The Tabby, the Phoenix and the kitten

Chapter sixteen

As the desserts dissapeared Professor Dumbledore rose and the whole hall fell silent.

"Ahem, just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered I have a few start of term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of out older students would do well to remember that as well." He said, his twinkling eyes looking directly at Fred and George.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretakeer, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Also Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their House teams should contact Madam Hooch.

"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death." He concluded, Arianna's mouth dropped, Harry laughed for a minute but then realised that the professor was serious. Then as if to change the mood, Professor Dumbledore had the school sing the school song. Arianna laughed and tried her best to sing along.

"Arianna! Your voice is beautiful! You should join the choir, I'll talk to Professor Flitwick for you, he is in charge of choir." A third year Gryffindor named Jenna, told her, Arianna blushed, quitely thanking her and saying shyly that she would like that.

"Ah Music, a magic far beyond all we do here. Now bedtime, off you trot!" Professor Dumbledore said, Arianna chuckled and stood, walking with Hermione to the Gryffindor Dormitories.

Once they arrived at the portrait, Percy, who was a school prefect and head boy, told the fat lady the password, making sure all the gryffindors knew it as the went into the dormitory. When they were all inside, Percy directed the boys towards the boys domitories on the left and the girls to theirs on the right.

Arianna was pleased to find out that she would be in the same room with Hermione, as well as three other girls. The girls all changed and got into bed. The next day they would be recieving their scheduals and classes would begin.

Arianna pulled out the book that Professor McGonagall had given her, and read a few chapters before she too went to sleep, excited for the morning.

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Arianna woke to the sunrise as always, and got up and ready, being careful not to wake the other girls in her dorm. They halls were empty and silent as she made her way down to the great hall, trying to remember the way they had taken the night before. Luckily she remembered her way and was soon entering the Great Hall, noticing that she was the first student to arrive.

There were only a few teachers in the hall, including Professor Dumbledore, who was the only one who seemed to notice her. Quickly finding her seat, she took out her book, and began to read. She wasn't quite ready to eat yet, back at the farm, she would do all of her chores before she could even think about food. Usually she was given any scraps from the Winters, and any fruit that she could find in the forest.

She was so engrossed with her book that she didn't notice the clicking of heels coming down the hall a few minutes later.

"Miss Winters, you're here early." Minerva said to Arianna as she stopped beside her. Arianna jumped and looked up and Minerva and smiled.

"I'm quite the early bird." She replied.

"I see that." Minerva said with a wink, and began to walk towards the staff table, thinking how differently she acted around Arianna.

"Thank you!" Arianna called after her. Minerva turned and walked a few steps back to Arianna with a confused look.

"For?" She asked.