After the feast had been finished, a rather silent affair for Teddy who sat next to a very shocked and remote Felix, Professor McGonagall stood up and looked around at the group of students sitting before her. He remember Uncle Harry telling him that she was very strict and had a commanding air, although she was quite fond of her students, the ones who behaved well at least, and even some of them who didn't. He did notice that everyone went quiet the moment she stood.
"A few quick words before you return to your dormitories," she said briskly, her voice obviously magnified so that carried around the hall. "First, welcome back to Hogwarts, or, in the case of our first years, small in number though they are, welcome to Hogwarts. Because of the small number of students this year, particularly in our first and second years and our predicted attendance for future years, we have created a joint common room, which is located on the third floor. There is direct access from all the house common rooms. The hope is that you all will be able to interact more with your fellow students in all years and of all houses." Here, Teddy might have thought she had been looking directly at the Slytherin house, but he dismissed the thought, as he was sure the Headmistress wouldn't do that. But she hadn't finished yet.
"I would like to remind all of you that the ventures Forbidden forestare not allowed, tempting though the possibility may be of a midnight stroll through a forest with many creatures hiding there. For those in third year or above, you may attend Hogsmede on designated days this year if you have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. Outside of these designated days, Hogsmede is out of bounds as well.
"Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, would like to add that all items from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes are not allowed in Hogwarts. There is a complete list of all banned items on his door for all those interested.
"Quidditch tryouts will take place in the following weeks. Please speak to your respective Quidditch captains for details.
"This year, we will be starting a dueling club led by Professor Kane of Defense Against the Dark Arts. It will meet ever Tuesday and Thursday in the Great Hall. Also, for all those interested, we are starting a series of lectures on the history of Hogwarts. More details will be given to you by your head of houses.
"Without further ado, Prefects, please lead your first years up to their common rooms. You have the passwords."
"So much for just a few words," muttered Teddy to Felix, but Felix remained unresponsive.
Down the table, he heard a voice call out, "First years! First years! This way please. Yes, follow me. Please come over here now." From the sound of the voice, it was feminine.
"Come on, Felix," he said urgently, tugging on his shoulder. "We've got to go. We've got to go find our prefect. Felix? Felix? Can you hear me? We can't stay here. We have to find…" his voice trailed off as Felix spoke for the first time since Teddy had met him.
"But what about Kristen?" Felix's voice was barely audible over the din and Teddy leaned closer. "Can't she come too?"
Teddy's expressions softened slightly at this, though he was still worried that the prefect might leave without them unless they left soon. "Felix," he told him gently, "Kristen is in Ravenclaw. She's going to her own house. You're in Gryffindor. You can follow me."
"But I want to be with her. I can't be without her!" he whispered, voice edging on panic.
"Felix, I know it's hard. I know it is. But listen, follow me up to our common room and get a nights sleep. You'll see her tomorrow. I promise." Teddy looked into those strange eyes again, which were full of fear and uncertainty. "Just follow me for right now."
Slowly, as if he was being forced, Felix stood up and Teddy realized that he seemed quite delicate and fragile. He doubted he had ever been separated from his twin. But he walked forward, listening intently to the voice of the prefect.
She looked down at them when they arrived. "Make it here alright?" she chuckled. "If you can't even make it here without getting lost, I'm not sure what you'll do tomorrow." Laughing silently at her own joke, she proceed to walk out of the hall, followed by a very small group of first years, including a highly un-amused Teddy. But he said nothing, instead looked over to his right to make sure Felix was walking as well.
"I'm Jen, by the way," she called out over her shoulder. "You're lucky to be sorted in Gryffindor. We have a great Quidditch team this year." Her chest puffed out noticeably. "I play beater."
Then, turning to a boy next to Teddy, she said, "You're dad's Oliver Wood, right?"
Blushing slightly and looking down, the boy, who Teddy now remember was called William, answered, "Yes."
Jen whistled slightly. "Try out this year. Our keeper just left. First years don't normally make the team, but a couple have, like Harry Potter. You do play quidditch?" she asked, looking expectantly at him.
"Yes," he mumbled again, keeping his head down, clearly desperate to get out of the spotlight.
"Well, think about it," she said, and continued to lead them up yet another staircase. Teddy realized that if anything, Hogwarts was huge, massive, confusing and seemingly endless. He had no idea how Jen knew which way to turn. "Our head of house is Neville Longbottom, Herbology teacher. Great teacher if you like Herbology." After that, she continued to talk, but Teddy stopped paying attention and settled for looking around at all the decorations, paintings and suits of armor.
"Ah, here we are," Jen said at last, stopping a portrait of a very fat lady in a pink, puffed out dress.
"New ones?" she inquired, looking down at them. "Pay attention to the password. It changes every so often. Your prefects will know it."
"Prodding Platypus," Jen said crisply and the portrait swung open, reveal a hole which they all clambered into.
The common room immediately felt like home. Squashy armchairs surrounded the fire place and there were couches and tables for studying scattered across the floor. A bulletin board with announcements hung on a wall. Teddy would have to read them later. For now, he just wanted to get to his dormitory and sleep.
"Girl's dormitories on the left, boys on the right. Your trunks will be up there already."
Teddy, Felix and William all climbed up the stairs, still taking in their surroundings. True to her word, their trunks were already laid out across their bed.
"What do you say we have our introductory talk tomorrow night?" asked Oliver. "I'm tired."
"I'm good with that, "Teddy responded, already yawning. Felix, as usual, said nothing. They all changed quickly and soon Teddy fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.