OCTAVIA GRABBED HER stuff and made her way downstairs from the new house in London. She liked it there, Uncle didn't, but Octavia actually quite enjoyed it. She had made a trip to Diagon Alley for the first time the week prior to get all her 4th year school books, supplies, Hogwarts robes and her new owl Camilo. She was a small barn owl and Octavia's new best and only friend.
Salem ushered her and the trunk out the door as soon as they arrived at Kings Cross Station. Octavia's ticket directed her to platform 9 3/4. She must have looked like a bloody idiot running through that wall surrounded by muggles, she certainly felt like it. Her Uncle left after her run onto the platform. Thank Merlin for that. Some older students came and got Octavia's trunk, then she boarded the train. Lots of compartments were full Octavia walked past a few and finally found an empty one. She slept most of the ride, but got up once to get herself a pumpkin pasty from the trolley. On her way back she thought she heard some voices she recognized, but figured she was just hazy from her nap. Some kids stopped by every once in a while just to see who the new girl was. Octavia could she them peaking through the small windows.
"Have you seen the new girl?"
"Wow she's from America."
"Who is she?"
Typical new kid news. Octavia watched people eye her as she stepped off the train and on to the platform. She was going to look around a bit but then decided that would give people a change to talk to her. So flipping her hair and walking across the platform like she owned the place. Following the others up to the Great Hall but then had to split off so she could be sorted into her house.
"Welcome new students! And welcome back to those with us for to a new year here at Hogwarts. Now let's begin the sorting." Said her new headmaster, Dumbledore, he said more but in all honesty Octavia wasn't listening in the slightest. Her eyes were scanning the hall and taking in her new surroundings.
"We will start with our fourth year transfer Miss Octavia Clarke" An older woman announced, waving her up.
She walked up to an awaiting stool. An older lady with kind eyes had a tattered hat in her hand. Octavia sat down and the hat was placed on top of her head. As she sat down she noticed things about the school, there were four tables. Each represented a house it seemed. Octavia's eyes fell on a table with red and gold decorations and a roaring lion on their flag. She looked up and down the table when she made eye contact with a pair of brilliant emerald green eyes. Her eyebrows raised at the sight of familiar face, but before she could react—
"GRYFFINDOR" Came bursting out from hat.
Cheers erupted from the table with a red lion banner as they clapped for her arrival. Octavia made her way over to the table to sit down, walking towards the end where Ronald, Hermione and Green eyes sat, considering those were the only three she remotely knew.
"Um hi," She walked up,"Can I sit?"
"Hi, sure" Hermione smiled and gestured towards the seat next to her.
"So what's your name?" Octavia asked, turning her attention to the boy she had many questions about.
"Harry Potter"
"Octavia Clarke" Octavia held her hand out firmly.
He shook it with a shy smile.
"Wait, so you didn't know who he was?" Ron said looking astonished as the two released hands.
"Uh no" Octavia looked at the red head with an eyebrow raised,"Am I supposed to?"
"Blimey he's Harry Potter!"
"And?"
"He's the boy who lived!"
"Okay?"
Harry flushed slightly and Ron was completely shocked at her lack of knowledge of the boy who sat across from her.
"I mean, If he's so famous he's probably had enough attention to last a lifetime so why should I make a big deal?" She shrugged.
Harry looked like he had never heard anyone say something like that before, Ron just sat there with his mouth open.
"So, I take it you're Hermione" Octavia said turning towards the girl, who's eyes widened slightly, "I heard you guys talking at the Cup."
"Oh," Hermione nodded with a smile, "Yeah."
"And I'm Ron." The red haired boy cut in.
Octavia nodded, she wasn't quite ready to be best friends with anyone just yet, but these three seemed like a start.
The sorting finished and Octavia had begun to feel more comfortable when the headmaster made his way back to the podium and the hall went silent.
"Students from Beauxbatons Academy and the Durmstrang Institute, have traveled to Hogwarts, where they will stay for the year, in hopes of competing in our Triwizard Tournament! At Halloween, the Goblet of Fire will pick three champions, one from each school over the age of seventeen"
Boos erupted from many of the underage students, including the two redheads similar to Ron a few seats down who seemed particularly upset about the statement.
"Eternal glory! That's what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament, but to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks."
"And with that, please welcome our visitors!" He boomed as the doors swung open.
In came the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Academy. They were in light blue robes and came in twirling and shooting small spells into the air, giving quite the show. The boys mouths fell open and gawked, while Hermione and Octavia laughed at the smitten boys. Then in came the men of Durmstrang Institute. Now that's more like it. They did a small routine and then made their way to the end of the another table. Hermione looked flushed as Viktor Krum shot her a small smile. After the welcoming was over the food appeared. She took a few things before Ron could get his hands on them, talking with the trio and the others at the Gryffindor table. Octavia could see herself really liking it here. It felt warm, while Ilvermorny felt anything but. She glanced a few times at Harry and saw his piercing green eyes watching her intently. Hermione must have noticed too because she would try to spark conversation between the two teenagers. After a long meal the trio showed me up the Gryffindor tower. The common room was cozy, She made her way up to the dormitory and got ready for bed. Octavia had her pajama shorts and large Quidditch sweatshirt, hair in a messy bun, small pieces of hair sticking out framing her face. She walked down into the common room and pulled a small worn notebook out. Sitting by the fire she began to write.
Dear Mom and Dad,
Today was my first day at Hogwarts, I was sorted into Gryffindor just like you guys. Apparently it's like the brave house or whatever. So far it's been really great. I've met Hermione, Ron, and Harry. I've talked about them in my past entries, from the Quidditch World Cup. I wish you could meet them, I really think you would like them. Anyway this year is the Triwizard Tournament and apparently it's a really big deal. Uncle hasn't written me yet, I don't think he will. Not that I'm complaining, I'm actually glad he doesn't. I miss you everyday, I'm going to try to make you proud here, start over and be who I want to be. I'll try to be nice, but no promises.
I love you today, tomorrow and forever!
You're favorite (and only) daughter
Octavia Clarke
She shut notebook just as most of the students made their way to bed and the commotion died down. Octavia was just about to get up when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs of the boys dorm.
"Hey Octavia." Harry appeared with a warm smile.
"Hey."
"Why aren't you in your dorm?" He asked walking over to see what she was doing.
"Couldn't sleep" She shrugged.
He nodded, "Mind if I sit?"
"Um sure, go ahead." Octavia patted the empty seat.
"So how are you liking it here?"
"It's definitely better than my old school," She nodded, "My parents went here."
"Really? So did mine!" He said enthusiastically, looking at her.
"That's cool, maybe they knew each other?"
"Maybe." He relaxed in his chair.
The two talked for a while after that, Octavia didn't think she was tired but then the yawns came. Harry looked tired too. After a few minutes of silence Octavia looked over and Harry was out. She felt herself smile slightly and put a blanket on him and walked up to her dorm.
"Night Harry."
And the day was over.