THE NEW GIRL
The days after the visit to the Diagon Alley was filled with arguments, for the two friends that were staying at the Granger house. The topic of argument was, their newly appointed DADA professor Gilderoy Lockhart. Natasha was of the opinion that, the things that were said in the books, that were said to have been done by their Professor was too ridiculous to be entirely true. She thought that, at least some of them were made up by that man. Natasha was angry with their new Professor, for making her get some unwanted attention. Natasha knew that the Professor had used her to get more publicity for him, and his book. But Hermione was of the opinion that, the professor was genuine and all that what was described in the books were real. Natasha felt that, her friend had developed a small crush on the professor just after reading the books. Finally, Natasha agreed to give the new professor a chance, at teaching, and promise that, she will change her views, if the man was good at his job.
On the day before the two of them left for Hogwarts, there was a small confusion as to what to take to school, and what not. Mr. Granger told Natasha that, she could keep her things, that were not necessary to take to the school. Natasha finally decided to keep her old clothes, that were given to her by her aunt, and some old textbooks that she felt were no longer necessary. Hermione helped her to sort out her things, and she in turn helped her friend too.
On the morning in which Natasha was going back to Hogwarts, Natasha woke up really early, and got cleaned up really well. Then she went for breakfast where the Granger parents were already sitting.
"Excited to go to school, Natasha?", Mrs. Granger asked.
"Yes Mr. Granger. I can't wait to reach the school. But I will really miss you both.", Natasha said smiling.
"we will also miss you, Natasha. Just know that, you are welcome at our house anytime.", Mrs. Granger said.
Just then Hermione arrived at the table and greeted the people, and they returned the greeting. Natasha and Hermione started having an excited conversation about the year they were going to be having.
"I hope that, the year will be as good as last one.", Hermione said.
"Both academically and non-academically. I want to get the Quidditch cup this time.", Natasha declared.
Hermione laughed. "Well, I have to only worry about the studies part", she said.
Natasha stuck out her tongue at Hermione. Both the Grangers were laughing at this.
"I feel like she is another daughter of ours. Look at the way they are acting, they are like they are sisters.", Mrs. Granger said to her husband.
"Yes, they do. In the one month, she was with us, she became really close to us.", Mr. Granger said.
"I really hope that, she will be there even next time also.", Mrs. Granger said.
They left their house, just after their breakfast. They travelled in their car, and reached king's cross at twenty after ten. They went to the place where there was platform nine and ten.
"Well, this is it.", Natasha said.
"Shall we go?", Hermione asked to both to her parents and to Natasha.
They all nodded. But the problem was that, the elders couldn't get into the platform as they were muggles. So, they said their goodbyes, and hugged their daughter. They In turn hugged Natasha too and said their goodbye. Then Hermione and Natasha ran into the wall that was separating the two platforms. Just when they were supposed to pass through the barrier, they just crashed into the barrier. They fell down onto the ground along with the contents of the trolley.
Just after Natasha recovered from the crash, she looked at Hermione. She looked shocked too. The Grangers immediately saw the crash and came to the rescue of the two girls.
"Why can't we get through the wall?", Natasha said touching the wall. It felt solid, as though there was nothing behind it.
"I have absolutely no idea.", Hermione said.
"This is really mysterious. The wall made her pass properly the last year!", Mr. Granger said.
"What seems to be the problem here?", an unknown voice asked.
When Natasha turned, she saw a tall man with a brown beard. Natasha did not recognize him, so she could not tell what had happened, as she did not know whether he was a wizard. But then a boy appeared just behind him, whom Natasha immediately recognized as Cedric Diggory, the Hufflepuff seeker.
"Hello, Natasha. Hello Hermione.", Cedric greeted the both of them.
"You know these two, Ced?", the man who looked like Cedric's father asked.
"Yes father. This is Natasha Potter and Hermione Granger.", Cedric replied.
"Potter? Natasha Potter?", Cedric's father beamed at Natasha, and saw the scar on her forehead, as her hairs were now out of the way of the scar, due to the scar. "Oh merlin! You are really her. Nice to finally meet you, Natasha. My name is Amos Diggory. As you would have guessed, I am Cedric's father. I knew both your parents, at school, really great people they were.", Mr. Diggory said with a smile.
"Great to meet you too, Mr, Diggory.", Natasha said.
"Ms. Granger, nice to meet you too.", Mr. Diggory said to Hermione. "What happened to you both?", he asked.
"The children are somehow not able to pass through the wall. It is as if it is blocked.". Mr. Granger came and told. "I am Dan Granger, Hermonie's father.", he shook Amos's hand.
"Great to meet you too, Sir", Mr. Diggory said smiling. "So, you are not able to pass through, huh? Let me check it.", he said and after checking that no one was watching went straight through the wall and came back in a second.
"This seems to be alright! But I felt something really weird while passing through. A new kind of magic, that is not supposed to be there.", Mr. Diggory said. "If my guess is right, it is of a house elf."
"What? Why are you saying that an elf might have blocked us?", Natasha said shocked remembering Dobby.
"Yes, Natasha, I will go to the other side and catch that elf now!", Mr. Diggory said angrily and went to the other platform.
They all waited for Mr. Diggory to arrive for 4 minutes silently. When he returned, Mr. Diggory seemed really angry. "That damned elf! He just disappeared with a screech after I caught him.", he muttered. "I will have an investigation in this matter! This is unacceptable!", he said.
"I think you can go, the magic that blocked you has gone.", he continued.
Natasha and Hermione exchanged looks, and promised each other silently to discuss about this later.
"Why was the elf blocking the wall?", Mr. Granger asked.
"I have no idea. He disappeared before I could ask.", Mr. Diggory shook his head and replied.
Natasha and Hermione said goodbyes once again and went through the wall. This time, they passed right through the barrier, and reached the platform. The platform only had less than twenty people, as they were really early. So, they knew it was easy to get a place to sit. They out their things in the compartment with the help of the Diggories and thanked them immensely after that, Natasha couldn't help notice that, Cedric was really cute.
After they put all their trunks in place, they sat in their seats comfortably. The students and their families were now coming really fast, and they started occupying the other places. Natasha and Hermione were mow waiting for the Weasley's to come to tell Ron what had happened. Nut ebven by five past eleven they did not come.
"Where are they? The train is bound to leave in a few minutes!", Hermione asked with concern in her face.
"Oh, come on, Hermione I am sure that they will come anytime now! They must be stuck in traffic.", Natasha said.
Hermione was not satisfied, and was looking at the watch and the platform in succession.
When it was one past eleven, even Natasha was a bit worried. And when train started moving finally, they let out gasps.
"They missed the train!", Hermione said.
"What are they going to do now!?", Natasha asked.
"I am sure that, there will be alternative forms of travel to the school. Coming in train is only a tradition, I don't think it is the only way.", Hermione said.
"That is true.", Natasha said nodding.
Then they both turned to the door, when there was a knock on it. The door opened, and Natasha and Hermione recognized the girl who had entered. It was the Indian girl, that they had met in the muggle cloth shop and helped them both. The girl looked at them in amazement and said, "Can I sit here? Most of the compartments are already with three or more people.".
"Sure. You can sit here. We don't have any problem.", Natasha said smiling.
"So, you are also same as me huh? Witches?", the girl asked.
"Yep. Your name is Simran right?", Hermione asked. "Are you going to be a first year? Because, you look as old as us.".
"Yes, I am Simran Gupta. No, I am a transfer student from India. I had studied in a magical school in India for my first year. So, I am going to attend my second year now.", Simran replied.
"That is great. You may know I our names, but I am Natasha Potter, and this is Hermione Granger.", Natasha said.
"Natasha Potter? Really? You are famous even in India, as the vanquisher of the dark lord.", Simran told.
"I am famous in India too? So, they also know about Vol- You-know-who?", Natasha asked uncertain what the girl's reaction will be, to the name.
"Whom am I supposed to know?", Simran asked totally confused.
Natasha then realized that, they might call Voldemort by that name. "I meant about the evil wizard.", Natasha said.
"Oh, you mean him. That guy had followers even in India it seems. Fortunately, they all surrendered after the evil guy's fall.", Simran said.
"So, is your whole family magical like you?", Hermione asked.
"No, they are certainly not. I am a first gen witch.", Simran said.
"A what?", Natasha asked confused.
"I think she meant that, she is a muggleborn. You meant that, your parents don't have magic, don't you?", Hermione asked.
"Yeah. That is what I meant. So, you use different words here, I presume. We use the term no-Maj for people who don't have powers.", Simran said.
"We do use different words here. We call the non-magical people muggles here. But isn't no-Maj an American term. Wasn't India a British colony all those years ago,", Hermione asked.
When this question was asked, Simran went to give a really lengthy lecture about India and its wizarding world. She said that, wizarding India was never ruled by the British. (There was nothing about any colonization in their textbooks either, or any information about any other countries outside of Europe either, which was a sad fact.). Natasha and Hermione was listening to, what the other witch was saying. Simran was a bookworm, just like the two of them. She it seems had done, a lot of research before starting off her school. It seems before 1950, the present wizarding wizarding country was split into many countries according to the language they spoke. It remained so, even when the British muggles were ruling India. Then in early 1900's when the Indian independence movement was gaining strength, the different countries decided to come together, and form one nation. They did that according to the borders of British India. They it seems even sent some envoys, to even the hilly regions, where they did not have any government to form UICW (United Indian Confederation of wizards.). Then after the muggle government got independence, the UICW decided that, they are not going to divide into two, as their muggle part, and stayed as one. It was all a fascinating tale, for both Hermione and Natasha. Hermione and Natasha also told the story of the British counterpart back. They also explained about the houses and point system at Hogwarts. At around twelve fifteen, the lunch trolley came, and Natasha treated both her companions inside.
"So, you both are really close friends, huh?", Simran asked while eating a chocolate frog. She was tasting it for the first time as, wizarding sweets in India were totally different from one's in India.
"Yes, there is one more friend of ours. But it seems he missed the train.", Hermione said.
"Oh! What is his name?", Simran asked, and took another card from the frog.
"Ron, Ronald Weasley.", Natasha said. "He is a really good guy. Fun to hang out with."
"My friend was someone called Bhavana. She was really sad, when she heard that I was transferring.", Simran told.
Then the compartment door opened and Neville Longbottom smiled at them. "Hello Natasha, Hello Hermione.", he told. He looked at the new girl and asked, "Who is this new girl? Is she a first year?"
"Hello Neville.", both Natasha and Hermione chanted. "Neville, this is Simran. She is a transfer student from India. She will be in our year.", Natasha said. "Simran, this is Neville Longbottom. He is a classmate of ours."
"Hello, Neville.", Simran smiled and said.
"Hello, nice meeting you too.", Neville said. "Where is Ron? I thought that he will be with you two.", Neville asked.
"He and the rest of the Weasley's missed the train. I think that, he will arrive at the school by some other means.", Hermione said.
"I hope so.", Neville said. "Anyways, how was your holidays?", he asked.
"Well, it was really good. I was staying at Hermione's for a month.", Natasha said.
"That is really great! I am sure that, you both would have had a lot of fun.", Neville said.
"Yep!", Natasha and Hermione said nodding.
"Well, I better go back. Dean and Seamus is waiting for me in the next compartment.", Neville said and went.
"He seems to be a really good guy.", Simran said.
"Yeah. He is one of the well behaved people at school. Many of them don't have any regards for rules.", Hermione said.
"As if we are any better, Hermione. Remember last year?", Natasha asked.
"What happened last year?", Simran asked with interest.
Then Natasha and Hermione went to tell, their new friend about the adventures that had happened last year. Simran was having a hard time believing all that, what was said by the two girls in front of her. The tale was an incredible one, of a stone that gives you immortality, and an evil teacher that was trying to steal the stone. Simran told the two that, she had a perfectly normal year, for her first year. Natasha and Hermione laughed at this. Then the topic came to the summer holidays, and the warning of the house elf.
"So, let me get this straight. A house elf came to you, and said that something really bad is going to happen at Hogwarts?", Simran asked.
"Yeah, he did. He even tried to stop me come into the platform to board the train.", Natasha said.
"I thought house elves are supposed not to disobey their masters. At least that is what I heard in India.", Simran said.
"It is the same here too. It seems that the elf, actually disobeyed it's master and came there.", Natasha said.
Then the three of them went on to discuss random topics. Natasha felt that, the new Indian girl was really good, and was becoming a good person to talk with. Natasha knew that, they had just made another friend. Then after sitting and chatting for so much time, the outside view, was getting darker really fast, and the scenery started changing from fields, to forest. Natasha knew that, they must be getting really close to the school. Natasha turned to the two girls, who were talking and said," Hey girls, we need to change to our uniforms now. I think we are getting close to the school."
Hermione looked outside and said, "Yeah, we really should. The beginning of the forests means that, we are close.". They all changed quickly inside the compartment. Just after they changed, there was an announcement inside the train. "The train will reach Hogsmeade in five minutes. All students are advised to change to their uniforms immediately."
"So, I am at Hogwarts, at last.", Simran said excitedly. She was just staring outside the window, as if to see if she can catch a glimpse of the castle before they reach the station.
Hermione must have noticed this, and she said, " If you are looking to catch a glimpse of the castle, you will be disappointed to know that, you cannot see it till you reach. Anyways, how many schools are there in India?"
Simran looked really disappointed at this, but said, "We have one magical school, for one wizarding state. In each state we have approximately 6000 wizards. It actually varies 6000 is the population of 5th least populated state. So in each school, we have nearly 600- 4000 students."
"That looks like a really large population of wizards.", Natasha said.
"Remember that, even in the muggle world India is the second most populated country.", Simran said. "So it is reflected even in the wizarding world."
"That does make sense.", Hermione said nodding.
They arrived at hogsmeade shortly, and the three of them took their bags and went out. "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!", Natasha heard Hagrid shouting. Then Natasha looked at Simran and said, "I have no idea where you are supposed to go. You are a second year with us, but technically it is your first year here."
"I think we should better ask Hagrid.", Hermione suggested.
Natasha nodded and went to Hagrid. "Well, hello Hagrid, It is nice to see you again.", she said with a smile. Simran was looking at Hagrid with wide eyes. "Hagrid, this is Simran Gupta. She is an exchange student here from India. The problem is that, she is supposed to be, in her second year but she needs to be sorted, as It is her first year here. So, where does she have to go?", Hermione asked.
"I think that, she has to come with me. I take all the students to be sorted with me.", Hagrid said.
Simran smiled and joined the group of first years that had come. Then Natasha saw Ginny running and coming from. Ginny saw Natasha and waved at her. "Hello Ginny. Why weren't you guys in the train? What happened?", both Natasha and Hermione said.
"We were a bit late while leaving the house, and the car broke down for a few minutes. Ron is already inside the castle. I am sure that, he will join you there. See you both in the hall!", Ginny said and went to the group. Natasha was struggling at the fact of hearing wizards having muggle problems with the car, and she and Hermione followed the older students. Natasha found that the older students were going into some carriages. Natasha and Hermione went inside a carriage, but found that nothing was there that seemed to be for pulling them. In a short while, they were joined by Angelina Jhonson.
"Hey girls. Have you seen Fred and George somewhere? I couldn't find them anywhere in the train.", Angelina said.
"They missed the train. They were late when they arrived at the station. Ginny told me, when she arrived to Hagrid to enter into Hogwarts in the traditional way.". Hermione said.
"Oh! Then I will see them at the hall.", Angelina said. Then to Natasha's disbelief, the carriages started moving on their own. First she thought that, this was some magic, but she actually felt as though someone or something was pulling it.
"What are pulling these carriages, angie?", Natasha asked.
"No one knows. It seems as though it is moving on it's own.", Angelina said.
The rest of the ride was quiet, as the three did not say anything to each other. Once they reached in front of the castle, they got down and walked towards it. Natasha still wondered about the ride which she had. "I hope that Ron already has saved some decent seats for us.", Hermione said. "I don't want to argue with people about that."
While they were walking towards the hall, Natasha saw Malfoy, and acknowledged each other with a nod. Ron was waiting at the hall, and had saved two seats on either side of him, for both of them. "Hello, Ron. Nice to finally have you back. We were really worried about you for some time there.", Natasha said.
"I am really sorry, guys. I forgot where I kept some things, and made the family late. I got one hell of a scream from mom for that.", Ron said shaking his head.
"That is really bad. Maybe you should also buy a rememberall.", Hermione said laughing.
Ron glared at Hermione and Natasha as they both were laughing hysterically. "Hey, Natasha and Hermione.", George who was sitting opposite her called.
"Well, hey George, Fred. Nice to see you again.", Natasha said. Hermione acknowledged them with a nod. Natasha saw Percy sitting a few seats away. He just nodded at her, and she nodded back.
"Did you know that, Ronnie just broke his wand?", Fred said with mischievous face.
Ron glared at Fred. "What!? What happened to the wand?", Hermione asked in horror.
"We came to the school in a portkey. Ron landed really badly, and had his wand in hid hand, The wand was already in a really bad shape. The tip of the wand hit the ground first, and the already weak wand, just nearly broke into two pieced. Ron was taken to the hospital, and was mended immediately without having to stay there for long. But wand was a really different case.", Fred said.
"I am sure that, I can mend it with some spello-tapes.", Ron said.
"But Ron! Wands are powerful objects. I don't know whether we can mend it like that!", Natasha said.
"I really have no choice, Natasha!", Ron said.
Just then the doors of the great hall opened and the new first years arrived with professor McGonagall. Natasha noticed Ginny and Simran in the group. Then the professor went and took the hat, and the parchment that had the list of students. Then the hat began to sing. It was a different song from last year, and spoke of the need of unity among the houses. Ron found the song really weird, but Natasha and Hermione found it inspiring. Natasha took a look at the staff table, and saw Dumbledore looking at the hall with a smile. Next to him was an empty chair, which was of Professor McGonagall. Then sat professor Sprout, Sinistra and some unknown professor who looked like she knows what was going to happen, then sat the professor whom she was least looking forward for 'Gilderoy Lockhart'. Her favourite Professor, Professor Snape sat next to Lockhart, and was looking like he was going to murder his colleague who was sitting next to him.
Severus Snape was having a really bad time, even in the beginning of the year. It was all because of the new DADA professor that had been appointed. Dumbledore had rejected his application once again, though he was having a really hard time finding applicants. The newly appointed man was a big celebrity in the wizarding world, and was irritating all the teachers of Hogwarts with ridiculous tales, which he said was done by him. Severus would bet a thousand Galleons that the new professor was a big fraud, and the students will learn next to nothing this year. He had no idea, why such a kind of Professor was appointed, and was appointed just as a big joke by Dumbledore. He was worried about the students, that were going to have their OWLs and NEWTs this year. He and Minerva told each other that, they do some of the important stuff in defence, for the fifth and final years , if the current teacher was no good. Now presently the irritating man was sitting next to him with an irritating smile and looking at the students. Severus knew that, this was going to be a really long year.
Natasha's attention towards the staff table was gone, when Professor called, "Simran Gupta". Simran slowly walked towards the stool, and sat on it. When the hat was put on top of her, it sat there for half a minute and called out, "GRYFFINDOR". Natasha and Hermione clapped loudly and cheered for the new friend. "Simran, you can sit here.", Natasha called her friend to a seat next to her. Simran smiled happily and sat there.
"You both already know her?", Ron asked.
"Yeah we three had travelled together, on the Hogwarts express.", Hermione said. Simran was getting congratulations from other people who were sitting. Two students had come to the house before her.
"Simran, this is Ronald Weasley. The friend we had talked about in the train.", Natasha said.
"Nice to meet you, Ron.", Simran said smiling.
Ron nodded and said, "Are you first year? Becau-".
Ron was stopped in the middle when Simran said, "No. I am a transfer student from India. I am going to be in your year.". Ron nodded and went on to listen further into the sorting. The next one they heard was of Luna Lovegood who was sorted into Ravenclaw. Ron said that, she lived near the Weasley home, and was friends with Ginny. Then 3 people were sorted to Slytherin, 4 to Hufflepuff, 2 to Ravenclaw, and 2 more to Gryffindor, when the name Ginny Weasley was called out. The hat immediately called out Gryffindor and Gryffindor table were cheering more louder to the courtesy of other Weasleys.
Immediately after the sorting, just like the last year, Professor Dumbledore said some nonsensical words, and made the feast appear. Natasha was happy to see all the food, as she was really hungry by that time. "Can you help me with some of these dishes?", Simran asked. " We have totally different dishes in India.".
"Sure.", it was Ron who answered. Natasha wanted to warn Simran about Ron, but decided that it might hurt Ron. As Ron and Simran were looking for dishes, Hermione and Natasha talked with Percy about second year. Percy was of the opinion that, the concepts of second year will be easy to grasp, as they both were the toppers of their year. Percy had aced his OWLs with outstandings or exceeds expectations in all the subjects he had taken. Then when they finished eating, Dumbledore vanished all the food that were on the table, and addressed the hall. First he told the same things that he said last year, except for the third floor corridor part. Then he continued and said, "I welcome an exchange student from India, who came as a part of student exchange program between countries. Ms. Simran Gupta will be in her second year". Simran stood up, with redness in her cheeks and a small smile, as the hall clapped.
"I am very happy to welcome Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. He has agreed to come and teach, at Hogwarts in the post of DADA professor.", Dumbledore said and started clapping. There was a big cheer inside the hall, and Natasha saw that the girls were the one who were clapping more. Many of the girls were looking like they wanted to ask the new professor out. Natasha and Simran were one of those rare girls who were not like that. Simran was like that because she was really clueless about the guy, and Natasha because she thought he was a fraud. Even the staff looked really uncomfortable, and even angry at this. Professor McGonagall and sprout had clapped only a little, and Professor Snape did not clap at all. He just sat there with an angry expression. "Is he ever happy?", Natasha thought looking at the professor. Professor saw Natasha looking at him, and gave a nod to her, and Natasha nodded back.
After all that, Dumbledore dismissed the students to their dormitories. Simran joined Natasha, Hermione and Ron while they were going. Simran told Natasha that, Percy told that she can join other second years if she wanted. Percy gave the password to Natasha when they were talking, and the four of them went to the common room.
"Well, that was a really delicious feast, wasn't it?", Simran asked. "I enjoyed it all thanks to Ron", she said patting Ron on the back. Ron turned red with blush. Natasha and Hermione were giggling madly at this. They met more of their friends, and greeted them. They were all tired after sometime, and went to their dormitories. Natasha went to her old bed, and fell on it with joy. She was really glad to be here back at the school. Hermione took her bed which was next to her, and Simran went to a bed next to Parvati.
"Where are you from in India?", Parvati asked.
"Bengaluru city, in Karnataka state.", Simran said. Then they went to some conversation, in a language Natasha couldn't understand.
"Kannada gotha ninge?", Parvathi asked. (Do you know kannada?)
"Nange swalpa gothu. Neenu Kannadiga na?", Simran asked. (I know a little. Are you a Kannadiga?)
"Avudu. Nanna purvajara mane belagaviyallide.", Parvathi said. (Yes. My ancestral home is in Belagavi.)
Natasha looked at the other girls in the room. They all had the same confused looks as her, as they did not understand a word of it. Natasha decided that she better sleep, as she had woken early in the morning and she did not get much rest. She said good night to all the girls, and went to sleep hoping for a peaceful year. But she had no idea of the things to come.