The Deputy Headmistress looked at the girl in the shadows and called out: "Carina Darnell".

*A Slytherin without doubt* McGonagall thought to herself - the family name was known to her from long ago to have that allegiance.

***********

"Food and plenty of it will be soon I am sure." said Sarah taking the seat next to Raphael. "We just need to wait for this last new girl to be sorted and then the Headmaster will make a few announcements to start the year off and signal the start of the Feast. Then we'll stuff ourselves silly and go off to bed. Nice thing is - no classes until Monday - so we can hang out and explore the Castle tomorrow."

Once settled Sarah continued to speak with Kat about Rita Skeeter. "Maybe she didn't interview him as such. She said she was doing an article on Junior Aurors and that she understood that one of our classmates was one and tried to find out stuff about him. She was very gushy and I think it had all ready been written and that she considered Marvo was the best thing since the invention of Chocolate Frogs."

The incident came flooding back to Sarah's mind, "Arcadia Fudge was there and she was coming out with some really outrageous things – as you can imagine like that he and Tish went out at one point and about his dancing with Joss at the Yule Ball. Anyway, Andy, Tish and Winifred also came over during the conversation and Raphael was there too."

This gave Sarah a chance to smile at Raphael. "You recall that loudly dressed witch who was with us just before Marvo came over?"

She turned back to Kat, "Morticia told Rita Skeeter that she was talking rubbish and Arcadia – well most of the stuff she'd heard was second-hand from Hufflepuffs." This indicated the source was notoriously unreliable, "Once the feast is in progress I'd go over and find out from him. I mean I didn't see you guys on the train much or I would have mentioned it then and with all the excitement with the Ninjas it went out of my mind."

Kat was very surprised that Rita Seeker would think Marvo was wonderful. Last time she wrote about Marvo is was because of the break up of his forced betrothal to Nimue. Kat wondered what Rita Seeker could be up to this time. She was convinced it wouldn't be anything good.

"Perhaps I will ask him later." Kat thought about it for a minute.

"So Zidane" Sarah said addressing the other new Ravenclaw, "Where are you from? You're not British with that accent. Do I detect West Coast upbringing? You don't have any relatives named Buffy do you?"

Sarah, a huge fan of the muggle TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer - had a great hope that it might be a documentary programme like 'COPS'.

As Sarah started asking Zidane questions Kat smiled. "More to the point... Do any of you play Quidditch? Our team has been a little short on good players recently."

As Sarah was talking loudly to Kat about the witch on the train, Raphael did nod to her, agreeing, although... his mind was somewhere else... on his stomach... but when Kathryn black started questioning him, Zidane and Nathaniel, he was brought back with a bang.

"Quidditch? Team?" Raphael was instantly intrigued, although he didn't know why... he hadn't heard of it before. At home, though, the last six months had been about playing games... little else to do... throwing himself about in the trees, whether it be learning to climb to the highest point of any gnarled old beech tree, or cliff, or fall down without hurting himself, or swing across the chasms that the rivers ripped into the landscape... or throw himself in the rivers... but... was there a wizard sport? "That sounds..." he said to Kat, desperately thinking of a word on the spot, "that sounds... cool... what's Quidditch? Is that like... a game? A wizard game? Are we gonna be taught that... or..."

********

Carina had sneered slightly when her name was called. Trust a Gryffindor to miss a name off the top. Sweeping down the hall from her place, she gave the Deputy Headmistress a sickly sweet smile before sitting her self upon the stool and placing the hat upon her head.

//So your family finally made a reappearance. You're a little late aren't you?//

*Hat, I'm not here to play games. You spit out anything other than Slytherin, trust me, you've sorted your last. I've had plenty of time to practice fire charms in all their forms*

//Temper Temper. Of, course, with a Darnell, I shouldn't have expected any different...//

*Just get on with it!*

She heard the hat sigh before yelling out in its normal fashion. "SLYTHERIN" As she took it off, she heard it mutter //Some things never change//

Standing up, she grinned before walking smoothly down the hall towards the Slytherin table. She surveyed the faces until she reached a set of people, who she thought must be fourth years by their looks. Sitting herself in a space near them she looked them over, before speaking.

"I'm Carina Darnell. You are?"

"Nicola Pheidippides," Niki said, offering a hand. She smiled pleasantly at Carina. "Are you transferring? I can show you around, if you like. I've been here since last Christmas."

Carina looked at the hand for a moment, before nodding and shaking it gently. No point making enemies before allies.

Smiling a little, she spoke up. "If you would, this castle is bigger than our chateau. I should catch on quick enough. And no, I'm not transferring. There are..reasons...for my late start."

She looked at the others. "Would you care to introduce me Nicola?"

Arcadia looked the new girl up and down as Carina walked towards the Slytherin table. "Darnell? hmmm. I wonder if she's any relation to Darius Darnell?" she said to herself, and Pantalaimon just gave a sniff of indifference. "Nice hair though"

Niki smiled. "Certainly." She peered around. "This is Randal Fudge"--a handsome blond boy with strange yellow eyes--"and that, over there, is his twin sister Arcadia--I'd stay away from her if I were you... Err... That's Winifred, she's a bit quiet... Down there is Nathan"--she stopped and waved to a sixth-year down the table, who waved back and made her go a little pink--"who's Tish's brother... That's Tish, sorry, Morticia Lagrand. They're the French ambassador's children, and their little sister was just sorted into Hufflepuff. Err... Hal DDraiggoch... That's everyone I see just now." She shrugged.

"Chateau? Is your family French?" she asked.

From the other side of the table Arcadia GLARED at Niki. (Pantalaimon having very good hearing, heard her remake to Carina) "Watch it Pheidippides." She whispered "You're already on my list!"

Carina looked round the group. Not a very loud bunch that was for certain. Except for Arcadia, who seemed to have the look of a person who wouldn't be an easy rival.

*Probably best to have her on the same team then* she told herself. She spoke in a guarded voice.

"A very well descended lot by the sounds of it. I'm sure we will get to know each other a bit better."

Looking round again, she noticed a very pale boy sitting alone at one end of the table. He had an almost vampire like complexion. She turned to him. "And who might you be?"

*********

Professor McGonagall checked her list again. That did appear to be the last name. She smiled at Dumbledore as she headed back to the teachers' table and ushered one of the Hufflepuff prefects to move the sorting hat and stool out of the way.

Now the Sortings were complete Professor Dumbledore stood to address the school.

"Welcome to all of you who have joined us this year. Now before I start this feast I have a few announcements to wait." The was a groaning from a number of students, particularly those on the Slytherin table. Professor Dumbledore held up his hand for silence.

"This will not take long I promise you." He smiled at the students.

Then his expression changed to be quite serious. "Firstly the bad news. Some of you may be aware that the boats that carry the first year students to hogwarts sank on the way here today. This is not something that anyone expects to happen, and I am aware that sabotage is a very likely cause. I cannot allow that sort of behaviour to go unpunished so as of now, all Hogsmeade visits are cancelled until further notice. That means that any student caught in Hogsmeade will be punished. When we find those responsible that privilege may be re-instated, but until then I expect to find you ALL obeying that restriction."

Some of the students started to object but Dumbledore gave them a look that silenced them immediately.

His expression changed again. "Right, now that the nasty bit is over I have some rather better news. With the help of the people at the ministry we have the pleasure of being able to participate in an Inter-School Quidditch tournament."

He let the news sink in as the whispers ran round the great hall. "We will be forming a school Quidditch team to play against Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. It is quite a while since we embarked on an inter-school competition so I expect that it should be good fun.

In addition, because there is to be a school team as well as your individual house teams I am proud to announce that we have a new Quidditch coach that will be aiding Madame Hooch. So, I am pleased to welcome back Anders Grimalkin to hogwarts in a capacity to which I hope he will be better suited."

A round of applause came from the students. Most of them had been aware of the trial that Anders had endured last year. The students had rallied together to prove that Anders had been manipulated by his stepfather to perform dark magic allowing him to have his Quidditch licence re-instated. He could have returned to professional Quidditch again where he had been the seeker for the Welsh team, but Dumbledore had persuaded him instead to attempt to coach the best school team he could.

Dumbledore continued to explain about the arrangements. "We need to establish a school team as soon as possible, so those who are interested should sign the form that I will put up on the notice board in the main entrance later tonight. Trials will be on Monday night!"

"Finally I have two new appointments to announce. Firstly some of you will have met Drake Brixton last year. He has now been made an assistant Muggle studies." Professor Dumbledore scanned the room for Drake. "If you could stand up Mr Brixton then everyone will know who you are."

"Mr Brixton may seem quite young to you all, but I can assure you that he is highly qualified. I hope you will treat him with the respect he deserves!"

"The second appointment is our new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher, Aidan Smyth. Professor Smyth has a lot of experience in defending himself from dark magic, particularly ancient forms. I am sure that a few of you may even have heard of some of his archaeological discoveries. He has a lot to offer us. Welcome Professor." He smiled across at where Professor Smyth was seated. The professor nodded his thanks.

"Now all that I have left to say is have a great year and Enjoy the Feast!" With that the plates on the tables magically filled and the feast began.

**********

Nimue felt numb at the announcement that Hogsmeade was now 'out of bounds'.

She looked over at Marvo and said quietly, "Does this mean we won't be allowed to visit Anders tomorrow? What am I going to do?"

She had counted on the weekends to see Anders in the village and now ... he would be at the school on occasion with the coaching but ....

She looked over and tried to catch Kat's eye to see if she was distressed about not being able to see her brother - of course, Kat did play Quidditch and so she'd be able to see him and maybe because they were related she might be allowed out with him.

She expected that Anders would be joyful about coaching the School team for such a prestigious event and she didn't wish to rain on his or anyone's happiness over this announcement.

At first Marvo was unconcerned by the removal of Hogsmeade privileges. Partly because he wasn't too bothered, but also because he was sure he could 'get there' if needed.

But when he saw Nimue's face his heart dropped. He understood how she must feel, having spent a lot of time away from Kat when he was training, he could really understand.

"See me later" He whispered to her, with a Wink.

Then the announcement for the inter school Quidditch was made and he 'politely' clapped. He was not at all interested in Quidditch, a waste if time he thought, and all those strange students coming to the school. it would not be fun.

Nimue wasn't sure what Marvo had in mind but she took the wink as meaning he would endeavour to help.

"Marvo, shouldn't we do some investigation into the sinking? Maybe we can discover who did it and then that might help solve the problem without you know....?"

Nimue wouldn't pass up any offer Marvo might make but she hated breaking rules or going against Dumbledore's instructions.

Marvo smiled to himself at the 'we' comment. After all, technically it was his job to investigate such things, well... okay, so technically he was only supposed to observe and report, but he knew what they meant.

"Oh yes, I'm sure 'we' will be looking into it. but first lets get the banquet over with. plenty of time to see what official investigation will show..."

He paused "But I bet the Slytherin were involved someplace. Many one of the first years trod on that wolfs tail or something at the station."

Down the table Amy smiled at Jian, "I have a lot to learn also!" Her plate magically filled up with food, and she began eating. She didn't realise how famished and freezing she was until now. She had a feeling she would like Hogwarts, and being part of Gryffindor as well.

**********

Anders had blushed furiously as Dumbledore had made his announcement. He'd know about the Quidditch tournament since before the end of the previous term, and it had been desperately hard to keep it a secret. He had, of course, blurted it out to Kat, but she had been as good as her word and not said anything.

He felt himself choke up with emotion when people clapped and cheered, apparently genuinely pleased he'd accepted the job of part-time coach. He'd known that a lot of the students had been instrumental in his acquittal, and he was glad that he was able to keep ties with the school.

Of course, he thought, slow realisation sinking in, between Quidditch training, law studies and the part-time tuition Dumbledore had offered him, he wasn't going to have much time for other things, like eating or sleeping, but hey - he was young.

When Dumbledore handed out the punishment for the 'prank' with the first year boats, his cheerful face crashed through the floor. The student trips to Hogsmeade were the only time he and Nimue had figured they would get any quality time to themselves, and now it wasn't going to happen.

His heart heavy with disappointment and his face registering the injustice he felt at Dumbledore's decision, he turned to meet Nimue's eye and gave her an encouraging smile. He'd still see her about the school, after all - and the punishment surely wouldn't last all year.

Would it?

*******

Before he could continue sprouting questions to Kat and the others, Dumbledore spoke a little about the school team and other announcements. Sitting back in his chair, Raphael seemed to blank out for a moment, at least until the food appeared, where a ripple of slight cheering passed along the tables, which he echoed.

"...so what's this about Quidditch and school teams and stuff?" he asked them through his first mouthful, grinning to Sarah at his right.

"It's a sport - it's THE Wizard Sport." said Sarah trying not to talk with her mouth full....

"Kat here is a whiz on a broom and well I am pretty good though I've not had a chance to prove myself in a proper match. Each House has its own team and the game is played high in the air on broomsticks - well not too high because the crowd in the stands need to see."

"It's very exciting because there are a bunch of enchanted balls, some of them try to knock players off their brooms, but other players are there to make sure they don't. There is a red ball called a Quaffle that the two Chasers endeavour to get into a goal and a Keeper defends the goal. There is also a very special small ball called the Snitch that the Seeker - that's another player - tries to find at the right time because catching the Snitch wins the game. It's a very fast game - did I say that?"

She smiled at Kat, "I am sure Kat knows how to explain it better than me. Anyway, have you ever flown before? Looks like there will be more than House teams - be interesting to see how Prof.. I mean Coach Grimalkin manages to get players from different Houses to co-operate."

The mostly black kitten was hiding in Nathaniel's sleeve after having realised that familiars weren't usually allowed at table, and Nathaniel fed him tit-bits in between every mouthful. He listened quietly to the discussion about Quidditch and broomsticks.

"Looks like I need to learn to fly a broomstick." was his sole addition to the conversation. "Tomorrow, if possible."

"If trials are going to be Monday, I'd say tomorrow sounds an ideal day for it. Wit Hogsmeade out of bounds weekends are going to drag!"

She turned to Kat, "Does that sound like fun? You interested?"

"Yep, that sounds like a great idea! I don't suppose we will be the only ones out there practising tomorrow either." She grinned.

"I'm definitely up for a lesson." She was supposed to have been going to visit Anders for tea tomorrow. Now she guesses that would not be happening. She checked her pocket again to see the kitten still sleeping. Gently she put a hand in and ruffled his ears. He purred loudly at her, changed position and went back to sleep. She closed the pocket again. She would have to give Anders the kitten at school. Perhaps after the feast.

She wondered how Nimue would cope without being able to visit Hogsmeade. She glanced across at the Gryffindor table. She could see the long face that Nimue had, and glancing up at the head table she could tell that Anders was trying to put on a brave face too. She hoped that this restriction wouldn't be in force too long.

After introducing himself to the other Ravenclaws nearby, Zidane took a seat and decided to join in the conversation.

"Don't you suppose someone would be willing to teach me to ride a broom even?" he asked Kat and Sarah with a sheepish, boyish grin on his face. "I've read, like, five books on Quidditch over the summer--including Quidditch Through The Ages--and, man, does it sound a whole lot better than basketball."

"I'm from California," he added, grinning at Sarah. "Got no relatives by the name of Buffy, though. But, yeah, we have the beach, and surfing, and, of course, lots of sun throughout the year. Not to mention the awesome L.A. Lakers."

"I'm sure you can come and join us." Kat smiled at him. "All beginners together eh? I don't mind anyway. We could do with a few decent players for the house team too. Maybe one of you will be the wonder kid we have been looking for."

She winked at Sarah. "I have to say, though... and I know that this is a little strange as a Ravenclaw, but reading books is a little different to the real thing..."

"Thank god," commented Raphael to the others. "I haven't had access to that kind of book. It'd make it kinda difficult for some of us," said Raphael, not quite looking at Zidane, trying to pass off the comment. "Kathryn... does that invitation cover all of us?" he asked her. Although... perhaps Sarah'd be willing to teach him, too... willing to have a few... perhaps... he didn't really want to get on a broomstick first time with everyone there... an idea started forming in his mind. A good idea.

Then something else hit him, a comment Zidane had made a few seconds before. "Basketball? Do you play basketball, Zidane? I haven't played basketball in... in... well, in ages..."

"Basketball is good." Nathaniel commented, helping himself to some more teppan fried noodles and what appeared to be duck and chicken stirfry. "I'm good at that. And rounders. And cricket. But not hockey or swimming."

He noted idly that the magical platters seemed to provide different dishes, almost according to the whim of the hungry person. The mostly black kitten sat inside the folds of his left sleeve and he ate with one hand; feeding the kitten titbits every other mouthful.

"Is there like a beginners course to broomsticks?" he added. "And uh... do they fuel themselves or are we supposed to magic them into working? If the latter, I could be in trouble, I can't even do sparks yet."

"Last year Anders Grimalkin was talking about organising some more muggle sports. Maybe if he's gonna be a coach he'd see the advantage of using other forms of sports to help with training."

"We have a whole afternoon of sports every week and there is only so much Quidditch so we do other things as well. Basic running about stuff. No swimming pool though there is the lake. It does have a giant squid in it - which can be a little off-putting for most people."

She was aware of what was going on with Nathaniel's kitten and she would have sneaked a couple of titbits in its direction except it would have looked strange to keep putting her hand up Nathaniel's left sleeve especially sitting on his right.

"Broomsticks are enchanted - so no magic needed to power them. Just a steady seat, a strong grip, good balance and head for heights. Oh and nerves of steel are useful. Sparks unnecessary." she said with a grin.

"This is going to be fun Kat!" So many Ravenclaw boys were too bookish to go in for much sport but Zidane, Nathaniel and Raphael all looked as though they were willing to have some fun.

Zidane grinned broadly at the mention of Muggle sports. The sports of what used to be /his/ world, where everyone had and still thought that he was a /mutant/. It was like being in a twisted prolonged episode of the X-Men.

"I'd like to try out a broomstick," he said, "I've only imagined them to be used by long-nosed hags with shrieking laughter--you know, the kind that you see in the movies and in comic books. Fairy-tale stuff. The way you people put it makes 'em more practical-sounding."

"Well, being a Californian and all that, I play basketball and volleyball. There's also soccer and surfing. Too bad there's no beach nearby. It would be really cool to shred the waves once in a while."

Zidane omitted the fact that he had never shared his sports experiences with other people. His parents had seen to his isolation, lest others "see" his abnormality and cause trouble for the family.

He forced himself not to think of the past anymore.

***********

At the Slytherin table Piotr swung his curious eyes on the new girl and his mouth curled in a slight sneer. "Obviously somebody who pays better attention to this ridiculous Sorting ceremony than you, Carina Darnell." He paused for a few seconds, assessing her.

"Piotr Rachinov," he said, finally. "Anything else you want to know? My age? My birthday? The combination to my personal diary? Just ask."

With that, he fell silent and stared down at the food on the table. Even that irritated him. He had helped himself to a plateful of the vegetable stew that had been thoughtfully provided for him, but he'd only eaten one or two mouthfuls of it.

He looked around the Hall and watched the other students laughing and tucking in. He'd not been at all interested in the Quidditch announcement, but it seemed that that was the main topic of conversation around the hall. Anders Grimalkin. The famous murderer. THAT was mildly interesting, but after assessing the shy, timid-looking young man at the teacher's table, Piotr's attention had drifted elsewhere.

Next to the Slytherin table, a Hufflepuff girl was happily tucking into a large steak and he watched her intently for a few moments before pushing his plate of food away, getting to his feet and leaving the Hall.

There were some things that gave him a headache.

Carina, normally very quick to retort, was for once unable to reply. She merely glared at him, grey eyes narrowed, before turning her attention back to the others. They seemed friendly. Allies are useful she told herself again. Not that she'd necessarily return any favours sent her way. In fact, it was highly unlikely she would. She'd had plenty of practice at using others for gain rather than pleasure. You learnt not to trust anyone much, with what she was...

*No* she snapped mentally *The way you WERE. Stop brooding. And say something, otherwise they'll start to be suspicious. You don't want to go make yourself overly conspicuous now do you*

She gave a grudging smile and turned to Arcadia. "Are all of your family quiet? Or just your brother?"

"She's not quiet," Niki whispered, "although maybe it'd be better if she was... I do think you should stay away from her. She doesn't like prettier girls." Which, in itself, was a sort of backhanded compliment. "And she's very good at potions, so...be careful, that's all."

*********

Up at the head table, Severus Snape's thin face was aglow with a self-satisfied smile. It had been he who had suggested to the Headmaster that revoking Hogsmeade privileges would be a suitable punishment for the whole school, and he felt somewhat pleased with himself.

He had watched the Sorting in his usual impassive manner, his eyebrows raising into his greasy hairline when first Piotr and then Raphael had set the Hat to shrieking. He'd expected it from the Rachinov brat, but the Lathander boy? There was one who obviously needed watching.

Like McGonagall, Snape was not at all surprised that Rachinov had been sorted into Slytherin, and he felt a strange sense of pride at the addition of such a good potions brewer. Between Piotr and Arcadia, he would produce two of the best potions experts Hogwarts had seen...maybe then he might get some recognition.

Another sneer. Recognition. Hah. He had spent much of the summer producing the final report on his theory behind Anders Grimalkin's deflection of the Killing Curse, and instead of receiving the acclaim he'd so desired, all the credit had gone to Grimalkin for actually doing the thing.

Still, he accepted (a little bitterly). Anders had protested that Snape had done the real work and demanded joint acclaim, which had been granted. Snape had been convinced that this time, Albus Dumbledore couldn't fail to give him the Defence Against the Dark Arts job.

Instead, Smyth had got the post. Snape was not best pleased.

And now all this ridiculousness about Quidditch. Snape enjoyed watching a good Quidditch match as much as the next wizard (who was also Professor Sprout, and everyone KNEW how excitable SHE could get sometimes), but he foresaw months of concentration on nothing but the stupid sport and not on homework.

Thinking of all the detentions that could be due, he smiled to himself and sat back in his seat, exuding an air of smug satisfaction.