the stairs move made me nauseous, but thankfully Hermione yanked up the stairs without a second thought. We stopped infront of a painting–a rather large woman in some weird outfit and even more bizzare hair style.

"Password?" the woman shrilled.

"Holy shit!" I squealed and practically shit a brick.

"Wrong"

"Gah!"

"Vixen," Hermione whispered between giggles, "this is the Fat Lady, she protects the door to Gryffindor Tower–you need the password to get inside."

"Alright smartass, what's the password then?"

"Sugar Quills," someone whispered very quietly.

"Sugar Quills?" I laughed.

"Correct!" the fat lady cried and swung open.

Hermione ran through without dragging me along so I sighed and turned around to find the voice. I smiled widely.

"Every Gryffindor told me that you've got a terrible memory, Longbottom."

Neville's cheeks turned a bright shade of pink as he slipped his frog into the pocket of his robes.

"Thanks for the heads up."

He looked confused.

"Thanks for letting me know the password, Neville." I gave him a kiss on the cheek and bounced off into the Common Room. Which was large with plushy sofa's, armchairs, and even a fireplace.

"Why's yer face flushed, Neville?" Seamus asked.

I realized that Neville was standing next to me–nervous no doubt. I giggled out of habit.

"I have him a 'thank you' kiss on the cheek. Seeing as nobody told me the password. Thanks again, Longbottom."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and even Creevey were staring at me.

Maybe it was their looks or the fact that Neville probably never had a girl crush on him, I grew very bold–I turned and leaned into Neville. I placed a gentle kiss on his lips and walked passed him and up the stairs towards the girl's sixth-year dormitories.

I didn't stop until I fell onto my bed–a four poster bed complete with blood-red satin sheets and a black canopy. I smiled lazily and hugged my large–over stuffed pillows... Dumbledore thought of everything to make me feel loved and cared for–comfortable, even.

"I'm going to love being here at Hogwarts. I should've come when mum and dad wanted me to go...all those years ago... would've caused less pain and suffering." Tears blurred my vision and carelessly slid out the corners of my eyes.