Chapter 9

We reach the mouth of a cave in the side of the cliff, that was hidden behind ivy. We go through a dark tunnel and make it to a dock. Hagrid starts talking to a woman, I guess is a professor. She tells us to follow her, and takes us to a small room. We are asked to wait and the professor leaves.

"Do you think they leave us here to try and make us nervous?" I ask the room at large.

"Maybe, maybe not. Doesn't matter really, does it?" Ginny asked, shrugging.

I just smile and wait. The professor comes back and leads us into a massive dining hall. I see four long tables, and at the end of the hall a stall with a ratty hat on it. We stop in front of the stall and the hat starts singing. I kinda just tune it out, and look around the hall. I see Dumbledore right behind the stall. Then it went silent and the professor starts talking.

"When I call your name come up and put the sorting hat on." She said, and takes out a list. "Black, Claire."

I'm surprised I was called first, but I walk up and put on the ratty hat. I hear a weird voice in my head. It seems to be reading surface memories. It says I'll be good in any house.

"Ravenclaw" it called out loud.

I take off the hat and walk towards the Ravenclaw table. I sit down smiling at everyone, and just wait. Luna gets put in Ravenclaw, and comes to sit next to me. I smile at her and pat her shoulder. And now after what seems an age, it's Ginny's turn, and I'm crossing my fingers. It finally called out.

"Ravenclaw." It shouted to the hall.

I start clapping hard, as she walks towards us. I give her a side hug, and we wait for the sorting to finish. Once it's all done, we eat and then Dumbledore starts talking. He introduces the teachers and tell us some school rules. Then makes us sing this strange song, but I go along with it.

We start following a prefect to the Ravenclaw common room, in the aptly named Ravenclaw tower. We stop at a bronze door, that only has a Raven knocker.

"So who wants to try and solve the riddle?" The prefect asked, looking around at all of us.

"I'll try." I said, putting my hand up.

I walk towards the door, use the knocker and wait.

"It can't be seen, can't be felt, can't be smelt. It lies behind stars and under hills, and empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after, ends life, and kills laughter. What is it?" The door asked.

Luckily I've heard this riddle before.

"It's the dark." I answer.

"Good answer." The door said, opening up.

"Well done Miss Black." The prefect said with a smile.

We enter the common room, and it's beautiful. It's a wide circular room, with arched windows on the walls. The roof was domed, and there were stars on it. In a little alcove opposite the door, was a white marble statue.

"Ok boys follow me, and the girls follow her." He said, pointing to a girl with short black hair.

We follow the girl and find we are sharing a room, with one other girl. The beds are fanned out, and it seems I'm in the middle between Luna and Ginny. The other girl looks at us.

"I'm Rose, nice to meet you." The girl said, with a nervous smile.

We introduce ourselves and settle in for the night. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out for the count. I wake up early and start getting dressed, I look over and see both Luna and Ginny are both awake. I wave and we walk down to the common room, and hear some older girls gossiping. I hear Harry's name and walk up to them.

"What's that about Harry?" I asked, in a wondering voice.

"Didn't you hear? He and his friend drove a flying car to school, and crashed it into a old tree called Wholping Widow." She said, with an excited smile.

"It's called the Whomping Willow." Her friend corrected her with a sigh.

I thank the girls and head back to Ginny and Luna.

"I think we should hurry to the Great Hall, there's going to be a fun show." I say, with a smile.

"What happened?" Luna asked.

I tell them what I heard and we rush to the Great Hall. I look at the teachers table and see Mr Snape.

"I'll be back in a minute, just got to give something to Mr Snape." I say, walking towards the table.

I walk up and stand in front of Mr Snape.

"Mr Snape, I have a letter for you." I say, holding out the letter.

"It's Professor Snape, and who is it from?" He asked, not taking it.

"My mum, her name is Yumi Black, Sir." I say, keeping my hand stretched.

As soon as I said mum's name, he sat rigid and gulped. He takes the letter from my hands, and opens it. His eyes open wide as he reads, once finished he looks at me.

"Thank you Miss Black, I'll send your mother a message, you can go take a seat." He said with a scared smile.

I just nod and head towards Luna and Ginny. And wait for the show.