Chapter Forty-Nine
Start of Year 3
Mrs Cole awoke to an awful sound. Sirens. Without even a second thought, the woman put on her slippers and dressing gown. One of her night staff, a woman of maybe nineteen or twenty, was already opening the doors to every room. Shouting up the few orphans they had left. Tom was laying in his bed when his door opened as he heard his name called followed by 'Shelter!'. The Riddle boy felt a sudden adrenaline rush. He too put on his slippers and dressing gown as he came out of his bedroom. Children much younger than him were crying and running after the young night staff nursemaid down the stairs towards the makeshift shelter. A little girl no older than five stood confused and scared with her teddy bear. The confusion of the dark and loud noises made Mrs Cole open doors without children laying there as she shouted in vain for them to follow her. Tom grabbing onto this young girl by the hand as he pulled her towards the stairs. He dragged her forcefully past the area to the backyard and homemade shelter. The little girl not letting go of the older boy's hand, trusting he knew what he was doing. Mrs Cole rushing the opposite way with the last few children. He reached the back entrance near Mrs Cole's office, the little girl in her long frilly nightgown found herself being forced to run into the main action as London's sirens boomed louder and louder. Nearby bombs heard by the nearest waterfront. Tom was saying nothing as he just ran further out onto the street by the orphanage. The sky was blood red. Tom let go of the little girl's hand. Leaving her confused and scared on the London street. The last he saw was her looking at him with sad eyes. The sounds of the bombs were getting closer as he returned to the orphanage through the backdoor. His name and the little girl's name was being screamed by Mrs Cole and her young assistant. Tom made his way into the backyard and thus the shelter but the little girl wasn't in sight.
"Maggie! Maggie!" Mrs Cole shouted once this realization kicked in.
The assistant offered to go but told Mrs Cole to keep the remaining children safe. Thus screaming her name, the young nursemaid ran into the darkness. The bombs were getting closer and so Mrs Cole forced the door shut. He did what he said he would, lead a muggle child out into the air raid. The sounds outside were unbearable as Mrs Cole comforted the children in the corner. Most them huddling up together while Tom remained standing in the far corner. Thinking about what he just done as he wondered whether the little girl would be picked up or killed. The air raid went on for what seemed like hours. Nobody could sleep as the children just remained laying on the ground with Mrs Cole telling them stories about lands far away, trying to keep their minds away from the horrors above. She briefly looked towards Tom, to see him still standing. After what seemed like forever, the night was finally over as the smallest bit of light shone through the small gap in the door. Mrs Cole forced herself up, the little girl who had been resting her head on the woman's lap got up too. The woman led the children out the shelter, all still in their nightclothes. Tom following last as he followed them back inside the orphanage. Mrs Cole dreaded to think why her assistant didn't return but she clung onto hope that she found the girl and sheltered elsewhere. Tom noticed that for the rest of the day, she remained by the front door with a bottle of gin.
...
Lucy was really dreading leaving home again. She felt very selfish leaving her family behind in these dangerous times while she would be safe at Hogwarts. Nevertheless, she had to go. Her mother deemed her old enough now to take the short journey to King's Cross station so with a hug to both her and Eric. The teenager (now with her hair in a pony tail rather than plaits) found herself at King's Cross with her suitcase and pet cat. Her third-year books were all tatty and second-hand but that didn't make her any less keen for her two new subjects (Care of magical creatures and study of ancient runes). The other thing she had new this year was a small handbag which had some wizarding currency for Hogsmeade. She made her way onto the muggle platform and gave a run as always into the wall. Briefly checking on her pet cat. She thus went to get on, slightly horrified by the sight that befell her. Walburga Black proudly wearing a 'Prefect' badge.
"Move along, Norris" Walburga hissed quietly, snatching her suitcase forcefully from her.
She secretly thought Professor Slughorn must be mad choosing her as the female prefect. Though she doesn't doubt Walburga's parents bribed him with money and butterbeer. Lucy just moved on, trying not to think about the horrors she could do as prefect. There was quite a few other things that students were talking about, Lucy made her way down the train to find her friends. She briefly saw Eileen in one of them, looking worse than before somehow. Her hair was much more thin and ragged as she sat there with little joy. Things at home had taken a turn for the worse, she remained at the 'Malfoy Manor' under a cloud. Lucy breathed in before moving along. Her three main friends were the same at least as she made her way into the compartment. Giving each of them a hug as always before sitting on the opposite side with her cat Mr Filch asleep in his cage.
"Walburga's a prefect" Lucy suddenly said as that's all she could think about.
"We know. Slughorn's favouritism is a burden to us all. You will become prefect one day so don't worry" Ruth replied.
"What do you mean?" Lucy asked in surprise.
"You're the only Hufflepuff in third-year. You will become prefect by default by fifth year" Ruth reminded her.
She forgot about that as she just looked slightly startled. Not wanting to think about it, she just looked out the window. She saw two black-haired first-year boys walking past as if they were important. Orion and Alphard Black. She watched some more as more students passed the window. The sound of laughter however could be heard as certain students outside were suddenly pointing. Some quickly running onto the train with a look of confused fear. Lucy opened the train window as she popped her head out to see the commotion. The half-giant boy! She almost forgot he was even coming.
"No! He's huge!" Ruth exclaimed as she popped her head out.
Soon the entire train had their heads popping out. A very tall boy of maybe nine feet (he would grow taller in years to come) was standing with his father who looked maybe just about 5 feet. The older wizard telling the other students to "clear off!" which got rid of some of them. Despite being so huge, the half-giant boy looked nervous and startled. He had a pet toad in one of his pockets. With much struggle, Mr Hagrid tried to wrap his arms around him to give him a goodbye hug. In the end, Rubeus Hagrid picked his father up and hugged him. Placing him back down like he was a chess piece.
"Alright. Remember what I said, yes?" Mr Hagrid questioned; giving his son a last minute prep talk.
"Never be ashamed"
"Right you are. They just gotta get to know ya. I'm proud of ya, son. Now go and show them that you earned your place" Mr Hagrid replied.
Giving him one last pat on the shoulder. Rubeus thus marched with a purpose onto the train. Giving a disgusted Walburga his large suitcase, she struggled with it slightly as she demanded help from the male Slytherin prefect. A boy called Pictor Parkinson. He gave her a small look of dismay as he dragged it over to the other suitcases.
"He doesn't look that scary" Lucy said. Closing the window again and sitting back down upon her seat.
"No. I suppose not" Ruth replied with a shrug.
The compartment door opened again as Myrtle came in. Sitting besides Lucy in a slight huff. She already encountered Olive on the platform. She just muttered something about "Stupid Olive" to herself. Which told them everything they needed to know.
"She needs to get her own life, Myrtle. Ignore her" Victoria spoke up.
"You don't need to tell me that. I always mind my own business. She's the one who can't keep her smug self away from me" Myrtle hissed.
The rest of the train journey felt very slow as they were forced to listen to Myrtle's rants.
...
"Move along! Move along!" Ogg was heard shouting to the older students.
As the students all got off the train at Hogsmeade. Though a lot of them couldn't help but stare at the half-giant boy. A lot of the muggle-borns began singing 'Fee-fi-fo-fum!' at him. Thankfully Hagrid didn't know what that meant but he knew it wasn't suppose to be kind. He began shambling down the steps towards the boats with the ringing of that muggle song in his ears. Lucy and her friends moving on once he was out of sight. Walking towards the carriages and climbing into the nearest one as they were rode towards the castle. The brief glow in the far distance as the first-years held up lanterns in their boats and rode through the great lake on this rather rainy September evening.
"I'm gutted I missed Archibald trying to teach muggles quidditch" Ruth spoke just before they got off.
"Surprised he wasn't put in court in front of his father for that" Victoria chimed in with a smile.
The three teenage girls walked into the great hall. Taking their seats as usual as they awaited for the first-years. Lucy picked up a 'Muggle War News' newspaper on her way there. This was followed by the Riddle gang as they walked towards the Slytherin table. Nott suddenly didn't look so cocky and smug as he sat the furthest away from Tom. Tom gladly told them what he did with that 'muggle girl'. When questioned on her age, he simply said...
"Four or five, I don't know"
Nott couldn't get that out of his head. Walburga was sat near the front as usual with Tom. She didn't hear it (nobody but his dormitory friends did). So she was under the impression he hadn't stepped over any lines. She was just chatting away about the first-years, three members of the Black family were expected this year. Orion was the most favoured as she spoke about how gifted he was. A few more names were given out.
"That half-breed boy. Could he be useful?" Tom questioned.
"I don't think so. Giants are dumb animals like mountain trolls" Walburga insisted without a second thought.
"Easily manipulated then" Tom mused to himself.
The doors soon swung open which made almost everyone turn their heads. It wasn't the spectacle (who had the name of Hagrid) but it was still related to him. As Ogg brought in a huge stool and walked down the hall with it. Placing it besides the much smaller one. Which the 'Sorting Hat' was placed on, the students could have swore they saw the hat's eyes look towards it. The second person to come in was Argus Filch. He was struggling with another huge stool and being a normal sized thirteen year old boy, he almost fell over. His brother gave out a big laugh as he walked past. He placed it a bit to the side before wandering away in a huff and sitting down.
...
"You shouldn't even be here. Beast" Orion hissed quietly to Hagrid.
Just before the doors opened. The lad suddenly felt the other first-years quickly walk away from him. As everyone walked in twos but he was just by himself as he waddled behind with a sad sigh. He heard words like 'Animal', 'Giant' and 'Freak' in muttered whispers as he walked past. He already felt bad because his father could only buy him second-hand things. His uniform was meant for a seventh-year and yet it still felt tight and the trousers still came just above the ankle. Though he kept recalling his father's words about how he belongs here. He's got his own wand just like every other wizard after all. He wanted to make his father proud and besides, once he gets into the right house, life should be easier, right?
"Welcome students. Welcome. I have an announcement to make before the sorting ceremony which I'm sure you're all keen to embark on. Hufflepuff's head of house, Professor Burbage, gave birth to a baby boy in the summer holidays and has decided to leave Hogwarts" Headmaster Dippet began.
Which got some murmurs from the Hufflepuff table. He tapped his glass which made silence resume.
"Which leaves two spots vacant. Well firstly, Professor Beery has offered to become your new 'Head of House'. As he's very loyal to Hogwarts and has been here longer than he would care to admit. I have agreed" Dippet continued.
Lucy giving a small sigh to herself. She really liked Professor Burbage too but she supposed Professor Beery was nice too. He was just kooky. The students looked towards the high table as a smug Professor Beery stood up. Getting claps from Hufflepuff's table. He sat back down with a smile as he leaned back and let the headmaster carry on.
"Now as for the other vacant spot. I would like to introduce Professor Hubble as your new 'Muggle Studies' professor who is joining us this year" Dippet finished.
All eyes went towards a thin looking man as he stood up. He was wearing a pleated suit and trousers with a bowler hat. He was maybe just thirty years old. He was a muggle-born and so very much understood his subject. He got some claps from fellow muggle-borns. He sat back down with a small smile. Eyes reverting back to the headmaster. He thus went on to explain the sorting hat ceremony and gave the sorting hat a small tap.
"I'm gutted. Professor Burbage was so nice" Lucy said quietly during the sorting hat's usual song.
"I know. Her lessons were so fun too. I don't really know anything about Professor Hubble" Poppy agreed quietly.
Ruth was notably distracted however as she kept her eyes on the first-years. There were three new Blacks this year. Orion, Alphard and Araminta. All three of them were looking towards the sorting hat with grins. She dreaded the company her sister was keeping. She looked towards her sister Betty, who was looking very comfortable with the friends she made in the last year. She and Vincent Crabbe had become very close friends recently.
...
"Black, Alphard "
This was the first name called out during the sorting hat ceremony. This boy had black hair and looked like your typical Black. Yet he didn't look quite as hard-faced as the others. He had a very short conversation with the sorting hat but it was still too long for his sister Walburga's liking. The sorting hat announced...
"Slytherin!"
He walked over towards the cheering table. Walburga giving him a playful pat on the head as he sat besides her. Shaking the hands coming his way which included Tom Riddle's.
"Black, Araminta"
She had black curly hair and was a cousin of Walburga. She was a bit of a black sheep in the family thanks to her parents' not being quite into the pureblood supremacy as the rest of them. Nonetheless, the Slytherin table awaited with eager anticipation. She sat upon the stool and much to the surprise of them, the sorting hat took no time in being on her head as it called out...
"Slytherin!"
Walburga was slightly hesitant in shaking her hand as she nervously introduced her to Tom Riddle. The girl shook his hand with a smile as she introduced herself and told him to not to confuse her with her parents. She was very much against mudbloods and blood traitors.
"Settle down, Arminta" Walburga scolded slightly as the girl seemed too overeager to prove herself.
"Alright. I just wanted to let you all know" Arminta replied before settling down as asked.
"Black, Orion"
This name made Walburga slap Arminta's hand as she leaned in to listen. Orion had black curly hair and was the brother of Lucretia. The hat once again took little time in placing him. It really was a given back then for members of the Black family to be put into Slytherin.
"Slytherin!"
Loud cheers came from that house as the final Black was called. Slughorn standing up once again as he gladly 'collected' all three of them. Walburga made a wide grin as she pulled him in for a tight hug. Introducing him to the Riddle gang and others. His sister just giving him a small pat on his shoulder. A few more names were called out as the different tables welcomed them gladly.
"Hagrid, Rubeus"
Silence filled the room as everyone was keen to see what his house would be. Most people guessed Hufflepuff as they always seem to get the misfits. Dumbledore watched the lad closely from behind the long table. Ogg walked over as he moved the smaller stool and placed the larger stool there instead. Rubeus giving him a small thank you before sitting down upon it. He felt the sorting hat go over his eyes and he was there for a few minutes.
"Gryffindor!"
The sound of Dumbledore clapping suddenly made the table clap. There wasn't any loud cheers but at least he got claps he thought. The Slytherin table looked at each other. Ogg directed him towards the other huge stool and he was made to pick it up. The remaining first-years having to move out of the way as he lifted it above their heads. Placing it down as he sat meters away from the actual table, shaking the hands of his nervous peers.
"Thank Merlin for that" Ruth muttered under her breath; Lucy giving her a small kick under the table for being tactless.
"Lupin, Lyall"
A slightly nervous looking boy with short brown hair came up the steps next. He sat upon the stool and began having a serious conversation with the hat. He closed his eyes, mostly likely on the hat's instructions.
"Gryffindor!"
Loud cheers came from that table as he gave a small smile. Shaking the hands of his peers. He briefly looked at Hagrid and suddenly recalled the fact he would be sharing a dormitory with him. Which made him instantly sit down with the other first-year Gryffindor boys as he quickly made small talk with them, avoiding the half-giant. Hagrid sadly felt left out. The rest of the feast went without a hitch as each house found themselves with first-year students.
...
TBC