The train stopped about fifteen minutes later. Veronica could feel a knot growing in her stomach. "I hope we end up in the same house," she said softly.

"No worries," Parker said grinning as she jumped down on to the platform, "It's not like we can't be friends if we're in different houses."

"Yeah, as long as none of us end up in Slytherin," Kylie said jumping down too.

"What's wrong with Slytherin?" Daniella asked.

"It's where all the evil witches and wizards go, of course. Not that it really matters, since none of us will end up there. We can all still be friends if we're in the other three house."

"I guess you're right," Veronica said, but it still worried her.

"Firs' years," a loud voice boomed. The girls turned to see a huge man towering over the other kids.

"Bloody hell!"

"Parker!" Veronica said in shock.

Parker looked at her confused. "What?"

Kylie laughed. "Come on. Lets go." The girls nodded and followed her through the crowd of people. They were the first to reach the man. A few minutes passed and other kids crowded in behind them.

" Tha' everyun," the man asked looking around, "'Kay then, follow me. Oh an' my name's Hagrid. I'm the Keeper of the Keys an' Care of Magical Creatures teacher here at 'ogwarts." He led them down a path through a thick forest like area. Veronica gasped as they left the trees. It was her first view of Hogwarts. It was magnificent. The large castle sat on a cliff right above a large lake. Everyone one of the windows glowed with light.

"Nice place," Veronica heard Parker mutter.

"Four to a boat at the mos'," Hagrid bellowed. Veronica reluctantly tore her eyes from the castle and made her way with the other girls over to a boat. Veronica, Kylie and Daniella climbed in carefully. Veronica almost had a heart attack when Parker jumped into the boat and almost tipped it.

"Oops," Parker said smiling, "Sorry."

Veronica sighed but smiled back. After all, it was kind of funny. She felt a small jerk as the boat went forward and leaned back against the edge and closed her eyes. She was just starting to get into the rhythm of the water when a huge wave hit their boat. She heard a yell and sat up quickly. She glanced around the boat. Someone was missing.

"Parker?" Veronica said. She glanced out into the water.

"Where is she?" Kylie said with a note of panic.

"Oh no," Daniella was muttering repeatedly. Veronica could hear people from other boats panicking as well.

Veronica let out a sigh of relief when Parker's head appeared in the water next to the boat. Kylie and Veronica reached over and pulled her in.

"Are you okay, Parker?" Kylie asked.

"Those little prats!" Parker said angrily.

"Ever' thin' 'kay back here," Hagrid asked. In her panic, Veronica had not noticed the boats stop and the Hagrid's boat come over.

"Yeah," Kylie said, "She's okay."

Hagrid nodded and turned to the boat on his other side. "You three 'll be payin' your 'ead of house a visit after the ceremony," he said as he steered his boat back to the front.

Veronica turned to look at the other boat. What she saw didn't please her. James, Orion and Shane were laughing hysterically.

"You are going to pay for that," Parker said angrily.

"You bet they are," Kylie said glaring at her brother. "You wait till I tell Dad, James."

James looked at her and laughed. "Go ahead, little sister."

"It was an accident," Orion said grinning.

"Liar!" Parker yelled back. Orion winked at her. Parker glared and turned back to the girls.

"Forget about him, Parker," Veronica said, "He'll get what he deserves."

"You bet he will and I'll be the one handing out the punishment." Veronica couldn't help but smile.

"Thank God," Veronica said when the boat hit dry land.

She jumped out and the others followed. Parker was still dripping wet. The three boys laughed as they started to walk by. Parker stuck her foot out and Orion went flying face first into the dirt, taking James and Shane down with him.

"Oops," Parker said sweetly, "It was an accident."

Kylie and Veronica laughed. Daniella frowned. She was still looking slightly green from their boating experience. Orion glared and James made an aggravated noise. Rob and Jeff walked over and tried not to laugh as they helped them up. Parker smirked and the girls climbed the stares up into a large marble room. An woman about her mother's age was waiting for them and looking less than pleased. Her bushy brown hair was pulled back into a tight bun and light brown eyes stared sharply at the group of students.

"You're late, Hagrid," she said glancing him in an exasperated manner, though her gaze had softened when he approached.

"Had a bit of an acciden'," he said gesturing at Parker, "which 'minds me, I'll be needin' to talk to the Headmaster."

The woman nodded. "Go on in, Hagrid. I'll take care of it." Hagrid nodded and left the room. The woman turned to Parker and muttered an incomprehensible spell. Seconds later, Parker's robes were completely dry.

"I am Professor Weasley," the woman said, "In a few moments you will walk through these doors and be sorted into your houses. The houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Your house will be like your family here at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn you points. Any rule breaking will lose you points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor." She glanced up at the clock above the doors. "It is time. Follow me." Weasley, Veronica thought curiously. She must be related to Jeff and Rob.

The two doors behind her opened to reveal a room four times as large as the one they were in. The group nervously moved forward. Veronica glanced around and noticed hundreds of other students sitting at four long tables. They were chatting happily as the first years walked forward. Some were waving at younger siblings. The group stopped up in front of a stage, where a old and tattered hat sat on a stool. Veronica glanced at it curiously. Her eyes widened in shock as its seam parted and it began to sing.

"It's been a thousand years since I was made,

With some simple cloth and thread,

But, oh don't let that fool you,

For I can see into your head.

So put your faith in me,

To sort you to the right place,

For I know just where you should be,

To fill the empty space.

You may be in good Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave of heart.

Their nobleness and chivalry,

Set Gryffindors apart.

Or perhaps your in dear Ravenclaw,

Whose smarts are surpassed by none,

If studying is your fancy,

You won't be the only one.

If you're not there, well have no fear,

For Hufflepuff will hold you dear,

There lie the greatest friends of all,

That you'll find walking down this hall,

Or maybe Slytherin shall be your home,

Where cunning and ambition freely roam,

So come and let me see your mind,

So your rightful place I may find."

The students clapped. Veronica turned to look at her friends. Parker was staring curiously at the hat. Daniella were looking thoroughly confused. Kylie's face mirrored how Veronica felt, shocked.

"When I call your name," Professor Weasley said jolting Veronica from her thoughts, "Please step forward and place the sorting hat on your head."

"Allen, Gina."

A tall blonde with glasses stepped forward and put on the hat. "Ravenclaw," the hat shouted.

"Black, Orion." Orion stepped forward a placed the hat on his head. It was there only a moment before shouting, "Gryffindor!"

"Bryant, Shane." Shane tried on the hat and was placed into Gryffindor as well. Veronica was now definitely hoping for Ravenclaw. A few more names passed.

"Carter, Daniella." Daniella glanced at the girls nervously and walked forward. She sat down on the stool and placed the hat on her head. A minute passed and then two. Veronica was starting to worry. Finally the hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" Daniella smiled at the girls as she went to take her seat at the table, almost tripping down the stairs.

Several students giggled. Veronica glanced at Daniella who was blushing. Maybe I do want to be in Gryffindor, she thought. More names were being called.

"Keowen, Parker." Veronica watched as Parker bounded forward and put on the hat. "Gryffindor!"

Parker winked at Kylie and Veronica and took a seat next to Daniella. Kylie turned to Veronica and whispered, "Looks like we're all going to be in Gryffindor."

Veronica looked at her and nodded, but she wasn't so sure. Gryffindor was for the brave and she was feeling far from brave at the moment.

"Potter, James." James walked forward. Lots of people were whispering. A minute later he was placed in Gryffindor.

"Potter, Kylie." Veronica watched nervously as Kylie walked up to the stool. She was sorted into Gryffindor as well. Oh no, Veronica thought, what if I don't get in Gryffindor? I won't know anyone.

"Snape, Jonathon." Veronica glanced up to see Snape be sorted into Slytherin. The hat had barely even touched his head. She looked down again and tried to stay calm.

"Winters, Veronica."

Veronica gasped. She had been so worried she hadn't been paying attention. She walked forward slowly and glanced at her friends for help. They smiled and she noticed both the Weasley boys were in Gryffindor as well. She sat down on the stool and glanced one more time at her friends before the hat fell over her eyes.

"Well, what do we have here?" a voice said. Veronica jumped. "No need to be afraid," the voice continued, "I'm the Sorting Hat." Veronica relaxed slowly. "Now where to put you," that hat said slowly, "Definitely a strong mind, and great loyalty. Interesting, interesting. What's this? Quite cunning too, I see. Hmmm, you are a difficult one, but I think..."

Please, oh please, Veronica thought. Let me be with my friends.

"Gryffindor!" Veronica let out a huge sigh of relief and took off the hat. She smiled and then walked quickly over to the Gryffindor table and sat down next to Kylie. Daniella and Parker were sitting across from them. The sorting hat ended moments later with Zaben, Amelia who was sorted into Slytherin.

"I am so glad we're all in the same house," Veronica said smiling.

"Me too," Daniella said quietly.

"I wasn't too worried about it. I told you guys you shouldn't have been either."

Veronica shook her head. "I'm afraid I'm not like you Parker."

"Yeah," Kylie added, "We can't all have no fear or worries. This world would be full of crazy psychos who do whatever they please."

"True," Parker began before narrowing her eyes, "Hey...that was an insult!" Kylie laughed.

Parker stuck out her tongue and turned to Veronica. "What a rude little girl," she said. Veronica laughed.

"Looks like we're all going to be one happy family," Orion said loudly from down the table, leaning in front of a few people that separated them. The people in between looked at him with an annoyed expression, but he ignored it.

Parker wrinkled her nose. "Happy and us don't belong in the same sentence."

The boys smiled. "Well if you want to be like that," James began.

"And I do," Parker retorted.

"Don't say we didn't try to be nice," Orion said smiling.

"You call that being nice. You practically made me drown! Who taught you to be nice anyhow, a bloody idiot?"

The boys smiled again. "Now, now Keowen," Shane said, "That isn't nice." Parker rolled her eyes.

"Oh, shove off, will you?" Kylie said annoyed.

"We would like a peaceful meal, please," Veronica said in an annoyed tone.

"If you say so," Jeff said and they all turned around.

"I wish they would just leave us alone," Daniella said softly.

"Yeah," Kylie said, "But there's no point in wishing for something that isn't going to happen."

Veronica sighed. "Maybe..." she began but was cut off by the clinking of a fork on a glass. She turned to the teacher's table to see Sirius, an old friend of her mothers, standing up. He used to come over all the time when she was younger and regularly taught her jokes to play on her mom and people at school. She was never any good at pranks herself, too nervous she guessed, but it was always funny when Sirius did it. Now she knew how he did the more complicated tricks. It was hard to believe he was the headmaster of a school.

It had been about three years since she'd seen him, but he looked the same. He was tall, with slightly graying jet- black hair and gray eyes. He reminded her of Orion. Then it dawned on her. Headmaster Sirius Black, Orion Black. They had to be related. I wonder why he never mentioned Orion, she wondered. But then again, she thought, he never did really mention much about his family, just a son that he had only found out about right before she was born. She made a mental note to ask him about Orion and returned her attention to what Sirius was saying. Everyone else was silent as well.

"Well, we're back for a new year here at Hogwarts, and it seems we are going to have an interesting year." He glanced over at the Gryffindor table. Veronica smiled at him. "I have received some news that some of our new first years have already gotten themselves in trouble," he continued glancing at the boys, "On the topic of trouble, I must remind you that the Dark Forest is forbidden and everyone would do well to stay away from it. That includes you returning students. I would also like to point out quite a few new teachers this year." Veronica looked for her mom, but didn't see her.

"First we have, Mr. Harry Potter who will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. I'm sure most of you know him already though, or at least of him." A loud burst of applause came from around the room. That must be Kylie and James dad, Veronica thought. After all he looked exactly like James except he was older and wore glasses.

"We also have Mr. Ronald Weasley who will be, well, I almost forgot, I haven't told you about that yet. Well what he'll be teaching, you'll find out in a moment. Yes, he is Professor Weasley's husband." Everyone stared at him curiously. Sirius' eyes twinkled. "We also have a new History of Magic teacher..."

There were several murmurs around the room, all of them mentioning something about someone named Binns. "She'll be arriving later, so you'll have to meet her in your classes. Her name is Tru Miller."

"And last but not least we have Miss. Virginia Winters...who seems not to have arrived yet either," Sirius continued, but just as the words left his mouth the doors to the hall burst open. Veronica sighed with relief as her mother walked through the doors and up to the teachers table. She was starting to get worried.

"Sorry, I'm late, Sirius," Ginny said grinning, "It seems I had forgotten some supplies and had to go back home to get them."

Sirius smiled. "That's quite alright, Virginia," he said, "Well, Miss Winters will be teaching Charms." A scattering of applause sounded and some whispers of Lucky Designs could be heard.

Ginny looked over at Veronica and waved. Veronica waved back.

"Do you know her?" Kylie asked gesturing at Ginny.

"She's my mom."

"Why didn't you say you were the daughter of the Virginia Winters?" Parker asked in shock.

"I don't know, I thought you knew," Veronica said with a shrug, "Plus, I didn't know you were so big on fashion."

"Who isn't?" Parker said grinning, "I was so glad when I saw the shop in Diagonal Alley. Now I don't have to order it from the U.S. The shipping bill is outrageous."

"Diagon Alley," Kylie corrected, "You order your clothes from another country? Merlin's beard, how rich are you?"

Parker shrugged. "I thought everyone did."

Veronica just smiled and shook her head. "Learn something new about Parker every few seconds, don't you?"

Kylie and Daniella smiled. "That's only because she never shuts up," Kylie said laughing.

"Hey!" Parker protested, "I'm not always talking."

"Maybe when you're asleep," Veronica said giggling.

"Of course, we don't know that yet," Kylie said.

Ginny walked quickly over to the teacher's table and sat down. "As for what I was saying earlier, Mr. Weasley, will be teaching something new this year," Sirius said. Ginny gasped and looked down the table to see Ron smiling. He was sitting next Hermione and Harry. She turned and shot a glare at Sirius. I knew you were up to something, she thought angrily.

"This year, myself and five other headmasters from around the world have arranged for a special tournament," Sirius continued, "A Quidditch tournament to be exact. There will be one team from each school and they will compete either at home or at the other school's field." Some student's gasped and talking broke out across the room.

"Cool," Kylie said grinning.

"What's Quidditer?" Parker asked.

"Quidditch," Kylie corrected. "It's a sport on brooms."

"Quiet down," Sirius said smiling at the students. He waited until the talking stopped. "The teams will be picked sometime within two weeks. Only third years and up are allowed to join. The team will consist of the seven best players of the school, which means you will be playing with others from different houses. The normal house competition will also still take place. Now we have already scheduled the games and we have two home games and four away games." Whispering filled the room again, but Sirius just continued talking this time.

"We can obviously not take all of you to each away game, so each Head of House has selected a game for their house to attend. Permission slips have already been sent home to your families. Further information will be posted later on the announcement board and as for Mr. Weasley, he will be the head coach for the school team. Mr. Potter here has kindly volunteered to be his assistant. Now I think that's everything. Enjoy your meal."

Sirius smiled and took a seat. Veronica, Parker, Daniella, and Kylie gasped as food magically appeared on the empty plates.

"So how do you play this Quitter," Parker asked after putting some food on her plate.

"Ouidditch," Kylie corrected.

"Yes, yes," Parker said waving her hand, "That's what I meant."

Veronica smiled. "Yes, Kylie, tell us about it. I want to know too."

Kylie grinned and went into detail about the balls, the players, some highlights of the rules, and some of the professional teams. Veronica, Parker and Daniella listened raptly, though Veronica had to admit she really didn't understand half of what Kylie was saying.

"Cool," Parker said when she finished, "Sounds like fun."

"It does," Veronica said grinning.

"I'll teach you guys to play," Kylie said smiling, "My dad taught me. He played for the Wasps for five years. That's a professional team. They said he was the best seeker ever to play. Led the Wasps to five straight Quidditch World Cups."

"Wow," Parker said grinning, "I wish my dad did something exciting like that. He's just a brain surgeon. He's planning on running for government next year though." Kylie raised her eyebrows and looked at Veronica, who simply shrugged.

"I think it sounds dangerous."

Parker looked at her and shook her head. "Dani, there'd be no fun without a little danger. I'm am going to lighten you up by the end of our years here, even if it kills me."

Daniella blushed. "Ignore her, Dani," Veronica said, "There is nothing wrong with being cautious."

"Cautious," Parker said waving her hand, "That's ridiculous. Cautiousness is for adults. Plus, Dani here is more than cautious. She's paranoid."

Veronica kicked Parker and gave her a "Will you shut up" look. "What?" Parker asked.

"Well," Kylie interrupted, "It looks like it's time for bed." Veronica looked up. She was right. Everyone was standing up. Veronica noticed Shane, Orion, and James make their way over to Sirius and begin talking.

"First year, Gryffindors," a voice called, "Over here."

The girls got up and made their way over to the voice. It belonged to a tall and muscular boy with brown hair and brown eyes. Next to him was a shy looking girl with blonde hair and light blue eyes. Both of them had shiny pins in the shape of a P pinned on their robes.

"Okay, first years. I'm Peter Baylen and I'm one of your prefects. This is Kaitlin Ray, your other prefect," the boy continued gesturing at the shy blonde, "If you need anything, feel free to ask." He watched as Shane, James, and Orion joined the group. "Now we'll be taking you to the dormitories. Follow me and stay with the group."

The girls fell into step in the back of the group. "I wanted to tell my mom goodnight," Veronica said softly. She was rather disappointed. Her mom hadn't even got to meet her new friends.

"There she is," Daniella said pointing at her mothers disappearing figure.

"Great idea, Dani! Well lets go then."

"Parker," Daniella said quietly, "We can't leave the group. We won't know how to get to the dormitories."

Parker shrugged. "Nicci, you want to see your mum, right?"

Veronica nodded. "Well, then hurry up," Parker said as she kept walking. Kylie shrugged and followed her.

"Coming?" Kylie asked.

"Okay," Veronica said softly.

Daniella watched as the group of Gryffindors ahead of them disappeared. She made a defeated noise and followed. They followed Parker down a series of hallways. She stopped in the middle of one and looked at the others. "Now where..." she began softly, but she was cut off by angry voices coming from a room with the door slightly ajar.

Veronica recognized the voices immediately. She moved over to the door and glanced in. Sure enough there stood her mom and Sirius.

"I can't believe you Sirius," Ginny said angrily, "I should have known you were up to something. Why can you not respect that I want nothing to do with them any more?"

"Now, Ginny," Sirius said, "Don't be too quick to judge..."

"Like they weren't!"

"They've changed, Ginny, and they want to hear your side of the story."

"My side," Ginny snorted, "Oh really. So they can call me a liar again. No thank you, Sirius."

"Come now, Ginny. Things are different now. They've all talked and they know that all the evidence against you is shaky. Besides they truly are sorry..."

"Sorry," Ginny shouted, "Like I care if they're sorry. They threw me out in the middle of a bloody war. They said I was a traitor! They are no longer of any importance to me."

"Ginny, they are...," Sirius began.

"They are of no importance to me anymore and I am none to them," Ginny said, "Remember, they said it themselves when they through me out. My so- called friends sure didn't defend me either, did they? With friends like that, who needs enemies?"

Sirius looked at her sadly. "Well, its not like I've told them who you are. That is up to you."

"You already know my answer to that, Sirius," Ginny said.

"Yes, but I hoped...," Sirius started, "Well, never mind. Let's go to sleep, Ginny. It is going to be a long day tomorrow."

Ginny nodded. Veronica looked over at Parker, Kylie and Daniella. Kylie and Parker were looking shocked. Daniella seemed worried. Veronica mouthed, "Follow my lead." The girls nodded and followed Veronica into the middle of the hall.

"Mom," Veronica called, "Are you here?" She heard a shuffling from inside the room and Ginny appeared looking worried. Sirius followed her.

"Veronica, how long have you been out there?" Ginny asked looking surprised and worried at the same time.

"Just a few seconds," Veronica said shrugging, "Parker said she saw you walking this way, but we couldn't find you. Then I thought I heard you, so I called your name."

"Oh," Ginny said, "What did you need, sweetie?"

"Well, I just wanted to tell you goodnight, but you left the hall way too fast."

Ginny smiled, walked over and gave her a hug. "Good night, Nicci.

"Night, Mom."

"I'll take them to their dormitory, Ginny," Sirius said smiling, "After all, I don't think they know their way and it's been a long time since you went there."

Ginny looked at him and nodded. She had things to do anyways. "See you tomorrow, Nicci." She smiled and walked away.

"Now," Sirius said jovially, as Ginny disappeared and they began walking, "On to introductions. I already know you Nicci, and of course I know my dear goddaughter, Kylie." He turned his attention to Parker and Daniella. "But you two are new to me. I believe your name is Parker Keowen." Parker nodded.

"Yes, my grandson has told me a few interesting stories about you," Sirius said with a laugh, "From what he says, I have a feeling I am going to like you."

"I do hope your grandson isn't that terrible Orion Black," Parker said looking disgusted. Kylie cringed and Veronica knew immediately it was.

However, Sirius laughed. "I'm afraid it is," he said grinning.

"I feel sorry for you," Parker said shaking her head.

Sirius smiled and turned to look at Daniella. "Daniella Carter," Sirius said, "Am I correct?"

Daniella nodded, but Parker shook her head. "Do you know otherwise, Miss Keowen?" Sirius asked grinning.

"I do, Headmaster," Parker said, "Her name is Dani." Kylie and Veronica groaned. "Don't even pretend you don't like it. Nicci called her Dani earlier."

Sirius smiled and glanced at Veronica. "It's been a long time Nicci," he said grinning, "What have you been up to? Last time I saw you, you were just turning eight and your mother was still fixing up that lovely house."

"Yep, it has been a long time Siri...Headmaster," Veronica said, "We still live there. Mom has completely redecorated."

"That's nice," Sirius said stopping in front of a portrait of a fat woman in pink, "Here we are."

The girls looked at him curiously. "That's a painting," Parker said. "I do hope you're not mental like your grandson." Veronica shook her head. One of these days Parker's mouth was going to get her in serious trouble.

"Yes, it is," Sirius said chuckling, "But here at Hogwarts, things aren't always what they seem." He turned to the painting and said, "Dragons claw." The portrait swung forward to reveal a doorway. Veronica gasped. "Your dormitory is to the left and all the way to the top."

The girls nodded and walked in slowly. "Night," Veronica and Kylie said to Sirius at the same time. They laughed. The portrait closed behind them. "Cool," Kylie said grinning.

"Very," Parker said with a yawn, "But let's see how cool it is in the morning. I'm not very nice when I don't get my sleep."

"Worse than now," Kylie asked, "We better go if we want to live tomorrow." Parker lunged at her and Kylie started up the stairs laughing. Parker was at her heels.

Veronica watched as Daniella started to climb. She followed her, but her mind was far from the room. What did Sirius mean about Mom's friends wanting to see her again and about them being sorry? She had never mentioned any friends before.

"Nicci!" Parker shouted, jolting her from her thoughts, "Hurry up." Veronica climbed the last few stairs quickly to find Kylie, Parker and Daniella waiting for her by a door that said "First Years."

"We wanted to go in together," Kylie said grinning. Veronica smiled back as they walked into the room.

It was a rather large room with six four-poster beds. The beds were done in red and gold and had red curtains. Their trunks were already next to the beds. Nicci's bed was in between Parker and Kylie. Two other girls were already seated on their beds talking. One was a rather tall black girl, with hazel eyes. The other girl was of medium height with brown hair, pulled back in two braids, and brown eyes.

"Why, hello," the black girl said grinning, "You guys must be the other first years. We were wondering where you guys ran off to. I'm Levinia Jordan and this is Annabel Wood."

"Nice to meet you," Veronica said grinning, "I'm Veronica Winters and this is Parker Keowen, Kylie Potter, and Daniella Carter."

"Nice to meet you all," Annabel said smiling.

"Hey, I know you," Kylie said grinning, "Your dad is Oliver Wood. He and my dad played on the same Quidditch team."

"You're Harry Potter's daughter," Annabel said, "I thought you looked familiar. You're the one with the cute brother, aren't you?"

Kylie wrinkled her nose. "Depends on your taste," she said turning to Levinia, "You look kind of familiar too."

"My dad is Lee Jordan," Levinia said grinning, "He does the announcing for a lot of the professional Quidditch games as a side job."

"Oh, I've probably seen you at one of the games," Kylie said.

Parker yawned and headed toward her trunk. "That's really lovely," she said grabbing her pajamas, "But can you talk about it in the morning."

Levinia laughed. "I think I'm going to like you Parker."

"That's it!" Annabel shouted out of nowhere.

Everyone turned to look at her. She smiled and looked at Veronica. "You are the daughter of Virginia Winters, huh?" she said grinning.

Veronica blushed. "Yeah," she said softly.

"Merlin's beard!" Annabel said smiling, "She designs the loveliest clothes. I can't believe she is going to teach here. I was so excited when she opened a store in Diagon Alley. I..."

"Am going to talk about it in the morning," Parker grumbled as she pulled the curtains to her bed.

Veronica let out a soft sigh of relief. "Yes, Parker. Goodnight everyone."

"Night," Kylie said.

"Shut up now," Parker shouted. Veronica smiled.