Word Count: 11,526

LittleTee & Ana

Teddy Lupin was both nervous and excited to finally be going to Hogwarts. After listening to countless stories from his godfather and grandmother, he couldn't help but wonder what his time at Hogwarts would be like. Would it be as adventurous as his godfather, or as life-changing as his grandmother or maybe something completely different. He also couldn't wait to physically see Delphi after four, long years. Four years of secretly writing and sending gifts to possibly one of his closest friends. She was different than any of the friend that he ever had, their friendship relying heavily on communication. Delphi couldn't spend the day, or night, with Teddy because of her crazy aunt who wanted her isolated from the world. Rowle was a very cruel woman that Teddy hated very much, even though he only met her one time.

The continuous letters being sent to each other gave Teddy insight on Delphi's daily life. All of their conversations had to happen at night, or the wretched lady would have stopped them all at once. While Teddy gave her insight on all of his exciting days, she had given him insight on how mundane her life was. How every day she did chores, ate, read her books before going to sleep repeating the process. Little by little Delphi opened up to Teddy and told him that Rowle wasn't really her aunt. That she was a random woman that Delphi was dropped off to before her parents went to war, they were supposed to come back for her but ended up dying on the battlefield.

Which reminded Teddy that the same thing happened to him, but he was lucky enough to have a godfather and a grandmother to care for him. He was relieved that he didn't have to endure the same hardships as Delphi, and instantly felt guilty. Teddy couldn't imagine himself being surrounded by loneliness. Though, Delphi probably couldn't imagine herself surrounded by a loving family.

Teddy smiled to himself and couldn't help thinking that he could fix that.

Harry had volunteered to take Teddy to King's Cross Station, Platform 9 ¾, to which Andromeda answered with a smile: "We'll take him together."

So they did.

Teddy was awestruck at the scene before him. The station was filled with tons of kids from ages 17 to 11, meeting up with old friends and finding new ones. Families having tearful goodbyes and other having happy ones. Teddy looked for Delphi in the crowd but it was provided useless since there were too many kids to look through, and he didn't know what she looked like after four years. Though, Teddy was pretty sure that he would know if he saw her.

"Hogwarts was a fun adventure for me, it was home, still is." Harry sighed, smiling wistfully.

"You've caused a lot of trouble there," Andromeda said with an amused smile on her lips.

"The trouble naturally came to me," Harry shrugged.

Teddy couldn't help but smile as well, he had heard from everybody that besides defeating the Dark Lord repeatedly, Harry, Ron, and surprisingly Hermione would get in constant trouble with Professor Snape and occasionally Professor McGonagall.

"I would advise that you stay out of trouble-" Harry started.

Andromeda rolled her eyes and interrupted him. "Which would be nonsense, it's in your blood. Your mother and father were troublemakers during their time at Hogwarts, your father tamer than your mother. Even I'll admit that I and my sisters caused havoc at Hogwarts."

Harry looked surprised. "Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mum, was a troublemaker? That's very hard to believe."

"Well, believe it," Andromeda said, smiling nostalgically before shaking her head. "the thing is Teddy don't cause too much trouble, I don't want a letter from the Headmistress every day or even every week. Once a month would be nice but I won't hold my breath."

"Grandma," Teddy whined, his cheeks turning red. "I'm not that bad."

Andromeda gave him a look and Teddy gave her a sheepish smile. "Oh, alright maybe just a little bit. But I promise I won't cause too much trouble."

"We'll see." Andromeda hummed.

Delphi looked around her. She was lost and a little frightened by the crowded and noisy train depot. Apparently, both Muggles and Wizards used Kings Cross to travel if the looks of the bustling crowds were any indication.

Holding her school trunk that she had refurbished from Rowle's late sister days. The still working space extension and reduced weight charms were a godsend and Delphi had used it to her advantage.

Last three years she had been preparing for this day. Taking the odd Sickle and Knut left over from her trust that went to Rowle every week. Praying that it would be enough to cover her school supplies and by Salazar's grace, it was, just barely.

When her acceptance letter from Hogwarts came almost two months ago her prayers had been answered when the owl came to her in the attic where she had been dressed and waiting for it. Her letter of confirmation she was able to send via Teddy's owl and his family to mail off for her. She had wanted to meet up with Teddy to buy their school gear and supplies together but that hadn't been possible, not with Rowle being cautious of passing out again and Delphi running off. If it hadn't been for the Knight Bus she didn't know what she would have done and her chance of escaping Rowle and attending Hogwarts would have been never realized.

She checked her watch, which used to be Rowle's late sister's and was almost too big, and forced herself to breathe. She was still early. The train didn't leave till eleven. It just felt later than it was due to her not having a full night's sleep since she left Rowle's house late Sunday night, almost two days ago. Leaving Sunday night had been the only way she could buy her supplies and be sure to be at Kings Cross for the Hogwarts Express.

The excitement and adrenaline rush of running away from Rowle with everything she considered her own in her trunk had helped keep exhaustion from claiming her that and the Knight Bus offered beds she had taken advantage of. Sleeping while the bus went wherever it route or passengers wanted. It had been an interesting last two days with buying her school robes, gloves, pointed hat, all the required books, her wand, telescope, and small potions set with a basic cauldron, scale, and a dozen phials. She hoped she could make it without her winter cloak during the upcoming winter since she couldn't afford it or Merlin forbid, be denied attending classes because she didn't have the full supply list.

Now standing in the Kings Cross her ticket in one hand and her school trunk carrying all her earthly belongings she began looking for Platform 9 ¾ . With each platform, she passed her worry and dread grew. The platforms were only whole numbers there weren't only ¼, ½, or ¾ to be seen.

When she finally reached Platform 9 and slowly passed it to find herself only at Platform 10 her dread had grown to despair. Her ticket must have been printed with a typo an error. Now, what was she going to do?

"Thalle you have your Hogwarts Express ticket?"

Delphi turned around and saw a family of five with a boy pushing a trolley loaded down with a school trunk and a caged barn owl.

"Yes, mum. I have it right here." the boy replied holding up a ticket exactly like Delphi's ticket.

"Don't worry so Tuppence the boy will do fine." the father, or who Delphi assumed to be the father, assured his wife before ruffling the boy's hair fondly.

"Um, pardon me," Delphi began as she walked over to the family. "but are you going to Hogwarts too?"

"Sure am. I'm Thalle Steward."

"Hi Thalle, I'm Delphi." she replied waving back with the hand still holding her ticket.

After a small awkward silence Frank Steward, Thalle's father, broke it. "Well, kids we better get to the Platform. Ladies first."

Delphi paled and cleared her throat. "I don't know how to get to Platform 9 ¾. I thought you would know the way…" she trailed off.

"Oh, you must be a Muggleborn then. Don't fret dear. Just watch and follow my lead." Tuppence smiled and walked towards the brick wall between Platforms 9 and 10 before she ran through the wall and disappeared from sight.

What? How? Delphi stared at the brick wall and blinked.

"Go on. The train won't wait forever." Thalle nudged Delphi from her momentary shock.

Taking a small breath Delphi closed her eyes and ran towards the wall.

"Woah, woah. You're through. You made it."

Delphi stopped and opened her eyes to see Thalle's mother smiling at her and a scarlet train engine standing behind her. She had made it.

"I made it… Thank you," Delphi added as Thalle joined them.

"You're welcome dear," Tuppence replied ushering Delphi and Thalle forward and away from the entranceway to 9 ¾ just as her husband and two daughters came rushing onto the platform. "Thalle you have enough room on your trolley let Delphi put her heavy trunk with your stuff."

"Oh, that's okay. It isn't heavy."

"Nonsense," Tuppence grabbed the hanging end of Delphi's trunk and took it from Delphi and placed it onto Thalle's trolley.

Delphi offered a weak smile of thanks, even though she would have preferred to carry it herself. To make sure nothing happened to it. As they walked closer to the train Delphi was introduced to Thalle's sisters, Tiva and Tilda. Tilda being the baby of the Steward siblings. She also learned that Thalle wanted to be sorted into the same House as his father: Hufflepuff.

"I don't know which House I'll be in," Delphi offered honestly as she was asked which House she wanted to be in. "but I would like to be in Slytherin."

"Why?" Thalle asked surprised to find someone wanting to be sorted into Slytherin. "You do realize that's where You-Know-Who was sorted, right?"

"Who?" Delphi asked, bewildered. Who was this You-Know-Who character and what kind of evil did he do?

"You don't know who You-Know-Who was? Then you really should try for another House."

Shrugging she missed Frank and Tuppence exchanging a pointed look between themselves just as their daughter, Tilda, pointed over to the left and exclaimed, "Mum, da, look that boy has yellow and pink hair!"

Delphi turned the way Tilda had pointed and grinned when she saw Teddy and Teddy's grandma, Andromeda. Taking her trunk off Thalle's trolley she thanked the Stewards again before making her way over to Teddy.

"Hello, Teddy!" Delphi exclaimed as she joined Teddy.

Teddy turned his head and broke into a wide grin. "Delphi!"

He startled Delphi as he immediately pulled her into a hug. She blinked before returning the hug, albeit awkwardly as she still carried her school trunk in one hand, and grinned.

"Missed you," Delphi whispered before Teddy pulled away. Turning towards Andromeda she waved with her free hand. "Hello, Mrs. Tonks. How have you been?"

Andromeda smiled fondly at the two. "I've been doing lovely dear, and call me Andromeda or Andi, either one would do."

"Andromeda." Delphi nodded still smiling. "thank you again for all the gifts through the years. I have every one of them." she lifted her trunk upward for a second. "I packed everything."

"That's good Delphi, I'm glad that you've enjoyed them," Andromeda said. "how's your aunt doing?"

Andromeda noticed that Delphi's aunt was nowhere to be seen, and she was a little curious as to why. Rowle had struck her as a kind of person to keep a watchful eye on Delphi, and even looked like the kind of woman to stop Delphi from attending Hogwarts.

Delphi's smile froze. "I suspect she is well." she didn't want to lie to Andromeda and she hoped she didn't have to but she couldn't say she had run away from home. That she had forged Rowle's name on her the letter of agreement for her to attend Hogwarts. She couldn't. "when I left she was still sleeping."

Andromeda nod. "If you want, you can stay with us over Christmas Break and maybe even Summer Break."

Teddy nodded his head enthusiastically. "I think that's a great idea!"

"Can I really?" she looked from Andromeda to Teddy and her smile thawed and grew. She wouldn't have to worry about what Rowle would do to her for running away and going to Hogwarts without her permission. She hadn't dreamed of something like this. Like almost having and staying with a family. "oh, yes, please. I would be ever so good and I can work for my stay. I know how to cut wood; clean chimneys; take care of birds; clean, sweep, and dust; wash windows and dishes; I can cook a few things. And, I don't eat much. I swear."

Harry, who was content to see his godson interact with an old friend, was startled by Delphi's answer. He was immediately reminded of his own childhood with Dursleys, and how relieved he was when the Weasleys took him in.

"Who is your aunt?" Harry asked.

Delphi looked up startled as she noticed a man with black, unruly hair, askew round-rimmed glasses, and the name Potter inscribed onto his robes for the first time since coming over. He was wearing some kind of uniform and if she recalled what she had witnessed while she was shopping yesterday about the small argument between two wizards at the crossroads between Diagon and Knockturn Alleys he was wearing the uniform of an Auror and not any Auror but a high ranking Auror.

She gulped and looked over at Teddy and the train behind him. She had been so close.

She sighed and turned back to face him. "Euphemia Rowle, sir."

"What happened to your parents?" Harry asked. "surely they wouldn't have left you with her if she's making you do these things."

"I can't say, sir." and she couldn't. She had promised Rowle that she wouldn't. She had to swear on her ancestry that night back from her day out in Diagon Alley, and she highly suspected, her promise had been sealed with magic because she really could not say. Not even to a high ranking Auror like Teddy's godfather, Harry Potter.

Harry looked slightly frustrated, wanting to help the young girl but Andromeda stopped him with a look. During the seven years that Harry has spent with Andromeda while taking care of Teddy, he knew how to communicate with her through eye-contact and how to read her expressions. This expression said that they would talk more about Euphemia Rowle later.

"That's alright, dear," Andromeda told her. "You don't have to do any of those things, you'll be a guest during the Breaks."

She watching Teddy's godfather out of the corner of her eye she thanked Andromeda. "Thank you but I don't mind working if you change your mind." Just as long as I can still stay with you and Teddy, Delphi added silently.

"Well, we should be going," Teddy said glancing at the train. "have to find a compartment before they all fill up."

Andromeda nodded with a smile. "Yes, that is right. Don't want you two to miss it."

Harry smiled too. "Don't forget to write buddy."

"I won't! See you on Christmas Break," Teddy said grabbing Delphi's hand and leading her to the train.

Delphi yelped and waved goodbye awkwardly as she still had her school trunk. She was thankful for Teddy's impromptu action and that just like four years ago he had taken her hand in his. Before she knew it they had boarded the train and had found an empty compartment and settled in. She, following Teddy's lead, placed her trunk to the luggage rack above their seats.

Sitting down she found that she was at a loss at what to say. She already knew what House Teddy wanted to be sorted in and thanks to their many letters through the years she knew much about her friend.

Just as she was about to comment on the weather, since according to one of Andromeda's books on proper wizarding etiquette that was an improved topic for small talk, Thalle Steward entered their compartment his school trunk and owl in hand.

"Oi, mind if I join you Delphi? These compartments are filling up fast." he didn't add how he wanted to be with someone he had previously met. Even if that had been only fifteen minutes ago.

Delphi looked over at Teddy and asked, "Do you mind Teddy?" She had wanted to ride only with Teddy since crowds still unnerved her but there were so many compartments available.

Teddy smiled at Thalle. "I don't mind at all. My name is Teddy Lupin, by the way."

Thalle returned Teddy's smile with a thankful one of his own as he placed his trunk beside Delphi's. "Thanks, mate. I'm Thalle Steward and this here," he held up his caged owl, "is the Doctor."

"The Doctor?" Delphi asked wondering what a strange name that was but knowing to say so would be considered rude.

"Yeah, the Doctor." Thalle nodded and placed the bird beside him on the bench just as the owl straightened and hooted a series of "Who-who, whooo, who!". "see! He even knows his name."

Delphi blinked and looked back over to Teddy in hopes he knew what Thalle was on about.

Teddy thought for a minute before his face lit with recognition. "Doctor Who?"

"Got it mate," Thalle grinned before frowning as his pet owl bit at his fingers he had been lying on the cage absentmindedly. "watch it Doc. That hurt."

Delphi decided not to ask what this Doctor Who was, mainly due that if he was anything like that You-Know-Who person then she really didn't want to defend her want to be in Slytherin again. Although, she was at a loss as what to say, again.

Though as fate had it, she didn't need to say anything because of the loud commotion outside of their compartment. The trio turned their heads to look at the door, which was opened forcibly by a boy with black hair.

"John! You can't just open a door however way you please." A girl's voice said from behind him. "That's rude!"

"Oh, who cares? Everywhere else is full and I'm sure that they won't mind." The boy answered.

"We don't mind," Delphi remarked, channeling Septima Whisp's "Wizarding Manners and Etiquette for the New Millennium, A Young Witches Guidebook to" notes on expected responses to implied questions. She could tell that she would have to re-read the books again. Not having anyone besides Rowle to practice etiquette with - and it had only taken two failed attempts with Rowle before Delphi began practicing with the sewing mannequin instead - she felt nervous and unsure if she was remembering the right phrases or procedures she was expected to know. Mentally crossing her fingers she continued, "please take a seat. I'm Delphi, that's Teddy and that's Thalle."

"See? I told you, you worry way too much Chels." John said before he went to sit beside Thalle.

The brown-hair girl, Chels, came in and sat beside Delphi. She had rolled her eyes at her brother and turned to look at Delphi, Teddy, and Thalle.

"I'm sorry about him, he thinks he's entitled to everything. Mine name is Chelsea McLaggen and that's, sadly, is my twin brother Jonathan."

"But as you heard, I go by John," He said.

"Well, nice to meet you two," Teddy said with both his eyebrows raised.

"Yeah, nice to meet you two. I haven't met any twins before." Thalle remarked, studying John and Chels before asking, "but aren't twins suppose to be identical?"

Delphi's brows rose. Madam Whisp would not have approved of that question and would have deemed it a question for a good witch to avoid completely. Delphi mentally sighed in relief. Maybe she wouldn't commit social suicide - one dire warning that was repeated throughout the three volume work penned by Whisp and one Delphi had feared would befall her as sure as night follows day - after all.

"No, and we don't read each other's mind, either. Nor do we finish each other's sentences." Chelsea sighed.

"And I don't like her, she's very annoying," John added.

Chelsea narrowed her hazel eyes at him. "And if John doesn't learn how to think before he says, he'll get punched in his face and I'll be there."

Teddy tried to fight the smile off his face but failed. He was quite amused by the two twin's bickering.

Delphi tried to force the laughter she felt bubbling back but a small laugh still escaped as she pictured John getting punched while his sister watched and smirked at his discomfort. She blushed and turned to look out the window. Feigning interest in the outside platform to avoid having to totter through a weak apology.

Thalle chuckled and smirked. "So typical brother and sister, then."

"I suppose so," John shrugged.

"You two hoping for different Houses then?" Thalle asked, leaning back and crossing his legs. When was this train going to get started, he wondered silently impatient to be underway.

"Mum said I shouldn't get my hopes up, but yes," Chelsea said.

"Nope, I would like to bother her every chance that I get," John said mischievously.

"Now you're talking. We older brothers are required to bother our little sisters. It's nature." Thalle agreed giving John a spirited high-five.

"And that's why I hate you!"

"You say it as if I care."

Teddy chuckled, "I'm guessing that this happens often?"

Being the only child, Teddy didn't have annoying little siblings or know-it-all older ones. It was lonely at times when he wasn't writing to Delphi but after seeing time and time again how much they teased and bickered all the time from the Weasleys and Potters made him glad that he didn't.

"What kind of question is that?" John asked.

"He could be an only child, dimwit. Lucky you, of course," Chelsea said.

Delphi gasped and shrank back from the window. She was sure she had just seen Rowle standing out there looking for her. She hoped she had been mistaken but she didn't dare straighten up or look out the window again. She chanced a look over at Teddy. Maybe he could see if Rowle was really out there. She sent a silent plea for him to look not wanting to even give the frightening notion of Rowle being on 9 3/4 credence enough to voice it aloud.

Thalle nudged John and nodded to Delphi whispering, "You think she just saw a Death Eater ghost? I've heard those are incredibly scary with them still wearing their robes and masks and all."

"Really now? Mum and dad didn't tell us that there's such a thing as Death Eater ghosts. It would be rather foolish for them to linger don't you think?" John asked.

"Well, one hears things and do ghosts have a chance to become ghosts? Maybe they had no say in the matter?"

John shrugged as Teddy finally caught Delphi's eye. Concerned, he leaned forward to look out the window nearly jumping out of his seat. It was Delphi's aunt Rowle, alright. She looked downright terrifying with her bloodshot eyes and slightly disheveled appearance. Euphemia Rowle stared unblinkingly at their compartment, and Teddy quickly pulled down the shade. He reached over squeezing Delphi's hand reassuringly with a smile to go with it.

Delphi took a long breath and squeezed back. "You don't think… she can't… she doesn't have a ticket?" she whispered trying to find reassurance that Rowle wasn't about to storm in and haul her away. Away from Hogwarts. Away from these new friends… Away from Teddy.

"See? Death Eater ghosts. Has to be for that kind of a reaction." Thalle proclaimed softly, not wanting to admit that he was a tad frightened about the concept of seeing a Death Eater ghost face to face and did not want to unduly draw it to them. "Do any of you know what repels ghosts? You know… just in case." he trailed off grasping Doctor's cage handle for moral support.

"Of course, she can't get in," Teddy lied, not sure if Rowle could get in. "Besides, we should be leaving in a few minutes, and maybe my Godfather and Grandma are still out there. I'm sure that after all these years, Grandma would recognize her."

Delphi smiled her silent thanks back. Of course, Rowle couldn't get on. One had to have a ticket and Rowle didn't have one and even if she could Andromeda and Teddy's godfather, Harry Potter, could, would stop her from taking her away. She let go of Teddy's hand and sat up. Straightening her school robes. Hoping that if she didn't acknowledge her momentary dread and trying to conceal herself away from Rowle's piercing glare.

"Thank you," Delphi said silently implying her thanks for more than just his reassurance and quick thinking but for everything. For his grandma offering her to stay with them and for agreeing to be her friend back at Diagon Alley.

"Oi! Hello! Nobody would mind if I sit here?" A girl yelled, poking her head in.

"Ah!" Thalle screamed and pulled the cover for Doctor's cage over his head thinking that the fearful ghost, which had gotten scarier and meaner inside his mind with each passing second, had gotten on and was now coming into their compartment. He remembered his sister Tiva's parting words from the night before, "what comes around goes around, dear brother" after his brilliant prank of pretending to be a rogue Dementor to scare his two baby sisters. Maybe there was something to that Karma thing after all. "Go away!"

"Thalle!" Delphi hissed her rebuke still cautious of Rowle's depressing, threatening presence outside, somewhere. "Please ignore him at the moment. I believe he thinks you're a ghost. Come in. Sit down."

The girl raised an eyebrow as everybody jumped at her voice, and at Delphi's explantation. "Did he now? And whatever for? Telling ghost stories, are we?"

"Something like that," Delphi answered the girl's question before introducing herself and everyone else in the compartment.

"Bloody hell! Who just bursts into a room like that?" John scoffed.

"Yeah! Who does that?" Thalle agreed as he slowly lowered the cage cover and replaced it over Doctor's cage quickly trying to forget that he had hidden under a blanket like a child instead of facing his fears like the mature first-year student that he was. Maybe no one noticed, he silently hoped as he removed his glasses and cleaned them with the special cloth.

"Oh did I mention that he's a hypocrite too?" Chelsea whispered to Delphi and Teddy.

Delphi shook her head no.

"Well, he is," Chelsea said, before turning her attention the new girl. "And your name?"

"Ileana Flint at your service." The girl grinned. "Nice to meet all of you!"

"And nice to meet you too," Teddy said.

Delphi nodded her agreement as she eyed the window still fearful if she pulled aside the shade and peered out she would find Rowle's angry face on the other side. Her guardian was furious.

"Finally! About time." Thalle exclaimed as the train issued an alert toot from its whistle and the soft hissing of wheels coming active preceded the train's departure from Kings Cross and away from everyone still standing on 9 ¾.

Delphi took a long breath and let it out slowly. They were off to Hogwarts and Rowle hadn't boarded the train. She was free. Embolden she raised the shade and watched the passing scenery of London pass by.

"We're really going to Hogwarts, Teddy." Delphi beamed as Thalle began a discussion with John about the new Ministry's ruling that werewolves were to be considered 'beings' again.

Teddy smiled at her too, "It's all very exciting isn't?"

"It is," and it was a little scary if she was completely honest with herself. Forcing herself not to think about the hoard of butterflies fluttering about her stomach she fell back on one secure ice-breaker presented in Whisp's etiquette and manners book two, part three:

"What House are you planning to be in?" Delphi asked everyone.

"I don't know really." Ileana shrugged. "mum and dad said that they didn't care which House I'm in. My mum was from Gryffindor and my dad was from Slytherin, so those would do."

"But why Slytherin?" John asked wrinkling his nose. "it's the bad House of Hogwarts, not a single witch or wizard who has come out of the House of Slytherin was good."

"True," Thalle agreed quickly nodding his head. "it was You-Know-Who's old House."

Delphi frowned and turned toward John and Thalle but before she could defend Slytherin Teddy did it for her.

"That's not entirely true," Teddy said defensively. "my grandma was a Slytherin and my cousin was a Slytherin, and even my godfather said that the bravest man he's ever known came from Slytherin."

Delphi smiled at Teddy in thanks before adding, "And my parents were Slytherin and I hope I get sorted there and I'm not bad."

Thalle shook his head and looked at Delphi, Teddy, and Ileana mystified before beginning to think about what they had said. Maybe not all Slytherins were bad exactly.

"Though personally, I think I'm a Hufflepuff," Teddy said proudly, to which John snorted.

"The lame House?"

"Shut it, John!" Chelsea hissed, hitting him.

"Oi!" Thalle exclaimed sitting up straight and puffing out his chest. "Hufflepuff is not lame! My father, his father, his father's father, and his father were all sorted into Hufflepuff and I'm going to be Hufflepuff too just you wait and see."

"What House do you want to be in since you have so much to say," Ileana said, now annoyed by John.

"Gryffindor! The best House Hogwarts has ever had!" John exclaimed.

"He mistakes his foolish for bravery," Chelsea mumbled loudly for everybody to hear.

Delphi and Thalle shared a small smirk.

"Fair enough. Can't really expect a Gryffindor to be diplomatic. It gets in the way of their 'bravery'." Thalle remarked, his small smirk growing as he returned the well-implied barb to rectify John's previous slight on Hufflepuff.

John turned red as everyone laughed, and Chelsea childishly stuck her tongue out. She was looking very smug at how everything turned out.

"I told you that mouth of yours would get you into loads of trouble." Chelsea teased.

"Oh shut up," John muttered, slightly dunking his head.

"What House do you want to be in, Chelsea?" Delphi asked after recovering from her laughter. She hadn't laughed this much since she was two.

"I don't really know, nobody has said Ravenclaw, yet. So Ravenclaw." Chelsea decided.

"Decent House. My mum was Ravenclaw and she's made good. She's a vet." Thalle explained, approving of Chelsea's decision. "and you can have the whole girl in an ivory tower thing going for you."

"And you won't see your brother on certain days," Teddy added.

"Yes, I would like that a lot actually," Chelsea chuckled.

Delphi shook her head and turned her attention to the passing scenery. It looked like they had moved away from London and was now speeding past green fields and small patches of woods.

A knock on their compartment door pulled Delphi away from her sightseeing to see an elderly witch with a trolley of what appeared to various boxed treats and candies.

"Yes! The Honeydukes Express is here!" Thalle exclaimed happily reaching into his pockets for some money his parents' had given him as the trolley witch slowly opened the door.

"Candy from the trolley, dears?"

"Yes, I want something," Thalle answered as he leaped to his feet and made his way to the trolley in a surprisingly fast fashion. "Two Chocolate Frogs and a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, please."

Delphi frowned. The smell of the candy had reminded her that she hadn't eaten in two days. The excitement and nervousness of whether she would make it to Hogwarts or not had finally faded and now, she was only left with the realization of how hungry she was, bu sadly, she had spent the last of her money on the ride over to Kings Cross that morning. The Knight Bus was a godsend but it also required coins to ride.

Everyone else followed suit, Ileana had gotten four Chocolate Frogs and two Cauldron Cakes; Chelsea chose two Pumpkin Pastries and John had gotten Licorice Wand and a Cauldron Cake. Teddy had gotten two of everything: Bertie's Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Licorice Wands, and Cauldron Cakes and split them between him and Delphi.

Delphi thanked Teddy and secretly vowed that she would treat him one day to something before happily munching down on her Licorice Wand quickly followed by her Cauldron Cake, Pumpkin Pastie, and her Chocolate Frog. The latter she was able to prevent from escaping through the compartment's window thanks to Teddy's quick reflexes.

As the six first years ate their chocolate feast they talked and discussed various things. Like what candy was the best, what Chocolate Frog cards did everyone get, which British Quidditch teams looked the most promising of the upcoming season (resulting in a tie between Appleby Arrows and Falmouth Falcons being the group's favorite to make it to the World Cup), and what classes each student was looking forward to the most.

"Care of Magical Creatures. It's the best class." Thalle remarked as he finished his last flavored bean, thankfully, a rice pudding flavored one instead of mashed potatoes. He hated mashed potatoes.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts," Delphi added as she finished the last of her Chocolate Frog.

"Transfiguration," Teddy said, before adding. "it will be easy for me."

"How come?" Ileana asked.

Instead of answering her, Teddy mimicked John's look and grinned. "I'm a Metamorphmagus."

"Bloody Hell!" John exclaimed. "I look amazing!"

"Narcissistic," Chelsea said.

Delphi giggled, she blamed the influx of chocolate she had eaten for her sudden outburst and shook her head. "Show off," she teased, playfully sticking out her tongue at Teddy's antics. His ability not being a surprise for Delphi, seeing as Teddy had confided in her through one of their many correspondences.

"Who me? I never show off." Teddy said innocently as he shifted back to his regular form.

"Right," Delphi enunciated slowly, sarcasm evident in her voice. "and Hogwarts really has five Houses instead of four."

"Have you two met before?" Ileana asked, amused by the two's interactions.

Teddy nodded, "We've been friends since we were seven."

"Four years?" Chelsea said impressed. "Keeping childhood friends gets weird the older you get, I think."

"Don't know about weird but it sure gets harder," Thalle remarked wrapping his mouth with his sleeve. "When we're younger, like three, it's easy to make friends. Just meet another three year old and find one common thing you like and, bam, you're fast friends for life."

Ileana nodded. "That's true. As you get older, you start liking different things and sometimes people can't respect other's differences and they drift apart because it's awkward. You're not the same person you were as a child."

Delphi's smile faded as a new tingling of fear began to foster from Ileana's words. Would she and Teddy drift apart one day? Merlin, she hoped not. He was her only friend, well besides his grandma Andromeda but she had the feeling if Teddy drifted then his grandma wouldn't be far behind. Wand wood didn't differ far from its tree after all.

"Yeah," Thalle agreed with Ileana. "I used to be friends with someone since forever and then during this last year we stopped being friends. Drafted apart just like you said. He couldn't stand Muggle culture while I embrace it. I guess it is just a part of life just like my mum says. You make friends and you lose friends."

"But some friends don't draft about, right?" Delphi asked, trying to sound merely casual even though she was hoping that "always friends" was real and attainable.

"Of course!" Teddy said smiling at her. "I will always respect your differences unless you say that chocolate is better than vanilla, then we have a problem there."

"But chocolate is better than vanilla," Chelsea said.

Teddy shook his head and mockingly glared at her. "Not unless you have had french vanilla or vanilla icing."

"Vanilla icing is delicious." Ileana agreed.

Delphi smiled and shook her head. "You know I don't like either. Strawberry is the best." or peach, she silently added as she offered the others some of her Bertie's Beans that were remaining. Sighing she added with a posh accent reminiscent of Rowle's, "then I guess we are stuck with each other, forever."

"Forever is a long time," Chelsea noted.

"When you have friends and family, you hardly notice," Teddy said.

"Right you are. Twenty minutes with your sisters prattling on about whether or not vampires really do sparkle when in the sun can seem like forever. I know." Thalle remarked before noticing the darkening sky outside. "we must be getting close. Twilight's not far off now."

"Sparkling vampires?" John repeated looking confused.

Thalle shook his head. "Mate, if you've escaped the hype, don't seek it. Nothing good will come from it."

"No, please tell us. I want to know about the sparkling vampires." Delphi encouraged leaning forward in her seat, still holding her now empty box of Bertie's Beans.

"Well from what I heard from my friend Victoire and her mom, is that they naturally sparkle in the sunlight," Teddy explained.

"They don't, you know, burn in the sunlight?" Chelsea asked confused.

"Nope."

"That's not accurate at all." Ileana frowned. "Is this a Muggle book?"

"Did they fall into a lot of glitter and that's why they sparkle?" Delphi wondered aloud.

"No, they just sparkling in the sunlight for whatever reason," Teddy said. "and yes it's a Muggle book."

"Muggles completely ignore logic," John said. "they think that they can do whatever they bloody please."

"Because they can," Ileana said in a deadpan voice.

Delphi shrugged Muggles were a complete mystery to her.

"Except for actually doing magic," Thalle snorted, "although, sometimes ignoring logic can be fun. Have any of you heard of Narnia? It has some weird illogical moments, like talking beavers and interplanetary pools, but it does have a better understanding of magic than most Muggle books."

"I've watched the movies but haven't read the books," Teddy said. "in fact, I didn't know it was based off a book series."

"What's a movie, again?" Delphi asked, trying to remember what Teddy had told her once years ago. "is it that thing like photographs but with sound too?"

"Sort of," Teddy said nodding his head.

"That sounds bloody spectacular! I suppose Muggles aren't too bad," John said.

"I love Muggle movies." Thalle added, "action movies are the best. Never a dull moment and they have explosions. Many, many explosions."

"Well, of course, you'll think that," Ileana said rolling her eyes. "Are any other types of movies out there?"

"Yes, there's fantasy and comedy," Teddy said. "drama, romance, and horror."

"Horror?" Chelsea repeated, her eyes wide.

John grinned. "What kind of horror are we talking about here? The gory kind? Or the supernatural bit?"

"Hmm, both, I think." Thalle shrugged. "horror and suspense are more my sister Tiva's thing than mine. . . Although, Saw was pretty intense. Needed more explosions, though."

Ileana rolled her eyes and leaned forward in her seat. "It looks like the train is slowing down, now that we're getting closer and closer to Hogwarts I'm a bit nervous. The excitement is beginning to wear off."

"Excitement's wearing off?" Thalle scoffed. "this is Hogwarts. We're finally away from home and doing things on our own."

"I know what you mean, Ileana," Delphi replied softly, offering a, hopefully, reassuring smile at Ileana. "I'm a little nervous too."

"Girls," Thalle muttered, shaking his head. He would never fully understand them even if he lived to two hundred.

Ileana smiled back at Delphi. "Thanks. I wonder… if we get sorted into different Houses would we stop being friends? That's what usually happens when a friend gets sorted into another House."

"I wouldn't think so," Teddy said reassuringly.

"I think," Delphi began slowly. "if we want to be friends that we can be friends even when wearing different colors. Probably won't be easy but one thing I do know for sure is that life isn't easy. You have to work for it."

John blinked. "Wow, that was oddly inspiring."

Ileana smile turned into a wide grin. "I think you're right Delphi. I'll certainly do want to be your friend, no matter what Houses we're in."

"Friends." Delphi nodded and returned Ileana's grin with one of her own.

"Count me in too," Thalle leaned forward placing his hand in front of him which was met with confused looks from his friends. Rolling his eyes he quickly explained, "I thought we would do that neat 'Three Musketeers' thing with our hands. You know, 'All for one and one for all'?"

Delphi blinked. It was an interesting idea this "All for one and one for all" declaration but would it work with six instead of three? "Can we be the Six Musketeers of Hogwarts or does it have to be three?"

"I don't see why not." Thalle shrugged. "they had four with an unofficial fifth Musketeer by the end of everything. We can skip all the fighting and intrigue and start with six."

"Alright," Delphi tentatively placed her hand on top of Thalle's, still unsure what she was suppose to do, and looked around at everyone in the small compartment before stopping at Teddy. "Teddy?"

"Of course," Teddy said, placing his hand on top of hers.

"I don't see why not." Chelsea shrugged doing the same.

"I'm definitely in!" Ileana placed her hand above Chelsea's.

"I suppose," John sighed pretending to be reluctant.

Thalle nudged John and smirked knowing John was pretending. Who would pass up friendship?

Delphi looked down from their joined hands back up to Thalle. "What do we do now?"

"Oh, just follow my lead." Thalle cleared his throat. "all for one," he lowered his hand as the others quickly repeated his action and words. "and," he paused smiling at everyone choosing to ignore John's annoyed eye-roll. He had always wanted to do this. "one for all!" everyone exclaimed as they matched Thalle's upward movement and break. "there. That's how you do it!"

"Will we do that often?" Delphi asked finding she had quite enjoyed it.

Thalle shrugged. "Probably. Don't kno-"

A voice broadcasting throughout the train interrupted Thalle. "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage and any pets on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."

"Finally!" Thalle grinned before remembering that he had yet to get dressed into his school robes. "Blimey! We have five minutes to change into our robes!"

Delphi blinked as she saw the rushed movements of Thalle and the others as they grabbed their robes to put on. The next few minutes they took turns on who would wait outside while the others got dressed. Ladies first then the guys. Just as the trained rolled to a stop the boys opened the door all dressed in their plain robes. They had barely made it.

"Blimey, wouldn't it have been embarrassing to be the only ones not dressed in robes?" John asked as he straightened out his robe.

"Yeah, we would never have lived it down," Thalle agreed as he adjusted his hat and checked his tie.

Delphi smirked glad she had worn her robes to Kings Cross. The mad rush would have caused her nerves, even more, trouble.

As they stepped down onto the outside platform nestled amidst tall, old trees a booming voice was ushering first years together.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!"

As they approached the source of the voice Delphi drew back and closer to Teddy. It was that half-giant, Hagrid, from Diagon Alley four years ago.

"C'mon, follow me - any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now!" he paused as he surveyed the thinning crowd for any more first years. Satisfied that none had wandered off elsewhere he turned, holding his lantern high. "Mind yer step! Firs' years follow me!"

Delphi automatically sought out Teddy's hand and tried her best to not stumble and muddy her robes. It was quite a rocky, slippery, and steep path but thankfully none of the Six Musketeers slid down.

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec. Jus' round this bend here."

Delphi tried to prepare herself for the sight but when she followed Teddy past the bend and saw the old castle with glowing windows standing tall beyond a large lake on a mountain top she too joined the voiced awe everyone reverently uttered. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, despite being a thousand years old, a scene for a bloody battle, and rebuilt was a truly magical sight.

Hagrid's next words snapped everyone from their mutual wonder and back to the moment. "No more'n four to a boat!"

The Six Musketeers glanced at each other and realized that they couldn't all go. They hesitated for a few moments before Ileana smiled and took Chelsea's hand.

"We won't be separated for too long, and Chels on the way here you kept saying that you wanted some distance from your brother," Ileana pointed out. "Besides, the whole point of Hogwarts is to meet new people, or at least in this case."

Teddy and the others nodded, Ileana's words making perfect sense. It would only take a couple of minutes or so to cross the lake, then they would be back together again.

"You're right, Ileana." Delphi reluctantly let go of Teddy's hand.

The seven boats that had been laid out for their journey across the black lake were almost all full. One of the seven was Hagrid's and each of the remaining six seemed to have one spot open. The other first years taking their seats as they debated breaking up.

The Six Musketeers took their seats and with a shout of, "Forward!" from Hagrid the small boats lurched forward all at once. Slowly sailing across the silent lake toward the towering castle.

"Heads down!" Hagrid warned as Delphi's, Teddy's, and Thalle's boats reached the overhanging cliff. Everyone hunched or bent down as they passed through the ivy curtain and into a wide, long cavern that lead them onto a small, hidden harbor where they stepped back onto solid ground.

"This way! Watch yer step, now! Keep yer eyes on mine lantern and don't look down!" Hagrid advised his lantern high over his head as they began to climb up an old carved footpath that had been hewn out of the mountain centuries before.

"It hard to believe that eleven years ago, this school was destroyed beyond repair," John whispered.

"Not beyond repair…" Ileana started.

"No need to be technical." John scoffed.

Both Delphi and Chelsea quietly giggled and Ileana gave him an innocent smile.

"It's almost like it's," Thalle paused a playful smile tugging on his lips, "magic."

"Will you all be quiet," hissed a spectacled blond boy.

Ileana raised an eyebrow. "Well, sor-ree, uptight much?"

Chelsea fought off a smile and hit Ileana on her shoulder.

"Ow!"

The spectacled boy frowned. "This is not the time for hilarity."

"Hilarity." Ileana mocked under her breath, rolling her eyes. "So formal."

"Better formal miss than a common simpleton."

"Excuse me?!"

"What is your name, mate?" Thalle asked taking a step toward the boy his brows raised. "Mister Killjoy or Pompous Prat?"

The blond boy pushed his glasses back up his nose and shook his head. Delphi saw that he also carried a book in his left hand. One that had the famous Hogwarts crest inscribed into its cover. She found his accent and attitude too similar to Rowle's and she narrowed her eyes at the boy suspicious of his obvious swank.

"No," he enunciated slowly before he cleared his throat and sharply bowed. "Howard Philip Blotts the second, from the London Blotts at your service." he looked both Ileana and Thalle up and down dismissively before intoning, "and what pray tell are your names?"

"Thalle Bertram Steward the first, from the Reading Stewards." Thalle replied mocking his formal, posh tone. "and you can peddle your services elsewhere, mate!"

"Wait," Teddy said, giving Howard an apologetic smile. "I believe that we've got on the wrong foot, my name is Edward Remus Lupin by I go by Teddy."

Teddy offered his hand to the blond boy who looked down at the offered hand and back to Teddy before sniffing. "Perhaps," he allowed as he took Teddy's hand and they shook. "pleasure to meet you, Edward. Now I fear our contretemp has made us fall behind. I would recommend rejoining them posthaste."

"Contretemp? Posthaste?" Thalle muttered to John and Ileana whispering further, "how old is he? Thirty?"

Ileana giggled.

The seven students hurriedly made their way up the mountain and out onto a grassy field meeting Hagrid who had apparently been going back to fetch them.

"There yer are. Nobody hur'?" Hagrid asked looking them over for any signs of injury nodding when they quickly shook their heads no. "good," he smiled before turning and ushering them forward. "yer keeping everyone waiting. There's a sorting to be done, now. Follow me."

When they had rejoined the other students, who looked at them with a mixture of curiosity and irritation, at the big double oak doors Hagrid counted everyone present.

"Everyone here, now?"

Everyone nodded and Hagrid turned and knocked four times on the door.

Delphi blinked in surprise as a small man dressed in a purple colored three piece suit with coattails opened the door and smiled a friendly, welcoming smile at everyone.

"The firs' years, Professor Flitwick," Hagrid introduced taking a step back from the doorway, his lantern now hanging down by his side.

"Thank you, Hagrid. No trouble I hope?"

"No, just some lost their way for a moment but I found them."

"Thank you again, Hagrid. I shall take them from here." the Professor turned from looking up at the half-giant back to the first years. "Follow me, students."

Delphi's eyes widened as she saw four ghosts drifting by stop and greet them.

"New students! Welcome to Hogwarts." greeted the ghost dressed in a monk's habit. "Hope to see you in Hufflepuff."

"Ah!" Thalle screamed and jumped back behind John. "Ghosts!"

"No fear child. We won't hurt you." said a ghost wearing a ruff and tights. "Although, do be careful of Peeves he is a poltergeist and quite a nuisance."

"He's has calmed since the battle. He isn't that bad, now Nicholas," a ghost with chains and blood stains deafened. His stern, cold voice added to his bloody appearance made Delphi step closer to Teddy and Ileana.

Just as Nicholas was about to voice his disagreement the fourth ghost hovered closer to the student, floating between the two ghosts, Delphi brows furrowed as she saw it was a lady ghost. "We are holding up the sorting," she turned her attention to the Professor who had stopped to allow the ghosts their greeting of the students. "do continue Flitwick. The sorting waits for no man."

"Wonder what that means," John muttered to Thalle as they resume their journey.

"I don't know mate but I might join you in Gryffindor." Thalle shivered. "I really don't like ghosts."

"Well, in case you haven't noticed there were four ghosts." Ileana pointed out. "I think that each House has a ghost."

Thalle paled. "It's going to be a long seven years," he muttered shaking his head as he accepted his fate.

Ileana shook her head and stopped the urge to laugh at Thalle.

"It won't be too bad," Teddy said reassuringly.

"Maybe," Chelsea added.

Delphi was about to add that they had said they wouldn't - couldn't hurt them when they were ushered into a small room aside a noisy hall.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Flitwick began. "the start-of-term feast will begin momentarily but before you can join in the banquet you will be sorted into your Houses. This is an old and important ceremony. Important in that during your schooling here you will be in one House and hopefully, one that will become a second family for you while within these hallowed walls. You will share classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and study in your House common room. There are four Houses. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

"Each House has their own history, element, ghost, and traits setting them apart from the others but remember, the four Houses make Hogwarts what it is. United we stand and divided we would fall. Outstanding and disappointing witches and wizards have graduated from each House.

"While your tutelage here at Hogwarts your successful accomplishments will earn your House points but rule-breaking will lose your House points. Every year's end we compare each Houses' points and award the House Cup to whichever House won the most points. The House Cup is a great honor and a trophy will be placed in the trophy hall. Inscribed with the names of the top three contributing students from that House for that year.

"I am sure you will be a credit to whichever House becomes your own. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a moment and it will be done in front of the whole student body and teaching staff. If you want to tidy yourselves I would do it now." He paused as he looked at them. "I shall return when the ceremony is ready. Please wait here, quietly."

Delphi double checked her appearance as Flitwick left them alone in the room. Her robes were a tad wrinkled and she had a few smudges of chocolate on her tie. Taking out her handkerchief, one of her late father's which had been left when she had been handled over to Rowle, and began to rub off the chocolate smudges from her tie. She couldn't really do anything about the wrinkles but she still tried to pat them out of her skirt and outer robe.

"Well this is it," Chelsea said, looking at her new friends and twin brother. "The moment we've all been waiting for."

"And no matter what happens, we'll always be friends," Ileana said smiling.

Teddy nodded enthusiastically. "I suppose it would be inappropriate to do the 'one for all, and all for one thing' right?"

"I would think so," John complained half-heartedly.

"Nah, it's never inappropriate for our rallying friendship cry." Thalle corrected moving to put his hand down in front of him and his friends.

Delphi pocketed her handkerchief and grinned as she joined Thalle, placing her hand on top of his.

"Come on Hogwarts Musketeers," Thalle pleaded looking at the others.

Teddy smiled and placed his hand on top of Delphi's quickly followed by Ileana, Chelsea, and a reluctant John.

"Together this time, okay?" Thalle asked before he began the chant and the others followed suit:

"All for one and one for all!"

"Did they just do the Three Musketeers cry?" Blotts asked incredulously turning to a girl beside him who nodded amused from the small show before them.

"I guess they're friends," she remarked, shrugging.

"Form a line," Flitwick began opening the door. "the Sorting Ceremony is about to start, move along now." Flitwick studied the line of students and hummed approvingly. "Follow me."

Delphi gasped as she saw the grandeur of the Great Hall. The ceiling towered over them and she could see a faint trace of the night's sky above her.

"The final battle destroyed much. The enchanted ceiling is just one of its many victims." Howard Blotts informed the same girl who had been standing next to him and was now in front of him as he tsk-tsked the cruelties of war.

Trying not to think about what the war took from her, her family, she watched the enchanted candles bob up and down as they hovered above five long tables. Rows of students were gathered among four of the five tables and Delphi guessed each House by its placement according to the banners placed on the far wall, behind the fifth. The fifth table was at the end of the hall and was raised above the others and she saw Hagrid sitting to the left of a stern elderly witch in emerald-green robes that sat in the middle of the fifth table. Headmistress McGonagall, Delphi assumed before blinking in surprise. There at the end of the same table was a Centaur who looked at her with a curious expression. She had read briefly about Centaurs but she had never seen one in person and his piercing gaze held her. She mentally wondered what subject he taught before bumping into Teddy.

The line had come to a stop and the grand hall was now eerily quiet.

"Sorry," she whispered softly to Teddy as Flitwick placed an old, odd hat onto a four-legged stool.

"It's quite alright," Teddy whispered back.

What now? Delphi pondered before the hat twitched and a rip near its brim opened and the hat began to sing:

You might think me a trinket,

An old hat who's seen better days,

But I still have a secret,

I read your secrets to appraise,

Which House to put you, moppet?

(That's my ambition, always.)

Brave and bold? Gryffindor you go,

Patient? loyal? Hufflepuff be,

Cleaver? Unique? Ravenclaw blow,

Sly? Slytherin will be the key.

Family ties hold you back,

Be yourself! Don't pretend son!

Come on children, I don't bite,

The Sorting Song is now done,

Now let us begin, alright?

Applause filled the Great Hall and the hat bowed to each of the House tables before becoming motionless again.

"When your name is called you will approach the stool, sit, and put on the hat to be sorted to your respected Houses." Flitwick walked to the stool and unrolled a parchment which he began to read. "Alvarado, Marvin."

Delphi swallowed as she observed a tall, sandy blond boy approach the stool and put on the hat. The hat had become animated again but she could not hear anything he was saying to Marvin till it straightened itself and proclaimed, "GRYFFINDOR!"

"Blotts, Howard."

So, the hat would decide which House each of them would go. It made better sense than her imagination of the sorting; being sorted at wand-tip by one of the Professors; she supposed but it did nothing to lessen her mounting nerves. Her fate rested in the hat's hands, so to speak.

"RAVENCLAW!" the hat declared as Blotts joined the Ravenclaw table.

"Collier, Alexandra."

The girl that Blotts had been talking to, took her seat on the stool as she put on the hat and in a second the hat yelled Ravenclaw again as a frowning Alexandra joined Blotts.

Nina Doyle was next and took a full minute before she was sorted into Hufflepuff. She was followed by Marek Ebner and Sherri Fleming, the first Slytherin and second Gryffindor of their year before Ileana was called forward to be sorted. As Ileana passed Delphi offered a smile of encouragement to the first of their Six Musketeers group to be sorted.

"RAVENCLAW!"

Delphi gasped. Ileana had expected either Gryffindor or Slytherin, not Ravenclaw. Delphi's smile faltered, as did Ileana's, as she watched her new friend reluctantly joined Collier and Blotts at the Ravenclaw table. Delphi had secretly hoped that Ileana would be in Slytherin with her and, not for the first time, she was scared that she wouldn't get her wish to be placed in the same House as her parents.

Teddy took her hand and gave it a small squeeze. She looked down at her hand before looking back up at Teddy as the next student was sorted into Hufflepuff. His back was to her, as he was watching the sorting ceremony moved along sorting students, she returned his reassuring squeeze and returned her attention back to the hat.

Not a moment later her turn came:

"Rowle, Delphini."

Suddenly a few hushed whispers began to stir around her as she took her seat on the old stool and gently placed the hat upon her head. Obscuring the Great Hall both visually and audibly.

"Ah, now what do we have here?" The sorting hat said. "There's no doubt to where you're going but this is very curious indeed."

"What's curious?"

"You're history, of course, it's all here in your head. There's no doubt that you belong to Slytherin. Very resourceful, cunning, and ambitious, you'll go a long way in Slytherin."

"Then why are you trying to convince me?"

"No objections eh? No student are the same but a long time ago there was one student who had the same potential and he turned it down to be a Gryffindor."

"I want to be in Slytherin."

"Determination, I see. That's not always good but it's very obvious that you belong in-"

"SLYTHERIN!"

Grinning Delphi joined Ebner at the Slytherin table. She returned his nod of greeting briskly before turning her eyes back to Teddy as he was sorted into Hufflepuff, the hat barely touching his head. Next, the twins, Chelsea and John, were both sorted into Gryffindor. Poor Chelsea had not gotten her wish after all.

Several students later the last of the Six Musketeers, Thalle, was sorted into Hufflepuff alongside Teddy.

"Rowle, wasn't it?"

Delphi tore her attention away from the student currently getting sorted to a black haired boy across from her.

"Yes."

"Lucas Ortega," he introduced himself bowing his head slightly. "pleasure to meet you Delphini."

"Delphi," she corrected, "and likewise." she returned just as the last student was sorted into Slytherin and joined them.

"Welcome to Hogwarts!" Minerva McGonagall began, clapping her hands together as she stood, "Welcome to another new year at Hogwarts! Before the banquet begins, I have a few words to say to you all. First years - and older students as well - should note that the forest, the Forbidden Forest, on the grounds is forbidden to all students.

"Unless," she raised a finger, "you are escorted by a professor or staff member. Am I perfectly clear?" she paused as she scanned the crowded hall before her, a hint of a smile on her lips, as almost every head nodded and bobbed yes. "Now, let us eat."

Delphi looked down and grinned as she saw her previous empty plate was now laden down with food. Ham and roast chicken. Potatoes, corn, and peas. She had never seen so much food on her plate before. She wouldn't be able to eat it all.

It was truly a feast.

Rowle sighed and rubbed her aching head as she sat beside her youngest sister Rosalyn's bed in the distant corner of the Janus Thickey Ward.

She hadn't stepped foot back into St Mungo's since her brother Lester had died seven years ago from extensive wounds received in an unfair and surprise duel between three Aurors. All thanks to a two-year-old Delphini's tantrum stirring up the brats strong wish-magic and sending Lester from the cover of their safe home to the main entrance lobby of the Ministry. . . even with his fast reflexes, he had honed during his years as a Death Eater, he had been outnumbered and couldn't survive the joined forces of bloody Potter, Weasley, and that fool Longbottom. He had died in St Mungo's later that very night and Rowle had taken to the bottle within the hour of her brother's death and hadn't looked back.

All thanks to that burdensome Delphini. If only Euphemia hadn't been secretly in love with Rodolphus and had blindly agreed when he had handed her his child to watch and care for during his imprisonment in Azkaban. She had been a blind, stupid fool of a woman believing his boasts that no prison could keep him long.

She had also held on to her ridiculous fantasy that with time she would win his affections and replace his late wife and become Delphini's new mum for years after Rodolphus trial.

A foolish daydream that came to naught.

"Rosalyn, it's Euphemia," she paused knowing that the educated words of the Healer were true. That her sister couldn't hear her, not where she was. Trapped forever in a land of hellish nightmares by Euphemia's own hands. An eternal, neverending nightmare that had started thirty-three years ago.

"It has been awhile since I've been here. Lester is dead. Arial is still in Azkaban and, of course, father died during the war." she continued using this as a means to unload her heavy burdens.

"Delphini," she began whispering softly after she cast Muffliato discreetly around them. "I've talked to you about her before, she went off to Hogwarts today. . . She ran away and somehow got her supplies and her ticket - and I thought that when that deadline for getting into Hogwarts passed without any acceptance letter bearing her name meant she was a squib - and went to Kings Cross alone.

"I tried to stop her. Can you believe that Rosalyn? I almost tried to stop a pureblood from attending Hogwarts." she paused and looked up at the ceiling before looking back down at her feet. Her head pounding away from the sudden change of motion.

"Thank Merlin she had already boarded the train when I had gotten there or I would have done it. I would have dragged her away and locked her away in her room till she was seventeen." she shook her head and cradled it in her hands. "what has become of me, Rosa? I know Lester's surprise death hit me hard but that was years ago. Years! Almost a decade."

Silence surrounded the two sisters for several minutes. "I've never hit her. I - I haven't become like mama. Not completely." she finally whispered brokenly.

"I was supposed to watch and care for her. She is a Lestrange and poised to inherit a sizable vault when she comes of age, but after Lester's death, I couldn't see her without seeing her blinking him away to the Ministry and to his death."

She laughed lightly, humorlessly. "I am the biggest hypocrite. I did the same to you and I was older. I knew better than to let my magic go unchecked. To bubble up..." she trailed off before shaking her head. "I have to go. Visiting time is drawing to a close and I need a drink. I haven't had a good drink since yesterday."

The Six Musketeers

Delphi Lestrange (Slytherin)

Teddy Lupin (Hufflepuff)

Chelsea McLaggen (Gryffindor) (Belongs to Ana)

John McLaggen (Gryffindor) (Belongs to Ana)

Ileana Flint (Ravenclaw) (Belongs to Ana)

Thalle Steward (Hufflepuff) (Belongs to Tee)