Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family and other OCs belong to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized, as well as the spells. Reviews are appreciated!

Chapter 7: The Start of Term Banquet

Esme POV

At long last the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, the four us already changed into our school robes we each kept in the small bags we brought with us. Just as he did last year, Hagrid stood on the platform with his lantern calling for all the First-Years to gather around him. I remembered fondly the majestic view of Hogwarts castle glowing in the distance of the dark lake. However, as Second-Years, my friends and I followed the older students to where carriages awaited to take us to the castle.

"Merde!" I yelped as I jumped back in fright, accidentally bumping into Theo. I would've fallen if he and Blaise hadn't caught me, but I didn't care at the moment because my eyes remained fixated on the ghastly creatures attached to the carriages.

"Esme, what's wrong?" questioned Daphne.

I glanced over to her face scrunched up in confused concern. "Those creatures, what are they?"

"What creatures?" asked Daphne as she followed where I gestured to.

"Hein? Non, there's some sort of horse, bat, skeleton thing pulling the carriages!"

"There's nothing pulling the carriages, Esme," explained Theo gently. "They're pulling themselves."

"It's alright," Blaise whispered behind me as he took hold of my hand, gently leading me after our friends. "They're thestrals, magical creatures only seen by someone who has witnessed death."

"So then, you can…"

"Yes," Blaise admitted, an oddly serious look overcoming his usually impish face. "I can see them too."

I did my best not to stare at the thestrals and reassured Daphne and Theo I was alright; though honestly, I wasn't entirely alright and kept hold of Blaise's hand for steady reassurance. Blaise easily pretended nothing was wrong and kept everyone's attention on him as he told a humorous story of misfortune which had befallen his mother's husband over the summer. All the while my thoughts churned within my head.

I'd witnessed death? But…no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember who or what I'd ever seen die. So why…why could I see thestrals? And Blaise…he could see them too. How? What did he see? As we climbed into our own carriage, I knew I wouldn't be getting answers any time soon as I carefully released Blaise's hand.

I couldn't just ask Blaise - So who did you see die? I wouldn't even ask that of a stranger, let alone someone I considered my friend. Besides, it was more jarring to me that I could see them. Yet again, who could I ask? If I asked any of my older siblings about what I could've possibly seen die, I'd only freak them out, especially if they couldn't see the thestrals themselves. And honestly, I didn't think I really wanted to know the answer. The thestrals appeared harmless, so as we arrived at the castle, I shoved the whole thing away as unimportant and instead focused on the good memories I would be creating this coming school year with my friends.

Decision made, I was able to properly rejoin the chatter of my friends as we joined the crowd of students meandering into the great hall. It was exciting to be in Hogwarts once again, seeing the gleaming candles floating in the enchanted night sky above our heads, and seeing the four wooden tables with their sparkling gold plate settings. Resting on each golden plate was a black pointed hat (except for the seats closest to the high table) we were meant to wear both now and far later at the End of Year Feast.

We headed down near the end of the Slytherin table, where two Upper-Years were standing and speaking to people - each wearing a shiny green and silver prefect badge on their robes.

"Hello, I'm Garrett Carmichael, one of your prefects, and this is Cara-"

"Buttermere, Cara Buttermere, of the Edinburgh Buttermeres. I'm your other prefect."

"Right, well, please sit to the right of us to leave room for the First-Years," directed Garrett.

We all squeezed in between our fellow Second-Year Slytherins and our two prefects. I ended up between Draco and Blaise, while Theo and Daphne were across from us with Parkinson and her two followers sitting to Daphne's right. Crabbe and Goyle were then on Draco's other side, next to the Upper-Year students. I liked Cara and Garrett, they were polite and friendly, both making a much better impression than Gemma Farley had.

The buzzing energy of all the students continued as the hall and tables slowly filled up. Looking out over the other three House tables, I easily spotted my siblings happily chatting with their Housemates. Dustin and Carlisle seemed to be the center of attention amongst the Fourth-Years, while Alaric was solely focused on Oliver as the two were in deep conversation amongst the Gryffindor Sixth-Years. I smirked when I saw Blaire staring down at George from where she sat with Percy as the Gryffindor prefects - with George staring right on back - and a sort of secretive smile being shared between the two. I wonder…

I was distracted from my thoughts when my eyes caught on Neville and Granger worriedly looking all over - no doubt still searching for any sign of Potter and Weasley. Although, they should've been here before us - the Floo Network and Appararting were both faster than the Hogwarts Express. I shook those thoughts from my mind; not my friends, not my problem.

I looked over at the staff table and sure enough, there was Lockhart dressed in fancy aquamarine robes, sticking out amongst the darker tones the other professors tended to favour (except Dumbledore, who wore a mash-up of various bright colours). Near the end of the table sat Hagrid, drinking from a large goblet which suited his large stature. I managed to catch his eyes and he merrily waved down at me, which I returned with a small wave of my own.

My eyes shifted to a familiar-looking hat sitting on a stool in front of the high table. Every year this aged old hat, which was patched, frayed, and honestly dirt looking, sorted new students into the four different Houses. It felt both long ago and like just the other day when I was sorted. I'd been nervous but excited, and despite the bad things that happened last year, I was happy in Slytherin and knew the hat chose wisely to put me here.

A swish of black caught my eye. Looking over, I frowned as I saw a scowling Professor Snape leaving the great hall, following Monsieur Filch, who honestly had a disturbing looking gleeful smirk on his face. Perhaps Blaise's joking was right and Professor Snape would be the one to fetch Potter and Weasley after all. The large doors shut behind them, and seemed to act as some sort of signal, as suddenly students began to stop talking - a hush now falling over the great hall.

After only a few moments the doors opened once again, with Professor McGonagall leading in the long line of scared and nervous looking First-Years. I easily spotted Ginny among them, her vivid red hair shining under the candlelight. Suddenly one of the small newcomers tripped and tumbled down in the middle of the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables. Snickers broke out throughout the hall as the mousey looking boy scrambled to his feet.

Draco was among those who were laughing. "You shouldn't laugh," I lightly admonished. "What if he's sorted into Slytherin?"

"No Slytherin would be like that," replied Draco, though he did stop snickering at least, "let alone anyone from a proper family. I guarantee he's from a nobody family and will certainly not be sorted into Slytherin House."

Finally, all the First-Years reached the front of the great hall and gathered together in front of the steps where Professor McGonagall stood next to the Sorting Hat. Just as it did last year, the hat came to life and began to sing:

Glamourous is not a word

That people use for me,

But don't let that fool or deter

For I speak the truth you'll agree.

We begin my latest debut

With I therein find.

So try me on and I'll tell you

What I see within your mind.

You may do well in Gryffindor,

Where courage is respected.

Their bravery and daring

Are only to be expected.

Or perhaps it is in Hufflepuff,

You'll find your real friends.

Where hard work and loyalty

Are the beginning and the end.

You might belong in Ravenclaw,

If you possess and value wit.

Intelligence, knowledge, learning;

That's the place for it!

Or perhaps it will be Slytherin,

That will form your truest home.

Their cunning and ambition

Lends them great renown.

So put me on and meet your fate

All students do take care

Make haste and do not be late

Begin this adventure if you so dare!

The great hall was filled with applause as the hat finished its song. I was expecting to hear the same song as last year, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that the hat apparently made a new one every year. The Sorting Hat bowed to each of the four tables before going still once again.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment. "When I call your name, you will sit on the stool and put on the hat to be sorted. Akagi, Ayame!" After a moment of hesitation, a dark-haired girl braided into twin-tails walked away from the crowd of First-Years. She sat down and put on the hat, which covered most of her small head and face.

There was a moment's pause before the hat shouted, "Hufflepuff!" The Hufflepuffs then proceeded to clap and cheer for their new Housemate as she joined them.

"Ali, Nadira!"

Another small girl stumbled her way out of the bunch. After a couple of seconds, "Ravenclaw!" was shouted by the hat. Nadira skipped her away to the cheering table to her left.

"Applebee, Jaxton!" was called next, and his last name made me pause. It was the same last name as one of Carlisle and Dustin's friends, Tamsin. I wondered if she was this boy's sister or perhaps even a cousin. Either way, the hat quickly shouted "Hufflepuff!", so brother or cousin, the family members were reunited in the same House.

"Birchgrove, Mason!" went to "Gryffindor!" (the first Gryffindor of the night), while "Bones, Jordan!" went to "Ravenclaw!" - another brother or cousin, though this time to a Susan Bones in my Year. Next was "Brocklehurst, Sabina!" who was one of the friends Fain and Gérard made at the Winter Ball. Half a minute passed before the Sorting Hat shouted, "Hufflepuff!"

"Carmichael, Alfred!" was called and I glanced over at Garrett. From the proud anticipation shining on his face, it was clear this was his younger brother. Alfred only wore the hat for a couple of seconds before it shouted, "Slytherin!", making him the first Slytherin to be sorted. Garrett did his best to clap the loudest of everyone as he welcomed his brother with open arms. Alfred turned bright red at the reception and shyly accepted the open seat next to his elder brother.

Next to be called was "Cinderford, Mark!" - another familiar family name, though this time it belonged to Alaric's other Gryffindor friend, Brian. When the Sorting Hat shouted "Gryffindor!" I saw a boy near Alaric, waving and cheering loudly, proving Mark to be another younger sibling. While I had no interest in daydreaming about being in another Hogwarts House, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be in the same House as one of my siblings. I didn't have too long to ponder because Professor McGonagall continued to call names without pause.

"Coote, Ritchie!", "Creevey, Colin!", and "Jordan, Vivian!" were all sorted into "Gryffindor!", while "Fleet, Lukus!", "Lovegood, Luna!", and "McManus, Patrick!" were all sorted into "Ravenclaw!".

So far there had been a large number of Ravenclaws and Gryffindors, and shockingly only one Slytherin. Part of me did wonder what would happen if Alfred remained the only Slytherin First-Year; honestly it was a depressing thought. "Montague, Leonard!" was called up next and was quickly sorted into "Slytherin!" - thus ensuring Alfred wouldn't be alone in his dormitory.

Two more First-Years, "O'Flaherty" and "Rickett", were sorted into "Hufflepuff!" - one of them being the small, mousey boy who had embarrassingly tripped in front of the entire school. Five more First-Years were sorted into the various Houses before "Snyde, Merula!" became the first girl to be sorted into "Slytherin!"

I remembered how last year I hadn't paid too close attention to the sorting, while now I was watching and listening closely, very interested in seeing who was sorted into the various Houses, especially my own.

Professor McGonagall next called for "Truman, Sarah!" After what felt like the longest minute of my life, the Sorting Hat finally shouted, "Hufflepuff!" The next two First-Years, "Vaisey, Corban!" and "Warrington, Urquhart!", were both sorted into "Slytherin!"- with Urquhart being only the second girl Slytherin First-Year. I was happy that Murela had the chance of making a close friend in her own House, though I was surprised there were so few new Slytherin girls this year.

Next was "Weasley, Ginevra!", and I watched with a smile as the Sorting Hat quickly sorted her into "Gryffindor!" with the rest of her family. Percy welcomed his sister with a proud smile and pat on the back, while Blaire gently led Ginny to where she could sit. The Weasley twins stomped and cheered for their little sister the entire time in a clear effort to embarrass her - which worked going by the scarlet colour of Ginny's face.

"Winikus, Maria!" was quickly sorted into "Hufflepuff!", leaving one last First-Year standing alone in front of the small steps at the front of the hall. Once again, Professor McGonagall called out a familiar family name; "Wood, Rodger!" was without a doubt Oliver's younger brother. The entire great hall seemed to hold its breath as we waited for the Sorting Hat to make its decision.

"Slytherin!"

After a pause of shocked silence, the Slytherin table cheered for their final Housemate. I clapped along with everyone else, but my eyes sought out where Oliver was sitting at the Gryffindor table. He appeared surprised but was still smiling and clapping for his little brother. Alaric caught my eyes then - he smiled brightened as he nodded his head at me. I nodded back, promising that Oliver's brother would be fine.

Dumbledore rose from his ornate chair, hand in the air calling for quiet. Once the clapping subsided, he threw his arms out wide. "Welcome one, welcome all, to a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Without further delay, let the feast…begin!" Just as he said his final word, the dishes on the table magically filled with mounds of food. Many cheered and awed at the display before quickly helping themselves to the bountiful dishes in front of them.

While I was grabbing myself a roll from the bowl, I noticed Professor Snape had returned to the great hall and was speaking to Professor McGonagall intently. Neither appeared happy (practically thunderous) as they hurried out of a side door behind the high table. What had happened?

"I can't believe there are only six Slytherin First-Years," commented Daphne, distracting me.

Parkinson made a scoffing noise. "What did you expect, Daphne?" she asked in a condescending voice.

"Well…there were ten of us last year," Daphne replied, looking a lot less sure of herself.

I quickly came to my friend's defense. "I agree with Daphne, it is surprising there are only six when each of the other three Houses have more than that."

"It just goes to show that there weren't many who were worthy of being in Slytherin," boasted Draco, who received several forms of agreements from various others.

"Hey, look!" exclaimed Bulstrode suddenly. "Dumbledore is actually leaving the great hall in the middle of dinner. He's never done that before."

"Dumbles is probably off to pick up Potter himself," sneered Draco.

Blaise pulled away from speaking with Clara. "Actually, turns out Potter and Weasley took a flying car to get here, and were seen by Muggles."

"What?" - "Merlin's pants!" - "Those idiots!", all floated from nearby voices.

Blaise continued, "Rumors are that they've already been expelled. Some say they're on trial to go to Azkaban for breaking the Statute of Secrecy, while others are saying they crashed and are currently lying injured in the hospital wing."

Draco started laughing, a pleased smirk stretched across his face. "Goes to show Gryffindors can't think things through. I mean, a flying car? Who does that?" Draco's laughter picked up.

I was both surprised and unsurprised by the actions of those two. On the one hand they broke the Statute of Secrecy, which was both infuriatingly idiotic and completely terrifying. On the other hand, it was Potter and Weasley, two of the brashest Gryffindors who never thought things through. Their actions last year had shown it and this latest incident proved it.

"Gryffindors apparently," I commented. "They're so dull-witted their minds have withered away from lack of use."

We all shared a laugh at that. While my words sounded like I was referring to all Gryffindors, I was just commenting on Potter and Weasley. Still, that was all the time I wanted to spend on those two, before they ruined this banquet without even being here to do so. Thankfully, I wasn't the only one thinking so, and the conversation quickly shifted away from the Gryffindors.

"So when do you think the Slytherin Quidditch team will be holding tryouts to find a new Seeker?" asked Theo, stirring up everyone's excitement over Quidditch.

"The first match isn't until after Samhain," I replied, "so any time after the first week."

Draco slammed his hand on the table. "Yeah, but it'll be sooner rather than later for team practices, and I'm going to get it!"

"You sure will!" agreed Parkinson. "You're the best flyer in our Year!"

An ugly look overcame Bulstrode's face. "Say, are you gonna try out, Archard? You're certainly butch enough for it." Bulstrode started cackling, with Parkinson and Davis joining in with their own laughter.

I had no idea what 'butch' meant, but her tone clearly implied it was some sort of insult. "I'm not much of a flyer myself, but you know, you should think about trying out yourself, Bulstrode. Your face would certainly ward off the Bludgers."

Now it was my friends and mine's turn to snicker at Bulstrode, who turned a purple-red color as she screeched in outrage.

"Oi!" called down Garrett. "Keep it down! There's no fighting outside the common room, come on, you two should know better."

"You're Second-Years now. You should be setting an example for the Years below yours," scolded Cara.

We apologized for getting out of hand and went back to enjoying the feast of delicious food before us. Dumbledore later returned with both Professors Snape and McGonagall, all three quickly helping themselves to what was left of the banquet before it was set to disappear to make way for dessert. Even with their return, there was no sign of Potter and Weasley, giving more credence to the rumors Blaise had shared with us.

Dinner disappeared before too long, leaving sparkling clean plates behind. Then to everyone's delight, the mountains of sugary treats appeared. I helped myself to some cake and ice cream, more willing to try some British desserts in favor of the more familiar ones. Soon I felt completely full and relaxed into my seat, delicately sipping on my still steaming cup of tea as I waited for the feast to end.

I didn't have to wait long before the desserts disappeared, and Dumbledore stood up once more to address us all, the great hall falling silent as he did. "What a wonderful feast once again! Now that we're all fed and watered, I have a few notices to give. Foremost, First-Years please note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to enter without the escort of a professor."

Interesting…the once forbidden forest was now open to students if they had a professor with them. Gosh, I wonder why Dumbledore changed the rules on that, I thought sarcastically.

Dumbledore continued, "Furthermore, all students please remember that there is no magic allowed to be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held two weeks from now. Anyone interested in playing for their team please contact Madam Hooch."

Dumbledore then moved sideways as he gestured behind him. "Now, I'd like to introduce to you all, Gilderoy Lockhart, who has graciously agreed to be our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year."

Lockhart stood in his chair, smiling brightly and waving at the clapping and cheering students (most of which were by the female students and professors). I politely clapped, but stopped and rolled my eyes when the wizard actually struck a pose. Finally, Dumbledore signalled for everyone to quiet down.

"And now, the moment you all no doubt have been waiting for," called Dumbledore. "Let us sing the school song!"

Oh sweet Circe, I had forgotten about this ridiculous custom.

With a flick of his wand, a long golden ribbon flew out and rose high above the tables, twisting itself like a snake into words. "Everyone pick your own tune and off we go!"

And the school bellowed:

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains rot.

Oh Mother Magic, that song was even more painful to participate in than last year. Still, some students did enjoy it, and while it was the weirdest song I had ever had to sing, it was humorous to listen to the pure chaos it unleashed. As it was last year, Dumbledore was the most enthused about the song and clapped the loudest over our 'wonderful' performance.

Following the song, Dumbledore dismissed us to our common rooms with his usual odd flair, and I was happy to head off to bed. I was pleasantly full and tired after the long day. Cara and Garrett led the way to the Slytherin common room, with the First-Years following behind them like little ducks following after their mama (so cute).

I stayed together with my friends as we followed behind, the older students all safely boxing in around the First-Years to ensure none of them wandered off or took a wrong turn by accident. Down the marble staircase we went, the familiar chill of the dungeons soon greeting us. I may not like being cold all that much, but even this unpleasant feeling was nostalgic to me and I greeted it with a fond smile.

Cara and Garrett stopped in front of the stone wall which led to the common room and turned to address the small group of First-Years. Cara began, "This is the entrance to the Slytherin common room. To enter, simply say the password out loud to the wall for the entranceway to reveal itself. If it does not, then you have either the wrong wall or the wrong password."

Garrett picked where Cara paused. "Passwords change every two weeks, and are always posted on the noticeboard inside the common room. If at any time you don't know the current password, you can ask one of the Upper-Years for it, or the far portrait of Lady Daryle can always tell you if you ask politely."

"It is strictly forbidden to bring any non-Slytherin students into the common room or even to reveal the password to them," Cara explained sternly. "No outsider has ever entered the Slytherin common room in centuries. This is a serious rule, which our Head of House, Professor Snape, will swiftly punish for if you are ever determined to have broken it."

Garrett then turned to face the wall and announced loud enough for the First-Years and those of us nearby to hear, "Viridi et Argenteo."

The entranceway appeared before our eyes and we all quickly walked through, entering our beloved common room. Everything was just as I remembered it - honestly, nothing had changed at all. The décor was still green-themed with rough stone walls, with greenish lamps lighting up the room. All the black and dark green button-tufted leather sofas and armchairs remained placed in groups throughout the common room, and my eyes shifted to the one corner my friends and I favoured for both studying and socializing. I was home.

Garrett got the attention of the First-Years. "We just have a few final announcements before we let you all head off to bed. I'm Garrett Carmichael-"

"-And I'm Cara Buttermere," Cara interjected. "We are your Slytherin prefects."

Garrett cleared his throat. "If you have any questions, you can ask either Cara or myself and we'd be happy to answer them. Follow the rules and do well, so together we'll lead Slytherin to victory in the House Cup!"

Cara then pointed her arm towards the dormitories' corridor. "Through there is where you'll find the dormitories. Each Year has its own room. Girls are on the left, while boys are on the right."

Finally, with all they needed to say done, Cara and Garrett moved aside and let the First-Years shuffle off to wherever they wanted to go. All of them beelined for the dormitories, with many Upper-Years following close behind them - clearly anxious to get to bed themselves.

Daphne and I shared a look and together left to go to bed ourselves after waving goodbye to the boys (who surprisingly chose to stay up a bit longer). As Daphne and I entered the dormitories' corridor, I was surprised to find that the door to our old dormitory was now marked Second-Years.

We entered the familiar rectangular room, finding it just as unchanged as the rest of the common room. Five four-poster beds stood spaced apart with green silk hangings, and a small wardrobe, wooden chair, and full-length mirror set near each bed. Daphne and I naturally chose the same beds we did last year, both out of habit and to avoid an argument with the other girls if they were upset if we 'dared to take what was theirs'.

We quickly got ready for bed and I sighed in relief when I crawled under my warm blankets. With a soft good night said to Daphne, I drifted off to sleep to the comforting sounds of the lake moving in the outside breeze.

Merde = shit

Hein = what?

Non = No

Monsieur = mister

Sorting Hat song credited to apple_crumble1 on Reddit

Big thank you to my Beta-Readers: Anonymous and TheSparkler!