Lions, Magic, and Snakes

Chapter 1:

I hate that we had to move from America, overseas. "Everyone is going to make fun of my accent, and they have weird food!" I mumbled angrily to myself causing my mother to sigh heavily.

"I told you they will get used to it, some people even love American accents. You'll make friends fast I promise." My Dad says trying his best to cheer me up as he puts his wand away everything flying out of boxes and placing themselves into cabinets.

"But it's already two months into school! You don't know how hard it's going to be trying to fit in now, and I'm going to be in my fifth year! What house are they even going to put me in?!" I dropped the fake whispering and adopted a loud sad tone. "Why did we have to move here again?"

"I'm done hearing you whine Kaitlyn! This is ridiculous, we know you're upset, but we didn't have a choice. They need your father and I at the ministry here and that's final. You better go pack your trunk you're heading out to Hogwarts in the morning." My Mother says losing her temper.

I glare at her my lower lip trembling as my mix of emotions fight to get out at once. Without saying a word and before she can see a single tear can escape my chestnut brown eyes. I head upstairs and loudly throw my stuff into my trunk leaving wet spots on everything.

The next day my parents call me down from my new room. Dad smiles softly, "We're going to take a portkey to a town outside of Hogwarts, apparently they have trips there every so often." I nod wordlessly my anxiety slowly rising. "Come on we don't want to be late." He ushers me forward and points at a bent spoon on the table. I take a shaky breath as he counts down and the three of us touch it. I feel sick as we spin out of control, and I squeeze my eyes shut tight.

A few seconds later the three of us land and I only stumble a little, "Ugh I hate portkeys." I shudder and swallow back my nausea.

"You must be the Moons." A strict sounding female voice calls out from behind us. The three of us turn to look curiously and see a tall stern lady hurrying towards us. "Right on time it seems. It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Moon." My parents smile and carry on a short conversation which I barely listen to as I look around at the town curiously. I can see a few shops from here that I'd love to go in.

"Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn, are you listening?" My mother asks exasperated.

"Huh? Oh yes, sorry Mom. I'll be sure to write you both I hope your new jobs are nice." I say trying my best not to be snarky. 'Or as they would say here cheeky.' I think quietly to myself while I hug both of my parents. "Make sure you behave and try not to glare at everyone." I roll my eyes but smile anyway.

"I'll try my best Mom. I love you both. I'll write you when I find out what house I'll be in." I give them small smiles and they both smile back looking slightly sad before they both apparate. I sigh softly before turning to Professor McGonagall. I give her a nervous smile and she looks me over before giving me a surprisingly warm smile with a touch of pity in her eyes.

"Well, we have a brisk walk, let's get going, I'll explain everything you need to know along the way." She says matter-of-factly turning away from me. I let my smile fade away as I follow in her wake. She tells me the rules and what is to be expected of me while at school. I nod and ask appropriate questions earning impressed looks and nods of approval. "Our headmaster, Dumbledor, is away on business right now so you will be placed in my house until he returns. I am head of Gryffindor, and we will be happy to have you." I can tell that she really means that, and I smile warmly up at her. "Ah and here we are, breakfast will just be starting. I have a girl I would like you to meet. She's one of the brightest witches in your year and I'm sure she will be very helpful." That makes my heart leap with anxiety again.