Chapter 4

New Friends and a New Start

"Treats from the trolley!"

All heads inside turned to the door of the compartment. From the glass, an old lady was pushing a trolley filled with treats down the corridor. She had seen us staring and smiled kindly at us.

"Anything from the trolley dears?" she asked.

"Do you have any Chocoballs?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes dear." She answered as she gestured to the said product on the trolley. "Would you like one?"

I dug my hand inside my pocket, fishing for some money. Hopefully I haven't finished them back at Diagon Alley. I've always wanted to try the candies from the HP world. The names were awful and sort of puke-worthy, such as Jelly Slugs, but surely nothing could go wrong with a small Chocoball, right?

I managed to find ten sickles and seven bronze knuts from my pouch. Harry brought a couple of sickles with him too.

"What are you getting?" Harry asked.

"The Chocoballs. I heard they're really good. Maybe Drooble's Bubblegum too! Some kids said that the taste is absolutely great and that, unlike ordinary bubblegum, they won't lose its flavor!"

Ron looked at me in surprise. "You mean, Muggle bubblegum loses flavor?"

I nodded. "In a few minutes, give or take the number of times you chew them."

"Blimey!" Ron cried, both awed and shocked. "I could never think of chewing gum that loses flavor!"

"On the contrary Ron, I could never even think of chewing gum that would never lose its flavor no matter how many minutes or times you keep it in your mouth." I said cheekily.

"What about you Ron?" Harry asked. "What are you going to buy?"

Ron didn't respond. Instead, he took out some sandwich bags from inside his pack. He looked rather disappointed with his own snack, but shrugged.

"I'm good." He said sulkily. "Mum packed us enough sandwiches for the trip— oh man, she forgot I don't like corned beef."

I shared a look with Harry. It's almost as if we could understand each other because a second later, we combined our money and shoved it in front of the witch of the trolley.

"We'll take the lot, miss!" we both said in sync.

Ron's jaw dropped.

"Harry, slow down, you might choke!" I said with a laugh.

I regret doubting wizard candy. They were to die for! The Drooble's Bubblegum never lost it flavor (I chewed it for a total of fifteen minutes), the Licorice Wands were so tasty (Ron pigged out on the whole stock we bought), and the Pumpkin Pasties are so sweet! (Harry had grown rather fond of them. Too bad he wasn't able to buy another batch of them.)

"Hey Ron, can I try the sandwiches you packed earlier?" I asked as I stuffed another Chocoball in my mouth.

Ron paused and shook his head. His face had gone slightly pink.

"Why not?" I asked innocently.

"It's dry and pretty messy." Ron said. "I mean, since I have five brothers and all, she might not have time and affor—"

Ron didn't finish his sentence. His ears had gone red and he resumed eating his candy silently.

I frowned at this. "But surely your mother has great cooking skills, Ron."

"Can I try too?" Harry asked.

Ron shook his head. "Nah, it's fine." He said, trying his best to act nonchalant about everything but his voice wavered slightly.

For a few moments, no one spoke. An awkward tension hung in the air as Ron silently continued his meal. Harry was looking pretty uncomfortable in his seat and I was looking at Ron in disapproval.

"You don't have to be embarrassed about your family's financial problems, Ron." I piped.

Ron nearly blanched. Harry's eyes widened.

"H-how did you—"

"Uh, you sort of made it obvious." I stated blankly. "Five brothers? Big family? The longing gaze you have in your eyes when you looked at the trolley earlier?"

Ron's cheeks turned red.

I grabbed a fistful of treats and tossed it over to Ron, who instinctively caught it in his hands. He looked at me in a quizzical and hoping manner.

"It's all yours, Tiger." I said with a grin as I chewed on the end of a Licorice Wand.

Ron needn't to be told twice; he had already started munching on the treats. Harry laughed at Ron's ravenous eating habits and turned to me.

"You know, I was about to share my treats with Ron too." He said.

I laughed. "But I won his favor!"

Ron made a muffled noise of agreement and continued to dig in. I couldn't help but laugh at his puffy cheeks and how close he resembled to that of a pig.

Harry had picked up a blue box from the stash of candies we bought earlier from the trolley. It was pentagon-shaped and was decorated with gold-looking linings. In front was written 'Chocolate Frog'.

"These aren't really frogs, right Ron?" Harry asked.

Ron shook his head. "No. They're just enchanted. It's the cards you want."

"The cards?" Harry repeated.

"Yeah, you can start collecting. I'm missing Agrippa. Here, lemme have one." Ron said as he took another box from the stash.

Harry mulled over the box, fascinated. He then pried it open and took out a card. He blinked a few times before reading the contents out loud;

Albus Dumbledore

Currently Head Master at Hogwarts

Harry then flipped the card over, and to his astonishment, the portrait of Albus disappeared.

"He's gone!" Harry cried.

"Well you can't expect him to sit around all day, can't you?" Ron said in a 'duh' sort of tone. He then turned to the box he held in his hand and opened it. He flipped the card over and groaned.

"Oh man— Morgana. I've got six of her already." Ron grumbled. He turned to me and Ron and held out the card to us.

"You guys can start collecting if you want." He offered.

I took the card and examined it. "Sure, why not? It could give me an excuse to buy more candies anyway." I said cheekily as I pocketed the card and resumed nibbling on a pasty.

As I continued munching on the treats, my hand randomly dug deep in the candy stash and I found myself holding a red and white striped box filled with assorted Jelly beans.

My eyes twinkled in excitement.

"Oh my gosh, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Jelly Beans!" I exclaimed.

Ron looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "How did you know that?"

I looked at him blankly. "It's written on the box, Ronald."

He turned pink. "No! I mean, what the treat is!"

It took me a moment to come up with a convincing lie.

"I heard from a few people that this stuff is pretty good." I said with a smile.

"I haven't a clue about what those are," Harry admitted with an awkward smile.

"They're just like regular Jelly Beans, only that when they mean Every Flavor, they literally mean EVERY flavor." Ron warned. "My brother Fred said he got to taste a bogey flavored bean once!"

I cringed at the thought of eating something bogey flavored. But my curiosity got the best of me as I opened the box and took a random red jelly bean from inside.

Ron and Harry were staring at me, curious and very keen on what flavor I might get. Ah well, looks like my luck's gonna be put to the test!

I popped the bean in my mouth and took a few seconds to munch on the flavor.

"Well?" Harry asked.

"Blood? Strawberry?" Ron guessed.

I swallowed the bean and grinned.

"Ketchup!"

We spent the next thirty minutes acting like complete lunatics, testing our luck. Ron had already gotten a taste of seaweed, bean sprouts, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and soap. Harry was lucky enough to only get sardine, toast, baked bean, and curry. I've already tasted ketchup, pepper, vomit (it was putrid), cinnamon, blueberry, and pie.

The countryside scenery from our window was now getting wilder. The neat fields have long disappeared as twisted rivers, dark green hills, and tall trees replaced them in the scenery.

A knock came from our compartment, catching all of our attention. It opened and a boy about our age peaked inside. He was very round faced and had a teary expression.

"Sorry," he said. "But have any of you seen a toad?"

When we shook our heads, the boy groaned. "I keep losing him!"

"I'm sure he'll turn up soon." Harry assured.

The boy looked doubtful but thanked Harry anyway. Once he left the compartment, I took one of Ron's homemade sandwiches from his pack. He looked surprised and hurriedly snatched it away from my hold.

"Hey!" I pouted.

"You don't want to eat that." He said. "It's really dry."

"Just because you don't like corned beef doesn't mean I don't." I pointed out before snatching the said package back.

Before Ron could protest, I bit into it. It was dry, but it sort of tasted just fine. In fact, it was delicious! And I've had HP candy to eat for half of the train ride! Man, these wizards are just extraordinary in the kitchen.

"I'm delicious Ron!" I said. "Send my compliments to the chef!"

Ron smiled. "Uh, sure. I'll let my mum know. She really is good at cooking, isn't she?"

I nodded. "Uh-huh!"

Harry leaned in closer to the sandwich I held in my hand. "Can I try too?" he asked.

Ron gave Harry another sandwich bag. Harry tore off a piece of it and chewed it carefully. Harry's pale face brightened with joyful satisfaction.

"Arlina's right," Harry said as he swallowed. "Your mom is a great cook!"

Ron laughed. "I've got more if you guys like."

"Swap you another one for two packs of Drooble's." I said.

"Swap you pasties for one more." Harry offered.

"Deal!"

As we swapped food, I shared my concern for the round faced boy from earlier.

"You reckon he'll find his toad?" I asked.

Ron shrugged. "I don't blame him. If I had a toad, I would lose him as fast as I could. Mind you, I've got Scabbers, so I can't talk."

Only when Ron said that did I notice a brown house rat snoozing on Ron's lap. I felt my eyes narrow slightly in suspicion and anger.

This is Peter Pettigrew, right? The cowardly rat who deceived everyone in the street and convinced everyone he was innocent while Sirius Black was the evil one who supported Voldemort?

My fists curled in fury. It was one thing to save your own skin, but another to put the blame on someone else! And his own friend!

"Arlina?" Harry called.

I quickly uncurled my fists and faked a cough. "Sorry!" I said with an apologetic grin. "Must've eaten far too many candy."

"Do you want me to do a spell?" Ron asked as he placed aside some wrappers. "Fred gave me one to turn Scabbers yellow. Wanna see?"

Harry nodded, eager to see more magic. Though I knew the result of the spell, I ignored it and leaned in closer.

Before Ron could chant, the door of our compartment slid open. We turned to the entrance and found a girl with bushy brown hair and brown eyes glance inside.

"Have you seen a toad?" she asked. "A boy named Neville has lost one."

"We already told him we haven't." I said as politely as I could.

She sigh and was about to leave but perked up when she saw Ron's wand raised.

"Oh, are you doing magic?" she asked. "Well let's have it then."

Taken back by her attitude, Ron shrugged and cleared his throat.

"Sunshine, daisies, buttermellow,
Turn this stupid fat rat yellow!"

A small light momentarily flashed around Scabbers, startling the said rat. We all looked disappointed and glum, seeing as there was no obvious change.

"Are you sure that's a real spell?" the girl asked. I thought I saw her scoff. "It isn't really good, isn't it? I've tried a few simple ones myself, and they've all worked for me. Nobody in my family is magic at all, so it was ever a surprise when I've got my letter, but pleased about it anyways. I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft and wizardry— I've learned all the course books by heart and I do hope it would be of use— I'm Hermione Granger by the way, and who are you?"

Hermione spoke so fast I could only catch the last sentence.

I glimpsed at Ron and Harry and I felt relieved to know that neither of them understood anything she had just said.

"I'm Arlina Fray."

"Ron Weasley."

"Harry Potter."

Hermione looked surprised.

"Are you really?" she asked curiously. "I've read about you, you know. I've got a few extra books for background reading and I've learned most about you. I mean, books never lie of course, but I am rather curious to know who you really are."

I blanched and stared at Hermione with a weird expression. Harry looked uncomfortable in his seat. I didn't blame him, though. Hermione was crazy! She actually looked Harry up in the books and stated that she might know him a lot just because of it!

"Excuse me Hermione," I said as I raised my eyebrow. "But books aren't always right, you know. There are some things you have to learn without researching them from a book. As reliable for information they are, they tend to be wrong sometimes."

Ron snickered, but disguised it as a cough. Harry's lips twitched while Hermione just looked at me pointedly.

"If you must now," Hermione started. "Books are a very capable and reliable source of information. I've learned many things just from reading them, and I doubt I won't be able to handle certain spells of our level."

I narrowed my eyes and slowly stood up. I saw Ron and Harry gulp from the corner of my eyes.

Hermione looked irritated. Perhaps it was the fact that I proved to her that books aren't exactly as reliable.

Finally, I've had enough. With a triumphant smirk on my face, I crossed my arms and scoffed.

"Let's do a bet Granger." I said coolly. "If you can pass all the subjects in our first year, and I do mean all of them, I'll admit that books are a reliable source and that you're the greatest witch of our age group."

Hermione's eyes widened slightly.

"But if I can prove to you, in at least three subjects, that books aren't as helpful as you think and that real life experience beats it, you'll have to do my homework for an entire year."

Ron and Harry looked at me as if I had lost my marbles while Hermione's lips quirked up.

"Fine." She said before turning around. "I'm going to look for Neville's toad now. May the best witch win."

When she left our compartment, I looked at Ron and Harry, who were looking at me in a mixture of shock and disbelief.

"What?" I asked nonchalantly.

"I really hope that whatever house I go in, neither of you two are there as well." Ron said.

"Oh come off it Ronald." I said dismissively as I took a seat and unwrapped a pack of pumpkin pasties.

"But… are you sure about that bet?" Harry asked.

"Of course I am Harry." I said. "In all actuality, I'm very bad at academic subjects, but I do excel in some subjects that require hands-on activities. And I stand by what I meant, that experience is better than reading them off a book."

"The bet does sound a bit dodgy though." Ron said. "I mean, you'll admit that she's the greatest witch of the age group if she wins and if you win, she'll do your homework for a year! That sounds a bit unfair!"

I laughed. "Ron, when two girls meet, we can already distinguish another's traits just by speaking to each other!"

Harry looked confused. "What do you mean by that?"

"Harry," I started. "When I saw Hermione, I already had the feeling that she was bookish and a brainiac. I mean, she spoke too fast for us to catch up and she pretty much stated that books are for life."

Harry looked impressed. "You got that out from talking to her?"

"You're weird." Ron stated.

I childishly stuck my tongue out at him.

"And besides," I said as I popped a pasty in my mouth. "Hermione could probably tell that I'm proud and would rather have a troll kiss my face instead of admitting that someone is better than me."

Harry grinned. "Sounds a lot like you."

"Sod off, Harry!" I said with a laugh.

"What?" Harry said with a shrug. "It's true!"

"Couldn't agree more!" Ron said.

"You guys are so mean!" I said with a smile, throwing a chocolate frog box at Ron.

The box opened and the frog hopped out. Ron gave out a noise of surprise as the chocolate frog hopped on his face, its legs just wiggling over his forehead.

"Gerritoff!" Ron cried.

I doubled over laughing while Harry hurriedly grabbed the frog and bit off its head. Ron sigh in relief and glared at me as I held my stomach in laughter.

"Arlina!" Ron cried.

"I— swear I— didn't— expect—" I said between laughs.

Harry was laughing too. Ron tried his best to stay angry, but in the end he joined in the laughter and nearly gasped for breath as we calmed ourselves down.

"Stupid spell though." Ron grumbled, glaring at Scabbers. "George gave it to me— bet he knew it was a dud."

"What house are your brothers in?" Harry asked.

"Gryffindor." Ron answered. A gloomy cloud of depression hung over him. "Mom and Dad also came from that house. I suppose that Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad, but imagine if I get to Slytherin."

"Well," I said. "Whatever house I go to, I hope Hermione is in it."

"Why?" Harry asked, surprised. "Aren't you, I don't know, rivals from now on?"

"Yes, which means that we'll be competing for most house points during classes and that we'll probably doing our best to show-off to the professors our skills in magic." I said. "So if we both end up in the same house, say Gryffindor, we'd be earning points for the house like crazy! We might even win an award, or something for the most points!"

"I know what it's called!" Ron said excitedly. "The House Cup! Fred and George said that the house which ends up with the most points at the end of the school year gets it!"

Harry looked excited too. "I can't wait to go to Hogwarts then. Everything sounds so amazing."

"Of course Harry." I said cheekily. "It's almost like magic!"

Harry laughed. "I agree!"

Ron looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

Since Ron grew up in the world of magic, he doesn't know what the term 'almost like magic' means. I guess it's because he had a literal take of that saying, he didn't find it amusing nor did he understand.

"No fair, you guys have inside Muggle related jokes!" Ron accused.

"Don't worry Ron." I said. "I'm sure you'll catch up!"

"Ron, Slytherin's a house too, right?" Harry asked.

Ron nodded.

"Didn't Vold— I mean, You-Know-Who come from that house?"

"Hey, I think Scabbers' whiskers are a bit yellow." I said, trying to change the subject. I propped up my elbows on my knees and looked curiously at Ron.

"You said you have five brothers, right?" I asked. "We already know Fred and George, plus you have a little sister too. What's her name?"

"Ginny." Ron answered before looking at Harry. "She's a big fan of yours, Harry."

Harry blinked. "Fan?"

I sniggered. "Hopefully she won't start a Harry Potter fanclub when she gets into Hogwarts."

"Sod off, Arlina." Harry said as he playfully socked my shoulder.

I laughed and playfully stuck my tongue out at him.

"Oh!" Ron said as if he had just snapped himself out of deep thought. "Do any of you support any Quidditch teams?"

Both me and Harry looked at him as if he had just asked us if we had three heads.

"Quidditch?" Harry asked. "What's that?"

"What!" Ron cried, dumbfounded. "You don't know what's Quidditch— Just you wait, it's the best sports in the whole world—"

Ron went off, describing what and how Quidditch was played; he told us about the seven players that play on broomsticks, zooming around the arena, he told us about the four balls used in the sport, and many other things.

He was about to tell us more until the compartment door slid open again, except that this time it wasn't Neville nor was it Hermione who came in.

Three boys entered. One of them had white blonde hair and gray eyes, just like me. The other two behind him were bulky and fat, somehow reminding me of my childhood days when I went my way out to fight and talk back at Patricia Flores.

"Is it true?" the gray eyed boy asked. "They're saying that Harry Potter's in this compartment. It must be you then."

"Yes." Harry answered. He was eyeing the two bulky boys behind the gray eyed boy warily.

"Oh, this is Crabbe and Goyle." The boy said carelessly. "And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."

Knowing fully-well what would happen in this scene, I quickly kicked Ron's leg as hard and as quick as I could. The red head let out a tiny yelp and massaged the sore spot on his leg while glaring at me. I glared back and saw him falter a bit.

Draco turned to me and I saw him grin smugly.

"Pureblood or mudblood?"

Ron's face flushed red with anger. He stood up from his seat and was about to lash out before I stood in between the two boys, holding Ron back.

"Ron!" Harry said in surprise as he stood up too.

Ron was glaring at Draco with so much rage his face turned as red as his hair. Draco made no indication that he was fazed by all this and instead crossed his arms over his chest.

"What? Don't like hearing me say that word, Weasley?" Draco said, saying Ron's last name as if it had a bad taste in his mouth.

"How did you—" Harry started, but was cut off.

"Oh please." Draco said dismissively. "Red hair, freckles, hand me downs, and probably more family members than they can afford. That's the Weasleys, am I right?"

"Why I oughta—"

"Ron, shut up." I ordered calmly.

Ron snapped his glare at me, but years of experience with dealing with bullies and anger issues have given me enough experience with situations like this. His glare didn't affect me, but I'm sure that my glare affected Ron, seeing as he backed away and just continued to glare at Draco in silence.

I turned to Draco. He was still waiting for my answer. I was sort of torn. I didn't like how he had enraged Ron or the way he taunted him, but I couldn't blame him. He was raised by purebloods who think that they're far more superior than ordinary Muggles and Half-bloods. Had he been raised in a better family, I doubt he would've ended up like this.

Plus, I know Draco isn't truly evil. He's just misguided and often misjudged. But still, he had insulted Ron and I don't appreciate that.

"Mudblood and proud of it." I answered calmly.

Draco burst out in laughter. Crabbe and Goyle laughed as well, only that their laughs sounded like gurgling water.

Draco turned to Harry, who was obviously confused with our conversation. "You'll find that some wizarding families—" Draco looked at Ron. "— and some people—" Draco looked at me. "— are far better than others. You don't want making friends out with the wrong sort. I can help you out there."

Draco reached his hand out to shake Harry's. For a moment, I felt a pang of fear in my heart. What if Harry accepted Draco's handshake?

Luckily, Harry didn't shake it back.

"I think I can tell who the wrong sorts are for myself, thank you very much." Harry said coolly.

Draco's cheeks turned pink as he retracted his hand to himself.

"I'd be more careful if I were you, Potter." Draco spat. "Be a bit more polite, or you'll end up the same as your parents one day. And if you hang around with blood traitors and mudbloods like those guys over there, you'll start to rub off them."

"Say that again Malfoy!" Ron yelled angrily.

"How dare you!" Harry said.

"ENOUGH!" I cried.

Everyone seemed to freeze.

"Harry, Ron, calm down!" I said. The two boys begrudgingly backed down, but didn't stop glaring at the trio of invaders in the compartment.

I turned to Draco. Surprisingly, I didn't feel any anger or resentment against the guy at all.

"Get out of our compartment before I hex you."

Draco laughed. "Oh, and what's a mudblood like you going to do about it?"

I smirked and got out my wand. The three seemed to freeze, giving me looks that said 'you-wouldn't-dare' at me. I pointed my wand at Draco's forehead and smirked.

"Rectumsempra!"

Draco doubled over, bursting into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Crabbe and Goyle stared, dumbfounded.

Ron and Harry also burst out into laughter, not because they got hit by the tickling charm I sent to Draco, but because of how Crabbe and Goyle fussed over the said blonde boy.

"D-don't— just stand— you idiots— get me out— of here!" Draco managed to say, his eyes teary.

Crabbe and Goyle quickly obeyed, carrying Draco by his arms and dragging him out of the compartment, leaving all three of us in a fit of laughter.

I turned around winked at Ron and Harry.

"And that, boys, is how we get rid of spoiled babies." I said smugly.

Ron laughed. "Amazing, Arlina!"

Harry grinned at me. "You have got to teach us more spells, Arlina."

I smiled. "I'd be glad to serve as your teacher henceforth, Mr. Potter."

Harry sniggered and I snorted in laughter.

We saw Hermione march inside our compartment again. Almost immediately did all of us stop laughing at the sight of her angered face.

"Are you lot causing trouble again?" she asked accusingly. "I've heard lots of noise, and a boy who was laughing uncontrollably just passed by!"

I shrugged as innocently as I could. "We don't know." I said.

"Then why are you holding your wand in your hand?" Hermione demanded.

"Miss Granger, I didn't know that holding your wand is a crime against the law!" I said with a dramatic gasp. I held Ron's shoulders and shook them slightly.

"Quick! Send me to Azkaban!" I said.

Ron roared with laughter and Harry just looked plain confused.

Hermione turned red and scoffed.

"I asked the train conductor earlier if we're getting close to Hogwarts," Hermione said. "He told me we'll be there in thirty minutes, so I suggest change. And oh, Ronald, you have a little dirt on your nose. Good bye!"

Hermione walked away and Ron scratched the side of his nose. When he saw dirt on his fingers, he frowned and tried his best to get it off.

"Azkaban?" Harry asked. "What's that?"

"It's a prison for insane criminals, something like jail except for loony wizards." I explained to Harry before taking my small bag and slinging it across my shoulder.

"I think Granger's right though," I said. "I think we'll be nearing Hogwarts soon."

Ron peeped out of the window and his blue eyes widened.

"There!" Ron said, pointing to a faint outline of a miniature castle.

Harry looked through the window and I saw him grin in excitement. I watched from behind as the two boys gawked in awe at the castle and I couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic about this scene. I mean, ever since my past life I had dreamed of being friends with Harry Potter and possibly going to Hogwarts with him as a best friend. Who would've thought that my prayers were answered in the most puzzling way possible?

"Well, I'm off to change." I said as I exited the compartment. "I'll come back in a few minutes. Try not to take too long."

The boys didn't reply, but I took that answer as a yes and left the compartment.

I left the changing room wearing my new school uniform. It wasn't really as exciting as I thought it would be, but it did fit the movie description; a white collared button-up shirt with a gray jumper over it and a gray skirt. The skirt irked me to no end because they were frilly and pretty drafty if you asked me, but I suppose the school made it up by letting us wear whatever shoes and socks we want.

Since I pretty much loathe anything uncomfortable to walk in, I wore black sneakers and long gray socks. The only thing I didn't bother to wear was the school robes, and I didn't fancy wearing a thick flowing cape-like fabric that could possibly cause me itches.

I walked back inside our compartment and found that both Harry and Ron had finished changing. As Harry's robes looked new and well-fitted with him, Ron's looked rather faded and a bit too long for his size.

I sort of felt sorry for Ron, but I didn't comment on it. I think it's best to leave his business and let myself focus on more important matters.

The train soon came to a halt and we slowly walked down the crowded corridor and out the train. I breathed in the fresh air and stretched my arms upwards, relishing the fact that I wasn't in a cramped compartment anymore and that I was in open space.

"Aw yeah!" I said as I did a small jump. "Open space! I'm loving Hogwarts already!"

"You're easily impressed." Harry stated with a small smile.

I pouted. "Oh come on, I hate cramped spaces. I feel weird."

"You're claustrophobic?" Ron asked.

"Maybe. I did freak out once when I locked myself in a cabinet looking for candy. Nearly broke the whole thing down on accident." I said with a nervous laugh.

"That's scary!" Ron said, slightly miffed and slightly amused.

"Firs yers! Firs yers!" a deep and hoarse voice called out. "This way! This way! Come on, mind yer step now! Move along!"

I looked a bit farther back and found Hagrid. It wasn't hard to recognize him, especially since he was very big and tall. Rather bulky and meaty on that side and maybe needed a haircut, but he looked fine.

All of us first years treaded carefully down the path as we followed Hagrid. It was very slippery, and especially more since it had just rained a few minutes ago. The path was narrow and dark, and I felt myself getting a bit anxious, but knowing that there were people around me, I felt more comfortable.

We soon found ourselves nearing the shore. On the sand there were numerous boats, each having a lit lantern perched in front, waiting for us on the water patiently.

"No more'n four on a boat!" Hagrid called.

I hurriedly ran towards the first boat I saw. I placed my hand on top of the side of the boat and used it to support my weight as I hopped in. Harry and Ron did the same and we soon found ourselves accompanied with a girl who had blonde hair like I did, except it was several shades lighter and that her eyes looked wide and misty.

"Everyone in?" Hagrid asked as he stepped inside his own boat. Once he scanned the entire area for anyone and was sure it was alright, he turned around.

"FORWARD!" he bellowed.

The boats lurched forward. I gazed in awe and amazement as we slowly moved forward to Hogwarts. The castle was perched on a gigantic mountain forward to our path. The moonlight made it look so dazzling and mysterious, which only made me even more excited than ever.

"Heads down!" Hagrid yelled.

We did as he told and lowered our heads as we entered through a curtain of ivy, revealing a gigantic cave opening just behind it. I figured we were entering some sort of underground passage way that would lead us straight to Hogwarts.

The boat ride ended and we ended up in some sort of harbor. Harry stepped out of the boat first, Ron second, then the blonde girl last. As I struggled to keep my balance on the boat, Harry caught my wrist and helped me up.

"Thanks!" I said with a smile.

Harry grinned. "No problem at all."

Beside me, a round faced boy who I have come to known as Neville sniffed sorrowfully.

"What's the matter?" I asked him.

He sniffed again. "I still can't find my toad." He said sadly.

I grinned and pointed to Hagrid. "Isn't it right over there?"

Neville turned to Hagrid's direction at once. His sunken face disappeared and was replaced by relief and happiness.

"Trevor!" Neville cried in relief as Hagrid handed him his toad. I inwardly gagged because of how slimy the creature was, but I didn't want to offend Neville so I gave him a pained sort of smile.

After sorting everything out, we clambered out of the harbor and walked up the rocky stairs leading to the castle. I could barely contain my excitement, but I didn't want to squeal, so I settled for an ear splitting grin instead.

I think I must've scared Neville like that, because he scampered off forward. Ron and Harry laughed at how weird I looked and I rewarded them by socking their heads together.

We arrived at the entrance of the castle. I marveled at its architecture and how easy it towered my height by so many feet. The thought of riding brooms over that height somewhat appalled me so I felt a bit green.

"Everyone here? Yer still get yer toad?"

Hagrid raised his giant fist and knocked three times on the castle door. I watched as the door swung open at once.

Almost immediately did I feel a cocky smirk come up my face.

"Hey Harry?" I asked as the doors slowly open.

He turned to me. "Yeah?"

I grinned.

"Henceforth," I said as I pumped out my chest. "I, Arlina Fray, do swear…"

Harry looked at me curiously.

"I solemnly swear that I am up no to good."

Harry paled.

[A/N:] Ahahaha! If there's one thing you have to worry about, it's Arlina promising something, because she will follow through it until the bitter end.

I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I was supposed to update three days ago, but my grandmother had a seizure and died. I was so grief-stricken that I didn't have the heart to type anything at all. Just today was her body cremated and laid beside my grandpa's ashes.

Anyways, enough about my life! I do hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if you did, feel free to review whatever you think about it! Point out if I have any corrections, and if I do, don't hesitate to PM them to me. :3

Btw, I have a bunch of fanart for Arlina in store. It's a spoiler for the next chapter, so be warned! Link is one my profile if you want to take a peak. ;)

Bye-bye!