The life of Serenity

Chapter 4

It had only been a few short minutes, as Ron explained the different types of candies. The ones that interested me the most were the chocolate frogs. After a few good jumps, I ended up just biting into it. Something in the back of my head thought it was cruel, but I couldn't complain when the chocolate melted in my mouth and gave me that happy feeling every time I ate it. Not long after that a girl with bushy hair, much like my own, walked in and showed off some magic. A know-it-all in their true form.

By the time we got to Hogwarts, Harry and Ron had already formed a friendship. I mostly stayed behind them with Salem in his carryon. I was always the one walking behind others, no matter how desperately I wanted to walk beside them. I always fell behind, moved away to let the others talk about anything their hearts desire, while I stayed silent and in the background. Salem meowed to be released, but I ignored him, and focused on the half-giant in front of me. He had a big, bushy beard, and was particularly large all around; but I knew he was a kind man, as he guided us towards the boats. He called for all the other first years.

The ride was a little unnerving, the boat jostled against the small wakes, as we sailed across the lake. As we got closer, I felt something spark inside me. It felt like electricity running through my veins, causing me to jump slightly and get looks from the other kids in the boat. I'm just nervous. I told myself. Calm down.

A woman in green and black robes stood at the top of a staircase inside the castle. She was an older woman, but under the stern mask I knew she was a kind.
"Good evening and welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Professor McGonagall. Through these doors you will be sorted into your house. Your house will be like your family. There are four houses, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. You will follow me inside and wait for me to call your name. When you are sorted, please move to your house table."

Just like that, we walked through these huge oak double doors. The hall was filled with floating candles. People were talking loudly, laughing with each other, and catching up. I was envious of that kind of relationship. As I walked down the aisle, I noticed the twin red headed boys from the train. They smiled and waved at me, but I looked away. They weren't waving at me. I reminded myself. They don't know who you are, and probably never will.

When we reached the end, Professor McGonagall unrolled a sheet of...parchment?... and started to call out names.
"Susan Bonns."

The old ratty hat was sat on the girls head once she sat down. I could hear some mumbling before the hat raised his voice and shouted "HUFFLPUFF!"

"Hermione Granger."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Draco Malfoy."

"SLYTHERIN!" The hat barely touched his head.

"Harry Potter!"

Silence fell on the crowd, teachers and students alike. Harry slowly moved away from Ron and walked up the the stool, sitting on it clumsily as the hat was placed on his head. It took ten minutes before the hat shouted its decision.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry smiled and joined the Gryffindor table with a grin. The red headed twins standing up and shouting at the top of their lungs "We got Potter! We got Potter!"

"Serenity Shappen."

I froze, the nervous feeling returning in an instant. Anxiety prickled through my body, as I forced myself to move up the four stairs to the stool. The second the hat was placed on my head, I heard murmuring in my head before it got louder.

"My, what an interesting mind you have. I have never seen someone so complex in all my years. Your as loyal as Helga Hufflepuff, and cunning as Saltgazar Slytherin, as brave as Godric Gryffindor, and as smart of Rowina Ravenclaw. You're nervous. Don't be nervous, all that matters is where to put you. You can do great things in any house. You could rule the world if only you dreamed to."

My right hand rested over my left, as I dug my nail into my finger.

"Can you feel it, dear girl? The call to magic that has flooded your body since you arrived at Hogwarts? I can. I feel as if we've already met before believe it or not. Your magic is similar to those of our founders. But for now, I'll place you in....GRYFFINDOR!"

As McGonagall took the hat off my head, there was dead silence in the hall. No one cheered or smiled, just stared and stared and stared. I shifted on my feet, stumbling off of the stool, and wanting nothing more than to disappear. I heard slow clapping from behind me, and spotted Professor Snape giving me an encouraging nod towards the table. I smiled gratefully, as the hall exploded with cheers. Almost like the clapping had broken whatever spell they were under.

Moving towards the table, I sat next to Hermione. We instantly started talking about different spells we looked forward to learning, and which books we favored. Ron was eventually sorted into Gryffindor as well. I sighed in relief once the feast began. I could stuff my face and avoid talking to everyone, and ignore the looks that were being thrown my way.

"Serenity, these are my twin brothers Fred and George." Ron introduced. I tried not to look so surprised that someone had remembered my name and was introducing me to other people.

"We've met already, actually." George jumped in, a grin on his face.

"Yeah, you never told us what Nasscar was." Fred joined, a grin matching his twins.

I rolled my eyes. "It's a race Muggles do in America. It's more popular in the southern states, but is beloved by those across the country."

"So your from America?" Hermione asked, perking up. "I've never met anyone from across the pond."

"I've lived in England the last few years. My dads stationed there."

That got a knowing nod from Hermione and confused looks from the boys. As time went on, they eventually followed Percy (the Gryffindor Prefect and Ron's brother) upstairs to the common room.

That was how it all started. After the...Toll incident...Hermione, Harry, Ron, and I became close. Years later we would still be close, with the occasional set backs of jealousy, anger, and fear getting the best of us all.
It wasn't until our fifth year did things really take a turn that caused us to rely on each other more than ever.