POV ADA MARROW

Walking through the Great Hall late with Headmaster Black would have been embarrassing if it wasn't for the fact I felt as if I'd drop dead. I was exhausted and aching. I suppose that happens when you fling yourself head first from moving, murderous, statues. I definitely would feel the need to blurt out my experience if Professor Fig hadn't asked me to keep details vague…
This is not what I expected, at least I expected to be stared at but not the shocked expressions from my peers. Fig may have replaced my clothes upon our arrival but I could still feel the ache of that cut on my cheek that I had received from nearly being decapitated by a sword, however my hair wasn't nearly as lucky as the braid I wore got sliced clean in half! I can only imagine what that looks like; probably unruly and uneven. I caught sight of a girl I passed, motioning with her sleeve to her cheek in a rubbing motion. My hand quickly went to my face and grimace, I was covered in dust, more likely from those stone statues I took on.
Wonderful, simply wonderful.
While walking behind the headmaster I tried cleaning my face with the sleeve of my robe. Then almost ran into the headmaster's back, but managed to stop before touching him. I had the sneaking suspicion he would cancel my sorting for even touching him.
He sidestepped and motioned me to sit upon that old stool, wanting to go to bed, I complied and sat neatly on the stool, feet resting upon the footrest my hands clasped in my lap. I could see the older red haired woman approach and felt that old leather hat rest on my head, you could feel it breathe to life once it settled.
"You're much Older than the others, starting late hmm? I sense you don't hold many expectations." The hat croaked out, shifting a bit on my head.
"Professor Fig didn't explain the houses in much detail, the most I learned was basic spell work." I admitted, the last week that I had stayed with him was eventful, enlightening but also he seemed distracted. He of course showed me a few new spells once we had been sucked up into whatever magical conspiracy we stumbled upon but it didn't change the fact I was.
"Mmm, yes you are very behind your peers, but nothing that can't be changed with time. You have all year to catch up. I can see you have Bravery and Cleverness... Even a strong sense of Loyalty and Ambition." He hummed again mulling over his words, "I could put you into any house and you'd thrive, though you would fit better with either Hufflepuff or Slytherin. Would you say you're ready for the start of your next chapter?"
I tilted my head a bit, looking at my scraped up hand, was I? I had that feeling more was to come from that dragon attack. I knew Professor Fig would ask for my help due to my unique ability, "I will admit, I'm nervous but ready to face this year, learn from my Professors and from any new friends I may make while here." I murmured to that hat, he sounded pleased with the answer.
"Yes I see now, I know where you belong... Let it be HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat cried out and I could see the yellow table stand and cheer for their new classmate, then that hat was gone and I was being escorted off to the side by the woman while Headmaster Black announced, something called Quidditch, would be canceled this year because of an injury. He then so unceremoniously dismissed the students, sending them off to their dorms.
The woman introduced herself as Professor Weasley, even when being interrupted by the Headmaster she held her poise and her patience was much stronger then what mine would have been. At the point of our arrival to the kegs down in the lower corridor, I had forgotten most of what she had said about the school. Just nodding along until I had to remember the password, the idea of being drenched in vinegar was not appealing in the slightest. She wished me a goodnight and left me to enter my Common Room.
There were still plenty a Hufflepuff around and I approached a girl asking where I could bathe. She showed me to my room and showed me a hidden door that led to a private girls bathroom, with baths, sinks and toilets. Needless to say i was relieved to soak in a hot bath and pleasantly surprised to see a pair of Pajamas waiting for me on my bed. I had lost all of my belongings on that carriage ride, while I was assured things will be replaced and they'd do their best to scavenge for my personal belongings I wasn't promised anything.
While thinking of my predicament I passed out cold when my head hit my pillow. Hopefully tomorrow brings better experiences and better news.

POV SEBASTIAN SALLOW

"I'm telling you Ominis, she most definitely belongs in Slytherin." I insisted to my friend while we walked along to our class, "The hat even said so!" He scoffed, head shaking in disbelief.
"The hat said it was either Slytherin or Hufflepuff and it chose Hufflepuff. Just because you guess right on a few of the sorting's doesn't make you the new sorting hat." His voice sounded dry, even if he sounded annoyed by me I knew it was only a farce. We walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the room abuzz about the new Fifth year and her entrance to the sorting ceremony.
"Yes well, I think she belonged with us. I mean if you could see her you'd agree with me and how she held herself with no shame as she walked behind headmaster Black while cleaning off her face with her robe sleeve of all things!" I set my books down on the table, Ominis going to sit down when a oh so familiar yet annoying voice commented,

"If she belonged anywhere it's Gryffindor Sallow, I mean did you not see her hands and the cut on her face, she obviously put up a fight with whatever she faced after landing down from that Dragon attack." Leander sounded so sure of himself.
"Oh please Leander, you may have the gull but you're absolutely to dimwitted to even win a fight being good at spell craft doesn't mean you belong in Gryffindor, I mean I'm a shining example at that and you'd be a horrible example to what you claim." I added a bit of venom to the last statement and it seemed to get the reaction I wanted.
"That sounds like a challenge Sallow." Leander sneered at me, "I'd be happy to put the schools 'Greatest Duelist' in his place."
"Would that place happen to be my foot resting on your head?" I countered.
"Ready your wand Sallow and get into position." Leander pulled his wand and held it at the ready, standing at the front of the class. I felt a smirk play at my lips as I walked away from the table at my own ready, back to the door.
"My pleasure Prewett, I do my best not to wipe the floor with you."

POV ADA MARROW

Entering into the class I was met by the sight of two of my classmates dueling, I held my books to my chest approaching and stopping by a Slytherin boy standing at one of the tables and I assumed watching the two. I lightly touched his shoulder,
"Excuse me." I asked, he seemed to straighten, looking surprised that I had touched him.
"You don't sound familiar..." He stated, face moving towards my direction but those icy blue eyes never focused on me.
"I'm actually the new Fifth year, I was wondering if there was assigned-" My head moved towards the sound a boy mocking the other boy.
"Is that all you got?" My he was cocky, he then proceeded to fling a spell I had yet to see almost causing a beasts skull to land on the other boy. He was cocky and reckless, not two things that you'd want to see a boy his age posses but it was appealing and caught my attention. Though luckily for the other red haired boy Professor Hecate as a girl stated out, stopped the skull from crushing him.
"Perhaps you'd be good enough to blast each other to pieces on your own time. I get new students every year but I only have one Hebridean Black skull." She raised it up attaching it back to the rest of its skeleton.
"That was a dirty trick Sallow." The red haired boy spit out, looking irate at the cocky boy.
"Well it's a good thing that outside these walls that people have no issues playing dirty tricks, as long as you win and survive." He stated, I didn't know if I should take what he said as being insightful or sad to whatever he had experienced to learn such a thing. I leaned closer to the Slytherin boy murmuring as the Professor talked about the lesson for the day.

"What exactly is a Hebidean Black Skull?" I asked him quietly I saw his brows raised.
"It's a type of Dragon, what was your question before?" he asked, hand resting on the table to lean a bit, I noticed the first couple tables moving and before he could tumble over the now missing table I grabbed his arm and straightened him. He seemed a bit confused as to what just happened, his arm leaving my hands to rest a hand on his chest seeming to try and flatten his tie and vest.
"Ah, thank you-" He murmured, he still wasn't focusing on me. Was he blind? That had to be it, it explained the mannerisms and his pupilless eyes.
"Since our new fifth year Miss. Marrow has decided to ignore the lesson and Mr. Sallow almost destroyed my skull how about you both start out our first round of dueling." I looked to Sallow, eyes wide as he grinned to me.
"I will gladly give the new Fifth year a proper Hogwarts welcome." He stated walking up the now raised platform.
"Okay..." I murmured, resting my books down on one of the desks before making my way up the stage. I readied my wand as he did.
"Not off to a good start are we? Ignoring your first lesson in favor of talking." He was waiting for my first move.
"Well you do seem to enjoy talking, quite a lot." I heard a few snickers from our classmates.
"Well sense you're new I'll go easy on you." He was just smiling, he casted and I blocked with a shield.
"Oh I would much rather you not." I casted Levioso on him watching him float along helplessly in the air I casted at him a few times watching him flip along in the air then fall off the platform. It wasn't a very long fight and he had wrongfully underestimate me. I heard some classmates laugh as I walked across the stage. Stepping down i offered a hand to Sallow.
"Now what was that about going easy on me?" He chuckled taking my hand and helping himself up.
"You've got quite the tongue for a Hufflepuff." I relaxed happy to see that the 'greatest Duelist' in this school wasn't a sore looser, "I definitely won't go easy on you next time." He admitted, righting his vest and robes." Mr. Sallow if you wouldn't mind I'd like to speak with Miss. Marrow." Sallow nodded, nodding to me as he backed away and turned to join the rest of our classmates to watching the next dueling match. I gave my Professor my attention.
"You did wonderfully for your first duel Miss. Marrow, I also believe I see you and Mr. Sallow get along quite well. He may be able to teach you a bit more too sharpen you're wand movements. Please speak with him after class." Her hands clasped behind her back as she watched me expectantly.

"Of course Professor Hecat, that actually sounds like a wonderful idea. He wouldn't mind would he?" I really didn't want to bother him.
"Mr. Sallow would not mind at all." She motioned me off to go to him. I was hesitant now as he seemed busy talking with the other assumedly blind Slytherin boy. She said I should speak with him after class so I stood off to the side watching the other matches until we were dismissed I gathered up my books and saw Sallow and the other boy talking off in the corner.
"Oh excuse me." I walked up to the two, Sallow looked to me brow raised and the other boy tilted his head slightly in my direction, "Professor Hecat said you'd be willing to help with my combat practice." He faced me then his arms crossed.
"Me help you? Too be honest i don't think you'd need my help it felt like I was dueling an expert. Not to mention you're survival of that dragon attack." It was a cheeky comment that made his friend roll his head as if he was rolling his eyes.
"Well that is kind of you to say, I'm afraid I had only started wand combat with in the last few days." He looked surprised at my statement.
"Well surely you've done it for longer than that."
"No I'm afraid not I'm very behind in it all and you seem kind enough to give me some advice." I was looking up at him, he was a good couple inches taller then me. While his friend was slouched a bit but probably just as tall.
"Well, I suppose if you like a bit of reckless fun there's an unsanctioned dueling club that I'm apart of. It could help you to catch up and perhaps learn a few things you wouldn't learn in school normally." he kept his voice low so the professor couldn't hear, I had leaned in a bit to hear him better.
"You had me at unsanctioned." I smiled at him, he straightened with that grin and that amused sparkle in his eyes.
"Perfect, speak to Lucan Brattleby in the clock tower if you're interested in joining, just tell him I vouched for you." I watched his hand rest over his chest then his hands clasped behind his back.
"I'll have to stop by after I speak to Professor Weasley. She wanted to see me after my classes, it was a pleasure to meet you... Oh um I'm sorry I never got your name." Now that was embarrassing, I had never gotten his first name. His shoulders shook when he chuckled, just giving me a slight smile.
"I'm Sebastian Sallow and this is my dear friend Ominis Gaunt!" He motioned to his friend, Ominis was rather quiet though he had an assessing gaze about him. I reached out and shook Sebastian's hand.
"I'm Ada Marrow." Then I grabbed Ominis and shook his as well. He seemed to snap out of whatever daze he was in a bit taken aback that I had shook his hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you both, I must be going now." I wave to Sebastian, seeing his amused expression towards Ominis.

"When next we meet Ada." Sebastian stated, I could feel his eyes on me as I hurried out of the room.

POV OMINIS GAUNT

She had touched me twice now, I thought while I listened to those soft footsteps walk from the room.
"You have the most ghastly look on your face Ominis, keep it like that and it may stick." Sebastian was chortling at me, teasing me of course. I probably looked dumbfounded and for good reason. Most avoid me because of my name but she had willingly touched me after learning it. I made a needing motion with the hand she had touched, feeling an odd sensation that her touch left behind.
"Yes well, I'm just a bit taken aback to have someone touch me so flippantly." I murmured, "She asked me what a Hebidean Black was. I don't think she's aware of who I am. That was the new Fifth year, correct?" I stopped in favor of pulling my wand out to walk with Sebastian out to the clock tower while we discussed her.
"Yes, that was the new Fifth year and it is curious she's so unaware at her age. Maybe she's Muggle Born?" Sebastian suggested, I shook my head.
"They would have gotten ahold of her when her magic developed." I stated, it was curious and i sunk deeper into my thoughts as we walked.
"Well we'll find out in time. I'm sure I'll be talking with her more often and I can tell you what I find out." Prying her for information about herself, for my own curiosity; I shook my head at the thought.
"No, no let's not pry for it. I'm sure she'll tell you in time." My thumb rubbed along the cover of my book, trying to dispel the feeling of her touch from my mind. There must be something wrong with me for these thoughts to linger so long, my only hope is that her lack of fear towards me stays as such and that the moonminds don't thrust their assumptions of me upon her.

POV ADA MARROW

"I have taken liberties to have the majority of your school supplies replaced and we managed to find the the wreckage and scavenge a few of your trunks. They should be on your bed tonight and the supplies should be available to pick up in Hogsmead this weekend." Professor Weasley was grading papers at her desk while she spoke to me, at the mention of my trunks being located I was ecstatic. I did not have much to my name and I had taken everything with me when I went with the Ministry workers.
How thankful I was during that time to be told who i was and what was happening to me. The help Professor Fig gave me by supplying me with some extra clothes and jewelry from his late wife. He had assured me to not worry if I had lost those items, because it was simply not my fault.
"Speaking of the attack, I still feel you and Fig haven't been honest with me." She was pressing again, as she had done this morning. I shook my head and lied like butter wouldn't melt in my mouth.
"No Professor, nothing else happened. It's exactly as what was described." I smiled to her, her eyes narrowed just a bit, lips pursing. She obviously knew I was lying to her but there was no proof, and she's not the type of woman to accuse a young girl of lying for such a petty thing.
"Mmm..." She started to stand, "I understand you don't know the way to Hogsmead perhaps I can ask someone from your year to escort you there. I hear from Professor Ronen and Professor Hecate that you've already befriend Miss. Onai, Mr. Sallow and Mr. Gaunt."
"Well, we're acquainted for sure, Natty and Sebastian a bit more so then Ominis." She hadn't really even spoken to Ominis, he was rather quite towards her unless she spoke directly to him.
"Well between the two who would you prefer escort you?" Professor Weasley asked, "I'll need to be sure to clear their schedule for this Saturday." She clasped her hands in front of herself waiting as I mulled it around in my head. Natty was nice, very nice in fact but I actually wanted to talk to Sebastian about his potential help with learning more spells.
"I suppose I'd choose Sebastian." I nodded confirming my choice.
"That is a wise choice, Mr. Sallow knows the area very well and will be able to keep you away from any undesirables that may be stalking Hogsmead. Now that, that is settled I'll go ahead and reach out to Mr. Sallow about escorting you this Saturday. Please remember to keep a look out for letters from your Professors asking you to do those extra assignments we discussed." Her hand rested on my back hand motioning for me to leave.
"Yes of course Professor!" I smiled to her and left her classroom, I pulled out that map Professor Fig gave me trying to locate the Clock tower. May as well check in this evening to see if Lucan was there. Even if I couldn't start off right away, I may as well become acquainted with the coordinator.
Locating the Clock Tower was rather short lived as I had been stopped by a Cressida Bloom asking me to help her get her books back after a failed attempt of enchanting them. It seemed like so much trouble just so she didn't have to carry them but after retrieving them I could understand. She had so many, I almost had a hard time carrying them myself. I was attempting to be discreet so the Librarian wouldn't notice me while also guiding a moth back to its frame.
Then I returned the books to Cressida, "Oh thank you so much, I don't know what I would have done if anyone got my diary." She sounded relieved and looked relieved to have the stack back, "I'll have to review my Latin to see what went so wrong."
"It's really not a problem, I can't imagine wanting my Diary getting into the wrong hands. Though maybe next time you should keep the book enchantments to the Gryffindor common room." I suggested, and saw her nod in agreement.
"Yes, I do believe a controlled space would be better for next time. You have a good day Ada!" She waved to me and waved to her as I left, following the map in my guide book to the clock tower. It was a bit of a walk, but I managed to get where I needed to go.
I stopped while crossing the bridge to look out over the view of the inner castle walls. It took my breath away, it felt peaceful with the window blowing over my face. It was so much nicer here then in London. Though that momentary peace was stopped when I could hear shouting and cheering from the other side of the Clock Tower door.
Entering into the Clock tower I was met with the sight of other students watching a fight behind a metal gate I walked up, between two of my peers and rested a hand on the metal as I watched Sebastian and the red hair boy from before dueling one another. Though unlike before the red hair boy wasn't holding back against him. Perhaps it was because they were no longer in a classroom, no threat to breaking rules set by our Professors. It was much more exciting to watch then what I witnessed in class.
"Go Leander!" A Gryffindor boy cheered beside me, so his name was Leander, well just because he wasn't holding back anymore didn't mean he would win. I could see Ominis leaning against a wall behind another gate leading out to the exit to the courtyard. Not watching of course, but I suppose he could still listen or wait for his friend.
Multiple protegos, basic casts even some exploding charms were exchanged between the two until Sebastian managed to take Leander by surprise. Almost causing a comically large suit of armor to fall on him. Leander threw himself out of the way, loosing his grip on his wand, when he scrambled to grab for it Sebastian accioed the wand to himself.
"You've been practicing Leander! I'm so proud you took my advice." It was a taunt as Sebastian flipped the wand into the air and catching it again. Leander was red in the face, anger twisting his brows as he got to his feet.
"Shut it Sallow, at least admit you can't win a dual without resorting to your cheap Slytherin tricks." He walked up and snatched the wand from Sebastian's' hand. Sebastian rested his hand on his chest, eyes widened and brows raised in mock astonishment.
"Cheap tricks? Oh no Prewett, its called strategy! Honestly I think you need to spend more time in the Library." Prewett was fuming back turning from Sebastian as he marched off in my direction more likely to leave the ring and exit the door but once he saw me he stopped.
"Advice to the new Fifth year Hufflepuff. Stay away from those two, they're trouble." Leander spouted out, I raised my brows and glanced towards Sebastian who wasn't looking to pleased at the words said.
"Perhaps when you're not red in the face and angry I'll listen to your advice." He seemed like a fine piece of work, as he scoffed and left slamming the wooden door shut behind him, his Gryffindor friends followed after quickly. My eyes moved to the door to Sebastian walking up to the gate arm leaning against the entrance, arms crossed yet again as he stared down at me.
"You're awfully tall..." I murmured, trying to lighten the mood.
"No you're just short." Sebastian countered.
"No I'm average height." I stated, clasping my hands in front of me.
"Yeah for a House Elf." He was teasing me now, the sour look Leander had put on his face was gone and back was his devilish grin. I smacked his arm, playfully of course.
"I am not that short."
"So you admit it." He leaned forward and I rocked a bit back on my feet.
"I will not address such a thing, so I'm here. The Dual I witnessed looked fun until.. Leander? Got a bit heated. So who is Lucan.." I looked around expecting to see a sixth or Seventh year. Sebastian pointed to the corner where a young, short, curly haired boy stood.
"That's Lucan, he's not busy at the moment just go up to him tell him what I told you and you can be part of the tournament." I nodded and excused myself to walk over to Lucan.

POV SEBASTIAN SALLOW

I watched her practically bound away to talk to Lucan, she was only slightly taller then the Third Year and he seemed excited, from where I was, at her wanting to join in his tournament. Then my eyes slid along the wall onto Ominis, walking over in my direction with his wand up.
"She's come to join in Cross Wands." I said to him, he stopped next to me, eyes staring off towards the wall.
"I heard and I also heard Leander spouting warnings about us." he stated, he wasn't ever worried about people perceptions of him. He ignored the smooth brained and kept to himself mostly.
"And? Nothing new, I mean if you're really that worried she basically brushed him off." I cleaned some dirt under my nail, watching my hand. Then looking up to him, watching silently waiting for a response.
"If I'm to be honest your company is getting tiring." Oh I had touched a nerve, I smiled at him.
"You just like the fact she isn't scared of you. That's why it's bothering you." I kept my words to a dull whisper, Ominous head tilted towards my direction.
"That maybe it." He admitted, face relaxing a bit, "it's nice meeting another person that doesn't flinch from me. I do miss Anne and how'd she'd walk me to my classes and insist on leading me there by my arm. I suppose I'm a bit nostalgic." At the mention of my twin my smile fell, brows furrowed together.
"She misses you as well Ominis, she wished you could come and visit over the summer. Perhaps next weekend we can go and visit her." My hand moved to rub the nape of my neck.
"I would like that, Unfortunately my family demands I go home for the Summer." Ominis stated, "Please apologize to her for me."
"Of course." My head looked back towards Lucan, seeing now the new Fifth year was gone. "What in Merlins' beard... Lucan where'd Ada go?" I called out to him.
"Oh she said that she had to go find Professor Ronen he sent her a letter just now requesting her presence for additional lessons." Lucan plopped himself down on the steps and shrugged.
"Damn..." I murmured, "I wanted to talk to her a bit more. She's got a quick mouth on her." I was slightly disappointed, especially since she left without saying goodbye. I'd forgive her rudeness for now seeing as how behind she was on everything. I glanced to Ominis, perhaps I could suggest a place where she could practice in private.
Ominis would be furious with me, but I believe it would be worth it to integrate her into our group.
"Can we go now Sebastian? I'd like to get ready before dinner." I looked to him , he was waiting by the door for me.
"Yes, yes sorry let's go."

Authors' Note: First Chapter of Year Five has been posted, I'm hopeful others will enjoy it, I've taken some liberties by tweaking the original story just a bit. I'm still contemplating who Ada will be with.