September 1st, 1994 - The Garrison Residence, London

"Everleigh! Hurry up! Breakfast is ready!" Charlotte calls up the stairs to her daughter before heading back into the kitchen.

"Coming Mom!" Everleigh shouts back. She takes one last look at herself in the mirror. Her long, dark, red hair is straight with just a slight perfect curl at the end, she is wearing a little makeup to highlight her bright hazel eyes, a black and white t-shirt dress with a jean jacket tied around her waist, and black converse shoes. Perfect she thinks to herself. Less than a minute later she bounds down the stairs with her school trunk banging each step as she goes. Leaving the trunk by the front door, she follows her mother into the kitchen. Her entire family is sitting at the round table eating pancakes.

"What took you so long? You've been up since 5!" Lucas teases her as she sits down, "And what did you do to your face? You look different."

"Well excuse me for wanting to make a good impression. And it's called makeup. Mom said I could start wearing a little," Everleigh irritably snaps at her brother.

"Lucas don't tease your sister. Everleigh your brother didn't mean anything by it. Leave him alone as well,' Charlotte chastises her two youngest while Jason snickers in the background, "And that's enough out of you as well," turning her glare on Jason. All three mumble out a "sorry" before they all glance at one another and start laughing.

Charlotte simply smiles and shakes her head at her children, well teenagers now. It has always been like this between the three of them. They will snap at , laugh, at, and tease each other, but the fighting never lasts long before they are simply laughing with instead of at each other. She really shouldn't have expected anything less this morning; all three are nervous about starting new schools, and on top of that Everleigh is meeting Harry today. Everybody is wound very tightly this morning.

Breaking Charlotte from her thoughts, Everleigh asks, "What time do we need to leave again?"

Looking at his watch Michael is the one to respond. "In about 20 minutes. No later than eight."

"So have you decided what you're going to say to Harry yet?" Jason inquires looking at his baby sister.

Everleigh responds with a snort, "Not a clue. I figure simply walking up to him and saying 'Hi, I'm your sister' is likely to get me hexed. He'll probably think I'm delusional."

"Yeah, maybe not be so blunt about it," Lucas adds, "Maybe get that Lupin guy to help you. Mom and Dad said he knew you as a baby."

"That might not be a bad idea," Charlotte says jumping into the conversation.

"I don't know. It's been two months and I haven't written him once. He probably thinks I don't care about getting to know him at this point," Everleigh replies with a slight frown on her face.

"I'm sure he would still love to hear from you. He said he and James were like brothers," the older woman tries to reassure her.

Contemplating this for a minute, Everleigh relents. "Fine. I'll write him a letter on the train and send it as soon as I get to school."

Smiling at her daughter Charlotte stands to start clearing the table, "Good," then turning to address her sons, "Now boys go change into your uniforms. We need to get going."

Nodding in acknowledgement of their mother they each take a couple more bites of their breakfast before heading upstairs to their rooms. Not even five minutes later, Jason is helping his father load Everleigh's trunk in the car. After all five of the Garrison's are settled and buckled in, Michael starts off to The Westminster School, where both Jason and Lucas will be attending.

"So, where do you have to go to get to Hogwarts?" Lucas asks Everleigh.

"The train leaves from Kings Cross Station at 11AM."

"Train? That's very….normal," Jason interjects.

"You mean me using a fireplace as a mode of transportation isn't normal?" Everleigh gasps feigning surprise.

"Ha ha, very funny. No, it's weird seeing you walk out of a fireplace," her oldest brother retorts.

"Well if it helps, the instructions Headmaster Dumbledore sent me say I need to walk through a wall to get to Platform 9 ¾," Everleigh says while giggling.

"How would that help?" Jason laughs.

"Well walking through a wall is more magical and less what you would call normal. Does that make it a more acceptable way to get to my magic school?"

Jason rolls his eyes, "Whatever. Just don't hurt yourself."

Everleigh just chuckles quietly at Jason before leaning over to put her head on Lucas's shoulder. Leaving Lucas behind at the beginning of the school year is always the hardest. Though they aren't actually twins, since the beginning they have had a twin-like bond, and their parents have basically raised them as twins. Knowing she just needs some reassurance, Lucas places his head on top of Everleigh's and reaches for her hand. Lucas knows Everleigh is much more nervous than she is letting on. Squeezing her hand Lucas whispers so only Everleigh can hear, "You'll be fine. He'll love you, and if he doesn't Jason and I will just beat him up."

Quietly laughing, Everleigh just squeezes his hand back in responds.

Lucas continues, "And no matter what, I know I'll always be your favorite big brother."

"Yes you will. Don't tell JJ," Everleigh whispers with a smile.

"I heard that," Jason interjects.

Both Everleigh and Jason start laughing. Everleigh lifts her head and turns to Jason, "Awww….JJ. You know we love you,"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love you both too," Jason says while shaking his head and a smile on his face.

Michael pulls up to the school and parks. Everybody gets out to say goodbye. Michael and Charlotte give each of their sons hugs while wishing them a good first day and telling them they will see them after school. When it's Everleigh's turn to say goodbye Jason doesn't hesitate in picking her up in a big bear hug. "Have a good term baby sister. Try not to get into too much trouble without me there to bail you out."

Everleigh laughs, "I won't, and honestly how much trouble can I really get into? Nothing interesting ever happened at Ilvermorny. I doubt Hogwarts will be much different." She then leans closer and whispers in his ear, "You're my favorite brother too JJ."

With that he squeezes her one more time before putting her down. "Love you Ev."

She then turns to Lucas and practically squeezes him to death.

"Can't breathe Ev," Lucas chokes out.

Chuckling Everleigh releases Lucas. "Sorry. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. Don't forget what I said. He'll love you too."

With one last hug and promises to see each other at Christmas, the Garrison boys walk into school, while Charlotte, Michael, and Everleigh climb back into the car and head to King's Cross Station.

Almost an hour later, Michael is shaking his daughter awake. "Princess, wake up. We're here."

Yawning Everleigh wakes up and looks around, "Sorry, I didn't really sleep much last night. What time is it?"

"It's only 9:30 so we have some time. There's a cafe right across the street. Let's get something to drink there and wait."

"Sounds good," she responds getting out of the car.

After ordering, tea for Charlotte and Everleigh, and coffee for Michael, the three take their drinks and sit at a little table by the front window of the shop. Everleigh spends the next forty-five minutes talking about her course books and what she is excited to learn about this year, and how she hopes she can prove to this potions professor how good she is and hopefully he or she will agree to private lessons as well. Michael and Charlotte just smile and ask questions, happy to see she is getting more excited and seems less nervous. Everleigh has always been a kind, sweet child, concerned about everybody's well being more than her own. People can't help but be drawn in by her smile and genuine joy for life, always getting into mischief with Lucas and Jason but smart enough not to get caught….most of the time.

Michael finally interrupts his daughter once they are all done, "Are you ready to head over? We still have some time but we don't know how crowded it will be."

Smiling, Everleigh responds, "Yeah sure."

Picking up her tote bag, Everleigh gets up and leads her parents back to their car so she can get her trunk. The family of three then make their way inside.

"Okay, where are we going again?" Charlotte asks.

"Platform 9 ¾. Headmaster Dumbledore says it's between Platforms 9 and 10."

They make their way to the platforms and look around nervously.

"So it says we need to walk through this wall. It acts like a barrier between the platforms," Everleigh informs her parents.

"Are you sure?" Charlotte questions the instructions, "That doesn't really seem safe."

"Ummm…..yes?" Everleigh does not sound confident in her answer.

"Well I guess we could just try? See what happens."

"Okay. Let's do this, "Michael tries to sound reassuring.

As they approach the barrier a very large black dog comes running up to them with a happy sounding bark and a wagging tail, leash trailing behind him.

Everleigh kneels down to pet him, "Hello. Who do you belong to?"

"Everleigh, be careful. You don't know where he came from," Charlotte cautions.

"He has a leash so he's clearly not a stray. I'm sure he's perfectly safe," Everleigh counters.

"Snuffles! You can not just run off like that!" a man shouts from behind them. Turning around the Garrison's see Remus Lupin running up to them.

"Mr. Lupin, hi!" Everleigh exclaims with a bright smile, "Is this your dog?"

"Hello Everleigh, Charlotte, Michael.. Good to see you again," Remus greets them, then turning to the dog still wagging his tail he picks up the leash. "So sorry about that. I figured I would see Harry off today and didn't want to leave Snuffles here at home."

"It's not a problem. He's such a cute dog. I've always wanted one but Mom and Dad say we aren't home enough," Everleigh informs the older man.

Michael chuckles, "We aren't home enough. Not to mention you're home barely three months out of the year now," then turning to Remus the two shake hands, "Good to see you again Remus."

"Likewise. So have you figured out how to get onto the platform yet?" he inquires.

Charlotte, looking nervous, responds, "Well, Everleigh's letter has instructions but we're not sure."

"It's fairly simple. Just walk through the wall here. My first time I ran through it with my eyes closed I was so nervous."

"So just run right through?" Everleigh questions.

"Yeah, why don't you go first and then I'll bring your parents through. They won't be able to get through without someone magical," Remus offers.

Glancing up at her parents she responds, "Alright. Can I take your dog with me?"

Laughing Remus agrees and hands over the leash. Everleigh turns the cart to face the wall, with a deep breath both she and Snuffles start running straight towards the brick. Right before impact she closes her eyes, but it never comes. She finally opens her eyes to see a scarlet steam engine with the words Hogwarts Express on the front. Everleigh turns around just in time to see Remus and her parents pop through the barrier.

"Why don't we go find you a compartment to put your trunk in before we say goodbye. You still have about thirty minutes before the train leaves," Michael suggests.

"Okay," Everleigh agrees with a smile before giving Remus the leash back and walking off with her father.

Remus sheepishly turns to Charlotte before saying, "I'm truly sorry about intruding. I was only coming to speak to Harry. I didn't think I would run into you."

"Oh don't worry about it. I believe Everleigh was going to send you a letter tonight anyway. This way she can talk to you in person," Charlotte tells him.

At that moment Everleigh and Michael walk back up to Charlotte and Remus.

"That was fast," Charlotte remarks.

"There was an empty compartment right when we got on the train," Everleigh responds with a shrug and then nervously turns to Remus. "Umm...Mr. Lupin I was wondering if I could speak with you for a moment."

"Of course. What can I do for you?"

Swallowing nervously before taking a deep breath, Everleigh begins with, "First, I would like to apologize for not contacting you sooner. It was very kind of you to offer to tell me about my birth father."

"It's okay. I understand it's a difficult situation. Whenever you are ready I am more than happy to tell you whatever you would like to know," Remus responds kindly.

"Thank you. Second, you said you know Harry. I was hoping you could help to introduce me. It's just I don't actually know how to tell him who I am."

"Of course. I would be glad to help. Would you like to wait with me and I can introduce you as soon as he arrives?" Remus questions.

"No!" Everleigh practically shouts, "I mean no, not yet. It's too public. Maybe one of the weekends in the local village. Hogsmeade? Mom and Dad signed a permission slip for me to go."

Smiling, Remus agrees. "Sure. Why don't you send me a letter when you know the date for the first weekend and I'll arrange to have lunch with Harry."

Breathing a sigh of relief that she now has somewhat of a plan in place Everleigh thanks Remus. Giving Snuffles one last pet, Remus and the bear like dog say goodbye after seeing a group of redheads and one of messy black hair. Everleigh then turns to say goodbye to her parents. Hugging her father first she says, "I'm going to miss you. I'll see you for Christmas break."

"I love you princess. Have a good term. Write to us and let us know what happens with Harry."

The two break their hug and Charlotte pulls Everleigh to her. "I love you. We'll see you soon."

"I love you too Mom," Everleigh responds.

With that Everleigh walks back to the compartments she snagged for herself. Settling into a seat, Everleigh decided to pull out the journal that her mother gave her.

January 1st, 1981

I can't believe it. Pregnant. Eight weeks pregnant to be exact. What am I going to do? How am I going to tell James? Harry isn't even a year old and we've been stuck in this house for months. Having one child in the middle of war was crazy, having two….it's too much. Voldemort is already potentially after Harry because of that stupid prophecy, I feel as if I am struggling with one child, I have no idea how I'm going to protect two.

Merlin! I can't believe I thought Sirius giving me this journal for Christmas was such a joke. 'Now you can vent here instead of taking out your frustrations on Ol' Prongsie here,' he said. As much as it pains me to say: Sirius was right. I now more than ever need some place to get everything out. I can't talk to Alice since she's hiding with Frank and Neville. And I can't always burden James. He tries to stay positive but I can tell he's just as worried, just as stressed, just as ready to blow as I am.

I won't be able to keep baby a secret for much longer. My morning sickness is awful, he's going to start noticing. Despite the fear and worry, there is a small glimmer of hope in me. The same glimmer I had when I found out I was pregnant with Harry. Something so good and pure can never be a bad thing. I know that no matter what my babies will be loved. I will make sure of it.

Before she can ready any further, the door to the compartment opens. A tall, lanky boy with dark brown hair and blue eyes walks in wearing casual navy blue robes. As soon as he spots Everleigh he hesitates for a second before sitting down across from her without a word.

"Umm...hi," Everleigh greets the boy.

He nods at her but doesn't say anything, simply pulls a book out of his bag.

"I'm Everleigh," she tries again, "What's your name?"

After a moment of hesitation he finally responds, "Theo Nott."

"Well it's nice to meet you Theo Nott," Everleigh replies with her bright smile.

"Where are you from? You don't sound British," he questions.

"New York. Actually I was born in England but my family moved to the States when I was one. We just moved back over the summer."

"So you're a first year?"

"No, I'm going into my third actually. I went to Ilvermorny for my first two years."

"Interesting."

The door to the compartment opens again and a pale, blonde boy with grey eyes and a pointy face walks in followed by two thuggish looking boys.

"Theo, how are you? How was your holiday?" the blonde boy asks of Theo, completely ignoring the redhead in the compartment.

"Draco, hello. I'm well. Holidays were boring though, spent them hanging around the manor."

"Manor?" Everleigh interjects, curious about the boy.

All four boys turn to acknowledge the lone girl, and before Theo can answer her, the blonde, Draco, gives her a look of disgust, "Gods! Are you another Weasley?"

Slightly confused and feeling as if she should be offended, Everleigh retorts, "Umm...no. I don't know what a Weasley is, but I'm Everleigh. Everleigh Garrison."

"Garrison? That's not a wizarding name," Draco responds then turns to Theo, "Are you befriending mudbloods now?"

"No, she was here when I sat down, " Theo responds with a bored voice while flipping through his book.

"Excuse me, if I could interrupt. What's a mudblood?" Everleigh asks to get the two boys attention.

Both look at her incredulously. "It means you have muggle parents," Theo supplies.

"Well considering I don't know what a muggle is I'm going to say no?" Everleigh seems uncertain.

"Muggle , non-magical. You have no magic in your bloodline," Draco tries to get this strange girl to understand.

"Oh!" Everleigh exclaims in understanding, "A No-Maj. We call them No-Majs in the US. And then the answer is still no. My adoptive parents are No-Majs but my birth parents were a witch and wizard."

"Gods! That might be even worse. Your parents didn't want you and sent you to be raised by muggles AND you're American," Draco says with disgust.

Defensively Everleigh jumps up, dropping the journal on the floor. "Hey! I resent that. I'm just as much of a witch as you are a wizard. Who cares who raised me? AND for your information, technically I'm British. I was born in England, and even if I wasn't, New York is a hell of a lot better than London!" Everleigh finishes with a shout.

"Excuse me! Do you know who I am? How dare you speak to me that way! I am Draco Malfoy, heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy," Draco spits out at her, the look of disgust seemingly permanently etched on his face.

"Is that so Malfoy?

"Yes please do tell us again just how important you are. It's fascinating."

Turning to the door, Everleigh sees a pair of twin redhead boys glaring at the blonde.

"What do you two weasels want?" Draco demands.

"Well-" the twin on the left starts.

"We heard you shouting-" the other twin continues.

"At this fair maiden here-"

"And decided to investigate," the two finish together.

"It's none of your business who I speak with and how. So leave. This is a Slytherin compartment."

"You know I am capable of standing up for myself thank you very much," Everleigh interrupts.

"Ah yes, maybe my fair maiden. But that is not the Gryffindor way," the right twin responds.

"And we must rescue all damsels in distress from the evil dragon," the left twin finishes with a flourish.

Theo snickers in the background at the play on words of Draco's name, who then turns and glares at his friend.

Now ignoring the others in the compartment, the three redheads introduce themselves.

"Fred Weasley at your service, " the left twin states, "And this is my brother George."

"Everleigh Garrison," then turning to the other four boys, "And as fun as this little welcoming committee has been, I believe I will go find somewhere else to sit," she states coldly.

Theo leans down to pick up the book Everleigh was reading when he spots the inscription on the back at the bottom. Lily Evans Potter AKA Mrs. Prongs. Huh, weird. He thinks to himself. Theo hands the book back to the younger girl who snatches it from him before also grabbing her tote bag and stalking out, quickly followed by the Weasley twins.

Out in the corridor, Everleigh starts to quickly walk away.

"Everleigh! Wait!" one of the twins shouts, George she thinks.

She stops to let them catch up with her.

"Are you okay? Don't worry about Malfoy and his merry band of idiots. He's a git," George assures her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Mostly just annoyed," she assures them, "Thanks for helping though. Normally that's something my brothers do."

"Oh, where are your brothers? We can walk you to them," the other one, Fred, offers.

"Oh, no. They're No-Majs so they aren't here," she responds, then harshly asks, "You don't have a problem with that do you?" She had never had any issues with who her family is at Ilvermorny and doesn't understand why it's such a big deal here.

"Woah, no. Not at all," Fred assures her, "At least I don't think we do, but just to be sure: what's a No-Maj?"

"A No-Maj is a non-magical. Draco called them muggles."

"Then no, we definitely don't care. Blood purity doesn't matter," George assures her as well.

"Good. That Draco person seemed to really care about who my family was. I don't know why. It was never a big deal at Ilvermorny."

"Don't worry about it. Some people are just prejudiced against anybody who doesn't have pureblood, just ignore them. The people who matter won't care. So if you're American, I'm guessing Ilvermorny is the school you went to? What are you doing on your way to Hogwarts?" George asks.

"My family just moved back to London from New York over the summer, and my parents thought it would be easier if I went to Hogwarts instead of trying to coordinate travel to and from the US all the time," she informs them, "So now I'm going into my third year here."

"Third year?" the twins say together obviously excited.

"We have a sister going into her third year. Want us to introduce you?" George asks.

"Yeah, sure. That would be great," Everleigh agrees happy to see that there are at least a few decent people at Hogwarts.

The twins and Everleigh walk about halfway down the train before George stops and opens a compartment door, "Hey Gin, I have somebody I want you to meet," he steps out of the way to let Everleigh walk into the compartment. "This is Everleigh. She's from New York but just moved to London, so she's starting her third year at Hogwarts."

With that both George and Fred walk away to find their friends after a quick, "Play nicely kiddos."

Everleigh tentatively sits down across from the other redhead and next to a brunette boy with a toad in his hands. The redhead holds out her hand with a smile, "Ginny Weasley. Nice to meet you."

Relaxing Everleigh shakes Ginny's hand and responds, "Everleigh Garrison."

"This is Neville Longbottom," pointing to the boy sitting next to Everleigh, "and Luna Lovegood," gesturing to a blonde girl sitting in the corner reading a magazine called The Quibbler.

"It's nice to meet all of you," Everleigh says with a smile.

"So how do you know Fred and George," Ginny inquires.

"I wa in a screaming match with this guy who was being rude and they heard and rescued me. When I told them I was going into third year they offered to introduce me to you."

"Who was yelling at you?" Neville asks.

"Draco Malfoy," Everleigh responds with a roll of her eyes, "Stupid name."

Both Neville and Ginny make faces. "Yeah, he's a prat. Avoid him if you can," Ginny advises.

With a laugh Everleigh tries to change the subject. "Thanks for the advice. So what house is everybody in?"

"Well Neville and I are Gryffindors," Ginny supplies.

"I'm in Ravenclaw," a dreamy voice belonging to Luna says.

Curious, Neville asks, "Do you know what house you want to be in?"

"Not really. I don't know that much about about of them. I was a Pukwudgie at Ilvermorny, the house of the heart," Everleigh states proudly.

Wanting to know more about the new girl, Neville continues, "What's Ilvermorny like?"

"Amazing! I loved it there. It's this big castle. My friends and I didn't really start to get to know the castle until this past year, but it was fun trying to find a new place to study or hang out every week. All my classes for this year are the same as I took there as well, except I'm adding Ancient Runes. What's Hogwarts like?"

"It sounds similar. Hogwarts is a castle as well. You'll most likely get lost. I'm a fourth year and I sometimes still have trouble getting around," Neville chuckles.

Everleigh laughs along with him before settling back and getting comfortable for the rest of the trip. The next few hours pass quickly with the four getting to know each other. Everleigh tells them about growing up in New York and about her family. Luna tells them all about her summer searching for something called a crumple-horned snorkack with her father, a trip they take every summer. Then Ginny starts talking about her summer and the Quidditch World Cup. "I have never been more scared in my life. I can't believe Death Eaters were out in the open like that, and when we couldn't find Harry, Ron, or Hermione. I thought for sure something happened to them."

"Wait, Harry? As in Harry Potter?" Everleigh asks quickly, nervous for a second thinking something happened to her brother, then relaxing knowing Remus would have told her if that was the case.

"Uh, yeah. Why?" Ginny narrows her eyes suspiciously.

"Oh, umm...no reason, I was just curious. Remus Lupin was the one to take my family to Diagon Alley and then he had dinner with us. He told me about Harry," Everleigh stammers out quickly, hopefully the half truth is believeable. She doesn't want to reveal to some random girl, who clearly knows Harry well, who she is before Harry knows. This seems to satisfy Ginny and a few minutes later, she and Luna leave to find the trolley. Neville declines wanting to keep Everleigh company.

"So what is your favorite subject?" Everleigh questions, wanting to get to know Neville better thinking this may be the same Neville whose parents were friends with the Potters.

"Herbology. What about you?"

"Well I absolutely love Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration but my best subject is Potions. My previous professor was actually privately tutoring me. I'm hoping that I can convince the potions professor to do the same."

Neville grimaces at the thought of the Potions Master. After last year when Professor Lupin taught them about boggarts and he put Professor Snape in his grandmother's clothes, the Head of Slytherin house has treated him even worse than before.

"What's that face for?" Everleigh is curious noticing Neville's reaction.

"I wouldn't get your hopes up. Professor Snape, our potions master, he pretty much hates everybody except Slytherins."

"Oh...I guess I can still try. I've already done both the second and third year curriculum at Ilvermorny, and looking over the textbook for this year I already know all of the potions in there as well. Maybe once he understands how competent I am…" Everleigh trails off.

Not wanting to upset her, "Well, all you can do is ask," Neville responds with an encouraging smile.

The two teenagers then let the conversation fizzle out, lost in their own thoughts. Eventually Ginny and Luna come back, and shortly after Ginny's brother Ron, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter wander in looking for Ginny.

"Hi guys! How were your holidays?" Neville asks as they walk in.

Hermione, smiling warmly at him, responds first. "It was good. Minus the World Cup though. Were you there?"

"No, Gran didn't want to get tickets."

Everleigh is sitting quietly by Neville simply observing the three as they catch up with her new friend. She can't help but stare at the messy haired boy with glasses. The two look nothing alike. Everleigh's mom always says that she looks just like Lily, so she assumes Harry looks like James, not that she's ever seen pictures of James.

Harry can feel the girl staring at him so he turns to introduce himself. "Hello I'm Harry."

Neville interjects to introduce Everleigh to the trio. "Oh, sorry. This is Everleigh Garrison. She's transferring here from Ilvermorny. This is Ron, Hermione, and Harry," he points to each individual as he says their name.

"It's nice to meet all of you," Everleigh greets.

"Do you know what house you're in yet?" Hermione asks trying to make conversation, noticing that she hasn't stopped staring at Harry.

"No, not yet. I still need to be sorted."

"Well we're all Gryffindors but you can't go wrong with any house," the older girl tries to reassure her.

"Except Slytherin," Ron interjects.

"Well yes, Slytherin does have some negative attributes, but let's not scare her before she actually starts at Hogwarts," Hermione lightly scolds her friend.

Everleigh chuckles, "It's okay. I've already met some Slytherins and they weren't the friendliest. I don't think I'd like spending much time with them."

"I'll point out Professor McGonagall when we get to the castle. She's the one in charge of sorting for the first years," Hermione offers.

"Thank you. I'd really appreciate it," she accepts with a smile.

The rest of the train ride passes quietly only interrupted by the boys deciding to play a few games of Exploding Snap. Once at the castle, Hermione points out a stern looking older lady with her hair pulled back in a very severe bun.

"Professor McGonagall!" Hermione calls as the two girls approach.

"Miss Granger, please make your way into the Great Hall. We'll need to start the Sorting soon."

"Yes m'am. I just wanted to bring Everleigh Garrison to you. She transferred and still needs to be sorted."

At this Professor McGonagall notices the smaller redhair witch next to hermione and freezes. When she doesn't respond Hermione questions, "Professor McGonagall? Are you okay?"

Snapping out of her shock, the professor quickly answers, "Yes, yes. I'm fine my dear. Thank you for delivering Miss Garrison to me. Join the rest of the students now if you please."

As Hermione leaves, Everleigh greets the Deputy Headmistress, "It's nice to meet you Professor McGonagall."

"You as well Miss Garrison," still somewhat shocked at the resemblance of Everleigh to one of her former students.

Everleigh sights remembering Remus Lupin's reaction to first seeing her. "Am I going to get that a lot?"

"Get what a lot?" the professor asks her to clarify.

"That gobsmacked look? Mr. Lupin had the same look when he first met me. I know, I look just like my birth mother, but I would like to know if this is something I should just get used to or if it will be limited to only a few occurrences."

"Wait, so you're really…"

"James and Lily Potter are my birth parents, yes."

In an uncharacteristic show of emotions, Minerva McGonagall allows a few tears to fall. "Your mother was one of my favorite students, but yes I suspect there will be a few people shocked to see you."

Huffing, Everleigh mutters, "Great. Exactly what I need."

"And what exactly do you need?" McGonagall asks eying the girl.

"I've known that I was adopted since I was six, but I just found out who my birth family is over Christmas. I've had time to get used to it….but I'm not a novelty. I just want to get to know my brother without everybody staring."

"That is quite understandable Miss Garrison, but you may not get your wish. Most people are fascinated by your brother, and very few people even knew of your existence. They will undoubtedly want to know how it is even possible that you are here."

"I was born before they were killed. Somehow I ended up on the doorstep of my adoptive parents house in London. I don't know how I got there but not Harry."

"Well maybe you'll be able to find your answers one day," the professor advises.

Left to contemplate that, Professor McGonagall goes to greet the incoming first years and begins to explain the houses. They are led into the Great Hall, which grows silent, and stand before a stool with a tattered hat on it. A second passes and then the hat starts to sing from a rip near the brim:

A thousand years or more ago

When I was newly sewn,

There lived four wizards of renown,

Whose names are still well known:

Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,

Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,

Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,

Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.

They shared a wish, a hope, a dram,

They hatched a daring plan

To educate young sorcerers

Thus Hogwarts School began,

Now each of these four founders

Formed their own house, for each

Did value different virtues

In the ones they had to teach.

By Gryffindor, the bravest were

Prized far beyond the erst;

For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

Would always be the best;

For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

Most worthy of admission;

And power-hungry Slytherin

Loved those of great ambition.

While still alive they did divide

Their favorites from the throng,

Yet how to pick they worthy ones

When they were dead and gone?

Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

He whipped me off his head

The founders put some brains in me

So I could choose instead!

No slip me snug about your ears,

I've never yet been wrong,

I'll have a look inside your mind

And tell where you belong!

The hat fell silent and the Hall burst into applause. Once everybody was quiet, Professor McGonagall started calling the first years alphabetically. The first years were all sorted before the headmaster stood up, "Before we all tuck-in to our delicious feast, we have one more sorting. For the first time in many years we have a transfer student. Everleigh Garrison is entering her third year and comes to us from Ilvermorny in the United States. Please make her feel welcome."

Her face turning as red as her hair in embarrassment, Everleigh ducks her head to avoid people's stares and makes her way to the stool. She sits down to see everybody staring at her with curiosity before the hat is dropped on her head obscuring her vision.

Well well well. Another Potter. This is a surprise.

Yeah, I know. Nobody knew about me. I'm special. Whatever.

Well where to put you? You're particularly hard to place like your brother.

I really don't care where I go. Just wherever I'll fit in best please.

I see plenty of loyalty to family and friends alike. Kindness and caring for everybody in general. A need to make others happy, to save others. Plenty of courage and determination, and a keen intelligence, but also great ambition. You would do well in Gryffindor, just like your parents and brother. Potters are always in Gryffindor as well you know.

I'm not a Potter though, I'm a Garrison.

That is true, you may have been born a Potter but you were raised a Garrison. If you simply want to join the best house for you then I know exactly where to put you….

A/N: We finally made it to Hogwarts. She's met Harry as well! Please review and let me know what you think! Also I'd love to see people's opinions on which house she is going to end up in. I've already decided where she's going to end up but I'd like to know what you guys think. Enjoy the update!