Hello contestants! Sorry for not getting these up sooner. To vote, comment the name(s) of the entry(ies) you want to vote for. If you're a contestant, you can shout yourself out if you and you cannot vote for yourself, although you can vote for one of your fellow contestants.

These people did not turn in their entries on time:

Ambrosia Padson, UndiscoveredOceans -15 points
Astrid Greene, Myself_Miss_Amazing -15 points
Jessie McCain, amenias-adjacent -15 points
Eijá Rikkardsson, weasleyclock -10 points
Abbi Keith, writer_girl4ever -10 points

To people who lost points, these can be won back in the next round.

Voting will be up until this Thursday!

Kacen James lll

Dear Mr. James lll,

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts of Magic and Wizardry. It has been rough and trying times to bring the school back into it's original order but we're ready for you all. We please want to remind you to have all your belongings ready to go by the 23rd of August. As well as to be at the train station at platform 9 3/4 no later than 10:00 am at point. Thank you Mr. James (lll) we look forward to a wonderful school year with you.

Sincerely,

Professor McGonagall

-Head Mistress at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

I managed to read the cream colored letter in red lettering several times as it had yet not been my first to do so. The day I settled across with it I was both anxious and excited as my hands could hardly contain the excitement. It had been two weeks with preparing for my first year as I knew then the day would arrive no sooner then I could imagine. Both mum and dad took me to Diagon Alley as of the very next day. A sight I shall never forget, from the sight and smells was mind blowing. With it being the first year back since restoring the school, children and parents were acting like buzzing bee's trying to make their honey or something. After I read through my letter for the third time in the last five minutes I bring my head to a high seeing the platform numbers 6...,7...,8...,9. Just like Diagon Alley it was quite busy as it was a Saturday mid day. I stopped right beside where 9 3/4 was as I pushed my huge cart load of luggage. Like my mum has always said "You can never be too prepared." I had packed four cases two black, one green and the other brown each containing my initials of KJ III with gold lettering on the sides.

"Hang tight Maverick just a bit longer I believe." He screeches out loud trying to pry out of his steel cage. Maverick, my pure black owl that I picked for school was quite challenging at first. Though he is beautiful he was stubborn (and still is) as I tried to get him to perch up my right arm when I first bought him. His intense yellow eyes glued onto me with no hesitation as he was telling me he was gonna be the boss. I remember the first time he did so as he screeched at me I simply replied to him: "Yeah, I think not." In his response to me on saying so he flaps his wings rapidly as if irritated. Though within a few days and a few bites that I received he and I have bonded quite well. I come to the right side of my cart making sure Maverick is snug in and that I have my wand case beside him. Though I have already caught him five times trying to nibble at the ends of it earlier today. Looking from behind with only a few feet behind me my mum comes proudly to my side. So many people when they see us they always say we are a spitting image of each other. With dark brown hair and our brown eyes. She sure has more of defined cheeks than me but our personalities are very much alike.

Unlike my mum and I, my father is more serious and upfront on his opinions and more likely to win his arguments. From being uptight where it shows through his posture. Standing straight (slouching was never an option in our household) he spoke to me firmly with a defiant voice.

She stands proudly looking once up with her green eyes and back to me. "Never forget this moment Kacen, this with change your life in more ways than on." It was then she suddenly fixes my suite from shoulders to back. Making sure the fine lines stayed pressed. That was always another thing I loved about my mum she always tried to do things out of love for me.

"Here you are son, your ticket to board and know your in first class as I made sure you should." He says with a beaming smile.

Though I saw it more as a ignorant way. "Thanks I suppose." I'm between my parents until I finally attempt to make my way to the train. Walking steady to the bar of the cart I breath deeply as I begin to dig my feet into the cemented ground. Just as I near the brick wall I keep my mind clear for if I don't I know combustion could happen. The next thing I hear is the conductor shouting people to aboard and where I feel huge smoke like clouds filling in my lungs. I choke against the consumption as I address to breath in normal as possible.

"Well things sure don't change does it?" My father says making his way to the spout of the train. "Looks just the same as it did when I went to Hogwarts. Just a few bit years back in my time." I watch him for a moment as I look at the train from my designated spot wondering so many things in my head.

It was then my mum came beside me putting her right arm around my shoulder and neck. "Remember what we talked about Kacen." She says ever so kindly to what I could always understand and respect from. Her voice was always like a guiding like for me. Though from the edge of my right eye I could see my father swiftly turning around towards us.

"Remember what your place is Kacen." As my father corrected my mums own words of advice. I looked up at her as she looks away slightly but only to look back to me to smile. "You are not to fool around and to focus on your studies." It was now my father replacing my mums arm with his hand placed on both my shoulders. "You can make friends if you wish just choose the right ones who won't distract you." I roll by eyes slightly out of irritation and biting my tongue to not argue with him. I slowly lick the bottom of my lips before I brace myself to answer to his firm request.

"Yes sir."

"And remember what I said about getting into Slytherin, it is profound you do so." He says this firmly with reassuring satisfaction. As much as I knew this I have known all my life my family is a Slytherin family. From my father, my grandfather to even my mum for they all have been a Slytherin. So I have known not only is it important to carry the tradition but because it is told it is the right thing to do.

I look to my mum for approval but she is showing my father a bit of a annoyed look. "Dear, don't you think it's the sorting hats choice to choose?"

"Well yes of course but it reads their minds so he needs to feel it and know it in his head." My father says as I stand just about to his shoulders who is greatly tall himself with a long neckline. It was then as my father always tends to see when I lose track of his attention he gets onto me. For I was at that moment looking at a few boys climbing on board. "Kacen, focus do you understand me?"

"Yes father, I understand. I'll do my best to get into Slytherin. I say confidently looking back at him.

My dad gives me his stern look of ungratefulness making me feel a bit uncomfortable. "You'll do your best, no I need to know you will make sure you get into Slytherin."

I choke a bit in trying to find the right words for me to say without showing him I don't fully agree. "I will father, promise. But I must be on my way for the train is about to go." Making my father pull his hands off my shoulders I see a uncertainty on his face. Though I ignore it and embrace my mother into a hug smelling her Jasmine perfume. I then turn to my father and hug him off to the side with a soft pat. Heading to my cart I make way to dropping Maverick and three of my cases to go in the luggage department. My heart is racing for I know what ever is to come forward every decision and step I make are vital.

"Ticket please." A elderly man with a navy blue suit and hat says as I climb aboard. His face looked frail but he held a cheery voice that made me smile slightly. It was then suddenly I could feel the screeching of the train moving making me look over at my parents one last time.

I wave strongly with my left hand smiling back, it was then my father shouts one last time before the sounds of the train really took over with it's whistles. "Make me proud son!"

***

I found myself wandering all through the different train carts to reach first class. Every step I took forward to my designated spot the more I didn't want to. In my head I kept telling myself: do what father says, he'd want you to. Yet he wasn't here with me so why should I do so? Picking a different seat away from first class isn't gonna ruin my reputation at Hogwarts. When I do make my way into the first cart I see many students nickering at one another. The place was hot and humid as I could see it was filled with dark black drapes only making the mid sun come through very harshly. Every window but three were closed but it still didn't quite make a difference. Holding onto my case in my left hand I get this bashing of another body against my right shoulder and chest. The boy seemed to me a inch or so taller than I as he places his stuff in his rack from up above his seat. I stare at him for a moment waiting for an apology as he just blindly struts his red suit before taking a seat with some other students. His blonde looks and fair skin with a baby doll face wasn't saying much to me. "Don't mind me." I slightly say with annoyance as I drag my head to face forward exiting out of the first class door. I wasn't wanting to be in there anyways and for those reasons of rude obscured people like that kid. Entering into the next cart it was quite full as the one before but students seemed to be more situated. This cart was a tad different from purple curtains to having more table booths than regular seating. I chose the farthest back table booth on the right just so I can skim and observe everyone. Pulling my small case up above my head over the top rack I see a girl with black cropped hair about my age looking at me. She stood a few feet on the opposite side of me talking to a few others who seemed to be playing a card game. I draw myself to slightly smile as I straighten my green dress top before taking my seat that would face toward her. The seat was quite comfortable but I feared I could crinkle my suit quite easily. Not only that but I wish I had gone with my blue suit despite my fathers persistence for it would be a way for the sorting hat to know I would need to go to Slytherin. That is want, not need I say to myself. I honestly didn't have a preference, all I want is to be in the right house and to do great things for that house.

Not long after I found myself situated I pull my book out from my back pant pocket to get myself distracted from the long ride ahead of me. One of my all time favorites about a orphaned boy named Jasper who travels around the world when he discovers a unlikely creature. I was just unfolding the corner tip of chapter thirty two that I saved from a previous read when I high pitch voice got my attention. "Hi there."

"Oh hey." I say a bit surprised. Pulling my paper back book from a stand as I place it now on my lap under the table.

The young girl notices and looks to me in with a curious expression. "What are you reading?"

"It's called The Chronicles of Jasper White, by Timothy Earlright." I tried not looking at the title of my book for I already knew far too well what it's called.

The girl sways her tiny frame a bit showing me she looked to be somewhat interested as making me think she too maybe liked to read as well. "That's nice, I like to read some. My name is Susan by the way, Susan Kneen." She says still standing in front of my table.

With a smile to show I chuckle a bit to introduce myself. "I'm Kacen, Kacen James...the third."

"Nice to meet you Kacen, I was just talking to a few others over other there and thought I'd say hi is all." She says slightly turning her direction from where she once stood. "Well, I hope to see you around school sometime, best of luck to you." She smiles once again but more as she skids happily away.

Right then I had hoped to jump right into my book when a chipper voice comes to my right shoulder. "Anything from the trolly dear?" Said another elderly person but this time it was a women with a yellow sparkly hat a yellow dress that nearly touched her knees with a purple apron. I put down my book once again into my lap and looked at all the vibrant candies and treats that consumed the small cart.

"What a brilliant assortment you have." I say looking almost lost with all the color ranges of items. "Any recommendations?"

She gives me this look like she hadn't had a costumer so excited. And for one, I quite was for I have always been restricted to sweets. "Well their all quite lovely dearly, but I would say either the Acid pops, the chocolate frogs or my favorite the Bertie Botts's Every Flavor Beans."

It was then I right way take the acid pops, two to be exact and pay her properly for the fair amount of galleons. I shuffle the two pops in my right hand as my other hand holds my book. The reminder of my ride I find myself reading my book and observing the other students seeing what everyone would be like. Though it wasn't much to compare to as all we could really do was sit around and wait to arrive to Hogwarts. By the hour of 7 in the night our train finally made its way into town where the school grounds would be. I pull out of my seat and pull out my case, I wondered then too how Maverick was taking the hustle and bustle of it all. For I was ready to get things going and further more knowing what house I really stood for being into. Climbing out of the train I right away get instructions from a vibrant but somewhat low voice.

"Everyone, if you could all make your way to me I will show you the way to Hogwarts school of witchcraft and Wizardry. Now, now don't crowd, we all will get there together if you all just stay with me and listen to what I say." From what I could tell this person was massively big wearing nothing but all sorts of brown garments with shoulder length white hair and beard. Yet he looked very less intimidating and gentle in a weird kinda way so I thought. "My name is Hagrid and I will directly point you all into the right directions." I was one of the few who stood right next to the giant as I scanned him from head to toe.

By the time I reached to see his feet I heard one guy shout out loud. "Dude you sure got some feet on you, what size do you wear?"

Hagrid looks shocked but didn't take the question as an insult either. "Um a bit of a twenty three, young fella. I hear I'm one of a kind." He says smiling to the youngster. Quite everyone in the crowd laugh and we are soon taken to a drawn moving carriage. Yet i was quite taken away when I saw no horse in urge to pull it as I sat into the black leather seats. "Take them to Hogwarts my friend and no pit stops along the way you hear me?" Hagrid says loudly. I was joined by four others who seemed just as curious as me and even more astonished when it moved. We watch in amazement making our way into the small village such as The Leaky Cauldron where we will eventually get to venture out during by our fifth year, for at least I hope to survive that far. Into the woods and breaking through we finally spot Hogwarts and bright and welcoming as ever. My mum and father always talked about when ever they arrived to Hogwarts night or day it was always a sight to see and now I can truly believe it to be true.

Once off the carriage and taken through the main and quite massive front doors we are welcomed by a young women named to be Professor Meyers. She was draped with a gold robe that nearly touched the clobber stone floor. We are now no longer in our day clothes of suits and dress as we are transformed into black robes with little black hats. As Professor Meyers says: "Fun is now over and underrated and looking the part for school is essential." Her smile was though pretty serious that strictly told us not to dawdle as we are to follow her in the dining all. Before doing so she formed us all to make two single file lines where I stood fifth from the right side.

Walking into the dining hall we are welcomed by all the professors and one specifically, the Head Master Professor McGonagall. The long dining tables were just like I imaged, four wooden tables representing the four houses. Looking back at the professor I see a well aged women who looked no more than to be 80 years old. Yet I was certain she was much older due to my father and mum talking about her. And just like they had said she still was wearing a long green silk robe, with a black dress underneath but instead of her black witch hat it was replaced by a hood that attached to her robe.

Her head tilts up as she sees us all coming down the long walk way as if she was bracing herself to a challenging group. I right away was feeling confident in who I was and what I wanted to become and I wanted to prove it right then and there. I pull my posture up more straighter as I prepare to know what was to become of this school year. "Welcome children." Professor McGonagall says kindly but quite firmly too. Her hands are brought out spreading upward to show the other professors to stand up. "All the professors and myself want to thank you for coming this evening to join us in the first year back from a long time separation." Her voice carries around the room as I see the candle lights slightly sway. "As you well know by some of your parents, Hogwarts has suffered great times in the past and we are grateful to have it running again. Though that being said we are not taking things lightly, which means stricter rules with stricter consequences." I hear several students grumble in disappointment behind me as I continue to focus forward. "Now before we are to start our first supper together it is only annual to sort you all into your houses." It was then I noticed the one and only sorting hat that will make all my dreams or fears come to astonishing reality. Professor McGonagall pulls out a long scroll list magically and names out a boy by the name Gavin Banes. He was merely 4'10 in height with dark skin and dark hair and surprisingly he jumped right up with excitement.

Taking a seat upfront that hat is carefully placed on Gavin's head and the sorting hat begins to think. "Well, well it's finally grand to be back and sorting you all in your rightful places." It said ever so crookedly. Mum told me she always got chills whenever that hat talked. "Bit of a brainy kid aren't you, with some heart then let it be said...Ravenclaw!" We all clap for the kid as he took his spot in the front table from the far side. Two others went up soon after being placed into Hufflepuff and again Ravenclaw.

"Jessie McCain!" Professor McGonagall shouts. Yet right away the sorting hat right away shouts Gryffindor. The young blonde girl glides of the stool and heads in being the first student there. Four more students go up as I hear them placed in Slytherin, Hufflepuff and two more in Slytherin.

I begin to sweat as I hear my name announced. But instead of showing my nerves I shake the thought and move to the wooden stool. I calmly sit in my seat talking to myself. "Don't sweat it man, you got this. No matter what happens, happens you will be proud no matter what."

"Well, well what do we have here?" The sorting hat says has he snugs his rounded rim around my head. You are quite an interesting one. You got the brains, the heart and humor to go far. Though I sense a bit of tension afraid to be something your not. I knew a kid like that once. He was meant to be in Slytherin but I chose another house for him. Shall you make the same mistakes as he?"

I didn't know what to say then but I took the risk anyhow as I gulped a huge amount of air. "I'll do whatever you believe is right for me."

"Well in that case let it be Gryffindor!" The already selected houses and students awaiting their turn cheer and clap proudly as I look forward in surprise.

"Yes, alright!" But then I freeze standing up by the high table. "Wait, bloody hell he just said Gryffindor not Slytherin, what will my own father have to say about this?" I say almost out loud.

-----

Autumn Crowe

Autumn leaned back into the soft cushion of the seat as she busied herself by staring at the blurs of greens through the window. She was luck enough the find herself an empty compartment. It had always been a hassle trying to find an empty one at the beginning of each school year even if one came early, which she did. Most compartments that consisted of one person were each first years who didn't feel like socializing with other students or were already starting to feel homesick.

Of course there were several times were friends, acquaintances, or students she hadn't even met yet would ask to sit with her. Each time she'd wave it off and make up some lame excuse to get them to go away in the nicest way possible. She didn't want to make it seem like they weren't wanted around. They sure did buy every excuse, too.

This would be totally out of character for Autumn if anyone else were witnessing, but no one really questioned it like most things she does and left it alone. At school Autumn would constantly be around people and talking up a storm. She's almost always seen with a smile on her face. She talked to everyone who'd be willing to hold a conversation with her and was pretty well-known and liked by many, which had been kind of rare for a Slytherin in her terms.

But the silence, excluding the sound of the wheels of the train on the rails of the tracks, is also what she enjoyed. Autumn didn't get alone time like this at Hogwarts with constantly around people. It gave her time to think about anything she wanted to without also trying to listen to someone talking.

She didn't hate the school years being like this, aside from learning. In fact, she adored that she always had someone to talk to and people to hang out with, it made school more fun. She was thrilled to go back for another year at Hogwarts. She loved being surrounded by magic and was eager to back to it after spending the summer with her dad. Her dad had a strict rule against magic to where she had to leave anything magical with her mom. She had to go all summer without magic with only her owl to talk to her friends and her cat, Noir.

The memory of her first time getting her letter came up. She hadn't know that her mother was a witch and apparently nor did her father. So many emotions overcame her eleven-year old self she couldn't comprehend it. Everything happened so fast it was like a blur. The letter, the discovery of magic, the school supplies, the fights between her parents, the divorce, the new living arrangements. And all before September 1st, too.

Autumn remembered the nervousness she felt about what house she'd be sorted into. She deemed it as important. It was like your house was more important than your name. Everyone she asked told her different things about each house and she wanted at least an idea of which one she wanted to be sorted into. The first she asked was her mom.

"I was sorted into Hufflepuff during my time at Hogwarts. No matter what anyone says, Hufflepuff is the best house. We get away with anything and everything. No one ever suspects a Hufflepuff. And plus, the common room's near the kitchen, if you're nice to the house elves, they give you food." She winked at her daughter then resume her work.

Hearing those words got her hopes up about being sorted into Hufflepuff. She suddenly wanted to be sorted into that house to make her mom proud. Her mom assured her that she didn't care which house she was sorted into. But Autumn sure did care. The train ride her first year didn't help either.

"I hope I'm sorted into Ravenclaw," A first year once said. "All the smartest witches and wizards come from that house."

"Yeah but they also have the laziest people you'll ever meet," A second year wearing red scoffed. "Gryffindor's the best house because all the best heroes have come from here. Try to name at least one person who was evil that was in Gryffindor. And we had Harry Potter, so that's a plus."

"Yes you had Scar Boy Potter, but you also had Peter Pettigrew. Remember? The guy who helped kill his parents?" Another firstie said. "Anyone can go evil."

Another second year wearing blue spoke, "My cousin was a Slytherin and she didn't even get a choice to help fight in the Battle of Hogwarts, the assumed she would somehow help fight against them. They sent her with the rest of the Slytherins to the dungeons. She had to take all her Slytherin gear off and sneak into Dumbledore's Army to fight." He boasted.

None of this helped Autumn in the long run. When sitting on the stool with the large worn out hat on her head, nerves filled her body. She was slightly shaking. The hat debated whether to put her in either Hufflepuff or Slytherin and she simply sat there quietly while it did. Relief flooded her body when the hat called out "SLYTHERIN" and their house table clapped the loudest out of all four tables.

She slightly smiled to herself at that memory and barely noticed that Noir had climbed into her lap and made himself comfortable. She stroked his gray fur and he purred at her touch. She glanced back out the window, ready for another school year ahead of her.

-----

Susan Kneen

I squeezed through the struggling mass of students as I made my way toward an empty carriage compartment. There were so many people around me, I felt my bag get jostled several times and I nearly lost my ring when someone's button caught on it.

I finally pushed my way into a compartment and sat down on the soft seat. I quickly realized someone else was in the room with me. The girl I now sat across from looked startled, before giving a small smile.

"Sorry to burst in on you," I said quietly. "I'm Susan Kneen."

"Thea Arvinge," the girl replied. We shook hands. "Are you excited?"

"For Hogwarts?" I asked. "Well, yes, but I'm also nervous. Who knows what condition the school is in? I've heard that they're cracking down on troublemakers to an extreme degree. I'm afraid that we'll lose our freedoms because they're trying to 'keep us safe," I admitted. Thea considered my answer for a moment.

"I get it," Thea said finally.

As the train trundled along, the two of us chatted about anything, everything. We had just been finishing a debate about long wands versus short wands when someone knocked on the door.

I looked up and saw a black haired boy around my age at the door. I waved him in and he entered.

"I'm Kacen," he said as a way of greeting.

"I'm Susan and that's Thea," I replied. "I don't mean to be rude, but why are you in our compartment?"

"I've just been wandering," Kacen said, shrugging. "One of the older wizards walking around told me to sit down, so I just came in here."

"Well, that's quite a story," Thea said drily. Kacen looked out of the compartment.

"He's gone," he said. "Nice meeting you, Thea, Susan." He waved as he left.

I watched him leave for a moment before turning back to Thea.

"That was interesting," she said. I laughed, and then sobered.

"Even if we're separated into different houses, We'll stick together, right?" I asked. Thea nodded. I smiled.

An older witch knocked on the door and opened it.

"We're almost here. You two should change," she said. I nodded and went to do so, my stomach swamped with sudden fear.

-•-

We were escorted into the room by age. I spotted Kacen going into the room when the seventh years were called. I stood awkwardly in the middle of my fellow sixth years, playing with the ring on my finger. I glanced around the large hall, taking in the moving paintings and old stone.

It was a beautiful building, but it seemed sad. The stone was cracked in some places, and there were clear lines where the new stone was slotted in with the old. The paintings were whispering and pointing at us students. I noticed one in particular that was looking at me. I walked over and waved.

"Hello," the painted woman said. "My name is Lilliana."

"I'm Susan," I said. She and I exchanged smiles.

"How long have you been here?" I asked. She shrugged.

"I think I've been here for ten years?" She said, unsure.

"It's nice to meet you," I said. At that moment, a teacher came in and called the sixth years in to be sorted.

As we entered the Great Hall, I did a double take.

It certainly was a grand hall. The ceiling was extremely tall, and it mimicked the night sky. The floating candles all around lit the room at lot better than I would have thought. I looked around at the four long tables. I noticed Kacen at one of them, a gold and red tie around his neck. I waved and he smiled.

I waited with my classmates as they were all called up. Finally my name was called, and I sat on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on my head. I stared out at the fairly empty hall for a long moment.

"Hmmm," a voice inside my head said. I jumped, before realizing it was the hat. "A kind soul, but there a strong ambition in you, girl. You have the drive to achieve almost anything you put your mind to. I'm going to say... SLYTHERIN!" The last word was shouted across the enter hall. Almost everyone in the room applauded, though several glares were turned my way. I felt a small pang of nervousness, and avoided the eyes of those who seemed angry.

I quickly sat down, and realized I had ended up right near Kacen.

"Hello," I said. He smiled at me, and I returned the gesture.

"Hello, Sue," he said in return.

"A nickname?" I asked.

"You don't mind, I hope," he said, laughter in his eyes.

"Not at all," I replied. "But I get to choose one for you."

"Fine," he said, feigning annoyance. I chuckled, then turned back towards my fellow Slytherins. This was going to be an interesting year.

-----

River Nikiforov

The scarlet express I had heard so much about truly was beautiful. All the descriptive words in any language couldn't describe the deep maroon train with the justice it deserved. Doesn't mean I won't try.

If a train can look regal, this one sure did, perched on the tracks like only it was special enough to stand there. With kids running happily around, searching for friends or saying last goodbyes to parents like little lion cubs, the Hogwarts Express seemed to be the male lion at the head of the pride, standing tall and towering over his pridemates. The Express gave off the aura of royalty and importance and that we were all mere subjects in a huge kingdom. But it also radiated the same feeling your father would or a kind king, loving and protecting. Just by looking, you could tell if the train were a living thing it would love and guard every and all students in its care as if they were it's own.

In all honesty, I stared for a good minute straight while Father put my luggage up on the train. Speaking of Father...

"Amazing, isn't it?" he said, coming up beside me and smiling fondly at the train ahead. "It gives you the feeling royalty should own the Express, doesn't it?"

My father's a kind man, with a small beard and gentle chocolate brown eyes. He's also a sturdy build, with broad shoulders and his stomach and chest perfectly aligned. His hair shines a soft golden brown in the light but he really has dark brown hair. There's a slight exotic heritage as his skin is slightly darker then a fair skinned tan. Unfortunately, I didn't get that skin tone.

I nodded and hummed acknowledgment. It did give off that feeling. "It also seems like a proud train."

Father's eyes flickered from the train to me and back again before answering. "Yeah, it does."

We gazed at the Express a little longer before Father spun on his heel to face me. He gripped my shoulders and looked straight into my green eyes with his warm brown ones. "Have fun," my father started. "Learn lots."

"And you'll quiz me when I get back," I finished. "Of course, Daddy. I love you." I pulled him into a hug by his wrists.

"I love me too."

"Oi!"

Father's smirk grew but turned fond and he pulled me back into a hug. I tucked my face into his shoulder as he buried his in my hair. I know it's weird, but when I hug people, I always notice their scent. And Father was wearing some really good smelling cologne.

"You smell good."

I could practically feel his widening grin as he huffed. "And that's not weird at all."

"It's only weird if you make it weird."

"Touché."

We were silent for a moment, getting lost in our thoughts as the people around us bustled around. We paid no heed, caught up in our bubble of tranquility.

"Your mother and I are going to miss you," Father finally broke the silence.

"Really? I thought you'd be jumping with joy since I'm leaving for three. Whole. Months."

"Yes, well, expect a little sister when you get back."

I pushed him away, a face of pure disgust plastered on my features as Father laughed. "That's gross!"

Father just continued "man giggling" as he told me once, and I punched his shoulder lightly. He wiped a tear from his eyes and engulfed me in a tight hug, still shaking slightly with barely concealed mirth. "Your mother is making me make you promise to write at least once a week by the way."

I sighed playfully, and whined. "But that's so much writing!"

"You'll be writing a lot more later but it won't be letters or essays."

"What?"

"Oh, nothing. Just breaking the fourth wall."

I barked out a laugh and released him. "Are you saying I'm gonna be writing in a journal?"

Father smiled sheepishly, then handed me a leather bound book. "No, not really."

Grinning, I accepted the journal and tucked it into a pocket on the inside of my jacket, alongside my wand.

"Thanks. I love you, and I promise to write!" I said, and whirled on my heels jogging to reach the train doors before it left the station.

"I love you too! Bye, River!"

I twisted my head back to look but kept running. He was waving and I flashed a small one myself before leaping lightly on the Express as it started to move and he disappeared from sight.

The ride to Hogwarts was realitively uneventful. I managed to snag an empty compartment and quickly set up camp. I heard it'd be a long ride so I was prepared. I brought a blanket that didn't even reach my feet if pulled up to my shoulders and a tiny pillow just barely bigger then my head. I propped myself up and opened this new book that had just been published this year. It was called The Hunger Games. I find it absolutely entrancing.

And I fell asleep.

I know, who falls asleep on their first time in the Hogwarts Express? Me, that's who. I'm literally wincing at all the beautiful scenery I probably missed. That's an author fail on my part.

I woke up groggily. My mouth had a weird taste in it, and I flicked my tongue in and out my mouth in an attempt to rid my mouth of the foul sense. I rolled over as I did this and nearly fell off the seat.

Because good Merlin, someone was in the compartment with me.

"Ack!"

Did I say "nearly fell off"? Oh, I did? Well, no, I actually fall off.

The someone looked up from her Chocolate Frog card disinterestedly and cocked an eyebrow, amused. "Well, good afternoon, sleeping beauty."

All I did was stare for, like, a minute, so I guess I should describe the girl smirking down at me.

She looked to be about fifteen or so with darkish skin and black hair pulled into a hairband. She had striking brown eyes and her braces glinted in the light. Which surprised me. I thought she'd be raised in the Wizarding world the way she wasn't surprised by the moving picture on the Frog card, but she had braces. Why didn't her parents fix her teeth magically? I didn't dwell on it. The way she was playing with her wand made me think she knew how to use it and I certainly didn't want a hex my way for a too personal question. Curiosity killed the cat, y'know.

"Uh," I finally managed.

The girl rolled her eyes and huffed. "I'm Autumn Crowe. I couldn't find an empty compartment except this one and you were asleep so..." Autumn trailed off, expecting me to connect the dots. "I hope you don't mind."

"It's, uh, its fine, I guess," I muttered, pulling myself back up on the seat.

"Brilliant," she said with a blinding smile. "So, what House do you want?"

I quirked an eyebrow. "Hi, my name's River Nikiforov," I said pointedly.

She huffed and crossed her arms, leaning back and shifting her legs, glaring good naturedly at me.

I opened my mouth with a smirk to reply when the compartment door slid open roughly and loudly, startling me. A head poked in and faced Autumn, completely ignoring me.

"Alright, its done."

Autumn grinned and nodded, following the retreating head. "See you around, River," she said and shut the door.

Not five minutes later, and the Chocolate Frog card I thought she forgot about exploded, covering me and the entire compartment in bright pink paint.

Bloody brilliant.

If I said the Hogwarts Express was beautiful, then the actual Hogwarts castle was magnificent.

Towers soared high into the clouds, a keep stood sturdy and strong, ramparts rose protectively and jagged, long corridors woven beautifully throughout the castle could be seen from outside and fairy lights twinkled spectacularly atop the proud castle. The Black Lake reflected the little pinpricks of light from the stars and fairy lights, and the ripples distorted them prettily.

If the Express seemed like the lead lion of a pride, the castle was the proud tiger, biggest of all wild cats. Big and ferocious, yet as warm and protective as your blanket.

The Black Lake was smooth as our boats glided across towards the castle. I stuck my hand in curiously. The water felt like silk around my fingers.

Upon entering the castle, the new students breathed in awe. It looked as though there never was a war's ending battle fought here. But the feel was still there. After the initial shock died, careful respect fell upon the gathered minds and souls. Silence swept through the Great Hall as the fallen were remembered. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be here appreciating Hogwarts' beauty.

"Now, now! Cheer up!" a cheerful voice echoed merrily. "I'm glad that you're respecting the fallen but they want you to enjoy Hogwarts!"

The effect was instant. The Hall was immediately engulfed in sound as the students shuffled forward. Nobody sat at a table yet.

McGonagall stood up at the teachers' table and held a huge scroll. She cleared her throat and began reading.

"Arvinge, Thea?"

A girl with long, want red hair about my age stepped forward. She sat gingerly on the rickety stool and tensed as the Sorting Hat was placed on her flaming head of hair.

"Hufflepuff!"

And on the Sorting went. When Autumn Crowe walked up, I shot a spell that caused the stool to collapse. It was hilarious. She was placed in Slytherin, which I noted. Then my name was called.

"Nikiforov, River."

I gulped. This was it. This would be the final test of my character. Was I smart and creative? Hardworking and kind? Brave and bold? Or cunning and ambitious?

I couldn't think about it anymore because suddenly the Hat was placed on my head. I didn't remember walking and sitting...

Sheesh, it said grouchily. You'd think I'd get a completely clear decision every once in a while.

I'm sorry? I thought, unsure.

Don't be. Let's see, loyal and lazy like Hufflepuff...

Oi! I thought bitterly, but I couldn't deny it.

Proud and ambitious like Slytherin. Ooh, what's this? Oh, my, that certainly makes my mind!

"Slytherin!"

I almost laughed out loud. In relief or actual humor, I still don't know. I slid off the podium smoothly and into a seat at the Slytherin table. Right across from Autumn. She glared coldly at me and I simply smirked.

"Revenge," I said simply. She didn't reply but pointedly got up and changed seats. I shrugged to myself. All's well that ends well, I suppose.

It wasn't until I flopped (gracefully, mind you) on my dorm bed, full of a good meal and guiltily putting off unpacking for tomorrow did it finally hit me, deep and hard.

I was at Hogwarts.

Smashing a pillow to my mouth to muffle the noise, I squealed in excitement.

Hogwarts. Oh, Hogwarts! The school seemed like such a wild fantasy when I was growing up. After ten long years of hoping and hoping the repairs would finish before I was too old to attend, I'm finally here. My parents say I was blessed, and hell did it feel like a dream. I was actually slightly afraid of waking up in my bed to find it was all a dream.

But when morning came around, I was still in my dorm bed, surrounded by green and silver and a soft chill in the air. I sighed happily.

Hogwarts is my home.

-----

Jack Saturn

Jack Saturn sat on the cool grass, his back to a tree. He had an owl perched on his shoulder, it's hoots echoed through the night sky. Although it was cold, he remained where he was, a phone clutched in one hand and a stick in the other. This was no ordinary stick, on the contrary it was very, very important. This particular stick had been handcrafted from the wood of a pear tree, and had a single flaming orange feather making up the core. It could create water from thin air with a simple swish and a strange word, because this was a magic stick, or rather, a wand.

As he turned the phone on, it lit up with notifications from his friends, piercing the harsh darkness. Memories of the month before sprouted in his mind, along with words on the tip of his tongue.
"I have to go."
"I'm moving schools."
"We're not allowed phones there."
"I'm not coming back."

Although it had been upsetting for Jack to leave all of his friends, everyone he had known, it was a small price to pay. He'd been looking forward to going to hogwarts for years now, and each year he had hoped with all his heart, that he would finally be able to go. And now he finally could.

Tomorrow Jack would be on the Hogwarts express, and then Hogwarts itself. The idea of it was enough to make him grin. Muggle technology did not work there of course, due to the vast amount of magic which interfered, but it didn't matter. Jack didn't need a phone where he was going. So now he sat outside, twirling his wand in his hand. He had already read every book on magic he could find, and practised quidditch until his whole body was numb.

The peaceful night continued, and Jack remained outside while he fell asleep. He woke up to the bright sun hours later, already packed from the day before and ready to finally go to Hogwarts itself.

Reaching the train station was an easy task, and before he knew it, Jack stood in front of a brick wall. He held onto a trolley, his mother by his side, and his owl cinnamon sat in her cage watching the muggles pass. Taking a breathe, Jack closed his eyes and ran at the brick wall.

The moment he passed through, the entire atmosphere changed. It was loud and full of parents and their children, and the smell of magic was in the air. Yes, magic does have a smell. It is a mixture of smoke, parchment and rain all in one scent. It was the smell of happiness, the smell of home.

Jack said a farewell to his mother as she sobbed and demanded he write every day, before he made his way to the train. It was red and black, with "Hogwarts Express" painted in golden letters across the side. He would have liked to look at it a little longer, but there were too many people and he was paranoid that he would miss the train.

He dragged his suitcase up the steps, and began to walk down the train and check the compartments. He soon found one which only had a boy who looked around his age who was sitting alone. He slid open the door and walked in, and presented his hand for a handshake. "Hi, i'm Jack Saturn."

The other boy smiled and shook his hand. "Ben Cortene."

They talked for awhile, and soon the subject came to quidditch. Jack quickly discovered that Ben was hoping to be a Ravenclaw, and was a halfblood wizard too. The rest of the train ride was a blur, and before they knew it a hufflepuff prefect was telling them they would be arriving in 5 minutes.

They had just changed into their robes when the train stopped and they were escorted to the castle to await the sorting. Jack stood next to Ben with the rest of the school, as this was the first time it was open in ten years. Soon the headmistress, Professor Mcgonagall called them inside to begin the sorting. Jack was examining the great hall, looking in wonder at the floating candles, the pearly white ghosts that clapped enthusiastically as each student was sorted. Soon Ben's name was called up, and he shakily walked up to the chair with the sorting hat. Barely a moment passed before the hat yelled

"Ravenclaw."

Jack clapped enthusiastically with the rest of the school, and watched as Ben grinned and stumbled down the steps to sit with his new house.

Jack waited patiently for his own turn, and finally he heard his name called out.

He grinned at the crowd, stalked up to the stool and the sorting hat was dropped onto his head, blinding his view. He heard a voice start to speak into his ears.
"A thirst for knowledge I see? Brave too, yes that is clear. Perhaps Gryffindor? Hmmmmm."
Jack considered this. Yes, Gryffindor would be nice, but his one and only friend was in Ravenclaw.
"Ravenclaw? Yes I do think that is the best house for you. Better be Ravenclaw!"

The hat said the last word out loud, and then was pulled off him to reveal the applauding crowd in front of him. He walked down and sat next to Ben, who clapped him on the shoulder. "Nice one mate!" He yelled over the noise.

The rest of the sorting continued much slower than before he himself had been sorted, Jack thought. Finally, a quick speech was given, and before his very eyes food was appearing on the plate in front of him. Quickly, he helped himself to mashed potatoes, pies, and every food he could fit in. He was finally somewhere here he belonged.

Ligeia Leblanc

"Now, make sure you don't forget anything, dear!", my dad told me. He gave me a smile only a dad could give. The sparkles in his eyes shimmered a little more as he looked at me. I was going to miss him. He always said his scars made him ugly, but I thought it gave him just that little bit more of character in his face. His most prominent one started around his eyebrow, right through his eye socket, until it ended on his cheekbone. Being an Auror was dangerous, and he was the living proof of that.
"I think I've got everything with me dad, thanks.", I assured him. He kissed my forehead one last time. "Go on, little one! Don't miss the train! And remember: kzien je gèren, mokstje!" I love you, my sweetheart. My native tongue felt like home. I hugged his waist one more time and ran towards the train.
I quickly climbed up the compartment stairs with my heavy trunk.  A little out of breath, I searched for an empty spot. One compartment was fully empty, so I sat down and made myself comfortable. I watched how the train started moving and leaned my head against the window. The cold glass felt nice on my skin.
The Trolley Witch came, but I didn't buy anything. I just wanted to sleep, otherwise I would get motion sickness. Plus, time would pass by faster if I just slept the whole time. I dozed off, slightly murmuring in my sleep.
Someone shook me awake. "Hey, you! We're here! Wake up!" I jerked up and looked at my human alarm clock. She was a little shorter than I was, with black hair and grey eyes. "O-okay, no need to rush...", I mumbled. "I'm Susan. What's your name?", she asked. "Er, Ligeia. Nice to meet you." I shook her outstretched hand. We both left the compartment.
"So, where do you think you're going to get sorted in? I'm going to be a Slytherin for sure!", she told me. "I-I don't really know... I don't know the houses. I moved here just a few years ago, I don't even speak with a proper accent!" I laughed nervously. As we left the train, we heard a loud voice say: "First years, come over 'ere!" I almost choked on my own saliva when I saw who was shouting. It was a giant.
A giant.
I might be a halfblood, but I grew up in the Muggle world for the most of my life. And sure, I've seen the Flemish pixies, who are flipping annoying, but at least they weren't TEN FEET TALL.
"Don't worry, that's Hagrid. He won't bite.", Susan told me. We made our ways towards the giant. "In the meanwhile, I'll try to predict your house. Tell me, what do you prefer: being wise, being cunning, being kind or being brave?" I thought about it. "Mmmm... I like knowing stuff, and I've always liked science. So that's my answer!" Susan smiled just a little bit. "Yes, so you would be a Ravenclaw! Oh, quick! Hurry! The boats are leaving!"
After the sickening boat trip (motion sickness, may I remind you), we finally made it to the Great Hall. Floating candles, enchanted roof... that much for a posh school. Name after name after name was called, until the teacher said: "Leblanc, Ligeia!"
My breathing stopped for a brief moment as I walked over to the Sorting Hat. Susan had already been sorted and looked my way. I sat on the stool and put the Hat on my head.
"Yes, yes, I see...", the Hat whispered into my ear. "Cunning, in a way, but also pretty clever, and curious... You seem like you would make a good Ravenclaw. Or, if you've got a better idea..." Ravenclaw sounds fun., I said in my head. "Okay, then it'll be...
RAVENCLAW!"
The hall cheered as I removed the Hat from my head and looked for a place at the blue table. I chose a seat pretty close to the Head table, having no direct neighbours. I put my hands around my head and sighed.
Oh dad, how I miss you. I wanted to stay in Belgium, to grow up near the sea and enrol in Beaxbatons, with my clique of friends. Why did we have to move? I don't really like England at all...
But this school seems so... scarred. As if it had been rebuilt many times, rising like a phoenix from its ashes, again and again. Maybe, this won't be that bad at all...
I saw Susan waving at me from the Slytherin table. She mouthed: told you! I grinned like an idiot.
Maybe, this will be good.

Thea Arvinge

I pushed the trolley with Mum beside me. The Hogwarts Express were filled with students of all types and seeing it all filled me with a kind of nervous excitement. I passed my bags to a guy and turned to face Mum.

"I'll miss you.And Dad too.  " I told her, smiling.

"Me too. Now go, enjoy yourself. " I hugged her once more and boarded the train. Inside, I found a every compartment filled with somebody. Finally, I found one that was as empty as possible- with only one person.

"Excuse me. " I knocked on the compartment door. The girl turned to face me. She smiled.

"Yes?" She asked.

"May I sit here?" I gestured to the empty seat opposite her.

She nodded, "Of course!" I smiled back and sat opposite her. Looking out the window, I noticed Mum talking to another female, possibly a colleague. I waved to her and she waved back.

It wasn't long before the train was starting to move. Unlike other students, instead of shouting like a maniac, I waved goodbye. Mum waved back. The girl beside me was leaning out the window, waving her parents goodbye. Once the train had pulled out of the station, I pulled out a book- Hogwarts: A History- and started reading.

I was interrupted halfway by the trolley witch. I shook my head and she left.

"You're rejecting sweets?" She exclaimed. I nod.

"I'm Susan, by the way. Susan Kneen. " She extended her hand.

"Thea Arvinge. " I shook it and continued reading.

"What house are you?" She asked, interrupting me.

"Hufflepuff. " I replied with little enthusiasm.

"I'm Slytherin. " I nodded and continued reading again.

Before long, we'd reached Hogwarts. I followed the crowd out. Outside, the gamekeeper of Hogwarts was shouting for first years to go his way. I ignored him and followed the other students to the self-moving carriages. I climbed onto the same one as Susan and once the carriage was full, it started moving. I decided to put down my book for a while and chat with her. She told me about my family and I told mine. We walked into Hogwarts together. However, we had to split up when we reached the Great Hall.

After a while, the deputy Headmaster led the first-years into the hall. Then, he called out their names. Some hesitantly, others excited and quick, the first years were sorted into their houses.

As I ate, I recalled the last two years here in Hogwarts. It was a great school. Its history has toughened it, making it more valuable. Hogwarts, my second home, was the best school I'd ever known. And the first day back here had been great.