modification | t riddle [complete]

Chapter 1: Returning to Hogwarts

The sound of muffled sobs caught Estela's attention from the Ravenclaw bench, and Cayra followed her gaze to where a small second-year boy with red hair was wiping his eyes on his school robes.

"That's Sam Rowlands," Cayra whispered across the table, noticing Estela's expression. "His father was killed in the Muggle War."

Estela's heart ached as she watched the boy. She was aware of what was happening in the Muggle War, and she knew it was bad. But the Wizarding World was facing a war of their own too - the war against the Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald. It was a war that hit close to home for Estela due to William's involvement in the fight. And as she looked out around the Great Hall she saw that many peoples' faces were far drearier than they usually were.

The creaking sound of the large wooden doors to the Hall opening caused all heads to turn towards the first years who were filing in. A look of utter terror was plastered on each of their small faces as they were led to the end of the Hall by a witch carrying a stool and a very old and tattered looking hat, as all of the eyes in the room watched them intently.

The Great Hall fell silent as they marched up the long room, before stopping right before the Head Table. The Headmaster rose from his seat, beaming down at the nervous first years.

"I would like to welcome you all to another wonderful year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! First years, you will now be sorted into your Houses which is where you will be housed for the rest of your years at Hogwarts," he announced, looking around the Hall enthusiastically.

The witch carrying the hat and stool placed each item down gently, with the hat being seated onto the stool. There was a moment of silence before it started moving, a smile brewing on its fabric face. Some of the first years jumped in alarm at the sight of the hat moving before their eyes.

"Rest assured, rest assured. There is no reason to fear me. What is wrong with a talking hat?" The hat said aloud, smirking at the first years.

Without notice the hat then broke into song, singing about the four Houses, and the four founders of Hogwarts. It explained the qualities of each house, for example how Gryffindor house values courage and bravery. Hufflepuff values hard work, patience, justice and loyalty. Ravenclaw values intelligence, creativity, learning and wit. And lastly Slytherin, who values ambition, cunning, leadership and resourcefulness.

After each first year was sorted into their House, the Headmaster stood once more. "I will not hold you back any longer, I'm sure you're all very hungry after your long journey here. So without further ado, let the feast begin!"

In an instant, the previously empty golden plates and goblets filled with food and drink. Students stared at the feast in awe, their stomachs rumbling, as they contemplated where to begin. As Estela was tucking into her food, a note landed gently on her plate. She looked around, puzzled, to see who could have sent it. Everyone around her seemed to be unaware of what had happened, so she opened the bit of parchment to reveal fancy crimson writing. The note read:

Miss Estela Markorp,

After you have finished refreshing your taste buds, I would ask you to visit me in the Headmaster's office. I have quite an important matter to discuss with you. I will trust you to keep this message between us, as what I wish to discuss with you is a very undisclosed matter, and it is imperative that nobody else should find out.

Sincerely,

Professor Albus P. W. B Dumbledore.

After reading the note she looked up at the Head Table to see that Professor Dumbledore, the transfiguration teacher, was missing.

She wondered what he could possibly want to discuss. She was sure she hadn't done anything wrong. Perhaps it was something to do with her new duties as a Prefect.

Her thoughts were abruptly itterupted when a strange sensation prickled its way over her. It was the kind of feeling you get when you're alone and feel the sensation of someone watching. She looked up slowly, and there, seated at the Slyherin table surrounded by a group of about half a dozen other boys, sat Tom Riddle. He was watching her, his face expressionless. Apparently not everyone had been oblivious to the letter. Their gaze met for a second, his icy blue eyes bright in the candlelight, his pale face set in a cold glare, before Estela looked away swiftly. They were an odd group, she had to admit. There was a strange, almost enviable, dark glamour about Riddle and his gang of friends.

"Who's that from?" asked Cayra, peering curiously at the piece of parchment in Estela's hand.

"It's just a notice for the Prefects." She lied quickly, hoping it would disinterest Cayra, which it apparently did as she nodded and continued with her meal. Taking one last bite of chicken, she headed off without hesitation to the Headmaster's Office.

Author's Notes: I have been planning the story and characters for a while now, and am particularly pleased with Estela's, and her character will be more understandable soon! I hope that most of you reading this have at least a vague understanding of the Harry Potter books or films, as I don't really want to waste time by explaining too many things. This is my first ever fanfiction so I'd be eager to know how I'm doing, so any reviews would be warmly welcomed! Until next time, nox.