adored by him | *under editing*

first year × 5

The boats soon reached the shore and Hagrid began leading the first years into the castle.

"Here, let me help you." Harry offered a hand to Nadia as she climbed out of the boat. 

She gladly accepted his hand and gave a wide smile. "Thank you."

As they approached the castle doors, Nadia took in her surroundings whilst Hermione blurted out facts left, right and centre. Hagrid then raised his large fist and pounded on the oak three times.

The large doors swung open to reveal a stern-looking woman. She wore long, green robes and had her silver-black hair tucked into a neat bun under a pointed hat.

"Firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid threw out an arm to present the crowd of nervous children.

"Thank you, Hagrid." She said, her voice containing a thick accent. "Follow me everyone."

Everyone obliged immediately and followed the Professor to a majestic staircase. Then, she halted and said, "Welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Professor McGonagall. Now, in a few moments you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. However, before you can sit, you must be sorted into your houses. These are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin." Her dark eyes darted around the herd of terrified children.

"Whilst you're here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points, any rule breaking and you will lose points. The house with the most points at the end of the year will be awarded the house cup."

Just then, a rather tubby boy lurched forward and grabbed a toad, which had been sitting at Professor McGonagall's feet. "Trevor!" Nadia assumed that the boy must have been Neville. Professor McGonagall stared down at him as he mumbled a small 'sorry' and retreated back into the crowd, red-faced.

"The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily." With that, she had disappeared through the large doors.

"It's true then? What they were saying on the train." A familiar voice spoke up. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."

Whispers floated around the group of children as Harry's head whipped to the platinum-haired boy striding towards him. "This is Crabbe and Goyle." He said whilst pointing to the two mean-looking boys either side of him. "And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."

Nadia internally rolled her eyes. There was that line again.

Ron coughed, supposedly hiding a snicker. Dracos's face contorted in disgust as his head snapped to him. "Think my name's funny do you? No need to ask yours; red hair and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley." Draco spat his last name as though it was poison on his tongue.

Nadia frowned. This wasn't the boy who she had met back in Diagon Alley. She took a step forward and crossed her arms over her chest. "What about it? It doesn't make him any less of a person."

Draco seemed taken aback as his eyes landed on Nadia but he quickly covered it up with a scoff and turned back to an annoyed Harry. Ron mouthed a 'thank you' to Nadia who returned it with a warm smile. "You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter." Draco looked to Ron before extending his hand. "I can help you there."

Harry looked at his hand and then looked back at his smug face. "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks." He retorted bitterly.

Draco was shocked, offended even, that Harry had rejected his hand. Professor McGonagall then returned, swatting Draco on the shoulder with a piece of parchment. He reluctantly retreated with a last glare aimed at the bespectacled boy.

"We are ready for you now." She said, taking them inside.

Nadia glanced around speechless. Hundreds of floating candles filled the air and the ceiling looked just like the starry sky outside. Hermione looped her arm through Nadia's and stated matter-of-factly, "It's not the real sky. It's bewitched. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History. " Nadia hummed in response, words still failing her.