Ophelia stood up the front with Hagrid as he directed them away from the platform. Hagrid was extremely friendly, loud and energetic. He didn't appear as someone who could harm anybody, but Ophelia often found herself flinching at his sudden movements. Deep down she knew her fears were irrational and it was because he was an older man; the chances that he would harm her were extremely thin because not every man was like Mr Montgomery. Plus she knew Minnie wouldn't put her in harms way on purpose. Hagrid was talking out loud about how the place was filled with magical creatures and how one of his jobs as the ground keeper was to ensure they were well cared for. His face was beaming with pride as he discussed this to everybody who was listening, which Ophelia soon realised was only her as the first years were all talking amongst themselves. Hagrid had just begun on the topic of how misunderstood spiders were when they had reached a decking that looked over a large black lake.

"I'm sure that walk gets quicker each year yer know. Well kids, welcome to the black lake. Pick a boat, only four in each. Keep yer arms in n don't fall out otherwise you'll meet the giant squid."

Ophelia heard a few of the first years squeal, some start muttering and others boast about how it can't be that scary.

"Ophelia, you'll share a boat with me. Professor McGonagall wanted yer to experience this like yer would have in first year. It's a special memory ye see." He guided her to a large boat where a dog was sat waiting for them.

"Meet meh dog, Fang."

"Hey buddy!" Fang took this as a massive welcoming so jumped up and licked Ophelia's face all over.

"He likes yeh!"

Ophelia wiped the slobber from her face and smiled. "I like him too. He's gorgeous." She ruffled his head and he took to curling up on her lap, or at least attempting too due to his large size.

"EVERYONE SETTLED. YEH. GOOD. RIGHT THEN FORWARD". Hagrid yelled from beside Ophelia.

Ophelia felt the boats begin to move at a rather fast pace. At first she felt a bit sick, but Fang gave her hands a nudge with his nose, relaxing her quickly. This gave her some confidence so she looked up and was greeted with the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. In front of them was a large castle sat upon rocks. Ophelia wasn't the only one amazed, she could hear the 'wow' and 'cool' being muttered around her from the first years.

Hagrid leant down to her ear and said in what she thinks he though was a whisper "It's beautiful ain't it. Never fails to make me smile."

"Yes it's amazing."

"KIDS MIND YER HEADS".

Ophelia only just let this sink in before she had felt thick ivy go over her head and when she opened her eyes once more it was clear she was now on the grounds of the school. Ophelia presumed she must have gone beneath the rocks as some sort of passageway and was now almost at the castle. This was it. She was officially going to Hogwarts. 4 months ago she didn't know she was witch, yet here she is about to attend a school for witches and wizards.

The boats clunked to a stop and Hagrid stepped out first before grabbing Ophelia's arm and pulling her out.

"Uh thanks Hagrid."

"No problem kiddo. RIGHT KIDS ARE WE ALL OUT AND DRY. YEH? OK LETS GET YOU TO THE SORTING CEREMONY."

They followed Hagrid until he reached a large set of wooden doors. With three loud knocks from Hagrid the doors opened and there stood a familiar face in emerald robes.

Minnie. Ophelia felt all her worries disappear once she saw the lady.

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"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall."

Ophelia smiled at the stern face that was resting on Minnie's face. Minnie spotted this smile and gave her a quick nod of her head and an even move covert wink.

"Now in a few moments you will pass through these doors and begin your first year at Hogwarts with a feast. But before that you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up before you enter."

Almost all the kids began to shuffle with their clothing and Minnie took a step over to Ophelia.

"How was your journey dear?"

"It went really well actually, met some lovely girls from Gryffindor."

"Best house so best people." Minerva said but then noticed Ophelia's gaze turn to her feet. "Are you nervous? That's perfectly normal."

"I am. But I'm more nervous I won't be in your house and that will be embarrassing for you."

"Ophelia, I have told you once before and I will tell you again your house doesn't define you or your relationships. I can't lie and say I wouldn't love for you to be in my house, in fact I think you will be. You show all the traits of the Gryffindor."

"You really think so?"

"I do. Now straighten your cloak, let's get you sorted." Minerva took a step up again before facing the rest of the new students. "Students please form an orderly line, Miss McGonagall you at the front." Ophelia felt some of the eyes turn to her, clearly some people had pieced the surnames together. She slowly moved herself to the front just as the doors in front flew open.

Remember 'look bomb as fuck' on this catwalk. Ophelia reminded herself of Marlene's words. So summoning every piece of confidence, or at least false confidence, and the experience she had from countless red carpets Ophelia held her head high and followed Minnie in.

Keeping her head forward she took note of the long table in front filled with older men and women who she presumed were the Professors. Above her were floating candles, thousands of them that lit the room in a spellbinding way.

Either side of Ophelia were two sets of long tables filled with students, Ophelia quickly turned her head away from them trying not to look at people's faces and judgements. That was going well until she heard a wolf whistle; spinning her head round she spotted Lily pulling down Marlene from a bench before mouthing a 'sorry'. This just made Ophelia chuckle and before she knew it that 'catwalk' was over and she was at the front of the hall looking at an old worn hat. Then the hat twitched, Ophelia squinted her eyes, did it actually move? But she didn't need to squint much more as a mouth appeared from one of the rips in the hat and it began to sing.

When the song had finished Minnie stood beside it and spoke.

"Now when I call your name please step forward to be sorted. We do have a new student joining Year 4 this year so I feel it is best they go first. Miss McGonagall?"

The hall filled with whispers as Ophelia stepped forward. This was like no stage Ophelia had ever performed on, the nerves were eating away at her and she couldn't stop herself from freezing to the spot.

"Miss McGonagall?" Minnie repeated but this time in a softer tone that bought Ophelia back to her senses. Ophelia stepped up onto the steps and sat down on the stool, overly aware of the heads that were watching her from all around the hall. Then she felt the hat be placed on top of her head.

"Well well well,"

A voice began but it sounded as if it was inside her head.

"Ophelia McGonagall, the mystery missing witch. It's good to finally meet you. Now let's get you sorted. You are very intelligent and hardworking, top qualities of a Ravenclaw. But you don't follow their curiosity no no. You are an ambitious girl, determined too. But you aren't hungry to lead. You are no Slytherin.

Indeed your kindness is one of your best qualities, a heart filled with love. You would suit Hufflepuff very well. But you lack patience in yourself, you don't treat yourself with that same kindness. So that removes Hufflepuff.

Now what is your biggest trait is your courage, a real fighter you are even if you don't believe that. Your kindness also leads to chivalry. Well I guess there's only one place for you then..."

"GRYFFINDOR"

Ophelia noticed how the last word wasn't in her head but was in fact yelled out to the hall. The hall erupted into applause, most of the noise coming from the table that now Ophelia presumed was Gryffindor. Minnie lifted the hat from her head.

"Take a seat dear, I'll see you after. I think you have some people wanting to see you."

Ophelia followed her eyeline and soon saw what Minnie was referring too. Stood on top of the table was Marlene who was screaming, Dorcas was stood on top of the bench doing some sort of silly celebration dance. Alice was laughing at Dorcas' dancing and then there was Lily with her head in her hands acting mortified by the situation but there was a smile evident on her face. Ophelia practically jogged over to the girls who greeted her with a hug.

Taking a seat between Marlene and Lily, Ophelia watched the rest of the first years being sorted. It was an amazing atmosphere and Ophelia couldn't stop smiling. This place was so magical, both literal and metaphorical.

The last student was sorted into Hufflepuff and Ophelia watched as Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet.

"Welcome all to a new year at Hogwarts. Now I won't bore you yet with my words. For now, let's feast." He clapped his hands together.

A slight pop made Ophelia jump in her seat until she realised where the sound came from. The plates in front of her were now filled with food that quite simply looked delicious.

Marlene nudged Ophelia's side,
"Welcome to Gryffindor sexy. PS. You slayed that walk."

"Honestly Marls where do you learn all these words."

Ophelia didn't listen to the rest of their conversation, she sat staring at her food feeling the best she had in a while. Everything was looking brighter for her.

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The food on the table looked and smelt incredible. Every possible meat had with a roast was spread out and was cooked to perfection. There was cooked vegetables, mashed potato, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and that was only naming a few. Everyone around Ophelia began piling up their plates and Ophelia felt herself stifling a retch; she hadn't really eaten all day and that mixed with nerves had given her a bit of an icky stomach. So rather than fill her plate up Ophelia piled some mashed potato onto her plate knowing it would be the softest thing on her stomach and she was even happier to realise it tasted amazing. Pudding was served soon after and Ophelia couldn't contain her excitement when she saw the apple crumble, her go to comfort food. She shovelled some onto the plate and did manage to eat that with no concerns.

Not many people were talking during the feast at first, they were all engrossed in their food. The only real chatter was the booming laughter coming from a bit further down the table - The Marauders.

"They always have to make their presence known." Marlene sighed from beside Ophelia.

"Don't act like you don't love them Marls," Dorcas replied before whispering the last part "especially a certain someone."

"Oh! Are you dating one of them?" Ophelia asked.

Marlene shuffled in her seat, "Not dating no."

Alice joined in the conversation now, "They have a kinda physical relationship really."

"Oh, I get it. Like friends with benefits?"

"Friends with what?" Marlene looked at Ophelia with utter confusion.

"It's a saying, basically means you have a platonic relationship but use each other for physical needs."

"Lily, I'm gonna need you to translate that. Ophelia spoke in posh language."

"You sleep together but don't have feelings for each other." Lily replied, Ophelia laughed loudly at how this conversation was turning out.

"Oh, ok yeh I guess that's it. It's not regular though, plus he has a whole line of other girls." Marlene replied.

"Well they sound charming, which one is it? It can't be Potter as he's obsessed with Lils."

Dorcas pointed down the table to the one sat next to Potter, "Sirius Black."

"I will avoid him like the plague then."

All the girls laughed until Dorcas and Alice fell awfully quiet and looked up above Ophelia's shoulder.

"I'm glad you're settling in dear."

Ophelia knew that voice and spun round on the bench.

"Minnie!" She stood but then faltered, wary that the lady may not want a hug in front of all her students. But it didn't last long because the Professor had wrapped wrapped her arms around the girl and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"I am so proud of you, and delighted you're in my house."

"Thank you, so am I."

"Now for your dorm, if you'd like to stay with these four there is room for another bed."

"Oh yes! That would be amazing! As long as you girls don't mind."

"Fuck off 'would we mind' my arse, I need someone with good fashion sense with me."

"Miss McKinnon," Minnie stood a little straighter and pursed her lips, causing Marlene to gulp, "please refrain from using such vulgar words. You have been here less than two hours I do not want to find myself removing points from my own house already."

"Sorry Professor." Marlene muttered and then turned back to the table, greeted with giggles from Dorcas and Alice.

"Ophelia," Minnie continued in a quieter voice to ensure only Ophelia could truly hear, "the bed I will place will have a silencing charm around it, I know you worry about the night terrors and waking people up. As long as your curtains are pulled too, no one will hear you. But if they return to nightly occurrences please come speak to me, I also have a spare room in my chamber if you need another place to stay at all."

"Thank you for everything Minnie."

Meanwhile, down the table, four boys were watching the loving scene unfold.

"James you idiot." Sirius announced whilst flicking a pea at his friend.

"What the bloody hell am I meant to have done?"

"You were rude and then made us look like fools in front of Professor McGonagall's family."

"It wasn't just me, if I remember correctly she caught you drooling over photos too."

"Shut it James."

Remus looked between his friends and then back down to the girls, but finding himself drawn to Ophelia. She no longer had glasses on and it allowed him to see her bright blue eyes, but he was more enticed by the smile on her face. It was contagious, Remus even found himself smiling as a response.

"Remus?" Peter asked squeakily, "Remus?" Still no response, Sirius spotted this so flung a pea at his face.

"What was that for?"

"Pete was talking to you."

"Sorry Pete, what's the matter?" Remus asked with sincerity, he hated the thought of upsetting someone intentionally.

"Oh, I uh, just wanted you to pass me the chocolate sauce."

"Here." Remus handed it over.

"Sooooooo," Sirius began, Remus knew this meant he was up to something, "what got you so distracted."

"Nothing, just daydreaming."

"Hmm ok then." Sirius looked at James and they both shared a look that somehow each other knew what they meant. Remus had taken a liking to a girl.

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The feast ended with a few departing words from Professor Dumbledore. Then everyone began to file out of the hall.

"Just you wait until you see our common room it's amazing." Alice told Ophelia.

The walk was long, Ophelia knew by tomorrow she would have forgotten the way. She had definitely climbed at least four flights of stairs, turned multiple directions and she was sure she had walked through a wall! After one last flight of stairs they stood face to face with a huge painting that sported a moving portrait of a larger lady.

"That's the fat lady." Lily said from beside Ophelia. "She's like a bodyguard to our common room, we have a new password each week so only Gryffindor's can come in."

"PASSWORD" The lady from the portrait sang in an operatic voice.

"Grata retro." Lily announced.

"Welcome back girls, I see we have a new face?"

The idea of talking to a painting was surreal but Ophelia was not someone to come across rude even if it was to a person trapped inside a photo.

"Hi, I'm Ophelia! You have a lovely mezzo-soprano voice, very melodic."

"Oh I just know I'm going to like you, you pretty little thing."

"Um, can you let us in. This friendship can blossom tomorrow, I have a bed calling me." Marlene groaned from behind.

"Very well. Sleep tight girls."

What surprised Ophelia was that the portrait then flung open revealing what was actually a hidden door. They entered a cushy and homely circular room, a large fire lit the room up to reveal multiple luxurious armchairs and sofas. Bookcases filled the walls alongside some more portraits.

"Welcome to Gryffindor Tower" Marlene bellowed as she jumped on to one of the armchairs. Ophelia loved how energetic Marlene was, she was the comedian of the group.

"Ugh" Lily let out a large yawn. "I'm exhausted, I'm heading to bed. Anyone coming?"

"Yep." "Yes." "Yeh." "Fuck Yeh." The four other girls responding at the same time.

They climbed up a tight spiral staircase and Ophelia followed the girls to their dorm. Inside were five four poster beds that had deep red curtains hung from them. In front of all of them were their cases and Ophelia practically flew onto her bed.

"Oh my god they're so comfy." Ophelia snuggled in more to the bed.

"You can say that again!" Dorcas said.

The girls then got changed before climbing back into their beds. They spoke for a little while before Marlene let out a snore, the rest of the girls giggled.

"Night girls. Thank you for today." Ophelia whispered.

"Goodnight gorgeous." Alice replied.

"You're welcome Ophelia, sleep well." Lily added, before pulling her curtains shut.

"I'm sure Marlene would have something witty to say but she's snoring, so night Ophelia." Dorcas chuckled.

Ophelia closed her curtains before leaning back in her bed. She was no longer tired but wanted to at least try and relax, so she pulled out The Alchemist and read under her covers with a light from her wand.

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

Ophelia closed the book after this quote. She hoped this was true and prayed that life at Hogwarts would change her life for the better.

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Ok I had to sort her into Gryffindor. I'm a Gryffindor myself so I wanted that for my first OC. But also for Ophelia's character I feel she just suited a Gryffindor and fits with the way I plan my story to go ❤️

QOTC - What house are you??
My Answer - I ended up taking the extended version where someone put all the questions that are on Pottermore on one whole quiz because I always got Gryffindor or Hufflepuff when I did the short one on the website. The extended one I was Gryffindor ❤️