The New Chapters of Hogwarts

Chapter 5: The First Day

Surprisingly, Carvera had awoken earlier than she was supposed to. Perhaps a bit too early. When she looked outside the dormitory's window, the sky had just lit with a new sun. She sighed and decided that since she was already wide awake it would make sense to get ready. After her usually morning routine of stretching and yawning, she slowly stood on the cold tile floor and made her way to the lavitory. She pinned her long hair up into a bun and proceeded with her usual morning hygene. While patting her face with the soft, black towels provided, she thought of last night. Nacicuss had said that she hissed at the portrait. At first it had sounded like utter nonsense, but thinkning back to it now there did seem to be a weird connection while talking to the founder. When she looked back up into the grand mirror, her eyes went wide. She turned rapidly to confront a see through being. Her hair was long down to her waist but was a gray that surprisingly hilighted her facial features well. The woman's appearance, however, did not divert Carvera from the fact that she was face to face with a phantom. Slowly, she steadied herself away from the sink.

The ghost cocked her head "Did I really scare you?"

Cara quietly nodded, to which the phantom chuckled in a high, feminine voice.

"So then you are new?"

"Y-yes, ma'am." Carvera mentally pat herself on the back for even being able to sputter that out.

"You're awfully shy and polite for a Slytherin. That type of additude is usually seen in Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw."

"Of course you would say that!" an unknown voice shrilled.

The raven-haired girl turned to see yet another ghost. This one, however, was quite young. Her wide rimmed spectacles were high on the bridge of her slightly pig-like nose. The plump face was adorned with brown hair worn in pig-tails and a Gryffindor scarf wound around her neck. The wining girl had her hands on her hips while she looked Carvera up and down.

"Hmph! These Slytherins get uglier and uglier every bloody year!"

The first ghost put her hands to her mouth as she gasped "Merdil!"

"Merdil?" Carvera asked.

"Yes" Merdil wined as she floated closer towards the living girl "But everybody calls me 'Moaning Merdil'. Hmph! So rude. And I suppose you know who she is?"

The girl shook her head slowly.

"Ha!" the snobby ghost snorted "You really are quite clueless."

"So" Carvera turned towards the friendlier of the two phantoms "Who are you?"

She curtsied in her long ball gown "They call me the 'Gray Lady'."

"Yes, yes." Merdil interrupted once more "Everyone knows the Gray Lady. But what about meeee?!"

"I'm sorry." Cara apologized for no real purpose.

"You should be!"

"Well", the Gray Lady began, "I had heard there was a Potter in Slytherin but I had to see it to believe it."

Merdil sighed in a love-sick way "I remember Harry. Oh, he was a dream boat. A cute bum and everything!"

Somehow Carvera didn't feel right about hearing her dear Father mentioned in such ways. So before Merdil could go on she interrupted "Well, if you both don't mind I still have to get ready."

"What a nerd!" Merdil chided "There's still hours left 'til classes and she's already up to get on her robes. Pathetic!"

Cara blushed "I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize" the gowned ghost said, sounding thoroughly annoyed "You wonder why no one likes you Merdil."

A loud moan was elicted from Merdil's mouth as she swooned about the air and dove into a toilet, never to be seen again. Carvera just looked on with utter confusion "Does she have to travel through the plumbing?"

"No." the Gray Lady sighed "But she likes a dramatic closing."

"Well, I best finish up in here."

"Quite. Well, good luck on your first day."

"Thank you."

And with that the Gray Lady floated gracefully through the ceiling. The girl sighed in relief and finished slipping into her robes. As she walked up the stairs leading to the Slytherin common room, she couldn't help but wonder if her being in this house was such a big deal. Many had already been thoroughly shocked. The headmistress, for example, looked like she could of flopped dead right then and there. She reached the last step to find that someone was already there. It would have been impossible for her not to recognize that cool blonde hair. Carvera smiled and walked towards the couch.

"Morning Narcicuss!" she greeted.

He seemed a bit startled but replied. "Morning." The boy looked her up and down "The robes seem to suit you."

She blushed at the compliment but did not try to hide it "Thank you. They look nice on you as well."

He nodded and watched as she sat down beside him. Narcicuss looked at her curiously as she watched the flames leap around in the fireplace. The soft glow eminating from across the room highlighted the gentle curves of her face. He also couldn't help but notice the soft sheen of her raven-black hair. Before he could catch himself the young Malfoy's fingers were, once again, fiddling with the strands of Carvera's hair. Her shoulders did not tense this time though. The only thing that seemed slightly abnormal was her darkening blush. Most might have thought these gestures weird. But for one reason or another, she didn't mind them much. Perhaps because her Father had oftened played with her locks. It soothed her. Made her think of home. But it also flattered her as a female. Not many people took such detailed interests in her. Plus she remembered that her friend had said that he missed his mother. So maybe these small gestures could satisfy both of them. Without thinking, Carvera placed her head on Nari's shoulder. He definitely froze up. It was so unexpected! In the last twenty-four hours he had not only found someone he could tolerate, but a girl he'd come to fancy. But he thought she must not want anything to happen too quickly. It was their first day for Merlin's sake! But he let her rest there because she seemed so content. He was relaxed and it helped the day to be less stressful if they could find this kind of comfort in one another.

"Well, well." a girl's voice called.

Both Slytherins jumped apart and turned to see three girls giggling and gauking at the two on the couch.

"I think we've just interrupted an intimate moment, Parsila." one girl said.

"Yeah, I think they were about to snog!" the other agreed.

Carvera jumped off the couch and shook her hands frantically "N-no! We were just...um...talking! Yeah, we were just talking! Right, Narcicuss?"

He put his arm on the back of the couch in order to turn further. "No. We were just enjoying each other's company before you idiots came."

They every girl in the room gasped, including Cara. The three girls in question turned and stomped off into the lavatory. Narcicuss smirked and turned to say something, but was surprised to catch Carvera exiting the common room. He quickly jumped up and ran after her. She walked briskly down the corridors as her mind raced with the desire to get as far from that common room as possible. When he had finally caught up with her she stopped and looked at him. Narcicuss struggled to catch his breath. His onyx pools swam in confusion. Blood crawled to her cheeks slowly.

Has been chasing me this whole time?

"Why" he began in between pants "did you walk away like that?"

She frowned a bit "That whole situation back there was so embarassing, Nari!"

"I embarassed you?"

"No, no! But you said 'we were enjoying each other's company'. To a girl, that means basically what they thought we were doing in the first place. Now they're going to be spreading rumors all around school!"

The color rushed away from Narcicuss' face. It was the first day and there were already going to be rumors about him. He wondered if girls could actually work that fast. He grunted and sat down on the floor "Maybe you're just exaggerating. Maybe they won't saying anything at all."

She couldn't help but smile softly. She crouched down to eye-level and they looked at each other for a moment before she said, "Narcicuss, you are such a boy." She held out a hand to help him up.

Not fully understanding what she was saying, he took the offer and stood. He smirked and they continued walking towards their first class.

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Devination hadn't been a sinch for either of them. The teacher's oversized glasses and excentric attiude did not help. Nari scoffed at every other sentence while Cara listened intently, yearning to understand. The whole concept intrigued her to no end. To make predictions of events before they actually happened seemed too good to be true. So she took many notes and even had a ten minute conversation with their professor after class, much to the young Malfoy's despare.

"She seems wonderfully gifted!" Carvera said lightly as they walked down the hall to Charms class.

"If you like weirdos" Narcicuss retorted and smirked when the girl pushed his arm playfully.

"You shouldn't say such rude things you know?" she giggled.

"I know" Malfoy grinned, hinting that he didn't care. "Well, I guess Charms should be much more entertaining than that crack-pot class."

"Not for me" Carvera frowned "I don't even have a wand."

"What?!" Narcicuss said in disbelief "That's like saying you don't have a head!"

She blushed "I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing and come with me." He took Carvera by her wrist and softly tugged her in a different direction.

"W-where are are we going?! Charms is that way!"

"You need a wand don't you?"

"Well, yes but..."

"Then quiet down and follow me."

She frowned and shook her head "You really are quite rude."

He grinned at her widely "I told you; I know."

McGonagal was walking down the halls before she heard someone calling after her. She turned to see the odd couple from last night running towards her. She arced an eyebrow as the students reached her.

"Mr. Malfoy. Ms. Potter. Shouldn't you both be in Charms class with Professor Flitwick?"

"She can't go. She doesn't have a wand."

The headmistress shook her head "You don't have a wand, Potter?"

She blushed and apologized. McGonagal sighed "Very well, come with me. Mr. Malfoy, if you would be kind enough as to head back to class immediately and inform your professor of Ms. Potter's where abouts."

"Yes ma'am." he said, slightly aggrivated that he couldn't come along but smirked at his friend before running back to class.

Carvera watched Nari run off before turning to follow Professor McGonagal "Where are we going ma'am?"

"To find you a wand. The ones in my office will have to do for now."

She nodded and followed the headmistress into her office. The portraits around her were busy amongst their own conversations while she looked up at the many silver instruments adorning the walls. Her attention was brought to a glowing cauldron. She walked towards it to find floating images and was about to lean in when somone interrupted.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

She jumped and turned abruptly. She walked forward and stared at a portrait of an old man. He had a long white beard that contrasted brightly against his midnight blue robes. His eyes twinkled behind his half moon spectacles "It wouldn't be such a good idea to mossey about someone else's memories."

"Memories?" Carvera asked, not totally understanding what the man meant.

He nodded "Occlumency."

She nodded and apologized. Her eyes studied the intricate design of the frame. Phoenix's with spread wings attacked winding snakes with gapping mouthes. It was quite mesmorising. She followed the patterns downward until her eyes came to rest on a name plate.

Albus Dumbeldore

Proud Headmaster of Hogwarts

Great Leader of the Order of the Phoenix

Carvera's eyes went wide. The Albus Dumbeldore stood right in front of her. The greatest wizard of all time. It was bloody unreal! She looked up at him once more like a child who had just discovered her christmas presents. The wizard chuckled softly at the girl's aghast expression.

"You're Professor Dumbeldore?"

"Last I checked." he said in an amused manor "You look familiar my dear. What's your name?"

"Carvera Potter, Sir!" she answered anxiously.

Suddenly, his eyes filled with compassion and love. His voice took a sweetly soft tone. "I had heard Harry had had a family. You're the first I've seen in person though. How is Mr. Potter these days?"

Just as the girl was about to answer the headmistress cut in "Ms. Potter. If you wouldn't mind coming here?"

She looked at the woman and back at the man. He smiled softly and gave her a dismissive nod, to which she bowed and returned to her teacher's side. She came to stand infront of a small pile of wands. Each one seemed old and shotty. But the girl sighed and figured it was her own fault for not having the instrument in the first place.

"Well, pick one out Potter."

She nodded and reached down for one that looked of pine. As soon as she touched it though, it shocked her. The girl yelped and slammed back against the wall. She opened her eyes to find that a black-wood wandhad fallen off the wall. Carvera picked it up and held it eye-level to examine it. Not a moment later, there was an enormus rush of energy eminating from the magical tool. Her eyes widened in shock and awe while the small sound of her teacher gasping in the background could be heard. A soothing warmth flowed over her and made it feel as though this thing had been alive and awaiting her touch. Once the flow had stopped she slowly turned towards the headmistress.

"W-what was that?" she asked just above a whisper.

"I believe" the woman began "That you have, coincidently, just found your permanent wand Potter."

The girl looked back at the wand and slid her fingers over it gentlely. It had not only been the longest wand she had ever seen, but the darkest. The wood was nearly jet black while the actual wood work seemed to wrap around the center from the tip. It was smooth to the touch. All in all, the raven-haired girl found it to be quite beautiful.

"Well" the professor started after a few moments "try it out."

She nodded "Lumos!"

As expected, a pleasant glow erupted from the tip of the tool. Carvera couldn't help but smile in the realization that this was her first step in becoming a true witch. Her first wand seemed to give her so much more confidence.

"Just be careful!" her teacher warned. Obviously not understanding, McGonagal continued "That wand belonged to someone very close to Hogwarts. It would be quite disappointing if anything were to happen to it."

"If you don't mind me asking ma'am, who did it belong to?"

"Professor Severus Snape" the silver-haired woman replied coldly "He was our headmaster for a short while...before his untimely death."

Carvera looked back down at the wand. Father had told her many times about this man Snape. 'A greatly misunderstood wizard' he had said. The thought of being the sole possessor of his wand seemed like a great honor that a girl such as her did not deserve. But before she could say anything, her teacher cut in.

"Well? Get yourself to class young lady!"

Carvera seemed a bit startled, but nodded and ran off.