Only The Beginning

A New Hufflepuff

Olive didn't want to open her eyes in fear she would learn that she was crushed by the pillar and suffered an unfortunate death. She stayed still for a few minutes until she heard Fig laugh in shock. As she opened her eyes, she noticed they had been teleported to the forest she'd seen in the enchantment.

Feeling everything catch up to her, she placed her forehead on the cool stone wall trying to catch her breath and calm her racing heart. She didn't know how long she had stood there like that, felt like ages before the professor's voice echoed in her ears.

"Are you alright?"

No was what she wanted to say.

"Yes sir, I'm alright" she said just above a whisper, pulling away from the stone and looking around.

"I've never seen a goblin so powerful; it was like my magic didn't even touch him." As the words left Fig's mouth, she heard the loud thud of the banker hitting the hard marble ground.

"Where are we sir?" Trying to re-direct the conversation, if she kept thinking about the goblin, she was sure to send herself into a panic.

Professor Fig glanced around before his eyes fixated on a directional post, one face pointing in the direction of Hogwarts "Fascinating... Those who set up these so called 'trials' and left this locket, wanted to lead you here..." He said mostly to himself. "It's getting late, we don't want to miss the sorting ceremony. I could sure go for some pudding after that."

It was only then she had noticed how late it had become. The moon was rising above them, acting as a guiding light as they trudged the path from the train station to the school. She would have to remember to wear better shoes the next time she came this way.

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As they entered Hogwarts grounds, Olive could not believe how grand it was up close looking in every direction as the professor quickly ushered her into the great hall foyer. She made a note to explore tomorrow afternoon as it was difficult to see in detail with the low lantern lighting around the castle.

The room was rather bare, with flags dawning the 4 houses on the walls, at the end was a great oak door with incredible wood carvings. They stopped just before entering the great hall, she could hear the dull hum of chatter behind the door. Opening it just a crack, Fig peaked his head inside, "Brilliant, the sorting is not yet over." He said with relief pulling out his wand.

Olive felt a warmth rush over her, the same feeling from the orphanage, as Fig transfigured her clothes into a basic Hogwarts uniform "I feel this may be more fitting for the occasion."

"I'm going to study the locket we found to try and get some answers and inform the ministry of George and Ranroks movements. I need you to agree to keep tonight's events between us until I can learn more." Fig pleaded with her. She agreed, wishing she could forget altogether.

His tone changed to a chipper one "Now then, ready to be sorted?" he questioned as he opened the door slightly, making eye contact with someone on the other side before slinking back, "I hope you're ready to meet the headmaster, Phineas Nigellus Black."

A tall man with swooping dark hair, full beard, mustache and permanent scowl on his face walked through the door and stared at the professor with disgust. "Fig. How nice of you to join us, the ceremony is over. What could have possibly had you this late?" the headmaster said with a negative sarcasm, Olive could tell he didn't really care for the answer regardless of what it may be.

"It was the goblins you see- "Fig was cut off by a loud scoff.

"I've had enough of this goblin nonsense! I will not waste my time with rumors." Black turned to her sharply "You may have a chance to be sorted tonight, should the hat be so generous" twisting on his heels and re-entering the hall, Olive sheepishly followed behind him, nodding to the professor as he made a comment about reaching out to her soon.