From the Beginning..

The girl stood looking at the train. She pushed back her long dark brown hair, while she surveyed the platform through hazel eyes.

The Hogwart's Express. Platform 9 ¾.

None of the anxiety she felt showed in her face. She had traveled half way around the world to be with her father for her last year of school. She had just started walking forward quietly, dodging the running students, when a pretty red haired girl walked up to her.

"You're new this year aren't you?" she asked.

The girl nodded. "My name is Lily Evans," the girl continued holding out her hand, "if you'd like, I can help get you settled. I know it's all a bit much to take in at one time."

"Thanks," the girl responded. "I'd really appreciate it. My name is Ariadne Drue. Things are so different where I'm from." They started walking towards the train. "Were are you from?"

"The U.S. My mother works in Washington, D.C."

"Is she a muggle?" Lily asked smiling. Ariadne smiled back. "So is my dad," she answered.

They boarded the train and found seats in an empty car. "So, how do you like England so far?" Lily asked.

Ariadne smiled. "I like it. My dad is originally from England, but I've never had a chance to come until now. This will be my last year."

"Really!" Lily responded. "Mine, too." She smiled. "I'll have to introduce you to the Marauders."

Ariadne frowned. "The Marauders? Who are they?"

Before Lily could answer, a black haired boy stuck his through the door. "There you are Lily! I've been looking all over for you!" He walked in and sat down beside her. Shortly afterwards, three more boys poked their heads around the door.

"Whoa, what's this? No secret meetings you two!" Another dark haired boy said.

Lily smiled and stuck out her tongue. "We're not having any secret meetings, though we should be." She turned back to the other occupant of the compartment. "Ariadne, these are the Marauders I was telling you about." The boys all swung around to see who Lily was talking to.

"Ariadne, meet Peter Wormtail, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and James Potter."

The first two boys Lily introduced stepped forward to shake hands. "Pleased to meet you," she said.

"My god, you're a yank!" Sirius said.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Is there a problem with that?" she said slowly.

Lily looked back and forth between the two. Something was making the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She looked at James who was watching Sirius curiously.

"Don't mind Sirius," he said standing to punch him in the shoulder. "He tends to open his mouth before he thinks. That's not really what was on your mind, was it Sirius?"

Before Sirius could reply, Ariadne closed her eyes briefly and reopened them. "Actually, that is what was on his mind."

Lily and James sat forward. "You mean to tell me that you can-," Lily started.

"Read minds?" James finished. Everyone in the car stared in shock.

Ariadne looked down at her hands. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Professor Dumbledore asked me not to do that while I was here," she sighed. "I just get so tired of the comments on my being American."

Sirius looked at her closely. "No, it's okay," he said quietly. "It was rude of me. I'd appreciate it if you'd accept my apology." They all did a double take. Sirius never apologized for anything.

She smiled at him as she said "Okay."

The rest of the ride passed in a blur. The Marauders and Lily attempted to fill her in on as many of the characters at Hogwart's as they possibly could so she wouldn't feel so lost. Sirius seemed to have returned to his sarcastic normal self. Only James noticed that Sirius' gaze would rest on Ariadne when she wasn't looking.

They arrived at Hogwart's, Ariadne stood for a moment, unsure of where she should go. Professor McGonagall walked up to her. "Miss Drue?"

Ariadne nodded. "Professor Dumbledore would like you to come to his office so that your sorting can be done privately. Follow me please."

She waved at everyone. "I guess I'll see you later, then. Wish me luck," she said.

Everyone looked at each other. Lily was the first to speak.

"So what do you guys think?"

They all responded at once nodding. "Definitely Gryffindor."