A dance of Dark Arts & poisons

All it started with four words

- Can I help you?

A boy stood at the fireplace reading a book, while a stranger girl wandered around, seemingly amused by the common room's ambience. He closed the book, just to observe her better. Last night at the feast he noticed her late arrival & she quickly got his attention, but he didn't have any chance to talk to her after she was sorted. He's never seen someone looking so... icy & a bit mysterious. In the dim light she still looked so pale, like a ghost.

Their gazes met, then she spoke up.

- Pardon me. I just looked around a bit. Not a bad place, a bit melancholic & gloomy, or maybe I only see this way.
- We're right under the lake after all. - he smiled at her warmly. - I'm Sebastian Sallow. Welcome to Slytherin! And you are...
- Aida Morgenstern. - replied, then extended her hand for a handshake. What she didn't expect, Sebastian took her hand, leaned forward & gave her a hand kiss.
- Not everyone has a Ministry escort to school, Miss Morgenstern! Honestly, it was an impressive move!
- Uhm... he was a friend of Professor Fig, who merely joined us for the ride. - Aida said with a stoic expression. - But after what happened... We didn't see this coming about that dragon out of nowhere.
- Dreadful way to go, poor fellow. At least you and Fig are all right.

Aida thought back of yesterday's moments, when that dragon from nowhere just attacked them. It was so close for her to almost die, if it weren't for the portkey.

- Believe me, it was terrifying! We were lucky to escape right before the disaster.
- Can I ask, how?

She kept her calm demeanor, yet inside she remembered Fig's words before the Sorting Ceremony. She had to keep it secret. This matter was something which others better not know.

- Uhm, I don't really feel well to tell... I'm sorry. I still feel shocked.
- No, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to press. We can talk more later, if you want to. Can I ask a pretty odd question? Did you have a feeling that you could be sorted into our house?
- Well... I have a feeling why, quite an unusual story. I'm not sure if you want to know. Maybe another time. You? I mean... - she paused for a moment. - Did you know already that you might be sorted here?
- Not really... It's another story, and if you're interested, I can tell you later. I think you have a few things to do to catch up, since you arrived... a bit late than usual.

He was right. There was a lot to do. The past four years weren't so pleasant for Aida, however she was enlightened enough to know what to expect if one day her powers awakened.

Then she heard someone was looking for her. To be correct, Professor Weasley is already waiting outside the common room. She did a quick curtsy to say farewell to Sebastian.

- I should go. As you said, I have a lot to catch up on.
- The pleasure was all mine. - he said, then still watched her, as left quickly. Her manner stunned him. - Well, well, we have a princess among us, as I see.

He watched her leaving, completely forgetting about the book he still held for a moment.

***

- Good morning, Professor Weasley! I was informed, you were looking for me. - Aida greeted the professor immediately, when she reached the common room's entrance. The professor replied in a warm tone.
- Miss Morgenstern, are you ready for your first day at Hogwarts?
- Honestly, I am a little bit nervous... since I missed the first four years. My grandmother informed me that this year, I have to take exams. A difficult one, I suppose.
- Precisely, Ordinary Wizarding Level, or O.W.L. for short. This determines if each fifth year student had mastered magic to the standard level. Not to mention, O.W.L.s affect the potential job you can apply for.
- For example?
- For example... - Weasley continued. - If someone plans to be... an Auror, they have to reach Outstanding, or minimum Exceeds Expectations in Potions, Charms, Herbology, Transfiguration & Defense Against Dark Arts. And with those high results, they can take it to N.E.W.T. level in the seventh year.