Karilovya101: This is my first ever attempt at writing a Harry Potter fanfic. It's a lot and I have honestly been working really hard on this story for the last 2 years. I have it all outlined and there will be only one fanfic for this story. It is indeed going to be multi-chaptered. I do not mind constructive criticism, but understand that I have specific outline of how I am writing this story so I am okay with it not being absolutely perfect. There may be times when there are plot holes or missteps. Regardless, this is for fun and I hope you enjoy it regardless. Please R and thank you all!

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"It's time!"
All five members of Shell Cottage darted into the living room, gathering by the fireplace. The cottage, nestled high on a windswept cliff beside a roaring sea, was snug and worn—small for a family of five, a bit creaky, sometimes leaky, but unmistakably warm. Its mismatched cushions, magically mended roof, and the scent of sea salt in every corner made it feel like a treasure chest of memories.
Victoire, the eldest of three siblings, was the last to arrive. Her nearly platinum blonde hair flew behind her, tangled from rushing, and her casual T-shirt and shorts gave her the look of someone caught mid-adventure. As she burst into the room, her blue eyes wide and flushed with excitement, her mother gave a sigh.
With a flick of her wand, Fleur transformed her daughter's appearance into something far more presentable—a neat flowered dress with pink flats. Victoire gave a little yelp as the magic whisked through her.
"Maman!"
"Ma chérie…" Fleur started, but Bill, already checking his watch, interrupted.
"Let's go. We're late."

Victoire didn't fully get it. But she nodded anyway.
Fleur took Dominique and Louis by the hands and vanished into the Floo. Bill gave Victoire a smile and held her hand as they followed.

The Floo spit them out one by one at The Burrow, right into the heart of the end-of-summer chaos.
Victoire didn't hesitate. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she dashed off into the bustling crowd. The Burrow had been transformed with a massive white tent filled with enchanted fairy lights, long tables groaning with food, and groups of redheads—and their friends—laughing, hugging, and catching up after a long summer.
Victoire's eyes scanned the crowd. She wasn't looking for a snack or a seat—she was looking for Teddy.
She spotted him just ahead, mid-conversation with Uncle Harry. Before she could reach them, someone caught her by the arm.
"Victoire!"
She turned to find Aunt Hermione with a warm smile. Victoire loved talking with her—especially about books—but this wasn't the moment.
"Hi, Aunt Hermione!" she greeted politely, returning the hug.
"Are you excited for Hogwarts? Did you manage to get everything on your list?"
Victoire nodded. "Yes, Maman and I got everything at Diagon Alley."
"Wonderful. Have you thought about which house you'd like to be in?"
That question again. Everyone asked it lately. Her parents claimed they didn't mind where she ended up. Her mother, Fleur, couldn't understand the house system—Beauxbatons didn't have one. She found it divisive. Her father, Bill, said it had its flaws but also value.
Teddy had made his case for Hufflepuff. But Victoire felt drawn toward Ravenclaw.
"Hmm... probably Ravenclaw," she answered.
Hermione beamed. "A marvelous choice. Do you know Luna?"
"Yes!" Victoire smiled. She liked Luna—odd, but clever. Brave in her own way.
"Ask her about Ravenclaw when you get a chance. She'll have good stories."
Victoire nodded, but her eyes drifted back toward where she last saw Teddy.
"Can I go find someone quickly?"
Hermione gave her a knowing smile and waved her off.
Victoire slipped back into the crowd, winding her way around tables and dodging dancing cousins. She hadn't gone far before she spotted her Grandma Molly and Mrs. Tonks chatting near the drink table. Despite Mrs. Tonks' formal demeanor, Victoire had warmed to her over time.
"Oh, Victoire, my dear!" Molly exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.
"Hello, Grandma! Hello, Mrs. Tonks."
"Are you excited for Hogwarts?" Molly beamed.
Victoire nodded. "Very."
"You're the first Weasley to go since the war! Everyone's so proud."
"Has he been writing you much this summer?" Andromeda asked, almost casually.

Victoire shook her head. "No. Not really."

"He's thirteen," she said gently. "Everything's confusing when you're thirteen."

Victoire didn't know what to say to that. She just nodded again—and kept looking.
Andromeda Tonks gave a small smile. "Have you seen Teddy yet?"
Victoire shook her head.
"You should go find him," Andromeda said. "We old foxes will be here when you get back."
Molly agreed. "Do come back later, though!"
With a quick wave, Victoire set off again.

Victoire finally spotted Teddy on the hillside, his bright turquoise hair making him impossible to miss. He was sitting next to Louis, who was chatting animatedly. Relief and excitement bubbled up in her chest as she hurried toward them.
Louis noticed her first. "Vic!" he shouted, jumping up and hugging her tightly. Teddy stood up, smiling.
"Hey Vic!"
"Hey Teddy." She pried Louis off her gently. "Louis, go play with the others for a bit?"
Louis pouted but scampered off. Teddy chuckled. "He really looks up to you."
Victoire nodded. "He's been super clingy lately. I think he's scared I'll disappear once school starts."
"Can't blame him," Teddy said. "You're the best big sister around."
She smiled at that. "So… how's your summer been?"
Teddy scratched the back of his neck. "It was good. Hung out with my gran a lot. And Hunter—you remember me mentioning him?"
She nodded slowly. Of course she remembered. Teddy had written about Hunter before. Still, she felt a twinge of disappointment.
"Oh. That's nice."
Teddy picked up on her tone but didn't comment. Instead, he brightened. "Hey! You should sit with me and my friends on the train tomorrow. They've been dying to meet you."
"Really?" Her voice was quieter than she intended.
"Yeah. I might've bragged about you a bit."
She gave a small smile, unsure whether to be flattered or embarrassed.
"Do you think they'll like me?"
"They'd be ridiculous not to."
She laughed, feeling some of the nervous tension slip away. Teddy leaned back onto his elbows and started telling her about Hogwarts—the secret passageways, the enchanted kitchens, the best spots to hide when you needed a break. Victoire soaked in every word. This was what she'd missed all summer.
Eventually, the sun dipped low and Aunt Ginny called them in for dinner. As they entered the tent, Luna spotted them and floated over with her usual dreamy grace.
"Ah! Victoire! I hear you have a Ravenclaw's soul," Luna said with a serene smile.
Victoire nodded, a bit shy but pleased.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of games, food, and stories. The children eventually tumbled into sleeping bags inside The Burrow, while the adults lingered over drinks and laughter outside under the stars.
The next morning, they had a big breakfast with Grandma Molly and Grandpa Arthur before heading back to Shell Cottage.
Victoire stared out the window during the trip home, her mind spinning with everything Teddy had told her. Hogwarts didn't feel far away anymore. It felt close—like the edge of a dream she was about to step into.

Shell Cottage – September 1st
The sea crashed against the cliffs outside, the morning breeze cool and salty as it drifted through Victoire's open window. She sat up slowly, her stomach fluttering with excitement. Today, it was real. Today, she was going to Hogwarts.

The pressure of being the first Weasley to go to Hogwarts since the war was beginning to creep in. She had to do it right. Victoire took a deep breath then she slowly arose from her bed and began to get dressed quickly, but her eyes kept wandering to the books stacked near her suitcase. She gave in, just for a moment, and read another chapter from one of her textbooks. She had already read three cover to cover, but something about diving into the familiar words helped settle her nerves and subdued the feeling of weight on her shoulders.
A knock at her door broke her focus. It opened to reveal Dominique and Louis, both looking unusually solemn.
"Vic, do you really have to go?" Louis asked, his voice cracking a little.
"Can't you wait till we all go together?" Dominique added, crossing her arms with a frown.
Victoire set the book aside and patted the bed. "Come here."
The three sat together for a quiet moment. Victoire squeezed their hands.
"I'll miss you both. But I'll write. All the time. And when it's your turn, you'll know everything."
Louis clung to her sleeve. "It's not the same without you here."
Their mother called from downstairs. "Victoire! Bring your luggage!"
Victoire stood and groaned at the mess on her floor. "I still need to repack!"
Her siblings bolted for the stairs before she could ask for help. "Cowards!" she shouted after them, half-laughing.
"Why me…" she muttered, and began the frantic repacking.
"Ma chérie! What took you so long?" Fleur greeted her as Victoire lugged one heavy suitcase down the stairs.
"Sorry, Maman—I forgot how much I packed."
Fleur rolled her eyes affectionately. "Bill, mon amour, help her with the rest."
Bill kissed Fleur on the cheek and jogged upstairs.
"Allez manger! We cannot be late!"
Victoire slid into her chair and began eating quickly. Fleur sipped tea and smiled.
"Your grandparents, uncles, and aunts will be there at King's Cross."
Victoire froze, toast halfway to her mouth. "All of them?"
Fleur raised an eyebrow. "They are proud. You are the first of the next generation. You must get used to a little attention."
Victoire groaned softly. "Can't I just sneak onto the train unnoticed?"
Bill returned with the rest of her bags. "Sorry, kiddo. You're a Weasley. Subtlety isn't in the blood."
Louis, already dressed, clung to Victoire again as she got ready to leave. His grip said everything he wasn't saying aloud.
Dominique joined them at the door, her arms folded but her lip trembling. They might've teased her yesterday, but now it was real.
Bill crouched beside Victoire as they prepared to go through the wall at King's Cross. "You ready?"
She nodded. "More than ever."

"Keep your head up at Hogwarts, alright?" he said quietly.

"Why?" she asked, blinking.

"Some kids might not understand who you are—or who our family is. That doesn't mean they're right. Just… don't shrink for anyone small enough to think that way."
With one last look at her family, she stepped through the barrier onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters—and into the next chapter of her life.

Hogwarts Express
The whistle blew and steam hissed across the platform as students scrambled to board. The corridor smelled like pumpkin pastries, ink, and old upholstery.

Her shoulder brushed against older students rushing past, and her heart pounded.

Everyone seemed to know exactly where to go. Everyone except her.
Teddy helped Victoire with her luggage, navigating the crowded train with practiced ease.
"C'mon, I saved us a compartment," he said, motioning for her to follow. He ducked and weaved through other students, chatting as he went. Victoire trailed behind, mumbling apologies as she bumped into people.
Finally, he slid open a door. "Here we are."
Victoire stepped inside and placed her bag above her head, struggling a bit. Teddy started to help, but a voice beat him to it.
"Oi, is this the first year you won't stop talking about?"
A boy with tan skin, dark hair, and a confident grin stepped into the compartment. He looked her over, not unkindly. "I'm Hunter. Nice to meet you, Victoire."
Before she could respond, two girls entered behind him—one with long blonde hair and sharp green eyes, the other with short black hair and a piercing blue gaze.
"Ladies," Hunter said with a mock bow.
"Cool it, Rosewood," the black-haired girl muttered.
"Who's the kid?" the blonde asked.
"This is Victoire," Teddy answered. "My best friend."
"Vic, this is Crystal," he pointed to the blonde, "and Zoe," to the other girl.
Another figure filled the doorway—a tall, freckled boy with a calm smile. "Hey, everyone."
"Max!" Hunter grinned. "This is Victoire."
Max gave a small wave. "Nice to meet you."
"So you're the girl Teddy wouldn't shut up about in first year. The one practically his younger sister," Crystal said, smirking.
Victoire's cheeks flushed. "Nice to meet you all."
The train lurched into motion, and the conversation flowed easily. Crystal talked about trying out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team again. Zoe listened, occasionally chiming in. Victoire pulled out a book, half-listening.
"So, Vic—can I call you that?" Hunter asked suddenly, making her jump.
She nodded.
"What house do you want?"
"Ravenclaw, I think," she answered.
"Called it," Zoe said. "She's been buried in that book since she sat down."
Teddy smiled. "She's into charms. Zoe, maybe you could give her a few tips?"
Zoe eyed Victoire. "If she asks, sure."
That warmed Victoire more than she expected. As they neared Hogwarts, the girls helped her change into her robes. Zoe and Crystal were more talkative then, and Victoire began to relax.
When the train finally stopped, Teddy helped her down. His friends waved and headed toward the carriages.
"First years this way!" Hagrid's booming voice called.
Teddy turned to her. "You'll do great. And remember—you can ask the Sorting Hat."
He handed her bag back, ruffled her hair, and ran off.
Victoire took a deep breath and joined the group. Hagrid greeted her warmly.
"Victoire Weasley! Welcome!"
They followed him to the boats. She ended up seated with a bubbly redhead named Ellie, a bored-looking girl named Josie, and a wide-eyed boy named Daniel.
"Hi! I'm Ellie Willows!"
"Victoire Weasley."
"You're a Weasley?" Josie asked, her American accent sharp. "That's cool. I'm Josie White."
Ellie beamed. "What house do you want?"
"Gryffindor or Ravenclaw," Victoire answered.
Josie shrugged. "Slytherin sounds interesting."
The boy finally spoke. "I'm Daniel. I don't really know the houses."
Victoire and Ellie took turns explaining. Josie chimed in, throwing in the American term 'No-Maj' for Muggle. By the time they reached the castle, they were laughing and chatting like old friends.
Inside, Professor Longbottom greeted them and walked them through what to expect from the Sorting Ceremony.
Victoire stood beside her new friends, heart pounding, as the huge wooden doors opened.
Gasps echoed as the first-years stepped inside. Victoire glanced up—stars twinkled above the enchanted ceiling, and hundreds of candles floated in mid-air. The room buzzed with excitement.
They lined up at the front. Professor McGonagall stood beside a three-legged stool and a tattered, magical hat.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said. "When your name is called, come forward and place the Sorting Hat on your head."
Names began echoing through the room. Each time the Sorting Hat shouted a house name, one of the four tables burst into cheers.
Victoire found comfort in the friendly faces cheering for her across the tables—Teddy smiled from Hufflepuff, and she even spotted Crystal waving. Max gave a calm thumbs up. Zoe offered a subtle nod.
"Daniel Sterling!"
Daniel looked like he might be sick. Ellie gave him a huge thumbs up. Josie offered a cool nod. Victoire smiled at him supportively.
The hat took a while with Daniel, but finally shouted, "Ravenclaw!"
Victoire blinked. She hadn't expected that—but then remembered her Uncle Harry's words: you often had more than one house you could belong to.
"Josie White!"
Josie strode confidently to the stool. It took almost no time—"Slytherin!"
Ellie clapped excitedly. "She got it! I knew she would!"
"Victoire Weasley!"
Her stomach flipped. As she walked up, the chatter around the hall hushed. Everyone was watching her. The Sorting Hat dropped over her eyes, muffling the world.
"Ah, a Weasley! Been a while. Let's see…"
The voice was inside her head, ancient and curious.
"Hmm… Courage like a Gryffindor, loyalty like a Hufflepuff… but clever, so very clever. A sharp mind. You'd do well in…"
"Ravenclaw," she whispered. "Please."
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
"Well, then—RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers. Victoire removed the hat and walked—shakily, but smiling—toward her new housemates. Daniel made space beside him.
As she sat beside Daniel and smiled for the cheers, a quiet thought crept in: What if I'm not clever enough to belong here? What if the Hat was wrong?
She glanced across the hall. Josie smirked and gave her a nod from Slytherin. Ellie beamed and gave her a double thumbs-up.
"Ellie Willows!"
"Hufflepuff!"
Victoire was glad they'd be next to each other at meals.
After the feast, the Ravenclaw prefects guided them through the castle's maze of staircases and hallways. Victoire marveled at everything.
"Be careful of the stairs," one prefect warned. "They move when they feel like it."
They reached a spiral staircase that led to a door with an eagle-shaped knocker.
"This is the entrance," said the prefect. "To enter, you must answer a riddle."
The knocker asked: "Can you name three consecutive days without using Sunday, Wednesday, or Friday?"
"Yesterday, today, and tomorrow," one prefect answered.
The door creaked open. The common room was wide and circular, full of star maps, bookcases, and soft blue and bronze accents. It felt like stepping into the sky.
Victoire's heart swelled. This felt right.
They split into dorms. Her room had two other girls: Chloe, quiet with tightly coiled hair, and Angel, a fast-talking girl already buried in a book.
Victoire tried to make conversation.
"You excited?"
Chloe nodded, barely whispering, "Yes."
Angel didn't look up. "I'm Angel Warrington. What are you most looking forward to?"
"Charms," Victoire said.
"Same."
Angel suddenly looked up. "Wait—Weasley? As in *Harry Potter's* family?"
"He's my uncle."
Angel launched into a barrage of questions about Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny, quoting from tabloid articles Victoire hadn't even seen. Chloe slipped off to change and go to bed.
Eventually, Angel wound down. "We'll talk more tomorrow!"
Victoire nodded wearily, already half-asleep. As she lay in bed, she thought of Daniel, Ellie, Josie, and even Zoe. Her roommates might not become her people—but maybe Hogwarts still would.
She cracked open her Potions book one last time before bed. Then, finally, she let her eyes close.
Tomorrow, it all begins.