The Tribrid and Her Prison {COMPLETE}

September 1st

The excitement seemed to shimmer as the staff bustled about, preparing for students to arrive by the Hogwarts Express very soon. Hope helped Newt where he needed, but she hadn't seen Albus nearly all day. Only once at breakfast, he'd asked how she was feeling, and she said, 'fine.'

Like always.

The truth was, while her physical body had healed over the past few days. Her mental and emotional structure was severely damaged. She often had nightmares now; sometimes, even Newt couldn't prevent them. She'd been spending her nights in his room, in his bed. Holding him and relishing in him holding her.

Madam Florence created a sleeping draught for her that helped with some of the nightmares. Allowing her to sleep just a little longer, but she was still exhausted. All she could picture when she closed her eyes at night was that blood soaked-skinned face flicking its dripping tongue at her. Ready to claw her soul from her chest.

As dusk drew near, the Great Hall looked wonderfully magical, and the teachers sat on the platform at the end of the hall. It was where Hope sat as well, next to Newt while he explained what usually happened during the first night at Hogwarts. She had to admit, she was excited to see this sorting hat in action.

"What house were you in?" she asked after he explained the four houses- Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. "Oh, wait, let me guess..." she smiled at him. "Hufflepuff?"

Newt laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. "That obvious?"

Hope nodded with a grin. "All for the best reasons," she leaned in and kissed his lips softly. She pulled away when she heard someone clear their throat.

Glancing over, she saw Minerva giving them a warning look, causing Newt to blush furiously. She supposed it was worse for him. These were all his teachers not too long ago.

"Sir, I must ask you to keep your hands to yourself," Hope said, putting her hands up in feigned defense.

Newt leaned close to her ear and grinned as he whispered. "Troublemaker."

Hope snorted a laugh.

"Have I missed a joke?" Albus asked with a touch of a smile, though it seemed tighter than usual as he took his seat in the center of the tables. "They've arrived, Minerva."

With her usual severe manner, McGonagall stood abruptly and walked out of the Great Hall to retrieve the first years. The others were already filing in and filling seats, all wearing color-coordinated robes depending on the house they were in. All the Houses sat in the same section of glossy tables.

Seemed strange to her, but she supposed the colors helped to know where everyone belonged. Especially the first years.

Hope smiled over at Albus as she was sitting directly next to him. Newt on her other side. "I actually do have a joke. I remember some of those. What do you call a boomerang that won't come back?

Grinning, he shook his head, clearly not even thinking what it might be so she could deliver the punchline. "I don't know. What?"

"A stick."

Albus laughed while Newt snorted into his tea.

"That was a lovely one." Newt chuckled, shaking his head, and grinned as everyone was settled, and then the first years began entering with Minerva as their lead.

The looks on their face at the sight of the Great Hall must have been what she'd looked like. She understood the feeling of awe.

The sorting ceremony began, and Hope watched Minerva set the hat on top of each child's head, they all seemed so small. She couldn't help but smile and clap when they'd walk away with a grin, most happy to be placed where they'd gone.