Heart-shaped Box

magic

Call it magic

Call it true

Call it magic

When I'm with you

And I just got broken

Broken into two

Still I call it magic

When I'm next to you

And I don't, and I don't, and I don't, and I don't

No, I don't,

It's true

I don't, no, I don't, no, I don't, no, I don't want anybody else but you

I don't, no, I don't, no, I don't, no, I don't

No, I don't,

It's true

I don't, no, I don't, no, I don't, no, I don't want anybody else but you

Magic – Coldplay

When I open my eyes, I'm greeted by applause from every table except for Slytherin's. I can't help but grin, and before I know it, McGonagall has retrieved the Sorting Hat, and I'm on my way to my new House. When I sit down where they've made room for me, I find myself sitting in between two red haired, nearly identical looking boys.

"Hello!"

"Pleasure to meet you!"

"That's Fred-"

"And he's George!"

For a moment, all I can do is stare at the two. Then, I laugh, and they start to laugh along with me.

"Hi, I'm Alistair." I introduce myself with a grin.

"Nice to meet you, Alistair! Well, now that you already know who we are: that's our sister Ginny, our brother Ron is the guy who's staring at you with his mouth hanging open, Hermione over there is a nosy nerd, and that's the one and only Harry Potter!" Fred, I believe, explains, pointing at the four people.

"Harry who?" I ask playfully when I see the awkwardness in the famous green eyes, messy black hair hiding his scar. The boy laughs at it in return, extending his hand towards me.

"Nice to meet you, Alistair. I'm Harry." He says with a smile, making me grin as I move to shake his hand.

"Nice to meet you too. The same counts for the rest of you." The two girls give me a friendly smile, whereas Ron is still staring at me, until Harry elbows him in the ribs. Fred and George are highly amused by that, laughing even harder.

The Sorting Ceremony continues without anything major happening. After that, Dumbledore stands up, turning everyone silent once more, including me.

"Enjoy your meal!"

Happy shouts and chatter fill the room at that, food magically appearing everywhere on the table. I help everyone to get what they want on their plate before filling mine, then start eating. During dinner, I find myself not really paying attention to all the vacation stories, eyes wandering off throughout the room.

"BANG!" A door flies open, a man stalking inside. Everyone turns silent immediately at that, and the man stops, retrieving a flask from his coat, taking a sip before continuing his way to the teachers' table.

"Whoa, alcoholic much?" George mutters in my ear.

"I wouldn't call Alastor Moody a drunk if I were you." I mutter, unable to tear my eyes off of the infamous Auror.

"Wait, how do you know who he is?" Ron asks, his mouth still half filled with food.

"I've been studying abroad, Ron, I haven't been living under a rock. Of course I know who he is." I mutter as I roll my eyes, making Hermione and the twins snicker. I'm not really paying attention to what's being said next, eyes wandering from the one-legged Auror to the other teachers at the table. I recognize Dumbledore, McGonagall and Hagrid, who waves at me, making me wave back with a grin before continuing my observation. My eyes land upon a brooding, dark figure. He has long, greasy black hair that reaches his shoulders, a prominent nose and dark eyes. There's a scowl present on his lips, his attitude giving me the impression that he isn't very pleased to be here. Suddenly, he looks up, as if he's sensing my staring, dark eyes meeting mine.

"BANG!" Screams fill the room when the candles light up, fire literally flaring up about 20 inches into the air.

"Sorry!" I exclaim, flinching in surprise, thunder roaring.

"Why are you saying sorry, Alistair?" Hermione asks, very confused.

"Err... it's nothing, never mind." I mutter, feeling my cheeks turn bright red. I had no idea why, but from the moment I'd stepped foot into this castle, my magic had been on high alert. First, it had reacted to the Sorting Hat so strongly, and now again. I had no idea what was wrong.

"Alistair... Why is Dumbledore staring at you?" Harry asks, giving me a frown. When I turn my head, I find him staring at me indeed, along with McGonagall and the dark-haired Professor from before. I quickly turn my head back towards the table.

"No idea, he must be worried about me being new or something." I mutter, quickly shoving a spoonful of food in my mouth.

Hopefully, I won't have to answer any more questions.