September 1st rolled around, and I found myself standing on Platform 9 3/4. Draco had run off with his goons, and I put my things on the train, then sat and drew Athen. I wish 11 o'clock would come sooner. After awhile, someone else came into the compartment: a small, timid looking boy.

"Can I sit here?" he asked.

"Sure," I said. If the compartment's full, Draco and his goons won't try to sit here… "I'm Lucy, by the way."

"Neville Longbottom." Oh no… I'd heard about what my aunt did... He'll hate me when he finds out… I shook off the feeling. I'm not my aunt, nor am I my parents. And He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead. I have no reason to fear; it's all behind the world.

We sat and talked. He had brought a toad, Trevor, and I told him about Athen. We talked about many things, including what house we'd be in.

"I'll probably be in Slytherin. My whole family has been," I said. "I don't want to be though. I-I want to be different. I want my parents to be proud of me, not my house."

"I don't think you'll be in Slytherin. You're too nice." I smiled.

"Thanks, but-" Someone opened the compartment door and Trevor jumped out.

"Trevor!" Neville pushed past the girl to chase Trevor. I rounded on the bushy-haired girl.

"How could you? He could lose his pet!"

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't know- I didn't realize that his toad would jump out like that." I took a breath.

"No, I'm sorry. It's not your fault; you couldn't have known. I'm just… frustrated and confused."

"Are you from a Muggle family too?" she asked in a small voice.

"What? No, no. I'm from what's called a 'pureblood' family; and from a very stuck up one at that."

"Oh. I'm Hermione Granger." She offered her hand. We shook.

"Lucy. Let's go help Neville; the train should be leaving soon and we should probably find Trevor before then." We went in opposite directions, and I ran into Neville. I told him Hermione was helping too. Then we kept looking separately. I managed to come across Draco.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm looking for a toad. A new friend of mine's lost one. Have you seen it?"

"No, and is this the same toad Longbottom's looking for?"

"Yes. Now excuse me, but I need to keep looking."

"It won't do you any good hanging around filth like that." I spun around. "You'll probably end up tarnishing the family name." I swung at him, but the train lurched forward, and I ended up punching one of his goons- I think Vincent- in the stomach. He yelped, but I had a feeling my hand hurt more. My eyes pierced Draco's very soul, and I stalked off to my compartment.

I sat there thinking about what Draco had said. His words stung. Neville wasn't 'filth'. He was nice and so easy to talk to. I came to the conclusion that Draco's opinion didn't matter. I'm my own person. Hm, it's amazing how different twins can be.

I must have fallen asleep, because when I opened my eyes, the train was slowing and the sky was dark. When the train stopped, everyone started getting off. I felt bad for not helping Neville, but Draco was such a prat I'd forgotten.

I got off and followed the call of "Firs' years!" Then we got into boats in groups of four. I climbed into a boat with a pair of twins and another girl. The twins said that they were Padma and Pavarti, and the third gild was Emma. The twins seemed very excited.

"Lucy, did you hear?"

"They said Harry Potter was on the train!"

"Really? Harry Potter?"

"Yes! I haven't seen him though… But he's a first year like us!" We chatted a little more, but then we came into view of Hogwarts. The castle was breathtaking.

From the boats we were taken inside that castle. It was equally breathtaking. We followed Professor McGonagall into the Great Hall. The ceiling was magnificent- I remember reading about it in Hogwarts: A History.

We lined up in front of the high table and Professor McGonagall brought out a stool and an old hat. The hat sang, and when it was done, everyone clapped. Then the Sorting began. I was really nervous. Draco was called and the Hat barely even touched his head before it cried out, "SLYTHERIN!"

"Malfoy, Lucia." This is it. Now everyone will know I've talked to will know that I'm a Malfoy, that I'm related to that prat. I step forward and sit on the stool. The Hat covers my eyes; I hear a small voice.

"Hm, another Malfoy… Interesting… Better be Sly-"

"No," I thought. "Not Slytherin."

"Hm, yes… very unique… Hm… are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Alright, better be-""RAVENCLAW!" the Hat bellowed. I took it off and gave it to Professor McGonagall. Then I sat by Emma and one of the Patil twins- I couldn't remember which- at the Ravenclaw table. To my surprise, I was greeted warmly. I know I belong here; the question was if my parents would agree.