I got to row the boats! My family had told me everything they could about my first day and I had hoped the boats would be there, just as they said. They were! Three boys were arguing over who was going to row the boat for me, but I ignored them and instead looked up to see the grand castle looming above. I silenced the boys— their bickering was becoming bothersome— and went to sit in Draco's boat. I probably would've sat with Oliver for the boat ride, but he disappeared soon after the train stopped. I got a feeling that Draco and Oliver would become my closest friends during my school years.

When Draco saw me coming, he almost shoved Pansy into the water to make room for me. He rubbed the lobe of his ear as his face became pink once more.

I walked into Hogwarts with unfamiliar people. Draco had introduced me to them, but I couldn't recall their names. I think one had to do with weeds, and the other name sounded very Italian. I tried to look for Oliver again, but still couldn't find him anywhere. I gave up looking and decided to ask Pansy.

"Hey, Pansy? Do you know where... er... Angelina went?"
"You really mean to ask about Wood, don't you?"
"H-how did you know?"
"I'm good with chemistry. Just like I can sense all of the sexual tension between my bae and me."
"Haha, right. I'm not going to ask."

"Oh I have no shame when it comes to my life, you shouldn't either. I mean, if the way you hang on to every syllable that boy says isn't a good enough indicator, just look at your auras! The tension between me and Draco is the same with you and Wood!"

"What? I just- you should know- we don't- I don't like Wood like that!"

I had blurted out that lie much louder than I meant to. A couple of people turned their heads, and I heard Pansy giggle.

"We're friends, I think, and he's way too old for me, and he's not even my type!"
"Right, right. That is definitely true. I 100% believe you. Anyways, he's going to be inside the great hall already, with all the other Gryffindorks. After we start eating, you can go see them."
"Oh, ok! I'm really excited to be sorted, but I honestly don't know which house I want to be placed in..."

Just then, a tall lady walked in and I heard her speak harshly to Draco. My friend instinct kicked in and I was about to go march up to her and teach her a lesson when I saw the boy he was talking with: Harry Potter, the boy who lived, the wonder child, defeater of he-who-must-not-be-named. My jaw dropped. He was literally standing six feet away... he was real! ...And he looked mad. He and Draco were glaring at each other. Feeling the dejavu kick in, I finally decided to intervene and I guided Draco back to where Pansy waited happily. The tall doors slowly opened in front of us, and we walked in.

That's when it hit me. More like slapped me in the face. I was here. Right freaking here. We were here! Right freaking here! We made it to Hogwarts, and we were all standing in the great hall of-of a castle! I made it into the greatest wizarding school on the planet! The teachers' table was right there-in front of me! The house tables at both my sides, and the infamous sorting hat, in all its battered glory, was sitting on its stool. I let myself smile to my full extent for an entire minute before bringing it back down again.
I glanced behind me and saw all the other first years. Most looked either really excited, or so nervous they were going to wet themselves. I giggled when I saw Pansy looking the latter.

I scanned the group again, looking for Draco; we somehow got pulled apart moments after going inside. He looked sour, probably because of his run-in with Harry. This famous kid had utterly rejected him, from what I heard in the midst of Draco's grumbles. When he turned and noticed I was staring at him, I thought he might've blushed, but if so, it was gone as quick as it had come— leaving his face looking snooty. Strange that one was...I much preferred his dreamy relaxed look... or his smart smirk.

I, out of all people, knew what it's like to have a totally different face for the public's eyes. There have been plenty of pure blood parties I've been forced to attend and act like the propaganda-filled-pure-blooded-baby I am 'meant to be.' I just hope he knows that I understand his situation and that I wouldn't be against talking. If only...

I'm pulled from my reverie just as the sorting hat finished its song. Professor McGonagall started reading off her list of names...

"Hermione Granger!

Hannah Abbott!

Blaise Zabini!

Cho Chang!

Theo Nott!

Draco Malfoy!"

I applauded politely at each name called, even throwing in a cheer as Draco was sorted. After Astoria Greengrass walked herself over to the Slytherin table, I allowed myself to tune out all the noise. I could finally appreciate the beauty of this room. The floating candles added just the right amount of light to allow everyone to see clearly without being blinded. The ceiling perfectly depicted the night sky, aside from the stars occasionally starting fights with each other over who got to shine brighter. My gaze drifted down to the long table with all the teachers, and I couldn't help but catch their eyes one-by-one to flash them each a smile. Half of them smiled back, two even smiled a bit too much. Just from all the reactions, I automatically knew whose classes I'd enjoy more...

"...Mona Fritillary!"

I jerked my head towards Mcgonagall so fast the room decided to 360. It was my turn. I spent all that time ogling the contents of the room like an idiot when I should have been deciding which house I wanted to be placed in! Merlin help me. I looked around for Pansy or Draco but they had disappeared off to their house table. I smiled when I realized they got into Slytherin, just like they wanted. I made my way to the stool and timidly sat down, the older woman carefully placed the hat down on my head-it was so big that it fell way past my eyes and almost over the tip of my nose.

"Hmm... a challenge... difficult... very difficult. I see you are courageous, very good very good... ah! But a bit of a spit fire are we, eh? Don't take nothing from nobody do you? Hmm... ambition, morality, cleverness... what to do, what to do?"
'I don't know any better than you do'

"Is that so?"
'I... I didn't know you could hear me...'

I mentally stuttered after realizing the hat had heard my sarcastic thought.

"Common mistake. Any preferences before I make my verdict?"
'Umm...'

A thought flew to the front of my brain faster than I could stop it; something I wouldn't normally think about given that my parents are certain to take care of it for me when the time comes...

'Place me in the house where my true love is'

I felt my heart sink into my stomach in shame. The hat hesitated. I held my breath, and considered telling it to forget about the whole thing and just stick me in Hufflepuff, but then it responded.

"I use Legillemency. Not Divination sweetheart," the hat replied, though I could almost sense a bit of… something in its tone.

'Sorry... I... don't know why that was the first thing that came to mind...'
"ah, well. Such is life. Better be... GRYFFINDOR!"

I opened my eyes to see a table roaring with pride to my left. As I walked over to them, my eyes swept over the table's ranks and I caught sight of a familiar face. My face lit up and I walked proudly over to him.
Once I sat down, Oliver casually placed his arm around my shoulders and gave me a special smile. He leaned into my ear and whispered, so that no one else heard,

"Welcome home."