Today was a special day for Samuel Hughes as today was his eleventh birthday. Samuel was a wizard and any day now he would receive his letter to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sam was a lean boy of medium height) with medium length curly dark brown hair that fell around around his face in ringlet blue eyes, and a light pale complexion and lots of freckles. He was fast and nimbly and an excellent flyer, so much so he had become the youngest seeker to play for Caerphilly Catapults, who currently stood fifth in the league but other than that he was a normal boy. Samuel or as he was known to most people and preferred to be known as 'Sam', woke up on a warm on the 10th of August to an already scorching day. He made the short journey across his bedroom to his ensuite bathroom, showered, brushed his teeth, and put on his clothes, his quidditch uniform hanging up for an afternoon practice later that day.

Quickly fixing his hair in the mirror he then left his bedroom and ran down four flights of stairs to the ground floor and into the kitchen to the smell of his mother cooking breakfast.

"Happy birthday darling". She said as she was poaching eggs. "Thanks mum". Replied Sam.

An arm came around him and pulled up into a hug. "Happy birthday son". Said his Dad.

"Thanks Dad". Sam replied. His father let him go and he went to sit at his stool at the kitchen island. He poured himself some apple juice and sipped only managing to put it down when six figures all girls came pounding in.

"Happy birthday Sam" they all said in unison. "Thanks" replied Sam.

"Opened your birthday presents yet"? One of the girls asked, clearly the eldest. Sam shook his head.

"Good, you're going to love mine".

Sam had six siblings all girls. The eldest was Felicity, she was about to start her final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Scarlett who was a year younger she was about to start her sixth year. Lola and Rory who were identical twins down to the last strand of hair were about to start their fourth year, Grace who was starting third year and finally Natalie who was starting her second year. Sam was the youngest and the only boy.

"Any post yet"? Felicity asked pulling the jug of apple juice towards her and pouring herself a glass.

"Not yet" their father said as he poured himself coffee.

"Oh, don't remind". Scarlett said morosely.

"Scared about your owls results"? Sam asked. Scarlett nodded.

"Oh, don't be you've done your best and that's all we can ask for her". Their mother said kindly.

"But what if my best isn't good enough" she replied burying her head in her hands.

"Well, you're down on your luck". Said Rory and just then a tawny owl flew through the French doors and onto the kitchen island. Felicity untied the letters tied to the owl's leg. Sam got up from his seat and went over to the kitchen sink and grabbed a bowl where it filled it with water and offered it to the owl who flew over and drank it. It nudges Sam's hand thankfully before flying off out of the open doors.

Sam returned to his seat and Felicity handed him a letter.

"Just in time". She said happily. Hastily he opened the letter and in emerald green writing with the Hogwarts emblem.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Hughes

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Prof M McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

"We can go next Friday to get your things". His mother told him. Sam grinned at his mother before turning to Scarlett who looked deathly white as he she had seen a ghost.

"What's up Lettie"? Her father asked. Scarlett looked at her father and passed her letter to him.

"You do it". She told him.

Mr Hughes opened the letter and poured down its contents. "Do you want to know what it says now or in private".

Scarlett's head was buried in her hands. "Just get it over with no point hiding how badly I've done".

Mr Hughes sighed. "Very well".

"Core subjects first, Astronomy- E, Herbology- O, Defence Against the Dark Arts, E, Transfiguration, O, Potions O, Charms O, History of Magic T, quite understandable" Her father added. ".

"Now for your elective subjects, Muggle Studies O and Care of Magical Creatures E".

"Five outstandings and five exceed exceptions that's really excellent Lettie". Their father said proudly.

"Well done sweetheart" their mother added. Sam reached over and patted her on the back. "You've done brilliantly". He said to her.

"Yeah, I don't know why you were so worried, you were always going to do well". Felicity added as she opened her own letter.

"And you got an O in potions so your plans to become a healer are still on track". Grace added as she looked over her own letter before passing it to her mother.

"I don't believe it, they've made me Head Girl". Felicity said in disbelief as she held up the badge with the letters HG.

"That's great Felicity" multiple family members said in unison including Sam.

"This is wonderful, Sammy being accepted into Hogwarts, Scarlett passing her OWLs and Felicity has been made head girl". Their mother said who looked as if she was on the verge of tears.

"Come on Flo, let's not get all teary eyed, its Sam's birthday after all". Mr Hughes said gently.

Mrs Hughes composed herself. "You're right Jack".

"What do you want to do today Sam". Asked Natalie as she dipped her toast into the yolk of her poached egg.

"Get in the pool, I'm boiling".

"Sounds good, we should play tad pole". Rory said cheerfully as she stuffed bread into her mouth.

"Make sure you all put on sun protection" Their mother said firmly as she sipped her tea.

"Yes mum". They all said unison.

Next Friday came around and Sam and the whole family went along via side-along apparition to Diagon Alley.

"Right Gringotts first and then you girls can go off and get your stuff, Grace make sure you look at your sister". She indicated to Natalie

"Mum, it's not like I haven't done it before". Natalie groaned but soon changed her tune after a stern look from her father. "Okay, I'll go with Grace"

After Gringotts the first went to Madam Malkins where Sam was fitted for his school robes. Afterwards it was to the apothecary where he bought all of his ingredients for potions class, next they went into a shop to buy his cauldron and potion related equipment then onto another shop to buy his telescope, flourish and blotts for his book eyelopes owl emporium where he bought a beautiful European Eagle Owl and finally Ollivanders to buy his first wand.

"Here to buy your first wand"? Asked Mr Ollivander. Sam nodded slightly unnerved by the man.

"Mr and Mrs Hughes how nice to see you". Mr Ollivander said jovially. "I remember the time when you both came into buy your first wand, Mr Hughes if I'm correct it was aspen and dragon Heartstrings, good for transfiguration and Mrs Hughes poplar and unicorn hair good for charms".

They nodded in unison.

"Very good very good". He said more to himself he dithered about searching the shelves. "Ah let's see". He handed Sam a wand who took it. "Cedar and Unicorn hair, eleven inches, give it a try".

Sam waved the wand, and nothing happened.

"Not to worry, we'll have to find another".

Thirteen wands later and still none, Sam was beginning to feel that they wouldn't find a wand but this didn't deter Mr Ollivander who in fact got more and more excited.

"Let's try this one, shall we; " He handed Samuel the fourteenth wand "English oak and phoenix feather thirteen inches".

Heat radiated from his fingers and the wand lit up at the tip.

"At last,". Mr Ollivander. "We have found you a suitor". He exclaimed excitedly.

"That's a fine wand. English Oak it's a rarer wood these days, it's loyal and designed demands courage and strength".

"Wow". Was all Sam could utter out he was in awe his first wand he had waited for this day since he was little.

The rest of the summer was uneventful apart from the Caerphilly Catapults beating the Chuddley Canon's 320-270, with a spectacular catch from Sam which made headline from the daily prophet.

September the 1st rolled around and Sam after many hugs and kisses (from his mother) boarded the Hogwarts express.

It took him sometime to find a compartment as most of them were full. He finally found one at the end of the train where a boy with glasses and a boy with red hair. He opened the compartment door just a tad.

"Mind if I sit in here with you everywhere else is pretty full".

They both shook their head.

"Thanks". He pulled his trunk and his owl into the compartment and lifted his trunk onto the top rack placing Hector in his cage next to it. He sat next to the boy with glasses.

"Your Samuel Hughes". The boy with red hair remarked. Sam nodded. "Yeah, but please just call me Sam, Samuel sounds way to formal and only my parents call me that when I'm in trouble". "

"I'm Ron, Ron Weasley, Sam plays for the Caerphilly Catapults, youngest seeker ever signed on when he was nine, I'm a chuddley cannons fan myself, beat us 320-270".

"Eh you played well; it was a close win, and it was only a friendly, season doesn't kick off until November". Sam replied graciously. "Yeah". Ron replied. "Sam this is Harry, Harry Potter".

Sam turned to Harry. "Damn". He said before catching himself and extending a hand. "Nice to meet you". Harry shook his hand.

"So any idea about what house you'll be in"? He asked. Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know but I hope it isn't Slytherin".

"All my brother's have been in Gryffindor, I'm the sixth to go, I've got a lot to live up, Bill was head boy, Charlie was quidditch captain, Percy's been made a prefect and Fred and George mess about a lot but they get really good grades".

"What about you Sam"? Harry asked.

"Well like Ron my siblings are all in Gryffindor, expect I have sisters, Felicity's been made head girl, Scarlett did well on her OWLS, she's smart. Lola's just been made a prefect, Lola's okay she's a fanatic about magical creatures and then there's Grace who's starting her third year and Natalie who's less than a year older than me, she's just started her second year".

"Six sisters, you'll like the reverse of me" Ron pointed out. Sam chuckled.

"Suppose it won't be too bad to be in Hufflepuff". Sam remarked. "But I think I'll have to top myself if I end up in Slytherin".

The lady with the trolley came around and Harry bought about two of everything, Sam bought some fizzy whizbees and three bottles of Langstons cream soda and three of Otters fizzy orange juice which he handed a bottle each to Harry and Ron".

"Hungry"? Ron asked Harry. "Starving" Harry replied. Ron took out his sandwiches and looked at them sadly. "she always forgets I don't like cornbeef"

"Swap you for one of these" Harry held up a pasty. Ron shook his head. "You don't want one of these they're all dry, she hasn't got enough time, you know with five of us".

"Come on have a pasty, you too Sam".

They hand fun eating all the sweets and opening chocolate frog cards. "They're not real frogs". Ron told Harry. "Just bewitched besides it's the card you want, each pack has a famous witches or wizards card to collect, I've got about five hundred, but I haven't got Agrippa or Ptolemy".

Sam and Ron watched as Harry unwrapped a chocolate frog picked up a card, turning it over in his hands. "So this is Dumbledore"! Said Harry.

"Don't tell me you haven't heard of Dumbledore". Ron replied. "Can I have a chocolate frog, I might get Agrippa.

"He's gone"! Harry remarked.

"Well you can't expect him to hang around all day" Ron replied. "He'll be back again, Morgana again I've got about six of her"

Ron started at the pile of chocolate frogs.

"Help yourself" Said Harry before adding. "But you know in the muggle world people just stay put in photos".

"Do they? What they don't move at all?". Ron sounded amazed. "Weird".

Harry picked up a box of bertie botts every flavour beans. "You want to be careful with those" Ron warned. "When they say every flavour they mean every flavour. You get the norma ones like chocolate, peppermint and marmalade but there's also spinach, liver and tripe, George reckons he got a bogey one once".

Sam nodded in agreement. "I got a vomit flavour one last week".

Ron bit into a corner of a green one. "Bleaarrgh, see sprouts"?

The countryside was flying past their window and there was a knock on their compartment boy he looked tearful.

"Sorry, but you haven't seen a toad have you".

They shook their heads and he wailed. "I've lost him! He keeps getting away from me"!

"He'll turn up" Harry said kindly.

"Yes well." The boy said miserably. "If you see him".

He left.

"Don't know why he's so bothered". Said Ron. "I've I bought a toad to school I'd lose it as quick as I could. Mind you I bought Scabbers so I can't talk".

They were visited by a girl with very bushy hair and a bossy attitude about her and an unpleasant blonde boy with his two gorilla looking friends. To which Sabers bit the finger of one of them.

Taking a journey in boat across the lake they walked up many stairs and through the front doors where they were ushered into a side chamber where a formidable looking which with thin glasses called Professor McGonagall greeted them and laid down the law.

She left for a few minutes before coming into collect them where she led them into the great hall which ceiling was magically enchanted to look like the night sky and had them all line up in a neat lie before standing beside a wooden stool where a ratty old hand sat limp on top of it before coming to life and a rip near the brim opened and it began to sing.

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve and chivalry,

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or in Slytherin,

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means,

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

Afterwards Professor McGonagall unfurled a large piece of parchment. "When I call your name, you will come up sit on the stool I shall place the hat on your head where you will be sorted into your houses". She said before calling out. "Abott Hanah".

Sam watched as girl with pigtails stumbled to the front and put on the hat which fell right below her eyes, she sat down and after moments pause the hat cried out "Hufflepuff".

Sam watched as the table on the right cheered and clapped and Hannah Abbott went to sit down at Hufflepuff table.

Susan Bones was sorted into Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw got their first with Terry Bott, Mandy Brocklehurst also went to Ravenclaw, Lavender Brown became the first Gryffindor, Millicent Bulstrode went to Slytherin and Justin Finch Fletchy went to Hufflepuff, Seamus Finnegan became a Gryffindor then Hermione Granger after a brief hatstall that lasted a minute went to Gryffindor to which Ron groaned.

Finally, "Hughes Samuel". Sam approached the hat to a torrent of whispers. "The Samuel Hughes the one who plays seeker for the Caerphilly Catapults" he heard one boy whisper to his friend.

Sam put the had on his head and just after three seconds it cried out. "Gryffindor"! Gryffindor table cheered and clapped, and Sam went to sit at Gryffindor table where his sister Natalie reached over to pat him on the back

And then. Neville Longbottom the boy who kept losing his toad was called he fell over on his way to the stool. The hat took a long time to decide with Neville before placing him in Gryffindor. Neville ran off with the hat still on his head and had to run back amid gales of laughter to hand to Macdougal Morag who became a Ravenclaw.

Sam found that the next day there was less attention on him than there was on Harry everywhere he, Ron and Harry went whispers followed them. He couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable it made Harry. "Just try to ignore it, it should it get easier". He told him kindly. The castle was simply enormous and they had got themselves lost quite a few times. Once they ended up being caught by Mr Filch the cantankerous caretaker trying to open a door that led the third floor but were thankfully saved by Professor Quirrell who happened to be passing by.

The lessons were interesting (expect History of Magic) and harder than he expected it. They studied the night sky in Astronomy and had to map out the stars and the planets, they studied plants in herbology, they studied wand work in charms. Professor Flitwick was a little wizard he had to stand on a pile of books to address the class. At the beginning of the lesson he took the register and when he reached Harry's name he squealed and toppled over.

However, Professor McGonagall, Sam found was not a witch to be crossed, fair but formidable, she gave them a talking to as soon as they sat down.

"Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts". She said. "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back".

Then she changed her desk into a pig and back again. Sam was excited and couldn't wait to get started but soon learned it would be some considerable time before he would be changing furniture into animals. After jotting down a load of complicated notes, they were each given a match which they had to turn into a needle. Only Sam and Hermione managed to turn their needles, Sam had managed to turn his match into a needle, but it was slightly blunt at the top he was given five points for effort and Hermione who managed to transfigure her needle perfectly with no blemishes received ten points a rare smile from Professor McGonagall. Sam grinned at her and gave her a thumbs up, she grinned too and quickly looked away as she had begun to blush.

The class that Sam and the rest of the Gryffindor's had been looking forward to was Defence Against The Dark Arts, which turned out to be a complete joke. Professor Quirrell's classroom smelled strongly of garlic which he claimed was to ward of vampires. His turban he told them had been a present from an African prince as a thank for getting rid of a troublesome zombie which none of them were sure they quite believed him. When Seamus Finnegan asked eagerly how they he thought off the zombie he went pink and quickly changed the subject.

Sam was happy to find that Harry was relieved he wasn't miles behind everyone else. Lots of people like him came from Muggle families and hadn't even known they were witches or wizards before they got their letter to Hogwarts. There was so much to learn that even people like Sam and Ron didn't have much of a head start.

Friday was an important day as, Harry, Sam and Ron had managed to find their way to the great hall without getting lost once.

"Double potions with the Slytherins today, Snapes head of Slytherin, we'll be able to see if he really favours them". Said Ron.

"Wish McGonagall favoured us". Said Harry.

Professor McGonagall was fair, but it hadn't stopped her from giving them a pile of homework the other day. Just then the post arrived, Sam received a parcel from his mother including an assortment of all his favourite sweets and savory snacks.

He then turned his attention to Harry who had just opened a note.

Dear Harry, I know you get Friday afternoons off, so would you like to come and have a cup of tea with me around three? I want to hear all about your first week. Send us an owl back with Hedwig.

Hagrid

Harry scribbled on the back of the note with a quill he borrowed from Ron, Yes please; and sent it off with Hedwig.

Potions turned out to be the worst lesson imaginable. Snape started off the lesson much like Flitwick with taking the register. He paused at Harry's name; Sam shifted in his stool uncomfortably and kept his eyes fixed on Snape and Harry.

"Ah yes Mr Potter our new celebrity". Something in the way he said that made Sam's insides turn. It was clear he hated Harry but for what reason he had no idea, his uncle Kitt went to Hogwarts with Snape, with only a year between he'll ask him when he sees him this Christmas. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle sniggered, and Sam sent them a scathing look.

"You here to learn the exact art of potion making". Snape began speaking barely in a whisper but they caught every word. "As there is very little foolish wand waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses. I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even put a stopper in death, if you aren't as big of bunch of dunderheads that I usually have to teach".

More silence followed this speech. Harry, Ron and Sam exchanged looks with raised eyebrows and Hermione was on the edge of her seat trying to prove that she wasn't a dunderhead.

"Potter!" Snape said suddenly. "What I get if I added powder root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Hermione's hand was still in the air but Snape ignored her.

"Let's try again Potter, where would you look if I asked you to find me a beazor"?

Harry clearly didn't have the faintest idea where a beazor came from and Hermione's hand was stretched as high as it would go without her getting off chair.

"I don't know sir." Harry replied.

"Thought you wouldn't open up a book, eh Potter?".

Snape was still ignoring Hermione's quivering hand.

"What's is the difference Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?".

At this Hermione stood up from her chair her arm stretching towards the ceiling.

"I don't know sir." Said Harry. "I think Hermione knows why don't you ask her?".

A few people laughed so did Sam. Seamus winked at Harry. Snape clearly wasn't pleased.

"Sit down". He snapped at Hermione. "For your information Potter, asphodel and wormwood a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the draught of living death. A beazor is stone taken from a stomach of a goat and can save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane they are the same plant that goes by the name of aconite. Well why aren't you all copying this down?".

It didn't improve as class went on, Snape had them in pairs and had them brewing a simple potion called a cure for boils. Sam was paired up with Hermione Granger and she was fairly competent at potion making so it was a breeze and they managed to brew a perfectly acceptable concoction not that it matter to Snape, he however looked at it and made no comment but with Malfoy who was clearly his favourite he remarked audibly to everyone in the class how perfectly Malfoy had stewed his horned slugs. Neville had no luck and had unfortunately managed to melt a hole in Seamus Cauldron, their potion seeping across the floor burning holes in everyone's shoes, Sam only managed to jump onto his stool before it reached him.

Neville who had been drenched in the potion moaned in pain as angry red boils erupted over his arms and legs.

"Idiot boy!" Snape snarled clearly the spilled potion away with a swish of his wand. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the potion off the fire?".

Neville whimpered as boils erupted onto his nose.

"Take him to the hospital wing!" He snaped at Seamus.

He then rounded on Harry and Ron who had been working next to Neville.

They were very glad to leave the dungeons an hour later. Harry looked forlorn. "Cheer up". Said Ron. "Snape's always taking potions off Fred and George, can we come and meet Hagrid with you"?

At five to three they left the castle and made their way across the grounds. Hagrid lived in a small wooden house on the edge of the forbidden forest. A crossbow and a pair of galoshes were outside the front door. When Harry knocked they heard a frantic scrambling from the inside and several booming barks. Then Hagrid's voice rang out, saying "Back Fang back".

Hagrid's big hairy face appeared in the crack as he pulled the door open. "Hang on." He said. "Back Fang". He let them in, struggling to keep a hold on the collar of an enormous black boarhound.

There was only one room inside. Hams and pheasants were hanging in the corner of the ceiling a copper kettle was boiling on an open fire, and in the corner stood a massive bed with a patchwork quilt over it.

"Make yerselves at home," said Hagrid, letting go of Fang who bounded straight to Ron and started licking his ears. Like Hagrid, Fang was clearly not as fierce as he looked.

"This is Ron". Harry told Hagrid who was pouring boiling water into a large teapot and putting rock cakes onto a plate.

"Another Weasley, eh?" Said Hagrid, glancing at Rons freckles. "I spent half me life chasin' yer twin brothers away from the forbidden Forrest".

"And this is Sam". Harry pointed to Sam who was sitting on Ron's left. Hagrid looked at Sam glancing at his thick curly hair.

"Another Hughes, yer older sister is great with Fang, always takes him out for a walk on weekends".

The rock cakes were shapeless lumps with raisins that almost broke their teeth but Harry, Sam and Ron pretended to be enjoying them as they told Hagrid all about their first lessons. They were delighted to hear Hagrid call Filch

"that old git." "An; as fer that cat, Mrs Norris, I'd like to introduce her to Fang sometime. D'yeh know, every time I go up ter the school, she follows me everywhere? Can't get rid of her- Filch puts her up to it."

Harry told Hagrid about Snape's lesson. Hagrid like Ron told Harry not to worry about it, that Snape liked hardly any of the students.

"But he seemed to really hate me" said Harry.

"Rubbish" said Hagrid. "Why should he"?

Hagrid asked Ron about his brother Charlie, who he was very fond of as Charlie had been extremely good with animals. Sam wondered if Hagrid had changed the subject intentionally. He watched as Harry picked up a piece of paper that was lying on the table under the tea cozy. It was a cutting from the daily prophet.

GRIGOTTS LATEST BREAK IN.

Investigations continue into the break in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of dark wizards or witches unknown. Gringotts goblings today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day . "But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you" said a Gringotts spokegoblin this afternoon

"Hagrid" said Harry, "that Gringotts break-in happened on my birthday, it might have been happening while we were there".

There was no doubt this time, Hagrid didn't meet Harry's eyes. He grunted and offered him another rock cake. Sam watched a Harry read the article again.

As Harry, Sam and Ron walked back to the castle for dinner, their pockets weighed down with rock cakes which they'd been too polite to refuse. Sam's mind kept pondering onto the article in the daily prophet, what had that vault been guarding and why was it emptied? And what did Hagrid know about Snape that he wasn't telling Harry?