The Footsteps of my Father

The Footsteps of my Father

Chapter Fourteen

-Hogwarts At Last-

As they entered The Leaky Cauldron, Sindaria spotted her parents sitting at a table with Professor McGonagall, speaking intently. Sindaria 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, Sindaria walked over to the table with her parents and Professor McGonagall. She glanced over her shoulder and Dominic gave her a thumbs up sign; Gabriel and Sarah smiled at her reassuringly, nodding.

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

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

Sindaria tensed. Please, PLEASE let me go!

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

Sindaria 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-"

Sindaria 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."

Sindaria 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!" Sindaria smiled again and turned back to her parents.

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

Sindaria nodded. "Yes, Professor."

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

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

"Good day." Professor McGonagall looked at Sindaria. "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," Sindaria said, grinning. Professor McGonagall nodded and left The Leaky Cauldron.

Sindaria 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."

Sindaria 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 Sindaria stepped away.

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

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

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

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

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

"I want to apologize for my behavior when you and Ari 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 Ari. It really means a lot to us."

"It was not a problem," Gabriel said, smiling, the haunted look disappearing for a bit. "We enjoy Ari 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 Sindaria and smiling.

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

"This is all so . . . strange," her mother said, shaking her head, but smiling. "A wizarding world. Ari 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, Sindaria 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?" Sindaria 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."

Sindaria 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.

Sindaria 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?" Sindaria 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 Sindaria deep in thought . . .

"Would you?" Sindaria 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?" Sindaria 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 Sindaria to just shake her head, laughing.

* * *

The car ride back home went smoothly, as Sindaria's parents were a bit less nervous about the entire wizarding world and seemed to get along with Gabriel and Sarah wonderfully. Sindaria 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 brilliant. 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 Sindaria 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, sittting contently in his cage, seeming to be sleeping at the time. Sindaria glanced at her parents, who were looking a bit nervous, but smiled when they looked at Sindaria.

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

"I'll owl all the time, don't worry," Sindaria 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."

Sindaria 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. Sindaria'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.

Sindaria 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. Sindaria, 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. Sindaria 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.

"Ari'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.

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

Sindaria 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."

Sindaria 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 here?" he said, looking at her pointedly.

Sindaria 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.

Sindaria 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," Sindaria said, smiling as she pulled away from her mother.

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

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

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

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

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

"I'm going to miss you so much!" Sindaria 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!" Sindaria 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. Sindaria 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.

Sindaria 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, Sindaria thought. I was blessed. I don't know what I'd do without them.

Sindaria 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. Sindaria watched as families said goodbye to their children, watching them board the train.

"Impressive, isn't it?"

Sindaria 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, Sindaria pushed her trolley behind him, stopping at one of the entrances to the train. Dominic took her trunk and Sindaria picked up Firaxis and his cage, following Dominic onto the Hogwarts Express. Sindaria 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, Sindaria setting Firaxis' cage on the seat. She peered out the window, grinning.

"It's just so . . . so bloody amazing," Sindaria 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."

Sindaria nodded and Dominic left.

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

Sindaria 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.

Sindaria chuckled. "Of course, Firaxis."

Thank you.

"Sindaria!" a voice exclaimed and Sindaria 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, Sindaria 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, Sindaria began getting changed into her school robes. "Brilliant. I've been working on charms all summer and refining my dueling."

"Wicked!" Liriel exclaimed as Sindaria 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," Sindaria 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 Sindaria 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 Sindaria 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 Sindaria. "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 Sindaria. 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 Sindaria 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.

Sindaria looked at Alex, who whispered, "Weasley." Sindaria 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 Sindaria 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 tale end of the conversation; and, of course, it dealt with Malfoy.

"What's Malfoy done now, Ron?" Harry asked, and 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. Ari. 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 Ari, put an arm around her and smirked up at Harry.

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

"Insulting my family, as always," Ron muttered and Harry looked at him.

"Come on. Don't get yourself fouled up over Malfoy. He's not worth it." Harry looked at Ari. "Ari, you want to come meet Hermione?" Ari 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, Ari," the boy said, jerking his head towards Harry and Ron.

Ari 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?"

Sindaria 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 Sindaria's anger. He had never seen her this 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?" Sindaria 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?" Sindaria 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," Sindaria 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.

Sindaria 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?" Sindaria heard Graham ask.

Sindaria 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. "Just so long as you do some homework this year, Ron." 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 breathed a sigh of relief. "Ron, don't scare me like that."

"Just don't act all superior to us just because you're a Prefect," Harry said, smiling.

"Not you, too!" Hermione cried, shaking her head.

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

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

"Of course."

"Thanks," Ari 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 Ari 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.

"Sindaria Olsen," Ari said, shaking her hand. "But you can just call me Ari."

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

Ari 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 Ari. "Ron Weasley."

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

Ari 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 Ari with interest. "Let's see how Ari handles it."

". . . and then there was this book on the wizards of legend and I adored that book!" Ari 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," Ari 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 Ari and Hermione sat back, reading her Potions book, and watching as Ari 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, Ari 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 Ari'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.

Ari 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!" Sindaria 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!" Sindaria cried happily.

"Do you like animals?" Ron asked.

"Like them? I adore them! And I'm a -" Sindaria cut short what she was about to say. I can't tell them I'm an Animagus yet . . . I'm not even registered and I still need to work with Professor McGonagall. They're so friendly and I really like them, but I can't be revealing my powers just yet. Gabriel said I should keep them secret, because the Dark Lord would want to get his hands on my power. "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.

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

"Come on! Firs' years, this way!" Hagrid called, holding up his large lantern.

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

"What?" Sindaria 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," Sindaria whispered.

"An' here's yer firs' look at Hogwarts," Hagrid said as they turned the corner.

Sindaria'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," Sindaria 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, Sindaria thought, her eyes still wide in awe and amazement.

"Four ter a boat!" Hagrid ordered and Sindaria 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 Sindaria and Liriel in interest.

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

"Sindaria Olsen," Sindaria said, "but you can just call me Ari." Sindaria 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. Sindaria looked around the lake, fascinated.

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

The boats stopped and the first-years climbed out, chattering excitedly amongst themselves, and followed Hagrid 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.

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

"Good advice," Sindaria 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. Sindaria 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?" Sindaria 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?" Sindaria asked with a smile.

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

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

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

"What Raven means, Ari," 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. Sindaria nodded and was about to say something when Professor McGonagall returned. "They are ready for you."

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

As they walked through the large doors, Sindaria 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. Sindaria spotted Dominic over with the Slytherins, surrounded by his batch of friends. He caught her eye and grinned, giving her a thumbs up. Sindaria sighed in relief. Thank God he's not mad at me! I don't know what I'd do if he was!

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

"Oh, I am the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
though I look rather worn
I have been sorting students
since well before you were born.
You might think I'm ugly;
yes, pretty I am not
but if you wish to school here
I'm the only choice you've got.
So slip me on your noggin'
and let me look and see
in which of our four Houses
are you supposed to be.
If you're brave and chivalrous
and are a protector
there's nowhere else to place you
but into Gryffindor.
Those who think they're smart
and possess a clever wit
at Ravenclaw's table
is where they'll always sit.
If you are a hard worker
and have a lot of patience
it is without question that
Hufflepuff is your station.
At the heart of every Slytherin
is a love that's deep and pure
if magic is what you want to do
I'll place you there for sure.
So step right up, one by one,
and put me on your head
and let me learn where each of you
will be making up your bed."

The Great Hall erupted into applause. When it had quieted down, Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "Now, when I call out your name," Professor McGonagall said, holding out a large scroll, "you are to come up here and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be Sorted into your houses. Adams, Gregory!"

Sindaria watched as 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, Sindaria 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, Sindaria could barely make out the words "Remember Cedric Diggory."

Sadness filled Sindaria 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.

Sindaria 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?" Sindaria 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?" Sindaria 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 strange power, Ari, one I haven't seen since I was freshly sewn . . . but the question, will you use that power wisely? You have the heart of a Slytherin . . . hmm . . . this is rather difficult."

Heart of Slytherin? Sindaria thought, her eyebrows lifted.

"Ahah!" the hat cried, jerking Sindaria 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, Sindaria. You belong in . . .

"RAVENCLAW!"

The hat was removed and Sindaria 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, Sindaria 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," Sindaria 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."

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

Sindaria 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!"

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

"RAVENCLAW!"

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

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

Sindaria 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 Sindaria 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, Sindaria 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," Sindaria whispered back.

They were both shocked when the hat shouted,

"RAVENCLAW!"

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

Sindaria laughed. "Where did you come up with that?"

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 Sindaria immediately dug in. As they ate their feast, Raven and Liriel chattered non-stop about their families, and Sindaria 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 strange power, Ari, one I haven't seen since I was freshly sewn . . . but the question, will you use that power wisely? You have the heart of a Slytherin . . . hmm . . . this is rather difficult.

Sindaria 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 Sindaria out of her thoughts.

She jumped back, seeing that a ghost was floating right over the table in front of her. Sindaria'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," Sindaria said slowly, a smile forming on her face. A ghost! This is brilliant! Bloody hell, I never thought I'd actually be talking to a ghost! "I'm Ari."

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?" Sindaria 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," Sindaria said, smiling. "I don't think it would be too bad." Sindaria 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 Sindaria. "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. 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 would like me to remind you that no magic should be used in the corridors. 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 Sindaria, Raven, and Liriel followed the mass of Ravenclaw first-years out the doors of the Great Hall.