The group of children spent the better part of two hours in the music room. They were about to put away the instruments when Chelsea asked Daphne to sing, as she was curious to know what she sounded like.
"What part do you sing in the Hogwarts choir, Daphne?" Chelsea asked.
"Mezzo," replied Daphne. "Sometimes alto, depending on the song."
"I'm a soprano," Chelsea said. "I'm hoping we both know the same song... do you know Ave Maria by Schubert?"
Daphne giggled. "Funny you should ask. My vocal coach was Muggle-born, and I sang that for her many times!"
Chelsea grinned. "Great!" She looked at her friends. "Can one of you accompany us on piano please?"
"I'll do it," volunteered Nova. She nudged Ana and Hermione. "Okay kiddos. Play time's over." They got off the bench while Nova daintily seated herself. "Do either of you need to warm up for a moment?" she offered.
"Play us some warm-up scales, please," Daphne said. Nova nodded, and Daphne and Chelsea sang along to the scales.
Nova then started Ave Maria, which Daphne and Chelsea sang beautifully. By the end of the song, even Kellen was tearing up.
"Wow, you two were terrific," Harry said, clearly impressed. "I'm glad I got to hear the both of you sing... your voices are lovely."
Both Daphne and Chelsea blushed.
By that point, everyone was getting exhausted from all the music they were performing. Kellen put the electric guitar and amplifier away, and Chelsea took the violin to the back room as well.
Hermione looked at Harry and Kellen. "So, are you going to tell us the story about how you met? And how you came to Ilvermorny? You said you would..."
The two boys looked at each other and nodded. They took turns, leaving no detail out - from meeting in London, to freeing him from the Dursleys' yoke, to taking him back home to Minnesota, and both of them learning from Professor Goode that they're magical.
They told stories about farm work, and what they did in their free time on the farm, and how Harry connected with Mrs. Grimseth as she's also British, and how both of them adored Kellen's Norwegian grandmother, Bestemor Pernille.
The whole story took a good half hour to tell, and both Daphne and Hermione clung to their every word - they were positively enthralled with the tale. Their hearts broke for Harry when they heard how poorly he was treated by his relatives, but were delighted to hear how much his life changed for the better when he lived with the Grimseths.
"Do you miss Great Britain, Harry?" asked Hermione.
"Not one bit," replied Harry. "I mean, I am still English at the end of the day and you can't take that away from me, but I have no emotional attachments... I have no other friends or family there as far as I'm concerned. Outside of Nova and her father, of course."
"I understand," sighed Hermione. "It's hard to miss something if you don't have any attachments... and while I'm sure you love Kellen's family, they can't fully replace your own parents... no child should lose them the way you lost yours."
"I always thought they died in a car crash," Harry said softly. "Then fairly recently I discovered that they were magical - like me - and gave their lives to protect me from a really dark wizard, who mysteriously vanished after he tried to attack me when I was a toddler. I wish I could see them for just five minutes - to tell them thank you, and that I love them."
"I'm glad to have had the chance to meet you, Potter," admitted Hermione. "I wondered whatever became of you, because you're mentioned in the history books. I thought that maybe you just ended up wandering the streets of Muggle Britain or something; you never enrolled at Hogwarts which was strange enough by itself, but nobody ever told me that you came to the States."
She smiled sweetly at her new friend. "I'm glad to hear that you got some of your childhood back when you moved in with the Grimseths. I'm also glad to know that you're receiving a quality magical education here without a lot of the pomp and circumstance that would have come with attending Hogwarts. I'm not going to lie, ever since I read the magical history books, I've always wanted to meet the Boy-Who-Lived. I ended up meeting a sweet boy named Harry instead."
Harry smiled. "I'm glad to have met you too, Hermione. Kellen said lots of wonderful things about you; you're every bit as nice as you sound in your letters."
Hermione blushed. "Thank you, Harry. And if it's possible, Kellen's even sweeter than how he writes. Ilvermorny is truly lucky to have a boy like him wandering the halls."
"There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful that he's in my life," Harry replied candidly. "I'm blessed that he's my best friend."
"He's also blessed that you're his best friend," giggled Hermione. "I think the two of you were somehow always destined to have a brotherly relationship."
"He has a non-magical brother that I'm quite fond of as well," Harry said. "Except when he plays ice hockey - his wand is a hockey stick!"
"I'm an only child," admitted Hermione. "So I don't really know what it's like to have siblings. I mean, I like the extra attention, but it does kind of get lonely sometimes..."
Harry nodded. "I'm my parents' only child, but I've always lived in a household with at least one other child. The first ten years of my life, I lived with my cousin Dudley, who was little more than a spoiled brat. Then I lived with Kellen and Wyatt, who are Dudley's polar opposites, personality-wise."
Hermione looked like she was about to cry. "I'm sorry that your relatives treated you so poorly, Harry. I can see why you don't miss your old home."
Harry smiled gently. "I don't wish ill will on my relatives... perhaps one day, my cousin will grow up and become a better person. Maybe he'll look back one day and realize that he was wrong, and want to change for the better."
Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry in a tight hug. "That's very noble of you, Harry."
Daphne tried to stifle a yawn. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting rather sleepy. It's been a very long day... are you ready to go back to the Horned Serpent dormitory, Hermione?"
"I think so, Daphne," replied Hermione. She turned to her new Ilvermorny friends. "Would you mind showing us the way back to the Horned Serpent dormitory, please? I think we're ready to call it a night, but we'll have lots to do tomorrow I'm sure!"
Chelsea and Alexander bade their friends good evening, and the children all retreated to their respective dormitories for the evening. Daphne and Hermione wasted no time putting on their nightgowns when they got to their quarters. At about eight forty five, Daphne heard a gentle rapping on their door.
"Knock, knock," giggled Ana, who was dressed in pajamas herself. "I was hoping maybe you could use a little company. I rather enjoyed my time with you two today."
"Hiya, Ana," Daphne replied with a smile. "Come in, pop a squat! Hermione's brushing her teeth, she'll be back any minute."
"I know you've only been here a few hours, but how are you enjoying things at Ilvermorny so far?" Ana asked.
"You know? The layout is a bit different than back at Hogwarts, but there is a certain degree of familiarity that I can't quite put my finger on," replied Daphne. "So far though, I like it here. A lot. There's some really good people here... lots of potential to make terrific new friends, like yourself."
Ana smiled. "So, you're in a house called Slytherin, right? I don't really know much about the houses at Hogwarts. I just know about Gryffindor because it's where Nova's father was sorted back in the day, plus it's also where Harry's parents belonged."
"Slytherin is a house that values cunning, resourcefulness, ambition... and for some witches and wizards, that means using any means necessary to accomplish their goals. Unfortunately, we have a bit of a reputation for condoning the use of dark magic, but many of us in Slytherin truly abhor it, such as myself," Daphne elaborated. "I'm glad that Hermione reached out to me a few months ago because I didn't have all that many friends in Slytherin, a lot of them have family who were aligned with You-Know-Who. I'm a Greengrass, and our family has remained neutral for generations. We'd like to keep it that way if at all possible."
Ana giggled. "You're much too nice to use dark magic, Daphne."
Daphne smiled at Ana. "I was very close to being placed into Gryffindor, but I had to convince our sorting hat to place me in Slytherin, because it's just a Greengrass tradition more than anything. I wish I had the stones to actually want Gryffindor more, because I would love to be Hermione's housemate."
"You kind of are, right now at least," Ana pointed out.
"I know, right?" Daphne replied with a small giggle. "I know it won't last, but we're just trying to enjoy the moment."
At that moment, Hermione returned to the room. She plopped down on the floor next to Ana and Daphne. "Oh, hiya, Ana! Fancy seeing you here," she squeaked.
"We were just talking about being sorted," giggled Daphne. "I told Ana here that I almost ended up in Gryffindor!"
Hermione beamed. "And you'd make a bloody good one. And Ana, you're a Ravenclaw, through and through."
Ana arched an eyebrow. "Ravenclaw... is that where the studious ones go, I take it?"
Both Daphne and Hermione nodded.
Ana wrinkled her nose. "And you use a hat to get sorted, you said?"
"Yeah, we have a sorting hat that reads our thoughts, and based on our personalities and values, and sorts us accordingly," explained Hermione. "I was considered for Ravenclaw, but I wanted to be a Gryffindor. It just felt like, well, home."
"We get sorted a bit differently," Ana explained. "We step onto this special tile that contains something called a Gordian knot. According to legend, a Gordian knot is so strong, it cannot be undone. So, when we step onto that tile, there are four totems - a cat called a Wampus, a Horned Serpent, a small grey elf-goblin mix called a Pukwudgie, and a Thunderbird - and one, or possibly more, will react when you step on the tile."
"Did any house besides the Horned Serpents show any interest in you?" asked Hermione.
Ana giggled. "Funny you should ask... I nearly became a Thunderbird!"
Daphne and Hermione looked at each other in awe. "So, maybe you could be a Gryffindor," Daphne murmured.
"I don't really know, I'm just a nerdy bookworm," replied Ana with a shrug. "I rather like where I got sorted."
"So, where's Nova? I thought you two were inseperable," asked Hermione.
"I'd imagine she'll find us here eventually, but right now, she's writing a letter home to her father," Ana explained. "The two of them are very, very close. She adores Roger. I've met him a couple of times, he's a really cool wizard."
"So Nova has told you a bit about the British wizarding world, I take it?" asked Daphne. "The Woodwards aren't exactly a prominent wizarding family, they're not part of the Sacred 28. But I have heard of Roger Woodward, and he's a halfblood if memory serves. My father is a bit of an acquaintance of his; he thinks pretty highly of Roger."
Ana smiled and nodded. "He is a halfblood, yes. And I'm glad to know that your father isn't a blood supremacist like some of the other pureblood families Nova's told me about. I'm no maj-born... I'd probably cry myself to sleep every night if I was sorted in Slytherin."
"I'm Muggle-born too, Ana," added Hermione. "I've been mocked and tormented by some of Daphne's housemates... it's really, really hurtful. I can't help that I don't come from a magical family."
"And you've done wonderfully for yourself, Hermione," Daphne assured her friend. "You're the best student in our class and you have talent many purebloods would die for."
"So Daphne, I couldn't help but notice the drool coming out of the corner of your mouth when you saw Kellen for the first time," giggled Ana. "I don't know if Hermione would appreciate that."
Daphne chucked Ana in the shoulder. "Prat," she giggled. "And yes, Kellen is a very, very cute boy."
"You don't have a date to the dance, do you?" Ana asked Daphne.
Daphne shook her head. "I do not... but I guess I can just hang out on the sidelines."
Ana placed her hand on Daphne's shoulder and smiled. "I don't want you to feel left out... I know it's short notice, but let me talk to Harry. If he agrees to it, I'll let you have a little time to dance with him on the floor."
Daphne's jaw dropped. "You'd do that?"
"Why not? We're not dating, Daphne. It's not fair that Hermione gets a dance partner and you don't," Ana replied.
"Well, thank you, Ana," Daphne said appreciatively.
"And if you want, I'll talk to Kellen," offered Hermione. "I'm sure he'd love to have a dance with you as well."
"You two are just too sweet," giggled Daphne.
At that moment, Nova knocked on the door.
"Oh, hiya Nova," Ana squeaked. "Finished with your letter already?"
"I think so," sighed Nova. She then smirked. "I was wondering where you headed off to, but I should have known that you wanted to socialize with our Hogwarts guests. Mind if I join you?"
The girls chatted and giggled the night away; it was midnight before they all drifted off to sleep. Ana and Nova ended up in the two unoccupied four-posters in the guest room.
The next morning, the sixth-year Horned Serpent trustee, Missy Ludwig, woke the girls up at seven in the morning.
"Good morning. I see you had some company with you last night. It didn't take you very long to make friends, did it?" giggled Missy. "I'll give you a few minutes to clean up and change. I'll wait in the common room, and I'll escort you to the great hall for a bite to eat for breakfast. When breakfast is over, please follow me to Professor Goode's office for the weekly itinerary."
"Sounds good, thank you," replied Hermione.
About fifteen minutes later, Hermione and Daphne met with Missy in the common room. "All right, Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass. If you'll follow me to the great hall please, breakfast will be served momentarily. Your friends will be joining you soon."
When Hermione and Daphne arrived at the Horned Serpent table, they found Kellen and Harry waiting for them.
"Good morning, Hermione! Good morning, Daphne!" greeted Kellen.
"Hiya Hermione and Daphne," greeted Harry.
"Hello Harry and Kellen," the girls replied cheerily.
A couple of minutes later, Ana and Nova joined their first-year friends in the great hall. They all enjoyed a tasty breakfast of buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon with fresh pumpkin juice.
"Is your breakfast similar to this at Hogwarts? asked Harry.
"It's similar, yes," replied Daphne. "We often have porridge, or steak and eggs, or omelets... just depends on the day."
"We have those here too," replied Ana. "Every now and then they'll have breakfast burritos or breakfast pizzas... those are rare treats indeed!"
"I've never had those," admitted Hermione. "Are they any good?"
"They're pretty tasty, yeah," Nova chimed in. "But those are the exception and not the rule, it's usually boring old porridge or some-such. You got lucky today - pancakes and waffles are only about once or twice a month!"
About twenty minutes later, Missy stopped by the underclassmen to check up on them. "Hiya, friends," she said in a cheerful tone. "Are you about ready to visit Professor Goode? She'd just like a few minutes of your time, mainly to go over what you'll be doing over the course of the week."
"Ready as I'll ever be," murmured Daphne.
"Erm, Kellen?" squeaked Hermione.
"What's up, Hermione?" asked Kellen.
Hermione's cheeks turned pink. "Could you... do that flower spell again? That was utterly amazing."
Kellen smiled. "Sure. What kind would you like this time?"
"Gerbera daisies," replied Hermione. "With gypsophila."
Kellen shrugged, then snapped his fingers. "Et, voila," he said with a small chuckle. He handed Hermione a bouquet of yellow and purple daisies with gypsophila.
"I don't think there are words in the English language that accurately describe how talented you are," Hermione sighed. "All right Missy, let's go."
Missy led Daphne and Hermione to Professor Goode's office, and rapped on the deputy headmistress' door.
"Good morning, Professor," Missy announced. "I have Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass with me."
"Thank you, Miss Ludwig," Professor Goode replied. "Hello, Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass. Please, come in and have a seat. Professor McGonagall should be in here momentarily."
"Good morning," the girls replied.
A minute or two later, Professor McGonagall joined them in the office. "Thanks for bearing with me," she trilled. "I was talking to Professor Little Bull at the breakfast table and got a little carried away. She's definitely worthy of teaching Transfiguration at Hogwarts!"
"Not a problem, Professor," murmured Professor Goode.
"I see you have quite a lovely bouquet there. Did Mister Grimseth cast an orchideous spell?" Professor McGonagall asked Hermione.
"I don't think so, Professor," replied Hermione. "He, erm... he just snapped his fingers. No wand, no words... I've never seen anything like it, at least from a fellow firstie."
"Impressive," purred Professor McGonagall. "That boy is an elite talent. I shall very much like to meet him today."
"Well, as today is Sunday, I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunity, Minerva," replied Professor Goode. "I don't think he has much planned, except for perhaps going to the library and spending time with Miss Granger."
"Which reminds me," Professor McGonagall continued. "I know it's officially a week off at Hogwarts, but while you're guests here at Ilvermorny, you will be going to class with Mister Grimseth and Miss Meservey. That includes physical training. You will be issued standard Ilvermorny uniforms - you should find them considerably more comfortable and easier to care for than your usual Hogwarts uniform and robes."
Professor Goode nodded. "I've already made note of your respective sizes. Miss Ludwig will deliver sets of clothes to your dormitory momentarily... you may want to try them on today, just to be sure they fit. If for some reason they don't, please let Miss Ludwig know and she will take care of it for you right away. Now, we do have formal robes at Ilvermorny as well, but as we do not have any planned feasts this week, you will not be needing them."
"Do either of you young ladies have any questions so far?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"I think we're good for now, thanks," replied Daphne.
"Actually... our new friend Anastasia Harrison mentioned something about a quiz bowl this Friday," Hermione said with a bit of hesitation. "I'm curious about it... we don't have anything like that at Hogwarts, and I'd like to go as an observer."
"I don't see why you can't go as an observer, especially as Mister Grimseth is arguably the most valuable member of the Horned Serpent team," Professor Goode murmured. "Now, they have to wear formal robes for that event... but if you're going as an observer, I suppose nice no-maj style clothes would be appropriate."
"I have a nice button-down shirt and some dressy trousers," Hermione offered. "Is that nice enough?"
"That should be quite suitable, dear," Professor Goode replied. "As long as they're crisp and clean."
"Perfect, thank you," replied Hermione gratefully. "One more thing. It's rather important."
"Oh?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"We... we met Harry Potter last night," admitted Hermione. "Kellen is extremely protective of him, and he made us promise not to tell anyone at Hogwarts that he's here. Both Daphne and I promised that we'd keep that to ourselves... Kellen is under the impression that there are dark wizards in Britain who have insidious plans for Harry..."
Professor McGonagall merely nodded. "And your friend Kellen was wise to make you promise that. Harry Potter is perfectly safe here at Ilvermorny. A very select few of us at Hogwarts know that Harry is a student here, and the few of us in the know have agreed that it's best to leave him be, as we really do not have any interest in attracting unwanted attention. He's in capable hands here." Her face hardened slightly, though not in an unfriendly manner. "We have brought you two young ladies here because we feel you trustworthy enough to keep such a promise. Do not even tell Mister Longbottom or Mister Weasley. Although they are your friends, I'm afraid that they may inadvertently leak his existence and such news may reach the wrong ears. This is between yourselves and yourselves alone. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Professor," agreed Hermione and Daphne.
"And that's all we have for the time being, young ladies," murmured Professor Goode. "You're free to re-join your friends. I'd imagine Mister Grimseth is in the library, and Miss Harrison and Miss Woodward are likely in the Horned Serpent common room as they usually are on Sundays."
"And I will visit you and your friend Mister Grimseth immediately after lunch today," said Professor McGonagall softly. "I'd like to see his talents for myself."