Note: I absolutely hate writing introductory chapters with every fiber of my being. In the words of our lord and savior Miranda Priestly "that's all."
Rhayen stared out the window at the Scottish highlands as the train barreled along the tracks. The rain pelted against the window pane trying to drown out her thoughts. She wasn't the first student to start at Hogwarts as a fifth year but the whole sorting process was rather unnerving. For years she had been home schooled by her grandparents, living in Trodenhiem Norway. Not that they were Norwegian of course. Her grandparents moved her there after her parents died in the The Great War.
In truth she loved growing up in Norway with her grandparents. It took a little adjustment when they announced they would be moving back to England. Even more so when she got a letter from Hogwarts. "We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance to transfer."
The train lulled to a stop.
Rhayen exited to the train looking around in wonder, a giant castle lay in the foreground glittering against the night sky.
"First years this way!" a rather burly man was yelling and motioning towards the boats tied to the docks.
Everyone seemed to already know where to go.
She followed all the other students going towards carriages being pulled by what looked like skeletal horses.
Her carriage was occupied by another student. Jet black hair billowed around her shoulders, a stark contrast to her amber eyes that glowed in the moonlight.
"Hi I'm Serenity, are you new? I don't think I've seen you before."
"Nice to meet you I'm Rhayen, I just moved from Norway, I'm supposed to start as a fifth year."
"The same year as me! so you haven't been sorted yet are you excited?"
"I'm not so sure about being sorted in front of everyone."
"Don't worry I think you'll be just fine, besides everyone is always watching the first years, you can walk in with me if you'd like."
"Thanks, that'd be great. So what are the things that are pulling the carriage?"
"Oh those are thestrals, not everyone can see them though, only people who have seen death. It's sort of sad in way, I think they're beautiful interesting creatures, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost."
"I think you're right, but I imagine everyone will see them at some point."
The girls attention shifted as they pulled around in front of the massive wooden doors. Everything about Hogwarts seemed to remind you how small you were. They climbed the steps and made their way towards the Great Hall.
"If I don't see you after the ceremony come find me. I'm in Hufflepuff, I'll show you to your classes. I'll see you soon, good luck, okay!"
"Thanks!" Rhayen waved a small goodbye and followed the first years waiting to be sorted. They were greeted by a smart looking witch with her wiry brown hair pinned back and half rim spectacles.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, my name is Professor McGonagall. '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. There are four houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. Now straighten up and let's get on with it."
Sorting seemed to take forever, all the first years were sorted first. The houses cheered for every student, Gryffindor being the loudest. Finally it was all over.
"Attention students before we begin the feast we have a new fifth year student starting this year. Miss Rhayen Drakaina, please come forth to be sorted."
Everyone was watching now particularly the Slytherin seeker Talión Ormr. He stopped mid conversation with the small gang surrounding him to look up at her. He couldn't look away her eyes were a deep blue, with long white blonde hair. He reminded her of the Veela mascots on the Bulgarian quidditch team.
The pressure began to build as Rhayen sat on the stool, she tucked her hair behind one ear before the sorting hat was placed on her head.
The sorting hat was quiet for a moment before it's voice whispered in her ear.
"Curious you are, intelligent, very determined, protective even. You have an unrecognized power. like someone who was here before"
"I'll take that as a complement I suppose. Who has the same power as me?"
"I think you'll find it soon enough. SLYTHERIN!" the hat had made it's decision.
Rhayen silently made her way to the Slytherin table. It wasn't what she expected, but she didn't think she quite belonged in the other houses either. But for now the stress was over.
Professor Dumbledore ended the evening with a speech which she couldn't even focus on, and dismissed them for the night.
Serenity waited outside the Great Hall.
"I'm so surprised you got Slytherin! I was for sure thinking you would be a Ravenclaw. Are you happy ?"
"I think I am. To be honest it feels like picking a football team. Really I was just hoping for anything but Gryffindor."
"Well if we're comparing to football then you're definitely on the winning team. Slytherin has the best seeker Hogwarts has seen in years."
"Oh? Who is that?"
"Talión Ormr, you'll meet him eventually. Although you might have to wait in line behind his fan club."
"Ew. Charming I'm sure."
"They sure think so. I'll show you the entrance to the slytherin common room but you'll have to go on from there. I'm not allowed in, but I can meet you in the morning."
Serenity and Rhayen made their way down to the dungeons where they were greeted by Professor Snape.
"I'll see you in the morning after breakfast okay!" Serenity gave her a hug and headed towards the kitchens.
The Slytherin common room was magical. She was entranced with the mermaid fountain, following the waterfall down as she descended the stairs. It felt like being in a grotto. For some reason she imagined it would be dark and damp, but the room was filled with dancing light and bathed in warm green.
Exhausted from all the days emotion she found her bed and tried to coax her body into slumber.