On September 1st Brandon drove me to Kings Cross station. He helped me get my new black trunk out of the car, and he carried it while we searched for platform 9 3/4. I knew we had to go through one of the brick pillars, but I didn't know which one. As a result I had to touch each pillar between platforms 9 and 10 until my hand sunk through one of them.

Brandon stared at the bricks warily. "You have to go through that?" He put his own hand on the bricks, but it didn't go through like mine had. "Guess I can't go with you." Brandon got down onto one knee and looked me in the eye. "I know we've grown apart these past few years, but I want you to know I love you. I'm proud to call you my daughter."

For the first time in years Brandon placed a small kiss on the top of my head. It sent warmth through my body, and I gave him a heartfelt smile. Unfortunately, while he might be proud, I knew the magical world freaked him out. Same with Natalie.

Taking hold of my trunk I moved away from the wall before running towards it. I couldn't prevent my eyes from closing right before my body would have slammed into the bricks. My fear of injuring myself was dashed when I submerged into the wall, and came out onto a new platform. My eyes widened at the number of people crowding the new platform, and even further when I saw large, red engine with golden letters labeling it "Hogwarts Express".

This platform bustled with people that I knew to be magical. Parents checking over their children and asking last minute questions. It made me nostalgic, wondering if my parents from my last life would have accepted magic. No doubt my siblings would have loved to know about this. Kevin was kept in the dark about magic per Natalie's request. I hadn't liked the idea, so I decided I would tell him when he was old enough to keep it a secret.

Carefully pushing through the crowd I climbed onto the train. Since I was early it was easy to find an empty compartment towards the front. Once safely inside I pulled out one of my school books. I'd been so excited I read almost all of them. It's not everyday a Harry Potter fan gets opportunities like this. Ignoring the Harry Potter factor, I still wanted to scour every magical book I could get my hands on.

I'd thought about this moment since the day McGonagall took me to Diagon Alley. That day had been more than I could have ever dreamed it of being. I had a wand, an actual wand. Pine, Phoenix feather core, 13 inches. Pliant, according to Ollivander. It made me feel like a real witch, and now on the train to Hogwarts everything felt even more real.

With my trunk too heavy to lift I left it on the floor to rest my feet on. I put my transfiguration book on my lap, and picked up where I left off. Nobody bothered me before the train started moving, and afterwards I continued to be left alone. I welcomed the silence. It made reading easier, and I wouldn't have to explain to people I didn't talk.

That also brought up a question of whether or not I would remain silent. Obviously I would need to speak when casting spells since I didn't have the skill for silent spell casting, or even wandless.

I wondered if I could learn wandless magic. Not to use during class, but just as a side project. I could even learn how to become an animagus like the Marauders. That would be awesome. Their map was cool too, but I didn't know the first thing to do in order to make one. I knew the castle already. Not the layout, but things about it. The Kitchens and Room of Requirement were definitely on my list to find. The RoR could help me out with the animagus stuff. I knew it would be hard, and take years to accomplish, but I was ready to take the task head on.

I didn't know what to expect for my sorting. The Hat might see my past life, and I was worried about it telling someone. I definitely wasn't the same in this life as I was in my last one. No doubt that changed whatever House he would put me in. I considered myself loyal, so maybe Hufflepuff, but Gryffindors were loyal, too. Except for Peter Pettigrew.

His name brought up a whole new bunch of thoughts and problems. It was only 1971 and Voldemort wasn't really at large yet. I hadn't seen any newspapers, but I was sure he gained popularity in the mid-seventies. I definitely wanted to do something about him. Harry shouldn't have to suffer so much in his life, and getting rid of Voldemort would save countless lives besides just his.

My compartment door quietly slid open. I looked up to see a weary boy with hazel eyes, auburn hair, and a few scars on his face. He gave me a tired smile, and I returned it warmly. "Mind if I sit here? Everywhere else I've checked is full."

I motioned my hand to the seat across from me, and he took it with a grateful, "Thank you." He lifted his trunk to the overhead shelf easily, making my eyebrows rise. He saw my reaction and laughed warily. "I've been told I'm kind of strong."

My lips twitched, and I nodded. He must be strong, considering he looked my age. According to his black tie I'd guess he was a first year.

"I'm Remus Lupin." He stuck out his hand for me to shake, and I stared at him with wide eyes. It hadn't even occurred to me that I would meet any characters so soon. I knew they were going to be at Hogwarts with me, but I didn't know They started the same year as me.

Forcing away my shock I gave his hand a firm shake. Keeping it I my grasp I opened my mouth. When nothing came out I cleared my throat and tried again. "Rosabell King."

The raspy quality had Remus furrowing his eyebrows. "Are you okay? You sound sick."

I retracted my hand, and made a cutting gesture in front of my throat while shaking my head back and forth.

"You don't… talk?" His voice and features were full of confusion, but it cleared away when I nodded my head. "Well, don't think you have to talk around me. I'll be doing the same as you." He motioned to my book to let me know he meant reading.

The two of us sat in silence for the remainder of the train ride. While reading I couldn't help but marvel at the fact I sat next to an actual Harry Potter character. A Marauder at that. Speaking of Marauders, I wondered where they could be. Nothing ever mentioned how they all met, but I would've expected it to have already happened. Perhaps he was supposed to sit with them on the train, but found me first.

The possibility gave me a mild heart attack.

A voice overhead informed everybody on the train we would arrive at Hogwarts in five minutes. Trunks would be be left on the train, and everybody had to change into their school robes. Since Remus and I were already in ours we just had to put our books away.

Our once comfortable silence started to turn awkward. I carefully ignored it but Remus had other ideas. "What House do you think you'll be in?"

I shrugged. I continuously tried thinking about it during the trip, but it felt like each House applied to me. No House fit more than another.

Remus suddenly became embarrassed. "Oh, right. I forgot you don't speak." I just waved my hand dismissively to let him know I didn't mind. "I think I might get put into Ravenclaw. Gryffindor sounds good, too. Do you know how we get sorted? 'Hogwarts: A History' never said."

I nodded, and his eyes widened. "Really? Are you a pure-blood then? Or maybe a half-blood." My eyebrows rose as I shook my head negatively. "I didn't mean to be rude. I just figured you must have a magical parent to know how the sorting works. So how do you know?"

It seemed my choice not to talk came in handy sometimes. I just tapped the side of my nose, and Remus huffed. "Fine, keep your secrets. At least tell me it's not a test?" I shook my head no, it wasn't a test, but he interpreted it as me not giving him more information. "I'll find out myself."

The train came to a screeching halt, and the two of us stood up to leave the compartment. The busy aisle reminded me of the school bus during grade school when everybody tried getting out at once.

We waited it out before finally squeezing out of the compartment, and off the train. The both of us looked around the busy platform until our eyes landed on a giant figure. He held up a huge lantern while calling for all the first years. The air in my lungs gushed out in surprise because the figure was none other than Rubeus Hagrid.

Remus pulled me towards the hulking figure while I continued to stare in amazement. Another character, bringing the total I'd seen up to four. I paled at the thought of Dumbledore. I'd liked him before I found theories about how everything he did was to control Harry's life, tainting my views on him. I hoped he was a good guy, or at least had good intentions.

Hagrid led us over to a large lake with little wooden boats. "No more'n four t' a boat!"

I chose a boat at random and climbed in. I was surprised when Remus followed me, though it shouldn't have. He wanted to stay near someone familiar, and in the past few hours that's what I became.

"FORWARD!" The boats all jolted into movement. I skimmed my fingers over the top of the lake while I tried to spot more characters.

Lily sat with a pale boy a few boats behind us. He had a long nose, black eyes, and black hair that hung down to his chin. That must have been Severus Snape. If everything stayed the same as the movies and books then he would go into Slytherin, and Lily into Gryffindor, eventually ruining their friendship. Perhaps I could prevent that, but it could ruin future events.

"Duck!"

Everybody in their boats ducked down to avoid getting hit by a rock formation. It only lasted for a few seconds, and when everybody sat up they gasped. There, a little ways from the lake, sat Hogwarts. Every window glowed orange from the lights inside, and the image reflected in the lake. My eyes teared a little, and I wished I had a camera to capture the image forever

.

Everyone was so enraptured by the castle we didn't notice our boats stop at the edge of the lake. Hagrid snapped everybody out of it, and we all rushed out of our boats to make our way towards the majestic castle.

Hagrid led us up to a set of large double doors and knocked three times. One of the doors opened to reveal the familiar face of Minerva McGonagall. "The firs' years."

She nodded. "Thank you, Hagrid." McGonagall gestured for all of us to follow her inside. She led us into a large foyer with a hallway across from us. The doors behind us shut loudly while we were brought into a side room. Once we were all inside Minerva gave her speech.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall, and I will soon be leading you into the Great Hall for the start-of-term banquet. Before the feast begins you will all be sorted into a House. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because while you are here, your House will be your family. You will have your classes with your House, sleep in the House dormitories, and spend your free time in your House common room.

"The four Houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, and produced their own outstanding witches and wizards. While at Hogwarts you will be awarded House Points. Any rule breaking and you will lose them. At the end of the year, the House with the most points wins the house cup. I hope each of you benefit from whichever house you are sorted into.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes before the student body. I shall return when we are ready for you." She ended her speech then swiftly exited the room.

Everyone immediately began whispering with the person next to them. Remus looked over at me, and I gave him an expectant look. I may not have anything to say, but he did. "I've been waiting for this my whole life, and now I'm feeling a little sick to my stomach."

I grinned at him, and patted his shoulder comfortingly. He nodded at the gesture, recognizing it as a show of support.

People let out high-pitched screams behind us. We turned to see two ghosts floating through the wall. Actual full body apparitions. I wanted to meet one, talk to one, and now at Hogwarts I had the opportunity.

"Who are you?" One of the ghosts asked.

"I think they're the first years." The other said. "I was a Hufflepuff myself. A good House! Hope to see you all there!"

Minerva returned and noticed the ghosts. "That'll be all!" She snapped at them. The two ghosts floated out through a wall, and everyone stared in the direction they left with wide eyes.

"Now," Minerva quickly gained everyone's attention, "form a line, quickly, then follow me."

We made a line, and followed McGonagall like ducklings. My eyes wandered around the corridor to watch the moving paintings. Hearing about magic and seeing it were two completely different things. My amazement only continued when we walked into the Great Hall. Hundreds of candles floated near the ceiling charmed to imitate the sky above. Even after experiencing Diagon Alley, the magic I see is always new and exciting.

The students at the tables stared at us with varying levels of interest. Most didn't seem to care, wanting this to get over with quickly so the feast could begin.

McGonagall stopped next to a rickety stool with the Sorting Hat sitting on top. It looked like a normal old hat, but then it's seams ripped and he started singing. Us first years watched with wide eyes as a hat, of all things, sung about the new year and the qualities of each house.

"We're being sorted by a hat?"

I looked up at Remus and nodded. We stared at one another for a second before our lips curled up into humorous grins.

"When I call out your name," McGonagall held a scroll in one hand and the Hat in the other, "you will come up to the stool to be sorted."

The first name to be called out ended up being a boy who went into Ravenclaw. Next was a girl in Hufflepuff then another girl to Slytherin.

"Black, Sirius!"

My back straightened at the name. I watched avidly as a boy with wavy black hair and mischievous grey eyes sauntered up to the stool like he did it every day. The brim of the hat went over his eyes, and after a few minutes – longer than the other sorting's – it finally shouted, "Gryffindor!"

The room went silent, except for some scattered applause. McGonagall removed the hat, and Sirius looked around the Great Hall to see those not clapping staring at him with disbelief. A boy in the back of our line clapped wildly and shouted encouragements. Sirius flashed the boy a grin and took his seat at the Gryffindor table.

No more surprises happened for a while. Lily Evans went to Gryffindor after a long time under the hat. Probably arguing for Slytherin, so she could stay with Severus Snape. No other significant characters I knew of went up to the hat before my name was called.

"King, Rosabell!"

Taking a deep breath to ease my rapidly beating heart, I walked up to the stool and took my seat. The Hat was lowered, obscuring my view of the Great Hall.

Oh my… I haven't seen anything like this before….

I stayed silent so my words didn't influence his decision.

You are very different from how you used to be. Introverted. Keep to yourself, speak when you think necessary. Interesting, interesting. Witty… cunning… loyal to those you feel close to. Even the ones… you barely know.

I knew he was talking about the Marauders and Lily. They deserved to live, even if that meant I had to do something about Peter to ensure their safety.

Ruthless. Planning before you act. Your silence gives you cunning others don't have. Bravery. You have the best qualities of each house, but only one will benefit you the best. Yes, I know where to put you. Don't worry about your secrets. I'm only here to sort you, not spill your life story. Both of them, in this case.

My choice will give you many challenges, but they will strengthen you in the long run.

"Slytherin!"

Just like it had with Sirius the entire Hall went silent with shock, except for a few whom eventually stopped when they realized something was off. Nobody knew the name King, meaning I was probably a Muggle-born. Muggle-borns never went into Slytherin. Hufflepuffs looked at me with pity; Slytherins gave me sneers of disgust; Gryffindors all looked shocked; Ravenclaws seemed fairly indifferent, if not surprised by the Hat's choice.

Not a word was spoken as I calmly made my way to the Slytherin table. The first years I sat by moved as if I carried a contagious disease. I had open seats all around me.

McGonagall started calling names again, and I glanced up to catch Remus' eye. He looked confused, silently asking what happened. I shrugged lightly enough for him to see. I was surprised myself. Examining my green and silver tie, I wondered what Slytherin would bring me. Based on reactions my roommates would not enjoy my presence.

I remained silent, and ignored the heated glares from my new housemates. Remus went into Gryffindor, and I clapped politely. Peter went into Gryffindor next, then James. I saw the four of them sitting together and smiled. It seemed The Marauders would still get together.

Figures their main target were Slytherins, and I ended up becoming one.

Some girls were in Gryffindor with Lily. A Marlene McKinnon, and Mary MacDonald.

Severus took a while under the hat. No doubt fighting to be put into Gryffindor. Unfortunately he got sent to the house of snakes. The table clapped politely, and the boy took the seat on my left. I didn't take my eyes off of the sorting while I addressed him. It took a cleared throat, but I managed. "You'd be wise to move."

I could feel his stare. "Is that a threat?"

I shook my head and glanced at him, then the rest of the table. He followed my stare to see our housemates looking at us with scorn. Severus looked back at me and discreetly nodded. I saw an apology in his eyes before he shoved me down the bench to the open seat in my right, putting space between us.

I felt a mixture of amusement and indignation. I didn't want them all to think I was some pushover, even though it really didn't matter to me what they thought. I made sure to give Severus a glare while he scowled back. I noticed the approving looks his actions garnered, and I turned away with a huff. Now that they couldn't see my face I smiled. The kid was smart.

After the last student got sorted into Hufflepuff McGonagall took the Hat and stool to a door off to the side from the teachers table. When she sat down Albus Dumbledore stood from his seat with his arms stretched out.

"Students! I welcome you to another year here at Hogwarts! After the feast I will announce our rules, but for now – dig in!" He clapped his hands and dishes of food suddenly appeared in front of us, and an orange drink filled our goblets. I stared at the heavenly spread in amazement. Mashed potatoes, turkey, corn. All of it went onto my plate. I had a suspicion as to what was in my cup, and one sip confirmed it: Pumpkin juice.

It wasn't so bad at first, but after a while I got tired of the flavor. Pumpkin is fine as a pie, but that appeared to be the only form I enjoyed it in.

I knew there was a kitchen somewhere in the castle; near the Hufflepuff dorms. Houselves worked in there, so I tried asking, "Could I get water?"

I watched in astonishment as the pumpkin juice was replaced with clear liquid. Just to make sure I took a sip and found it to be water. I smiled down at my plate and whispered a quick, "Thank you." Those elves definitely deserved it.

I ate my meal in relative peace. Similar to Muggle school nobody was interested in hanging out with me. Only here it was because of my parentage, not my selective muteness.

Of course I could hear some of the first years not-so-quietly whispering about me. How "mudbloods don't belong in such a prestigious house"; "Salazar Slytherin would be ashamed"; "Dumbledore should re-sort her, or remove her from the school"; "her filthy Muggle parents should disown her".

The last one made me smile to myself. As if I cared about what Brandon or Natalie thought about me. They weren't my real parents. Never were, and after our relationship getting my letter I assumed they never would be.

Severus himself was facing some scorn. His status as a half-blood was enough for them to frown at him. Apparently only pure-bloods should be in the house of snakes. I wanted to be the one to tell them Voldemort was half-blood, just to see the look on their faces.

Dessert came, and I stared at the chocolaty goodness near me. Chocolate was a weakness of mine, along with french fries.

After dessert Dumbledore stood up, and the tables cleared of all the food, plates, and silverware.

"Before the Prefects lead you to your dormitories I would like to inform you all of the rules. The Forbidden Forest is, in fact, forbidden. Nobody is allowed in there at any hour of the day. There is to be no magic used against another in the corridors. Your Prefects will inform you of anything else you need to know. Off you trot!"

All the older students stood up, and the first years copied their movements. Two older Slytherins, a male and female, led our house from the Hall, deep into the dungeons.

We were led down three sets of stairs and a winding corridor before stopping in front of a blank stretch of wall. The Prefects turned to us. One of them had long blonde hair and a cool stare. Just from his hair I has the feeling this was Lucius Malfoy. He must have been a sixth or seventh year.

"This wall is our entrance. The password changes every fortnight. Tonight it's," his eyes met mine from my place in the back, "The Pure."

Bricks on the wall slid away until a cut-out the size of a door remained. Everybody walked through, and the first years huddled together in the middle of the room to examine their surroundings.

The cool air held a damp smell. A painting of a snake hung above an ornate fireplace with green flames. On either side was a set of stairs leading to the dormitories. A long green sofa, with an armchair on both sides, faced the fireplace. Large grey pillars with snakes carved into the base, reached up to the ceiling where there were more snake carvings. Against the walls were tables for people to do their homework at.

"Male dorms up the left, female dorms up the right. The stairs are charmed to prevent anyone but a female to go up to the female dorms, same goes for the males." Lucius listed. "We Slytherins show a united front. Any inner-house rivalry will be dealt with in the privacy of the common room. We used to house powerful students, but it seems this year something went wrong." Here everyone in the common room turned to look directly at me. My only response was took raise my eyebrows. "First years have a curfew of seven o'clock. You must be in your dorm room by eight. If you have any questions come to me," Lucius gestured to the silent Prefect, "or Narcissa Black."

The first years broke off to examine the common room while I went up to the dorm. There were five beds in the first year dorm. My trunk sat at the end of the bed right in the middle. Huffing at my luck I pulled out a pair of pajamas, my hairbrush, and my toothbrush.

I set off to get ready for bed, and by the time I finished the rest of my roommates slipped into the room. When they saw me reading on my bed they sneered.

"Mudblood's like you aren't allowed in here."

I stared at the blonde girl silently, not gracing her with a response beside a raised eyebrow.

Another girl scoffed. "I bet she doesn't even know what that means." She walked towards my bed and smirked. "It means you're filth. Scum. You don't deserve to lick the bottom of my shoe."

I leaned closer to her with a cocky smile. "Suck my dick." She gasped sharply and jerked away. The amount of offense the swear garnered made me laugh. Just like my voice my laugh sounded disused and rough.

"You're disgusting!" The girl snapped. "If you know what's best for you, you'll leave Hogwarts as soon as possible."

Still laughing I grabbed my bed curtains and slid them shut. Now in complete darkness I couldn't read my book. I had to grab my wand that I'd stashed beneath my pillow to attempt my very first spell.

Closing my eyes I imagined the small light at the tip of my wand. As quietly as I could I whispered, "Lumos," and as I predicted nothing happened. I tried again and again, numerous times, with each result ending in failure. How loud I said the spell shouldn't have mattered, and I wouldn't risk saying it any louder.

Trying one last time, I forced myself not to feel doubt on whether or not it would work. I did magic before. Broken mirrors, changing my clothes, and breaking all the lights in our house. A simple light shouldn't be so difficult.

"Lumos." My voice held a firm note that hadn't been there before.

A flash had me opening my eyes, and I squinted at the ball of blue light in front of me. My eyes slowly focused until I realized the light was at the end of my wand.

Covering my mouth to contain my squeal I stared at the light with amazement. The first purposeful bit of magic I'd ever done. Never, in either life, had I felt such a feeling of accomplishment.

With a smile I tucked the wand behind my ear, and settled down to read the last few chapters in my book. When I was done I reached for the little alarm clock I'd brought from home. I would look up an alarm spell the next day, but that would have to do for now.

Putting the book and clock on one side of the bed I curled up beneath the covers and whispered, "Knox." My surroundings plunged into darkness, and I slipped the wand beneath the pillow I wasn't using before closing my eyes. Despite the fact I was sorted into Slytherin, and no doubt had a hard road ahead of me, I smiled.