The Guests of Honor [First Years- Term 3]

[fauna]

She couldn't have picked a better time to have a sense of fashion. She stood there in deep purple robes, black shoes, and her usual messy bun was covered by a black wizarding hat with a kink in the middle. This was the first time that she was called upon to retrieve the First Years and she wanted to mark this occasion by wearing something nice. If something nice meant something that matched then she would wear something that matched.

The Entrance Hall was empty and dark. Her figure alone cast the one shadow which moved as she moved. The night was calm but gently clouds hovered overhead as if wanting to also catch a glimpse of this years incoming First Years. Oh, she was excited. She was really excited. She had promised herself that she would not travel down memory lane though because she didn't want to be caught off guard when the small sounds of children's footsteps reached her ears. No, she wanted to be ready and waiting when their shining, nervous, and anxious faces appeared before her. This was, of course, before they got sorted and those expressions turned to elation and disappointment.

The short round woman stood there, a smile already on her face as well as the twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. Her deputy badge showed bright and clean in the torch lights. She had managed to find that little relic as it had went missing last year shortly after Raynor had given it to her. Ooops. The good important thing was that she had found it was showing it off for once. Her hands wrestled with themselves as she waited, non too patiently either, for the first years to arrive. They would be there any moment now and the woman was waiting in the quiet of the Entrance Hall for the guests of honor to arrive.

(( First Years may begin posting. The grounds keeper, has collected you from the Hogwarts Express and has brought you across the Great Lake. ))

[Christian Nagle]

Chris wandered in with the rest of his colleagues. The robes he wore weren't new. Jerome had handed them down to him. Because of that, Chris smelled like something uninviting, and he could best describe it in one word: putrid. "His" robes were rank with whatever Jerome had been doing when he last wore them. Chris was excited on the inside, but he didn't show it on the outside because of his unfortunate condition with the robes.

The biggest questions swam through his mind. Angelique had planted the biggest question there, the cause for his mixed anxiety and excitement: What house would he be sorted into? He hoped, as he'd told Angelique, it would be either Slytherin or Gryffindor, though his preference lay with the latter. More good and virtuous wizards had come out of Gryffindor House and gone on to do extraordinary things for the Wizarding world. HIs favourite of these had been Albus Dumbledore, and he regretted not being older and having been able to attend Hogwarts when Dumbledore was Headmaster, but who knew? Maybe someday Chris would be Hogwarts Headmaster? He had lots of time to think about that - seven years to be precise - and it was all beginning now. What opportunities awaited him on the other side of the door?

He looked around at the other students, most of who were shuffling their feet and chattering excitedly. There was an air of importance about them all. Somehow they thought they were beginning the most important seven years of their lives. Chris had thought this too, but his stepbrothers had been insistent upon him not getting too excited. "The first two years are your easiest" they'd said. "After third year, you have to know what you want to do after Hogwarts" they'd chided him. "Once you take your first OWLs... then you're in for it. AND it only gets worse."

Well great. A lot to look forward to! But, Chris thought now, now that I'm here - whatever happens will happen! And with that attitude, he followed his colleagues into the Entrance Hall.

[Isabella Huntington]

Izzy was in awe over the castle that she'd be spending the next nine months in. She had somehow managed to talk her parents out of taking her to the first year orientation, so she had been completely surprised and taken aback after the group of first years had finished the quick walk from Hogsmeade Station to the edge of the lake. It was where the boats had been waiting to take the students across, but it was also where Izzy had gotten her first glimpse of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Just the size of the castle had given her chills and goosebumps that were still with her as the group of first years approached the entrance hall.

When the group had reached its destination, Izzy had almost crashed into the girl in front of her. The castle had held her attention the entire time, so she hadn't been watching where she was going. "Sorry," she said softly to the girl, and then resumed admiring the castle. She hadn't even noticed the older woman standing at the doors, presumably waiting for them.

She continued to stare at the castle as her mind went wild with what could possibly be in there. It was so large... there had to be hundreds of rooms inside, including that one room... what was the name of it? An older girl whom Izzy had met at Platform 9 3/4 had told her about some kind of room that she needed to check out. Unfortunately, the first year couldn't remember the name of it. Room of recreation? No, that wasn't it...

Izzy sighed. While she didn't remember the name of the room, she remembered what floor it was on, so she'd just have to go check out every room up on the seventh floor until she found it.

...Or was it the fifth floor?

[kopo]

Kopo strode into the castle, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She looked up at the high ceilings and staircases and general size of the castle with awe. It had seemed much less impressive when she came here during orientation. Of course it might just seem more impressive now because of the thrill that pulsed through her. Normally she would be at the very back of the group, watching everybody, but tonight she was near the front striding forward in as long as steps as her short legs would take.

She caught sight of the Deputy Headmistress looking very witch like in attire as she waited for them. Kopo was entirely uncomfortable in her robes, having never worn them before tonight and finding them quite different from her normal muggle clothes. But she didn’t even care how much of a fool she was sure she looked like because those around her were dressed the same as she was. Who cared if she felt like she was dressed up for Halloween? Today was the introduction into her life as a witch.

[Clayton Septim]

Second time being in the castle, but at night. The Hogwarts Express was nifty and nice, but this was awesome. His mind right now was what House he was going to be in. He was more hoping he was going to be in Hufflepuff, since loads of his ancestors were in that house. His other thing in mind was Quidditch. His dad told him much about Quidditch Tryouts. Maybe he had time to do it? Heck yeah, Quidditch was his dream! But right as of now, he needed to pay attention to what the professors had to say. It was a new place and this was his new home.

He walked in there with the rest of the first years. They were the lot of them. He just waited patiently.

[fairchild2]

The lake had almost eaten them. Chandra knew that without a doubt, and as the Fairchild twins swayed, walking up to the castle they stayed a bit behind as if not to make themselves an obstacle for too many stares. Their robe was on, but Chandra and Selene both agreed that then was time to take it off. Now Chandra just wished that her eyes could just stay forward and not look at those who gave them looks of horror, astonishment, disgust, and so on. All the expressions were different, but not any different from what Chandra had seen before. The girl on the train was nice, however, for her look was one that usually the twins didn’t get right off the bat. It was of kindness…respect even.

Again, the stairs had to be the hardest part to climb as they entered into the entrance way of Hogwarts. Chandra grabbed onto the railing and her and Selene made their way up as fast as they possibly could. At least they wouldn’t be able to say that they wouldn’t get a work out being at the school. That was for sure. Finally, entering through the large doorway, the twins stopped and stood behind everyone else, slightly panting as they did so.

“I need a drink…and to sit down,” Chandra slightly complained, more to her sister than anyone else. They weren’t used to the walking and the climbing for such a long distance, and though it may have seemed easy to everyone else, no one else was supporting two torsos, four arms, two heads and everything else on only two legs. It wasn’t as easy as Chandra thought it was going to be.

Leaning slightly against the wall for balance and support, the Fairchild twins just watched as the rest gathered and paid attention. “What if they can’t sort us…you…you know?” Chandra asked Selene nervously. “Or worse! We do get sorted…but into two different houses?” her eyes started to well up with tears. What if everything went wrong?!

[fairchild1]

Holy knuts and sickles! If them almost falling into the lake after Chandra didn’t swing her leg high enough over the boat’s edge wasn’t enough to kill them, then the walk up to the castle and through everything was going to be. Selene knew that the two needed some exorcise or something, but this was ridiculous! She panted slightly along with her sister and leaned against the wall when they finally entered into the entrance way. What a fricken exhortation. “Remind me….” Selene said trying to breath. “…if we make it through this year…” she paused again, taking a swallow of forming saliva in her mouth. “…I kick your butt for wanting us to come here so bad.” Selene laughed, only joking around with her sister.

I need a drink…and to sit down, Chandra commented and Selene nodded. Yup, she too needed some nourishment, especially since they really hadn’t even eaten on the train. “I can’t see this all taking too long. Doesn’t seem to be really many people here,” Selene said taking a look around at her classmates. So, these would be the people she’d be in classes and such with? Peachy. They all looked dweebish and easily swayed…perfect.

It was in the middle of her thoughts that Chandra started to freak out. What if they can’t sort us…you…you know? Or worse! We do get sorted…but into two different houses? Selene slapped her hand over her sisters mouth and glared at her. “I think Pop would have a cow for sure. That’s what I think’ll happen. Just shut up for a bit…won’t you?” Selene didn’t like it when her sister thought, for half the time, she was thinking or freaking out about the same thing. What if they were sorted wrong? Or not….at all…

[Christian Nagle]

Chris saw a smaller boy (CLAYTON) standing by himself in the throng of excited soon-to-be first years. Deciding to be friendly, as well as to get the energy he had built up within ventilated, Chris made his way over to the boy. He looked around him as he promenaded. He knew the general source of excitement was the approaching ceremony, but he had so many questions he wanted to ask his colleagues. They were questions like What do you know about the Houses?, Which House do you want to be in?, Why that House rather than another?, What's your name?, Where are you from?, Who's your favourite Quidditch Club? Player? and such as that. Chris knew this barrage of inquisition would do better to deflect friends from him than attract them, so he measured, with precision, and formulated his questions when he did introduce himself to this boy.

For the most part, Chris had a vague idea of what went on around Hogwarts. Liam, Eston, Jerome and Caleb had all graduated from the school, the former three taking their Slytherin Pride with them, the latter slinking out of Hufflepuff. Liam rarely talked about Hogwarts, save for the "dark deeds" he got away with in the "dark corners" of the Slytherin dungeon. There was a family rumour circulating that foresaw Liam's recent engagement to a Welsh witch as originating after a particular Potions class in the Spring of 1997. Mostly Liam discussed the "fine examples of the feminine species" represented at Hogwarts. Eston had darker deeds that everyone knew of but had no specific details about - and Eston never spoke of those things. Chris' mind had wandered, many a time, in search of some terrific thing his wicked stepbrother could have done. It was always worse, what he came up with, than what could have possibly happened, but Chris blames everything on the wretchedness of Eston Couley. Jerome had wonderful memories of a less sinister Slytherin House - one for which he had played Quidditch five of seven years there. Caleb never talked about Hogwarts. His sub-par academic performance had been difficult, given the "clout" HUfflepuff prided itself in. So with multiple perspectives at hand, Chris approached the boy looking to gain yet another perspective; one that was fresh, uninhibited.

"Hallo mate," He began. "Excited for the feast, eh?"

[Carys Abendroth]

Sydney couldn't help the nervous sensation in the pit of her stomach. The whole time she'd been traveling on the Hogwarts Express, she'd managed to hide her nerves. She'd barely even talked to anyone, and she hadn't even so much as tried to look at the other first years around her. She didn't want them to see how vulnerable she was. Sydney hated being so weak, not being able to steady the shake of her hands. The syncopation of her pulse and breath pounded in her head. Did the others hear her? When they had been ushered to follow the grounds keeper, Sydney had walked with her head down.

As they'd been taken across the lake, she'd remained quiet. The hollowness of her eyes failed to take in the nocturnal beauty Hogwarts offered. Sydney didn't know what had overcome her. She was always sure and calm in new surroundings. So why now? Why was this the exception? Her eyes closed, her long lashes fluttered as she tried to calm herself. Sydney had tied back her mass of unruly brown hair in a simple queue, and her robes were stiff with newness. One...two...three... She counted and as each number was thought, she could sense herself beginning to relax.

Her large brown eyes opened, and she exhaled. What was the big deal anyway? she thought. It was common knowledge that every incoming first year went through a sorting. Sydney wondered which house she'd be sorted into. Her parents had come from two different houses, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, respectively. While Sydney was pretty likely more Claw than Puff, she had a vague feeling it was Slytherin she was truly suited for. But would the sorting be able to pick that out? What if she was too many of anything and un-sortable. Had anyone ever been not sorted? Syd began to bite her lip as she imagined herself being called by the stout woman standing in front of them. She imagined being told to do a series of ridiculous tasks, and asked to answer several unanswerable questions, in which Syd could only stand muted as the woman smirked. In her mind, Syd wondered if at this moment the woman wasn't sizing her up, finding her unfit for any house at Hogwarts. STOP IT! Sydney Margaret James, get a grip on yourself! she scolded, silently. Sydney shook her head slightly, as if to throw out anymore of her disturbing daydreams and worst case scenarios.

[Clayton Septim]

"Hallo mate," a young male voice said. "Excited for the feast, eh?"

He looked over and saw him from his orientation. He cleared his thoart. "Oh, heh, yeah. Really excited. This castle is the best so far. I just can't wait for my house to be sorted in and Quidditch. I'm looking to be in Hufflepuff. Loads of me family have been in it. My names is Clayton Septim," he said smiling introducing himself. He may of found him his first friend at Hogwarts. He seemed like a cool person by looking at him. He saw the other first years and saw they looked cool too. But maybe this one was cooler? Who knows.

[Christian Nagle]

"Oh, heh, yeah. Really excited. This castle is the best so far. I just can't wait for my house to be sorted in and Quidditch." Chris had, for whatever reason, completely forgotten about the Quidditch House Cup! An invigorated rush of excitement overtook him and he smiled very warmly. Quidditch was certainly the best game ever invented! He was about to respond when the boy continued, sounding a little anxious.

"I'm looking to be in Hufflepuff. Loads of me family have been in it. My name is Clayton Septim." The boy, named Clayton, smiled. Clayton Septim - not a common sounding name, but a name. Chris stuck out his hand, his smile still spread across his face. "Nice to meet you, Clayton Septim. I'm Christian Nagle - but you can call me Chris. So, mate, your interested in 'ufflepuff, eh? M'stepbrother was in 'ufflepuff 'imself. Graduated 'bout two years ago." Caleb the senseless - was that an indication of the House or the person? "Me? I'd like to be in Slytherin or Gryffindor if I can 'elp it. There's something about the clout of those 'ouses that encourages me. But I must agree with yeh - Quidditch is one of the most exciting things about this term, I think." He smiled again, hoping that their acquaintence would extend beyond this singular moment in the Entrance Hall.

[jacquelynchaput]

Jax looked around the corner of the doorway seeing the first years all gathered and the Deputy Headmistress up in the front. It seemed as if she was staring out over all the first years, and unfortunately right in the path that her and Snake would have to pass in order to get back to the Great Hall without being seen. Of course, being soaking wet, the two girls really had no chance of not being seen. It made Jax giggle as she looked around trying to get by the crowd.

So, what happened:

Jax and Snake left the Entrance Way of the ground floor back to the grounds. They had gotten in the water to do some stuff, but by the time everything was said and done, the boats had begun to dock and what Jax and Snake were planning…they couldn’t hardly do without really being seen. Not to mention, how do you have a mini title wave come up to scare everyone if the boats were already on the land. Jax had sighed and told Snake that it was something they should plan better for next term.

However, now, they had to get back inside. Jax turned back around to Snake and shrugged. “Any ideas?” she asked of her girlfriend smirking. “Unless you have an idea of scaring them in there…but I’m not sure a title wave of sorts would work.” Jax laughed again softly and snorted. Maybe they could still save what they were thinking of doing, they just had to figure something out, and quick.

[fauna]

The first years started to trickle one by one into the Entrance Hall and Fauna smiled on them, or at them, with special observance. This was the first class that she was to get to know from the very start of course. She was excited about it. she cleared her throat. Then cleared it again. Finally as a precaution she decided that the third time was the charm.

"Well hello there dearies," her eyes roamed the group of first years passing over everyone, even the conjoined twins, before continuing on. "Welcome to Hog--” Tack was something that the older woman usually tried to have. When it was convenient at least. However this time Fauna could not help but do a double take. Yes, she had been informed of such but she had a habit of reading over such notices. She cleared her throat again. Four times. Four times should do it.

“Welcome to Hogwarts,” she continued again. “I am Professor Hectis and your Deputy Headmistress. The banquet will commence in a little while. When you enter the Great Hall you will be sorted into either houses Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin.” She smiled again going over the group.

“Each house is unique to itself and the nobility of prestige of each has lived in great witches and wizards. A house is like your family and you will eat, sleep, and breathe,” she breathed in deep making an exaggerated gesture that could be quite comical. “And attend classes with those you are surrounded by now.” She let out the deep breathe she took.

“Success will be awarded with house points while failures and poor conduct --I’m supposed to tell you this-- will be met with punishment. Including the loss of said house points. At the end of the year a House Cup is given to the house with the most points.” She thought it over for a bit, trying to think if there was anything that she had left out. Nope couldn’t think of anything.

She addressed the antsy group of first years again. “The Sorting Ceremony is soon to begin. I must disappear for a while but upon return I hope to find you all in one piece,” Oops. She wasn’t supposed to say that out loud. “In the meantime enjoy yourselves." Fauan walked off towards the feast leavin the first years all to themselves.

["Snake" Lilly Kirve]

Snake shivered, the lake had been a little colder than she had thought it would have been. So 'to keep warm' she wrapped her arms around Jax's waist (Snake is directly behind her) and rested her head on Jax's shoulder. "Hmmm..." She murmured as she thought over the situation for a moment before. Then reluctant but grinning she withdrew a portable swamp from her pocket. "I never go anywhere in the magical world without one of these. Might not scare 'em but it would give them something memorable...And a bunch of swamped up first years might draw the attention away from us." She had found out that they were very useful diversions or at least good at slowing down people chasing her during her adventures over the summer. Since then she always had one with her. She shook the box, "What do ya say?" They had missed their chance to scare them so in her mind the only thing to do was take their chance to freak them out - well this might scare some of them a little."

[jacquelynchaput]

Jax felt Snake’s arms wrap around her waist and instinctively her arms went over the Gryffindor’s and she turned her face slightly to look at Snake’s. It felt awkward at first to have the girl so close, but in one of the best ways possible. Jax smiled, her face blushing and she could hardly concentrate on the plan itself. The two girls were wet, cold, and trying to get into a feast just that way without being noticed.

“I say we do it,” Jax said, giggling softly. “I mean, what other options are there?” Jax had to admit that her girlfriend was one of the brightest crayons in any box. She always had something up her sleeve or was creating something. It amazed Jax and she hugged Snake’s arms and twisted slightly. Her face towards Snake’s, Jax leaned hers up against Snakes and sighed contently. If there wasn’t a mission, Jax would have never left that position (until they both froze that was), but unfortunately there were things to get done.

“So, how does it work?” she asked.