inny didn't go to sleep that night; instead she poured out everything that she knew about the Boy Who Lived, everything about herself, everything about the family that treated her as if she were a porcelain doll.  Around dawn her mother pounded on the door and Ginny jumped as if she had been caught doing something wrong.  It didn't take her long to get all her things together and get dressed.  Her heart was pounding in her chest as they pulled out the drive.

Ten minutes later (and after two trips back for misplaced items already), Ginny suddenly remembered that she had left the Diary on her bed.  It was easy enough to find, but by now she was really nervous as Mum was put out that they were behind schedule.  The boys (save Percy, whose nose was in a book) were all chatting excitedly behind her.  Ginny's ears were burning as she clutched the Diary to her chest protectively.

Once they reached the station it was a mad dash to the train.  The large entourage were all in line, but they couldn't walk through the barrier simultaneously.  Percy led the way, followed by Dad and the Twins.  Finally it was Ginny's turn:

"I'll take Ginny and you two come right after us," Mum ordered Ron and Harry.  They effortlessly walked through the barrier and rushed to where the Twins and Dad were standing.  Percy was already aboard presumably as he was nowhere to be seen.  Dad put her trunk aboard with only moments to spare.  "Where are those boys?" asked Mum irritatedely as she kissed Ginny on the cheek, but it was already too late:  the Hogwarts Express was leaving.

Ginny waved goodbye until her parents were nearly out of sight.  By this time the Twins had disappeared, leaving her alone with her trunk.  She pulled it down the corridor with effort (it only had one wheel after all), peering in windows to see if she recognized anyone.  She found the compartment the Twins had claimed and opened the door.

"Oi, move along there," Fred remarked, hiding something behind his back.

"There isn't room here," George concluded.  Their friend (certainly the Lee Jordan she had heard so much about) rolled his eyes, dreadlocks bobbing as he surrepticiously passed George something.

"Well you don't have to be rude," she replied, put out.

"Yes we do," the Twins responded.

Ginny slammed the door shut and resumed her trek down the corridor.  She paused in an open doorway only a few doors down.

"Get away from our compartment," a voice stated forcefully behind her.  She turned to find Draco Malfoy tearing towards her, his own trunk in tow, along with two cronies.  "This is ours."

"I was here first," she responded.

"You think so?" he shot back.  He shoved past her, knocking her and her luggage over as he entered the compartment.  "Looks like I'm the one who's here first."  The two dull looking boys chuckled before running her over just as Draco had.

"Hey, watch out for my trunk!" she exclaimed just before they shoved it into her shins.

"You call that a trunk?" retorted Draco.  "I thought it must have been your bed, it's not good for much else."

Ginny's face burned red as he slammed the door in her face.  He drew the shade moments later.  She stood, brushed herself off, and righted her trunk.  For a moment she considered pulling out her wand, but what good were hexes through a closed door?  She continued down the corridor, still eager to find a seat.  The next two cars were full, but at last she found a friendly face of sorts as a door opened and a bushy head emerged into the corridor:

"Ginny," Hermione greeted her.  "Where are Ron and Harry?"

"I don't think they made the train," she replied.  "We barely got here in time."  Hermione looked disapproving.

"Well come on, then," she said, pushing the door open all the way and standing aside.  Ginny tugged her trunk into the compartment and looked around.  A boy with a round face sat on one side, his hands barely containing a squirming toad.

"Can you please shut the door?" he asked.  Ginny shut it firmly, and none too soon, as the toad made his escape just as it clicked.  The boy sighed but let it hide.

"Wingardium Leviosa," Hermione spoke, wand out.  Ginny's trunk rose to the empty overhead bin.  As it settled in place she pocketed her wand and sat back down:  "This is Neville," she said, picking up a copy of Wanderings with Werewolves.  "Neville, this is Ginny, Ron's sister."

"Hello," the boy said quietly.  Ginny looked back to Hermione, whose nose was already buried in her book, then to Neville.  He slid over silently to make more room for her.  She sat down, suddenly weary.  She wished that she could write, but for some reason felt uneasy about doing so in front of two virtual strangers.  She wanted to keep the Diary hidden if she could, Tom's promise to keep her secrets or no.  With nothing to occupy herself, Ginny gradually fell asleep with the rocking of the Express.
 
 
 

*     *     *
 
 
 
Hermione woke Ginny shortly before dark.  "Nearly there," she said briskly.  "Better get into your robes."  Ginny stood on the seat to open her trunk, quickly tucking the Diary inside and removing several items that she had swiped from the Twins, wrapping them in her uniform so Hermione wouldn't see.  After changing she walked to the car where she had been knocked down and set the items to go off at the most opportune moment--when both respective compartments were opened--which was poetic justice, in her opinion.  She hurried away then, returning to her own compartment and covering the Diary with the clothes she had just changed out of.  Ginny smoothed her hand-me down skirt as she resumed her seat.

"So, the boys missed the train, did they?" Hermione said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Where do you reckon they are?" asked Neville worriedly, his voice muffled from under the seat:  Trevor had escaped again.

"They've probably stolen Mr. Weasley's car or some such nonsense," Hermione replied.  "Leave it to them to find some way to get in trouble before term even has a chance to start..." Hermione now gave a giggle that was filled with amusement but clearly tinged with a touch of derision.  Ginny studied the girl before her with open shock:  this was the girl who had gone down the trapdoor with Ron and Harry just a couple of months ago?  She hadn't expected such know-it-all bossiness or a loathing for trouble making.  Both boys would much rather have some fun and adventure, even if they ended up getting in caught and stuck with detention.

The train came to a sudden halt, and Ginny stood to retrieve her trunk.  "Leave it," Hermione said brusquely, opening the compartment door and leading the way.

"Someone will take it up to your room for you after you've been sorted," Neville explained helpfully.

"Who?" asked Ginny, not too keen to leave her trunk unprotected (who knew if the lock would hold if someone tried to inspect its contents).  He shrugged, and they rushed to catch up with Hermione.  As they stepped off the train they came face to face with the giant man she had seen with Harry at Diagon Alley.

"Hello, Hagrid!" Hermione greeted brightly.  "Ginny here's a first year."  Suddenly there was an explosion of smoke two cars down, and screaming inhabitants started streaming from said car, the familliar sent of Dung Bombs wafting across the platform now.  The Twins, Lee Jordan, Draco Malfoy, and his two cronies emerged last, gasping for air and covered with the telltale signs of the explosion.

"You'll pay for this, mark my words," Draco sputtered, pulling out his wand.

"Not if we get you first!" George retorted.

"Oi!" Hagrid boomed.  "Move along there!"  Draco pocketed his wand:

"Crabbe, Goyle!" he ordered before sweeping past her, reeking of dung.  The Twins took their time approaching her, staring pointedly.

"You wouldn't have anything to do with this, would you?" asked Fred probingly.

"So what if I did?" Ginny replied.  "It would serve you right after what you did to me."

"We'll get back at you," George said.

"Always do," Fred finished.

"I'd like to see you try!" she shot after their retreating backs.

Hermione rolled her eyes before she and Neville started following the bustle towards the end of the platform, leaving her relatively alone with Hagrid, who was quietly chuckling.    His bushy hair and imposing size seemed menacing, but when he leaned down to speak to her there was a twinkle in his eye:

"Ginny, eh?" he asked.  "You wouldn't happen to be a Weasley, would ya?"

"Yes," she said softly.

"Harry and Ron and Hermione are friends of mine," he said proudly.  "Yer welcome to visit with them anytime, course."  He stood up straighter and cleared his throat:  "Firs' years to me!" he boomed.  Several scared looking children joined the crowd that was forming behind her.  The platform was quickly emptying.  When at last it seemed that only the first years and a few running stragglers who were dashing towards the awaiting carriages remained, the small entourage began walking together as one.

It didn't take them long to come to the edge of a great lake, though they had come at such a clip that several of the smaller first years had been forced to run to keep up, a dangerous proposition on such a steep and narrow path.  But now a fleet of rowboats bobbed before them, waiting patiently.  Everyone had arrived relatively unscathed.

But Ginny's gaze was on Hogwarts.  Across the great expanse of black water the castle rose out of the darkness, its pleasantly lit windows a beacon in the dark.  "Four to a boat!" Hagrid commanded.  Ginny rushed forward almost at the same time with a small boy who was still panting from the efforts of their mad dash off the platform.

"Sorry," he said between gasps for air as she took a seat beside him.  "My name's Colin," he gripped the side of the boat for support.

"Everyone in?" Hagrid asked, taking the last boat himself.  But one pale girl was still standing on the shore, her nose in a magazine that she couldn't possibly be reading in the dim light.  "Oi, what about you?  Git in already."  The girl jumped, as if she had just realized that someone was talking to her.

"Over here, Luna," Ginny called, hoping she sounded friendly.  Truth be told, Luna Lovegood rather annoyed her, but the poor girl was always so lonely and odd that she felt obligated to be nice.  Luna drifted over serenely, stepping into the boat before she stuck her nose back in the magazine.

"Forward!" commanded Hagrid, and they were off, their boats serenely drifting across the dark water and towards the castle as if by their own volition.  Ginny kept her eyes on their destination until someone let out a cry of surprise:

"There's something in the water!" Colin squeaked.  Ginny leaned over the side, peering into the dark drink.  Not far from the surface was a pale expanse that glowed almost with its own light.

"Nessie's cousin, I've heard," Luna stated serenely.

"Ai, that's the Squid come to greet us," stated Hagrid proudly, as if he hadn't heard Luna.  Ginny reached under the water and her fingertips brushed against a barely submerged and waving tentacle.  She reached in further, her palm against the invitingly warm, smooth skin, chasing away the water's chill.  And then the tentacle was gone, the Squid resubmerging.  "Mind yer heads now!" Hagrid commanded.

Ginny turned just in time to see that they were sailing through a curtain of ivy hung over an expanse cut into the rock wall beneath the castle.  The latterns glowed happily as they floated underground and into a beautiful cavern, light flickering off its walls and ceilings.  They had arrived at last, and it was quick work for them all to clambor out of the boats and up the waiting steps.  Hagrid led the way to the large wooden door and knocked loudly three times.  The door opened.

A thin witch stood before them, her hair pulled tightly beneath her pointed hat, her expression stern as the first years slid to a halt:  all chatter immediately ceased.  She scanned the group, not with an interested expression, and Ginny suddenly realized that she was counting heads.  "Firs' years, this is Professor McGonagall, she'll be taking you to the Feast."

"Thank you, Hagrid," the woman said.  Her voice was warmer than Ginny had expected, but still matter of fact.  "First years, follow me."  She opened the door the rest of the way, then led the way into a giant entrance hall.  Ginny gaped at its size, taking in with awe the large hourglasses that sparkled with jewels and the ornately carved doors that they were stopping before.  She nearly knocked Luna over, craning her neck to see.

Instead of opening the new set of doors, McGonagall turned and looked down at all of their faces again.  "Welcome to Hogwarts," she said importantly.  "In a few moments the Sorting Ceremony will begin and you will be placed in your respective Houses.  This is very important as the House you are Sorted in will be your family at Hogwarts.  Your classes, sleeping, and free time will all be spent with your own Housemates.  After you are Sorted you will join your House's table at which time the Feast will begin.

"The Four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin:  each has a noble history and has produced many outstanding witches and wizards.  While you are here your own accomplishments will earn you House points and any rule-breaking will lose them.  At the end of the year the House with the most points earns the House Cup.  This is an incredible honor; I hope that each of you will be a credit to your House.

"It is almost time to begin, take care that you look as respectable as possible."  McGonagall left them for a moment and a quick flurry of activity began.  Ties and robes were straightened, hair smoothed, and the Professor was already back.  The doors before them opened, and Ginny fell into line in the midst of the stream of first years.  They were surrounded by the expectant faces of students, professors, and ghosts.  Ginny's eyes focused on the beautiful pearly white face of one such ghostly woman, but she didn't have time for more than a glance.  Her gaze found tapestries on the wall, stained glass reflecting in floating candlelight, and the moon shining through the translucent ceiling.

The group shuffled to a halt at the front of the room, before the staff tables, where a hat sat waiting on a stool.  The room was heavy with an expectant silence that seemed odd to Ginny.  Suddenly a rip in the hat opened as if it were a mouth and said:

"You may think a hat is for sitting
High atop your head,
To keep your face from sweating,
And your nose from turning red,
But I say that I'm for knowing--
As only a Sorting Hat can--
Of where each student will learn the most,
And whichever is their appointed Clan.
Would you do best in Gryffindor?
Where virtue and bravery dwell best?
Or perhaps you should be placed in Hufflepuff?
Where the hardworking and loyal like to rest.
Then again, here dwells learned Ravenclaw
Where wisdom and knowledge always dwell.
Last but not least mighty Slytherin
Where cunning and a drive to succeed overwhelm.
I am the one who can tell you
Where it is best for each to thrive,
So don't wait any longer, wear me,
So at an answer I can quickly arrive.

The entire room was suddenly filled with applause.  The Hat bowed to each of the four tables, then became still again.  Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a scroll in her hand, and cleared her throat, then addressed the first years:

"I will call your name, and you will come forward and sit here to be Sorted."  She unrolled the scroll so she could read it, lifted the Hat off the stool, then checked her list:  "Bones, Rebecca."

A girl with braided brown hair and a fringe stept forward meekly, cheeks tinged pink with nerves.  She climbed onto the stool, and the Hat was placed upon her head.  It fell over her eyes, and there was a few moments of silence, and then the Hat boomed out:

"HUFFLEPUFF!"  The Hat removed, a new name was selected from the list:

"Creevey, Colin."

As the Hat boomed out, "GRYFFINDOR," Ginny's heart sank.  Weasley surely fell at the end of the list, names being in alphabetical order.  The group would dwindle until all eyes were on her.  Then her name would be called out for everyone to hear, her full, given name, surely.  Her ears burned red with embarrassment and impatience.

When at last she stood alone before the room, with only Professor McGonagall for company, the woman checked her list one last time, then rolled it up back into a scroll as she pronounced:

"Weasley, Ginevra."  Ginny approached the waiting stool with trepidation:  she rather disliked the thought of wearing the same Hat as thousands of nameless individuals, but at the same time she was reassured that if they had lived through the experience then so could she.  She climbed onto the stool, sat down--carefull to keep her knees closed--and her face was immediately encased in darkness as McGonagall set the Hat on her head.

"Hello, there," said the Hat conversationally in her ear.  "Another Weasley I see, the last if I'm not mistaken.  Such a thirst to prove oneself, to stand apart, that I rather think you'd prefer not to stand in everyone's shadow..."  Ginny's heart gave a lurch; how could the Hat know these things about her?  "Still, there is only one place for you I'm afraid, you'll just have to make the best of it... GRYFFINDOR!" he boomed out the last for the entire hall to hear.

"Thank you," she said quietly.  She hadn't wanted to be Sorted anywhere else.

"You're welcome," it responded just as it was whipped off her head.  Gryffindor table was applauding loudly and she rushed towards them.  There were several boys her age waiting there, but she didn't know any of them.  At last the boy named Colin moved down at the urging of Hermione, and Ginny slid into the seat between them.

"Good show," Hermione beamed.

"Thanks," Ginny blushed.
 
 
 

*     *     *