The Baba Yaga Series: The Dead Witch

13. And They Were Roommates

Hardly the word "Magnificent" could be used to describe this wonderful site. The abundance of magic alone was enough to almost put me under a spell. And not to mention the fact that the castle felt alive, or sentient would be the most logical word to describe the power of Hogwarts. But then again, what logic was there to describe a sentient, magical castle that doubles as a school for witchcraft and wizardry? The answer...there was none, just the description alone was it.

As we were nearing the castle the power only grew and grew; I couldn't really tell if it was a welcoming presence or a warning, maybe both. Welcoming us new students and a Warning to the wickedness of the world. Thinking of it, it makes sense since the dark creatures of the Forbidden Forest never really dared to enter its ancient halls. Well... unless you count the shit that will happen over the next couple of years. But technically speacking those creatures were Brought into the castle by someone else, not of their own accord. And the Basilisk was already here so that didn't count. It also makes me wonder if Voldemort and Quirrell felt this warning. Or maybe not since that cowardly piss stain is technically a teacher.

Coming out of my thoughts, we neared the boathouse. One by one each boat of students took their turn hopping out of the boats. With the occasional help from Hagrid. Before our boat entered the boathouse I gave the tentical, that was still holding my hand, a gentel squeeze as a thank you. He released my hand and sunk back into the dark and murky depths of the Black Lake.

Finally exiting the boat, we all then follow Hagrid up the annoyingly long, steep, and zig-zagged staircase. Salem hopped off my shoulder and bounded away into the darkness. 'I guess I'll see her at bed time.' Hargrid was up ahead by a mile since he took the stairs three at a time. I somehow ended up at the front of the group and easilly kept pace with the giant. Harry right behind me (since we used to do all that walking too and from his aunts house in the dead of night.) Looking behind us I can see most, if not all the others are lagging behind. It was kinda sad.

By the end of our "little" climb, Hagrid and the others were huffing a puffing. Chuckling a bit at the sight, I caught sight of Harry and Ron giving me an incredulous look.

"How are you not out of breath? That gave me a stitch!"

Answering Ron, I just shrugged and said that I like to go hiking.

Walking up and into the ancient castle we enter a chamber and stood before these grand and giant doors. A steern looking woman, adorned in green and black robes with a tall and crooked witches hat, greying black hair rolled up into a neat bun, and silver spectacles; greeted us. 'Holy shit it's-'

"Brought the firs'- years Proffessor McGonagall."

"Thank you Hagrid, that'll be all. [Hagrid walked off to a side door and out of sight, she then turns to us] Welcome to Hogwarts, in just a few moments you will enter the Great Hall and will be sorted into your houses. There is Gryffindor... Hufflepuff... Ravenclaw... and Slytherin. Each house has their own noble history and here at Hogwarts your house will be somewhat like your family. You will sleep in you house dormitories, eat with your housemates in the Great hall, and have classes with the rest or your house. Any grivences and punishments [she looked around at all of us] will be dealt with by your Head of House. Now I will leave you here for a moment to anounce your arrival, in the mean time...[she looked at the boys mostly] please use this time to smarten yourselves up."

I chuckled at the slightly offended looks that the boys had. After she left I made quick work of cleaning up Harry, Ron and Neville. "Harry, try to fix your hair, Ron [I wet a napkin and wiped the dirt off his nose] there you go. Neville, straighten your tie and tuck in your shirt." He did just that.

A moment later, and I'm not even surprised at this point, the Hogwarts ghosts came floating from the adjacent Hall, pretending not to notice us until they heard some of the first-years gasp and scream. The Fat Friar and Nearly Headless Nick introduced themselves, along with some other ghosts. But when some of them noticed me, they paled a bit and singaled the other ghosts to look at me. Noticing their starring I say, "Even if you're dead, it's still rude to stare." Some of them yelped a bit and the others shut them up. Sir Nicholas approuched me first. "Apologies my Lady, we were only surprised by your arrival. We Ghosts have been expecting you and mean no disrespect." He then BOWED along with the other ghosts, some muttering whispy sorries. I wasn't really confused, but the other first-years were. Feeling a bit awkward just waved them off, " It's fine, really. I just wasn't expecting to be observed by ghosts on my first day. [I chuckled] It was nice to meet you, good sir." I gave him a curtsy and he seemed to beam at that. With that the ghosts all left into the great hall, each one giving me a bow as they floated by.