Reality Bites Harry Potter

That's enough Excitement for one Day

After speaking to Newt, I headed back to my compartment where the others were probably waiting with anticipation. The moment I opened the door, Pansy was dragging me in and Blaise was shutting the door behind me. "Wow, excited much?" I asked, amused.

"Just tell us what that was all about," Pansy said scowling at me.

"Shay and I just finished speaking with THE Newt Scamander." I said, eliciting shocked expressions from my fellow Slytherins.

"Hold on, you mean the guy who wrote, "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them" Newt Scamander?" Blaise asked wide-eyed.

"That's the one." I said shrugging. "Apparently, he was using a Time Turner to go back to save an endangered creature. But he messed up somehow and ended up here on on the train."

"If I didn't hear that noise, I'd probably say you'd gone mad in the short few minutes that you were gone." Pansy said shaking her head.

"Gee, thanks Pansy." I said rolling my eyes.

"My pleasure." She said beaming at me.

"So, what is he doing now?" Theo asked curiously.

"He's talking to the train conductor is what he told us." I said frowning. "He's probably going to talk to Dumbledore about all this."

"They were pretty close, weren't they?" Blaise asked curiously.

"I don't know," I said shrugging. "Anyway, what do you think the 'surprise' is?"

"A school dance?" Pansy suggested.

"Yeah, but that can't be the whole surprise, can it?" Blaise said thoughtfully. "Mum told me that her friend, who works in the Ministry, was going on to her about something."

"It has to be big, if the Ministry is involved." Theo said thoughtfully. It was really hard being one of the only ones who knew what was going on. I suppose I could tell Pansy about it, but that would defeat the purpose. Dumbledore was going to announce to everyone what is going to go on.

"Who knows?" I said shrugging. "For all I know, it could be something terrible if they're involved."

"Come on, Pyper. Don't be so cynical." Pansy said rolling her eyes. "It's Hogwarts, what could go wrong?" Theo, Blaise, and I just stared at her. "What?"

"You just jinxed the whole year." Blaise said shaking his head. "Now it's definitely going to be terrible."

"Whatever," Pansy said rolling her eyes. It was a few hours later before Pansy and I went to a bathroom to change into our school uniform. The train was about to reach the Hogsmeade station and it was a downpour. Luckily, I remembered the incident with Peeves throwing water balloons at everyone. So, I was able to dodge them once we reached the castle entrance. Minnie was there trying to get Peeves under control and I overheard Sir Nicholas telling Harry, Ron, and Hermione about how Peeves wanted to be a part of the Headless Hunt. But the other ghosts of the castle didn't want him in it for obvious reasons. Soon, we were all seated at the Slytherin table and it wasn't long before Minnie was leading the new first years in. I spotted who seemed to be Dennis Creevey; he was covered by Hagrid's moleskin coat. Poor kid must've fallen in the lake. I can't imagine how cold he is, since the rain didn't help any. Despite being drenched in water, he seemed to be very excited to be here and I'm happy for the kid. I wonder if Collin is going to ask Shay to let Dennis join. Probably. I could see Collin animatedly waving at his brother and then turning to talk to Harry, who looked like he really didn't want to talk to Collin right now.

The sorting felt like it was never going to end, but I think it's just because I'm starving. I was looking forward to the French and Bulgarian dishes that were going to be added later on once the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang showed up. I'm not sure how Shay felt about that, but I guess I'll find out eventually. Finally, the sorting ended and Dumbledore stood up, getting everyone's undivided attention. "Welcome back to Hogwarts! And welcome first years!" Dumbledore said beaming at everyone. No one can stay that happy, he's hiding something. "I am sad to say, that this year we will not be holding the annual House Cup." There were several groans from everyone.

"RUBBISH!!!" I could hear Fred and George shouting.

"Instead, I am happy to announce, that this year Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament." Dumbledore said with a chuckle. The students broke out into whispers. Dumbledore went into the specifics of the tournament and talked about the Yule Ball for a bit. He introduced Newt Scamander to the rest of the school and dubbed him as the Care of Magical Creatures professor alongside Hagrid. Hagrid seemed to be overjoyed at the thought of sharing his position with Newt. Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder and the there was a flash of lightning going across the enchanted ceiling. Several students screamed as the doors of the Great Hall flung open and in came Mad Eye Moody. Dumbledore dubbed him as the other DADA teacher. Apparently, for both classes, he's decided to split up the years for each professor. Imposter Moody joined the other teachers at the teacher table and finally, we were free to eat.

"This year is going to be interesting." Blaise said excitedly.

"I'm sure there are a lot of underaged students who are going to try to enter the tournament." Pansy said rolling her eyes.

"I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Fred and George tried." I said shaking my head. "I'm more excited to meet the other school students."

"Yeah, that sounds like fun." Pansy said excitedly. "But I refuse to talk to someone from Beauxbatons."

"Why?" Blaise asked curiously.

"Because Erica and Stephanie go to that school." Pansy said grimacing.

"Ooh, those are the girls who your mom adores, huh?" I said, frowning.

"Yeah, unfortunately." Pansy said sighing.

"You might not run into them," Theo said grimacing.

"I hope you're right." Pansy said frowning. After dinner, we all headed to our dorms, exhausted from the excitement of the day.