A Feeling - Harry Potter

by Idshipthat101

Come on Ron, it'll be alright. I have a good feeling about this." I say, giving him a little wink and dragging him with me to an empty compartment toward the back of the train. Little did we know that the boy we would befriend that day would lead us on many adventures where we'd fight between life and death.

4. To Hogwarts, We Go

As we made our way out of the train and onto the platform I looked around. Just like Platform 9 3/4, the train is what stood out the most. The buildings surrounding the tracks were mainly all bricks but the wood they did have was probably once as red as the train but had muted and worn down throughout the years. Kids were everywhere, black robes and colors of each house on almost each one.

"Right then! Firs' Years, this way, please!" A gruff voice called out. I noticed it was the large man from Diagon Alley that was with Harry. He was waving a lantern to help him see his way around and to help us see him. "Come on then. Firs' years, don't be shy!"

"Hello, Harry." He greeted us as we walked up to him. "Hey, Hagrid!" He called back. Ron looked at me and then at the giant and all he said was, "Woah."

"Oh an' you're the girl with the precious cat!" Ron scoffed but Hagrid seemed to not have heard. "Alright then, I'm Hagrid. Keeper of the keys and grounds at Hogwarts." I laughed little at that. "That was me, yes. I'm Samantha Montgomery- Weasley." He nodded at us both and looked at all the kids behind us.

"Right then. This way to the boats!" We looked at each other weirdly, "boats?" I whispered to them. I felt a little nervous about carrying a temperamental cat in a boat across the water in the dark but followed nonetheless. "Come on now. Follow me!" Hagrid called over his shoulder as he started walking away.

To get to the boats, we had to walk down the thin and uneven dirt path, with very little light, to get to the part of the lake that had all the boats. Everyone was slipping and sliding and I'm sure I heard a kid behind us mentioning how he would tell his father of this abhorrent walk. I went to take another step but my foot slipped and I started to fall toward the lake when Harry thankfully grabbed me and made sure my feet were stable.

"Thank you." I sighed in relief, thanking Merlin it was dark out so no one could see how red my face was from embarrassment. It would make sure a horrible impression to walk into the great hall soaking wet. The twins would never let me live it down, either. "You-You're welcome. Be careful." He said back, sending me a smile I could just barely see.

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec!" Hagrid called out, causing me to jump back a little into Ron. I sent him an apology over my shoulder but looked back forward when we heard a loud chorus of "Ooooh's!" Ahead of us was the Black Lake, lined with many small boats, but that wasn't what people were looking at. On the other end of the lake on top of a small mountain, stood Hogwarts, with many towers and windows that were all lit up. The castle stood out from the background of the dark sky and millions of little bright stars, it looked like a photo out of a fairy tale. I looked at both Ron and Harry, our smiles were huge. Mom was so right about how magical Hogwarts looks. I thought in awe.

"No more'n five to a boat!" Hagrid yelled as we got closer to our destination. Now able to see more clearly with a lantern on our boat, Ron got in first while Harry helped me in next, then once he got in, he sat on the other side of me on the bench. Behind us sat Hermione and the boy I saw her with on the train. I turned around and smiled at them.

"You must be Neville, the boy who misplaced his toad, correct?" I realized that probably wasn't the right thing to say when his face turned red and I could feel the embarrassment radiating off of him. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that! Hermione had come to our compartment searching for a toad and mentioned your name..." I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. My name is Samantha Montgomery- Weasley. Were you able to find your toad?" His shoulders slumped downwards. "Neville Longbottom... No, we never were able to. My nans going to be furious with me when she finds out, I reckon shell even send a howler." I leaned back and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Try not to worry too much about it. I have a feeling you'll find it soon, just don't give up. Plus just between the two of us, they are so slippy that Harry lost a chocolate one on the train." I winked at him. As he laughed, the others looked at us, but I just smiled at them. After a few minutes of us conversing, Hagrid called out and asked if everyone was in their boats, and without waiting for a response he yelled, "FORWARD!" The boats jerk forward and started to move without anyone needing to do anything.

On the other side of the lake was a dock that would take us to the many, many steps that led to the castle. At least we could see everything and the path was a decently smooth stone. Luckily I was running on adrenaline and the stairs didn't seem to be so bad. As everyone was getting out, Hagrid came over to Neville. "Oy, you. This yer toad?" I wondered if he had heard our conversation but something told me he hadn't, leading me to question how he knew. "Trevor!" Neville yelled out, grabbing the toad and thanking the giant man. Once up the steps, we all stopped in front of a door. "Everyone here? You there, still got yer toad?" Once Neville nodded, while turning light pink, Hagrid knocked at the castle doors. The doors swung open and on the other side was a very serious-looking older woman with greying hair and her mouth in a straight line. "The Firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid introduced. "Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." She ushered us into the entrance hall and everyone was looking around amazed. The ceiling was so high you could barely make it out and the stairs in front of us were marble. We followed the professor but I was a little confused when we passed a pair of large wooden doors where the sounds of hundreds of voices were coming from inside, instead, we were led into a small room off to the side.

She waited until we quieted down a bit before speaking. "Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly but before you can take your seats in the Great Hall you must be sorted into your houses." I noticed Harry becoming more nervous and Ron even looked quite pale under his freckles. While I knew everything was going to end up fine, that doesn't mean I wasn't nervous or that things couldn't change. "The Sorting is a very important ceremony because while you are here, your House will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room." She took a long pause. "The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are here at Hogwarts, your triumphs will gain you House points, while any rule-breaking will lose House points." I wonder how many the twins have lost... "At the end of the year, the House with the most points will be awarded the House Cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours." A toad jumps in front of the woman speaking and she stops when Neville, who I didn't notice even lose Trevor again, calls out his name and runs up to get him. He slowly looks up at her and mutters out a quiet apology and runs back and hides slightly behind me. Some students laugh and I'm just glad I wasn't the one who pissed her off. But why did he have to hide behind me?

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." She continues as her eyes linger on the boys around me. Neville with his cloak that was fastened under his left ear and Ron who still had dirt on his nose. It took all my energy not to smack the palm of my hand to my forehead. Beside me, Harry tried to tame his wild hair. "I shall return when we are ready for you, please wait quietly." Was what she left us with as she left the room. Harry looked between us s I helped direct Ron where to rub on his nose to get the dirt off. "How exactly do they sort us into Houses?" I gulp at Harry's question. "Some sort of test. Fred says it hurts a lot but I suspect he was joking." "I hope..." I add. Just because I usually am one to joke around with the twins and give them a hand with the pranks, doesn't mean I'm exempt from them pranking me.

"What the-?" Everyone gasps as they see a large group of ghosts floating by and sounded to be arguing. "Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance-" A ghost looking similar to a monk starts. "My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he isn't even really a ghost! I say, what are you all doing out here?" The ghost wearing a ruff and tights stopped, noticing us all watching them. The first ghost smiles and loudly states, "New students!" When nobody had answered him. After a group of us nodded, he continues his welcome. "I hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old House you know." He sends us a wave as he and the other ghosts leave.

"It's true then!" I heard a voice behind me as we all turned to face the voice. The blonde boy from earlier today comes swaggering his way up to us, his eyes focused on Harry. "What they're saying on the train. Harry Potter has finally come to Hogwarts." Almost everyone gasps and eyes Harry as well. Draco gestures to the two large boys on each side of him, "This is Crabbe and Goyle. And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." Ron snickers and Draco snaps his eyes onto him. I roll my eyes at the entire show they are all displaying. "Think my names funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair and hand-me-down robes? You must be a Weasley." His eyes soften as he glances at me but go straight back to Ron, who really didn't look too bothered. "You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort." I go to step closer to the blonde but Hermione grabs my arm with both of hers and holds me back. I could tell Draco was avoiding looking at me and it pissed me off even more. "I can help you there." He so kindly offers and holds his hand out for Harry to shake, but Harry just glances down at the hand and back up to Malfoys face, not moving an inch. "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks." Ron and I both smirk at each other and Draco gives Harry a nasty glare but is interrupted when Professor McGonagall places a hand on his shoulder.

"Move along now. The Sorting Ceremony is about to start. Form a line." She orders. I stand behind Hermione, with Harry behind me and Ron behind him. "It'll be fine," I promise the two boys despite me being almost as nervous. I was amazed as we walked into the large room. There were five tables, four long ones with each Houses crest at the end and the smaller fifth one in the front of the room where the teachers sat with Headmaster Dumbledore in the middle in a very large thrown-looking gold chair. I was staring at the stars when I heard Hermione whisper to us, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History." I nod, kind of disappointed in having the magic taken out of it.

"Psst! Psst! Sammy! Ron!" I look over at the twins who had been whisper shouting at us. I smile and wave, while Ron was too nervous to hear them. They both send me thumbs up and I nod, feeling a little more comforted that I knew where they were. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and we all looked forward. She had placed a small wooden stool with a very old and worn-down hat atop of it. "Along here please." She waves us around the stool. "Before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." She steps out of the way a little as the old man in beautiful purple robes stood up. His hair and beard were both so white they seemed to glow and both were so long they probably went down to his belly button. Despite his age, he radiated power, causing the entire hall to be silent by just lifting his hand.

"I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce." He started. "The first years, please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. A few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." His eyes twinkled at the twins. "Thank you." He sits back down after he finishes and he gestures to the hat. I was glad to feel that I wasn't the only one confused, especially when a large rip toward the bottom of the hat opened it began to sing. What the fuck?

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me." I grin, enjoying the display.

"You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all!

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Ther daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindor apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patients in Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you're a readied mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

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'm a thinking cap!"

The entire hall erupted in cheers as the hat finished its song and the hat itself bowed to each of the four Houses and became still again making me believe that if no one else was reacting right now, I'd think I had been drugged. "So we've just got to try on the hat!" Ron whispered, making it seem so simple but I wasn't sure how I felt with the hat being able to look through my mind, it left me unsettled. "I'll kill Fred! He was telling me we'd have to go fight a troll!" I snorted, looking back at him. "You really believed that?" I asked and his ears turned red. Harry smiled a little but he was very quiet. As quickly and subtly as I could, I squeezed his hand, hoping to send him any reassurance I could.

Professor McGonagall stepped up again with a large roll of parchment. "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted. Abbott, Hannah!" And, with a pink-faced blonde girl with her hair in pigtails sitting on the stool, the Sorting Ceremony began. After a few seconds, the Sorting Hat yelled out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" And the students in yellow and black that sat on the table on the far right started cheering. She got up and started walking towards them while the Fat Friar flew around merrily. I noticed her tie and robes began to change to match the other Hufflepuffs as she sat down.

"Bones, Susan!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Boot, Terry!"

"Ravenclaw!" The table second from the left where everyone was wearing blue and silver started cheering. This continued down the alphabet, switching between the Houses until Hermione was called. She stepped up, telling herself to be calm and to relax, and then put the hat on her head. "Mental, that one. I'm telling you." I smacked his arm, glaring at him. "GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted, causing Ron to groan and me to smirk. She ran over and sat next to Percy. A few more kids went by until Draco Malfoy's name was called. He sent us all a smug smile and went to sit down. The hat barely even touched his head for it to proclaim he was in Slytherin. I love you mom, but Merlin please don't put me with him. I pleaded in my head. Ron leaned over to Harry and whispered, "There's not a witch or wizard that went bad that wasn't in Slytherin. I only know of one good one personally and that was Sams mum." Before I could say anything, my name was called. "Samantha Montgomery- Weasley!" I could hear the twins screaming my name but I hardly noticed as my hands started to get sweaty. I picked up the hat and sat down, pausing for a brief moment before placing it on my head.

"Another Montgomery. It's been quite some time since I sorted your parents." I jumped as I heard a voice speaking inside my head. "Well, your father was a Gryffindor and I see plenty of bravery in you. On the other hand, your mother was in Slytherin and I know that could take you very far." My eyes snapped toward Draco and I couldn't help but whisper, "Not Slytherin, please."

"Not Slytherin, ey? Well, I do see kindness and immense loyalty suitable for Hufflepuff. As well as wit and knowledge that would be great in Ravenclaw... Hmm. I don't believe I've had this much to consider when sorting a student in many years." He continued to talk for what seemed like forever and I could hear students starting to whisper. "All I really want is to be with my family, quite honestly," I muttered, nerves starting to get to me. "I quite agree that it would be a perfect spot. Must be... GRYFFINDOR!" He shouted the last part out so everyone else could hear. It was quiet for a second but suddenly lots of loud cheers came from around the room, but loudest from the Gryffindor table. My table. I smiled, rushing to take off and gently place the hat down on the stool and quickly walk to the twins, who were already standing up. As I made my way to them, I could see my tie and robes change and I let out a quiet laugh. Once I got to the twins, Fred picked me up and started to spin. "We knew you'd get Gryffindor!"He cheered.

"Mr. Weasley, I do believe she can walk on her own, don't you?" Professor McGonagall called to us, causing me to blush. "Of course! I was just making sure she didn't lose her way!" He hollered back, making everyone in the room laugh, even McGonagall gave a small smile as she watched me smack him on the shoulder before she continued on with the next student once I was finally able to sit down next to George and across from Hermione, who smiled at me. "What took you so bloody long?" George questioned quietly. "Yeah! We couldn't believe it when our sister was the first hat-stall the school has seen in over 30 years." I look at them confused, "Hat-stall?" I questioned.

"It's when the Sorting Hat isn't fully sure where to place a student-" Hermione paused her explanation when we cheered as Neville was sorted into Gryffindor. I cringed a little when he brought the hat with him before returning to put it back on the stool. "It's only happened twice before I read. Professor McGonagall was one. Another was a boy named... Peter Pettigrew. Both ended up in Gryffindor as well." I nodded following along. "So what did it say?" Fred asked. "Oh, it was odd. It told me how I could fit in with each House and fit well. Just like how it probably did with you guys." I nonchalantly said, waving my hand in the air but paused when they stayed quiet looking at each other. "What?" I asked. "The hat doesn't usually do that with anyone," Fred said from over George, everyone else nodding. I felt my face heat up. Great. I'm a freak.

And like a Guardian Angel, McGonagall shouted out Ron's name. The twins and I cheered, ignoring Percy who was telling us to be quiet. Ron jumped similar to how I did, making me wonder what the hat told other people, especially when they only took a fraction of the time I did, but just like I had told him before, he had nothing to worry about. "GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted. All four of us stood up and cheered for him. "I told you." I smiled at him giving him a wink as he surprisingly sat next to Hermione. He had the biggest smile I had ever seen on him mixed with clear relief on his face, as he jokingly rolled his eyes at me but nodded. "Well done Ron, excellent." Percycongradulated him. I know I shouldn't care, but even after all these years it still hurts a little when Percy makes me feel like I'm not actually family. George, as if he could feel my mood starting to dampen put his arm around me. I put on a smile as I look at him and away from Percy, but the smile faded a little when I felt a burning sensation on my ribs. "What's wrong Sam?" He asked me quietly. "I think I got a new tattoo on my ribs." I joked. "Wicked! You have got to let me know what it is!" I nodded before putting my attention back on the ceremony.

I noticed there weren't many kids left to be sorted before, "Harry Potter!" was called out and the entire hall went quiet, minus kids whispering. Harry's face went red. "Poor Harry..." I whispered, Hermione nodding. As Harry sat down, the hat was placed on his head, almost hiding over half his face and I wondered if it had covered mine just as much. Harry took a few minutes, not as long as I had, but still more than others before the hat called out, "GRYFFINDOR!" We all cheered, the twins even chanting "We got Potter!" and I gave him a hug once he sat next to me, causing him to blush a little. The twins and Percy shook his hand. I don't even think he realized he had gotten the loudest cheer so far. Once everyone had been sorted, a loud dinging rang through the room. We all quieted down and looked at Professor McGonagall.

"Your attention, please." She called out. We all shifted our gaze next to her as Dumbledore stood up again. "Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. Before we begin our feast, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!" Everyone cheered as he sat back down and suddenly the table fills with as many dishes that can fit and a goblet for each person. My mouth instantly started to water, not realizing just how hungry I was. I heard Harry ask Percy, "Is he- is he a bit mad?" I laughed. "Mad?" Percy repeats. "He's a genius! Best wizard in the world! But he is a bit mad, yes. Potatoes, Harry?" Beside me, Harry's mouth fell open. I looked around at my options and decided to get a little bit of everything, with two helpings of roast chicken. Hermione and I both had disgusted looks on our faces when we saw how Ron was eating, stuffing as much chicken and miscellaneous other foods into his mouth as he could. "You think I'd get used to seeing him eat like this but I can't," I say to her as she nods back to me. "I can see why..."

As I was eating I couldn't help but smile as I looked around. My family and all the kids I had made friends with today had been sorted into my House. I was wrong, now I haven't smiled bigger than I ever had in my life. From down the table, I could hear a boy with an Irish accent who I believe was named Seamus say, "I'm half and half. Mums a witch and me dad's a muggle. Mum didn't tell him 'till after they were married. Bit of a nasty shock for him." He then asked Neville to explain his story. "Well, my gran brought me up and she's a witch, but the family thought I was all-Muggle for ages. My Great Uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off guard and force some magic out of me. He pushed me off the end of Blackpool pier once, I nearly drowned, but nothing happened until I was eight. Great uncle Algie came around for dinner, and he was hanging me out of an upstairs window by the ankles when my Great Auntie Enid offered him some meringue and he accidentally let go- but I bounced all the way down to the garden and into the road. They were all really pleased, Gran was even crying, she was so happy. And you should have seen their faces when I got in here- they thought I might not be magic enough to come, you see. Great Uncle Algie was so pleased he bought me my toad." I could hear Hermione and Percy talking about lessons across from me.

"Ouch!" Harry suddenly exclaimed, holding his hand to his scar. "Harry, what is it?" I asked, worried. "Nothing. Nothing I'm fine. Thank you." I smiled and nodded at him and turned back to the twins but could hear Harry as he turned to look at Percy. "Say, Percy, who's that teacher talking to Professor Quirrell?" I turned to look as well. "Oh, that's Professor Snape." I was able to guess who Snape was from all of the rudely accurate descriptions the twins had given me, with his greasy long black hair and hooked nose, and figured that Quirrell must be the one in the turban. "Head of Slytherin House."

"What's he teach?" Harry asked. "Potions, but everyone knows it's the dark arts he fancies. He's been after Quirrell's job for years."

"That does look good!" One of the two ghosts from earlier says next to Harry as more and more ghosts fill the room. I laughed quite hard when I noticed one with blood all down his shirt was sitting next to Draco, who seemed quite green and creeped out. Harry looked at the ghost confused. "Can't you..?"

"I haven't eaten for nearly 500 years." The ghost answered. "I don't need to, but one does miss it. I don't think I've introduced myself, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower."He politely introduces himself to us.

"Hello Sir Nicholas, have a nice summer?" Percy politely asked him. "Dismal." He said in an unhappy tone. "Once again, my request to join The Headless Hunt has been denied." The ghost started to float away when Ron called out, "I know you! You're Nearly Headless Nick!" I just stared at the redhead who thought that was okay to say in amazement. "I prefer Sir Nicholas. If you don't mind."

Now it was Hermione's turn to say something insensitive. "Nearly headless? How can you be nearly headless?" She asked as Sir Nicholas came back toward us. "Like this." He says and without warning, popped his head off, although a part was still connected, an eternal way to show how someone had done a poor job at beheading him. I almost wanted to ask if he knew why they were attempting to do so but held my tongue. While everyone else yelled and freaked out, I turned to the twins and grinned. "Wicked!" We all said simultaneously. Nicholas took the moment to leave. I didn't blame him.

After the desserts finally disappeared, I didn't want to move. I was completely ready to just camp out on the table until I remembered we'd finally get to see more of the castle and the Gryffindor common room. Dumbledore stood up. "I have one more thing to say, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor, on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death." We all looked at each other in horror while Harry laughed but quieted down when he realized he was the only one to do so. "He's not serious?" He asked Percy in disbelief. "Must be," Percy answered before frowning. "It's odd because he usually gives us a reason why we're not allowed to go somewhere- the forests full of dangerous beasts, everyone knows that. I do think he would have told us perfects, at least." I just rolled my eyes. Dumbledore lifted his arm and gave a flick of his wand, amazing all the first years when a long golden ribbon rose above the tables and twisted itself into words. "Everyone pick their favorite tune and off we go!" He said, and the entire school, minus a few students and teachers, started to sing along.

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts.

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now, they're bare and filled with air,

Dead flies ad bits of fluff.

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we would've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains rot."

Everyone finished the song at different times and it honestly sounded like there were a few dying pigs but it was still a happy moment for everyone. "Ah, music." Dumbledore sighed, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here. And now bedtime, off you go!"

The Gryffindor first years were instructed to follow Percy as he lead us to the common room with his chest ridiculously puffed out. "All right, this way." He ordered. "This is the most direct path to the dormitories. Oh, and keep an eye on the staircases, they like to change." He ordered. Some students were pointing out when they saw paintings and staircases move when we suddenly were stopped by a bunch of floating walking sticks. "Peeves," Percy whispered to us. "Peeves- show yourself!" A loud sound, like air being let out of a balloon, was the only answer. "Do you want me to go get the Bloody Baron?" He threatened, causing Ron and I to roll our eyes together since he always threatens everyone at home with this but substituting Peeves with one of our parents.

A loud pop and a little man with dark eyes and a wide mouth appeared, floating cross-legged in the air, holding onto the walking sticks. "Oooooh! Ickle Firsties! What fun!" He swooped suddenly at us. Harry pulled me down with him just in time to avoid being hit. "Go away Peeves, or the Bloody Baron'll hear about this, I mean it!" Percy scolded. Peeves just stuck his tongue out at the perfect while dropping a walking stick on Neville's head and disappeared. Now I understand why Sir Nicholas didn't seem to like him.

"You want to watch out for Peeves," Percy warned us. "The Bloody Baron's the only one who can control him, he won't even listen to us perfects. Here we are." Percy walked up to a large picture of a fat woman in a pink frilly silk dress. "Password?" She asked.

"Caput Draconis," Percy said, loud enough for us all to hear. After he said that, the painting swung open, revealing a large secret passage into what was our common room. Ron held my wrist as I crossed over to make sure I didn't fall and Neville needed a leg up but we all eventually made it and started to look around. "Follow me, everyone. Keep up, quickly, come on. Gather 'round here." He said, waiting for everyone to go over by him but letting us have a quick second to look around. It was a large, round red room filled with matching armchairs and couches, mainly sitting near a beautiful fireplace. Along the walls, were some desks and chairs for students to use for their homework. There were tons of interesting paintings that made me excited for some free time to be able to spend here and look around. "Welcome to the Gryffindor common room. Boys dormitories, upstairs and down to your left. Girls, the same on your right. You'll find all of your belongings have already been brought up. Now off to bed, it's a busy day for everyone tomorrow."

After saying goodnight to the boys, I followed Hermione up to one of the dorms where I could hear a meowing. "Syrus!" I called out, feeling horrible for the fact he had been here waiting for us locked up. I walked up to the bed and let him out of his carrier and he jumped out and curled on the red comforter. I looked around noticing there were four four-poster beds in the room and a bathroom connected to it. The walls were bare and red, making me excited to decorate. Hermione and I hugged each other when we took a moment and realized we were roommates. After introducing ourselves to our two other dormmates, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, and hanging up clothes in our wardrobes, we all got ready for bed. While I was changing in the bathroom, I looked at my ribs and on my right side, I noticed a new symbol in the shape of an "n" to go along with the three others I had so far. As I looked at the one on my left forearm in the shape of a wand that I got the day I got my own wand, I couldn't help but wonder what others I would get in my life and what all were the ones my mother had and why my family got them in the first place. Once we all were in our pajamas we turned out the lights. I crawled under the blanket and took out my wand. "Lumos," I whispered, as I opened the letter my mom had left me and I reread it.

"To my dearest Samantha,

It's your first day at Hogwarts! I'm so excited for you and I wish I was there to see you off, oh how much I do. But I know you are doing fine. I still remember my first day, getting to see Hogwarts Express in person. It was beautiful but not as beautiful as seeing Hogwarts for the first time. Now that was magical. I remember being so nervous about being sorted, hoping and praying I'd be sorted into Gryffindor with Uncle James. He always boasted about how he knew he'd be one just like his parents. When I was first sorted into Slytherin, I was devastated. Eventually, I became proud of my House, even with people giving Slytherins a hard time (so try not to judge others at first glance- you may even become best friends with someone you first considered an enemy). I met new people, in and outside of my House, and in the long run, met the people I called my best friends until long after we graduated. I know you'll have the time of your life. Try not to get into too much trouble, and don't give McGonagall a hard time. Merlin knows we bothered her enough for many lifetimes.

I love you more than words can say,

Kelsa Montgomery

I read it one more time before I tucked it under my pillow. "Nox" I whispered to turn off the light from my wand before turning to face the wall, falling asleep faster than I ever have before.

Seems like Sam has some things about her family she doesn't know about yet. To clarify, the symbols show up at seemingly random times and the only indication is a slight burning feeling for a moment, similar to getting a real tattoo. She has the wand on her left forearm in a light grey (her wand arm), the "n" on her right ribs, and the one in the top right corner is on the back across her shoulders the same width as her neck. The "" symbol is on her head but in a skin tone color so no one but a trusted person would even know. I will explain more about them and you'll figure out why she gets them, when she does, etc, eventually. Don't worry. 3

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I don't think I've mentioned it, but I do plan for this to be a slow burn story but that doesn't mean that the kids (who haven't really been around kids outside of their family) much wouldn't blush at sudden shows of affection. Also, I want to say that there will probably be times in this story where something makes you cringe. Please remember they are 11 and some things kids that age say are cringy and if you say you never did, I just don't believe you. Please comment, like, and share the story, it would mean the world to me. Let me know how I did (but please do it KINDLY as I am a v sensitive bean) and what parts are your favorite!

xx