Disclaimer: Alterations to characters, concepts, and backgrounds are primarily fundamental. All characters, groups, and organizations, with the exception of OCs I own, are owned by their respective companies.

She was annoyingly beautiful.

Dark messy hair, pale skin, alluring eyes, petite frame...it took a while to even notice the faded scar. Regarding her now , Fia almost felt bad about preparing to lay into her.

Almost.

''Can we help you?'' another girl stated bluntly, her eyes flickering between Fia and their present celebrity. Fia straightened.

''You threw my friend into a wall.''

The weirdly familiar girl shrugged, closing the book as she stood.

''Your point? You here to attack us? Quite foolish if you are.''

''Unlike you, I believe violence is a last resort for anything,'' Fia retorted, crossing her arms. The girl snorted.

''Then tell a prefect if it wounds your soul that much.''

''I was hoping for a compromise.''

''You mean an apology.''

''Essentially yes.''

''I can tell already tell what house you're going to be in.''

Fia decided she was hopeless, focusing her heavy gaze on the Girl Who Lived.

''Aren't you going to say anything?'' Fia demanded. The small girl blinked at her stoically, before returning to her book. Fia narrowed her eyes at the language of the book, only to focus as the other girl caught her attention.

''She's not much of a talker.''

''Nothing wrong with someone who will shut up and listen. Take notes.''

''Was that a threat or a kink confession?''

A harsh scoff interrupted their banter, Hermione Granger barging in to take her place beside Fia. Fia noticed that their celebrity turned her cold gaze to the compartment doors, as if they were to blame. The familiar girl looked at Hermione, her gaze hardening.

''Ah...you again.''

''Yer Raine's sister,'' Fia realized, an annoyed look rewarded from her companion for interrupting her rant. The girl in question shrugged.

''Twin sister. With the apparent company she's keeping, probably shouldn't have let her wander off.''

''Raine can think for herself,'' Hermione defended frostily, her chin up. Raine's sister snorted.

''Funny hearing you say that.''

''What is that supposed to-''

''Hermione,'' Fia scolded gently, leveling a glare at the Dahlen sibling. The girl smirked.

''I'm Mara by the way, as you should know. I would very much appreciate it if you get out of our compartment. Now.''

''We're not done talking.''

''You asked for an apology, but you're not getting one, princess. Run along.''

''Not until-''

The compartment door slid open wider, causing the Girl Who Lived to slam her book closed harshly. Three boys entered, the middle surveying the mess of a gathering in interest, before landing on their celebrity.

''They're saying all down the train Helen Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, isn't it?''

Helen gave an affirmed nod, her attention turning to his two companions, standing on either side like bodyguards.

''Oh, this is is Crabbe and this is Goyle. And my name's-''

''Draco Malfoy. We meet again,'' Mara interrupted. Draco blinked, and for a moment Fia thought she saw a hint of fear. However, Draco composed himself and gave a nod.

''Miss Dahlen. A pleasure.''

''My name's Hermione Granger! You are?!'' the bushy haired witch greeted, holding out a hand. The pale boy narrowed his eyes.

''I don't recognize that surname.''

''She's muggleborn,'' Fia stated challengingly, stepping in. A devious smirk grew on Draco's face as he ignored the two, turning his gaze to Mara and Helen.

''Is this mudblood and her lover bothering you-''

''Watch your tongue ferret,'' Fia demanded harshly. Draco unconsciously took a step back, his goons stepping forward. Helen, having enough, stood up, pushing past the assembled fight.

The six of them blinked, eyes widening as two older students arrived behind Helen. Hermione frowned.

''Who are they?''

''I'm Verdell Greene and this is Penelope Clearwater-''

''We're prefects. What's the problem?'' Penelope interrupted, not wanting to dance around the subject. The three boys paled as her attention rested firmly on them.

''These three just called my friend here a...well...she's muggleborn,'' Fia explained angrily. Penelope's eyes narrowed dangerously. Mara stood up.

''While I don't condone their use of language, being a half blood…''

Draco shrunk under the dark glare she gave him, releasing his breath as she turned back to the Prefects.

''This situation could have been avoided easily if these two didn't come in harassing Helen and I.''

''You kicked me into a wall!'' Hermione snapped angrily. Verdell frowned.

''And yet you didn't come and get us?''

Hermione stopped at these words, flushing in embarrassment, and proceeded in looking down. Penelope sighed.

''We do not dropkick peers in this school. If you have a problem, tell a prefect or authority figure. You two girls, leave. This is your only warning. Little miss dropkicker and the Snake goon squad, you will serve detention.''

'Was she the one to kick you?''

''No, but-''

''Then she's done nothing wrong...perhaps except a delayed report. However, she was the only one here intelligent enough to find us. Now names, please.''

Fia glowered at the subtle but smug celebrity as relinquished her name. The ferret and his gophers wandered off grumbling, Hermione clearly upset at the fact they had to leave. Mara didn't seem bothered at all, only smiling as he prefects urged them out of the compartment.

This wasn't over by a longshot.

''We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately.''

As the voice died down, Ron began to look quite pale under his freckles.

''Ron, are you well?'' Raine asked, concerned. The redheaded boy simply nodded as Fia and Hermione came upon them.

''Raine, we just recently met your sister! Terrible manners...she was the one to toss me against the wall! Oh, and you are? You've got a bit of dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?''

Ron glowered at the girl for a moment, only stopping at Fia's harsh glare. Raine sighed as she took in the news. Just like her sister to do something like that.

The four pushed their way toward the door and out onto the tiny, dark platform. Raine, unlike the others, wasn't remotely shivering in the cold night air. A lamp came over the student's heads, a tall beaming man smiling down at the lot.

''Firs' years! Firs' years over here! Er...you a'right there Helen?''

If possible, the air grew even colder in response, making many shiver, with the exception of Raine, her sister, and the Girl Who Lived. Despite this, many broke into whispers, eyeing the latter with various forms of interest.

The giant's smile grew even more uneasy, taking a step back as he turned to address Raine and the other students.

''Any more firs' years? Mind yer step now! Firs' years follow me!''

The group followed him down a steep, narrow path, too dark to be viewed as anything else. Neville sniffed at Raine's side, perhaps still fretting over his toad. Raine reached over and squeezed his hand gently, earning a small nervous smile in return.

''Ye' all get firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec! Jus' over this bend here.''

Sounds of amazement broke out as they came upon a black lake,and perched just atop a mountain, was a castle of large turrets and towers.

''No more'n four to a boat!''

Raine and Neville quickly rushed to claim one, soon joined by Fia and Hermione. Raine cast a glance at her sister, chatting casually with Potter, a blonde and brunette joining in on the side.

''Beautiful, isn't it?'' Hermione spoke, gazing at the castle in wonder. A genuine smile grew on Fia's lips, nodding and joining the girl in the breathtaking view.

''Everyone in? Right then-FORWARD!''

To the four's amazement, the little boats obeyed, gliding across the smooth lake surface. Everyone kept their gazes on the tower in silence, only breaking it as they sailed closer to the cliff.

''Heads down!''

Everyone bent their heads as the boats carried them through a curtain of ivy, taking them through a dark castle, and to an underground harbor, where they soon clambered onto rocks and pebbles.

''Oy, you there! Is this your toad?'' Hagrid asked, holding up an oddly stoic toad. Neville beamed, quickly accepting the toad as they all were left up to a passageway.

''See Neville? Nothing to worry about,'' Raine assured as Ron joined the four in their walk, clearly miffed he didn't catch a spot in their boat. Fia nudged him roughly as they came upon an Oak door, Hagrid's gigantic fist knocking three times on the castle door.

The door swung open, revealing a woman that immediately reminded Raine of her Morsa, a stern face gazing upon the first years critically.

''Thank you Hagrid. I will take them from here.''

A large torch lit entrance hall greeted the students as they gathered in. The ceiling, while too high to make out for the others, was perfectly visible for Raine's keen eye, brilliant architectural patterns awarding her gift.

They were led to a staircase, leading to the upper floors, where hundreds of voices came from a doorway to the right, but instead directed to a small, empty chamber.

''Welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Professor McGonagall. The banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is…''

Raine drifted off, turning back curiously at the past doorway. However, she was nudged by Fia, forcing her to focus back, a harsh glare from Hermione keeping her in place.

Yeesh.

''The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, producing outstanding witches and wizards... and in rare instances, sorcerers and mages. While at Hogwarts, your success will earn house points, while your rule breaking will lose them. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded a house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house become yours.''

Raine blinked. Perhaps she should have taken her Mom's offer of explaining the process. It would be next to impossible to put all of this into memory all at once.

''The Sorting Ceremony will take place in front of the schoo. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while waiting.''

Her eyes lingered on Neville's cloak, fastened under his left ear, Ron's smudged nose, Fia's posture, and Raine's untamed hair. Raine quickly looked away.

''I shall return when we are ready for you. Please wait quietly.''

As she left the chamber, Raine sighed.

''There goes our first impressions.''

''It wouldn't hurt for you at the very least to brush and straighten your hair, you know,'' Hermione chastised. Raine's gaze fell on Hermione's bushy hair, but decided not to comment. Neville gulped nervously as Ron finished what Raine assumed was an explanation.

''Ron's brother says if you get in, you would have to fight a troll.''

Raine frowned, but quickly wrote that off. She doubted their parents would move them from Sweden and put them here, knowing very well they would just be in the same situation they moved from.

''It's supposed to be some form of test. Honestly, having a first year fight a troll? Have you picked up on any form of education, let alone a book?''

''Hermione,'' Fia warned, Ron getting redder by the second. Before anyone could comment further, a scream was heard, putting Raine and Fia on high alert.

However, their adrenaline died down slightly as pale translucent figures came upon them. Two of them seemed to be arguing, not giving the children a glance.

''Forgive and forget! Let's give him-''

''A second chance? Dear Friar, he's been given too many, and Peeves is not really even a ghost- I say, who are-''

''New students!'' Friar exclaimed, beaming. ''About to be sorted? Hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old house, you know.''

''Move along, now. The Sorting Ceremony is about to start,'' Professor Mcgonagall spoke, returning. As the ghost departed, the Professor had the students form a line before leading them into the Great Hall.

Raine blinked as thousands of candles floated mid air over four long tables, littered with gold plates and goblets. At the top of the hall sat the teachers, gazing down in various forms of curiosity, along with older students.

''It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, a History,'' Hermione whispered to Fia. Raine gazed on as McGonagall placed four legged stools in front of them, putting on it a patched and dirty hat.

To the majority's surprise, it began singing:

''Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be

You might dwell in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil,

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you're a ready mind

Where their wit and learning,

Will always find their kind.

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk using any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands

For I am a Thinking Cap!

The hall burst into applause as it finished its song, bowing to the four tables before becoming still again.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a roll of parchment.

''When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted.''

Raine observed nervously as she began calling out names, getting more nervous by the minute.

Once Millicent Bulstrode was placed in Slytherin, McGonagall squinted.

''Mara Dahlen!''

Raine watched curiously as she stepped forward, her dark hair in her usual updo style as she made her way forward. She sat down on the stool, placing the hat on, which fell down over her eyes.

After a moment, the hat made its decision.

''SLYTHERIN!''

A small smirk appeared on Mara's face, which quickly left it as it came. Loud claps came from the table as she made her way to the table as she made her way to the table. As she sat down, the twins shared a glance for a moment, before nodding at each other. Raine took note of how Mara's gaze fell to the Girl Who Lived, giving her a reassuring smile. Raine held back her envy as she turned her attention back to the front.

''RAINE DAHLEN!''

Raine gulped nervously as eyes gazed upon her as she slowly made her way toward the front. Sitting down, she pulled the hat over her eyes, greeted immediately by blackness.

''Curious. Another demigod,'' said a small voice in her ear. Raine jumped.

''No need to startle yourself. Not even the Headmaster has access to the secrets I gather. Afterall, if rumors are true, you simply are the second of four.''

Raine's eyebrows furrowed, hoping he would elaborate. Instead, he went toward another topic.

''So your sister shares the same mother, yet not the the same father? Trickery at its worse. Quite admirable that you don't hold that against your sibling. Now, where to put you?''

Raine waited nervously as the hat skimmed through her psyche, before speaking once again.

''No real first for knowledge, nor power I might add. Ambition and loyalty, very much there, but overridden by the need to prove yourself, and do the right thing without exception. Guess it better be GRYFFINDOR!''

Rowdy cheers soon greeted her ears, a wide smile on her face at the warm welcome into the embrace of the house of courage. Fia, Hermione, and Ron beamed at her, Neville giving her a nervous smile to show his support.

The ceremony soon continued, Hermione soon joining her at the Gryffindor table, and to their surprise, Neville settling in to Hufflepuff. To Raine's happiness, he immediately received a warm welcome.

As Sally Anne Perks settled into Hufflepuff, Professor McGonagall called the next name.

''Fianna Pilkvist!''

Raine beamed as her friend eagerly approached the hat, pulling it onto her head, onto her head gently. It took a span of at least two minutes until the hat made its decision.

''HUFFLEPUFF!''

The house in question welcomed her excitedly in their ranks as she took a seat next to Neville. Raine smiled. While it sucked everyone wouldn't be in the same house, she was glad Neville at the very least had a familiar face. Better than Slytherin anyway.

Raine turned to Hermione, who frowned, clearly disappointed.

''Hermione, I'm sure this won't hurt your friendship. I mean, she's literally in Hufflepuff for Odin's sake. Believe me.''

''I know but...oh well. Hopefully my dorm mates are will share her courtesy,'' Hermione muttered. Ron rolled his eyes at this, falling back reluctantly at Raine's disapproving look.

''Potter, Helen!''

Raine frowned as whispers broke through the hall. The small girl made her way forward stoically, sitting down and placing the hat on without hesitation.

And well...turned out, it too much longer than even Fia's sorting.

And by the looks of the professor's and Dumbledore's twitching reactions once it passed five minutes, this was quite the unusual case. As it soon came upon seven minutes, Mcgonagall stood up, only to jump as the hat, out of nowhere, loudly proclaimed:

''RAVENCLAW!''