Dippett clapped his hands and all eyes turned to him as the food disappeared.
"Very well. I hope you enjoyed the banquet. And now if the prefects would lead t he first years to their common rooms, please?
All students slowly stood up. Rana looked around for James. She wanted to say bye to him, but it was impossible in the slew of students. She sighed.
"First Years! First Year! Follow me! Right this way!" Rana looked around till she saw a student adorning a badge with the eagle insignia on it. She assumed that was one of the prefects and she slowly followed the rest of the students. She slowly walked, looking around the castle. A portrait waved to her. Rana grinned and waved back. She skipped along and stopped when she saw James.
"James!" She wived, grinning happily.
"Eh, Rana?" He smiled at her. Rana giggled cutely. James tilted his head, looking at her. Rana really was pretty.
"Oh, come on, mate! You can stare at the pretty girl another day." James scowled as Sirius pushed him forward.
"Oh, come along now; don't dawdle." The prefect in the back gave Rana a gentle nudge. "Ravenclaw, this way." Rana sighed, following as Gryffindor went up a set of stairs to the right and Ravenclaw headed up a set of stairs to the left. Rana pouted, but waved to James as she bounced up the stairs. She started to fall back as the stairs started to move.
"Rana!" James yelled. Luckily for her, Amos Diggory caught her. What the Hufflepuff was doing on the steps, on the west side of the castle, was a mystery.
"Erm-thanks."
"He winked at her and turned a corner as he walked up the steps. James scowled at Amos when he winked at her, but was grateful Rana wasn't hurt.
"Rana? You alright?" Rinaldo Boot, one of the prefects asked. "Careful; the staircases move."
Rana nodded. "I'm ok. Thanks."
Rinaldo smiled. "Come along, then."
Rana nodded. With a last lingering look at James, she finished climbing the steps and followed Rinaldo to the common room. There was a large portrait of a young girl, who was flying a top of an eagle.
"Password"
"Keyed Balance," he muttered quietly. The girl in the portrait smiled and it swung aside, revealing a beautiful Common Room. Rana's eyes widened in wonder and she slowly stepped inside, the portrait swinging shut as Rinaldo stepped in after her.
"This way," Rinaldo said gently as he pused her towards the center of the room. Alona Patil, the 6th year prefect was talking to a group of first years. She looked questioningly at Rinaldo.
"Adventure with a staircase," he mentioned, patting Rana's head. Alona smiled at Rana.
"Hey there. Name?"
"Rana," she said quietly.
"Well Rana. My name is Alona Patil and that's Rinaldo Boot over there. We are your house prefects. If you have any trouble or have any questions, just grab one of us, alright?"
Rana quietly nodded.
"Good. As I was telling the other first years, this here is out Common Room. It is home." Rana smiled and took that moment to look around. The ceiling was enchanted to lok like a sky. At the moment, it looked like a night sky with bright stars. An eagle was soaring across the sky. The walls were painted a rich navy blue with a bronze lining. At one end of the room, there was a stone fireplace. A rug, a majestic eagle stitched upon it, lay on the ground in front of the fireplace. Just behind that rug was a large couch, bronze in color with dark blue pillowcases. There were about 3 other couches of the same design as well as a mahogany table. The common room was gorgeous. Rana smiled and turned her attention back to Alona. "Girls dorms are up and to the left. Boys' dorms are up and to the right. Curfew is 10 p.m., so be sure you are back here by that time otherwise you'll risk losing points or receiving detention. What else? Oh yes, please remember to check the bulletin board weekly as there will be special announcements posted." She pointed to a corkboard on one of the walls in the Common Room. "I think that's it. Breakfast starts at 8:00 a.m. and you should receive your class schedules at that time too. Good luck tomorrow and welcome to Hogwarts."
Rana smiled as did the rest of the first years.
"Well, that's it. If you need me, I'll be in the 6th year girls' dorm and Rinaldo will be in the 5th year boys' dorm. She smiled and climbed up the stairs. Slowly the rest of the students climbed into their dorms or sat comfortably along the couches. Adriana was speaking to the Quidditch Captain as there was one opening. Granted, the other 6 of them would be graduating at the end of the year, but Adriana still intended to try out for the position of Beater. It wasn't common for a female to play Beater, but Adriana had the skills required for the position.
"Tryouts will be next Wednesday, Adriana."
She smiled. "Ok, thanks! I'll see you then."
She waved to Rana, Kameko, Arya, Michael, Jeremiah, Isadora, and Reina before hopping up the stairs and retiring into the 2nd year Girls' Dorm.
Kameko yawned. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going to head up. We have a big day ahead of us."
Jeremiah and Michael nodded. "See you girls tomorrow." He smiled as he and Jeremiah walked up to the boys dorms.
Kameko slowly walked upstairs, slowly followed by the remaining students. She glanced at the doors and finally opened a door, labeled first years. Rana gasped in shock. The room was gorgeous, not to mention huge. There were 5 beds, covered with navy blue blankets. Each bed also had a canopy over it. There was a little table next to each bed, a dresser, and a door that extended into a bathroom. There were 5 bronze covered doors, which led into individual closets. Rana slowly walked to a bed by the window and bounced onto it. Arya smiled taking the bed next to her, followed by Reina. Kameko and Isadora took the two beds opposite them. The five of them drew slowly got ready for bed.
"Goodnight girls," Isadora said as they lay down, shutting off the lights.
"Night!" Slowly, 4 pairs of eyes shut as 4 girls fell into slumber
Rana bit her lip, lying down. She pulled her teddy bear out of her trunk, snuggling up to it, softly crying. She missed her parents. Aditi always read to her at night and she didn't have that here. Arya slowly sat up, hearing very soft cries coming from the bed next to her. They were so soft, most people wouldn't hear it, but Arya was a light sleeper with very keen hearing. She slowly got up and sat on Rana's bed.
"Lumos," she whispered, lighting up her wand dimly, so as to not to wake the others.
"Rana?" she whispered.
Rana wiped her eyes as she looked into Arya's kind eyes. "What's wrong, Rana?"
Rana held her teddy close to her. "I miss Mummy and Daddy. And I can't sleep. Mummy would always read to me at night," she said in a small voice. Rana really was a child at heart.
Arya sighed, wiping away some tears. "I know you miss your Mummy and Daddy. I miss mine too, but it will be ok, I promise," she said quietly "We're here for you." Arya thought for a moment. "Would you like me to read to you?"
"You don't mind?"
Arya shook her head. "Of course not." She smiled. "You have a book?"
"In my trunk. A book of fairy tales." Arya smiled and pulled it out. She opened up to a page and softly read to Rana till Rana fell fast asleep. She smiled, kissing Rana on the forehead before climbing into her own bed and soon falling asleep herself. The 5 of them, plus Michael and Jeremiah would become very close, but Rana and Arya would become like sisters and it all started with that very moment.
The sun slowly rose the next morning. Rana slowly drew open her curtains, rubbing her eyes sleepily. Kameko, Arya, Isadora, and Reina were already dressed and ready to go. Arya smiled at Rana. "Up you get, Rana." She teased. "First day of classes." Rana laughed, bouncing out of bed. She took a quick shower, dressed, and quickly donned her robes. Isadora grinned. "And off we go! Michael and Jeremiah are meeting us in the Common Room. I saw them there just a moment ago."
"Great!" Kameko stated as they headed downstairs.
"Hi, girls." Jeremiah smiled. Michael was looking at Rana, quietly for a moment. She was quite pretty.
He broke his gaze as she bounded out of the common room, wanting to see James. Arya shook her head, laughing at Rana's antics. Rana was their age, but she was such an adorable child-her years signifying youth. They headed east and then waked down a set of stairs and were soon in the Great Hall. Rana looked around and her face broke into a grin, seeing James.
"James!" she grinned.
James looked over as Rana's melodic voice rang through the hall. He raised his eyebrows in amusement, but smiled.
"Eh, Rana." He grinned. "Ready for classes?" he asked, laughing as Rana skipped over. He scooted over to make room for her.
A Gryffindor girl glared at her. She wanted to sit next to the handsome looking James. "You are a Ravenclaw. Sit at the Ravenclaw Table."
Rana pouted. Why was she so mean? "I just wanted to talk to my best friend," she said brokenly.
James glowered at the girl. "That was uncalled for. That and there is no rule stating that one is required to sit at one's house tables."
Rana looked up at James, her eyes welling in tears. James sighed. Even with tears, Rana was beautiful. He gently wiped away her tears and kissed her on the cheek. He did like Rana; only he wouldn't say anything. What did an 11 year-old know? "Hey now, Rani? No tears. A beautiful and sweet princess like you has no need for tears. Ignore them." She slowly nodded. Sirius watched James in amusement. Rana looked up as owls soared into the room. "I'm erm going to sit at Ravenclaw. I need to ask my prefect something."
James kissed her on the cheek. "Show me your schedule before you leave breakfast."
Rana nodded and slowly got up, taking a seat next to Arya. James let his gaze linger on Rana a moment before turning to Sirius. "What?" he asked, seeing as he was staring at him.
"You like her. Not that I blame you- she is beautiful."
James scowled. "You won't touch her!" James said, feeling protective. Rana would remain untouched and pure.
Rana looked back at James, smiling when Shashi landed on her shoulder, nipping her affectionately. Rana giggled. She loved her owl. Shashi nuzzled Arya and then Rana before dropping Rana's course schedule in front of her. She hurriedly opened it and slowly read the contents.
b uMonday/u
9:00- 10:00 Herbology with Hufflefuff
10:15- 11:15 Charms with Gryffindor
11:30-12:30 Transfiguration with Hufflepuff
12:30-1:30-LUNCH
1:45-2:45 Potions with Gryffindor
3:00-4:00 Potions with Gryffindor
uTuesday/u
9:00-10:00 History of Magic with Hufflepuff
10:15-11:15 DADA with Slytherin
11:30-12:30-LUNCH
12:45-1:45 Astromony with Gryffindor (Theory)
1:45-2:15-Free
2:30-3:30 DADA with Slytheirn
uWednesday/u
9:00-10:00 Herbology with Hufflepuff
10:15-11:15 Flying with Slytherin
11:30-12:30- LUNCH
12:45-1:45-Charms with Gryffindor
2:00-3:00 -History of Magic with Hufflepuff
3:00-Free
8:00-9:00 (p.m)-Astromony with Gryffindor
uThursday/u
9:00-10:00-History of Magic with Hufflepuff
10:15-11:15 Transfiguration with Hufflepuff
11:30-12:30-LUNCH
12:45-1:45-Flying with Slytherin
1:45-2:15-Free
2:30-3:30 Transfiguration with Hufflepuff
8:00-9:00 (p.m.) Astromony with Gryffindor
uFriday/u
9:00-10:00-Herbology with Hufflefpuff
10:15-11:15 Potions with Gryffindor
11:30-12:30-LUNCH
12:45-1:45-DADA with Slytherin
2:00-3:00-Charms with Gryffindor
Free/b
Michael sipped his juice. "Looks like we start with Hufflepuff each day."
Arya smiled. "And only with Slytherin twice. Flying also meets only twice a week."
Rana pouted "Only once?" She loved to fly.
Jeremiah laughed. "I'm sure the teacher could allow you more often, in time."
"Oh good."
"Besides," Arya continued, smiling. "Have you noticed how often we share classes with your best friend?"
Rana smiled at those words. Michel looked at his watch.
"We better go so that we can grab out supplies and head off to Herbology."
"Wait!" Rana muttered a duplicating spell on her parchment. Being a pureblood, she already knew a lot of charms. She ran over to James and handed her schedule to James. "There's my, erm, schedule," she said quietly. James grinned.
"I guess I'll see you in Charms." Rana smiled. James kissed her on the cheek before Rand rushed off after her friends.
It was Professor Sprout's first year of teaching. She was the Head of Hufflepuff and a kind lady. She was a bit dumpy with short blonde hair. She wore dragonhide gloves and a net on her head. She smiled as the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs gathered around the potting table. Rana stood in between Arya and Michael. Amos Diggory stood across from her, sending her a wink. Rana turned to Michael.
"Why does he always wink at me?" she asked innocently.
"Probably flirting with you."
Rana tilted her head. "Why?"
"Maybe he thinks you are pretty?"
"But I'm 11!"
Michael muffled his laugher. "Yeah, well. Age doesn't matter. He's guy-what do you expect?"
Rana looked at Michel oddly. "He's odd," she said simply before turning back to Pomona Sprout. Michael shook his head in amusement. Professor Sprout smiled and they soon began discussing strange plants and fungi.
"We'll be learning to care for many of these plants as they could prove very useful in healing." The class whizzed by easily and Rana was soon walking into a rather large classroom. A short man stood at the front of the room on a stool. Rana ran over to James, seeing him enter. James smiled at gave her a quick hug before taking a seat at the back of the room. Rana looked from James to Arya.
"Rana?" James smiled, patting a spot next to him. She grinned, plopping next to him. Rana dutifully took notes as James watched her out of the corner of his eye. Who would have thought in a few months he would become one of Hogwart's biggest pranksters?
"Winguardiam Leviosa!" Rana muttered and grinned as the feather in front of her lifted into the sir.
"Excellent, Ms. Rai! 10 points to Ravenclaw! Rana grinned happily and James smiled at her. So far, Charms was by far, her favorite class. Charms went by easily as did lunch and Transfiguration. McGonagall was strict, but talented. Rana already had a ton of homework for that class alone. Everything was going smoothly till it was time for Potions. Potions took place in the dungeons and the professor was cold and cruel. Rana shivered, just looking at him. To make matters worse, Potions was not Rana's strong class.
Rana slowly walked down to the dungeons and quickly took a seat next to James. Professor Anderson strolled in, his robes billowing behind him. The door shut with a bang and Rana jumped in her seat. The classroom was gloomy. He studeied his students till his eyes landed on Rana and James.
"What, Ms." He looked at his chart.
"Rai?"
"He growled. "Do not interrupt me when I am speaking. 5 points from Ravenclaw!" Rana sunk down in her seat. "As I was saying. What are you doing out of your seat?"
"But…you hadn't assigned seats yet?"He gave her a cold glare.
"You are a Ravenclaw! Now get up and sit with your house!"
Rana grumbled before grabbing her books. James frowned, patting her hand. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before Rana ran over and sat next to Jeremiah.
Professor Anderson scowled at James. "And that will be 5 points from Gryffindor for public display of affection." James started to protest, but was silenced by Remus, who shook his head.
"Ravenclaw and Gryffindor." He shook his head. "Two houses I abhor. You will never be as good as my Slytherins!" He waved his wand. "Wands away! There will be none of that in here. Welcome to the fine arts of Potions. I don't expect any of you will respect this fine art but also I must teach it." He pointed to the boards. Ingredients are on the table. Get to work!"
Rana gulped as she grabbed the ingredients and followed the directions quietly, frowning as she saw he potion turn an orange. It was supposed to be aqua. James looked over at Rana and sighed. He quickly waved his wand, sending each potion empty itself. Hesmirked. Professor Anderson couldn't hurt Rana if all cauldrons were empty. James quickly put his wand away.
"Potter! 20 points from Gryffindor for use of your wand!" The bell rang and Rana quickly ran out of the classroom. James leaned against the wall and grabbed her. Rana squealed and he led her upstairs.
"Thank you,' she said quietly
"Anytime." He smiled.
The day passed quickly Students had gotten into a routine of classes. Thursday arrived and it was finally time for Flying. Rana was not liking the Slytherins much, especially Lucius Malfoy. He seemed, in his pureblood pride, to have decided to hit on her. It made Rana feel very uncomfortable. James had warned her about him. The Ravenclaws stood in one line and the Slytherin's in another, opposite them. Rana was anxious to get onto a broom again, even if it was a school broom. Lucius looked at Rana, the typical Malfoy smirk on his face.
"Well, if it isn't the beauty?" hesmirked. "Go out with me, my dear?" Rana glared at him.
"James warned me about you-I think not!" She scowled.
"James Potter? That idiot?"
"He's not an idiot!" Rana was a really sweet girl, but when people insulted the ones she cared for, she could have a bit of a temper. They were interrupped by Madame Hooch blowing her whistle.
"Welcome to Flying! Now , all your brooms should belaying flat on the floor. Good. Now lay your hand above it and on the count of three, say 'Up. 1-2-3."
"Up!" Rana's broom soared into her hand. She grinned, seeing the same happen to Michael Davies, Jeremiah Goldstein, Arya Kedar, Reina Lopez, Isadora Madley, and Kameko Chang. Rana muffled her laughter as the broom hit Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape in the face. Malfoy scowled.
She looked around there were a few people sill trying to get their brooms into their hands, but eventually everyone had their broom in their hand.
"Now mount."
Rana mounted her broom and at Madame Hooch's whistle, Rana shot into the air. It was truly wonderful to be flying again. Everyone watched, amazed, at Rana. She was so agile and able to perform such complicated moves.
"Ms. Rai. Please come down a moment." Madame Hooch smiled. There was little she could teach her. Rana slowly landed.
"Yes, Professor."
"Amazing, Ms. Rai. You have no need for Flying lessons. I am going to recommend you to be allowed an elective."
"But I love to fly!" she pouted.
"And I am going to give you this note to allow you to use the pitch every evening. I can't teach you much, dear. You are far too advanced." Rana blushed. "Now go on inside and take that to your Head of House." Rana nodded, waved to her friends, and ran into the castle.
She slowly knocked on Professor Mahoney's, her Head of House and the Ancient Runes Professor's door.
"Come in." Rana opened the door. Skye looked at the young first year. "Yes, Rana? What is it? Don't you have Flying?"
"Erm I got excused. I'm too advanced." Rana handed her the note.
"Well, then! You have a few choices. You could take Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, or Divination. Those all meet either during Flying or a free period. Keep in mind, you'll be the youngest if you choose to pursue this option."
Rana tilted her head, in thought.
"Could I take Ancient Runes?"
"Sure can. I excused class early today. We meet every Tuesday from 3:45 to 4:45 and every Thursday from 12:45 to 1:45. I'll let the Headmaster know. I'll meet with you after dinner to review what we went over today"
"Thank you, Professor." She smiled.
"You're welcome Rana. I'll see you later." Rana nodded and slowly exited, shutting the door behind her.