Oliver's Girl

Oliver's Girl (chapter 1)

The next morning at breakfast, everyone was in for a surprise. Everyone walked in and sat down as usual, but no one could ignore the fact that the decorations for each house were up, and in front of all the tables were the stool and Sorting Hat. Many didn't know that a new student was coming, and they whispered in their confusion.

"I don't understand," some whispered, "what's going on?"

"Are we being re-sorted? Is there some kind of mistake?"

Just then, Dumbledore came in and took his seat. Everyone hushed to hear what was going on. He clasped his hands and sat them on the table, and looked around at the students' eager faces. "Good morning, students. I'm sure you all are wondering what is going on, as I am sure all of you can plainly see the ceremonial Sorting Hat is out once again this year. Well, it is out for a very rare occasion." He then looked around through the even more eager faces. Some kids were in such suspense that they were sitting on the edge of their seats. Colin Creevey's eyes were big as Galleons, and he was so close to the edge of his seat that Harry was positive he was about to fall out.

Dumbledore started again, "Today..." he looked around. He just loved the excitement in their young faces. "A new student is coming to Hogwarts." Everyone breathed again. People started to whisper, but Dumbledore held up his hand to silence them. "I know... that some of you are wondering how one could possibly enter Hogwarts in their sixth year." He winked at Hermione. "And the answer would be... you can't!" he gave a short chuckle. "No. You see? This student is transferring. We're not the only wizarding school, you know!" he smiled and took his seat. "Now she should be here soon, and since she's entering late, and it is breakfast, we shall witness her Sorting." Everyone began whispering... each house was wondering where she would be placed. Dumbledore once again silenced them. "May I just say... congratulations to the house of her placing." At this, everyone began to talk. Dumbledore didn't do anything, but he picked up a crumpet and began to eat.

A few moments later, the great doors opened. A girl of about sixteen walked behind Professor McGonagall. A few of the guys gawked. She was beautiful. About 5'5, she had brown silky hair about down to the middle of her back, and she had lively green eyes. As she passed Cho, she gave a big smile. The guys that were gawking practically melted in their seats. She headed up to the front and stood beside the stool. McGonagall was smiling, though it was hard to tell.

"Students, this is Serenity Michaels. You will welcome her to Hogwarts. Now, if you all would please be silent while she is Sorted..."

At this, everyone hushed and looked up at her. Each house was smiling (all except for Slytherin) as if to say, "We're the best!" or "Don't you want to join us?" McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on Serenity's head.

The hat sprung to life and began to wiggle a bit. "Hm... hm... ah, yes... not too difficult. No, not Hufflepuff... what's that? Want to be a Ravenclaw? No... not very suitable for you... Slytherin would fit you nicely... ah. Gryffindor. Perfect. Oh, maybe? I see... yes, I understand... and Ravenclaw? Yes... well, all right then. Better be a GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table stood up in applause, hooting and howling as she made her way towards them. Cho looked slightly disappointed, but walked over to congratulate her friend. "Fred? Will you show Ren to her classes today?" she asked.

"Certainly!"

Serenity sat down between Fred and George.

"So your nickname's Ren?" Fred asked. "Do you mind if I call you that?"

"I don't mind. So, you're Fred?" He nodded. She turned to the other twin. "And you're..."

"George," he said smiling.

"Hi George. So...are you two twins?" she asked, looking back and forth between the two.

"Yep!" they both beamed.

"You know, sometimes I wish I was a twin. So, what's Gryffindor like?"

"It's loads of fun, especially if you hang out with us," Fred said.

"Wow. I can't wait. Do you two like pulling pranks or just having fun doing whatever?" At this, both twins laughed, and Fred nearly choked on his pumpkin juice.

"Do we ever!" George exclaimed.

The twins began to stuff themselves. Serenity looked down the length of the table. To her left were the first, second, and third years. A little closer to her were the forth and fifth years. To her right were her fellow sixth years and the seventh years were a little further down. A few seats to her left and across the table was a really cute guy. Ren nudged Fred.

"Who's that?" she asked, nodding in the guy's direction.

"Oh, that's Oliver Wood. He's captain of our Quidditch team. Do you play?"

"Actually, I do. Chaser. You play too?"

"Yeah. I'm the one-of-a-kind Beater. So is George." At this, George looked up, but continued to eat. "Our first game is in a few weeks, and we do need another Chaser. Wood's been stressing for weeks now. You'd make his year if you told him you play. Katie Bell quit last year when the season was over. She didn't make enough OWLS. That was boyfriends do to ya." He smiled. "So if you want to play this year, Wood's the man to talk to."

Serenity smiled. "Thanks."

After breakfast, Fred and George led Serenity their common room to get her things for class. She goggled momentarily at the decorations, but George ushered her to hurry or they'd be late.

"What's first?" she asked curiously.

Fred answered. "Herbology. It's all the way outside and across the lawn. Teacher's Professor Sprout. Not to mention she looks like one." Serenity lightly tapped him on the arm as if to say, "Hey, that was mean!"

The day passed slowly and uneventfully, though Fred and George's lightheartedness cheered her up a bit. She ran down to dinner, but grabbed only a biscuit and took a swig of pumpkin juice before she was off to the common room. She uttered the password (snickelfritz) and quickly ran to the desk in the corner. She finished her homework in record time, considering she only had three inches on Dania the Daring. She quickly scribbled a note to the twins on a scrap piece of parchment - stating that she had a long day and that she was sorry she missed dinner - and set it on the coffee table, hoping they would see it. She headed up to her room and wrote a letter to her grandmother, setting it on the trunk. She would send it with a school owl tomorrow. She let her kitten, Roxy, out of her box and laid her on the bed, changed into her pajamas, and climbed into bed. She dreamed of flying on her Nimbus 2000 (Nimbus 2001's are so overrated!) during Quidditch practice, and she scored a goal.