The Footsteps of my Father

Chapter Thirteen

-Hogwarts at Last-

As they entered The Leaky Cauldron, Brianna spotted her parents sitting at a table with Professor McGonagall, speaking intently. Brianna was pleased to see that her parents were more relaxed. I don't know what I would have done if they hadn't been okay with me being a witch.

Leaving her things and her owl with the Conners, Brianna walked over to the table with her parents and Professor McGonagall. She glanced over her shoulder and Dominic gave her a thumbs up; Gabriel and Sarah smiled at her reassuringly, nodding.

Brianna turned her attention to her parents. "Mum? Dad?" she said slowly.

Her parents looked up at her. "Brianna . . . Professor McGonagall has explained a lot," her father began. "And -"

Brianna tensed. Please, PLEASE let me go!

"- we don't see why you shouldn't go to Hogwarts."

Brianna breathed a sigh of relief.

"She has told us of the talents that you possess, and that it is necessary for you to learn to control them. I agree but-"

Brianna tensed again.

"- you cannot speak a word of this to anyone. We may now believe in magic, but there are many people who don't and would not look very kindly upon our family if it was brought to the public's attention that you were a witch."

Brianna nodded. "Of course, Dad." She turned around and grinned. Dominic grinned back and winked at her. Gabriel and Sarah smiled and nodded. She saw Gabriel mouth the words, "brilliant!" Brianna smiled again and turned back to her parents.

"Your parents have told me about your adoption," Professor McGonagall said, and Brianna looked at her, surprised. "Do not worry; this won't be common knowledge. It will be only between Professor Dumbledore and myself."

Brianna nodded. "Yes, Professor."

"Now," Professor McGonagall said, standing. "I will leave you alone with your parents." She looked back at Brianna's parents. "Remember to owl me if anything comes up about Brianna's parents or if you have any other questions."

"Yes, thank you," Brianna's father said, nodding his head. He and his wife stood, shaking Professor McGonagall's hand.

"Good day." Professor McGonagall looked at Brianna. "I expect to see you at Platform 9 ¾ no later than 10:30 on September 1^st. The train leaves promptly at 11:00."

"Yes, Professor. Don't worry, I'll be there," Brianna said, grinning. Professor McGonagall nodded and left The Leaky Cauldron.

Brianna turned back to her parents. "I always knew you'd become something special," her mother said, a tense smile on her face. "I just didn't realize how unusual."

"I'm sorry that I didn't say anything about this before. I didn't even know until two years ago."

Her mother nodded. "Many things have been revealed in the past few days, and let us hope that there are no more secrets between us."

Brianna smiled. "Of course." She hugged her parents. "Thank you so much for supporting this."

"Even if you are not our blood-daughter, you will always be our daughter," her father said, smiling as Brianna stepped away.

"We just want you to be happy," her mother said and Brianna could feel a few tears coming to her eyes.

"You're too much," Brianna said, hugging her parents again.

"Oi! Brianna!" Brianna straightened, looking at Dominic, who was grinning. "If you become much sappier, you're going to melt!"

Brianna just laughed, looking back at her parents. "Let's go home, shall we?" her father said and Brianna nodded.

"Yes." They walked over to the Conners and her mother hugged Sarah.

"I want to apologize for my behavior when you and Brianna came over and told us about Hogwarts," her father said, looking at Sarah, who nodded.

"You do not need to apologize, Mr. Olsen," Sarah said, smiling. "It is perfectly natural to react that way."

Her father smiled and looked at Gabriel. "Thank you so much for everything you have done for Brianna. It really means a lot to us."

"It was not a problem," Gabriel said, smiling, the haunted look disappearing for a bit. "We enjoy Brianna very much. You have a truly wonderful daughter and I am sure she will not disappoint you."

"No, I don't think she will," her father said, looking at Brianna and smiling.

"I hope not," Brianna said, grinning back.

"This is all so . . . strange," her mother said, shaking her head, but smiling. "A wizarding world. Brianna has always read those sorts of books, fantasy and the like, but I never imagined that it would actually be real."

"Yes, it can be quite shocking for Muggles," Gabriel said with a laugh.

"Muggles . . . those are people without magic talent, correct?" her father asked. "Professor McGonagall was explaining to us about that."

"You are correct," Gabriel said, nodding.

"You'll have to forgive us if we're still slightly wary about all of this," her father said.

"Of course," Sarah said, smiling.

As the adults continued their conversation, Brianna walked over near the wall, bringing Dominic with her. She peered up at him. "Would you really never talk to me again if I was Sorted into Gryffindor?" she asked, in reference to a previous conversation that they had had a few weeks ago. She could still remember that conversation . . .

"So what happens exactly with the Sorting Ceremony?" Brianna asked, sitting on the grass by the lake, looking out at the shimmering waters. Dominic lay in the grass, propped up by his elbows, the breeze rustling through his brown hair, making a few strands fly in front of his face.

"Well, you'll have to sit on a stool in front of the school in the Great Hall and put the Sorting Hat on. Then it'll decide, from seeing what's inside your head, which house to place you in."

"So if I got Slytherin . . ."

"That would be brilliant," Dominic said, grinning and looking at her. "Then we'd be in the same house."

Brianna nodded. "What about Ravenclaw?"

"That wouldn't be too bad . . . you just better not get a big head on me," Dominic said, raising an eyebrow.

Brianna laughed. "No, I'm not a Ravenclaw, I think Slytherin would suit me best. But what about Hufflepuff?"

"A Huffleduffer?" Dominic said, raising both his eyebrows. "I'd claim to not know you."

"Really?" Brianna asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Dominic laughed. "Well, it would make our friendship extremely difficult, but not as bad as you being a Gryffindor would."

"What if I was a Gryffindor?"

"Then I'd never speak to you again."

"Would you really?"

Dominic, however, didn't have a chance to reply, since at that time Sarah was calling him to come inside to help her with something. Dominic leapt up and raced towards the manor, leaving Brianna deep in thought . . .

"Would you?" Brianna repeated, folding her arms in front of her chest.

Dominic was silent for a moment, thinking. Then he leaned close to her face, smirking. "What do you think?"

"I would hope that you wouldn't let a stupid thing like house rivalries ruin our friendship."

Dominic smiled, straightening and looking very smug. "Well, I won't have to worry about it, because you will be a Slytherin."

"You're so sure of that, aren't you?" Brianna asked, laughing.

"Yes, I am," Dominic said confidently.

"But what if I am in a different house?"

"You won't be, so why worry?" Dominic winked and headed back to his parents, leaving Brianna to just shake her head, laughing.

*~~*~~*

The car ride back home went smoothly, as Brianna's parents were a bit less nervous about the entire wizarding world and seemed to get along with Gabriel and Sarah wonderfully. Brianna knew it would take time for her parents to be completely comfortable, but as long as she had her parents' support, she was more than willing to wait for that. After all, she was going to Hogwarts and she couldn't wait until the fall term started. To be able to study magic and be with other witches and wizards would be quite the experience. And having Dominic there would help her get over any nervousness she felt.

Which was exactly what she was feeling as she pushed the trolley through King's Cross Station, heading towards Platforms 9 and 10. Her stomach was filled with butterflies. The Conners had Apparated onto the Platform for the Hogwarts Express, but Dominic would be meeting Brianna on this side of the barrier. She still wasn't very comfortable with the idea of walking through a concrete wall, even though she had seem some pretty darn near impossible things happen over the past two years.

Her parents walked at her side, Maria and Terrance tagging along behind, and Firaxis, her snowy owl, sitting contently in his cage, seeming to be sleeping at the time. Brianna glanced at her parents, who were looking a bit nervous, but smiled when they looked at Brianna.

"Going away until Christmas; we're going to miss you so much!" her mother said.

"I'll owl all the time, don't worry," Brianna said reassuringly.

Her father shook his head, chuckling. "At least the owls will be dropping off the letters with the rest of our mail, so it won't look too suspicious. I can just see that Mrs. Dursley watching us from her house, three doors down. She would have a fit if she saw owls flying into our house."

Brianna laughed quietly, remembering the snobbish woman that she had met when she had gone to see Harry. It would be just like that woman to spy on everyone, and spy she did. Brianna's mother always had some of their neighbors over for afternoon tea and Mrs. Dursley's name would come up frequently, mostly in annoyance of the woman's antics.

Brianna shook her head, clearing her thoughts, focusing as they stopped between Platform 9 and 10. And, sure enough, Dominic was standing by one of the concrete pillars, leaning against it and smiling. He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, so as not to attract any more attention from the Muggles. Brianna, glancing around at the passing Muggles, saw that several of them gave her an odd glance. Of course, she had to admit, she did look rather odd pushing a trolley with packages and a caged owl.

"Welcome to the barrier to Platform Nine and Three Quarters," Dominic announced, not too loudly, so as not to attract stares.

"Dominic!" Maria cried happily and ran up to him, hugging him.

"Hey, there," Dominic said, rustling her hair. Brianna smiled. It was times like these that Dominic seemed to be her older brother. Maria and Terrance had both taken to him immediately and always rushed to give him a hug when they saw him.

"Brianna's going to study magic?" Terrance asked, after giving Dominic a hug.

Dominic nodded, crouching in front of Terrance. "But you have to keep that a secret."

"Oh, I'm good at keeping secrets," Terrance said, grinning.

Brianna laughed, eyeing the wall behind him. "I have to walk through a concrete wall?"

"How can you walk through a wall?" Maria asked, staring at the wall.

Dominic looked at Maria, who looked up at him. He winked. "Promise not to tell?"

Maria rolled her eyes, putting on her 'mature' face. "Of course, Dominic. I'm not a little kid anymore." That got a laugh out of everyone.

"Okay," Dominic said and whispered something in her ear. Her eyes went wide.

"Really?"

Dominic nodded. "Yes, but remember, you can't tell anyone."

Maria nodded. "I won't."

Dominic looked at Brianna, grinning. "Best to do it at a bit of a run, since it'll be your first time."

Brianna looked at her parents, who were staring at the concrete wall nervously. "She has to walk through that?" her mother managed.

Dominic nodded. "It looks pretty intimidating, but it's not really that bad."

Brianna faced her parents and they looked at her. Her father kept glancing around at the other Muggles and at the barrier. "You stay safe, you hear?" he said, looking at her pointedly.

Brianna nodded. "You're not going to come onto the platform with me?"

Her parents shifted uneasily. "We're - ah - not that comfortable with the idea of walking through a concrete wall," her father said, giving her a small smile.

Brianna chuckled, nodding. "Yes, I know; I have little butterflies in my stomach."

Her parents smiled at her warmly and her mother embraced her in a tight hug. "You take care. And don't get into any trouble."

"I won't," Brianna said, smiling as she pulled away from her mother.

"Study hard . . . but remember to have fun," her father whispered as he hugged her tightly.

Brianna chuckled, pulling away. "Don't worry, Dad, I will."

Brianna turned to face her younger brother and sister, crouching down. "We're going to miss you, Brianna!" Maria cried, hugging her older sister tightly. Terrance joined in and Brianna laughed.

"Don't worry; I'll be back in no time flat." They straightened, looking at her, grinning. "I'll have plenty of presents for you for Christmas."

"Brilliant!" Maria cried happily.

"Can I have some wizarding candy?" Terrance asked hopefully.

"You bet," Brianna said, winking at him.

"Wicked!" Terrance cried, grinning broadly.

She hugged the twins again, standing. "I'm going to miss you both; you be good for Mum and Dad, okay?"

They nodded. "Of course. I'll make sure Terrance behaves," Maria said, puffing out her chest. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dominic attempt to stifle his laughter, his cheeks tinged pink. Maria looked at Terrance and put on the face that their mother always wore when she was reprimanding them. "Now, you behave."

At this, Dominic lost it and doubled over, laughing. Brianna laughed quietly and she could tell that her parents were amused.

"Just because you're one minute older, Maria, doesn't mean you can boss me around," Terrance said defiantly, staring down his twin sister.

Brianna just shook her head and laughed, looking at her parents.

"You cease to amaze me, Brianna" her father said.

"I'm going to miss you so much!" Brianna cried, hugging her parents fiercely again.

"That's what we have owls for," her mother said, giving her a small smile. "I can't wait to hear all about your school."

"I'm so nervous!" Brianna exclaimed, glancing back at the barrier and then to her family. Her heart was beating rapidly. Finally! Hogwarts!!

"You'll be fine; you're our daughter," her father said warmly, smiling. Brianna felt extremely loved at that point in time and she couldn't recall a happier moment as she stood with her family, about to embark on the journey that would forever change who she was.

After another round of hugs and goodbyes and promises to write, Dominic motioned to the barrier. "After you," Dominic said, bowing slightly.

Brianna laughed, trying to cover up her nervousness. She placed her hands on the bars of the trolley, gripping them tightly; so tight that her knuckles were turning white. She glanced back at her family, who were all standing together, grinning and waving to her. The perfect family, Brianna thought. I was blessed. I don't know what I'd do without them.

Brianna took a deep breath, focusing on the very solid-looking concrete wall in front of her, closed her eyes, and ran, leaving behind the Muggle world and her family. Little did she know, that was the last time she would ever see her family again.

A swift wind rushed around her and suddenly, she was on the other side. She stumbled a bit, looking around in awe at Platform Nine and Three Quarters. The Hogwarts Express sat in the station, steam billowing out, covering the platform. The hooting of owls filled the air and the sounds of many conversations going on at once surrounded her. Brianna watched as families said goodbye to their children, watching them board the train.

"Impressive, isn't it?"

Brianna glanced up at Dominic, who had just come through the barrier, and nodded. "Quite."

"I remember my first time," Dominic said, smiling as he looked around the platform. "I was so nervous."

"I bet."

"Well, come on, then. Let's go nab a compartment before all the good ones are taken." With Dominic leading the way, Brianna pushed her trolley behind him, stopping at one of the entrances to the train. Dominic took her trunk and Brianna picked up Firaxis and his cage, following Dominic onto the Hogwarts Express. Brianna took a deep breath, glancing back out onto the platform, amazed at all people, Muggles and wizards alike. At the World Cup, she had seen hundreds of thousands of witches and wizards, but never so many Muggles and wizards mixed like this.

She followed Dominic down the hall and to one of the back compartments. They stored her trunk beneath one of the booths and sat down, Brianna setting Firaxis' cage on the seat. She peered out the window, grinning.

"It's just so . . . so bloody amazing," Brianna whispered. "I'm finally going to Hogwarts!"

"Yes, you are," Dominic said, laughing. He stood. "Well, I'm going to go change into my school robes. I'll be back soon."

Brianna nodded and Dominic left.

I do hope you're not going to leave me in this stuffy cage all night.

Brianna looked at Firaxis, who was looking up at her with his round eyes. "No, of course not. As soon as I'm in my dormitory, I'll let you stretch your wings."

Good. Now, if you please, try to keep it down to a dull roar. I'm going to try to catch some sleep.

Brianna chuckled. "Of course, Firaxis."

Thank you.

"Brianna!" a voice exclaimed and Brianna looked to see Liriel Vantura standing in the doorway, her long brown hair tied back in a ponytail. She already had on her school robes; the plain black cloak with the Hogwarts Coat of Arms, the tie with the same symbol, the dark gray vest, skirt, socks and black shoes. Several times over the past year, Brianna had spent time with Liriel at the Conner Estate, playing Quidditch and talking about the wizarding world in general. Liriel was the only other student, besides Dominic, that knew about her adoption and that she had grown up with Muggles. "So, how have you been?" Liriel asked, plopping herself down on the other booth.

After shutting the door, Brianna began getting changed into her school robes. "Brilliant. I've been working on charms all summer and refining my dueling."

"Wicked!" Liriel exclaimed as Brianna tied her tie and pulled on the black cloak, fastening the silver clasp. "I hear we're going to have a Dueling Club this year."

"That sounds brilliant," Brianna said, grinning as she put away her Muggle clothing in her trunk and stowed it safely underneath her seat. She opened the compartment door again, taking a seat across from Liriel.

"Hiya, Liri." They both looked up to see Dominic standing in the door, fully garbed in his Slytherin robes. It was the first time Brianna had ever seen Dominic in his house robes and she couldn't wait until she had her own. The green and silver worked wonderfully with Dominic's brown hair and bright blue eyes. The Slytherin patch shone broadly on his cloak and Brianna thought that Dominic looked extremely proud as he took a seat next to Liriel. "Ready to join Slytherin?" Dominic asked with a smile.

Liriel laughed. "We'll see. My mum was in Ravenclaw, but my dad was in Slytherin." Liriel shrugged. "I suppose I just have to wait my turn."

Dominic nodded and looked back at Brianna. "Let's hope we're all in the same house. That'd be brilliant."

"The nerve!" The occupants of the compartment turned to face an angry looking Draco standing in the doorway. He strode in, flopping down beside Brianna. Alex, Graham, Malcolm and Blaise came in after, taking up the rest of the space on the booths. All of them were in their robes, and Brianna chuckled as she observed that it was like sitting in a sea of green and silver.

"What's wrong now, Draco?" Dominic asked, glancing out the compartment door and back at his friend.

Draco scowled, his arms crossed over his chest, not saying a word.

Brianna looked at Alex, who whispered, "Weasley." Brianna nodded.

"Speak of the devil," Malcolm muttered as Weasley appeared in the doorway.

"What's this? A Young Death Eater meeting?" Weasley asked snidely, looking around at all of them in disgust. His eyes landed on Brianna and he smirked. "I see you've recruited more to your ranks."

"Shove off, Weasley," Draco growled, glaring at Weasley.

"No, I rather like annoying you, Malfoy," Weasley said, smirking. "Ferret."

*~~*~~*

Harry spotted Ron standing in the doorway of a compartment, smirking. Harry had been changing into his robes and had been heading back to their compartment when he had seen Ron. Harry caught the tail end of the conversation; and, of course, it dealt with Malfoy. He wasn't surprised. Malfoy had been taunting Ron earlier, now Ron was just getting back at him.

Harry looked over Ron's shoulder at the compartment full of Slytherins. Malfoy was now standing up, glaring at Ron, but Zabini grabbed Malfoy, shoving him back down in the seat and whispered something. Malfoy nodded, but was glaring at Ron with venom in his cold gray eyes.

Harry's eyes landed on the blonde girl that he had met on Privet Drive. What was her name . . . oh, right. Brianna. Hanging around with Slytherins? I've got to get her out of this compartment. She's too nice and decent to be hanging out with these sorts, especially Malfoy. Malfoy, catching Harry's gaze on Brianna, put an arm around her and smirked up at Harry.

Of course, Harry wasn't buying it, for Brianna looked too confused and uncomfortable to hold up what Malfoy was trying to accomplish.

"Come on. Don't get yourself fouled up over Malfoy. He's not worth it." Harry looked at Brianna. "Brianna, you want to come meet Hermione?" Brianna smiled and was opening her mouth to agree when a boy glared at her pointedly. He had short brown hair and icy blue eyes.

"You don't want to be messing with that sort, Brianna," the boy said, jerking his head towards Harry and Ron.

Brianna frowned and Harry could tell she was thinking but then she just nodded and sat back, looking over another Slytherin at the scenery that was flying by. Harry, more confused than anything, stepped out into the hallway.

"And good riddance!" Harry heard one of the Slytherins yell, and the door of the compartment was slammed shut in their faces.

"That good-for-nothing Malfoy," Ron growled as they headed back to their compartment.

"Just ignore him, Ron," Harry said. "We have much bigger things to worry about that Malfoy." Harry gave Ron a pointed look and Ron nodded.

"Right," he said.

*~~*~~*

"Can you believe him?" Blaise asked, rolling his eyes. "Who does he think he is, talking to us like that?"

Brianna shrugged off Draco's arm and looked at Dominic, anger flashing in her eyes. "What the bloody hell did you do that for?" she asked angrily. Seven pairs of shocked eyes looked at her.

"What do you mean?" Dominic asked, taken aback by Brianna's anger. He had never seen her that angry before, and especially not directed at him.

"Why didn't you let me go speak to Harry?"

"Potter?" Draco scoffed. "You don't want to be dealing with the likes of him. He and Weasel both. They'll taint your blood."

"What does my blood matter to you, Draco?" Brianna asked, turning her icy glare on him.

Draco looked back at her smugly. "Purebloods stick with purebloods, plain and simple."

"How do you know that I'm not a Mudblood?" Brianna asked.

Draco looked at her, thinking, and then looked at Dominic, a frown across his face. "She is a pureblood, right?"

Dominic looked back at Draco, his gaze never faltering. "Of course."

"Would we be friends if she were otherwise?" Blaise pointed out.

Draco just shrugged, sitting back. "Right."

"I need to stretch my legs," Brianna said, standing. Although the Slytherins were fine to her, she didn't exactly share their viewpoint on Harry anymore, not after she had met him over the summer.

"I'll go with you," Dominic said, standing.

Brianna looked at him, an eyebrow raised. "I can take care of myself, Dominic. I'm not a child." She saw hurt flash in Dominic's eyes, but she wanted to speak with Harry, and couldn't if Dominic was there with her.

With a flourish, she opened the compartment door and strode out.

"Witty one, isn't she?" Brianna heard Graham ask.

Brianna sighed as she walked down the hall. She felt absolutely horrid for hurting Dominic, but the only way she was going to be able to meet Hermione was if she was Slytherin-free, and that included her very best friend.

*~~*~~*

"So, Hermione, you're not going confiscate all our sweets now, are you?" Ron asked, glancing at his best friend, who was busy cleaning her Prefect badge. "I mean, after all, you are a Prefect now."

Hermione looked at Ron and smiled. "You're a Prefect too, Ron," she pointed out.

He laughed. "True, but still."

She laughed. "Just so long as you do some homework this year." She shook her head, chuckling. "Honestly, I don't see how you passed last year. You hardly did any of the homework!"

"It's not my problem that some of those teachers are so daft," Ron complained. Harry smiled, remembering the Divination professor. "Besides, I did do most of my homework."

"Making up nonsense is not doing your homework," Hermione said sternly.

Ron sighed. "That was just Divination, Hermione. Honestly, you would think that I didn't do anything the way you act!" He looked at her pointedly. "And we did have the Triwizard tournament," Ron added.

Hermione frowned, looking at him, an eyebrow raised. "Well, don't come crying to me when you fail to get even three O.W.L.S."

Ron laughed. "Hermione, can you think about something else other than work for one minute?"

"Ron, you know how important the O.W.L.S. are! If you don't get enough, you won't go up into your sixth year!"

"Anything from the trolley, dears?" Thankfully, the witch pulling the trolley had just appeared, just in time to save Harry from watching Ron and Hermione battle it out again.

"Sure," Harry said, pulling out a handful of Galleons from his pocket and buying a load of sweets for him and his friends to munch on.

As the witch disappeared, Hermione shook her head. "Harry, you're going to rot out your teeth with all that candy!"

"And since when have you been against us eating candy?" Harry asked, his eyebrows raised.

Ron sighed. "Honestly, Hermione, if you're going to act like this all year, I think I'm going to have to ask the Sorting Hat to switch me into a different house."

Hermione looked at him shocked. Harry took a bite of a Cauldron Cake, hiding his smile. "Ron! You don't mean that!"

"Maybe I do," Ron said seriously and Harry was impressed that Ron had managed to keep a straight face. At the horrified look on Hermione's face, Ron laughed. "Of course not, Hermione! Why would I want to switch houses? I'd miss all of Fred and George's pranks this year!"

Hermione frowned. "They're not getting away with pranks."

Ron rolled is eyes. "Hermione, they just want to have fun."

"Being a Prefect, you have certain responsibilities and . . ." Hermione continued on as Ron glanced at Harry mouthing 'and here she goes again'. Harry smiled.

"Hello," a soft, friendly voice said and the Trio looked to see a tall girl with her silver hair tied back in a ponytail and a slightly dark complexion. Her intense gray eyes were looking at them.

"Hi, Brianna," Harry said slowly, unsure exactly what she would do.

"Do you think I could sit in here for a bit?" Brianna asked and Harry nodded, moving over.

"Of course."

"Thanks," Brianna said, smiling and taking the offered seat. She looked at Hermione and Ron. "So you must be Hermione . . . and . . ." she faltered on Ron's name. "Weasley?"

"Ron," Ron said stiffly, not to happy with the prospect of a Slytherin-recruit sitting in the compartment.

"Oh, Ron, lighten up," Hermione said, laughing. She looked at Brianna with interest in her eyes.

"Me?" Ron asked, his eyebrows raised. "You were the one who-oof." Ron was cut short as Harry hit him in the shins lightly.

"Hermione Granger," Hermione said, grinning and holding out her hand.

"Brianna Olsen," Brianna said, shaking her hand.

"I don't want you to take offense," Harry began and Brianna looked at him, "but what were you doing hanging around with those Slytherins?"

Brianna shrugged. "Dominic is my best friend; Liriel is a good friend, and the rest are mostly Dominic's friends, so that's who I usually hang around with."

"Bet they'd love to know that you're sitting in a compartment with three Gryffindors," Ron muttered and Harry kicked him again. Ron glared at Harry. "Will you stop doing that?"

"Be pleasant!" Harry retorted.

Ron took a deep breath and looked at Brianna. "Ron Weasley."

Brianna smiled. "Nice to meet you. I'm sorry . . . about the Weasley thing. It's just the only name I knew you by."

Ron nodded, a small smile playing on the edges of his mouth. Harry was pleased to see that Ron was beginning to loosen up.

"So, Brianna, you're going to be a first-year?" Hermione asked.

Brianna nodded, grinning. "You bet! I can't wait! Hogwarts is going to be brilliant!"

"Do you like to read?"

"Here we go," Ron whispered to Harry, who grinned. "The interrogation begins. Shall we save her?"

Harry chuckled softly, watching Brianna with interest. "Let's see how Brianna handles it."

". . . and then there was this book on the wizards of legend and I adored that book!" Brianna was saying, and she and Hermione quickly drew into an excited conversation.

"Uh oh, looks like we have another Hermione on our hands," Ron murmured.

"I heard that, Ronald Weasley," Hermione said, startling Ron. She smiled.

"I love to read and I do work very hard," Brianna said, laughing, "but I'm not going to lock myself up somewhere and do nothing but study. I want to play Quidditch!"

At this, both Harry and Ron's attentions snapped to Brianna and Hermione sat back, reading her Potions book, and watching as Brianna carried on a lengthy conversation with them. She's so nice, Hermione thought, smiling. She doesn't seem the Slytherin type . . . but you never know, I suppose. I wonder if she's a pureblood.

And, as if she had read Hermione's mind, Brianna began talking about her family, telling the tales about her younger siblings Maria and Terrance. A Muggle-born, how interesting, Hermione thought as she listened. I wonder how she became friends with that batch of Slytherins? Hermione chuckled. Malfoy would have a heart-attack if he knew he had been hanging around with a Muggle-born. But, of course, at least one of Brianna's parents was either a witch or wizard, since she was adopted . . . I wonder who. She looks so familiar, as if I've seen her before . . . but that would be impossible, since she grew up in the States. Hermione thought on that one and then it hit her. Malfoy! She looks like Malfoy!

Apparently, Harry and Ron had come to the same conclusion. "Are you related to Malfoy?" Ron asked.

Brianna shrugged. "Not that I know of, but, of course, I haven't read the letter that my father left me yet, so that might give me some answers. My parents are going to send me the letter once I arrive at Hogwarts."

Huh, interesting, Hermione thought. If she is a Malfoy, then I wonder why she wasn't brought up by them. This is going to be one very interesting year, Hermione thought with a smile and returned to her book.

*~~*~~*

The train began slowing down and an announcement was made that they were pulling into Hogsmeade Station. "Blimey! The time sure does fly!" Brianna said, grinning. "Well, I'd better get back to my compartment. We just leave our things on the train, right?"

Harry nodded. "Right. When you leave the train, just look for a really tall guy, huge, with a lot of hair. That'll be Hagrid."

"Oh! I can't wait to meet him!" Brianna cried happily.

"Do you like animals?" Ron asked.

"Like them? I adore them!" She glanced out into the corridor, seeing that the students had began filing out. She looked back at the trio, smiling. "I'll see you inside!" she finished quickly and raced out of the compartment, melting into the flow of students as they exited the train.

"Brianna!" Brianna turned to see Liriel running over to her. "Where did you go?" Liriel asked as they joined the group of first-years.

"First years line up over here, please! All first years to me!!" a brisk, female voice called. Brianna saw that the voice belonged to a tall witch, holding a lantern. I wonder where Hagrid is? But she didn't have time to think about that further, as Liriel began talking to her.

As they walked down the muddy path, Brianna explained about Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Of course, as Brianna expected, Liriel was shocked at first. "You talked to them? Brianna!"

"What?" Brianna asked, exasperated. "I'm not a Slytherin yet! Why do I have to act like one?"

Liriel just shook her head. "Just watch out who you associate yourself with. These times aren't the best, you know."

"Don't I know it," Brianna whispered.

They turned a corner and Brianna's mouth dropped open in awe as she took in the sight across the shimmering lake. A full moon rose behind the looming castle, reflected on the still waters of the black lake. "Bloody hell," she whispered.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Liriel asked, her eyes as wide as saucers.

"I don't even have the words to describe it," Brianna whispered, looking at the dark castle with its millions of candle-lit windows, tall towers, and over all vastness. Now I definitely wasn't prepared for this, Brianna thought, her eyes still wide in awe and amazement.

"Four to a boat!" the witch ordered and Brianna and Liriel climbed into a boat together. A tall girl, with long, flowing jet-black hair, plopped into the boat. Her sapphire eyes looked at Brianna and Liriel in interest.

"Hiya!" she said, grinning. "I'm Raven Sanders."

"Brianna Olsen," Brianna said and then motioned to Liriel. "This is Liriel Vantura."

"Brilliant," Raven said, still grinning. Raven looked at Liriel. "I think I know you . . . didn't we always hang out together when we were little?"

Liriel thought about it and then smiled. "Right, we did! You have an older sister, Jennifer, right?"

Raven nodded. "Right." She grinned. "I can't wait until Defense Against the Dark Arts!"

"Definitely," Liriel agreed.

Suddenly the boats jerked forward as if pulled by an invisible thread, and the girls' attentions were turned towards the castle as they sped across the lake. Brianna looked around the lake, fascinated.

As they drew near the castle, Brianna could feel her heart beating rapidly. I can't believe I'm finally here!

The boats stopped and the first-years climbed out, chattering excitedly amongst themselves, and followed the witch through a passageway and up to two large oak doors.

Etched on the doors was the Hogwarts Coat of Arms; a badger, a raven, a serpent, and a lion. And engraved beneath it, were the Latin words, Draca Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus.

Brianna smiled. She had studied Latin with Gabriel and knew that it translated to "Never tickle a sleeping dragon."

"Good advice," Brianna said, chuckling.

"What?" Raven asked.

"The Latin on the door. It says 'Never tickle a sleeping dragon'."

Raven laughed. "No, I don't suppose that would be a very smart thing, now would it?"

"Quite bad," Liriel agreed, laughing.

The doors swung open, revealing Professor McGonagall in emerald green robes. Brianna peered over the heads of the other first-years as Professor McGonagall led them through the doors and across a huge entrance hall that would have fit ten of her house in it. They walked over the flagged stones and up a staircase, stopping in front of a pair of large doors.

"Through here is the Great Hall, where you will join your classmates, but first, you must be Sorted," Professor McGonagall said. "The four houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. While you are at Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points, while any rule-breaking will lose your house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor. The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly." Professor McGonagall left at that moment, and the first-years burst into excited chatter.

"Oh, I just know I'm going to be a Hufflepuff!" a boy cried. "My entire family was in that house!"

"Which house do you want, Raven?" Brianna asked.

Raven cocked her head to one side, thinking. "Well, I suppose I'd want either Slytherin or Ravenclaw. My mum and dad were both in Ravenclaw, but my grandparents were Slytherins." Raven shrugged, grinning. "As long as I can have fun, I don't think it matters at this point."

"You mean you're not all out against Slytherin?" Brianna asked with a smile.

Raven quirked an eyebrow. "Of course not! Are you?"

Brianna shook her head, laughing. "No, my best friend is in Slytherin!"

"Ooh, who?" Raven asked, her eyes wide in excitement.

"Dominic Conner," Liriel whispered and Raven's eyes grew even larger, if that was even possible.

"Dominic?" Raven asked, stunned.

"What?" Brianna asked, confused. "What's wrong with him?"

"Oh, nothing, it's just that you got yourself quite a catch!"

"What Raven means, Brianna," Liriel said, "is that Dominic is extremely popular with the ladies and Raven's older sister, Jennifer, used to go to school with him. Said that he was the most popular guy, even if he was a Slytherin."

The three laughed. Brianna nodded and was about to say something when Professor McGonagall returned. "They are ready for you."

And that was when Brianna got her first look at the Great Hall.

As they walked through the large doors, Brianna looked around in awe, her mouth slightly open and her eyes wide. The ceiling, enchanted to look like the night sky, was clear with sparkling stars. Thousands of candles floated in mid-air above the four tables lined with students. Brianna spotted Dominic over with the Slytherins, surrounded by his batch of friends. He caught her eye and grinned, giving her a thumbs up. Brianna sighed in relief. Thank God he's not mad at me! I don't know what I'd do if he was!

Brianna saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione sitting at the Gryffindor table, and noticed that two boys, who had to be twins, had flaming red hair and were deep in discussion with another Gryffindor. They must be Ron's older brothers . . . what were their names again?? Drat, well, I'll just have to talk to Ron later.

Suddenly, the mass of first-years halted and Brianna moved her way towards the front, Raven and Liriel right next to her. Sitting in front of them was a stool with an old hat lying on top. Behind this stool sat the U-shaped High Table, where all the professors sat. Brianna recognized Headmaster Dumbledore from his picture in the Chocolate Frogs, and she saw Hagrid sitting over at one end. I can't wait to meet him! If Hagrid likes animals as much as Harry lets on, we're going to get along perfectly!

Gasps broke Brianna out of her thoughts and she realized that a rip had appeared in the hat. A song spilled forth:

"In times of old when I was new

And Hogwarts barely started

The founders of our noble school

Thought never to be parted;

United by a common goal,

They had the selfsame yearning,

To make the world's best magic school

And pass along their learning.

"Together we will build and teach!"

The four good friends decided

And never did they dream that they

Might someday be divided,

For were there such friends anywhere

As Slytherin and Gryffindor?

Unless it was the second pair

Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?

So how could it have gone so wrong?

How could such friendships fail?

Why, I was there and so can tell

The whole sad, sorry tale.

Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those

Whose ancestry is purest."

Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose

Intelligence is surest."

Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those

With brave deeds to their name,"

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot,

And treat them just the same."

These differences caused little strife

When first they came to light,

For each of the four founders had

A House in which they might

Take only those they wanted, so,

For instance, Slytherin

Took only pure-blood wizards

Of great cunning, just like him,

And only those of sharpest mind

Were taught by Ravenclaw

While the bravest and the boldest

Went to daring Gryffindor.

Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest,

And taught them all she knew,

Thus the Houses and their founders

Retained friendships firm and true.

So Hogwarts worked in harmony for several happy years,

But then discord crept among us

Feeding on our faults and fears.

The Hoses that, like pillars four,

Had once held up our school,

Now turned upon each other and,

Divided, sought to rule.

And for a while it seemed the school

Must meet an early end.

What with dueling and with fighting

And the clash of friend on friend

And at last there came a morning

When old Slytherin departed

And though the fighting then died out

He left us quite downhearted.

And never since the founders four

Were whittled down to three

Have the Houses been united

As they once were meant to be.

And now the Sorting Hat is here

And you all know the score:

I sort you into Houses

Because that is what I'm for,

But this year I'll go further,

Listen closely to my song:

Though condemned I am to split you

Still I worry that it's wrong,

Though I must fulfill my duty

And must quarter every year

Still I wonder whether sorting

May not bring the end I fear.

Oh, know the perils, read the signs,

The warning history shows,

For our Hogwarts is in danger

From external, deadly foes

And we must unite inside her

Or we'll crumble from within

I have told you, I have warned you ....

Let the Sorting now begin.

The Great Hall erupted into applause, but there were whispers and mutterings as well.

"What do you suppose the hat mean?" a boy asked nearby Brianna.

"That was odd," another said.

"The hat's never done something like that before," Brianna heard one of the older students say near her.

She looked at Liriel. "What -"

But she was interrupted when Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "Abercrombie, Euan."

Brianna watched as a small boy walked up to the hat, taking a seat. He looked very scared and the hat slid over his face when Professor McGonagall placed it on his head.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindors applauded as Euan ran to join them.

"Adams, Gregory."

The boy who had been talking about his Hufflepuff heritage walked up, sitting on the stool nervously. The hat was placed on his head and immediately shouted

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The boy looked relieved and ran over to the Hufflepuff table, where they were all cheering him on. As several other names were called, Brianna noticed that all the older students, including a batch of the Slytherins, wore bands of black and gold on their right arms. Peering closely at one of the bands on an older student, Brianna could barely make out the words "Remember Cedric Diggory."

Sadness filled Brianna as she remembered what had happened the previous year and was so deep in thought; Raven had to nudge her because her name had just been called.

Brianna looked around and slowly made her way up to the stool, taking a seat. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head, and suddenly, it spoke to her!

"My, my, what do we have here?" the hat commented.

"Is it bad?" Brianna asked worriedly.

"Oh, well, that all depends on how you look at it. You have quite an interesting bloodline and, it seems, you are a pure-blood."

"What?" Brianna gasped, her eyes wide. Me?? A pure-blood??

"Yes, yes, interesting family . . . now where to put you? You're extremely loyal to your family and friends, yet I don't think Hufflepuff is right for you. You'll stand up for what you believe in and are not afraid of a challenge, yet I sense fear . . . fear of loss? No, no, Gryffindor won't be right for you. Now, to which house? Ravenclaw or Slytherin? You'd make an excellent Slytherin, yes, yet you are extremely brilliant. Ahh, I sense your father's traits in you. He, too, was hard to place . . . yes, quite a feisty one, he was . . . you are clever, cunning, and I sense a need to prove yourself. Ambition, it can be a powerful ally, but it can also bring down the world around you . . . but you have your mother's brilliance . . . yes, Slytherin does seem to be the appropriate house . . . oh, now this is quite interesting . . . you have a special power, Brianna. . . but the question, will you use that power wisely? And you have the heart of a Slytherin . . . hmm . . . this is rather difficult."

Heart of Slytherin? Brianna thought, her eyebrows lifted.

"Ahah!" the hat cried, jerking Brianna from her thoughts. "I know exactly where to put you . . . yes, you will do will in this house . . . and we shall expect great things from you, Brianna. You belong in . . .

"RAVENCLAW!"

The hat was removed and Brianna sat there, stunned for a moment. Ravenclaw? Hmm . . . well, the good thing is, I'll still be able to be friends with Dominic!

Finally, after a nudge from Professor McGonagall, Brianna leapt up and raced over the Ravenclaw table, taking her place next to a tall girl with long black hair, olive colored skin, and almond-shaped eyes. "Hi!" the girl said, smiling. A Prefect badge shone brightly from her robe. "I'm Cho Chang, a sixth-year. I'll be one of your Prefects. I'm also Seeker for the Quidditch team. Are you going to try out?"

"Hi," Brianna said, smiling back. "You bet I'm going to try out! I love Quidditch!"

Cho beamed. "Brilliant! We're going to have a blast this year. I'll see you around."

Brianna nodded as Cho turned her attention to a girl that was nudging her.

Brianna looked across the table and to the Slytherin table, which was right next to theirs. She caught Dominic's eye and, seeing the shocked expression, grew slightly worried. Of course, his shock was soon replaced with a grin and he winked at her. She grinned back and turned her attention back to the Sorting Ceremony.

"Sanders, Raven!"

Brianna watched as Raven strode up confidently and the hat was placed on her head. Within moments, it shouted

"RAVENCLAW!"

Brianna grinned as Raven ran over to the table, flopping down in the seat next to Brianna. "This is brilliant! We're in the same house!" Raven exclaimed, grinning broadly.

Brianna looked over at the Slytherin table once again and spotted Alex sitting next to his brother, chattering excitedly to another first-year. Brianna smiled. Well, at least I can be friends with all the houses!

Brianna watched as "Quinby, William!" was Sorted into Gryffindor, and three others were placed in Slytherin.

Two boys were placed in Hufflepuff, and then it was Liriel's turn.

"Vantura, Liriel!"

Raven and Brianna watched intently as Liriel walked up to the stool, sitting down. The hat was placed on her head and it seemed to take a long time. Probably not as long as me, Brianna thought. I had to have been the longest. I wonder if she's going to get Slytherin?

"What do you think she'll get?" Raven whispered.

"Slytherin," Brianna whispered back.

They were both shocked when the hat shouted,

"RAVENCLAW!"

Liriel grinned and headed over to where Brianna and Raven were sitting. "Isn't this bloody brilliant?" Liriel asked, sitting across from Brianna and Raven. "The Three Musketeers are in action!"

Brianna laughed. "Where did you come up with that?" Interesting that Liriel reads Muggle books. It's cool though.

Liriel shrugged. "I read a novel that was entitled 'The Three Musketeers' and I think we work pretty well as that."

Raven nodded. "The Three Musketeers, huh? I like the sound of that."

The clinking of glass brought their attention to the front of the hall, where Professor Dumbledore was now standing. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! I think you've waited long enough . . . so let the feast . . . begin!"

Immediately, plates of steaming food appearing before them and Brianna immediately dug in. As they ate their feast, Raven and Liriel chattered about the sorting hat and what it meant by its song, and Brianna listened thoughtfully, still thinking about what the Sorting Hat had said. Ahh, I sense your father's traits in you. He, too, was hard to place . . . yes, quite a feisty one, he was . . . you are clever, cunning, and I sense a need to prove yourself. Ambition, it can be a powerful ally, but it can also bring down the world around you . . . but you have your mother's brilliance . . . yes, Slytherin does seem to be the appropriate house . . . oh, now this is quite interesting . . . you have a special power, Brianna. . . but the question, will you use that power wisely? You have the heart of a Slytherin . . . hmm . . . this is rather difficult.

Brianna took a bite of her mashed potatoes, thinking. The hat knew my father! But why wouldn't it say his name? Oh, I hope I get that letter soon. I want to know who he is. Maybe . . . maybe he had to leave me with Muggles for my own safety . . . hm . . . I really don't know. This is just all so confusing.

"Hello," a whispery voice said, jerking Brianna out of her thoughts.

She jumped back, seeing that a ghost was floating right over the table in front of her. Brianna's eyes went wide. "A ghost?"

The ghost, who was a tall lady with silvery hair and long robes, smiled. "Why, yes, that would be the assumption. I'm the Grey Lady, Ravenclaw's ghost."

"Pleased to meet you," Brianna said slowly, a smile forming on her face. A ghost! Bloody hell, I never thought I'd actually be talking to a ghost! "I'm Brianna."

Raven and Liriel were now looking up at the Grey Lady, grins on their faces. "My mum used to tell me all about you!" Liriel exclaimed and the Grey Lady turned to her.

"Vantura, right?" the Grey Lady asked.

Liriel nodded. "Yep!"

"Yes, your mother was an extremely bright individual. It was a pleasure to have her grace Ravenclaw Tower."

"So, our dorms are in a tower?" Brianna asked.

"Yes, there are three towers," the Grey Lady said, smiling. "Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw."

"Slytherins are in the dungeons," Raven said, smirking. "Wouldn't want to be them."

"Dominic did say that they have a large common room, though," Brianna said, smiling. "I don't think it would be too bad." Brianna chewed on her lip thoughtfully. "Why doesn't Slytherin have a tower?"

"Oh, there was an accident here many years ago," the Grey Lady said. "Slytherin Tower was burned down."

"But why didn't they replace it?"

The Grey Lady smiled thoughtfully at Brianna. "That is something that we do not know. Well, it looks as if the Headmaster wishes your attention again, so I will see you girls later."

"Bye," the three said as the Grey Lady left, joining with the Gryffindor ghost.

Deserts had appeared on their plates and they were eating them when the Headmaster stood. The hall fell silent. "I would just like to make a few announcements," Dumbledore began. "First-years should note that, as the rest of you know, the forbidden forest is strictly off-limits, and a few of our older students ought to know that by now too. Also, I want to add that no student is allowed outside of the school after 9 p.m., for reasons which I am sure you are all aware." Several students shifted uncomfortably, thinking the same thing: Voldemort was back and he could try to attack Hogwarts any time. "Mr. Filch has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you that no magic should be used in the corridors, nor are a number of other things, which can all be checked on the list outside of Mr. Filch's office door.

"We have a change in our staff this year. We are pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be teaching Care of Magical Creatures lessons." There was a round of polite applause as Brianna looked up at the new professor, recognizing the witch as the same one that had led them across the lake. "Also, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher as told me to say hello for her since she was unable to attend the feast. You will meet her your first day.

"In two weeks, the remains of last year's Quidditch team will get together to elect Captains and set up their own tryouts. A schedule of this year's matches will be handed out accordingly. This year will be stricter, I am afraid, but it is for your own safety, so pleased abide by the rules." Dumbledore gave them a reassuring smile. "Now, I think we should all go off to bed; we have a busy day tomorrow." He sat down and the Great Hall became noisy once again. As the students grouped together in their Houses, they made their way towards the exit.

"Ravenclaws, follow me!" a boy called and Brianna, Raven, and Liriel followed the mass of Ravenclaw first-years out the doors of the Great Hall.