Chapter 10
Hallie awoke the next morning with a start, gasping for air with her limbs shaking from the nightmare that had plagued her dreams.
Her breath steadied as she took in the sight of her new dorm room; A cozy high ceilinged circular room with early morning light filtering through the windows. She sat in a four-poster bed with thick velvet curtains, soft fluffy pillows, and a warm coverlet and blankets.
She supposed she shouldn't be surprised that she had dreamed of the events of the previous day. It seemed only natural that that dragon would haunt her; And the look on George Osric's face as he died, and the cracking of that poor banker's bones- who's name she had never even gotten, and the many stone men that had worked so hard to put an end to herself and Professor Fig.
Hallie shuddered.
Her back still ached where that one statue had managed to land a blow. She rose from her soft bed and wandered over to the mirror to change her clothes and check the large patch of deep purple and blue bruising across the scarred skin between her shoulder blades.
It hadn't really occurred to her earlier that she could have told Professor Fig about the blow when he had questioned her on her condition. She supposed he could have given her another wiggenweld, but it hadn't seemed all that necessary to tell him. At the time they had more important issues to occupy them with. Besides, Hallie was quite used to bruising. She didn't really view it as falling under the definition of 'not alright'.
She'd handled much worse damage that had been dealt to her before on her own. A bit of bruising was insignificant.
Hallie struggled to slide her tie up into place around her neck and then she smoothed her robes out, admiring her house colors.
Yesterday evening had been a blur after her and Professor Fig had arrived back at Hogwarts. She'd still been a bit shell shocked over the events of the day and the Sorting, the feast, the school, and the people, had all been a bit much for her to take in.
Professor Fig HAD described the school and what she could expect, but Hallie simply wasn't used to so... much of everything.
No amount of descriptions could have prepared her for what was behind the massive doors to the Great Hall.
....
"Oh good- we haven't missed the Sorting Ceremony," Professor Fig had told her after briefly peaking through the doors. "I'm no expert, but that seems more appropriate."
Professor Fig transfigured her dusty, tattered clothes into a fresh set of plain black school robes as he spoke to her.
Hallie looked down at the clothes impressed, she would have to learn that one for sure.
Professor Fig gave her a look that Hallie couldn't quite recognize- something akin to sentimental and asked, "Ready for the Sorting Ceremony?"
She nodded nervously and he turned back to the giant double doors and eased one open to peer through it. Hallie couldn't see past him to tell what awaited her in the Great Hall.
A moment later he backed back into the room and allowed the door to shut with a sigh. The look on his face seemed much less than impressed.
"Phineas Nigellus Black. Prepare yourself to meet the headmaster," he said unenthusiastically as he backed Hallie away from the door.
"Do we not like him," Hallie queried softly, a hint of nervous humour in her voice.
Professor Fig had not told Hallie much of anything about her other professors or the headmaster. Any time she had tried to ask, he would deftly evade her questions and insist on allowing her to form her own opinions of them in her own time.
He shot her a look of mock disapproval at her question. The upward twitch in the corner of his mouth gave away the lack of seriousness to the scolding though.
A moment later the doors burst open harshly and snapped shut behind a very tall, dark-haired man in a tailored green suit.
He had a rigid posture and a defined air of haughtiness about him. The expression on his face was highly unpleasant. His pointed goatee and mustache twitched with disapproval when his eyes landed on Professor Fig and Hallie.
"Fig- nice of you to join us. The Sorting Ceremony's over," he said accusingly while he stalked over to loom over them.
Hallie couldn't help it when her feet fumbled backwards a bit, adding a bit of distance between herself and the rigid man of their own accord. She gripped the edges of her cloak anxiously. 'Do not like' indeed, this man made her feel very on edge.
"There were- complications," Professor Fig explained vaguely.
"Complications?!" Professor Black spat the word out.
"It seems the goblin problem has-"
"Enough! Goblins. I've no time for rumors, Fig. And I'm rapidly losing whatever patience I have left," Professor Black cut in impatiently.
Whatever potential chance of trust Hallie might have ever been willing to place in this man was shredded instantly in the wake of his harsh approach and his immediate dismissal of Professor Fig.
Professor Fig looked as if he wanted to say something more, but Professor Black was clearly done with listening and not through speaking. He turned a sharp eye on Hallie.
"IF you're lucky, we MIGHT be able to get you Sorted this evening, " he said before turning sharply on his heel and marching straight through the door.
Hallie stared after him for a moment, frozen in place and a bit afraid.
"I'll be in touch. Go," Professor Fig urged her, snapping her into action and she nodded, darting after Professor Black through the door.
It wasn't until Hallie had already passed through the large doors to the Great Hall that she realized her desire to turn right back around again and rush back out.
Merlin. She had only thought she had been nervous before now. It was nothing compared to the panic she felt now with hundreds of eyes trained on her. Four lengthy tables lined the massive room, two to a side. Each table packed full with more students than she could count. One large and curved table sat at the end of the hall behind a podium and stool with a hat on it. That table was full of what she assumed to be professors and staff. A thick quiet had fallen over the massive dining hall.
In her brief moment of panic, her steps faltered and she whipped her head back around behind her to meet Professor Fig's bright blue eyes through the still-open doors.
I can't do this, she thought in frozen terror. Hoping with all her might that he might understand her look of abject horror.
He gave her an encouraging nod whilst mouthing the words 'go on' and waved his hands in a shooing forward motion. He stepped into the dining hall and looking almost worried she might try to bolt for it he shut the doors behind him.
Although still struck with nerves, Professor Fig's encouragement gave her the push she needed to make her feet start moving again. He had shut the door on her only escape anyway; There would be no turning back now.
Facing ahead again she had to jog a bit to catch up to Professor Black, who had already forged ahead of her at a fast pace without a glance back. She kept her eyes trained ahead of her, determined not to look at the large crowd.
Her cheeks were burning. Her chest felt tight. She did not like this. She had never felt more self-conscious in her life. She was certain she looked like a fool.
By some mercy she reached the stool at last where a tall, red-headed, middle-aged woman stood.
"Professor Weasley! We've one more to be sorted," Professor Black said.
Professor Weasley gave her a kind smile and lifted the hat, gesturing for Hallie to sit. "Welcome. You're just in time. Have a seat."
Hallie took a seat on the stool. Now she was facing the hundreds of students before her, who all stared right back at her. No, this isn't good either. Her panic swelled again. Would they laugh at her if she merely held her eyes shut? No, she can't do that.
Her eyes flitted back to the great doors at the end of the hall. Professor Fig had stayed there. She met his eyes for a brief moment before her vision was engulfed by the brim of the slightly too-large hat.
"Ah," a voice boomed in her head. She jolted a bit, causing a small ring of laughter from the crowd. Her cheeks grew hotter. The voice continued, "A bit older than the others, aren't you?"
Hallie wasn't sure if she should answer the hat out loud or if the hat would know her thoughts, given it was not speaking out loud itself.
The hat answered for her. "Of course I can know your thoughts, how else would I know how to place you?"
Thoughts it is then.
"Oh, but you're an adventurous one, aren't you? Looking forward to exploring Hogwarts and the world beyond. Never one to shy away from exploring something new, even if it's dangerous, like your adventure today. Much can be gleaned by having an adventurous spirit, but your professors have a great deal to teach you as well, you know? But I sense you're looking forward to learning all you can from them too. Clever... quick to learn. Hmm..."
The hat quieted for a moment as though considering her.
"There's loyalty to be sure. Your loyalty to a friend delayed your arrival here this evening, but you don't give your loyalty and trust easily, do you? No, you've been through too much- forged ahead alone for too long. You value greatly the bravery you see in others. Bravery that you don't think you have- but it's there, you're more daring than you think. Undaunted by danger and the unknown- especially if it saves another from harm... and it would help you overcome the challenges that lie ahead of you...," the hat trailed off.
"Better be- GRYFFINDOR," the hat bellowed out loud this time.
The hall erupted in claps and the students at the table decorated in scarlet cheered loudly as the hat was lifted off of her head.
Hallie caught a brief glimpse of Professor Fig smiling at her before he vanished back through the large doors that they had entered the hall through.
She rose from the stool and at Professor Weasley's wave, urging her to go to the table, she walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat in an open seat next to a short curly haired boy and a tall, freckled boy with a mess of thick ginger hair.
"Hello," the ginger boy greeted. "I'm Garreth Weasley, pleased to meet you!"
"Oh- uh, Hello," Hallie greeted awkwardly. "I'm Hallie Edmund."
"Lucan Brattleby," the curly haired boy on her other side greeted, offering his hand to shake.
"You're starting as a fifth-year right? Is it true you've never been to school before," Garreth asked immediately.
Hallie blanched. "How do you know that already?!"
"The whole school knows. Word travels fast at Hogwarts," Lucan interceded.
"It's true. There's no such thing as a secret at Hogwarts," Garreth said matter-of-factly.
Hallie sighed. "Well, to answer your question, yes it's true."
"Neat! I'm a fifth-year too, so we'll be having classes together. Don't worry, you'll get the swing of it in no time," Garreth said.
"Third-year," Lucan said, referring to himself. "I'm sure I'll be seeing you around though."
The Great Hall silenced as Professor Black stood up and rather unenthusiastically announced the feast. Hallie looked back at their table to see an enormous spread of food had appeared upon the golden platters across the table.
Hallie was so hungry that even as overwhelmed and nervous as she was, she dug straight into the incredible feast with the rest of her peers.
She noticed Professor Weasley leaving the Great Hall through the door Hallie had entered through.
"Are you related to Professor Weasley," Hallie asked Garreth.
Garreth groaned. "I am. She's my aunt."
The look on Garreth's face all but screamed that he took issue with it. Hallie would have thought it would be nice to have family around, but she supposed Garreth's opinion on that must differ. "Do you not like having your aunt around?"
"She means well," he sighed. "But Aunt Matilda tends to treat me as if I'm a first-year. Keeps too close an eye on me. It's all a bit suffocating, to be honest."
"Oh, I see. I suppose that would make things difficult," Hallie replied.
"More than you'd think," Garreth said.
Garreth turned out to be very chatty indeed. He talked almost nonstop to Hallie throughout the entire meal. Hallie mostly listened and spoke some here and there, but she found it all a bit overwhelming. Hallie wasn't used to being around children her own age, much less befriending them. She had always favored keeping to herself in the past.
On the other hand, she found herself also greatly appreciating that Garreth was bothering to speak with her at all, because otherwise she might have spent the entire feast sitting awkwardly in silence. She felt too shy and out of place at the moment to strike up a conversation on her own, that's for sure.
When they had eaten their fill and had dessert, Professor Black stood up to make an announcement.
"One more thing- Due to the unfortunate injury on the pitch in last spring's final, this year's Quidditch season has been canceled."
There was a loud outcry of disagreement from all four of the house tables. Even several of the Professors at the high table behind Professor Black looked displeased at the announcement. One of the professors, a strong looking woman with jet black hair, had a look of unmasked distain on her face. Hallie wasn't too pleased herself; She'd really been looking forward to seeing a real game of quidditch.
"Enough! It's not as though I've banned flying altogether. But, don't tempt me-," Professor Black's voice boomed, silencing the grumbling students. "You are here to focus on your academic futures. I'm sure you all have plenty to do before classes begin tomorrow."
When no one moved from their seats, Professor Black gave a fierce look and repeated himself more loudly.
"I said- I'm sure you all have plenty to do before classes begin tomorrow!"
There was a great deal of noise as all of the students began rising from their seats to leave the Great Hall. Hallie looked around at the crowd, a little unsure of where to go. She supposed she should simply follow her housemates.
Garreth prodded her on the shoulder.
"I think Aunt Matilda wants to talk to you," he said, pointing over towards the doors where Professor Weasley stood, waving Hallie over.
"Thank you," Hallie said, wandering nervously over towards Professor Weasley.
"Quite an entrance you made. It's lovely to meet you. I'm Professor Weasley," she greeted when Hallie reached her.
"It's nice to meet you too Professor, " Hallie said. She was suddenly very glad to know that Professor Weasley was Garreth's aunt. It helped with the nerves just a bit.
"As Deputy Headmistress, it is my distinct honour to show you to your common room, but first, I wondered if we might speak a moment in my office."
Hallie nodded and followed Professor Weasley. She tried to keep track of where they were going but she'd already gotten lost by the third turn they took down the halls. Professor Weasley clearly knew her way though, because within minutes they stood in a small office with plushy chairs and a desk.
Hallie took a seat, sitting on the edge nervously and fidgeting.
"I spoke with Professor Fig after your arrival. I'm sure that was a terrible start to your day. I'm terribly sorry," Professor Weasley said, looking over Hallie with a critical eye that gave Hallie the sensation that the woman was trying to read her.
"Thank you, Professor," Hallie said with her eyes downcast.
"He's been terribly vague as to the events preceding your arrival- specifically, about what happened after that awful dragon attack. I wondered if you might have a clearer perspective on the event, " Professor Weasley edged.
"I- I'm sorry Professor. I'd really rather not talk about it," Hallie said with a slight tremor in her voice.
It was true. Hallie really did not want to talk about it. It had been a terrible experience. But Hallie had other reasons for her response too.
Hallie and Professor Fig had talked about what they might say to explain their tardiness before they had reached the castle. They had agreed to both keep it vague for now and that Hallie would simply not speak on the matter as much as she could manage, leaving Professor Fig to do most of the explaining.
So perhaps she was playing up those negative emotions about the event just a tad to escape Professor Weasley's scrutiny.
"Of course, I understand. We can discuss it later," Professor Weasley said, backing down from the conversation.
Hallie had a feeling it wouldn't be the last she heard on the matter.
"That isn't the only reason I pulled you aside tonight. In light of your unique situation, joining us as a fifth-year, you'll need to catch up with your classmates and not fall behind. Especially since you'll be expected to complete your O.W.Ls at the end of this year."
Hallie gulped. There was a lump in her throat now at the mention of the career determining tests that she would be expected to complete. Professor Fig had told her about them the week before they were to come to Hogwarts.
He'd refrained from telling her earlier than that because he'd believed the added stress of knowing would be distracting for her. He was right of course. Hallie felt petrified at the thought of taking her O.W.Ls within a year of learning any magic at all. It was incredibly unnerving to know how much less time she had to prepare for them than her peers. One year compared to the five that everyone else gets seemed incredibly unfair.
"After much discussion with the Headmaster and the Department of Magical Education at the Ministry, we've devised something extraordinary to ensure your success," Professor Weasley continued, reaching into her desk and removing a thick leather-bound book. She held it over the desk to hand to Hallie. "Here you are."
Hallie took the book curiously. It burst open in her hands and in a flurry of magic, papers and origami-like images fluttered about and then were sucked back into the book. It clamped shut again in her hands.
Clearly a book imbued with some sort of magic, but beyond that Hallie didn't know what to make of it. "What is it?"
"It is a wizard's field guide. It will help you to keep track of what you're learning so that you master all that's expected of a fifth-year. You would be wise to take full advantage of this exceptionally valuable resource."
"Thank you, Professor. But- what do you mean it will 'keep track' of what I'm learning?"
"The Guide will give you opportunities to practice your magic- and educate yourself about wizarding lore. You can use it in tandem with the spell revelio, to learn about your surroundings. It is imbued with the knowledge of nearly everything a student your age would need to know, and it will reveal that information in its pages as you discover and learn it. It contains a map of the Highlands, including the school and Hogsmeade, a catalog of beasts, potions, spells, ingredients and fauna, and keeps tally on your assignments. It will be invaluable to you- and to me, as I'll be using it to keep up to date on your progress," Professor Weasley explained as she showed Hallie each section of the book.
Hallie looked down at the book in amazement now. It really was incredible what magic could do. "Thank you, Professor. I'm sure this will be incredibly helpful."
"Of course, additionally several of your professors will be seeing you for additional lessons and assignments to help you. You'll be up to speed in no time," Professor Weasley said assuredly.
There was a knock at the door and then Professor Fig stepped into the office, holding a small school bag.
"Ah, Professor Fig- perfect timing," Professor Weasley said before turning back to Hallie to say, "we'll have to get you to Hogsmeade soon to replace the supplies you lost, but for now we've scrounged you up a few things to hold you over until then."
Hallie felt like she'd been kicked in the chest. In all of the chaos of the day, she'd not even thought about the loss of their belongings. It only now occurred to her that she had just lost every single thing she owned- short of her wand and the clothes on her back.
There was a pang of sadness. She had very little in the way of belongings to begin with. Now the handful of memorabilia and belongings she had were gone, along with all of her new school supplies. Hallie was struck secondly by a wave of guilt. A man had died today in that dragon attack and here she was mourning a pile of objects.
Professor Fig gave her the bag. "There's a few necessities and some basic school supplies in there. Don't worry we'll get the rest replaced."
"Thank you," Hallie said with a weak smile.
"Well now, it's getting late and now that you have some supplies I should get you up to your common room. We can speak more later about your Field Guide and assignments," Professor Weasley said.
Professor Fig edged back out of the door, passing Hallie a kind smile and a wink over his shoulder as he went.
Professor Weasley stood and Hallie followed her back out of the office and through another maze of turns through the school and up several flights of stairs. Hallie had no better luck remembering this path than she had the last one.
"I remember the first time I entered the Gryffindor common room after being sorted," Professor Weasley said fondly as they came to a stop in front of a large painting of a large lady in a thick pink frilly dress.
Hallie was so surprised that for a moment she forgot her shy nervousness. "You were a Gryffindor?"
"I am a Gryffindor," Professor Weasley corrected proudly. Then added, "And your head of house too."
Hallie returned a shy smile to Professor Weasley's own smile.
At that moment the lady in the portrait spoke up. "Password?"
"Never could remember the password when I was a girl, however," Professor Weasley said.
Hallie didn't have a password. She looked at Professor Weasley questioningly. "Password?"
"The password is- 'Grata Domum'," Professor Weasley clarified.
"Grata Domum," Hallie repeated to the portrait. The Fat Lady smiled at Hallie.
"You may enter," she said before swinging open to one side to reveal a narrow circular walkway behind her portrait. Hallie smiled at it in amazement. She'd hardly been at Hogwarts a few hours, but she already loved it.
"Well done," Professor Weasley said. "Now, go on in and get some sleep. The fifth-year girl's dormitory is up the stairs to the right- top floor. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
"Thank you, Professor Weasley."
"You're welcome. I hope you enjoy your first night at Hogwarts. Sleep well," Professor Weasley called after Hallie as she entered the Gryffindor common room.
Most of the other students must have already gone up to bed because the common room was empty and darkened. The dying embers of a fire crackled weakly in the fireplace, giving the room a faint, cozy lighting.
Hallie went straight up to her dorm room and changed into the nightclothes that she found in the bag Professor Fig had given her. She landed in the only empty bed remaining. The other girls were already fast asleep in their beds with their deep red velvety curtains drawn.
Hallie wasn't far behind them. Sleep overcame her nearly as soon as she laid her head down.
.....
Hallie stared at herself in the mirror just a little longer.
She wondered what her parents would have thought of her school house- of her being a witch. What would her mom have thought of her now... it gave her a pang of loneliness to try to imagine it. She'd heard other students at the Gryffindor table last night talking about writing home to their families. She wished so desperately that she could write a letter to her mom, but you can't send letters to the dead. She was on her own.
A part of her hoped vainly that if she stared down the Gryffindor red and gold tie long enough that it might make her more courageous in order to face the day. She felt more anxious about going downstairs and starting this day than she had ever felt before.
The other fifth-year girls had already gone from the dormitory when she had gotten up. If she wanted a chance at breakfast, she had better get a move on.
There was a sharp rapping on her dormitory window. Hallie whipped around to see what it was and a bright smile broke out across her face.
Soris- the beautiful little barn owl that Professor Fig had gotten her in Diagon Alley had survived the dragon attack and now sat perched outside the dorm windowsill.
Hallie rushed over and flung the window open to let him in. He fluttered over to her bed and hooted at her in soft affection when she walked over to him. She was so relieved to see that he had escaped harm.
"Did you come up here just to greet me, " Hallie asked the bird as she stroked his chest. He had no mail for her and so had no other reason to be there.
Soris gave her another hoot in reply. She continued to sit with him for a bit before mustering her courage and grabbing her school bag.
"Better head to the common room," she said in farewell to Soris and she headed out of the door as he fluttered back out of the open window.
She headed down the wooden staircase. She was just at the base of the stairs when she overheard a girl opposite to the staircase whisper loudly to the boy beside her, her hand held up over her face. "Must be- different- starting Hogwarts in your fifth year."
The boy smirked in Hallie's direction as the girl spoke. He replied with a note of condescension, not even bothering to hide his words. "I heard she didn't even have magic before this year."
Hallie felt like someone had pricked a hole in her and deflated some of the air right out of her. Wonderful, she thought sardonically. She was off to a great start. She tried to ignore their whispers and headed into the common room where she was met right away with the stares of her housemates.
Hallie decidedly ignored her housemates and the whispers that followed her, opting instead to get a look at her common room. She could see it better now in the light of day.
It had a rich and cozy sort of atmosphere to it. Lots of thick rugs and cozy-looking armchairs scattered the room. Large beautiful red tapestries hung in every place that they could fit and scarlet and gold banners hung from the ceiling all over. Most attractive of all was the large stone fireplace in the room with a roaring fire crackling within it.
"-lucky they didn't end up as dragon food, like that poor man from the Ministry."
Hallie froze. Now that comment caught her attention. It couldn't be ignored. People knew about the dragon attack already!?
"Hello!"
A voice greeted loudly behind Hallie, causing her to jump a bit and turn around.
"Sorry! Didn't mean to startle you," Garreth said sheepishly.
"Oh- Garreth. That's alright," she said. Honestly, she felt relieved to have a distraction from the whispers. Garreth brightened considerably at her response and dove right into conversation. "You didn't tell me yesterday about your travels here! Can't believe it! Glad you and Fig are all right! Is it true that someone from the Ministry was with you in the carriage?"
Right. Just as talkative as he was yesterday it seems. Hallie stumbled over her words trying to come up with an answer.
"Oh. Uh- yes. A friend of Professor Fig's," she said shortly.
"Oh," Garreth said, seemingly catching on that it was a sensitive topic and remembering his manners. "Didn't mean to pry. Nasty business, dragons. Again, very glad you're here."
Hallie got the impression that Garreth was telling the truth. He was coming off as more being innocently curious than offensive like the other students she had heard speaking about her had been. Additionally, he was seemingly going out of his way to be kind to Hallie.
And no matter what anyone said about her. Hallie wanted to be here.
"Thank you, Garreth. So am I," she said.
Garreth's eyes dropped to Hallie's poorly adjusted tie. "What's up with your tie?"
Hallie felt her cheeks heat up and her hand flew up to cover the tie. "What-"
"Hello," another voice spoke beside her. Hallie and Garreth turned to see a tall girl with deep bronze skin and bright smiling brown eyes. "You are the new student right? I am Natty, it's nice to meet you."
"Hello, I'm Hallie," she answered.
"And I'm Garreth," Garreth added pointedly.
"I know who you are, Garreth," Natty replied with a laugh.
"Just making sure," Garreth said, smiling mischievously.
"Anyway," Nattie said, rolling her eyes. "I'll be one of your dorm mates- along with Cressida and Nellie, but they've already left to go get breakfast. I thought I'd introduce myself."
"Oh, well it's nice to meet you, Nattie," Hallie said.
"And you, as well," Nattie said cheerfully, clasping her hands behind her back. "I know how overwhelming it can be starting at a new school and finding your way. If you need any help, I am here for you. Would you like to walk down to the Great Hall together?"
"Oh, absolutely, I'm starving! Let's go," Garreth said cheekily.
Hallie laughed a bit at Garreth's impudence before she replied. "Yes, I'd like that. I'm honestly still not sure I could find my way on my own."
Nattie smiled and the three of them set off through the portrait and through the maze of passageways to the Great Hall.
Hallie felt glad for the company. Garreth and Nattie both seemed kind, if a bit forward. Having the two of them helping her also took a bit of the intimidation of everything off of her shoulders a bit.
At least with them guiding her she wouldn't have to worry about getting lost at the moment. She still wasn't entirely sure how to navigate the map in her Field Guide.
Nattie, Garreth, and Hallie rolled into the Great Hall right at the heat of breakfast. Hundreds of students sat eating their breakfast at their respective tables, causing a thick murmur through the hall.
Many of the students noticed her when she walked in, but with Nattie and Garreth at her side she felt less of the nervousness that she had felt the night before.
Only now did she take in just how beautiful the Great Hall was. Hundreds of candles floated above the hall, and above that, the enchanted ceiling revealed a bright, clear blue sky. A smile twitched on Hallie's face. Hogwarts was nothing short of incredible.
She and her companions found some empty seating towards the end of the Gryffindor table and began filling their plates with eggs and toast.
"We have Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Slytherins with Professor Hecat first thing, Transfiguration with the Hufflepuffs and Professor Weasley next, and then an elective after lunch, and Charms with the Ravenclaws with Professor Ronan," Nattie listed off of her schedule as they ate.
"I'm in Divination. What elective do you have today," Garreth asked her.
Nattie sighed, "Ancient Runes. Though I would not really call it 'elective'. My mother was the one who elected that I take it."
"I have that one too," Hallie said, looking at her own schedule. "It can't be all that bad, Nattie. It might be useful."
"Ancient Runes? If anyone actually used them, we would not be calling them ancient," Natty said incredulously.
Hallie was almost finished with her toast when she felt someone looming behind her and turned to look to see who it was.
A dark-haired Hufflepuff girl with a pointy chin stood over Hallie, staring down at her.
"Uhm- hello," Hallie said awkwardly, unsure of what to make of the girl that stood over her.
"You're the new fifth-year. Quite the dramatic entrance you made," she said, sounding almost accusatory. "I can't imagine wanting to call attention to yourself. Especially since everyone will be watching to see how much you already know."
Hallie felt taken aback. Was the girl trying to make her feel bad? Hallie hadn't WANTED to call attention to herself at all. Quite the opposite, in fact.
"I-, " Hallie opened her mouth to speak, but Garreth cut her off. He spoke to the girl in a harsh tone, his face twisted with dislike. "Go. Away. Lenora. And stuff a sock in it will you?"
"What? I only mean- four years of school work is a bit... much. Being that far behind- I'd feel so- inadequate," Lenora said, emphasizing the last word and lifting her chin haughtily.
Hallie understood now. The girl was just plain mean and looking for a target. Well, Hallie wasn't going to give her the time of day- or the satisfaction. She stuck her chin up and turned her back to the girl, determined to act as though the girl didn't exist at all. She continued chewing her toast cooly.
"I think you should return to your house table," Nattie said icily.
"Well I could be a Gryffindor," Lenora said fiercely. "My aunt was a Gryffindor and I have plenty in common with her- determination, valour, daring. So I can stand here if I like."
"Lenora, last year you swore you should have been a Ravenclaw and that wit runs in your family- that you supposedly have a searing wit- which I fail to see," Garreth said.
Hallie couldn't hold back her snort at that. Clearly her newfound friends had no love lost for this girl.
"I do! Everyone says so. The old Sorting Hat was spoiled for choice with me," Lenora said indignantly.
"Well spoil US with your absense please," Natty fired back. Lenora huffed.
"Fine. I won't keep you. You've SUCH a lot to do," she said to Hallie's back, tempting Hallie to break character and throw an egg at the girl's face.
Thankfully, Lenora left them to it before Hallie could change her mind. Hallie really didn't want to earn herself a detention on the first day of classes.
"That girl is very rude," Nattie said huffily.
"I'll say," Hallie said bitterly.
"Ignore her," Garreth said. "Lenora's a known prat. Last year she yelled at Amit Thakar for 'overexplaining' their Astronomy assignment. I mean, the guy does tend to prattle on a bit but he's harmless enough."
"Thanks," Hallie said. Admittedly, she was a bit surprised to have been defended by her companions. They had only just met her. And Hallie wasn't a person quick to trust or consider someone a friend. Their quick defense of her certainly encouraged a higher opinion of the two of them though.
They finished up their breakfast and headed out into the adjacent hall and through it to the next- where they nearly ran straight into Professor Weasley.
"Erm- sorry Aunt Matilda," Garreth said sheepishly.
"Ah Garreth. Do try and stay out of trouble this year please," Professor Weasley said with a hint of exasperation in her voice.
Garreth coughed. "Yes, Aunt Matilda."
"Miss Edmund, I was just looking for you," Professor Weasley said before aiming her attention to Garreth and Nattie, "You two can move along, I'm sure you have plenty to do before class."
Garreth and Nattie hurried along, leaving Hallie on her own with Professor Weasley.
"Ready for your first day at Hogwarts?"
"Yes, Professor," Hallie replied.
"Make the most if it. You only get have one first day at Hogwarts. Professor Ronan let me know this morning that he has your first additional assignment prepared for you. He'll be giving it to you after his class this evening," Professor Weasley said.
Hallie nodded, "Thank you, Professor. I'll be sure to see him after class."
"Now," Professor Weasley said. "About that Field Guide."
She turned to the four large ornate hourglasses at their side. Each of them seemed to represents one of the four Hogwarts houses.
"I'm sure the Field Guide will have something to say about that," Professor Weasley said. "Simply cast revelio at them and we'll see what the Guide has to say."
Hallie nodded, approaching the hourglass and casting the spell with her Field Guide in hand. "Revelio!"
A page rippled into view before her and the Field Guide sprung open. The page drifted down lazily and melted into the book. Hallie looked down at it and there, written across the page was a description of the House Point Hourglasses and their purpose.
"Clever, Isn't it? Keep your eyes open for more opportunities like that- inside and outside the castle," Professor Weasley said over her shoulder.
"Thank you, Professor Weasley. This is incredible," Hallie said.
"Well it is a lot to absorb. You have much to learn but judging by your adept use of revelio, I'd say Professor Fig succeeded in at least showing you the basics," she said.
Hallie smiled brightly, eager to sing the praises of her favorite professor, "He did, Professor. He's been a great help to me over the summer. I'm afraid most of this would be lost on me without him."
"Wonderful. I'm not surprised to hear as much," Professor Weasley said before giving Hallie a cunning look. "Although I do suspect that there is more to the story of that dragon attack than a search for belongings and an extended trip up to the castle."
Hallie was careful to keep her expression schooled. "I'm sorry, Professor, but I'm afraid that's all there is to it."
"Hmm. Almost precisely what Professor Fig said."
****
Eleazar couldn't help but catch the tail end of Matilda and Hallie's conversation as he rounded the corner into the hall that led between the Grand Staircases and Great Hall.
He had to hide the smile that tugged on his lips when Hallie deftly evaded Matilda's prying with near exact wording to his own. A wave of pride washed over him. Perhaps he shouldn't be proud that his young student was lying to her professors, but he HAD asked her to and he couldn't help but feel a little proud of her for doing just what he asked.
Of course, Matilda looked none too pleased that she had not cracked the case yet. Her sharp eyes fell on Eleazar as he came into view.
"Speak of the devil," she said. "Professor Fig, your ears must have been burning."
Eleazar immediately feigned ignorance. "Oh?"
"Yes. We were just talking about you. You seem to have provided our new fifth-year with a solid foundation in the basics of spell-casting."
"Ah. I'm afraid I can't take all the credit there, Professor. She has a rare aptitude for magic, it seems," he said, offering Hallie a smile that she returned brightly.
"Hmm. Well, I'm just glad you both arrived in one piece. Perfectly good boats and carriages to Hogwarts and you chose to fly in the path of a dragon," Matilda edged.
That didn't take long, he thought. He had to hand it to the woman, Matilda was as sharp as a tack and never one to give up easily. But Eleazar knew that much to her chagrin, he'd been at this game much longer than she had and he knew how to evade being cornered.
"I wouldn't say I chose the dragon's path, Professor. Rather, unfortunately, it would seem it chose us," he countered.
"That's a little unfair, Professor Weasley. A man was killed in that carriage. It was horrible. If any of us had known that would've happened, I'm sure none of us would have boarded it," Hallie's voice added unexpectedly, capturing both Eleazar and Matilda's attention.
Any chance the conversation might have had of continuing in that direction was ended by the wet shine in Hallie's little green eyes. Even if Matilda might've tried it, Eleazar would have sharply put an end to it between the mixture of grief for George and the concern for Hallie's well-being.
Although he had not intended on taking the conversation the dark direction of George's death, Hallie, of course, had been right about the seriousness of it. And he wouldn't allow a conversation to be pushed that would drive the girl to tears.
Thankfully, Matilda clearly could also see that that had been enough of that. Albeit she seemed a bit stunned on where to go on from that. It was a rare feat to leave Matilda speechless.
"Of course, I- very well. I suppose that's enough of that," she cleared her throat. "I need to get to class myself. Might I rely on you, Professor Fig, to explain the details of the Field Guide's map?"
Eleazar nodded, "Of course."
"Thank you," she said before turning back to Hallie. "Good luck today."
Hallie, who seemed to regret her outburst and have regained her compose, replied politely and in a small voice. "Thank you, Professor."
Matilda left them standing there in the hall and Eleazar waited a moment for her to get out of earshot before asking, "Are you alright?"
Hallie nodded, and she did seem alright now. A small smile inched its way across her face. "It's good to see you, Professor."
"And you," he said, relieved to see her smiling once again. "I was hoping our paths would cross today before you immersed yourself in studies. Did I hear you masterfully evade Professor Weasley's interrogation regarding our late arrival?"
"I did my best, but- I'm fairly certain she suspects that we're not being entirely forthcoming," Hallie said.
"Yes, well- Professor Weasley is a brilliant, and astute, witch. It was right to keep the details to yourself for now. We don't know where this path we've embarked on will lead and we don't want to put anyone else in danger. And- she may feel obliged to share details with the headmaster that would be better left between us."
"Understood, Professor."
"Good," he said with a smile before noticing Hallie's tie. Eleazar chuckled, "That's an interesting method of wearing your tie."
Hallie turned scarlet. "Stop it! You're not the first to notice- i'll have you know. I can't help I don't know how to tie a tie properly. I've never had to wear one before."
Eleazar shook with laughter between his words. "Give- it- to me. I'll show you how to tie it the right way."
Hallie all but ripped the tie off and flung it at him. She was now a deep shade of scarlet as she stared at the floor in silence.
"You do have to look at it in order to learn how to tie it, I'm afraid," he said with a grin.
Hallie's eyes raised up to look at the tie as he held it out and demonstrated how to tie it before slipping it over her head to adjust it correctly for her.
Eleazar overheard a brief snippet of conversation of a group of passing students as he fixed Hallie's tie.
"It's that new fifth-year."
"Can't imagine starting a new school this late. I'd feel so- out of place."
Hallie's face harded.
"Don't pay it any mind, Hallie. None at all. It isn't worth it," he said softly.
"They've been talking since I got here. The whole school knows. They know who I am- that I've never been to a wizarding school before- that I'm practically non-magic- they even somehow know about the dragon attack already," Hallie rambled dejectedly.
Eleazar scoffed, a little surprised that Hallie could even say such a thing. "Bah- 'practically non-magic'? Hallie, not a one of them have even seen you cast a spell. Now I have- and I can tell you undoubtedly that you're about as magic as it gets. If anything i'd say you have more talent than half of them put together."
Hallie looked up at him, dejection still on her face, so he set a hand on her shoulder.
"As for the rest of it," he added. "It will die down eventually. They'll get bored of it and move on to the next thing and it will be forgotten."
Hallie sighed. "I know. It just doesn't make it any easier knowing everyone is watching me to see if I mess up. What if I make a fool of myself in front of everyone?"
"You won't. You're a capable young witch and I know that you are ready to be here," he said reassuringly.
Hallie nodded. She looked a little more rallied now by his words.
"Now, as capable as you are, I believe the ability you possess obliges you to be well-trained. Happily, you have the benefit of an exceptionally skilled team of witches and wizards to guide you. And speaking of 'guides' - and so that i may avoid another not-so-subtle reproof from Professor Weasley- Why don't I show you the clever enchantment we included in the Field Guide's map? Unfold it and have a look."
Hallie flipped the Guide open to reveal the map of Hogwarts before Eleazar explained how she could tap it with her wand and it would reveal where exactly she was located within the school and how tapping a section with her wand would cause the names of the halls and classrooms to appear.
He then showed her how the locations of the classrooms she needed to visit today had a soft yellow glow to them. Tapping the locations twice with her wand would elicit the book to give her directions.
Hallie tapped the page where the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was highlighted and a pale yellow light sprang up and zipped past them in the direction of the classroom.
"The map is enchanted to help you find your way, wherever you may be. It works the same outside of the castle as well," he explained.
"This will be incredibly helpful. Thank you! Now I don't have to worry that Garreth and Nattie aren't here to lead my way," Hallie said happily.
"Ah, see. And here you are worrying over what your classmates think when you've seemingly already made a few friends," he said pointedly. "Although, I will say, Mr. Weasley's a good lad, but be sure you don't take a seat next to him in Potions class."
Hallie laughed a bit. "What? Why not?"
"I'll let you find that out for yourself. I'm sure you'll see why when you do. Just trust me on that one," Eleazar said before he added under his breath, "I'd hate to discover you in the hospital wing your first week here."
Hallie still looked very curious to know more but she smiled and agreed. "All right, Professor."
Eleazar smiled. "Now, you've got quite a day ahead of you. As I promised, I shall reach out when I have more information about our mysterious locket. For now, focus on your classes and pay attention. More than you O.W.Ls may hinge on the magic you are able to master within these walls."
"Yes, Professor. I will, " she said, taking that as her dismissal and beginning to move to follow her route.
Eleazar stopped her with a raised hand. He had one more thing to say. "Oh, and Hallie- Have a good first day."
"Thank you Professor. You too," she said with a bright smile before bounding off to follow her Field Guide's directions to class.
Eleazar watched her go with a sense of that same sentimental pride he had felt yesterday evening when she had went in for the Sorting Ceremony. It didn't seem like she should be ready so soon to start at Hogwarts, but time had flown the last few months and he had no doubts that Hallie would excel here.