DRAGON ATTACK IN LONDON
By Andy Smudgley
A week ago, at approximately 4:17 PM August 24th, a dragon attacked London. Several were killed, dozens of wizards were severely injured in an effort to subdue the creature, while hundreds of muggles are still in critical condition. Investigations to the creature's whereabouts and origins are ongoing.
"We don't know what caused a dragon to appear in such a densely populated area," Says Hogwarts Graduate and Magical Creature researcher, Charlie Weasley, "But the public may be rest assured that the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures is doing everything in its power to ensure such an incident does not occur again."
Many first-hand witnesses claimed that this dragon was massive, one of the biggest seen in centuries. Kelly Prodvere, an experienced witch and field expert in The Dragon Research and Restraint Bureau, commented, "My colleagues and I have been working with dragons for over a decade; We can honestly say this is the largest and oldest dragon encountered in several generations."
Many other testimonies from the Beast Division of The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures have confirmed the testimony of Mrs. Prodvere; it leads many to wonder how such a large creature has gone unnoticed by the Ministry for so long.
In the attack, the infrastructure of The Tower of London, Diagon Alley's Gringotts Bank, and The Elizabeth Tower were the most critically damaged, along with several streets impacted by debris, having taken direct hits from dragonfire…
I threw the Daily Prophet newspaper onto the floor by the bedside, rubbing my tired eyes. The rest of the article went on to describe the damages done to the city, while continuing to make comments indirectly attacking the competency of the Ministry and the Magical Creatures Department.
It also featured a moving picture of the giant reptile breathing fire over the city, which was pretty cool to look at, if I'm being honest.
A sigh escaped my lips as I sat back on my pillows. I turned my head, looking out the window at the nearly full moon. The sky was clear, though you could only make out the brightest stars in the sky as the moon was so bright.
Despite it having been a whole week since the attack, the Daily Prophet only just now managed to release an article describing the event. Somehow, the dragon disappeared, and to this day it continues illuding the Ministry.
Both the Daily Prophet and the Ministry wanted more details as to what actually happened before anything was published, but investigations ran dry outside of the numerous amount of eye-witnesses to the attack.
Kelly has been absolutely swamped with work. She didn't come home for the first three days after we got back from Diagon Alley. She was even mentioned in the newspaper!
But I really don't appreciate how the Daily Prophet basically attacked Kelly and her coworkers. Sure, some of their 'concerns' may be valid, but my mom works hard! She deserves better than that!
I haven't had time to investigate much myself, as I've been getting packed and ready for school. And with Kelly so busy, I've had to take more time into helping Mark take care of Lucy and the house.
But tomorrow morning, I board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 3/4.
I'm beyond excited! It's finally time…I'm so close to Hogwarts! AH!
I squealed into my pillow, giddy with excitement and unable to properly contain it. I tried reading that article to help me go to sleep, but it just hyped me up even more! So many different possibilities, so many opportunities to learn and make friends, and the only thing in my way is a few hours!
That was the most blissful moment of both my lives.
If only it could've lasted forever.
Kelly held Lucy in her arms, who kept staring around the train station with an out-of-character shyness, while smiling down at her eldest daughter.
Kayla was staring at the pillar marking platforms 9 and 10 with such awe in her eyes. It reminded Kelly of her first time at the station, well over two decades ago now.
"Ready, sweetie?" Kelly asked as Kayla gripped her trolley.
"As I'll ever be," Kayla smiled, excitement and wonder permeating her entire being.
"Then let's go!" Mark gently slapped both women on their backs, "This is my first time too, ya know. I wanna know what it's like to walk through a wall!"
"Like a kid in a candy store," Kayla rolled her eyes, a small smile forming on her face, "You're just as bad as me!"
"Hey, I didn't grow up with wands, dragons, and magic," Mark flicked the white-haired girl's nose, "Can ya blame a guy for being curious?"
"Fair enough," Kayla giggled, "Let's go!"
She led them through the pillar. Kelly felt a sense of nostalgia as she passed through the barrier. Lucy giggled at the sensation, while Mark just blinked as he witnessed the phenomena of being brought to an entirely different platform, with the Hogwarts Express whistling to signal its imminent departure.
"Huh," He scratched his head, "Kinda anti-climactic…and that's one heck of an old train model."
"And it still works like a charm," Kelly smiled as she recalled memories of traveling in that very train.
"Wow…" Kayla marveled, looking back at the gateway they just came from. She evidently had a very different experience than that of Mark's.
The place was bustling, running with people and emotions of all kinds as both parent and child rushed to say goodbye and haul their belongings on the train.
Once Kayla had stored her things in the cargo hold, coming back only with her immediate suitcase, she got a solemn look on her face as she turned back to her parents and sister.
"Alright, sweetie," Kelly knelt down to Kayla's level as she held Lucy, tapping her forehead with her own, "We'll see you in about ten months. Be sure to write when you can."
"Be safe, Squirt," Mark flicked her nose again, "And don't forget to have fun. But not too much fun; stay clear of boys, do your homework, and come back with great stories."
"Boys?" Kayla scrunched her nose, "I'm only eleven!"
"And that's how it's gonna stay," Mark nodded sagely, a proud and smug smile on his face. The train whistled loudly once again, signaling the five minute mark before its departure.
Kelly rolled her eyes as she rose up, "Better hurry along. Don't want to be left behind now, do we?"
"Okay!" Kayla pumped her fists as she made a dash for the train, dragging her carry-on bag with her.
But she came to an abrupt halt, causing both Kelly and Mark to look at her with confusion for a second. Faster than both could anticipate, or even react, the young girl dashed back at them with such force, she nearly knocked them over when she made contact in the form of a hug.
"I love you guys so much…" She whispered, just loud enough for them to hear.
The two parents smiled as they embraced their white-haired girl.
"Kayla!" Lucy's young voice shouted with excitement as she grabbed her older sister's nose. Her words had gotten clearer and clearer in the last year or so.
"I'll miss you too, Lucy," Kayla chuckled as she ruffled the four year-old's blonde head.
"Say bye-bye," Kelly encouraged Lucy.
"Bi-bye!" Lucy did an awkward grabbing motion with her fist in an attempt to wave.
Mark sniffed, but turned away and rubbed his face when his girls gave him a knowing look.
Kelly smiled, grateful that underneath his rough and charming demeanor, she had married a man with all the right sensitivities.
Kayla smiled once more, before making a dash to the train. She barely got aboard before it started moving.
"Bye!" She waved at her family as the train picked up speed, her voice nearly drowned out by the number of students who had poked their heads outside the windows to wave goodbye to their own families, "Bye…"
She stayed there until they were out of sight.
Harry Potter couldn't be happier right now.
His life had taken an abrupt turn when he had received what was his very first letter.
Ever since that day, a number of bizarre happenings turned his life completely upside down.
His Uncle Vernon nearly going bat-crap crazy, a surprise visit from none other than Rubeus Hagrid, discovering the existence of magic, visiting wizarding shops, running through a pillar of stone to a magic train, and now he found himself sharing sweets with his very first friend, Ron Weasley.
To him, that was the greatest wonder of his very bizarre, and magical, summer.
"Thanks again, Harry," Ron expressed his gratitude as he set down his second helping of a licorice wand, "I haven't had one of these in ages!"
"No problem," Harry smiled as he opened another chocolate frog, "I'd never be able to eat all this by myself."
"Probably would give ya quite the stomach ache," Ron nodded, "But don't worry; that's why I'm here."
Silence filled the room as the two continued eating their sweets, only broken by the sound of the train chugging along the tracks.
"So how about that dragon attack, huh?" Said Ron as he took a break from eating, "It was insane! My family visited London a day before it happened!"
"Dragon attack?" Harry asked skeptically, "What do you mean? There was a dragon…in London?"
"Yeah, it was all over the Daily Prophet," Ron clarified, "It happened just over a week ago."
"A week ago?" Harry tilted his head as he recalled the news his aunt and uncle watched a while ago, "You mean when the earthquake happened?" He and Hagrid went to Diagon Alley before it had happened, to which he had counted himself lucky. But apparently it wasn't an earthquake…
"Yeah, that's what the muggles think happened," Ron nodded, "But it was a dragon. A pretty big one, evidently. My brother Charlie recently started working with dragons in the Ministry, and he was featured in the paper! I think I have the article here somewhere…"
Ron dug through his bag before pulling out the crumpled newspaper page, "Go on, have a look. I kept it because that dragon picture is pretty wicked."
Harry took the paper and could confirm, the moving picture of the dragon was indeed quite a sight. He read through the article, baffled at what to even think of it.
A dragon did that much damage to London? It wasn't an earthquake? Forget that…there was a dragon in London?!
This summer just keeps getting more and more bizarre… Harry thought to himself, before he frowned for a moment as he read the paper, "That Prodvere name seems familiar…"
Didn't his uncle mention that name over dinner once, when he was complaining about work or something?
"You say something?" Ron asked as he popped some Berty Bott's Every Flavor Beans, making a face, "Ugh…grass clippings."
"No," Harry said, handing him back the page, "That's some intense stuff. Do things like this happen often in the wizarding world?"
"Oh no, not at all," Ron shook his head, "My mum says this is the biggest thing to happen since You-Know-Who was around."
"Really? Since Vol- Sorry," Harry said when Ron nearly choked at the mention of the name.
"You've really gotta stop that…" Ron pounded his chest as their door was slid open by a girl their age with brown, bushy hair.
"Pardon me, but have either of you seen a toad?"
I walked along the train's hallway with no small amount of awkwardness in my step, fidgeting with the sleeves of my school robes.
So far, every cabin I've passed by was full, and I was suddenly hit with a bout of nerves.
Aside from dance lessons, I was never all that social with kids 'my age,' save for a few of my cousins, none of whom were entering Hogwarts this year.
I continued meandering through the carts, trying to find a cabin with some space. I passed by several where I recognized some faces; Draco Malfoy and his 'gang' for one. I sped up my pace when I recognized him. I have no grudge against him personally, but I'd prefer my first social interaction at Hogwarts to be…in a friendlier atmosphere.
Eventually, I found a cabin with an extra seat. It featured two identical red-heads.
"Excuse me," I knocked as I opened the door slightly, "Is it alright if I sit here? Everywhere else is full…"
"Oh, uh, sure!" One of the twins gestured to the empty seats opposite them, "A friend of ours will be here later, but we've got an extra seat here."
"Thanks," I smiled as I sat down, "I'm Kayla, by the way. Kayla Prodvere."
"I'm Fred, and this is George," Fred gestured to his twin.
"Fred and George Weasley," George confirmed with a nod.
"Pleasure to meet you," I smiled, and though I knew the answer already, for the sake of small talk I asked, "Would you happen to know a Charlie Weasley?"
"Yeah, he's our older brother," Fred answered as his eyebrow rose.
"You know him?" George asked as his face comically mirrored Fred's.
"I think he works with my mom," I responded, continuing the conversation, "She mentioned the name a couple times, and I saw it in the paper the other day."
"Yep, that's our brother," Fred rolled his eyes, "He and dad haven't been able to stop talking about that fact."
"Getting a little annoying, really," George smirked before asking, "Who's your mother?"
"Her name's Kelly, Kelly Prodvere," I answered.
"Hold on…" Fred looked at George, "Isn't that the witch Charlie wouldn't stop raving about?"
"Yeah, after the dragon attack," George said, an amused smile coming over his face, "It seems our brother fancy's your mum."
"He wouldn't shut up about her," Fred chuckled, before looking at me, "No offense meant, of course."
"None taken," I smiled back, a little surprised to hear that one of the Weasley's admired Kelly so much. I know it didn't happen in canon, I feel like that would've been mentioned in the books if Charlie admired someone so much, "My mum is quite the gifted witch."
"Well, any witch or wizard that chooses to handle dragons has some kind of grit," Fred mused.
"Or a few loose screws," George nodded sagely.
"My dad would agree with you," I chuckled, "He hates that my mom works with such dangerous creatures."
"No kidding?" Fred said, "Our mum hates all the knick knacks and stuff our dad brings home from work; claims he keeps cluttering up the house."
"What's your dad do?" I asked, again already knowing the answer.
"He's the head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office," George responded, "He finds muggles and their technologies…fascinating, to say the least."
"I will say, what they've accomplished without magic is rather impressive," I tapped my chin in thought.
"Can't deny that," Fred acknowledged, before changing the subject, "Is this your first year at Hogwarts?"
"Yeah," I scratched the back of my head as a nervous smile graced my face, "Is it that obvious?"
"A little," George said, "Your robes don't have any House colors, for one."
"And seeing as to how you're sitting here with us, you probably don't know too many people," Fred continued.
"Well dang, you read me like an open book!" I said with no small amount of surprise; I didn't expect them to be that observant…though looking back at what they said, those were pretty clear details.
"Always happy to fancy ourselves as geniuses," Fred bowed with a sarcastic smile.
"You know about the four Houses?" George asked, "Got a preference for where you'll end up?"
"Well, I have given it a lot of thought," I replied with a small smile, "Though I can't say for sure. My mum's hoping for Ravenclaw; that was her house back in the day."
"What about your dad?" Fred questioned, "He attend Hogwarts back in the day?"
"He's a muggle," I chuckled, imagining Mark's face if he heard his time in school described as, 'back in the day.' I continued, "He doesn't know a thing about the Hogwarts Houses, other than what mum says about Ravenclaw."
"That would make sense," George said.
"Based on your robes I'm assuming you two are in Gryffindor?" I asked.
"Yep," Fred answered.
"Two of many," George nodded (I assume he was talking about his family), "This'll be our third year of Hogwarts."
"In that case, I'll look to you as upper-classmen," I said, "I hear the castle's pretty big. I know for sure that I'll get lost at least twice a week."
"Quite a shame they don't hand out maps, isn't it, George," Fred smiled at his twin.
"An outright travesty, I reckon," George nodded sagely as a smile spread across his face as well.
I nearly cocked my head in confusion before understanding blossomed in my mind. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as I remembered they possess the Marauder's Map. Quite the handy item indeed.
The cabin door suddenly opened, revealing a dark-skinned boy with dreadlocks.
"Hey guys! He got away from me, but I found him!" Lee Jordan held up his hand, a dirty great spider resting in his palm, "Absolutely terrified a group of first-years a few carts down."
"Oh boy," I said softly as I scooted more towards the window. I don't have arachnophobia or anything like that, but good gods, that doesn't mean I wanna look at freaking harry tarantulas.
"Oh, hello," Lee said as he noticed me, "Who're you?"
The rest of the train ride went quite smoothly. Especially after the spider was finally put away.
I continued chatting with Fred and George, and Lee was actually quite pleasant to talk to as well. Ignoring the massive spider in his hand, that is.
But the time came, and we all started getting off the train. The three of them bid me farewell as they started heading towards the carriages with all the older students. I caught a glimpse of a couple thestrals tethered to said vehicles before I heard an iconic phrase called out amongst the station.
"Firs' years! Firs' years, over here!" The billowing voice of Rubeus Hagrid graced my ears, and the lot of us 'firs' years' were herded over to the docks.
I smiled as I saw Hagrid. I always loved his character, even though he was sometimes a bit…clueless. To put it politely.
"Into the boats, now!" Hagrid beckoned us to follow suit as he climbed into an old row boat. How that thing didn't sink the moment he got in is beyond me. The man is absolutely massive!
I climbed into a boat, and was followed in by two girls and boys I didn't recognize.
As soon as everyone finished climbing into one, the boats started moving themselves, and at a pace quicker than I expected, Hogwarts castle came into view, illuminated by moon and star light.
I took in the sight with stars in my own eyes. But more than that, as soon as I saw the castle for the very first time, I could feel it. The magic in the air was…thick. And it was breathtaking. Voices chattered in awe around me, but I couldn't register their words.
I was too enamored with the castle itself. It was the same kind of feeling I had when that dragon landed in London. My feelings of excitement continued to rise as the boats made landfall in the boat house, and anticipation only continued to build as Hagrid led everyone up the stairs.
We passed through one of what I'm sure is many courtyards, and waiting just inside the entrance to the Great Hall, was Professor McGonagall.
"The firs' years, Professor," Hagrid bowed his head, though it looked more like a nod as he was looking down at her.
"Thank you, Hagrid," Professor McGonagall smiled, before addressing all of us, "Welcome to Hogwarts! The start-of-term banquet shall begin shortly, but before that, we must sort you into your houses. There are four houses of Hogwarts. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."
I swallowed down my nerves, anticipation bubbling through me. I've been pondering this moment for over a decade now. Countless nights going over in my head which house I'd be a part of, and which one I'd want to be in.
After all those years of pondering, I've decided that I would leave it all up to the Sorting Hat itself. I could definitely give the hat my choice, and it would probably take it into account, but I'm genuinely curious to see where I'd end up.
"Follow me," McGonagall gestured, leading us across the flagged stone floor. The doors to the Great Hall opened, revealing five long tables, including the staff table at the far end of the Hall.
Tapestries of all four houses hung from the pillars aligning the walls, and the enchanted ceiling depicted a star filled night with the Milky Way visible. My memories of this place from the books and films weren't perfect, but seeing it all in person sent a rush of nostalgia through me.
It also reiterated how awe-inspiring seeing actual magic was. I was jostled from my awed stupor as the students around me kept moving. We all stood in the center of the Hall, as McGonagall stood to the side, gesturing everyone's attention to the Sorting Hat, sitting atop an old wooden stool.
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 perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks 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've none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
Huh. It was surprisingly good at singing. Definitely not on the same level as a pop star or anything, but better than your average Joe.
"Now when I call your name," McGonagall pulled out a roll of parchment as she lifted the Sorting Hat, "You will come forth; I will place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses. Abbott, Hannah."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
I took another deep breath, watching as various students were called and sorted.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
I only vaguely recognized a few names.
"Bones, Susan."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
The majority, however, were unknown to me.
"RAVENCLAW!"
My anticipation continued to build up as McGonagall got further and further down the list.
"Granger, Hermione."
Oh hey, I know her! Well, I don't know her, but I know of her. So I guess I'm in the same year as the canon characters after all. I had my suspicions ever since our visit to the Dursleys, but I was keeping an open mind about it all. I couldn't quite remember how much older the Weasley Twins were than Ron, but evidently they're two years older.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
I watched as Hermione's smiling face made her way to the Gryffindor table, pondering as I did so.
How involved with the 'golden trio' did I want to be? I suppose it depends on which house I end up in. It'd be more difficult to associate with them otherwise.
"RAVENCLAW!" The sorting hat continued to call out houses as more students were summoned by McGonagall.
"Malfoy, Draco."
You know, I've always resented how cool of a name Draco actually is. It literally means 'dragon!' Now the name shall forever be associated with a bully.
The sorting hat barely touched the bleach-blonde boy's head before it called out, "SLYTHERIN!"
A smirk appeared on Malfoy's face as he went over to the cheering Slytherin table.
"Hm…" I said under my breath as I turned my attention back to the Hat.
My gaze caught on to an old man with a majestic white beard, sitting at the staff table. Dumbledore, my first real good look at him. I'd seen him on chocolate frog cards, but that was about it. He looked like your stereotypical wizard in purple robes with that impressive beard. My wand weighed heavily in my pocket as I thought of its description and the potential power it has.
Looking along the rest of the table, Hagrid had made his way to his seat by now, and I could spot a couple other teachers I recognized, namely Professor's Sprout, Flitwick, Pomfrey, and Hooch; and then there was Snape and…Quirrell.
My eyes widened slightly. I had been so preoccupied with the fact that I was in Hogwarts that I forgot about the presence of the main antagonist: Good ol' Voldemort himself.
I…don't know what I should do here. I don't really want to get involved with the main plot…I mean, if I just let things go on as normal, shouldn't everything be okay? Harry wins in the end…
Fred's face flashed through my mind. I looked over at the Gryffindor table, where the twins sat and watched the sorting. I only interacted with them for a few hours, but if nothing changes, then he'll die.
A lot of people will die.
Dammit.
"Potter, Harry."
I was roused from my concerns as the entire hall broke out in whispers.
"Potter, did she say?"
"The Harry Potter?"
"Wicked…"
I watched as Harry made his way up to the stool, where McGonagall placed the hat on his head.
I idly wondered if he'd remember me. Probably not, really. I only interacted with him for a few seconds, and with everything that he's been through this summer, a random girl giving him food was probably far off his mind right now.
The Sorting Hat took a little longer to sort him, and the entire hall seemed to be waiting with bated breath.
Eventually it shouted out, "GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table burst into applause, and this was by far the loudest one yet. It took a while for McGonagall to calm the students down (it didn't help that the Weasley twins were chanting, "We got Potter, we got Potter!").
Whispering students could still be heard in the background as she called the next name.
"Prodvere, Kayla."
My name.
I walked out from the remaining students, tucking a lock of white hair behind my ear. Nerves gripped my chest with every step I took.
I sat down, feeling the surprisingly heavy weight of the Sorting Hat being gently placed on my head.
A moment of deafening silence passed, before a heavy, soft, regal voice echoed in my head.
My, my, we seem to have quite the unusual child here. Two tricky students in a row…
Two…? I tentatively thought, though the Sorting Hat continued.
I sense a strong yearning for knowledge, with quite the demanding determination…a dormant, but daring heart…a longing for friendship and kindness…and a thirst for power…quite the potential for power….
An inhuman amount of power…So where to put you…?
Inhuman…well, I'm not entirely human. I'm more akin to Hagrid, or perhaps even Fleur Delacour. Aside from Madame Maxime, were there any other…half-breeds, I guess?
Huh…I don't like that word.
Hm… The Hat echoed, Quite chimeric in nature…but above all, what is this that your heart desires?
Chimeric? I can't even get mad, that's literally the title of my race.
And my desires? Is the Hat trying to take my choice into account? Either way, I'm not entirely sure what I'd consider my greatest desire. Right now, I just genuinely want to know which of the four houses I'd fit best under.
Well…in that case…better be…
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
A wave of…something went through me. I didn't know whether to be happy, relieved, confused, or disappointed.
My robes changed from the standard robe to the Hufflepuff robes, glittering gold and black, with the house crest appearing on the front.
I smiled softly as I went to sit with the rest of my peers. So, Hufflepuff, huh? What was it the Sorting Hat said in its song? Just and loyal, unafraid of toil? I can get behind that. I wonder what qualities of mine it used to finalize its decision here.
As soon as I sat down, a familiar text box appeared in front of me.
Notice!
I swiped it to the side, deciding to open the notification later. It would look weird interacting with the System in front of all these people. I'll have a chance to do it later when I'm in the Common Room.
Hm…where is the Hufflepuff Common Room, again?
I looked down at my robes as the rest of the first years were sorted. I've never thought of yellow as a color that suited me. Blue or red would go better with my hair and fair complexion, but I can work with this all the same. I smiled as I looked up as the Sorting ended with Ron getting sorted into Gryffindor.
Only after the Hat had been taken away did Dumbledore stand up to address us.
"An announcement, before we begin to fill our bellies," He said, "Firstly, I would like you all to note that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. And lastly, I would like to say a few words. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
With those final words, he flicked his wrists as he sat down, and all of a sudden the tables were filled with the most wonderful smelling food. My eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets as I took in the amount of prepared dishes.
Dang. These house-elves do good work!
A few minutes prior…
"Prodvere, Kayla."
Harry's eyes widened as he watched a white-haired girl make her way to the stool. But it wasn't just any white-haired girl; it was the white-haired girl! The pretty one who gave him food weeks ago…
What had McGonagall said her name was? Kayla? And then there was that name again…Prodvere was the name in the paper, wasn't it? He'd have to ask Ron for it again when he got the chance.
Harry sat up straight to get a better look at the girl as her eyes closed while the Sorting Hat was placed on her head.
He really hoped she'd be called into Gryffindor. He has so many questions!
Hm, the Sorting Hat was taking a hot minute to declare her house. How long has it been now? Two minutes? Five minutes? Maybe six-
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Harry slumped in slight disappointment as he watched the white-haired girl, Kayla, smile as she made her way down to the Hufflepuff table. Just like his own robes, hers changed into her new house colors as she sat down.
She looks pretty good in yellow, actually.
Harry watched her for a minute longer. She made a weird gesture with her hand as her smile grew larger. She closed her eyes again. Harry couldn't help but tilt his head at her. Maybe he'll have classes with her later. He could talk to her then, yeah?
"Weasley, Ronald."
Harry perked up as his friend's name was called. He crossed his fingers, mumbling, "Come on, come on…"
The Hat was barely on Ron's head for five seconds before it shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry clapped with the rest of his fellow Gryffindors as Ron made his way over with a smile on his face.
"Well done, Ron," Fred whispered as Dumbledore stood up.
"Now mum and dad won't disown," George snickered.
"Shut up," Ron's relief was evident as he turned away from his brothers as Harry smiled.
It felt good, being around these people. That happy feeling permeated in his chest as Dumbledore spoke.
"…Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" He finished, and with a wave of his hand, the most wonderful feast Harry had never dared to even dream of appeared out of nowhere, filling the tables and his nostrils with the most wonderful food he'd ever seen!
He and Ron immediately dug in.
I happily chewed on the most delicious drumstick ever! This food really is the best I've ever tasted!
"Hi!" A bright, feminine voice sounded next to me, "I'm Hettie, Hettie Hughs! Welcome to Hufflepuff! You're Kayla, right?"
I swallowed before responding, "Yeah, hi! Kayla Prodvere." I shook her hand. I don't recognize her or her name, so I don't know if she was ever mentioned in the books.
She was a cute girl, with wavy blonde hair in a bob-cut. She looked to be about my age, but I don't recall her from the Sorting.
"What year are you in?" I asked, guessing she wasn't a first year.
"This'll be my second year!" She happily declared, "What do you think of Hogwarts so far?"
"Well, I've only been to the boathouse and the Great Hall, but I can't complain," I grinned as I held up my half-eaten chicken.
"No kidding!" Hettie smiled back, before playfully whispering, "Wanna know a 'not-so-secret' secret? The Hufflepuff Common Room is practically right next to the kitchens! The house-elves I've met there are so sweet, we'll have to go visit sometime!"
"I'd like that," I smiled, "So where're you from…?"
I spent the majority of the evening talking back and forth with Hettie, while being introduced to quite a few other Hufflepuffs. Hettie, it seems, is quite the social butterfly. She introduced me to many friends of hers, I'll never get all their names right. She has quite a bubbly personality, and she made even the more quiet and reserved students smile and engage with the conversation.
I wasn't sure about Hufflepuff at first. But if this is how the majority of the year will be, I certainly can't complain.
I'm literally living my dreams right now.