Embracing the Unexpected

She pointed out Professor Sprout, the squat, grey haired, head of Hufflepuff. Then Professor Kettleburn who had lost limb's in Care of Magical Creatures.

"Let's see, that's Professor Quirrell..." As I listened to Cho I noticed the greasy black haired Professor, with the equally black robes.

"That's Professor Snape. Head of Slytherin, you wouldn't want to cross him." She said, clear dislike in her voice as she spoke."And that's all of them."

"Thank you." I replied, still looking at Professor Snape.

As I was about to turn to my meal, Professor Snape looked past Quirrell I followed his line of sight to Harry. Harry had clutched his scar in pain? Snape looked at Harry with...what looked like Hatred. I looked back and forth between the two, it seemed Harry's pain had gone. I again looked at the man. And his eyes met mine.

I expected the same look that Harry had gotten, and for a second he glared at me. But then the glare faded, replaced with...guilt? That to was gone as the man then looked at me with complete indifference, finally he turned away. I turned back to Harry, who was also looking at the man, he then turned to me. He looked confused, I shrugged. And continued dessert.

Finally after everyone was stuffed and tired. The desserts disappeared, and Dumbledore stood.

"Ahem — just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you."

Everyone payed close attention as the headmaster began.

"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

He blue eyes looked towards Fred and George who smirked.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors."

Dumbledore motioned to a scary looking man with a clear hatred of the student population. He was holding a dusty looked cat.

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."

Cho smirked and I guessed she planned to try out, I knew first years never made the team. So placed that nugget of information in the back of my mind for next year.

"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

Harry laughed, he was one of the few who did. Cho and the rest of the house had a very serious tone.

"Really?" Lisa asked in total shock.

"Yes." Cho told the girl.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" Dumbledore announced. And While our Professor Flitwick took it in stride, most of the other Professor smiles...were rather forced.

Dumbledore gave his wand a flick. What seemed like a golden ribbon came out the end, and transformed above the table into words.

"Everyone pick their favorite tune," I settled on rule Britannia, "and off we go!"

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot."

Everyone ended at different time, and I was happy to be in the middle. Fred and George were the final two singing, using the tune of a funeral, Dumbledore kept conducting until the pair finished. He clapped the loudest.

"Ah, music," he said, wiping tears from his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"

The hall began to empty, and a older looking Ravenclaw approached us. She had a P just like Percy, but hers was blue and bronze. When she saw us she smiled.

"Welcome to Ravenclaw house. I'm Penelope Clearwater, one of the Prefects." She said cheerfully. "I fully expect all of you will make fine additions to our house." She said the last part looking directly at me. "I'll be showing you the the common room. Any questions, just ask.

As we left the hall, I found Harry amongst the crowd and gave him one final smile, which he returned.

Penelope led us through the chatting, older students. We made our way up the marble staircase.

"Our common room is on the west side of the castle." She explained as we made our way through a corridor. "It's one of the tallest towers in the school." She continued, as she began leading us up a spiral staircase.

"To enter our common room, you'll have to answer a riddle." She said, all of us looked at each other as we approached a large wooden door. There was no knob, or keyhole, but a Bronze Eagle door knocker.

"For example." Penelope knocked the door and in amazement the eagle door Knocker began to speak.

"Take off my skin and I won't cry. But you will. What am I?" The knocker asked. Penelope smirked.

"An onion." She replied.

"Well played." The knocker replied, and the door opened.

Penelope held the door open as we all entered passed through the entrance way. When we saw the common room, there were a few gasps of amazement.

We entered a wide and circular room. Arched window covered by blue and bronze silk decorated the walls, and a midnight blue carpet with stars reflected onto the dark domed ceiling. Dark blue furniture dotted the room, and the wind outside could be heard whipping around the tower.

In a corner was a niche where book shelves lined the wall. A statue of a women made of marble stood between two doors.

"Welcome to Ravenclaw tower. As I said, and just showed you, a riddle is required for entry."

"And if you get it wrong?" Lisa asked.

"You wait for someone to let you in."

All of us shifted nervously.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Besides, the hat put you in Ravenclaw for a reason. Have some confidence in yourselves."

Lisa nodded, though no one looked convinced.

"What else. Professor Flitwick, our head of house, will hand you your schedules tomorrow at breakfast. Along with the Prefects, he's always willing to lend a hand. The library of is free to all of you, but don't share our books with other houses. Speaking of not sharing, don't share our common room's location with the other houses. We don't know there locations, they shouldn't know ours. Even to siblings." She looked at me and Padma, we both nodded.

"Good, girls sleep on the right." She pointed to one of the doors by the statue. "Boy's on the left. Your house pin's should be on your beds, and worn from here on out when in uniform. While your trunks should already be by your beds. I'd suggest getting some sleep, tomorrow classes begin. Any questions?"

Everyone shook there heads, Penelope looked satisficed.

"Good, if you need anything find me, or any of the other student's who have this P badge. Again welcome to Ravenclaw." She headed off and left us to ourselves. And I realized I was indeed very tied.

"Well, it's been a pleasure. But I'm beat." I told the others. Everyone else nodded.

I began to make my way up to the dorm's, and the other girls followed me. Like Penelope had said, there was a blue and bronze badge with a eagle on the bed. I placed it on my chest and gave a sleeping Uric a glance. I pulled the curtain on my bed closed, changed into my pajamas. Then pulled the covers over my body, and for the first time in my life felt comfortable in a bed.

I began to doze off, and knew. Hogwarts would be truly special.

....

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