The castle was buzzing with excitement and for once it wasn’t over Harry Potter. Viktor Krum was returning to Hogwarts…this time as a student. After taking a couple of vicious Bludger blows to the back and neck he’d been forced to focus more on his studies. Most of his classes had to be retaken, as some of the more general subjects had never been covered in his former school.
No one was sure whether he was as serious about his academics as he was about Quidditch and they were eager to find out. Well, the professors were at any rate. The students were a different matter entirely. The girls were practically falling all over themselves in anticipation of his arrival while the boys were eager to hear and exchange ideas about their favorite subject…Quidditch.
That wasn’t the only change occurring this term at their beloved school. They were set to receive four exchange students from America of all places. Seeing as how Hermione, Pansy, Lisa, and Hannah were being sent they were pretty confident that the replacements would be female as well.
The foursome was excited to have been chosen. It wasn’t lost on them that it was one girl from each house and all of them from the same year. It led to all kinds of wild speculation on the populace within the school. The Gryffindors were saying it was only Hermione they’d wanted but for politeness’ sake they’d asked the others as well. Those crafty Slytherins were telling them that the American school recognized true greatness when they saw it and out of pity took the others. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were strangely quiet on the subject.
Draco Malfoy the blonde Slytherin prince leaned back against the train’s leather seat his feet propped across the aisle next to Pansy. She was going on and on about how it was only natural that she would be one of the ones picked to go to this American school. He rolled his gray eyes as she continued oblivious to everyone’s growing annoyance with her. “I don’t know why you’re excited over this Pans. The place has a reputation as a mudblood loving country. I’d bet you one hundred galleons that not one of them is Slytherin material.”
“I wouldn’t be too certain of that Draco.” Pansy countered, hurt evident on her pug like features.
The young man waved off her comment. “With our luck they’ll all be just like Granger. Just what Hogwarts needs, a bunch of mudblood know it alls running around.”
“No one said that they would be human.” Crabbe said an evil gleam in his eyes at the thought of torturing some poor creature.
Draco looked aghast. “You mean they let anything in?” He asked outraged.
Luna Lovegood’s dreamy voice filled a compartment down the aisle. “They let all sorts of magical beings in. Who knows? You could be going to school with centaurs or fairies.” She exclaimed.
“I know!” Hermione replied a smile on her face. “They’re one of the most exclusive schools in the Americas. It’s an absolute honor to even be asked.” She gushed.
“’Mione, you’re the only one I know who gets excited about schools.” Ron said around a mouthful of chocolate.
“Oh leave off Ron. She’s excited. I’m very happy for you.” Harry said sincerely. “You’re not going to forget about us are you?” He teased his friend.
“No!” Hermione cried. “I could never forget about you guys.”
“That’s nice to know.” Ginny Weasley remarked from next to Luna. “Because we expect a full report once you get settled.”
“So who’s taking your places? I mean they are going to be female right?” Ron asked in typical guy fashion.
The girls rolled their eyes and looked at one another as if to say, “Boys!”
“Yes Ron, they’re going to be female. At least that’s the impression I’ve been given. However it remains to be seen exactly what they are.” Hermione patiently explained to her friend.
“What do you mean?” Harry questioned curiously.
“Well, they allow all kinds of creatures into their school so there’s no guarantee that the girls will even be human. They could be anything really, even trolls.” She remarked.
“What?” Ron bellowed.
The train’s occupants continued to discuss the expected newcomers. There were all sorts of wild rumors by the time the students arrived at the school. Hagrid was ferrying all the first years toward the lake and the boat ride across. The older students were climbing into carriages to take them to the castle.
As the students filed through the great doors Professor McGongall was waiting for Pansy, Hermione, Lisa, and Hannah to arrive. They would be leaving almost immediately for Cascading Falls. Both schools had agreed that a Portkey was the best and safest method to transport the students.
The deputy headmistress was unusually impatient this evening. Her toe tapped against the stone floor and her arms were folded over her stomach. The usual dour expression on her face was pinched even tighter giving her an angry look. Students took one look at her and gave her a wide berth.
Finally she had all the girls gathered. She quickly ushered them up the stairs to the headmaster’s office. With a terse, “Pepper Imps,” the stone gargoyle jumped aside revealing a stone staircase. They trudged up to the solid dark wood door. McGongall knocked then opened the door without waiting for a response.
Albus Dumbledore’s blue eyes danced merrily behind his half moon glasses. He smiled at the girls as he offered them a sweet from the candy dish in his hand. They politely declined all of them nervous about the coming jaunt. “Well if you’re sure…” He trailed off. The girls nodded their heads.
“Professor Dumbledore.” Hermione started.
“Yes what is it dear?”
“Our trunks sir. What’s going to happen to them?” She inquired timidly.
“Oh don’t worry dear. They’ll be there when you arrive. Now if you would please take hold of this.” He said holding a very old book aloft.
Each girl hesitantly took a corner of the book. Somewhere in the distance a clock struck the hour. Suddenly the girls felt the familiar jerk behind their navel. Their feet left the floor their fingers seemingly glued to the old leather cover. Their eyes were scrunched tight against the whipping wind.
The two professors looked at the spot where four of their brightest female minds had stood.
“Well, now we should go down and greet our guests.” Albus said cheerfully.
“Whatever do you mean?” Minerva asked not liking the way his eyes twinkled.
“I do believe that our esteemed girls have been sent directly to the Great Hall.” He replied tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow.
“You insufferable old goat! You knew they would be sent there. Whatever are they going to think of us?” She snapped at him.
The headmaster merely hooted with laughter as he dragged her back down the stairs. “I would hope that they think we were concerned about the well being of our students.” He returned. The sounds of a commotion were just ahead of them. “I do believe they’ve already arrived.”
“Impossible man!” McGongall muttered as they entered the hall.