Mood: Hm...content like ya might say...
Look: Blue Hip Hop recital pants (they're super comfy!), flowery sleep shirt, hair in a french braid, no shoes!
Taste: Nothing at the momet though I'm getting hungry...
Sound: E! Hollywood Story: Pamela Anderson, lol!
Friends: I was just talkin' ta Sam but she had 2 go!
Camp Count Down: TWO DAYZ
Kumusta! Well, yesterday went better then I thought it would. Harry and I cleaned up a storm and really impressed my mom! Then we watched "Fantasia" which I havn't watched in FOREVER! OMG, lol, my brother and I have this joke now...SEXY CENTAURS! Anyway...lol! And then we went swimming at Udall and I was so proud of myself becuz I used a tampon for the first time yesterday!! Sorry, don't mean to gross anyone out, but it was so awsome and exciting! lol, I was telling my mom yesterday that I'll like, b at the Oscars and I'll go, "I'd like to thank the Academy, and Playtex..." lol! Again, don't mean to gross anyone out! Today has been fairly uneventful. I woke up, checked my email, brushed my teeth, washed my face, put my hair in a french braid, did my nails, watched a bit of TV, and now I'm writing this. I know, how eventful. Anyway. We're not really doing anything else of interest today either. Nothing tomorrow...on Friday we may go up to my Aunt's if Mike picks up Harry on time. If he doesn't, which is probable, we'll go up and spend the day saturday and leave Sunday morning for the airport and I'll fly my way to Minneapolis and then ride a bus to wonderful camp! Also on Friday, I get to go to that Ice Cream Party Ms. Kent is putting on for me. I'm nervous I don't exactly remember how to act like a country club girl, but, I'll swing it. So, on the day I arrive at camp, I'm thinking my attire will b....My favorite ripped Guess jeans, my blue "Night Owls" shirt, my white sneakers, and my hair in a pony tail with my bangs to the side of my face all cute like. Sound good to everyone? Good. lol! Anyway. I have to go and write another chapter for my fanfic so that I can tell everyone I'll be gone. *sigh* I wish I hadn't posted it before I left...now everyone will forget about my story...oh well. I'll deal with it. Maybe I'll post it here so everyone can read it...yeah! That's what I'll do! I only have 2 chapters but I'll get my 3rd up soon, I promise. Ok, I'm gonna go and put up another entry with all my stuff...paalam na...
*~*Natalie aka. The Desert Rat*~*
Chapter One
Riley Christine Potter smiled her cute two year old smile up at her father, Harry. She clapped her hands delightedly as Harry flicked his wand and made a shower of stars light up the room. She smiled again, this time a little more drowsily. Harry looked down adoringly at her and swooped her up in his arms, kissing her nose affectionately. She giggled, but the giggle was soon replaced by a yawn.
"Aw, my baby's tired." He said, rocking her back and forth in his arms.
She yawned again before closing her eyes, putting her thumb snuggly into her mouth, and wiggling into the crook of Harry's arm. He smiled proudly as he felt her breathing growing light and rhythmic. He laid her down gently, placing a kiss on her forehead before going back to his room.
"Ginny?" he asked tiredly as he slipped into bed.
"Mh?" she replied.
"I love our family."
"I do too Harry," she said, yawning slightly.
Harry smiled as he wrapped an arm delicately around her waist and closed his eyes.
***
"Get up get up get up!" Riley squealed at her parents excitedly.
Ginny and Harry shook their heads groggily before sitting up to please their daughter.
"Look what Liberty brought me!" she said as she thrust a cream colored envelope under their noses.
"Hogwarts supplies!" she said, her voice pitched high.
They both smiled and their anger disappeared.
"Can we get my things today? Can we can we? Huh?"
"We'll see darling," Ginny said affectionately.
Ginny got gracefully out of the bed, slipping on some socks over her cold feet. Her fiery curls cascaded over her shoulders and she quickly tied it up with a ribbon. Harry lay back against his pillows, patting the bed next to him for Riley to come sit near him. Riley leapt up beside him and snuggled between his strong arm and torso.
"Dad," she said quietly.
"What is it baby?" Harry answered.
"I love you."
"I love you too." Harry smiled, kissing Riley on the forehead. "Here, let's see that letter."
Riley smiled too and handed him the ivory hued envelope.
"Well let's see here," Harry mused.
On the top of the first piece of parchment there was the name of the school. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, ending with a flourish. It indicated that the standard uniform was a set of plain black robes and a plain black pointed hat. Among other things, the students needed to bring a winter cloak as well as protective gloves and one set of dress robes. There were several standard course books required for the first years that Harry knew would be easily available for purchase at Diagon Alley. He gave Riley a loving squeeze before pushing back the covers and getting out of bed.
"Get dressed love, we'll leave after breakfast."
Riley smiled and scampered off into her room. Smiling exuberantly, she rummaged through her drawers, looking for something suitable to wear. She pulled out a pair of worn jeans and slipped on a shirt with images of her favorite Quidditch team. She ran a brush briefly through her messy black hair and bounded down the stairs to find her parents. She entered their bright, airy kitchen and plopped down on a bar stool that stood in front of their breakfast bar. Ginny placed a steaming plate of sausages, eggs, and toast on the shiny wood surface in front of her daughter. Riley heartily dug in and licked her fingers clean when she was finished.
"Can we go now?" she asked, her green eyes shining.
"Not yet darling. Go brush your teeth and gather up the list." Ginny took the plate to the sink and with a flick of her wand, they were washing themselves.
Ginny sighed as she wrapped her lavender robe tighter around her and tucked a strand of her fiery hair behind her ear. Harry came up behind her, wrapping his arms affectionately around her waist, kissing her cheek.
"Morning darling," he said letting go and pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Good morning dear," Ginny replied, kissing his lips gently. "Are you going to take her today?"
"Yes, I suppose. She won't let us alone until we do."
Ginny smiled, knowing he spoke the truth.
"Alright. Well, I was going to stay home today. I have a bit of work to do, but, will you be a dear and pick some things up for me?"
"Sure. I'm assuming that you have a list for me?"
"You know me all too well darling," Ginny smiled, handing him a piece of parchment.
Harry sipped his coffee while scanning the list.
"Floo Powder, Spell-O-Tape, herbs," he mumbled.
Just as he finished musing over the list, Riley came down the stairs, the school supply lists clutched tightly in her fists.
"Ready Ri?" He asked, stuffing Ginny's list in the pocket of his coat.
"Yeah," she said, coming up beside him.
"Alright then. We'll be off." And with that Riley and Harry walked to the fire grate hand in hand.
Riley took a pinch of bluish powder from an ornate looking pot and threw it into the fire, making it turn a stunning emerald.
"Diagon Alley," she said simply, walking into the flames.
She spun as quickly as lightning through a long tunnel filled with fire grates. Humming one of her favorite songs to keep her mind off of the spinning, she hardly noticed when the correct grate presented itself. She stepped out of the grate and lightly brushed soot off of her clothes. She stepped aside just in time. Harry came walking out seconds after Riley. Shuddering, Harry put his glasses back on and ran a hand through his hair.
"Don't think I'll ever be used to that," He said, shaking his head.
"Oh dad!" Riley laughed, grabbing his hand.
Together, they set off through the sun kissed streets of Diagon Alley.
"Alright," Harry said finally. "I have some money with me already, so I don't think we'll need to stop at Gringotts. What should we get first?"
"My wand!" Riley said enthusiastically.
Harry chuckled.
"Alright then. Off to Ollivanders."
The ambled along, admiring all of the bright shops and delicious smelling food. They soon came upon an old looking building with peeling gold letters indicating its name. "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C." They pushed open the door, making dust float around them in the dim light of the room. A bell tinkled somewhere deep inside the shop and an old man with pale silvery eyes and wispy white hair walked slowly out from between rows of slender black boxes.
"Why, Miss Potter," he said, his voice quiet and faint. "I've been waiting. And you as well Mr. Potter," the man inclined his head toward Harry.
"Hello Mr. Ollivander," Riley said politely, a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Are quite ready to get your wand then?" Mr. Ollivander asked Riley, the corners of his mouth turning up into a nearly undetectable smile.
"Oh yes sir," Riley's eyes lit up.
"My my," Mr. Ollivander said, taking out his tape measurer. "You look very your father you know. Same hair, eyes to match."
"Yes, people tell me that all the time," Riley informed him, smiling.
"Well now, let's get started," he said, pulling out a length of the tape measurer. "Wand arm out," he instructed.
Riley promptly stuck out her arm, grinning widely. Harry smiled at his daughter. He remembered when he had gotten his wand. Had it really been all that long ago that he hadn't known he was a wizard at all? Had so much time really passed since Hagrid first came to that shack in the middle of nowhere? He shook his head, looking fondly at his daughter. Had it also been so long ago that he had held her tenderly in his arms, delighting in her every laugh, her every smile?
"Dad!" Riley said, bringing him out of his reverie. "Pay attention! Mr. Ollivander is getting me a wand!"
"Right. Sorry dear," he said, smiling at her.
She grinned back, looking eagerly to the shelves to see if Mr. Ollivander had returned. Coughing slightly from the dust, the old man came back with a pile of boxes in his hands. He set them all down, or rather, dropped them all, on the floor and picked one up.
"Try this," he said, taking off the top and delicately picking up the wand. "Ten inches, oak, and dragon string." He said, handing the wand to Riley.
She gripped it excitedly, giving it a wave. Mr. Ollivander snatched it back, throwing it aside. He took another box, taking out the wand just as carefully.
"This then. Sixteen inches, willow, phoenix feather."
Riley gave the wand a flick and Mr. Ollivander sighed in dismay. This went on for nearly seventeen wands before Mr. Ollivander handed her the eighteenth.
"Perhaps, well, this may do." He said, raising his eyebrow and giving Riley the wand. "Mahogany, eleven inches, unicorn hair, quite pliable."
Harry's ears perked up at the description. It sounded familiar, with out the unicorn hair…
Riley felt a warm sensation seep into her hand and up her arm. She felt as if there were no one else in the world except her, and her wand. Bright yellow and red sparks shot out of the tip and Riley's smile lit up her entire face.
"I believe we have found a winner!" Mr. Ollivander clapped his hands and took the wand delicately between his spindly fingers, placing back onto the purple velvet in the black box. He wrapped it and placed it carefully into a small paper thin bag. Harry counted out seven galleons, sliding them across the slick wood surface.
"Go outside for a moment Riley," Harry said, turning to face her. "I have to speak to Mr. Ollivander. I'll be out in a moment."
Riley nodded her head and walked out of the dingy shop.
"Mr. Ollivander," Harry began.
"It's nearly the exact replica of your father's. Don't keep your daughter waiting. Besides, I have to repack all these wands," he shooed Harry out of the door.
"Alright dad?" Riley asked, squinting up at her father.
"Yes dear. I’m fine. Where should we go next then?"
"I dunno. I still have to get books, robes, a cauldron, phials, a telescope, and brass scales I think."
"How about we go and get your books first, eh?"
Riley smiled and nodded.
When they had finished up nearly everything, she and Harry sat down on a bench just outside the robe shop and the animal emporium.
"Tell you what, you go and get yourself some robes, and I'll see if I can you a nice new pet, alright?"
"Ok," Riley smiled, picking up some of the bags and walking into the robe shop.
It was a cheery place, full of brightly colored robes and ornate dresses. Riley gripped her bags more tightly and began scanning the room for Madam Malkin.
"Riley! My dear!" said an overly cheery voice from somewhere in the back.
A squat witch wearing shockingly pink robes and a sort of gaudy pink pointed hat bustled out from behind various racks.
"Just put your things over by the counter and we'll get you all fitted for school!" she smiled gaily and led Riley by the sleeve to the back of the store.
Standing to the far right of the fitting room stood a tall boy with deep auburn hair and a face lightly dusted with freckles.
"Aidan!" Riley said excitedly upon seeing him.
"Ri! Here getting school robes too?"
"Of course silly. Are Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron out there? Dad'll want to see them."
"Yeah, they said they were just going to sit out there, but I think they're getting me a pet for my birthday."
Riley smiled up at her cousin before being ushered up onto a step stool beside him.
"When'd you get here?" Aidan asked.
"Hours ago," Riley said rolling her eyes. "Dad had to look at absolutely everything."
"Yeah, so did my mum and dad. Got your wand and all yet?"
"First thing," she grinned.
"Mum and dad insisted on it. Personally I wanted to get my books first but,"
Riley giggled, earning her a stern look from the witch pinning up her robe. That certainly was her cousin. All he ever thought about was books!
"There," the witch said, setting down the remaining pins. "Just take that off and we'll have it back for you in a jiffy. You need three, correct?"
"Oh, yes," Riley replied, slipping the robe off her shoulders.
As she waited near the back for her cousin she saw an exceedingly handsome boy brush past her. She pretended to stare absentmindedly while really looking to see what he looked like. He had pale blonde hair that was ruffled and fell haphazardly in his face as well as hazel eyes filled with mischief. Riley decided she liked him and when he was done being fitted she walked up to him.
"Hello," she said brightly.
"Oh, hey," the boy said, surprised.
"I'm Riley," she said, sticking out her hand.
"Oh, I'm Tye," he said, running a hand through his hair and shaking her hand with the other.
"You're going to Hogwarts too, right?"
"What? Oh, yeah."
"Will it be your first year then?"
"Third," he said running a hand through his hair again, looking around. "Listen," he paused, not remembering her name.
"Riley," she supplemented.
"Riley. I have to,"
"Hey Ri, who's that?" Aidan called, walking over.
"Oh, this is Tye. He's a third year."
"Hi. Nice to meet you Tye. I'm Aidan."
"Right, listen you guys, I have to go."
"Ok," Riley said, a little confused. "Maybe we'll see you on the train then?" she asked, smiling.
"What ever," he replied, walking quickly away from them.
"Well he was really nice wasn't he?" Aidan said sarcastically.
"He probably just had somewhere to go," Riley defended. "Listen, do you have your robes yet or what?"
"Yeah I have 'em."
"Let's go then. Dad was buying me a new pet."
Together with their bags they hurried out of the store after thanking Madam Malkin and went to meet their parents.
After ice cream and a quick look in the Quidditch shop, they headed back to the grate, took a bit of Floo powder and were home in seconds. Ginny was working feverishly over her desk in nothing but sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Riley and Harry decided it was best that they leave her alone and Harry went off to do something in his room while Riley quickly took all her bags up to her room. She let her new pet rat scamper around her room, getting to know things while Riley pushed aside dirty clothing piles and various books. She quickly splayed all her new belongings around her, admiring each item and signing her name on everything. She stopped and brushed her fingers over her wand fondly. Smiling, she collected her things and tucked them into a corner.
"Riley!" Ginny called up the stairs.
"What mum?" Riley called back.
"Did you already clean your room like I asked you to yesterday?"
"Uh," Riley stuttered. "Well,"
"You have five minutes!"
Riley nodded her head and began shoving her clothes in drawers and drew her frightened rat out from under her bed. Quickly putting him in his cage, she threw her books under her bed and haphazardly threw the sheets in some kind of order. She heard Ginny's footsteps on the stairs and flopped on her bed, a book in her hands.
"Well, better then last time. And your book's upside down." Ginny smiled, closing the door as she left.
Riley sighed and threw her book aside. She looked at her snowy rat a moment before getting into her pajamas and going to say goodnight to her parents.
"She did WHAT?" Ginny yelled, as Riley was coming down the last flight of stairs.
"Darling, she didn't know," she heard her father's voice say soothingly.
"Oh God Harry, how could she have found him? How did he find her?"
"Ginny dear, just calm down. We don't need to worry about it yet."
"But he'll be going to school with her!"
"He's two years ahead; they'll never see each other."
"But what if they do? Oh Harry, oh God how did this happen…"
Riley saw her mother leaning heavily on their countertop and her father trying to comfort her. Confused, Riley was about to go and ask them, but thought better of it and went back up to her room. Laying in bed stroking her wand with her fingertips, Riley looked at her rat, thinking. Who had they been talking about? And why had her mum been so upset? Sighing, she tossed and turned before finally giving up and closing her eyes. She gripped her new wand tightly before drifting off.
"Come sit with me," a male voice said. "We'll have a good time."
"What?" Riley asked, her voice sounding distant.
"Sssssssssiiiiiiiit with meeeeeeee," his word were elongated and Riley looked around to see the boy, Tye, she had met in Diagon Alley.
"I, I can't. I'm sitting with my cousin."
"Sit with me," his voice was more aggressive now.
"No, no I can't."
"Sit with me," his voice was icy and a clammy hand gripped her fore arm.
"Let go!" she yelled, struggling against him.
All of a sudden his voice wasn't his own, it was high pitched and made her head sear with pain at every letter.
"Sit with me," he said again.
Riley looked at him and screamed as she saw, not Tye, but the body of a dementor…
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Chapter Two
Riley awoke drenched in a cold sweat. This had been going on for several weeks now, always the same dream. She hadn't seen Tye since they had met in Diagon Alley, but yet the image of him was imprinted firmly in her brain. Sighing, she decided to get dressed. Her mother would have her up at the crack of dawn anyway to finish her last minute packing and to make sure she got to the train on time. Riley threw on her favorite pair of jeans. They were of dark denim, faded in some places from constant wear, and there were large holes in the knees. She slipped on a plain white long sleeved t-shirt that exposed a tiny portion of her stomach. She grabbed her sleeves and pulled on her favorite light blue jacket. She ran a brush through her black tresses and, too keep it from annoying her to no end; she tied it up in a rather messy braid. Riley went down the stairs slowly, her rat, Ice, perched expertly on her shoulder. Her father sat in the kitchen reading the Daily Prophet with mild interest.
"Morning Dad," she said as she rounded the corner of the steps.
Her father looked up and smiled.
"Good morning dear, why are you up so early?"
"Mum would've woken me up anyway."
"So, you just, decided to wake up then?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Well, sort of. I mean, not really," Riley said, placing herself in the chair opposite her father.
"Oh?" her father said, folding up the newspaper and putting it aside.
"It's that dream again dad. I don't know what to do about it. I keep having it, and I haven't seen Tye since we went to get my things!"
Harry stared at his daughter. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it either. Sighing, he walked over to where Riley sat and put an arm around her shoulders.
"Don't worry about it darling, it will go away in time. Just, focus on going to Hogwarts, mh?" he smiled.
Riley, smiled back, though not as joyfully as she normally would.
"I'll, go finish packing then?" she said, looking up into her father's brilliant green eyes.
"Sounds good," Harry replied, hugging her close before walking into the kitchen and pouring himself more coffee.
Riley walked up the stairs, absentmindedly petting Ice with one finger. She gathered up her trunk with most of her things in it before stuffing a few more books in along with some toiletries. Satisfied, she put Ice lovingly back into her cage and placed it on top of her trunk. She took her wand out and fingered it thoughtfully. She slipped it smoothly into her front pants pocket.
"Are you ready?" Ginny asked, her head peeping over the door frame.
"Yeah mum. I'm ready."
"Oh, good," Ginny sighed, raking a hand through her frizzy hair.
"Here mum," Riley giggled, handing Ginny an elastic hair tie.
Ginny smiled sheepishly and tied her hair back.
"I'll have your father bring down your things," Ginny said looking at Riley's trunk. "And then we'll get going. I have some things made for a little on the road breakfast."
"Alright," Riley smiled.
Ginny smiled back at her daughter before walking downstairs to find her husband. Riley picked up Ice's cage and toted it down the stairs, setting it down on their breakfast bar. She tapped her fingers on the smooth wood surface, waiting for her father to bring her trunk down. Just as she was about to sit down and make herself comfortable, her trunk appeared at her feet, her father following on the stairs.
"In the car then?" he asked.
"Yeah. Where's mum?"
"Just packing up the 'on the road breakfast,'" Harry smiled, lifting her trunk with his wand and making his way towards the car.
Riley smiled back and headed towards the car with her father. Harry slipped into the driver's seat while Riley jumped in the back, clutching Ice's cage close to her chest. After several minutes of waiting, Ginny finally appeared at the door holding 3 bags. Once she too had piled into the car, they were off and she handed both Harry and Riley a small brown bag. Riley opened hers eagerly, not realizing how hungry she was. She pulled out a covered glass of pumpkin juice, a few strips of bacon, toast, and some butter. She ate heartily and by the time she was done, they were nearly there.
When they finally pulled into King's Cross, there wasn't much time before the train left. Securing a trolley, they made their way to the stone pillar between platforms nine and ten before slipped unobtrusively through it. On the other side a most delicious sight met their eyes. Hundreds of witches and wizards were bidding their young children farewell as they set them off on the crimson train labeled "The Hogwarts Express."
"Ginny! Harry!" a voice called to them.
Turning around, the family saw Hermione, Ron, and their son Aidan. They all smiled brightly and waded through the thick crowd towards them.
Riley and her cousin hugged when they got to each other and looked up at their parents.
"Alright, time to get you all to the train," Hermione remarked.
"Ok," Riley replied. "Let's go Aidan, I want to get a good seat!"
The two hurried off together and fought their way on to the train. As they looked for an open compartment, Riley thought she saw Tye, but she when she looked back he was gone.
"Here, nobody's in this one," Aidan said, holding open the door.
Riley and he climbed in, settling themselves on the cushions opposite each other. Riley held Ice's cage in one hand and she set it down next to her. Just as they had finished getting comfortable they heard one of the porters yell "All aboard!" And they looked eagerly out the window. When they saw their parents they waved vigorously till smoke began to billow from the front of the train and it began picking up speed. They both had nearly settled themselves again when someone opened their compartment door.
"Can I sit here?" the boy asked.
"Sure," Riley said.
The boy gave them the smallest of grateful smiles before sitting himself down next to Aidan. He had a mop of brown hair that looked incredibly ruffled and deep brown eyes that would make any girl swoon. He didn't look at all like a first year.
"I'm Robert," he said as an afterthought. "But everyone calls me Robbie."
"Hullo," Aidan said, sticking out his hand to be shook. "I'm Aidan Weasly, and this is my cousin,"
"Riley," she interrupted. "Riley Potter. Nice to meet you."
"Yeah, you too." Robbie replied, again, giving them the smallest smile.
"So, first year?" Riley asked.
"Yeah actually," Robbie responded, running his fingers through his exceptionally messy hair.
"Cool," Riley smiled.
They all chatted about their summers until the plump witch with the snack cart came.
"Anything off the trolley dears?" she asked pleasantly.
Riley and Aidan, who were both starving, loaded up on chocolate frogs, Bertie Bot's Every Flavor Beans, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Pumpkin Pasties, and icy pumpkin juice. Robbie remained silent and looked on in mild interest.
"Want any?" Riley asked after swallowing a butter cream flavored Bertie Bot's.
"I, well," he paused. "Sure."
Riley smiled at him and handed him a few chocolate frogs and some Pumpkin Pasties. They all ate in silence for a few moments before a prefect came and told them they should get into their school robes. They all quickly put them on and waited anxiously for the train to arrive at Hogwarts.
When the train finally pulled into the station, Riley was the only one not asleep. She was staring out of the darkened window, rubbing her hands together excitedly. She couldn't wait to get to the school, filled with all its wonders and magic and knowledge. As unlike her cousin as she was, she had always enjoyed reading and she had certainly read up on her new home. All of it fascinated her and she couldn't wait to actually see it all for herself.
The train stopped abruptly, waking up the 2 boys in her compartment. Aidan looked around dazedly before rubbing his eyes and becoming more conscious. Robbie just flicked open his eyes and was immediately awake. Riley smiled at her cousin and new friend before standing up and grabbing hold of Ice's cage handle. They all clambered out of the compartment and fought their way to the train's exit. Riley found that Ice's cage was gently pried from her hands by what looked like a professor. She was too enthralled to notice. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open at the sight of the magnificent castle and shimmering lake that lay before her.
"Firs' years!" a deep voice yelled. "Firs' years over here now!"
Riley grinned when she recognized the voice. She grabbed Aidan and Robbie's hands and dragged them to where the voice was coming from.
"Hagrid!" she yelled gaily. "Hagrid!"
"Firs' years! Oh Riley!" he yelled when he saw her waving frantically.
Hagrid was easily three times her size and covered in a furry moleskin coat. His face was littered with wrinkles and his beetle black eyes were warm. His bushy beard and hair that had once been a striking black were now dusted over with grey and white.
"Riley! Come over 'ere!" he called, waving her over.
She obliged and, still dragging Aidan and Robbie behind her, made her way over to him.
"In the boat now darlin'!" he told her happily. "An yer cousin an friend too," he smiled at Aidan and Robbie.
Aidan smiled back but Robbie just looked at him. Hagrid ignored it and continued to wave the first year students over to where he stood and into the little boats that were waiting for them. In no time, they were off. When they reached the castle they were greeted by Professor McGonagall.
"Welcome," she began. "To Hogwarts. The sorting will begin in a moment and we will call you in when that time comes. Please wait patiently until I come and collect you," she surveyed the nervous looking group of students.
She smiled when her eyes fell on Riley.
"Hello Riley," she said, her smile still on her face, before turning sharply and going through the tall oak doors.
They all began talking at once.
"What house do you reckon you'll be in?" Riley asked Robbie.
"Gryffindor for sure. Both my parents were in it and I've got pure blood."
"Pure blood has nothing to do with it," Aidan said. "It's what's in your head really."
"Yeah," Riley agreed. "What about you Aid?"
"Gryffindor, or Ravenclaw."
"Betcha I'm in Hufflepuff," Riley said, not looking at the two boys.
"Oh come off it Ri!" Aidan said, punching her arm lightly.
Riley smiled and laughed.
"So long as it's not Slytherin," she said disgustedly. "But I bet Gryffindor."
"Yeah so do I," Aidan replied.
The talking died away presently as they awaited the Professor's return. She finally came through the doors, beckoning to them all to follow her. Riley looked around and led them through. She wasn't really afraid, in fact, she felt a little too confident in the fact that she would be in Gryffindor. Her thoughts turned. What if the sorting hat thought her too arrogant and put her in Slytherin just to spite her? Riley quickly pinched herself for her dismal thoughts and walked confidently onward. As they entered the Great Hall, Riley was nearly overwhelmed, not with fright, but with awe. It was huge, and the reflective ceiling shockingly amazing. She made her way eagerly.
"Please form a single file line in front of the hat and we will begin," Professor McGonagall instructed.
They did as they were told and the Professor took out a long scroll of parchment.
"Alvarado, Malaya," she called.
A nervous looking girl with dark skin and shiny black braided pigtails walked shakily up to the hat. After a moment's hesitation the hat yelled,
"RAVENCLAW!"
Malaya sighed with relief and slipped off the stool, walking with jelly legs over to the Ravenclaw table that was cheering loudly. She took a seat and grinned madly. Professor called out name after name until she came to Robbie's.
"Lennox, Robert."
Robbie walked up to the hat with a straight face and placed it on his head, his face still void of emotion. The hat didn't have to deliberate long before crying the house name of Gryffindor. Robbie smiled his tiny smile as he walked over to the cheering Gryffindor table. After a few more names were called, Riley's was called.
"Potter, Riley Christine."
Riley took a deep breath, and held her head high as she walked towards the hat. When she finally reached the three-legged stool, she sat down with confidence and felt the hat settle on her head.
"Well well well, I was beginning to think I would never sit on another Potter. Very much like your father I see. A little of your mother as well, oh yes I remember them both. And, my goodness, quite a lot of your grandfather. Quite a lot," the hat sounded surprised at this. "Well only one thing for it Miss Riley Christine,"
"Just Riley if you don't mind," she thought quickly.
"Of course Miss Riley. As I was saying. Only one thing for it. GRYFFINDOR!" Riley smiled widely and hopped off the stool, nearly skipping to the table. She slipped into a seat next to Aidan and waited.
As the Professor neared the end of the list, Aidan had his turn.
"Weasly, Aidan."
Aidan walked up, his face pale and his light freckles clearly visible. It didn't take the sorting hat long to tell him he was a Gryffindor as his parents had been. He regained some of his color as he sat down next to his cousin and Robbie. After Professor McGonagall called the last name on her list (Zoldie, Alexis) the entire hall looked up to where the professors sat and the headmaster, Dumbledore stood up, waving a hand for silence.
"A few start of term announcements before we being the feast," he began. "The Forest is off limits to everyone and should not be entered at any time. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that several items are not allowed on the grounds and for a full list see Mr. Filch. We have many returning professors and I would like to thank them all for coming back and I would like introduce you to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Maltye."
The new professor stood up for all to see her. She looked young, only 20 or so years old. She had a waist length mane of brown hair that was done in a long silky braid and warm hazel eyes that looked as if they could see any and everything that went on in her classroom. She was wearing robes of pale green with a matching hat. Riley decided she liked her. Dumbledore went on to say a few more things before the feast commenced. Riley helped herself to the food and ate without much conversation. When she had finished dinner and dessert she got up with the rest of the Gryffindors and followed a prefect to the dormitories.
"The password," the prefect announced. "Is Pennyfeather."
The portrait of a fat lady in a brilliant pink dress swung back, revealing a warm and inviting common room. They all piled in, some lounging on the squashy arm chairs by the fire, some catching up with old friends, and yet others deciding they wanted to go to bed. Riley decided to go to her dormitory as she was rather tired. She bid Aidan and Robbie goodnight and climbed up a staircase the prefect told her would lead her to her dormitory. On a tall oak door read the label, "First Year Girls." Riley pushed the door open and immediately found her four poster bed. It was placed near the window so she could look of it while she lay in her bed. She found all of her things had been brought up and placed neatly in drawers. She slipped on her pajamas, took Ice out of her cage, placed her wand on the window ledge and grabbed a book from her trunk. She settled into her large four poster and let Ice rest comfortably on her stomach while she read. After about half an hour she heard her roommates on the stairs and pretended not to notice them as they came noisily into the room.
"Oh!" one of them said, noticing Riley. "I didn't know someone was already in here!"
"Yes," Riley tried to smile sincerely. "I'm Riley. Riley Potter."
"Alexis Michelle Zoldie," the girl introduced herself.
Alexis was a pretty girl with short blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes.
"I'm Vivian Merriweather," another girl piped in.
Vivian was stout with shoulder length red hair and bright blue eyes deeper than those of Alexis.
"Sophie Deming," another said.
Sophie was also quite pretty with violently purple eyes and long silky purple hair. Riley could tell she was a Metamorphmagus.
"London Lake," said another.
London looked to be quite short, only 4'5", with black hair done up in what looked like a Star Wars hair-do. She had soulful brown eyes that looked like melted chocolate.
"It's nice to meet you all," Riley said after they'd introduced themselves.
"Yeah, you too!" they all responded enthusiastically.
They didn’t speak to each other very much after that as they were all quite tired. The rest of the girls got into their pajamas and climbed wearily into their beds. Riley smiled and Ice before putting her gently into her cage and setting her book to the side. She drew the hangings around her bed and held tightly to her wand, hoping she wouldn't have her dream tonight…
And that's all I have for now... | 
....paalam na....