Only The Beginning

Day 1

Morning came quickly, deep asleep, Olive didn't notice Poppy and the other girls in her dorm had already awoken and left for the day. She leapt out of bed, not wanting to be behind on the first day of classes, she had to make a good impression on her professors and the other students, especially after her unconventional arrival. Checking the large clock they had stationed on the other side of the room, it was 8:15 and classes started at 9am, Olive hurried to get dressed in her uniform and robes quickly, she would have to skip breakfast if she wanted to meet Professor Weasley on time.

Exiting her room she made her way down the stairs, hearing the whispering that came as she passed.

"Must be difficult to start as a fifth year."

"Did you hear about the dragon attack?"

"She must come from a muggle family; she looks out of place."

A girl with brown hair tied into a bun stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

"You must be the new fifth year, I remember seeing you last night at the sorting ceremony. I know I would just positively die with the entrance you made. I could never imagine wanting to draw that much attention to myself, especially when everyone's already got their eye on you. Not to mention the dragon attack on your carriage, you must feel so lucky to live and tell the tale. So sorry, I'm Lenora Everleigh." She said with a tone that sounded anything but friendly.

Olive didn't quite know how to respond to the girl, seems Poppy had made quick work spreading the news about her encounter with the beast. She couldn't even recover before Lenora had continued on.

"You must have a lot to catch up on, starting in fifth year. I know that if I were you, I would just feel so inadequate, don't worry though, I'm sure you'll do fine."

Poppy noticed the interaction from across the common room and quickly sped over to interject, grabbing hold of Olives arm.

"Oh, there you are! Professor Weasley is looking for you just outside. If you'll excuse us, Lenora." Poppy gave her a tight smile and steered Olive away from the other Hufflepuff.

"Sorry about her, she's a knob to everyone, always trying to make herself seem better. Best to steer clear of her direction, unless you want another tongue lashing." Poppy said with an apologetic face.

"Thank you for getting me out of there, I was beginning to think I'd done something even though we'd never met." Olive chuckled still a bit thrown off by the verbal attack. "Did you say Professor Weasley was looking for me?"

"Oh! Yes, she is just outside the common room, presumably to show you to your first class. I must run to Potions, Professor Sharp hates tardiness, but let's meet up at dinner and you can tell me all about your day." She turned around and rushed out to class.

Olive was not too far behind her; she exited the common room and saw Professor Weasley just outside with a piece of parchment in her hand.

"Good morning, I trust you slept well. I'm here to escort you, seeing as you haven't had time to familiarize yourself with the castle yet. I have your timetable here; it will be the schedule you follow for the full term. Now, lets be on our way." Olive walked hastily to keep up with the taller woman, peeking at her schedule.

"As you are already aware, you will need to catch up on four years of academics in tandem with what you will learn this year, it is imperative that you do not fall behind. Despite your situation, you will be expected to complete your Ordinary Wizarding Level exams or O.W.L.'s at the end of the school year. OWLs will help determine what career you may have when you leave Hogwarts." Professor Weasley stopped just before going up the stairs and conjured up a thick leather-bound book, it had metal hardware and the school crest sat in the middle of the cover with a big 'H'.