Chapter 11

Hermione lay in her bed for hours tossing and turning. So many thoughts were going through her head. Rachel was leaving in the morning to Hogwarts. Hermione was so worried about the platform, she knew for a fact that Harry and Ginny would both be there; she just had to make sure they didn't see her. Ron was also on her mind, should she reply to the letter or not. Hermione no longer wanted to fight but she couldn't get back in contact with him. After many more hours of being restless, Hermione decided to get up. It was only 6am. Hermione double checked Rachel trunk to make sure everything was ok and she hadn't forgotten anything. Hermione added some note paper and a few extra quills just encase.

Time was passing quite quickly; Rachel was eating her last breakfast with her mother before the departure. Finally they flooded to Leaky cauldron before getting on the tube to Kings Cross station.

If Rachel wasn't so worried about her first day, she would have noticed her mother was incredibly nervous. Hermione showed Rachel how to get through to the platform. The bright red stream train was already waiting for them. The platform was incredibly busy considering they were nearly 25 minutes early.

Rachel thought that this was a very old fashioned way to travel, considering they were witches why couldn't they get there without the whole train thing why couldn't they just floo?. Hermione by now was already crying.

"Don't worry mum I'll be fine it won't be long till Christmas"

"Don't worry dear I'm just being silly, it's just that you have grown up so fast, and I'm so proud of you"

Hermione hugged her daughter like it would be the last one she would get before making her get on to the train. Hermione knew that she would have to get on quickly; Harry could turn up at any moment.

Rachel found a seat near the window. Once she had placed her belongings in the carriage Rachel came over to the door of the train.

"I hope you enjoy your first term darling you should go of now and try and make some friends I really have to go. Make sure you write to me"

"Course I will mum everyday"

"Rachel replied. Hermione knew she wouldn't write everyday but the intent was nice. They hugged each other again. Rachel went of back to her carriage, waiting to meet other witches and wizards. Just when she thought she might have gotten away with it, Harry, Ginny, Ron and Lilly appeared though the platform barrier. Shit shit shit Hermione thought to herself; well at least they didn't see Rachel she thought. Hermione tried to hide behind one of the brick walls so she wasn't seen.

Hermione ached she really wanted to go and speak to her old friends. Hermione knew that she couldn't get back on to the other side of the platform without being seen, so she decided to pretend she had came to see Lilly off, and see her old friends.

Ron noticed her first; he seemed to do a double take.

"Hermione what are you doing here"

Bellowed Ron voice.

"Well I came to see my old friends and see Lilly of course. It has brought back a lot of memories being back here."

This was one big fat lie she hoped that they would all fall for.

So far it had worked. Luckily everyone was paying more attention on Lilly so the lie wasn't really noticeable to anyone. Lilly stepped on to the train after given her uncle and parents a big kiss and a cuddle. The friends waved sadly at the train as it sped away in to the distance.

Everyone looked red eyed and teary. Ginny invited everyone back to the house for some light refreshments. Hermione didn't really want to go but considering her excuse was seeing them she could hardly say no.

Everyone settled around the large dinning room table. Hermione was being unnaturally quite, she felt very uncomfortable being in such close proximity to Ron. Ron wasn't feeling to bright himself. Ron didn't have a clue what to say, he knew she must have got the letter, maybe this meant she was going to forgive him. Harry also noticed how bad the atmosphere was around the table but didn't know how to lighten it. Ginny walked into the room carrying a large tray containing tea and biscuits for everyone.

"For Merlin's sake can't you to put the past behind you, rather than acting like a couple of five year olds"

Ginny was now so fed up of there stupid behaviour it had gone on to long.

Both Hermione and Ron nodded, but they still didn't know how to act properly in the situation they were in.

Harry tried bringing up a conversation.

"So Hermione how is life treating you on the muggle side"

"To be honest with you I don't have a lot to do with it, just Rachel's school really. I'm guessing you still know I still work in our world"

"Surely that must be hard for you; I don't think I could do it"

Ginny tried carrying on the conversation.

"Well you do get used to it, I've had enough practise now"

Hermione wished that this conversation would change.

Everyone retreated to silence again. Ron didn't really no where to look. Ron tried not looking at Hermione to much, it hurt too much. Hermione was feeling the same, every time she looked at Ron she had the deepest desire to pounce on top of him. Suddenly a light blue patroness appeared from the distance it was for Hermione.

"I have to go its work, thank you very much for the tea; I'll be in contact soon"

Hermione walked outside of the house, thanking her job in her mind for getting her out of there.

"Hermione wait hang on"

Ron shouted while running out after her. Hermione turned around trying to hide the fact she was on the verge of busting into tears.

"Look I just wanted to say thank you for coming today, I know how much it meant to Harry and Ginny. I also know how uncomfortable it was in there for you. I gathered you didn't want to see me because you didn't reply to me. So I want to thank you for staying around while I was there"

Ron looked deflated after all his comments.

"I had a feeling you would be at the platform, but I wanted to go to see Harry and Ginny also. I knew it would mean a lot. Also I have been busy so I haven't had time to reply to you. You'll have to excuse me anyway I have been called to work"

A slight tear fell from Hermione's face. Hermione turned away before apparated to work.

Ron was now confused did that mean he was forgiven, or did it mean that she just said it to be nice.

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Rachel sat on the train, thinking she would have to sit the whole way there on her own. Rachel felt slightly distressed. Piggy was sat upon her lap; at least she had some company she thought to herself. After what had felt like hours, the carriage door opened slightly..

"Is anyone sitting with you, everywhere else is full?"

The girl also had bright red hair.

"No please sit down; it's pretty lonely in here."

The two red headed girls sat down together and began chatting.

Rachel quite like the fact she had made a friend so quickly. Rachel couldn't believe how similar they looked, but it was probably due to the same colour of hair. Lilly started playing with Rachel's Kitten. Lilly said she wanted a cat but she gotten an owl because, the shop they went to didn't have any kitten. Lilly explained that this was the same sort of owl her dad had when he came to school. The girls chatted for ages; they were only interrupted by the sweet trolley. Lilly brought a chocolate frog and liquorish wands. Rachel had never had any kind of wizard's sweets before so she simply ordered the same as Lilly.

The conversation changed many times while they were on the train. Finally there discussion had arrived at the point when they had found out about being witches. Lilly knew right away, obviously her parents hadn't hidden it from her. Lilly was most surprised that Rachel had only found out three weeks before. Rachel explained that her mother was a muggle born witch, and how she didn't know her father, so it was quite possible that she didn't know if she was a witch or not.

Lilly seemed quite surprised about this. Lilly knew all about muggle born witches and wizards. Lilly also knew that it was highly unlikely that a muggle born witch having a child with a muggle would production a witch. Lilly shared this theory with Rachel. Rachel had always wanted to meet her father, she took aboard the comments Lilly had and made a mental note to research this theory.

Both of the girls changed into there wizards robes just in time as the train came to a halt.

Once off the train came a friendly voice.

"Firs-years! Firs-years over here, Alright there Lilly hows your mom and dad I aven't seen them in a while."

Bloomed Hagrid

"There great, mum's busy with the babies you know"

Lilly replied cheerfully. Hagrid laughed at the comment. Hagrid knew Lilly's parents had there hands full with the children. Hagrid placed all the first years into different boats and they set sail over the lake to the castle. Luckily it was a nice evening, the lights in the distance glistened, it looked so pretty.

Rachel was interested in Hagrid she had never seen anyone so tall in her life, she didn't mean to stare but he was unusual. Everyone clambered out of the boats and followed Hagrid to the entrance where they were told they had to wait to be called for the sorting ceremony.

Rachel looked around at all of the first years, they all look so nervous. Rachel was also nervous; she really wanted to be in the same house as Lilly.

Professor McGonagall approached the pupils.

"My name is Professors McGonagall, I am also the headmistress for those who don't know, and I would like to welcome you all to Hogwarts. The banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats, you will be sorted into your houses. The sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your houses will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of you house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are here at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you house points, while any rule breaking you shall lose points. At the end of each year the house with the most points will be awarded the house cup. I hope you will be a credit to which ever house you are selected to be in. Please quickly smarten yourself up as the ceremony is ready for us.

Rachel thought to herself that this was a well rehearsed speech, which she had probably made many times before. The professor called the pupils to follow her. The new pupils huddled around the front of the great hall waiting for the ceremony to begin.

In front of all the students lead a hat on a very old looking stool, probably as old as the tatty hat. The hat suddenly sprang to life and broke out in a song.

You may not think I'm pretty

But don't judge me on what you see

I'll eat myself if you can find

a smarter hat than me

I am the Hogwarts sorting hat

There is nothing I can't see inside your head

So try me on

And I'll tell you where you should be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart

Their darling, nerve and chivalry

Set Gryffindor apart,

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patients Hufflepuff are true

And unafraid of toil,

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find there kind;

Or perhaps Slytherin

You'll make your real friend,

Those cunning folk use any means,

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands though I have none

For I am a thinking cap!

All the teachers and students burst into applause. The hat bowed to each table before becoming limp again.

The first years looked stunned none of them had seemed a talking hat before. Professor McGonagall unrolled the scroll she had in her hands and recited the names.

"Flint frank"

"Hufflepuff"

"Bernard Brendan"

"Gryffindor"

Finally there were only to pupils left, Rachel and Lilly.

"Granger Rachel"

Rachel walked very slowly towards the sorting hat, although she had seen everyone else do it she was very nervous.

"well what do we have here, I knew it wouldn't be long as I am the sorting hat and I remember all, another Weasley there is no other place it has to be Gryffindor"

Rachel ran of to the Gryffindor table. Rachel was quite confused about what the hat had said to her, did this mean her dad was a wizard after all? Rachel knew her mother was the first witch in the family so it couldn't have been to do with her side of the family.

Finally the sorting was down to the last person.

"Potter Lilly"

Every student in the great hall looked around; they all knew that this was the daughter of the famous Harry Potter. Rachel didn't even know that, before the hat mentioned it. Perhaps Lilly knew her mother. Rachel knew that her mum and dad fought together in the same battle to beat Voldemort, she also knew that they were good friends years ago.

Lilly didn't seem as nervous as all the rest, she strolled up to the hat placed in on top of the head.

"Well well well another one hei, I'll put you together Gryffindor"

Lilly ran along to the Gryffindor table, as everyone cheered.

Professor McGonagall stood once again.

"I would like to say welcome back to all our existing pupils and welcome once again to our new pupils. Before we start the feast, I would like to remind everyone and those who do not know, the forest is forbidden to every student. Also I have been asked to remind you using magic in the corridors is unacceptable. Now the notices have been made please enjoy the feast"

The food suddenly appeared from no where. All the students tucked in. Rachel was still thinking about what the hat had said to her. The more Rachel thought about what it said, the vaguer it became. I know it wouldn't be long there is no other place for you. Rachel couldn't remember the name it used, but she knew there must be a way of finding out.

The feast was over all the Gryffindor followed a prefect up to there common room. Something told Rachel that this common room was the same when her mother had been here. Everything in the room looked old and as thought it had be restored many times.

Rachel and Lilly chatted about the nights events. Lilly knew that she was going to be in Gryffindor all her family had been, so it was in the blood. Rachel wasn't to sure weather or not to tell her new friend what the sorting hat had said. Rachel thought she would talk about it tomorrow hopefully by then it might have settled in a bit more. Everyone in the common room seemed to be writing letters, to there families. Like Rachel had promised she started writing to her mother, Lilly seemed to follow suit.

Dear Mum,

Today has been fantastic. Just like you said I would make a friend on the train, I have. My new friend is called Lilly Potter, so I am guessing that you must know her dad. Lilly has bright red hair just like me, how cool is that. I always thought I'd be the only witch with red hair.

On the train we talked loads; she mentioned that it was highly unlikely that my dad could be a muggle; because you were the first witch in the family so if my dad was a muggle it would be like a million to one chance of me being a witch. Well considering you didn't know my dad well, you wouldn't have known he was a wizard. I am going to find more out about this. I didn't believe her at first but the sorting hat said something like, he was waiting for me, and there were loads in my family. The hat also said a name but I can't remember what it was, but it wasn't our surname, so that can't mean you because you're the first. I made it in to Gryffindor just like you.

I hope all that make sense I'm just so excited. My bedroom is really close to the common room is the first set of rooms of the common room. I've got a four poster bed it's also right next to Lilly's how cool is that.

Piggy has settled in well to, she likes the end of my bed, but she has started scratching the covers a little!

I have to go I want to have an early night because classes start tomorrow and I have to get up early.

Love you loads. Love Rachel.

Rachel tied the letter to the little owl which was perched on the window ledge. After explaining where it had to go the owl flew of.

Lilly was also writing her letters.

Dear Mum and Dad

Today has been great. Nothing is like I thought it would be. I have made a friends already, Her name is Rachel. Rachel's says her mum knows you dad, but a lot of people say that. I can't remember her surname but I'll ask her in the morning and I'll send it to you, just to see if you do know her. Rachel has also told me she that she only found out she was a witch three weeks ago, her mum's a witch and her dad is meant to be a muggle, but she doesn't know him. Oh I almost forgot to tell you I got in to Gryffindor. When you said the food was great her, I thought you were lying but it was great, I hope breakfast is as nice. Lessons start tomorrow, I'm a little nervous about that but I'm sure it will be ok.

Anyway I've got to write to Uncle Ron before I go to bed.

Love Rachel.

Dear Uncle Ron.

Hogwarts is great; I got put into Gryffindor just like you said.

I met a really nice girl on the train her name is Rachel, she has red hair to.

I'm a little worried about classes tomorrow, I bet I'm rubbish. I also found out we have to share classes with the Slytherin's. The look like really horrible people, complete slim bags if you ask me.

Must go I have to go to bed.

Love Lilly.

Rachel and Lilly settled down in the bed's both talking until they gradually fell asleep.

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Hermione's letter arrived first. Hermione quickly unrolled the scroll.

As Hermione read the letter, she knew that this wasn't good. Rachel had met the only person, who could give her some answers. Apart from the fact Rachel had met Lilly, everything else was very positive. Hermione was so proud of her daughter. Hermione was also worried that Lilly would write to her parents about Rachel. Hermione didn't want this secret to come out not yet anyway, Hermione had to think what else could she do.

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Lilly's parent's letter had also arrived.

Harry and Ginny laughed at her letter. It was just the sort of thing that Lilly would write about, food! Harry knew this food thing came from Ron. Harry and Ginny didn't play must attention about her friend's mum knowing them. Over the years many people said they knew Harry, just to make them look good.

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Ron received his letter last.

Ron knew is Niece so well, he thought it was quite funny what she had said about the Slytherin's. Ron had also hated the Slytherin's when he was as school. Most people hated the Slytherin's in fact, if you weren't one you hated them.

Ron walked over to the Potter's house just to see if they were still awake. Ron knew that there was generally someone up within the house, due to little Rose teething. Ron didn't have to knock on the door at all, Ron always just walked in.

Both Harry and Ginny were in the living room. Harry was feeding Rose while Ginny was replying to Lilly's letter.

"Alright guys, have you received a letter from Lilly yet. I have"

Ron asked.

"Yeah were just replying to her know'

Harry replied

"I was just wondering if you had some spare paper I must have run out"

Ginny pointed out the drawer with the paper in. Ron sat down next to Harry and began writing his reply.

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Hermione was having another restless night sleep. Hermione couldn't get the thought out of her head, what happens if they figure it out? Hermione was bound to lose more than her friends if they found out. Rachel was so much like her dad, there wasn't a day what went by she didn't think about him.

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The next morning arrived all the pupils in Gryffindor house were getting really slowly. Everyone seemed to feel the same. A lot of the students couldn't sleep the night before worrying what they were going to do the following day.

Lilly and Rachel left the common room together, and headed down to breakfast. As this was the first breakfast they had ever had at Hogwarts, they were quite surprised, on how the morning post arrived.

Swamps and swamps or owls flew into the great hall, each dropping post of to the recipients. A lot of the letters were from worried parents, while others where sending things they had forgotten to pack.

Rachel and Lilly had both received letters.

Both girls unrolled there letter.

Rachel

I'm so very proud of you of being accepted into Gryffindor. I also used to have the first room of the common room; my bed was second from the window. Now about your dad business, I didn't know him well and he never told me if he was a wizard. Many people don't say if they are or not. I can't help you anymore with this subject, and I would advice that you spent your time studying rather than, searching for someone, who you don't know. I hope you enjoy your first whole day.

Love mum.

Rachel was a little upset that her mother wasn't even trying to help her find her dad. This made Rachel more determine to find out who her dad was.

Lilly seemed a little happier after reading hers. As usual her mother told her to be careful. While Uncle Ron told her to give the Slytherin's shit, but not to mention he told her to.

Along side there letters, were there timetables and a map of the school. There first lesson of the day was transfiguration followed by charms, then double potions.

The girls set of to there first lesson.

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Hei I hope you all liked this chapter. I'm going away on Monday morning so I won't be updating between Monday and Friday, sorry. I also want to thank all my reviews you are all totally great and I love you all. Please keep reviewing I answer to everyone. Depending how many reviews I get before 2moro nite I might just post the next chapter before I go away. Enjoy!