CHAPTER 2
I do use bits from JKR's book, so bear with me!
Harry peeked outside the dangerously teetering carridge, and stifled a cry of alarm - winged statues of hardened rock adorned upon the signposts beckoned the students onwards through the frighteningly severe storm, occassionally attempting to nudge one off course with a beat of it's wings. Through the downpour of rain Harry could make out the shimmering lights that filled the many wonderous rooms of Hogwarts. He instantly smiled. Hogwarts had always been a home to him, and it was a constant reminder of his parents too .With a contented sigh, he poked his head back inside the carridge and grinned at his friends who returned equal grins of their own.
Harry, with his ruffled raven-black hair, gangly glasses and lopsided smile looked warmly at his friends. Ron (just as gangly, a little taller, but who stood out in the crowd with his weasley-renowned flaming red hair) and his sister Ginny (the famed red-headed firery temptress) were sitting next to each other on Harry's opposite. To his right, Haryr glanced over at Hermione, and sent another grin her way. Hermione replied with a chuckle. Her brown, busy hair splayed around her shoulders compassed a wide-eyed fascination with the school they would all call home for the next year.
With a groan the carridge slid to a stop at the entrance of Hogwarts. All four jumped out into the muddy puddles and made a dash for the doors in a vain attempt to escape the thunder and rain that seeped into their cloaks..... except the door was closed!
"What the...?" Harry exclaimed. "Hey why aren't the doors op.... PEEVES!" With a cackle of glee, Peeves the poltergeist flew through the entrance and hovered above the four students who began to shiver from the extremem cold.
"Me's not letting anyone in until they tells me the password!", Peeves remarked with a clever smug look.
"Oh, yeah?", Harry retorted, "Well how about you answer to.... THIS!" With a flick of his wrist, Harry sent his Stag patronus charging straight towards Peeves who shouted in surprise and landed face-first in the mudy water. All the students laughed profusely and turned towards the door, only to find the most threatening Professor McGonagall yet (Harry swore thos lips became tighter and tighter every year).
"Now WHAT"she screeched, "exactly do you four THINK you are doing IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RAIN? Inside, all of you!" Her stern demeanour left worried glances on the students faces - they knew better than to mess with their Head of House, especially with the start of term feast only moments away. "Up the staircase and into the Hall! GO! NOW!" With embarrassing slips and stares from other students, the four Gryffindors made their way to their table in the Great Hall using a number of drying charms (many thanks to Hermione) and sat down close to the back of the hall with Harry and Ron on one side, Hermione and Ginny the other.
The Great Hall was always a sight for sore eyes, and it certainly didn't disappoint this year. There were still the glittering gold plates, hundreds of candles floating around their heads and the ghosts of Hogwarts were floating around, reacquainting themeslves with their favourtie students. The buzz was in the air, with all the children catching up on their holidays, what they looked forward to this year and dreaded the most (The Weasley twins had a running bet for Snape's Potion class).
"Oh come on", groaned Ron, "Why can't the Sorting just bloody hurry up and..."
Hermione reprimanded Ron's choice of language with a slap the head.
"Ow!"
"Well, don't swear. It's very unbecoming, Ronald", Hermione said with a visible smirk. Harry tried hard to suppress his laughter, but seeing Hermione put Ron in his place was all too hilarious.
"HAHA!". Harry's laughter caught on, and soon the surrounding table was in hysterics. Even Ron eventually joined in with a chuckle of his own. Yes, it felt good to be back at Hogwarts this year, Harry thought.
With a loud creak, the doors to the Great Hall opened wide and brought the students to a complete hush. Professor McGonagall strode through the entrance, her emerald-green hat perched precariously upon her head, holding another leathery old-looking hat. Behind her the first-year students followed her footsteps, drenched and shivering from the storm outside.
"Oh dear", exclaimed Hermione, "Looks like they survived the worst of it. But look at the little tykes - they're soaked to the bone!"
And indeed Ms Granger was correct in her conclusion. The children walking up between the aisles were dripping water, and oddly enough they were slipping and sliding over the stone floor similar to the trio not a moment ago. Harry felt a pang of compassion pass through himself, and glanced at Hermione. She too had the same face. This is what Harry missed the most, he told himself - these sortings brought in new kids, eager to learn (well not always!) And with minds that had yet been burdened or bias in thought and deed.
"That looks absolutely hilarious..."
Ron earned himself two slaps on the back of the head, one from both Harry and Hermione.
"Bloody... Ow... Hey you two!" Ron's face resembled a beetroot at that moment, whilst the other two wore smiles of amusement.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley! Watch your language and stop being such a prude!"
"Yeah mate", Harry agreed, "Leave 'em alone. Just think - what was it like for us first-year, eh?"
The trio shared a secret smile, remembering the troll incident.
"All right, all right. But don't hit me anymore... It's starting to smart!"
"Well as long as you don't swear or act like a two-year old, we'll get along just fine". Hermione poked her small petite tongue out, and turned around, her concentration fixated upon the sorting. Harry couldn't help but notice how pink and wet her tongue looked. Sure it was only a quick peep, but it made her look so...... So adorable. Yeah that was it.
"What mate? What's adorable?" Ron was rubbing the back of his head, a confused expression written across his features. Harry shook his head and snapped back out of his gaze. Had he just said that out loud?
"Ah....Ah... Ah just saying that ah........". Harry stalled, looking around him for an excuse. Rather conveniently, Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, directing the attention of all the students in the hall to her presence. As Ron turned back to the front, he didn't notice the sigh of relief that escaped Harry's lips. Hermione had been paying too much attention to the front to even notice the slip up.
In typical "McGonagall-style drawl, the professor adopted her most "well-to-do-Scottish" accent and addressed the children in front of her with a warm smile, like a grandmother to her grandchildren. "Welcome, first-year students, to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here at Hogwarts we have a tradition of four houses, one of which you will reside in. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw. When I call out your name, you may come forward, and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head. You will then be sorted into your house, and you may join your fellow house mates at the table for the Welcoming feast. But first, the hat has a message for you all".
She placed the Sorting Hat on the stool, and an opening appeared near the brim, the Hat taking on a human-like grimace. It shook the dust off it's leathery exterior, and inhaled a deep breath before intoning:
A thousand years or more ago,
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names are still well known,
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
They shared a wish, a hope, a dream
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers
Thus Hogwarts school began.
But take heed this year my friends,
For everything is not as it seems,
Some friends are foes, some foes be friends
Or something in-between.
And be wary of those who seek to cause
Great harm or trickery,
For in this game both good and evil
Wear masks and play deceit
So beware, choose the right house
For your studies to succeed
And yes, my friends, though Gryffindor
Does prize the bravest,
Hufflepuff, the hard workers
And Ravenclaw the cleverest,
Slytherin seeks those of power
Who long to prove themselves
Remember children, you have a choice
Though I can see what your heart may truly tell
Now whip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
An apology to those who starve,
I'll try not to take too long!
Ron's stomach grumbled audibly at the mere mention of food, and McGonagall shot him an angry stare amongst the many giggles from the first-years.
"While in your house you can be awarded points for good behavior, and deducted points for rule-breaking". She glanced over at the trio and Harry could've sworn her lips twitch into a very discreet smile. With another cough to clear her throat, the Professor pulled a ratty sheet of parchment from her cloak and unrolled it to reveal the first 10 names.
"Attersby, Craig!", she pronounced. A young boy, confident and self-assured pushed his way out of the throng of students and rammed his backside down upon the wooden stool next to the Professor. She placed the hat on his head, and after a few moments there was a shout of, "Slytherin!", and the boy's grin grew into an even more over-confident smile, and he slandered his way along to the Slytherin table, his house mates clapping him on the back and shaking his hand whilst other students could be heard boo-ing in the background (namely the Weasley twins).
"Collywall, Fran!". A little girl shyly made her way to the front of the hall and was sorted into Hufflepuff. Harry would have known this if he was paying attention. But something else had caught his eye at that time.
"Harry? Harry!", Hermione whispered. Harry snapped to attention.
"Wh...what???"
"What're you staring at?". Harry gave a knowing glance past her shoulder in the direction of the staff table. He had infact been checking what teachers had turned up for duty this year. Of course in the center was Headmaster Dumbledore, a vacant seat on his right (Professor McGonagall's he presumed). There were the usual - Professors Trelawny (scrawny weird old bat!), Sprout, Flitwick, Sinstra and Hagrid, who gave the two a wave and a small smile in greeting which they eagerly returned. Professor Snape was sitting at the table too, much to Harry's disappointment (he had rather hoped that Snape had fallen ill or perhaps missed the train therefore not being able to teach potions this year). Snape seemed to be only barely amused, pausing only to give a delicate clap to the students sorted into his house, and glare at those who dared try anything out of the ordinary (it funnily enough occurred to Harry that Snape would not seem out-of-place in the Mardi Gras parade, what with his billowing black cloak, greasy hair, and perchance for monologues). It was then that Harry noticed another vacant seat, this time at the end of the table. He knew Lupin had vacated his position for obvious reasons (none of the parents would be too happy with a werewolf teaching their children!), but perhaps Dumbledore had been unable to find a replacement? Harry frowned in thought. No, surely he would've filled the position with someone. Even an auror, he added in afterthought.
After "Wotchaer, Erin!", was sorted into Gryffindor with rounds of applause and congratulations from housemates, Professor McGonagall made her way to her seat, to be promptly replaced by the Headmaster. Dumbledore shared a glowing smile; his white beard seemed to have grown 4 inches more than ususal this year.
"Wonderful, wonderful", he exclaimed. :So now we have been sorted into our houses, I have some very interesting news to report. Professor McGonagall...."Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with mischief and glee. "Could I please borrow the Sorting Hat?" McGonagall's eyes shot up in surprise, confusion written on her face as she handed him the hat. "Thankyou very much. I am happy to announce that we have two delightful additions to our student populace this year. Please welcome the first international exchange students, Ms Meg Wood from America, and Mr Joshua Ridgeway from Australia!"
With a wave of his hand, the doors the Great Hall flung open, revealing two very muggle-looking characters. The first thought that came across Harry's mind when he saw the pair could only be described as... well.... cool. Joshua had on a black-striped suit and tie, black gloves and sunglasses (very confusing as it was clearly nighttime, even with the Great hall's magical ceiling) and was struck in a pose that left no ounce of confidence to the imagination. His hazel eyes an casual demeanour instantly melted the hearts of many a witch in the vacinity. Meg in contrast was wearing a periwinkle-blue blouse-and skirt- outfit, accentuating her sholder-length very curly (not frizzy!) deep brown hair. She had deep brown, almost black eyes, caramel-colored skin and small oval glasses. At first glance Harry could swear she had a heart-shaped face.. maaybe it was to do with those thick lips....... At first Harry thought she must be like one of those veela at the Quidditch World Cup, but noted the lack of blonde hair and reminded himself she was American, not French. Hermione also shook him out of his gaze with a small push on the shoulder. Harry blushed a deep crimson red, whilst Hermione and Ron had tears of laughter coming out of their eyes.
The pair strolled down the isle, barely pausing to give huge smiles to the Gryffindor tablewho were googling the two new arrivals. When they reached the Headmaster, both Josh and Meg gave him a stern handshake, and Dumbledore beckoned them to the middle of the front of the hall to introduce themselves.
At that moment the teacher door flung open, revealing a man leaning upon a staff, donnign a black travelling cloak. He too had been caught in the rain, but that wasn't what concerned Harry. A flash of lightening revealed a heavily-scarred face with grey grizzly hair. The stranger began to limp his way towards the teachers' table, his staff echoing with a clump for every step he took. This man's face was in sever contrast - it looked to be carved out of wood by someone who didn't know how to use a chisel. Some of his nose was missing, his mouth was thin and shrewd, but the strangest thing of all was the man's eyes.
One was dark and beady, whilst the other was like a galleon, but contained a vivd electric blue. Harry struggled to keep his stomach's contents down, as the eye suddenly began to swivel of it's own accord, showing the white of it's back. The stranger reached Dumbledore, who extended his hand and shook it warmly.The two spoke in low tones for a moment, before Dumbledore offered him a seat. The man sat down, pulled out a hip-flask, and took a huge swig from it, shuddering at the taste of the contents and replacing it back into his cloak.
"May I introduce our newest Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Moody,' said Dumbledore warmly, 'Professor Moody.' Some tried to clap, but most sat with their mouths glued to the floor.
'Moody?" Harry whispered to Ron. 'Mad-Eye Moody? The one your dad went to help this morning?
'Must be,' said, Ron, in a shaky voice.
'What happened to him? His face is scarred!', Hermione pointed out.
'Dunno.', said Harry.
Moody appeared somwhat indifferent to the less-than warm welcome, and began to take in the students and the Great Hall with that sickening eye of his. Dumbledore continued on as if everything was normal.
'Good timing, Professor Moody, The two new students were just about to introduce themselves'. He nodded towards Josh and Meg, who broke their wary, cautious gazes of the man they knew to be an imposter, and addressed the students infront of them.
"Well then....Hi everyone, I'm Josh!", the handsome youn man announced. "I come from Sydney, Australia, and during my Muggle education found out that I had magical genes when I punched my uncle's nose and accidently tansiguredit onto my hand." There were giggles and fits of laughter breaking out through the entire hall. Josh joined in and bellowed, before continuing with a large grin. "Yes, yes, it was quite horrible to bear. I was sneezing for weeks.... imagine trying to do your homework and finding boogers all over it!" At that point the entire hall, even some of the teachers, erupted into hysterics. TheWeasley twins were rolling on the floor, barely able to contain themselves." I do, however, know how to re-transfigure it back on, so I can assure the teachers nothing like that will ever happen again." He chuckled and continued. "I enjoy reading, studying (some groans could be heard, although Harry could swear Hermione gasp in excitement), I play the trumpet, a muggle musical instrument, and I absolutely LOVE quidditch! Who else here is a fan?" There were shouts of "Me!" all around, the students thoroughly interested in what this boy had to offer. Josh then gestured to Meg with his hand that he was finished.
Meg took a step forward and spoke in a high, animated voice. "High all! I'm Meg, and I come from Denver, United States of America", she said. "I love photo manipulatuion...." (The Creevy brothers squeaked!), "...and girls nights out! Hmmm.. my first encounter with magic...". Meg tapped a finger on her lips, until her eyes lit up with recognition and she slapped her hands together loudly. "Oh yes now I remember!", she shouted with glee. "I was 13, and I was watching Degrassi High".... anyone here seen it?" The Great hall was as silent as a "silencio".
Meg rolled her eyes and sighed in submission. "Well, basically I was watching this awesome episode, when the connection became all fuzzy." Meg's face screwed up in concentration as she tried to recollect the incident. "I remember wishing for the episode to come back on, and remarably it did...... even though our aerial was broken!" Some of the students wore surprised faces - many didn't even know what a TV was. Hermione, however was rapt with interest.
"Hey guys," she whispered to Harry and Ron, " how cool is that? She used magic to fix an electrical device! Thats... well I've never heard of it before!" Hermione's face had lit up and she was taking in short breaths. Harry had no doubt she wanted to run straight to the library and do some research on the matter. Harry gently patted her shoulder, and it was this more than Ron's smirk that calmed her down. The trio turned their attention back to the front of the Hall.
"Well my students", Professor Dumbledore began, "these two will need to be sorted into their houses." He gestured towards the stool and Joshua, being a gentleman, offered Meg first choice. She sat down, nervous excitement coursing through her entire body, and almost squealed when the hat was placed upon her head. Immediately Meg could hear the Sorting Hat inside her mind, sorting through her emotions and ambitions.
"Hmmm.. interesting... ahh yes! It seems you have a passion for harmony, for things to be right. You love creativity, but also enjoy being close to those you hold dear..." Meg shut her eyes tight and whispered to the hat.
"Gryffindor, I really want to be in Gryffindor!"
"Gryffindor, eh?", the hat exclaimed. "Well yes that was my first choice, but unless you'd like to be in Slytherin...."
"WHAT?" Meg shrieked in her mind, almost falling off the stool. "You DARE do something so callous... so...... so EVIL....."
"Okay, alright!", the hat protested. "I was only kidding... geez! You student's can't take a joke, can you? I have to sit on a shelf the entire year, and the one time I'm used I'm also critisized for my humor!" The hat grumbled some other nonsensical groans. "Very well then........ "Slyth..... ARGH!"
At the mention of that particular house, Meg had seized the hat around its brim, and clenched it extremely tightly.
"WHAT are you playing at?", she huffed. Yep, Harry thought, she could also pass for a veela when she was mad at something.
The Sorting Hat let out a muffled cry. "Gryff.... Gryffindor!", it peeped. With a content smile Meg removed the hat (or piece of used cloth as she now thought of it) and handed it to Josh. The Gryffindor table were cheering, there were whoops and lots of congratulations heading her way. After Meg has stood up, Josh proceeded to sit on the stool and pulled the Sorting Hat firmly over his head. He too was excited and thrilled.
"Hmmmm oh this is VERY interesting," the Hat said, "as you seem to have a similar taste for creativity and relationships, however there is a darker side.. yes... if you did nurse that to health, I am sure your power and thirst to prove yourself could turn out to be....". Josh stopped the Hat's inner monolgue with a hand gesture.
"You tried that with Draco. Quite frankly, it's getting old. I'm in Gryffindor, but thanks for the tip!". Without further ado, and with a surprised, "Uh... Gryffindor?" from the Hat, Josh jumped down, smoothed out his suit, and gave Meg a reassuring smile.
Before Dumbledore could open his mouth to congratulate the newest 4th-years, the Hat gave another cry of alarm. With a resounding "clink", it fell off the stool, revealing two intricately shaped pieces of jewellery. Dumbledore cracked a grin. "I believe, Ms Meg and Mr Josh, that the Sorting hat, as well as the teachers and students here at Hogwarts, would like to welcome you to the school with these very special gifts. The headmaster then proceed to pick up a necklace and a silver ring. To Meg he handed the necklace, and said "These items were once the possessions of Godric Gryffindor. The necklace and ringare both rumoured to have magical powers of their own. I trust, in time, that you can both figure them out." With another twinkle he handed the ring to Josh.
The two gave him stuttered mutterings of appreciation, and then ran down the isle to join their new hosuemates for the feast. Meg immdeiately squeezed in between Hermione and Ginny, who both gave her slaps on the back and warm greetings. Josh however sat on the otherside of Harry, who Ron tried to lean over and get a close look at the ring. The hall once again was alive with excitement and wonder - this had certainly never happened before. Harry was curious himself to know what powers the ring and jewllery held, btu Dumbledore called the all to order.
:"SILENCE!. Alright then. I am sure you are all eager to be fed, so without further do... tuck in!" With a wave of his wand, the feast materialised upon the tables in all it's splendor. Delicious smells of hcicken, pork, and duck wafter around the room, goblets of punpin juice and fizzy whizzy (a new addition to the school's drink section) were downed until the students were feeling plump and well fed. Harry could feel tiredness settling in, and failed to stifle a huge yawn.
"Well now that we are all watered and content, a quick exciting message. There will be no Quidditch this year, due to the addition of...." At the mention of a year's lack of Quidditch, the student's all snapped to attention, angry faces and shouting insults at Dumbledore. Funnily enough Josh and Meg were sitting there with wide grins on their faces.
"SILENCE AGAIN!" This time, however, the noise only grew in volume. The headmaster's eyes narrowed, and he muttered a discreet silencio. Suddenly there were lots of student's mouths moving, but no sound. "Thankyou for your kind co-operation", Dumbledore chuckled, barely concealing his amusement. Now, the reason for the suspension of Quidditch this year is due to the Ministry re-introducing the famed Triwizards's Cup!" At the mention of this competition, many of the student's disgruntled stares turned into excted and amazed expressions. Dumbledore lifted the charm, and a buzz of warm estatic cheer could be heard all around.
"Well well now, I will not bore you all with the details, but if you would like to know more, you can find it posted up on the boards in your common room. Frankly I am tired and I am sure you all want to get an early start to your first day back. So... chop chop!" With a wave of his hand Dumbledore beckoned them all off to their beds. Harry followed with the other Gryffindors back to the common room, barely noticing Josh and Meg trailing behind him. As the Gryffindors entered their commonroom, a warm fire and a couch greeted their eyes. With yawns and stretches, many, including Harry and Ron, wandered up to the boy's dormitory. Climbing into their Pjyamas, the boys all but fell asleep, until Ron whispered out to Harry.
"Hey mate", he said, "what you reckon eh? A tournament again! Boy I wanna enter.. bet Fred and George could help us get in!"
"Uhh.. yeah...sssgood..." Harry had already started to fall asleep, glad Ron couldn't see him smiling into his pillow. Harry was standing on a pillar with the whole school congratulating him, and weirdly enough Hermione was there giving him hugs and kisses on the cheek..... yep, Harry was definitely glad Ron couldn't see his face.
Downstairs, Josh and Meg said goodnight to a few straggling 3rd-years, before sitting on the couch and taking it all in.
"Whoah this is huge, Meg", Josh said. "I wonder what these items do, too". Josh pulled the silver ring out of his pocket and placed it in his left index finger. It had a small red stone carved into it, which almost immediately began to glow a rich red, before settling back to normal.
"Yeha, I've no idea", Meg wondered aloud. "She slipped the necklace on from behind her neck, and gasped as it too glowed a similar red and returned to it's silvery state.
"Okay - plans. What do you think we should do now? I mean, we know what's going to happen....".
'I know, I know,' Josh sighed, 'but we to think this through on a clear head. How about we chat and become friendly with the Gryffinsdors tomorrow, and go from there. We can even use the Room of Requirement of necessary.'
Meg smiled. 'Yeha okay then. I'm off to bed. Catchya in the morning..... I still can't believe this is happening...'
'yeah, me too!. Cya then!'. With heavy steps the two separated into their own dormitories, joining their comrades with similar snores and whistles that come from tired troublseome teenagers.