Other Side of the Fence

Chap.1:The Sorting

Rikka had seen him. As soon as she had boarded the train she noticed him. Harry Potter. She was looking forward to meeting him, and being in his house. 'Griffindor, was it?' She had heard the younger crowd talk of these houses.

"Slytherin's the worst!" one pudgy girl gasped.

"I know, I'd bet we're Griffindors, though. Slytherin's for evil people," her companion muttered. Rikka figured Griffindor was the house she'd be in too. She always had a wild streak in her, indicating her courage. And she definitely wasn't evil or bad. Nor did she want to be. Rikka felt fear of her house boil over as she continued listening to the first years now talking about muggle-borns and purebloods.

The train came to a screeching halt in front of possibly the most amazing sight Rikka had ever seen. The school was a huge castle, surrounded by a beautiful landscape. The towers seemed unnaturally high, and every window was lit up. A lake sat at the front of the school, and woods were seen on the side. Rikka didn't want to take her eyes off of the place; it was not even close to being her school's height. Rikka followed the students into the school until...

"You're Rikendry Clark, correct? I'm Hagrid. Yer comin with me ter the sortin." Hagrid led a stunned Rikka to a boat.

'The man's HUGE!' she thought. 'A giant, perhaps.' Rikka sat in the boat with the same two girls, who for once were quiet.

The inside of the school was almost too much to take in. Rikka caught sight of several staircases and portraits before led into the Great Hall. The other students were like a black swarm as they sat talking loudly at the long tables. Tapestries were draped on the walls, and Rikka assumed they indicated the four houses. Ghosts darted about, and one went through Rikka, sending a chill down her back. Rikka was laughing in excitement. She will most likely get lost, but that would only be even more fun. Just being there made Rikka forget everything that had rattled her on the train.

The table in front of the room was where the staff sat. Rikka only knew of Dumbledore, the headmaster. She figured he was the oldest one there and quickly picked him out, smiling at the students and waving. His face seemed wise, his eyes narrow under his crescent moon glasses, and his white beard and hair almost glowing in the candlelight. He stood up, and the students fell silent.

"Greetings, and welcome back to Hogwarts. I am Professor Dumbledoore, for those who don't know me. I am the headmaster. Before we sort our newest students, I would like to say a couple of things that may interest you all. As you know, Hogsmede is off limits to all first and second years, and the Forbidden Forest to all students period. I would also like to inform you that are new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Professor Gregory." A young woman in robes on the skimpy side stood, waving briefly. Several boys whistled, and the students laughed and applauded.

"Now on to other matters-yes Mr.Weasley, she is single."

Roars of laughter echoed again, and this time Rikka laughed as well.

"Ahem. This year we will be having a ball, much like the Yule Ball, for those who remember it. All students may go. In addition, this year Hogwarts shall participate in the International Dueling Tournament by forming a team of five duelists in our school to compete in this worldwide event. More information shall be supplied later, but know only years five and above may compete. And last, but certainly not least, we have transfer students this year! I expect you all to help them get acquainted with the school. Now let the Sorting begin!"

An old woman with her hair tied in a bun brought out a stool and the Sorting Hat. Rikka was dazed as her fears leaked into her again. She stood patiently as the first years went, looking as bad as she felt. Finally it was the transfer students' turn.

"Andros, Maria!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hufflepuffs cheered as she walked over to their table.

"Bontrajeme, Danjiel!"

"GRIFFINDOR!"

Only two kids were before Rikka, then, finally...

"Clark, Rikendry!"

Rikka sat down and placed the hat on her head. The was a slight pause, then...

"Well, well, well...interesting, a complicated one, you are...brave, oh yes, but rebellious...Muggle-born? Oh dear, that changes things...but yet...you are an overachiever, with a desire only one house holds...and you know Dark Arts! But still I can't decide..."

Low murmurs filled the hall as Rikka squirmed impatiently.

"Griffindor, please!" she begged.

"Hmmm...no my dear, better put you in SLYTHERIN!"

Rikka squeaked in horror. 'No no no no no! This isn't right! I'm muggle-born. Slytherins will hate me! NOOOO!' she thought, almost screaming it out loud. Yet the Slytherins were cheering madly. As though in slow motion, Rikka made her way to their table, grinning, so her disappointment doesn't show.