Today was the day Dmitry had been waiting for. It was finally time to go to Hogwarts! He had his trunk packed, his wand in his pocket, and some money in case there was anything to buy. He was only missing one thing. Katya. Again, he had to wait on her.
Katya had procrastinated for as long as she could. They were leaving in ten minutes, and she was only just finishing packing her trunk. "Katya, hurry up!" She heard the call of her brother again. She knew she had no choice, she was only doing this to make her father happy.
"I'm coming!" she yelled. Quickly Katya stuffed her ballet slippers in her trunk. She descended the stairs and put her trunk in the car. Her father put the key in the ignition, and they were off to King's Cross Station.
Dmitry and Katya were standing at the spot between platforms nine and ten. "How the hell do we get to platform?" Harley asked.
"Language!" Dmitry scolded.
"Oh shove it," Katya went to kick the wall, but she couldn't. Her foot went right through. "What the-"
"That's how you get to the platform!" Dmitry yelled, and ran at the wall. Katya shook her head at her brother's unwavering courage. That boy would get himself hurt one day. Once they were on the platform, they looked around at all the people getting on the train. They saw a big family of redheads with the black-haired boy they had seen at Ollivander's. They saw a pale boy with white-blonde hair and a chubby boy with his grandma. Dmitry was a little sad that their father couldn't be there, but he had to get to work. They stood there and people-watched for a while, before deciding to board the train.
They looked for a compartment, but couldn't find an empty one. They opened the door to one, and saw the black haired boy from Ollivanders sitting there.
"Hello. Can we sit in this compartment? All the others are full." Dmitry asked.
"Sure." he replied.
They put their stuff up, and took a seat. "My name is Dmitry. This is my sister Katya."
"Hello. My name is Harry."
The door of the compartment opened again, and a redhead boy stepped in. "Anyone sitting here? Everywhere else is full." He sat down next to Harry, and glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
The door opened again, and two identical redheads poked their heads in. Katya immediately noted that they could be brothers with the younger redhead.
"Hey Ron. Harry, did we introduce ourselves? Fred and George Weasley. And this is Ron, our brother. See you later then," and they left.
"Are you really Harry Potter?" Ron blurted out. Harry nodded.
"Oh well- and have you really got-you know..." He pointed at Harry's forehead. Harry pulled back his hair, and they could see a lightning shaped scar.
"So that's where You-Know-Who -"
"Sorry, but what is special about him?" Katya asked. Ron looked at her surprised, like he hadn't noticed they were there.
"Who are you?" Ron asked.
"Oh thank you for finally noticing," Katya said sarcastically. "I am Katya Shamolodchikova, and this is my brother Dmitry. Now can you answer my question."
"Where are you from? You don't sound British!" Ron said, almost accusingly.
"We are from Russia, but we moved to America three years ago, now we move here. Again, will you answer my question?" Katya said, getting irritated.
"You don't know who Harry Potter is? How could you not know! He's the boy who lived! He defeated You-Know-Who!" Ron practically screamed at them.
"No we don't know who," Dmitry said. "We are not from England, so who exactly is this person Harry defeated?"
"You're not supposed to say his name, it brings bad luck. He is the most evil wizard to ever exist. He tried to kill Harry when he was only a baby, but You-Know-Who was killed. Harry saved us all! How can you not know who he is?" Ron exclaimed.
"We don't know who he is, because again we are not from here. And I can see how he is famous, but I don't see how he takes credit. You really think baby is capable of defeating evil wizard?" Harley was surprised that a baby had been given credit for not even doing anything, when it could have been his parents who did something.
A bit later, the compartment door slid open and a dimpled lady asked them if they wanted anything off of the snack cart.
Harry went into the hall, and came back with treats piled high in his arms. As the four children snacked on sweets, the door opened again, and a tearful looking boy asked if they had seen his toad.
"Sorry, but we have not seen a toad," Dmitry answered.
"He'll turn up," Harry said.
The boy left, but soon returned with a girl with bushy brown hair, and large front teeth. "Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one." She said, in a bossy sort of voice. Katya liked her already. Katya looked at Dmitry, who was staring at the girl with wide eyes. "Прекратите смотреть идиот" (Stop staring you idiot.) Katya whispered. It seemed like Dmitry didn't even hear her. Oh brother.
"We've already told him no, we haven't seen one," said Ron, with his wand pulled out as he was about to do a spell that would turn his rat, Scabbers, yellow.
"Are you doing magic? Let's see it then."
"Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow."
Nothing happened, and Katya snorted. "Psh, like that was a real spell."
The girl agreed, and told her about how she was muggle-born, meaning she was the only person in her family that had magic.
"I'm Hermione Granger. And you are?" She turned to he twins.
"Katya and Dmitry Shamolodchikova."
"Ron Weasley."
"Harry Potter."
Hermione talked to Harry for a bit more, then leaving with the toadless boy.
"Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in," said Ron.
"What house are your brothers in?" Harry asked.
"Gryffindor. Mum and Dad were in it too. Imagine what they'll do if I'm not. I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad, but imagine if I was in Slytherin." Ron shuddered.
"What's so bad about Slytherin?" Harley asked.
Ron looked at her shocked, then said, "They're all evil! You can't trust anybody in that house! Not to mention all of them are prejudice, and they only care about blood status."
"Wait, wait, wait," Katya exclaimed, "do you not think that was hypocritical? You said all Slytherins are prejudiced, yet you are being prejudiced towards Slytherin for calling them that."
Ron just glared at her. She had the feeling that he wasn't liking her much, but she didn't care. She didn't like him all that much either.
Just as Ron was about to retort, the door slid open, yet again, and three boys entered. One had a pale, pointed face with white-blonde hair, and the other two were large, almost like gorilla body guards.
"Is it true?" he said. "They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's in this compartment. So it's you is it?"
Katya raised an eyebrow at his abruptness. She had a feeling this boy thought he was basically God. Just wonderful.
"Yes," said Harry, glancing wearily at the two large boys.
"Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle," said the pale boy, "And my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."
"И мой имена Бонд, Джеймс Бонд, (And my name's Bond, James Bond.)" Katya mocked, speaking in Russian so only her brother would understand. Dmitry snorted, causing Draco to look at them with a sneer on his face.
"Think my name's funny, do you?" Draco started. "Well I bet-"
"No, we do not think your name is funny, just the way you introduce yourself. And your friends, one is named after a sea creature, and one sounds like gargoyle." Harley said.
"Yes, the way you introduce yourself is odd." Dmitry said.
"You idiots, Crabbe and Goyle are their last names. And who are you anyway? Where are you from?" Draco snarled.
"Do not call us idiots, осел (jackass)," Harley said, earning a slap on the arm from Dmitry. He never liked when she cussed, but she didn't care. "Normally, people introduce themselves with their first name. And we are Harley and Dmitry Shamolodchikova, from Russia."
"Shamo-what? Never mind. Never heard of that name. You must not be a pureblood," at this he stuck his nose up in the air, "And I know exactly who you are. Red hair, hand-me-down robes, and too many children to afford. You must be a Weasley," He turned back to Harry, "You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort," glancing at Ron, Katya, and Dmitry.
"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks," Harry retorted. Malfoy went pink in the face.
"I'd be careful if I were you Potter. Unless you're a bit politer, you'll go the same way as your parents."
"Wait, wait, wait," Dmitry butted in, "Why should Harry be intimidated by you?"
"I'm a Malfoy. Obviously you've heard of me, unless you're muggleborn," he said muggleborn like he had a bad taste in his mouth.
"We are half-blood, but no we have not heard of you. Anyway, why are you still here?" Katya said.
"I'd watch who you're talking to also Shamo-whatever. It would be a shame if something bad happened." Draco said slowly.
"Are you threatening my sister?" Dmitry said, standing up along with Harry and Ron.
"Oh, you're going to fight us, are you?" Malfoy sneered.
"Unless you get out now," said Harry, but Katya didn't think he was very intimidating, being as scrawny as he was.
"But we don't feel like leaving, do we, boys? We've eaten all our food, and you still seem to have some," Goyle started reaching for a chocolate frog, but Katya snatched them up quick.
"Give us those, now," Draco demanded.
"Why? They're only chocolate frogs after all. If you are as important as you think, shouldn't you be able to get as many as you want?" Harley snapped back.
Goyle reached out to snatch them again, but before he could Katya did the only thing she could think of. She put them down her shirt. The buffoon reached toward her, about to stick his hand down her blouse.
"Goyle, what are you doing! You can't just stick your hand down a girl's shirt you dolt," Draco said.
"You try to stick one hand down my sister's shirt, and I'll kill you," Dmitry shouted.
"C'mon boys, we're leaving."
Katya was relieved, but she had a desperate need to figure Draco out. He annoyed the shit out of her, but there was something about him that made her want to get to know him.
They had been on the train for a while, when Hermione opened the door to tell them that they were almost at Hogwarts. They put their robes on, and stepped out onto the platform when they arrived.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" Katya looked up to see the giant man that had been at Diagon Alley with Harry. They followed Hagrid down a narrow, steep path, and saw a glimpse of Hogwarts. There were many 'oohs' and 'aahs' and Katya had to admit she was impressed. The castle was beautiful.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a group of boats on the shore of the lake. Ron, Harry, and Dmitry got into one of the boats, and just as Katya was about to step in, some kid darted in front of her and took her spot.
"придурок (jerk)," she muttered under her breath, turning to get into another boat. However, there was only one boat left, and it was with Malfoy and his goons. "Oh hurray." she said, "You so much as touch me and I'll kick your ass out of this boat." She said glaring at Goyle. Malfoy looked at her with a bit of respect, but she just raised an eyebrow at him.
The boats glided across the lake, and soon they arrived at the castle. Hagrid walked up to the huge wooden door, and knocked three times. The door swung open, and a tall stern looking witch, Professor McGonagall, stood and beckoned them in. They followed the professor across the stone hallway and went into a small, empty chamber to the side of huge doors.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your Houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your House will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room. The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin." She went on to explain the system of house points and told them the Sorting Ceremony would take place in a few minutes.
Katya made her way over to Dmitry, who was talking with Harry and Ron. She didn't know what to make of Harry. He was nice and all, just something about him felt weird. And then there was Ron. Ron irritated the crap out of her, and she hoped she wouldn't be in the same house as him.
Dmitry, however, was having a grand ol' time. He thought Harry and Ron were really cool, and he hoped they would remain friends. Just as Harry asked how they would be sorted, Katya walked up to him. He internally groaned. He loved his sister more than anything, but she wasn't very good with people. She could be cold and closed off. Ever since their mother left, she was distant, and it only became worse over the years. She had never really had a real friend because she couldn't trust anyone, except for Dmitry. He was happy that she trusted him so much, but he just wanted her to be happy. She had never really been happy, but she was good at faking it. The issue of their mother had never really bothered him. He couldn't remember their mother to the degree that Harley could, so he didn't have anything to hate her for.
"Some sort of test I think," said Ron, bringing Dmitry out of his thoughts. "Fred said it hurts a lot, but I think he was joking." Dmitry saw a worried look go over Harry's face. Then Katya butted in.
"Do not be ridiculous. They would not give us test on the first day of school, especially to muggleborn. We have only just got here, and have not learned anything. It would be stupid," Katya said, just as cold and distant as she always was. Dmitry desperately wanted to help her. Ron glared at Harley, and she glared right back at him.
"What the-?" They heard someone scream. The group turned around and gasped. Twenty ghosts had just streamed through the wall. They were white and transparent, and glided through the air not taking notice of the first-years.
"Move along now," a stern voice said. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to start." Professor McGonagall led them out of the chamber, through the hall, and to the huge pair of doors Katya had seen earlier. She had to admit, she was impressed. There were candles suspended in mid air, four long tables laid with golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where teachers were sitting. She led the first years up here, so they came to a halt in a line facing the other students.
McGonagall silently places a four-legged school in front of the first years. On top of the stool she put a pointed wizard's hat. Suddenly, the hat's rim opened and it started singing. Katya drowned out the song, not in the mood for music.
Names were called, houses were shouted, and Katya stood waiting for her turn. She heard the familiar name "Granger, Hermione" and watched as she was sorted into Gryffindor. She zoned out until she heard Draco Malfoy's name. He strutted up to the stool and the hat had barely touched his head before calling out Slytherin. Names were called out until they got to Harry's. At the mention of "Potter, Harry" the Hall went silent. Murmurs could be heard across the room as Harry made his way up to the school. He sat with the hat on his head for a while, and Katyawas getting impatient. Finally the hat said Gryffindor, which Harley wasn't really surprised about.
Shortly, it was the twins' turn. "Shamolodchikova, Dmitry!" He made his way to the stool, worried for no reason. The hat was placed on his head and he almost jumped at the voice. "Hmm. Plenty of courage there, and a protectiveness for your sister. You're extremely loyal to her, so it might be Hufflepuff. But what's this! You would do anything for her, would you, even if it was dangerous? I know where to put you."
"GRYFFINDOR!" Dmitry walked over to the table, shooting his sister a reassuring smile, which she surprisingly returned.
"Shamolodchikova, Ekaterina"
Katya walked up to the stool, wringing her hands to stop them from shaking. What if she wasn't sorted? What if nobody in her house liked her? She knew she shouldn't care about these things, but she had a fear that nobody in her life would feel like she was good enough. The only person she had was Dmitry, and she hoped she would still get to spend time with him.
The hat was put on her head. "Ah, let's see. A good mind here, you would do well in Ravenclaw. Oh, but you crave revenge. Revenge on your mother. A rather cunning mind you have there. You would also do anything for your brother. But I think I know the place for you!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
Again the hall went silent. Twins, sorted into rival houses. However, the shock passed quickly and the Slytherins clapped loudly for her.
Katya walked over to the table, hoping to God that she would be able to stay close to her brother and get through this year without having a breakdown.