Tainted Blood

Chapter Six

Hey guys, sorry for the (short) wait. I had a case of writers block.

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I jerk awake at the loud whistling of the train, signaling we have arrived. Pressing on my sensitive ears I attempt to block out the noise, and follow the mass of black robes onto the platform. The forest leers around us, tall and dark. It's dusk.

I breathe shallowly in order to block out most of the smells assaulting my nose and squinting to dull my sharp vision. It works a little. Suddenly, a loud voice bellows, catching my attention.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!"

The voice belongs to a furry behemoth of a man waving a glowing latern and reeking of the dark forest. Small children in all black robes crowd around him, some staring in awe, others wincing in fear.

Blowing my bangs from my face, I saunter up to the giant. Technicaly, I am a 'first year'. The man smiles fondly at the bright new faces obviously excited for their Sorting. However, when his eyes land on me his bushy brows furrow into one big unibrow.

"Arn' yeh a little old teh be a firs' year?"

Wide eyes turn to me and I grumble as my face flushes in embarressement.

"I..uh..I'm a transfer," my voice drops off at the end and I curse myself for being so shy.

I jut out my chin and stare the furry man down, redeeming myself in my mind. His eyes widen and a grin splits his beard.

"Blimey! Yeh mus' be Lexi! It's a pleasure teh 'ave ya here at Hogwarts, miss!"

"Uh, thank you?"

Eleven year eyes shine with curiosity, mainly at my violet hair. I glare, making them squeak.

"I am Rubeus Hagrid, Professor for Care of Magical Creatures, taught only teh third years. That a be you, Miss Lexi. Follow me now, this be the way."

Our group followed Hagrid to a dock and he seperated us four to a boat. I climb in with three first years and ignore them, choosing to instead run my fingertips through the waters surface.

The school looms overhead as we float closer and I can smell the mingled scents of the thousand or more students.  We dock the boats and carefully unload, following Hagrid up to the entrance of Hogwarts.

The furry man smiles widely, laying a hand on the rather large, intricate doors. "Welcome, teh Hogwarts!"

The first years gasp as the doors open inwards to reveal an Entrance Hall with high ceilings, candle lighting, and a huge marble staircase.

Hmm..it's actually quite impressive.

I inhale deeply, breathing in the age old scent of Hogwarts. Cracking stone, burning wax, and gathering dust; the unique bouquet of witches and wizards all ages mixing together. And, above all, magic. Ancient magic layering over everyone and everything like blanket. It's actually quite comforting when I think about it.

My rapid thoughts are interupted by a womans clear voice.

"Welcome, first years. I am Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall. The Sorting ceremony will begin shortly so please follow me."

The professor leads us to the oak double doors of what I assume must be the Great Hall, then pauses to face us. Her green eyes meet mine and she clears her throat.

"Miss Moreau? Wait here at the entrance if you will. I will summon you after the first years have been sorted. Understand?"

Geez woman, I'm French not stupid.

I nod anyway, scowling slightly. Her expression softens and she smiles lightly.

"We are very pleased to have you here, Miss Moreau."

I straighten my features to resemble the upmost politeness and offer a smile.

"Thank you, Professor."

McGonagall nods, face stern again as she whips around to lead the kids into the Hall. I get I wiff of her scent as she passes and raise an eyebrow.

Cats? I hate cats.

Letting my features fall back into a scowl once again, I lean against the doorframe and wait.