Chapter Three

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 Lucinda walked to the Gryffindor table with applause and sat beside Teresa, but most of the students had confused looks on their faces. Of course, a Gryffindor Malfoy was rare. No, Lucinda may be the first. Yes, she must have been the first.

 The rest of the sorting ceremony was a blur. Lucinda could sense that seats were being filled up (the other Gryffindors were Thomas, Newt, Harry Potter, and some others), but she was worried. Also excited. She was worried about her parents' response since they will talk about 'reputation' and stuff. She was also excited that this would be an opportunity for a fresh start.

 Professor Dumbledore said a few words, then dinner arrived. It just magically appeared on the table, and all seemed delicious. That brought Lucinda back to reality. Lots of chicken, beef, pork, pies... A meal that everyone would want. At that moment, she realized that she was famished.

 The meal was fantastic. The dessert did not disappoint, either. At last, the food all disappeared, and Professor Dumbledore started giving notices.

 "Ahem- just a few more words now we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.

 "First years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well.

 "I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors.

 "Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch.

 "And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

 'Huh, something's wrong,' Lucinda thought. Her thoughts fleeted to an old memory of when she was five, but she shook it off. It had no reason to be related to a small ban.

 "And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" Professor Dumbledore said.


 After the school song, the Gryffindor first-years followed Percy (the Prefect) through the crowds, out of the Great Hall, and up the marble staircase. Hogwarts was complex, like a magical maze. Percy led them through hidden doorways behind sliding panels and hanging tapestries.

 What was more novel was that the Gryffindor common room was hidden behind a portrait of a fat woman. The Gryffindor common room was a cozy and round room full of soft armchairs. Percy directed the first years to their dormitory (in the towers). After a flight of a spiral staircase, the girls found four-powters hung with deep-red velvet curtains. The trunks were already there.

 Drowsy of sleep, Lucinda slipped her pajamas on and immediately went to sleep. The concerns could wait until the next day or the following week.

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