Crushing Waves

Chapter 2

Staring up at the huge castle from the water with its many turrets and towers, she couldn't help but smile feeling somewhat less homesick than before. For many of the other students, it was an amazing sight to behold, perched atop a high mountain with its windows sparkling in the starry sky as if from a fairy tale, it held an exciting future ahead of them but to her she was happy to be back to a place she felt safe. The air felt cleaner here and she couldn't help the feeling of innocence coursing through her as she closed her eyes and savored the feeling of protection she felt here.

As their boat reached a cliff; professor Snape quietly warned her "Head down," in which he lightly pushed on her shoulder as the water carried them through a curtain of ivy that hide a wide opening in the cliff face. They were taken along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle until they reached an underground harbor where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles. Being careful to get off the boat quietly and quickly before anyone could notice her with the teachers she ran slightly ahead to catch up with the first years in her group walking through the smooth, damp grass right in the shadow of the castle, hoping to blend in with the big crowd before any of the older students noticed she had been away from the first year's group. Walking up a flight of stone steps, the students began to crowd around a huge, oak front door she began to feel nervous knowing what was to come as soon as they entered the great hall.

The half giant known as Hagrid raised his fist and knocked three times on the castle door. It swung open revealing a familiar tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes that stood there. She had a very stern face to immediately let everyone know she was not someone to be crossed with.

"The firs' 'ears, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here."

She pulled the door wide revealing an entrance hall with stone walls, lit with flaming torches and ceiling so high it was impossible to make out and a magnificent marble staircase facing them that led to upper floors. Following the professor across the flagged stone floor, she felt anxious hearing the drone of hundred of voices from a doorway to the right. Professor McGonagall still led them into a small empty chamber off the hall.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said "Now in just a few moments you will pass through these doors and join your classmates but before you can take your seats in the Great Hall you must be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your Houses will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room."

"The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule breaking will lose House points. At the end of the year the House with the most points is awarded the House cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours."

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." she said finally walking away from the group of students. Laila tried to sneak forward then wanted to be close to the front to get the ceremony over with and yet not wanting to be one of the first people chosen.

"It's true then," she heard a boy say. "What they are saying on the train." Without bothering to look ahead of her, she knew who was speaking from the entitlement in his voice. "Harry Potter has finally come to Hogwarts." At this she finally looked up as the hushed whispers of, "Harry Potter" ran through the crowd. She had heard stories, just like everyone else of the boy-who-lived and was surprised to know he was in the same year as her. "This is Crabbe, Goyle and I'm Malfoy," he said causing her to inwardly shudder. "Draco Malfoy." He said proudly. At this a red-haired boy gave a slight cough, hiding a snigger. "Do you think my names funny do you?" He asked menacingly. "No need to ask yours. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children than they can afford."