The New Student is a Year Four ☆•*: . | Neville Longbottom Fanfiction

Chapter Four - Nargles

I wobble across the Great Hall while the students are clapping and cheering. This feels so awkward. I look down to my feet. Don't fall, don't fall, don't fall.

And when I'm sure that I'm not tripping on my own feet, I look up and catch beautiful brown eyes, then a shy smile. And that's when I fall. Not literally, thank goodness, but I'm falling deeply in that smile. NO! I just met him I can't be thinking like this. You look stupid Asphodel.

I look forward and surprisingly feel less nervous. I notice something moving on a stool. The hat, who is talking in a deep and sure voice, is dark brown, old, and very dirty, its face shaped by the wrinkled parts.

I get to the front and await awkwardly as the first years get sorted into their houses. I think I understand better how the process works and now I'm excited. Weird. And, of course, they decided to save me for last.

Great.

"Evergreen, Asphodel!" Professor McGonagall shouts and I jump at the sudden call of my name.

I wipe my hands on my robes and make my way to the chair. I sit and take a deep breath as the hat is placed on my head. Gryffindor, Gryffindor, please be Gryffindor.

"Ah, Miss Evergreen, descendant of the greatest witches and wizards from Spain, where shall I place you..." the hat mumbles. "Oh yes...interesting. I see that you are wise. Plenty of courage too. You have a lot of potential, oh my, a lot of greatness, yes."

Gryffindor, I think again. Please be Gryffindor.

"Gryffindor? Are you so sure? Yes, you have great courage, but also a greater mind, " I suck in a sharp breath and squeeze my eyes shut. "Let me think...I shall put you in...

RAVENCLAW!"

Oh. I open my eyes. That's not bad.

My mother was a Ravenclaw and my father, who somehow ended up befriending James Potter, was a Slytherin. My mother was all about studies whereas my father was wild and causing trouble. They were complete opposites and somehow ended up falling in love.

At least I won't be alone. Luna is a Ravenclaw and I'm more than happy to be with her. I'm actually pretty enthusiastic about this year.

———

"Now that we are all sorted," Professor Dubledore says, "I'd like to make a special announcement."

Everyone starts whispering within themselves.

"This year, Howgarts will be your home. But it will also be home to some very special guests. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen to..."

The doors burst open and a man comes running to Professor Dubledore in panic. He whispers something in his ear and then runs back out the door.

"Who was that?" I whisper to Luna.

"That was Filch. He normally patrols the hallways and catches students out of bed," Luna says. "No one likes the fellow."

"So..." Professor Dumbledore continues. "Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Triwizard Tournament."

Everyone starts talking loudly amongst each other in excitement.

"For those of you who don't know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. Only one student is selected from each school. Now let me be clear, if you are chosen, you stand alone. These contests are not for the fair-hearted.

"But more of that later. And now, please join me in welcoming, the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic..."

Wait. WHAT? My school was going to be here? Everyone looks at the door in anticipation but I just stare at Dubledore. He winks at me. Did he enroll me into this school because he knew they were going to be here?