On the Hogwart's Express

[probability_of_here]

Ryou slips into an empty compartment and stares out the window at the bustling platform. She twirls her wand absently between her fingers, getting used to it's weight and texture.

A few minutes later, her compartment door opens.

Comments

[probability_of_here]

Professor Longbottom shakes her hand and gives her a warm smile, "It's nice to meet you."
He raises his voice, "Everyone get into a boat!"

[thrown_in]

Gwen and Ryou get into one of the boat sitting at the edge of a large black lake and wait for the rest of the first year students to join the throng.

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A small, energetic boy and a friendly, blonde girl join them.

The boats begin to move across the water. Hogwarts appears in all its glory.

[thrown_in]

The four kids stared at the looming castle that grew larger as the boats drifted closer. Gwen turned to the two other kids in the boat, "I'm Gwen, what are your names?"

[probability_of_here]

"I'm Alice."
"I'm Rory."
"I'm Ryou, it's nice to meet you."

Eventually the boat bumps up against the far shore and the children pile out.

[thrown_in]

Professer Longbottom leads the first years up the front steps and into the great hall of the castle. As Professer Longbottom begins to explain about houses and sorting that will take place in a moment, Gwen casts a nervous glance at Ryou.

[probability_of_here]

"Don't worry, you'll be fine."

[thrown_in]

"I know, I'm just nervous."

[probability_of_here]

Professor Longbottom leads them into the great hall. They stand in a shuffling, nervous line in front of the sorting hat as their names are called one by one.
"Gwen Baran."

[thrown_in]

Gwen shuffles up to the rickety old stool and places the Sorting Hat on her head. She immediantly hears a raspy whisper in her ear. "Hmm, this is a very promising head of yours. You have an ambition to prove yourself, and a smart mind too. You're brave, but I think you'd do much better in Slytherin." Ryou's words flash back to Gwen. She begs, "Not Slytherin!" The Sorting Hat replies, "You are one of the few muggleborns who would do well in Slytherin. You would hold your own and thrive. Will you allow me to Put you on your path to success?" Gwen hesitates, thinking of Ryou and her words of warning. She knows though, that the Sorting Hat is much wiser than her, meaning that it probably knows best. She gives her consent, "Alright." The Sorting Hat murmers, "Wonderful! Well then, off you go to SLYTHERIN!" The hat shouts the last word into the hall so that everyone can hear. Gwen slides off the stool and walks to her new house.

[probability_of_here]

Ryou starts slightly and watches the Slytherin table stare at Gwen in stony silence as she tries to find a seat.

Eventually Ryou's name is called. She settles onto the stool and listens to the hat ponder her fate. It isn't a difficult decision, within a few moments that hat calls, "SLYTHERIN!"

[thrown_in]

Gwen watches from her new very hostile table as the Sorting Hat sends Ryou into Slytherin.

[probability_of_here]

Ryou's brother waves her over with a condescending smile, but she ignores him and walks over to Gwen.
"Can I join you?"

[thrown_in]

"Of course! At least one person doesn't hate me."

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"Don't take it personally. They're just assholes."

[thrown_in]

"Haha thanks Ryou." The girls sit together and watch the rest of the sorting.

[probability_of_here]

The food is delicious and Ryou fills her plate four times before stopping.
Headmaster Mcgonagall gives a speech about following the rules and working hard.

The headboy of Slytherin gathers together the first years, and begins to lead them towards the Slytherin common room.

[thrown_in]

The first year Slytherin students walk down through the castle and into the dungeon. Gwen looks around nervously as they decend deeper into the castle. "I didn't know the dorms were in the dungeon!" Gwen whispers worriedly to Ryou.

[probability_of_here]

"I've heard they're nice, though a little chilly."

[thrown_in]

"Why are they in the dungeon anyway?"

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"They must have run out of towers."

[thrown_in]

"Haha yes, they must have."

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"When did you realize you were a witch?"

[thrown_in]

"Well, I found out officially this summer when Professer McGonagall told me, but I started to notice weird things happening to me last winter."

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"Like what?"