Rana was sitting in the library early the next morning with Shaina when the floo-network rang.

"Winguardian Leviosa" She muttered, swishing and flicking her wand. She grinned as she levitated a few books.

Aditi welcomed Cheyenne and James inside.

"Hello, James, Cheyenne." She smiled.

James looked around. The house was huge and the floors were made of marble. "You have a nice home, Mrs. Rai."

"Thank you dear. Please make yourself at home. Rana is up in the library with Shaina."

"Can I get you anything?" Sahan asked as he came downstairs. He would be leaving for the Ministry soon.

"Oh, no thank you Sahan." Cheyenne smiled.

Aditi opened the door to the library "Rana, James is…" She was interrupted when a truckload of books fell on the ground, Rana having lost her concentration.

"Rana!" Aditi shook her head, laughing.

She blushed. "Sorry, Mummy."

Cheyenne jumped up from her seat.

Sahan shook his head. "Don't worry Cheyenne. I think Rana was levitating books again. Quidditch nut and bookworm. Who would have thought?" He laughed.

Aditi shook her head and quickly waved her wand resetting the books. "Come on dear. James is here." Rana grinned and skipped downstairs after her mum, giggling.

"Hello, little one." Cheyenne smiled. "What were you doing up there?"

"Levitating books!" She grinned.

Aditi laughed. "She decided to levitate an entire bookshelf worth this time."

"Oh dear." Rana grinned.Sahan shook his head laughing. "Well, you two have fun. Daddy is off to work." He lifted Rana up and tossed her in the air. Rana squealed as he caught her and kissed her on the head before setting her down.

Cheyenne smiled. "You be good, James." She smiled and apparated to the Ministry with Sahan.

Rana tilted her head to the side. Rana was wearing a dark blue Salwar Kameez, her black hair, flowing down to her waist. Her eyes were a deep brown and she adorned a smile on her face.

"Rana, if you want to play Quidditch, go change. You can't play in your Salwar." Aditi called to her. Rana giggled and ran up the marble staircase. James shook his head, smiling. He may have been 11, but that didn't mean he didn't notice a pretty girl when he saw one and Rana was definitely beautiful, cute too. Aditi smiled at James. "Would you like anything? Rana won't be long. Unless she gets distracted again."

Shaina suddenly ran down the stairs and hid under Aditi's Salwar. "Shaina, whatever is the problem?"

"Ms. Rana wanted to try a new spell on Ms. Shaina." James cracked up laughing.

Aditi shook her head. "Rana, what have I told you about not waving your wand at Shaina, despite your curiosity? Come on down. James is waiting." Rana giggled and bounded down the stairs in jeans and a t-shirt, her hair now plaited.

"Sorry, Mummy." She grinned.

Aditi shook her head. Shaina peeked out. Rana giggled. "Sorry Shaina."

"Ms. Shaina forgives Ms. Rana." Shaina ran back upstairs.

Aditi laughed. "Be off Rana. James can use your dad's broom unless he brought his own."

"I have it here, Mrs. Rai."

"Good." She smiled. Rana ran out into the backyard, grabbing her broom and Quidditch set from the shed.

Rana grinned. "Ready?"

"Of course. I'm gonna beat you," James teased.

"We'll see about that!" Rana released the Quaffle and Snitch before mounting her broom and shooting in the air, followed by James.

"Got it!" James laughed flying off towards the goal only to have Rana tackled him and grabbed the Quaffle. It was a heated game. Both children were extremely talented. The score was 10-9, with Rana in the lead. Rana intercepted James again, increasing the lead.

"Ran, you're good!" James laughed.

"Thank you!" She grinned. Her eyes sparkled when she saw a golden glint in the distance and she zoomed after it.

"Rana?" It was then he recognized the snitch. Laughing, he turned his broom and zoomed into the same direction. The two of them were head to head when Rana's fingers slowly enclosed around the Snitch.

She grinned and turned to James. "I win!" She giggled.

"Oh Bludgers!" He laughed before landing, Rana slowly following. He tilted his head. "You know, you should try out for your House Team."

"First years can't be on their House Team, though."

"Well, in your second year then. Well, when there is an opening."

Rana smiled. "I will then. You should too."

James grinned. "A promise to each other then… no matter what house we get sorted into, we'll try out for our House Teams and no matter what, friends?"

"Friends" She grinned.

James smiled and quickly kissed her on the cheek. He wouldn't admit it, but he kind of liked her, well as much as it was possible to like someone one had only known for a day at age 11.

Rana giggled in a rather cute matter before kissing James' nose playfully. James grinned.

"Children, come on inside for dinner!" Aditi called.

"Coming, Mummy!" Rana grabbed James hand and ran into the house.

Aditi smiled at the two. "Well, into the kitchen, you two. James, I hope you do not mind Indian food. It's Shaina's specialty."

"I don't mind at all, Mrs. Rai."

"Very well, then." She smiled. "I'll be in the library." She smiled, leaving the two kids alone as they sat at the table. Rana licked her lips as Shaina filled their plates. The two kids happily ate their meal, while chatting, getting to know one another.

"My parents.. They were both in Gryffindor. I probably will be too," he boasted

"My parents went to a different school, so I don't know what house I'll be in."

"I hope we are in the same house!" James grinned.

"Me too!" Rana giggled. "James, will you be my best friend?"

"Of course, beautiful Rana."

Rana giggled and looked up when Cheyenne and Sahan walked in. They smiled.

"All set to go, James?"

James nodded and pushed himself up, extending a hand to Rana like a gentleman. Rana graciously accepted as James helped her out of her seat. She smiled as they walked towards the fireplace hand-in-hand.

"I'll see you at Hogwarts, Rana." He kissed her hand. Rana giggled. James smiled as he walked into the Fireplace. "Godric's Hollow." Within moments the flames engulfed him. Cheyenne soon followed after him.

Sahan smiled at Rana. "Did you have fun, Princess?"

Rana nodded happily. "He's cool!" She grinned. "And I beat him in Quidditch!" She giggled. Sahan smiled at his 11-year-old daughter.

"Rana, you are a challenge to beat!" He laughed. "But I am glad you have made a good friend. He's a nice boy." Rana smiled and skipped off into the library, where she lost herself in a book about Ancient Runes. Aditi looked up from her book and smiled at her suddenly quiet daughter. One minute Rana could be a bubbly child and the next she could be a quiet child, absorbed in her books. She would do well in Hogwarts.

"Rana?" Aditi asked a few hours later. "It's time to get to bed. You have a big day tomorrow."

Rana pouted, but nodded. She would be leaving for Hogwarts in the morning. "Go get ready for bed and Mummy will come and read to you." Rana smiled and skipped off into the bathroom. A few minutes later, her um had lifted her up and tucked her into bed before pulling out a book of Wizarding Fairy Tales.

"Which one would you like to hear tonight?"

"Read me the one about the witch who saved the baby eagle."

Aditi smiled and flipped the page, quietly reading to Rana. She shut the book, as soon as Rana had fallen fast asleep, cuddling up to her teddy bear. Aditi kissed Rana gently on the forehead before getting up and leaving the room, closing the door slightly behind her.

Rana rubbed her eyes sleepily the next morning. She let out a little yawn.

"Rani, Come on. Come eat some breakfast and get ready. We have to be at the station before 11."

"Alright, Mummy!" The knowledge that she soon would be on her way to Hogwarts gave her a surge of energy and she bounded out of bed. Her trunk was all packed. Rana took a quick shower and changed into a yellow top and jeans before blushing back her waist length hair. Moments later, she had levitated her trunk downstairs and was sitting at the kitchen table. She sniffed in the pleasant aroma as a plate full of warm Chapattis and dhal was placed in front of her. Sahan and Aditi smiled as Rana slowly ate. It was going to be hard to send her off to school. Rana was just so innocent and they would miss her very much, but they also knew she was growing up and was ready to begin the next stage of her life. Aditi looked at the clock. "Oh dear. Hurry now, Rana. We have to get going." Rana nodded. She finished her water and wiped her mouth before pushing herself from the table and walking to the door. Shaina was holding the door open. Rana bent down and gave the House Elf a warm hug. "I'll miss you Shaina."

Shaina wiped her eyes. "Ms. Shaina will miss the young miss too. Good lunck in school." Rana smiled and with a last look was out the door and in the back seat of the Ministry car. Sahan put Rana's trunk in the car before he and Aditi climbed in.

"King's Cross," he told the driver. The driver nodded and they were soon on their way. Rana looked outside as the scenery passed her. She couldn't believe that she was on her way to Hogwarts. She smiled. It was a new adjustment, but at least se already had a friend there. Rana didn't know what to expect, but she knew at the least, she would gain amazing experiences.

"Excited, Rana?"

Rana giggled. "Yes, Mummy."

Aditi smiled. The car stopped. The driver opened up Rana's door and Rana slowly climbed out of the car. Sahan walked away quickly and came back a moment with a trolley. The driver heaved Rana trunk onto the trolley and handed Rana her owl. Rana thanked him.

"Wait here," Sahan told the driver before pushing the trolley, Aditi following, holding Rana's small hand.

"Look, there are the Potters."

Sahan smiled. "That must be Platform 9 ¾."

"James!" Rana squealed, running up to him.

James raised his eyebrows and laughed, seeing the adorable Rana running up to him. He picked her up, hugging her before putting her down again. Rana giggled. Eventually, there were several families approaching the corridor. James and Rana broke away. "I'll see you Rana." He nodded to her parents. Rana nodded and ran to her parents, saying goodbye. She was pulled into a huge hug.

"Make your mother and I proud, Princess."

"And I want weekly owls, sweetie." Rana nodded. "I promise. Mummy, Daddy." Aditi kissed her on the head. Rana watched as James disappeared through the barrier Mrs. Potter walked over to Rana and took her in a motherly embrace.

"James will take care of you if need be." Rana smiled nodded. Cheyenne slowly let go. Rana took a deep breath, put her hands on the trolley and ran through the barrier. She smiled, seeing the crimson train and the sign 9 ¾ and gently pushed her luggage, stepping onto the train.

"Here, let me help you with that" Amos Diggory smiled and pushed her trunk into a compartment.

"Thank you."

"No problem. There isn't a need for you to take it down. It will be taken straight to your dormitories." He took her owl and placed it with the other pets. Rana smiled and went in search of a compartment.

She sighed, opening a compartment. She smiled at James but saw the compartment was full.

"Wait Rana- we can make room." James was sitting with three other first years- Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew.

"It's alright James. I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable. I'll just find an empty one." She smiled before walking on.

"That's the girl I was telling you about!" James told Sirius. He'd only just met the three, but they already seemed to be becoming good friends.

"She's pretty." Sirius shook his head. "Be careful, mate. Pureblood girls that beautiful always land in Slytherin."

James quirked an eyebrow, "Rana won't end up in Slytherin- you'll see Sirius, you'll see."

"And I see you, mate, already have a bit of a crush on her."

"What! I'm only 11!"

Remus shook his head, looking up from his book and quickly turned back to it.

Rana opened another compartment with 2 other girls. "Erm, is there space?"

A girl with long black hair, deep brown eyes, and light brown skin shook her head. "No- come on in." She smiled. "My name is Arya and this is Kameko." Arya pointed to an Oriental looking girl.

"Are you first years too?"

Kameko nodded. "Yep!" She smiled. "Any idea what house you'll be in?"

"I have no idea. I just moved from India a few months ago."

Arya smiled. "India? I've always wanted to go. I'm from Sri Lanka, but I haven't yet visited India."

"It's nice. I grew up in Calcutta, but there's been a lot of rioting. That's why we moved."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." She smiled. "Well what about you?"

"Mum and dad and my older brother were both in Ravenclaw. I guess I may end up there."

"Arya nodded. I'll probably be in Ravenclaw-that or Hufflepuff." She smiled.

They were interrupted by a witch pushing a cart. "Anything off the cart, dears?"

"Hmm. Chocolate Frogs, please?" Arya and Kameko nodded fervently

"That's be 3 sickles." Rana dug into her pocket and handed the lady 3 sickles before she moved on,

"Mmm. These are delicious!"

"Yes, they are my favorite." The train slowly came to a halt.

"Right this way, come along now," Rana heard a voice. She opened the door and peeked her head out, seeing students piling out of the train.

"I guess we can go now." Arya Kameko, and Rana quietly made their way out of the train.

"Firs Year, Firs Years. This way please." Rana tilted her head towards the direction of the voice.

"Come on, Rana. We'll miss the boat!" Arya had known what to expect, seeimg she'd read all about it; well that and the fact, her parents had told her everything. Rana smiled at the half-giant and quickly piled into a boat with Arya and Kameko. The castle was looming in front of them and she looked at it in awe.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Rana nodded in agreement. The boats went through a tunnel and eventually came to a stop in front of a platform.

"This way, Follow me." Hagrid's voice echoed. Rana slowly got up and followed the rest of the students. They walked up a set of steps and through a pair of gigantic doors. She looked around in amazement. The castle was huge. There were staircases that seemed to go for ages and portraits all over the walls. The entrance hall itself seemed to be as big as a house. A tall witch stood in front of them, donning a tall pointy hat and emerald green robes. She had a rather stern expression on her face. "Thank you Hagrid. I will take it from here." Hagrid nodded and bowed out.

Se led them through the Entrance Hall and into a small chamber. "Welcome to Hogwarts! Before you can join the rest of your classmates for the banquet, you must be sorted into your houses. There are four houses. These are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. Your house will be like your family. Good behavior will reward you points, while misbehavior will lose you points. The house with the most points at the end of the year will win the House Cup. Now before I open those doors, I suggest taking a few moments to relax. I shall return." She briskly walked out. Rana's eyes traveled the chamber quietly. There were so many students.

"Looking for someone, Rana?"

"James Potter," she said quietly.

"Who?"

"James Potter" she said again.

Arya smiled. "He's around here somewhere."

Rana nodded when McGonagall re-entered.

"They are ready for you." She led them out of the chamber and through the hall before standing in front of a pair of Oak Doors. She nodded and pushed open the doors, leading them through the Great Hall. It was humongous. The Great Hall itself was as big as Rana's house. The ceiling was bewitched to look like the night sky. There were 4 tables lined up, each filled with students adorning their robes, each with the house crest stitched upon those robes. Up ahead was a long table, filled with teachers. Just in front of that table was a stool. A black hat sat upon it. Rana jumped as ghosts suddenly flew through the walls.

"I say. New students!"

"Hurry now, form a line." McGonagall stated. The ghosts flew through a wall. Rana tilted her head and turned her attention back to the hat when it began to sing.

"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 Hogwart's 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 belong 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've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends

Those cunning folk use 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 ( Though I have none)

For I'm a thinking Cap!"

The whole house burst into applause when McGonagall came out with a parchment. "Now, when I call your name, put the hat on your head. When it calls out your house, you may join your housemates."

"Ackerly, Sydney"

RAVENCLAW

"Black, Narcissa."

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Black, Sirius."

"Ahh- a Black, are you. Ah, but you are so unlike the rest of your family. Brave, Loyal.. Ah yes, I think you will do well in GRYFFINDOR!"

Bellatrix and Narcissa Black shot glares at their cousin from their seats at the Slytherin Table. Sirius, meanwhile, was very happy to not be sorted into Slytherin.

"Chang, Kameko."

Rana smiled as her newfound friend bounce forward.

"RAVENCLAW!"

Kameko smiled and took a seat next to a second year by the name of Adriana Ramirez.

"Davies, Michael."

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Diggory, Amos."

Rana grinned, seeing the boy who helped her on the train. He winked to her before stepping forward.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Evans, Lily."

"Ah- A muggleborn you are, but you will do great things. Yes A fiery temper, but also, kind, brave, smart, and loyal. GRYFFINDOR!"

"Goldstein, Jeremiah."

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Kedar, Arya."

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Lopez, Reina."

"Hmm. A refugee from Argentina..and yet, while you are similar to your cousin, who I just sorted two years ago, you're not quite the same. Loyal- yes, a real fiery temper, and intelligence. RAVENCLAW! "

Miguel smiled at his cousin from his seat in Hufflepuff as she bounced her way over to Ravenclaw.

"Lupin, Remus"

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Madley, Isadora."

RAVENCLAW"

"Malfoy, Lucius."

Lucius Malfoy, strode forward, giving Rana a look. James scowled at the way Lucius looked at Rana. He would protect her.

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Nott, Nicholas."

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Patil, Agni."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Pettigrew, Peter."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Potter, James."

James grinned, walking forward, smiling at Rana as he did so. Rana giggled, tilting her head to the side as she kept her eyes on her best friend.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

James grinned, waved, winked, and smiled to Rana before taking a seat next to Remus.

"Rai, Rana."

Rana took a deep breath, gently placing the cap on her head. She was startled as it began speaking.

"Hmmm. Let me see here, pureblood, yes, but loyal, loving, caring- Slytherin is not the house for you. You aren't very brave, and although one day it will come to you it isn't the house. You have pure wit and real intelligence. Yes…Better make you RAVENCLAW!"

Ran smiled as it shouted out her house. She smiled at James over at the Gryffindor Table before hopping over to Ravenclaw. She had hoped to be sorted with James, but at least Arya and Kameko were in her house.

"Rosa, Aurelia."

HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Rosier, Evan."

SLYTHERIN!"

"Snape, Severus."

"SLYTHRIN!"

James playfully shoved Sirius in the arm.

"See! I told you Rana wouldn't be sorted into Slytherin!"

"Yeah-yeah, mate, so you did." He looked at Rana. "Beautiful."

James glared at Sirius before Professor Dippett clapped his hands.

"Welcome Welcome Students. Let's welcome our new students. Right, now Mr. Filch would like to remind you that there is a new list of items not allowed. Also, to the first years and as a reminder to the continuing students, the Forbidden Forest is off limits. Now, with that said, on with the feast!"

Rana's eyes widened in amazement as food piled upon the table. She smiled, filling her plate. It was heavenly. The Great Hall was a buzz with chatter.

"Hi! My name is Adriana Ramirez," Adriana was a tall Latina girl, a bit chubby, and a second year student. "You'll like it here." She smiled.

"Rana Rai."

"Kameko Chang."

"Arya Kedar."

"Reina Lopez."

"Michael Davies."

"Jeremiah Goldstein."

"Isadora Madley."

Little did they know, the 8 of them- would become a really close knit group of friends, especially in years to come-for the eight of them together would make up the entire Ravenclaw Quidditch Team, including a Reserve Chaser, Eventually, the 8 of them, would become known as "The Crazy Eight."