"Ah!" Both girls screamed jumping backwards. The room was silent, except for the promising words from Kristin on the screen, "I won't let you go, I love you Clark."
"You broke my nail polish," Hermione whispered calmly, though Ron and Harry could see the fiery growing inside her, waiting to explode. The boys peered down at the pure white carpet, not even one spec of dirt had attached itself to the carpet yet, it was so new. Now, though, the brisk white hue carpet was now sprayed with shiny blue nail polish, and pieces of shattered glass were shining in the light.
"You broke my new nail polish, on our new carpet, so, you, little sister, will clean this up," Hermione yelled, her fingers curled into meaningless fists. Haylie's nose started to twitch, and her mouth started to shrink slightly. Then her eyes became red as a tiny drop of water flowed from her eyes, soon followed by many more until she was bawling her eyes out. Hermione's face fell, but she stood her ground, not moving at all. After about two minutes Hermione got down on the ground and hugged her little sister who was still crying.
"Come on Harry! It shouldn't take this long to put on socks!" Hermione yelled, as she gathered her suitcases and began to hoist them down the narrow steps of her home. Ron, for once, stood at the door, miraculously ready for the trip to the London train station. Hermione dropped the two suitcases in her hand with a thud, and wiped her forehead, briefly.
"Too much work for ya Hermione? Don't tell me you're gonna be one of those, annoying girls who sweat after walking ten feet!" Ron joked, a small smile lighting up his face. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him, and crossed her arms over her chest.
"No, I am fully capable of traveling ten feet without sweating," Hermione exclaimed, raising her arm and pushing a loose piece of hair back into its place, "Though, I'm very worried you may not."
"I'm a man, Herm! I can run and walk faster, longer, and much more…enthusiastically than you ever could," Ron said. Hermione's mouth dropped open and she placed her hands on her hips.
"Oh really? Ron you are not a man yet! You're only 16. And I could beat you in a race any day of the week."
"Sure." Ron laughed as Harry and Haylie both ran down the stairs with their own heavy suitcases.
"What are you two fighting about this time?" Harry asked, dropping his suitcase with an even louder thud than Hermione's.
"Oh you know. Ron says he's a man. I say no," Hermione glanced at Ron and continued to talk to Harry," then he said he could run longer, faster…and what was the third one again?"
"Enthusiastically, and I am a man…"Ron answered, interrupted.
"Thank you, enthusiastically more than me! I say no, once again." Hermione finished, taking one last triumphant glance at her audience, lifting her bags off the floor, and strutting out the door toward the car.
"Does she always talk like that when she's around you guys?" Haylie questioned, brushing her curly hair. Harry smiled.
"No, only when Ron's around." Harry then ventured out the door and towards the open doors of the car. Haylie giggled as she continued to stare at Ron as she, also, ran out the door. Ron threw his hands in the air and grabbed his suitcases.
"I just can't win!" He yelled as he turned and closed the wooden door, ready for his train ride to his sixth year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"Lets go in here," Harry said, pointing to an empty compartment, as the train started its engines and plunged forward. Everyone piled in the tiny little room and began to unpack some of their things to keep them occupied for the trip to Hogwarts. Harry had brought his travel size Wizard's chess game to play with Ron. Both of them were cheering or booing as they continued with their strategies. Hermione brought a copy of Sugar magazine and Haylie took out her makeup kit and began applying tons of lip-gloss and blush. Soon, a knock at the door made everyone jump in the seats. At the door was Ginny and Luna Love good.
"Can we come in?" Luna whispered, her voice emerging in a singsong tone. A chorus of "Sures" and "Yeahs" came from the compartment inhabitants. Ginny pushed the sliding door out of the doorway as both girls joined the others. A sweet aroma tickled Haylie's nose and she at once recognized it.
"Who is wearing Love Spell?" Haylie immediately asked, looking from one girl to another, her nose high in the air. Hermione's shook her head in annoyance and continued to stick her nose in the magazine.
"I am," Luna raised her hand in the air and swung it around enthusiastically.
"Oh I love that fragrance! Which kind is it?" Haylie questioned, still sniffing the air, "I'm wearing my favorite right now. Lilac is the best flower scent available!" Luna smiled, reaching into her take-on bag and pulling out a small perfume bottle. Haylie snatched it from her hands and decided to spray herself.
"It's plum-berry," Luna said shyly, her cheeks blushing slightly. The smell spread throughout the whole compartment and Harry and Ron started to mock choke. They grabbed at their necks violently and slumped over each other, their eyes closed. Ginny laughed and slapped Ron's back so hard, a distinct crack could be heard. He jumped up and clutched his back, glaring at his little sister.
"Too bad I don't have a little sister," Harry joked, crossing his arms over her chest, "We could have a party!"
"Welcome first years! I'm Hagrid," Hagrid's deep voice boomed and he towered over the small children before him. All the first years gazed up at the giant, clearly amazed at his height.
"Now all of ya's let's get into those small boats just around the corner and we'll be off toward Hogwarts!" All the eleven year olds followed him, including Haylie. They walked very quietly and answered Hagrid's every command. Some of them were just used to following orders, but most of them were terrified of Hagrid. Haylie jumped into the first boat and smiled at all her fellow classmates as they got in as well.
"I need one more for this boat," Hagrid yelled, pointing to Haylie's boat. For a couple seconds no one appeared, but then a small girl with long blond hair gracefully climbed in a sat between Haylie and a boy named Elvin. Ear length blond hair wavered around Elvin's head and he had thin square glasses that constantly seemed to fall to the tip of his nose. The one great feature about his body was his eyes; they stared back at Haylie with a glow of orange. This glow of fiery orange, was not just a shade of brown tinted with specks of pumpkin, but seemed to show a blazing fire in the deep night.
"Rose Forbes?" Haylie gasped. The girl turned her head slightly to look at Haylie.
"Yes, that is me," she mumbled briskly, not smiling. Haylie grinned and reached out her manicured hand to shake Rose's.
"I'm Haylie Granger," Haylie replied, putting on her brightest smile. Rose didn't move at all, just looked straight ahead into the black night. Finally realizing that Rose obviously did not want to talk, Haylie lowered her arm and placed it in her lap. The whole ride was quiet and all the first years just stared at each other, as if they all had to study their future friends. The silvery moon smiled back at them, splashing its light all over for miles.
"Hey everyone, do you want to play a game?" Haylie asked, hoping someone would answer her offer. To her surprise that someone was Rose.
"Sure," Rose now turned to look at Haylie and clapped her hands loudly. Her long hair fell into her eyes and she quickly pushed it away so she could see everyone clearly. Haylie bit her lip and decided it would be wonderful to finally break the ice between them.
"What do you want to play?" Elvin murmured, his square glasses falling to the tip of his nose. He pushed them back up and peered up at the girls. Haylie looked at all the people in the boat. There were six total.
"Let's learn everyone's names first, since we'll have to live with each other for the next," Haylie paused for a moment, "seven years." They all nodded and sat up in their seats.
"Who wants to go first?" Rose asked. Nobody raised their hands to volunteer. Haylie shook her head and shot her hand through the cool air. Rose pointed at her and told her to go ahead.
"Okay everyone," Haylie giggled, "I am Haylie Granger. I have one older sister named Hermione and I love perfume. Also, I have a boyfriend named….Ron." Haylie smiled deviously, and hoped they would all believe her. She looked at each face to see if any reaction appeared. Rose's eyebrows rose and Elvin's face fell.
"You…you have a boyfriend?" he whispered, looking slightly upset. Haylie wondered why.
"Yes, his name is Ron Weasley," Haylie said.
"You mean that red-haired kid?" one of the guys shouted. Haylie nodded, still continuing her lie.
"That is enough of me everyone!" Haylie said, looking at Rose, "How about you Rose?"
"Well, fine then," Rose gulped and smoothed her hair behind her back, "I am Rose Forbes. I have a cousin in this school named Draco Malfoy. I also love perfume and makeup and anything that will make me look beautiful." Haylie could hear the boy who had spoken earlier whispering to his friend.
"She doesn't need any makeup," he whispered and they both laughed. He had light brown hair and a handsome smile. His eyes were a deep brown and he definitely was one of the hottest boys Haylie had ever seen, but she knew he was obviously stuck on himself.
"What about you boy," Haylie frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. She absolutely needed to know this pig's name.
"Okay, hun," he said smoothly, "I am Damon Shockley. I have two older brothers and a younger sister and I love hot girls named Haylie." He turned to his friend and they high-fived laughing so much everyone thought they were going to fall off the boat. How pathetic, Haylie thought, her blue eyes narrowing.
"Too bad Haylie doesn't love you back," she snapped, giving him a hard stare. Damon immediately stopped laughing. Rose was giggling next to her.
"Who's next?" Haylie yelled, refusing to look at Damon. Elvin raised his hand and pushed his glasses back to the top of his nose.
"I am Elvin Danebridge," he said shyly, "and I have no brothers or sister. I love to brew potions and I hope to make it on the Quidditch team."
"Yeah right skinny," Damon's friend replied, laughing. Haylie whipped around, angrier than ever.
"Don't make me use magic on you!" Haylie growled, standing up with her wand in hand, " My sister got O's on four of her O.W.L.S and the last one was only one level down. So I suggest that you be quiet before I have to use the defense spells she taught me!"
"Fine lady! Geez, take a chill pill!" he said. Haylie, satisfied with her performance and his answer, turned back to Elvin.
"That's great Elvin, I'm sure you'll make it," Haylie smiled, "After all, Ronny is the Keeper on the Gryffindor team." Elvin gave her a weak smile. She moved on and she decided to get the name of the second pig on the boat.
"What about you," Haylie pointed at Damon's friend. He had blond hair that was formed into soft curls. His eyes were the same color as Damon's.
"Wouldn't you like to know," he said roughly.
"You are so pathetic! What is it with you two?" Haylie screamed, not believing what she was hearing, "Just answer the stupid question!" She stomped her foot and the boat shook.
"My name is Brent Clayton," he said, staring at Rose as if he was ordering her to remember his name, "and it means Gods gifts to the world." Haylie laughed.
"Get over yourself," Haylie, still laughing now turned to the last girl sitting next to Elvin.
"I am Natalie Conway," she put her strawberry blond hair up into a pony tail, "I'm a muggle-born witch. I have one younger brother who is six." Natalie was pretty. She had shoulder length strawberry blond hair that was perfectly straight and intense, large hazel eyes.
"Good, so everyone is acquainted," Rose asked. Everyone nodded. Two minutes later their boat halted and they looked up at the dark castle before them.
"Wow," Natalie whispered in awe. Haylie couldn't help smiling and took a moment to take in the beautiful sight of all the lights coming from all corners of the building and its wonderful stone furnish. Just then someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and found herself looking into the blue eyes of Elvin.
"Will you walk with me when we go inside?" Elvin mumbled, still looking very shy and nervous. Haylie could feel her cheeks beginning to flush as she nodded her head yes. Elvin looked delighted and he grabbed her hand to pull her forward.
"Oh look Brent," Damon yelled, pointing to Haylie and Elvin's hands, "They're holding hands. You two going up to the rooms to get down and dirty."
"No Damon," Haylie let go of Elvin's hand and placed hers on her hip, "We just want to get away from you and your bloated ego." As they walked away Haylie could here Brent teasing Damon and she couldn't help but feel proud of herself and Elvin.
"Welcome first years to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please wait until your named is called and you will sit on the stool and the sorting hat will be placed on your head." Professor McGonagall droned. Harry couldn't wait until he didn't have to hear those same words ever again. He glanced at his two best friends, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, and observed their own reactions to the words. Ron had laid his head on the table and all Harry could see was a cloud of red hair. Hermione, on the other hand, had rested her chin in her fist and was listening to all McGonagall had to say.
"Hurry up already," Harry heard Seamus mumble next to him. Hermione shushed him and returned to her deep listening.
"Ellen McDermott," Professor McGonagall shouted, holding her usual scroll in front of her.
"Oo, the sorting has started! Wake up Ron," Hermione screamed, slapping Ron's head. He jumped up and complained about his head hurting.
"Don't be such a whiner!" Hermione ordered. Ron continued to rub his head as he watched Ellen step up on the stool.
"She's so cute! Look at her hair," Hermione said, pointing to the girl. Her pitch black hair was twisted into braids and pulled into pigtails. Her dark skin shined and her eyes gleamed with excitement.
"HUFFLEPUFF," the sorting hat's familiar voice echoed throughout the hall and little Ellen jumped down and ran toward her table.
"Brent Clayton." He hurried up to the chair and sat on it. Professor McGonagall placed the hat over his blond curls and everyone could see its mouth moving. After about fifteen seconds of pondering, the hat made its important decision.
"SLYTHERIN," it shouted. Brent practically threw the hat off his head as he cheered for joy.
"I don't know why he's so happy about that," Ron exclaimed, finally paying attention to his surroundings.
"Elvin Danebridge," McGonagall called, her bifocals examining the yellowish scroll. The lanky boy walked up the steps and eased his way up on the stool.
"Elvin? Is that really a name?" Dean laughed along with Lavender. Hermione shot him an evil stare and he shut his mouth.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Oh shoot!" Dean whispered, trying not to let Hermione hear him. No luck.
"Don't make me use magic on you!" Hermione shouted to Dean, whose eyes opened as big as saucers. Harry grinned and looked back to the tiny first years all standing in a group. He spotted Haylie and waved to her. She smiled and waved back to him.
"Haylie Granger," Professor McGonagall yelled, clearly surprised. Hermione's focus turned away from Dean and she shook Ron's shoulder.
"It's Haylie! Everyone pay attention. Come on Ron pay attention!" she yelled. Ron nodded and told her to stop shaking him. They all saw Haylie make her way to the steps and jump up on the stool. Then McGonagall placed the hat on her head.