CHAPTER 4

DRAKE never wanted to leave. There wasn't nearly enough money in the world to bribe him away from his new reality. While both his parents were Pureblood lovers, Drake feigned ignorance, choosing to bask in their attention instead. Something he had never experienced before the magical cabinet. Another experience Drake hadn't had previously- actually having fun with his siblings. His eldest brother, Bellamy, was destined to be a famous Quidditch player for Puddlemere United and when he wasn't running drills he'd let Drake practice with him. His parents hoped Owen, his other brother, would follow in Mr. Harris's footsteps and join the Ministry of Magic, due to his astounding grades. But every once in a while, the try-hard would take a break and teach his younger brother a bit about magic. And Eleanora, well, when she wasn't slaying imaginary dragons she'd come to Drake to play whatever game he could imagine that day. The life was something he had only dreamed of.

"Come here, Drake, your top button isn't done," his mother called out. The whole family was dressed to the nines. Even Elle had been forced to brush her hair, so it could be fitted into a braid. Drake matched his brothers in dress pants, a button-up shirt, dress shoes and a matching belt. He went to his mother, despite being perfectly capable of buttoning the shirt himself. He was a sucker for the attention. Mrs. Harris straightened out his collar one last time.

"Is everyone ready?" She asked the room. One of the older boys sighed. Elle twirled round and round in her dress.

"Don't mess up your hair, Eleanora," Mr. Harris ordered upon entering the room. She came to a dizzy stop. "What is Terry's wife's name again, Clarisse?"

"It is Laura. But please relax a bit darling. It's the same party the Wilkes have every year."

"I know, I know," he sighed. He turned to the kids. "Remember, best behavior." Four nods answered him.

"Portkey is about to open, brace yourselves," Mr. Harris warned. Six hands grasped the book's cover.

ooo

"Play Quidditch at all?"

Drake stood off to the side of a ballroom of sorts. Around him were a gang of his future peers: Preston Wilkes, Damian Avery, Sirius Black, and Marcus Mulciber. Bellamy was off a few yards away chatting with some boy in his year named Lucius, Owen stood alongside Evan Rosier and his girlfriend, and Elle was likely hanging onto their mother's arm demanding to leave- Drake swiveled back to Owen and studied his company once more. The girl looked oddly familiar.

"What about you, Drake?" Damian pressed. He had originally asked the question, but Drake had momentarily zoned out.

"Of course," he deadpanned. Giving the boy a fixed look, as if to say, 'It would be ridiculous if someone didn't'. Marcus looked down at the floor and the Black boy rolled his eyes.

"Have you got your own broom?" the boy went on. Drake nodded and chanced a glance back at the older girl once more.

"I do - Father says it's a crime if I'm not picked to play for my house, and I must say, I agree," Avery continued the fairly one-sided conversation.

"Hoping for Slytherin right?" Preston Wilkes quizzed.

"Well, no one really knows until they get there, do they," Sirius grumbled.

"I know I'll be in Slytherin, all our family have been." Damian Avery was practically adamant.

"Imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?" Marcus tried to redeem himself. He earned a laugh from Preston and Damian.

Drake cut in. "Preston? Who's that girl on Rosier's arm?" Preston followed his gaze, as did the rest of the group.

"Oh, that's Vera Gold. Slytherin in Evan and Owen's year."

"Is her sister here?" Drake tried again, but Preston shook his head.

"Blood status?" Damian cut in. Drake tried not to roll his eyes.

"Uh, the mother was foreign, but I think she's pure."

"Was?" Sirius Black spoke up.

"Huh?"

"You said she was foreign?" he clarified.

"Oh right, yeah, parents passed in some tragic event years ago, I guess." Preston shrugged. Damian let out a low whistle.

"Rotten luck."

"Least they have kids to continue the line," Marcus offered insensitively. Drake clenched his fists behind his back.

"I really don't think they should let the other sort in to Hogwarts," Avery picked up his incessant talking again. Preston nodded along. "They're just not the same, they've never been brought up to know our ways."

"Some of them have never even heard of Hogwarts until they get the letter, imagine," Marcus added in an effort to feel important.

"I think they should keep it in the old wizarding families. Don't you Sirius?" Avery pushed. Drake couldn't tell if he actually wasn't listening or was just ignoring Damian. "Black?"

He turned to the boys. "Huh? Oh, well I'll see you at Hogwarts, I suppose."

"Right," Avery answered trying to save face as Sirius turned and left.

"Don't know what's gotten into that wanker lately," Preston whispered once the coast was clear. Drake laughed along with Damian. "Ugh, here comes Natalia."

"Dolohov?" Avery clarified. Receiving a nod of confirmation, the boys looked over to see a pale blonde skipping over. The white-blonde of her hair had Drake thinking of Lyra, but the girls icy blue gaze and sneer sent the thought running.

"Boys," she greeted in a silky voice. The four of them shared a quick glance.

"What is it Nat?" Preston pushed. Her pout was slightly ridiculous.

"Rude. Looking for a Drake Harris. His father wants him," she reported haughtily.

Drake groaned while the other boys laughed, and he set off to find his father. As he came upon a group of older men, he could pick up his father's firm tone.

"The boy didn't even receive his letter yet! And he's knocking on ol' Al's door." Mr. Harris laughed, and the other men joined in.

"Would have paid in gold to see that oaf's face," another man spoke with a sneer. Mr. Harris caught sight of Drake just then.

"Ah! The man of the hour!" He beckoned his son over as several heads turn. A few pats on the back greeted him, as the boy moved in to the center.

"If only Preston could take a page out of your book, son." Drake assumed the comment came from Mr. Wilkes. Drake looked to his father.

"Oh, just telling the men about your stunt at the start of the summer with Albus Dumbledore." The father and son duo shared a quick laugh. The older man's eyes looked a little glazed over.

One of the men suddenly scrutinized Drake with intense coal eyes. "Perhaps young Damian would benefit from having a friend like you at school." The man was clearly Mr. Avery. "Merlin knows the half-wit needs all the help he can get." The boy amongst men held back a shiver upon hearing the man's dark tone. He couldn't bring himself to laugh with the father's.

A warm grasp on his shoulder, caught Drake's attention. He looked to the source and grinned.

His father was glowing with pride for his youngest son.

RIDLEY had never imagined a reality as grand as the current. Ridley had been all of six when her mother passed away in both realities. But Ridley's father had chosen a better path in the world of magic. Instead of letting his life crumble away, Raymond was the Quidditch coach for the Falmouth Falcons and was said to be doing a bang-up job. Ridley's brother, Robert, had become a beacon of hope as well. A majority of his days were spent alongside her. The two constantly honed their Quidditch talents, hit Hogsmeade together, and even went to a few of the Falcon games. Rory's wedding had been a spot of fun. The whole family had attended, Ray had forced Robert into going. However, the summer fun was unfortunately coming to an end.

Ridley heard from Hogwarts one sunny morning about a week after Rory's wedding. "Letters from Hogwarts," Robbie announced to Ridley, from the stairs. She was in the hall in record time. Robert laughed. He dangled an envelope of yellowish parchment, addressed in green ink. Ridley squealed.

"Bloody hell!" He cried out, dropping the letter as his hands tried to protect his ears.

Ridley eagerly ripped it open to read its contents.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Ms. Declan,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31. Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

She turned to the next bit of parchment.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags

COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emetic Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

wand cauldron (pewter, standard size 2) set

glass or crystal phials
telescope set
brass scales

Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

.

Ridley squealed again. Robert had no problem cursing her and pushing her farther down the hall.

"You have issues," he derided. Ridley rolled her eyes before flipping to the next paper.

"I am officially a witch!" She cheered.

"What on earth were you before?" Robert grumbled before retreating to his room for some peace and quiet. Ridley only laughed.

Knocking brought her back to focus a second later. She scrambled down the stairs and dashed to the front door. Upon opening the door, Ridley was pleasantly surprised to find her friend.

"Conall! Come in, come in!"

"Get your letter?" He asked, taking in her glowing smile as they moved to the living room. She answered by holding up the envelope and releasing the tiniest shriek. He laughed and copied her actions. Minus the exclamation.

"It's going to be bloody brilliant! I can't wait," Ridley gushed.

"Want to hit Diagon Alley together tomorrow?"

"Of course!" The two sat on the couch.

"I actually got a little head start on the list," Conall fessed up. Ridley glanced down at his bag.

"Did you bring anything with you!?"

"Sort of." He laughed at her eagerness.

Ridley urged him on, "Well, let's see!" His grin turned sheepish as he reached into his messenger bag. Ridley's mouth fell open as she registered the tiny, squirming ball of ashen fur in his grasp.

"Is that a-?"

"Astra had her litter a little over a month ago. And this little guy is for you," he offered, almost shyly. Ridley threw her arms around her friend, while trying to remain mindful of the kitten in his hands. When she pulled back Conall's ears were tinged pink. Ridley pretended not to notice.

Her gaze slipped down to the kitten again.

"Can I hold him?" She wondered. Conall silently handed him over.

"Conall, you might just be the love of my life. This baby is just darling!"

By now the boy's face was flaming red. "Glad you like him." Her friend really was turning shy. Ridley held the little tike up to her face and he opened his mouth for a tiny mewl. "Oh! I also brought some food and basics for you! Give you a head start, you know," he offered and Ridley nodded.

"So, what's the little man's name?"

"Polaris. His mum's name was Astra, so we continued the theme. We call him Po for short thought."

"Brilliant."

The friends shared a grin.

LYRA spent the summer mainly shadowing Vera and touring London. Her grandparents took care to visit every week, unfortunately, but Lyra loved to hear stories about when her mother was a child. Professor Dumbledore prescribed a bit of "light reading"- Hermione's definition- and Lyra was required to narrow in on certain studies. But, overall, her new life had been one full of new adventures, feelings, and mysteries.

"Lyra, you're taking forever!" Vera yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

"I'm coming, but I can't find my list."

"I have it. Can we go now?"

"One second!" In truth, Lyra wasn't really searching for her list. She was sitting on her bed debating whether or not she should fake an illness. The witch was meant to get her wand, along with other supplies, but her wand was by far the scariest upcoming purchase. Lyra sighed, stood up, and slowly walked down the stairs, glowering at Vera the whole way down. Her sister laughed.

"You look like you're about to face a boggart. Relax, it's just Diagon Alley." The blonde glared at Vera, then grabbed some Floo Powder and stepped into the chimney.

ooo

"Alright, in you go. I'll wait out here okay? And after we'll go get you a pet," Vera tried nicely. Suddenly mute, Lyra could only nod and push open Ollivanders door. They had finished shopping for clothing, books, and other necessities, and her wand and pet were the only two things left on the list.

The bell jingled as Lyra entered and she swallowed her fear before approaching the front desk. She heard the sound of wheels rolling and turned to the back wall just in time to see Mr. Ollivander some sliding in to view.

"Ah, Ms. Gold, Dumbledore told me to expect your visit soon. Is your sister here? What was it? Eleven and a half inches, swishy, ebony, quite good for Charms. A very lovely wand."

"Yes, sir."

The man smiled.

"Let's measure you, shall we?" His tape measurer didn't wait for a response, it got right to work, and Lyra followed Ollivader's instructions. "That'll do it. Now let's see," he muttered as he searched his shelves. "Hmm," he looked at her once, looked back at his shelf, and then shook his head and then grabbed about six different boxes. Lyra tried not to laugh. "Mahogany. Eight inches, quite supple. Core of unicorn hair."

Lyra picked it up.

"Well, give it try." Excited, she gave it a wave, but Mr. Ollivander immediately snatched it from her hand.

"Not strong enough. How about fourteen inches, yew? Unicorn hair is its core. Pretty swishy." He held it out for the witch, but before she could even touch it he shook his head. "Nope, definitely not. Let's see," he murmured as he returned to his shelves. He grabbed about seven more boxes. "I believe this one is it."

Lyra picked up another wand and gave it a slight wave. The light above their heads' burst. Mr. Ollivander frowned and fixed the light. She went through about five more options and Ollivander still seemed quite jubilant.

"Tricky customer. Alright, give it a wave." It was the seventh wand in his new stack and Lyra was beginning to doubt herself. The old wizard nodded at her encouragingly. "It's Holly. Twelve inches, dragon heartstring core. It's quite flexible. Go on."

Lyra grabbed the wand from the box and a smile lit up her face. She felt a warm, tingling sensation in her hand and a stream of white sparks flew out. Mr. Ollivander smiled.

"Yes, I thought so."

Lyra quickly paid for the wand, happy to be done, and ran out to find Vera for no doubt she'd make fun of her for taking so long. Lyra found her window shopping across the street and surprisingly, her sister didn't say a word. Vera only smiled and ruffled the younger girl's hair.

"See? Harmless adventure. Now, shall we go get you a pet?" Without waiting for an answer, Vera bustled down the street.

"But, what should I get? Not a toad, there's no point in those," Lyra began conversationally. A low, soft hooting came from a dark shop with a sign saying Eeylops Owl Emporium - Tawny, Screech, Barn, Brown, and Snowy. Her sister only pointed.

DRAKE wished he could relive the past two months over and over. The end of the summer vacation came too quickly for his liking. He was looking forward to attending Hogwarts, but his month at home had been all he had ever hoped for.

The morning of his departure, Drake woke at five o'clock in the morning. Too excited and nervous to go back to sleep he got up and pulled on his jeans. He didn't want to walk into the station in his wizard's robes - he'd change on the train. Drake checked his Hogwarts list yet again to make sure he had everything he needed, saw that his owl, Ozzy, was shut safely in his cage, and then paced the room, waiting for the rest of his family to wake.

A few hours later he joined the chaos in the entry way as he deposited his luggage.

"I'd better hurry - you have a good term, boys," said Mr. Harris to Bellamy, Owen, and Drake, fastening a cloak over his shoulders and preparing to Disapparate. "Clarisse, are you going to be all right taking the kids to King's Cross?"

"Yes of course, darling. Having a lovely day at work!" She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Don't worry about the Sorting Drake. You're a Slytherin through and through, son."

One last wave and Mr. Harris was out with a bang.

LYRA stood, staring nervously at the brick wall she was supposed to throw herself at, and refused to budge.

"You can't be serious? You're having a go with me, aren't you?" she questioned her sister for the umpteenth time. Sure, she had read about Harry Potter's own tribulations with the path to 9 ¾ but couldn't believe it herself.

"Lyra," Vera complained. "You're taking too long. All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Don't stop and don't be scared you'll crash into it, that's very important. Go on!"

She pushed her trolley around and stared at the barrier. It looked very solid.

1, 2, 3! Lyra jogged forward and held in a scream as she prepared for the crash. But it didn't come. Instead, Lyra was exposed to an expansive area with a scarlet steam engine waiting next to a platform packed with people. A sign overhead said Hogwarts Express, eleven O'clock. Lyra looked behind her and saw a wrought-iron archway where the barrier had been, with the words Platform Nine and Three-Quarters on it. I did it!

Smoke from the engine drifted over the heads of the chattering crowd, while cats of every color wound here and there between their legs. Owls hooted to one another in a disgruntled sort of way over the babble and the scraping of heavy trunks. Lyra pressed on through the crowd until she spotted neat raven-black ringlets on a scrawny peer. She squealed internally before running over and giving her friend a bone-crushing hug.

"Lyra?" Ridley swiveled around and pulled her friend back into the hug.

"Blimey! I missed you!"

"Can't believe we're finally on our way!" Lyra gloated.

ooo

"Right, let's split up."

Lyra and Ridley had found Drake shortly after, and the trio had decided they'd cover more ground and learn more information if they separated on the train. Drake and Ridley nodded and quickly took off towards the left, slightly hobbling because of the cages and trunks that they carried. Lyra picked up Conroy, her owl, grabbed her trunk, and turned right.

She frowned next, wishing for at least some idea of what character she should be looking for, but of course that'd be too easy. She huffed and then made my way down the hall, staring into the compartments as she went. The first few carriages were already packed with students, some hanging out of the window to talk to their families, some fighting over seats.

What felt like ages passed and Lyra's arms couldn't take it anymore. She sighed, resigning to meet whoever at the Sorting Ceremony. As she turned into the last compartment her eyes found a boy with messy black hair. An overwhelming grin transformed her face as she sailed passed tentative hope, aiming right for success. Lyra opened the compartment door and smiled at the people inside.

"Room for one more?"

"Of course!" A sweet-looking girl with ginger-red hair and shining eyes made room. Once situated, Lyra plopped down in the seat and shared a warm smile with the friendly face. A moment later her small button nose scrunched up after the boy next to her whispered something. Lyra's eyes slid over charcoal orbs, overlong black hair, and an enormous, crooked schnozzle. He was the definition of sallow, small, and stringy.

Uncomfortable under his glare, Lyra's grey eyes glanced at the two boys across the gap. A potential Harry Potter met her gaze with bright, friendly hazel eyes, lacking glasses, but she remained hopeful. Beside him, a pair of stormy greys rivaled her gaze in intensity. His overly dressy attire and permanent frown screamed snooty, if it weren't for his mane of shaggy black hair, Lyra would've labelled him a bit of a bore.

A hoot from above forced her from the silent examination. At the sound, the two boys finally became aware of a newcomer.

"Popular compartment. But what can I say? I tend to draw a crowd." The brag came from Harry Potter's twin and his neighbor, Mr. Snooty snorted. Lyra, however, let out a real laugh and the look-a-like gave her a grin. "The name is James Potter, by the way."

Lyra wasn't given a moment to be stunned as understanding filled her.

"Lily and I walked in on you picking your nose," the boy with large snout deadpanned, so obviously Severus Snape now that Lyra had a clue. "I wanted to turn around, but apparently that'd be rude." The ginger swiftly sent sassypants a withering glare and suddenly Mr. Snooty and Lyra exploded with laughter.

"I- I was not! I had an itch! I was scratching my nose!" Protests struggled to be heard over the giggling and eventually, even the girl, Lily Evans, grinned.

"Whatever you say, mate," the boy at his side teased while easing up on the laughter. Lyra tried to not to ogle Sirius Black- she couldn't believe that it hadn't recognized the lot of them immediately.

The room fell silent for a moment.

"Well, this is it! We're off to Hogwarts Lily." It was Severus again. Lily smiled at his words. "You'd better be in Slytherin."

"Slytherin? Who wants to be in Slytherin? I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?" James asked the boy lounging on the seat beside him. Sirius did not smile.

"My whole family have been in Slytherin," he said.

"Blimey," said James, "and I thought you seemed all right!" Sirius grinned. Lily looked confused.

"There hasn't been a witch or wizard gone bad that wasn't in Slytherin," Lyra explained, finally speaking up. Severus's annoyance was evident. She quickly added, "I am sure that will change though, what with you two there." Lily smiled at that and Severus seemed to ease up a bit.

"Well, maybe I'll just break my family's tradition instead," Sirius suggested, trying to get in James's good graces once more. "Where are you heading, if you've got the choice?"

No longer perturbed, James lifted an invisible sword. '"Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!' Like my dad." Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him. "Got a problem with that?"

"No," said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise. "If you'd rather be brawny than brainy –"

"Where're you hoping to go, seeing as you're neither?" interjected Sirius. James roared with laughter.

Lyra could only shift uncomfortably. Bloody hell, here we go.

Lily sat up, rather flushed, and looked from James to Sirius in dislike.

"Well, let's all hope Potter can be like his father," Severus sneered. "How pathetic." The temperature in the room seemed to drop twenty degrees.

"I'm hoping for anything at this point, honestly," Lyra answered, trying to help smooth things over.

"I bet you'll make it far with such high standards," Severus remarked coolly. Lyra's jaw dropped.

"Get out." James's growl turned heads.

Severus went from shock to contempt in seconds. "Fine, come on, Lily, let's find another compartment."

"Sev…" Her voice was a whisper and she gave Lyra an apologetic glance.

"Just come on."

"Oooooo…" James and Sirius harassed as if someone was in trouble. James tried to trip Snape as he passed.

"See ya, Snivellus!" Sirius called as the compartment door slammed. The three remainders shared an awkward laugh after the dramatic exit.

"The name is Sirius Black, by the way. And the pleasure is all mine. Ignore that twat." Lyra looked up to see keen greys narrowed in on her. As he tacked on a wink, Lyra rolled her eyes and laughed.

"Lyra Gold. Thanks for, uh, having my back I guess…" Her words went to both of the boys before her. James beamed at the praise, but Lyra was surprised when Sirius's cheeks turned pink. "So your family is full of Slytherins, Sirius?" Lyra started, and immediately regretted her phrasing as the boy tensed. "It's just that it is kind of like that for me. My mother went to Beauxbatons, but my father and sister were both sorted into Slytherin."

"Rotten luck," Sirius responded gloomily. "The whole pureblood status is rubbish." Sirius grunted as James elbowed him in his side. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that…" he muttered apologetically, his cheeks now a flaming red and his hand rubbing the back of his neck. He had accidently insulted her family's beliefs as well.

"Couldn't agree more!" She picked up. "Some of the best wizards and witches out there are Muggle-born." Three grins picked back up and their conversation drifted off to Quidditch, classes they were excited for, and hundreds of other random topics.

While they had been talking, the train had carried them out of London. They were now speeding past fields full of cows and sheep. They were quiet for a time, watching the fields and lanes flick past. It didn't long, however, before the trio jumped back into conversation discussing everything from their different upbringings to what they thought their favorite class would be.

RIDLEY watched the countryside, now flying past the window becoming wilder and wilder. The neat fields had gone. Now there were woods, twisting rivers, and dark green hills. She had settled into a compartment with Robert and two of his friends, one male and one female. The three of them were all in Gryffindor.

"Falcons having a good season so far Rob?"

"Oh yeah, brilliant season really!" Ridley watched as her brother animatedly picked up conversation with the girl, Merida. "I'll have to snag us some tickets for a match sometime."

The raven-haired girl blushed, but their mutual friend Edmund was clearly oblivious. "Blimey mate, that'd be fantastic!"

Ridley bit down on her fist to hide a laugh.

"-er, yeah, course," Robert fumbled sheepishly.

"Thrown me in to the lot too, Robbie," Ridley teased. Her smirk didn't fade when he sent her a pointed look

Around half past twelve there was a great clattering outside in the corridor and a smiling, dimpled woman slid back their door and said, "Anything off the cart, dears?"

Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Chocolate Frogs, and plenty of other treats were soon piled up on the compartment benches. Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Licorice Wands were a few of the other assorted goodies. Robert had bought several of each for Ridley and him to share. His sister, however, definitely noticed when he slid a Chocolate Frog over to his crush.

They had a good time eating the Every Flavor Beans. Ridley got pineapple, bread, popcorn, vanilla, broccoli, peach, coffee, chicken, and was even brave enough to nibble the end off a spotted yellow one that turned out to be butter flavored.

"Ugh! Circe again and I've got about six of her... do you want it? Who did you get?" Robbie groaned to Ridley.

"Balfour Bane, and no you can't have him." She stuck her tongue out at her older brother. Merida laughed at Robert's eye roll.

Just then the compartment door slid open and two blonde heads poked in.

"Hey Rob!" One of the girls cooed. Ridley noticed a particular raven-haired girl frown out of the corner of her eye.

"Listen, we're going down the middle of the train – Jenny supposedly bought a three-legged owl and we want to check it out." The compartment occupants laughed at how eager the girls were.

"Let me know how that goes, don't want to bail on Ridley. It's her first year, all nerves" Robert excused. Ridley shot her brother a look but held back from swatting his side.

"Aww, well good luck at the sorting Ridley!" One called.

"See you around Rob!" The other winked. As the door closed Edmund groaned. Robert blushed red. And Ridley rolled her eyes. Merida remained silent for a moment longer. Finally, after a heavy sigh from Robert, the group picked up casual conversation again.

Ridley peered out of the window. It was getting dark. She could see mountains and forests under a deep purple sky. The train did seem to be slowing down. The group decided it'd be best to change into their robes. After, the group of four settled back in the compartment, and a voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."

DRAKE's stomach lurched with nerves, but he joined the crowd thronging the corridor. He had experienced a fairly enjoyable ride alongside his family friends Damian, Marcus, and Preston. The train slowed right down and finally stopped. People pushed their way toward the door and out on to a tiny, dark platform. Drake shivered in the cold night air. Then a lamp came bobbing over the heads of the students.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" The four boys exchanged glances as they caught sight of a half-giant looming ahead of them. Damian actually laughed at the incredulous spectacle.

"C'mon, follow me - any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!"

Slipping and stumbling, they followed the man down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path. It was so dark on either side of them that Drake thought there must be thick trees there. Nobody spoke much.

"Ye' all get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," the half-giant called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend here."

There was a loud "Oooooh!" The narrow path had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.

"No more'n four to a boat!" the man called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Drake and Damian Avery were followed into their boat by Natalia Dolohov and Preston Wilkes. Marcus Mulciber was forced to settle into another boat.

"Everyone in?" shouted the half-giant, who had a boat to himself. "Right then - FORWARD!"

And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.

"Heads down!" yelled the leader as the first boats reached the cliff; they all bent their heads and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbor, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles. They moved through a passageway in the rock next, coming out at last onto smooth, damp grass right in the shadow of the castle. They walked up a flight of stone steps and crowded around the huge, oak front door.

"Everyone here?" The half-giant asked. He then raised a gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door.

This is really happening.

Thanks for taking the time to give my story a read!