Chapter 9: Hogwarts at Last

It was a few weeks later Delaney was going to Hogwarts for the first time to get sorted so she wouldn't have to be embarrassed being sorted with the first years. Neville went with her for support.

They were in Dumbledore's office. Delaney was sitting on the stool with the hat on her head.

"It better be Hufflepuff!" The hat exclaimed.

Delaney smiled.

"I always knew you'd be a Hufflepuff, Laney," Neville smiled at her.

Delaney stood up from the stool.

"Why don't I give you a tour?" Neville suggested jauntily, holding out an arm for her.

Delaney smiled at him and said. "I would like that," And she took his arm.

The two-thirteen-year-olds walked out of the Headmaster's office.

"Those two really get along," Dumbledore commented.

Alice and Frank nodded. They sensed their son had a small crush on the sweet American girl. That's one reason he was so confident.

"I was right, Hogwarts is amazing," Delaney sighed, in amazement.

Neville smiled at his best friend.

It was now September 1st. Delaney boarded the train with Ginny, Ron, Harry and Neville.

"Hermione, Luna this is Delaney. She's a transfer student from America," Neville introduced Delaney to the brunette and blonde.

"It's nice to meet you."

"You too," Delaney smiled.

"Were you already sorted?"

Delaney nodded and said. "Yes, I was sorted into Hufflepuff."

Hermione and Luna nodded. The group continued talking. Once they reached Hogwarts. Luna and Delaney went to their respective tables.

"Hello, I'm Susan Bones," A ginger greeted, cheerily as Delaney sat next to her.

"I'm Delaney."

"Oh, your American. That's cool. Are you a third year?"

Delaney nodded.

"That's cool, I wasn't aware that Hogwarts did exchange programs," A male voice said.

"Don't mind, Zacharias," Susan said.

There was a twinge in Delaney's heart at his name. Though he didn't look like her friend Zach one bit. They continued eating and then went to the common room. She got know Susan and Hannah.

The first lesson was Herbology with the Gryffindors. Neville caught up with Delaney while she was walking with Susan.

"Hey Laney," He smiled.

"Hey Nev."

"How was your first night?"

Delaney smiled at her best friend and said. "It was nice, thanks for asking."

Susan looked confused between her fellow Hufflepuff and the usually quiet blond Gryffindor.

"We met when we were seven when Neville's parents were transferred to the American Ministry," Delaney told her.

Susan nodded as they reached Herbology.

"I'm Professor Sprout, the Herbology Professor and your head of House," A woman smiled at Delaney.

"Nice to meet you."

Professor Sprout nodded and said. "I'm going to pair you up with my best student, Mr. Longbottom."

Neville blushed sheepishly at his Professor's comment as Delaney sat next to him. The lesson continued.

After this lesson Delaney had Transfiguration while Neville had Potions. Despite the fact that the Slytherins didn't bully Neville anymore. Snape still scared him out of his mind.

It was now time for Defense. They were learning about Bogarts. Delaney had learned about these late last year.

"Would you like to go first, Neville?" Remus asked, kindly.

Neville nodded hesitantly as Remus opened the door of the closet. The bogart changed into Professor Snape.

"Riddicuklus!" Neville yelled, confidently.

It was now Snape but he was wearing Neville's gran's clothes. The class laughed.

It was now Delaney's turn. Her boggart turned into a huge snake.

"Riddicuklus!" Delaney yelled.

The snake changed into a huge jack in the box.

Neville and Delaney spent a lot of time together. Delaney meshed pretty well with Hermione though Delaney was a lot more laid back than Hermione was when it came to grades. She got along pretty well with Dean and Seamus as well.