“Prince-Black, Adhara” professor McGonagall called and Adhara went to the stool. She saw her parents straighten up a little and it warmed up her heart that there are people who are interested in her whereabouts. Almost 5 years have gone but she still remembers those cold days, lonely nights and expressions of hate and wariness towards her. She hated that building and people in it. 2 years old her, had hoped sleeping in that dark cupboard that someone would rescue her from that soon. No one did, for a very long time. Long time in which she had lost any hope and learnt to rely on herself. But one cold day full of snow, an angel came wearing all black cloth. He had taken her to another person she knew since childhood. It was difficult to trust them, but they had done so much for her, gave her world and most importantly loved her truly that she couldn't help but be thankful to them and love them in return. She knew it wasn't an easy journey for them, they were patient which still surprises her as her father has a teaspoon of patience for others but her. And her dad, well, what can one say about him, he is so protective for her as well as for father that sometimes it crosses the line to overprotectiveness. Not that they mind really, as they know for her dad they are his world.

The last thing Adhara saw before the hat dropped over his eyes was the hall full of people, some interested in the sorting rest just looking towards gryffindor table. Next second he was looking at the black inside of the hat. She waited.

“Oh my such a strong occulmen at a young age. Shields are very strong, your father taught you well,” small but old voice echoed. Obviously, object chanted by Rowena Ravenclaw can penetrate any shield.

“Thank you, I assume you won't tell things you see in minds,” father had told her that hat can see through the sheild but is obligated to keep the secret.

“Of course, now let's sort you out,” said a small old voice in her ear. “Difficult. Very Difficult. Plenty of courage and determination, I see. A trait Godric would have appreciated. There’s talent, plenty of it, oh my goodness, yes – and a nice thirst to prove yourself, hmm mind that can make anyone envious but also hardworking and loyal, now that’s interesting….So where shall I put you?”

“What do you think would be best for me,”

“Hmm, No Hufflepuff won't do, while you are hardworking, you are too sly for them. Gryffindor, while you're brave, determined and bold, but the occupants won't survive you in it. They are too loud for your liking. You will do best in Slytherin but your mind is something Rowena would would love,”

“Ravenclaw,”

“But there would be a chance that people underestimate you, and Slytherin will help you to be great”

“but it won't help me in gaining knowledge and Father is head of house Slytherin. I'll figure something out to be part of it,” 

“You are definitely Slytherin but you have an equal thirst for knowledge,” the voice seemed amused.

“The best Slytherin are those who have avoided sorting there,” Adhara thought and the old voice chuckled.

“Very well, I expect great from you but I know you'll find your way to that so RAVENCLAW” the hat shouted. 

She got up and her uniform changed to blue. She looked towards her parents to see how they had reacted and saw a beaming smile from her dad and a small smile from her father. She smiled in return and went to the ravenclaw table.

There were only 7 left after her. Sophie Roper went to Gryffindor, Runcorn sorted into Hufflepuff and Sally Smith into Slytherin. Lisa Turpin sorted in her house. Unsurprisingly, the same red-head, Weasley as Draco has told, went to Gryffindor as well as the next Zoe Winter. And finally sorting ended with Blaise Zabini going to Slytherin.

Albus Dumbledore had gotten to his feet. He was beaming at the students, his arms opened wide, as if nothing could have pleased him more than to see them all there and allowed to start the feast with some weird words (Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! What the fook that is supposed to mean. He seems more mad than father had said. Mad but manipulative and extremely control freak). She saw some older Ravenclaw roll their eyes at his words. So he always says something like this. Barmy old man.

The dishes in front of her were now piled with food. There were roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and, for some strange reason, peppermint humbugs. Well, at least Hogwarts serves good food, she thought.

As students served themselves food, introduction and conversation also started.

“My mother is Korean and father is Italian, dad says he made her fall for him by introducing pizza” Sue Li, an asian looking girl said with a grin and other chuckled.

“My mother is a muggle, mother always says he bewizard him,” Lisa Turpin, a girl with brown hair, wheatish skin and blue eyes made pun and those who got, laughed.

As the children conversed around Adhara, she was surveying the hall. At the head table, her dad was busy talking to a tiny professor, must be professor flitwick. James and Lily Potter are busy talking to each other, also looking towards the Gryffindor table from time to time. Dear Merlin, it seems they're obsessed with their son. Thank fooking Salazer, they didn't raise her (but they're responsible for her 5 years of torment which they will pay for in due time). A purple turban was saying something to her father, his turban towards her and suddenly she felt a minute burn over the scar on forehead (same scar she had gotten that night when her 'brother' had gotten infamous victory scar on his cheeks but no one can see that her scar as she usually keep in cover by makeup). 

“What classes are you looking forward to,” Isobel MacDougal, blond girl with dark blue eyes, asked.

“All especially Charms,” Padma Patil, an Indian originated girl said.

“I love transfiguration,” Terry Boot, a lanky boy with Sandy hair told.

“Oh we are Ravenclaw, we will be fine in every subject,” the boy with mousy brown hair sat beside Padma said cockily. Michael corner, he had introduced early.

“But I have heard potion is tough and professor is not nice,” Padma said 

Hearing the word potion tough and professor not nice brought her attention back to the table. Okay she understands where they're coming from. Father is not a great teacher, he says so himself. On the top of that he teaches potion, most lethal subject (“an imbecile can kill all the occupants with a single wrong step unlike subjects where wrong spell can harm only 1 or 2, of course I have to be vigilant and firm on them” her father had said when dad commented how lout he is with students this summer). She didn't understand why they were saying that as she can understand her father's teaching perfectly well. He then explained he is what students call dungeon bat because he is hard on them. He also said he never wanted to become a teacher as he doesn't have patience for teaching dunces, but he had to, so over the years he has tried to be as good teacher as he could be. “You are very creative, my child, that's why you grasp everything I teach you, but normally I don't have the fortune to have such students.” her father had said when she said she found him a very knowledgeable teacher. She knew all that doesn't mean she has to like what people say about her father.

Their discussion halted when a transparent lady in an ancient looking robe floated over the table. She didn't utter a word to the children.

“She is grey lady, Ravenclaw ghost,” a girl elder then them informed the first year seeing there baffled expression. “She isn't as interactive as the fat Friar ghost or nearly headless Nick,” gesturing towards the gryffindor table where a ghost has seized his left ear and pulled his head. His whole head swung off his neck and fell onto his shoulder as if it was on a hinge. She wince and children around her gagged seeing that.

Dinner continued with various natters over different things. At last, the desserts too disappeared, and Professor Dumbledore got to his feet again. The hall fell silent.

“Ahem – just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.

“First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well.” just how they suppose to learn ingredients collection for potion if they are banning it.

Dumbledore’s twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the red head twins must be Weasley judging by similarity with the Weasley sorted earlier.

“I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors.

This year, Madam Hooch has decided to work in ministry. So, we are fortunate to have Auror James Potter taking her responsibility.” that got many claps from people. It seems someone's popular because of a child.

Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact him.

Apart from Professor Potter, we have 3 more new professors, joining us. Professor Quirrell was kind enough to be DADA professor.” lanky man with a purple turban rose very nervously. People clapped disinterestedly.

“Professor Lily Potter is going to teach you muggle studies, no one knows about the world better than who has lived in it,” Dumbledore said cryptically with a big smile and twinkling eyes. A lady with Auburn hair wearing a red dress stood up, Adhara felt immense hate towards her and her husband (not that anyone can tell “wearing emotions on face gives your opponent a big tool against yourself” father had said), these are the one who was supposed to protect her and look after her. Then her eyes fell on the man sitting beside her in black robes and the man in blue robes and her heart warmed up a little. 

“and Professor Sirius Black who graciously agreed to be history of magic professor,” a man in blue robes got up with a roguish grin (that definitely says he is up to something), this got everyone's attention and claps. Hah, Seems no one likes the previous professor. Many of her housemates looked at her curiously but thank Morgana no one asked anything. It didn't escape her that the girls were sitting a little bit away seeing her dad with starry eyes. Merlin, she didn't have to see that.

And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death.”

Very few laugh at that, Liam Potter being one of them. Adhara looked towards the elder girl with 'is he serious look' but the girl looked conflicted herself.

“And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!” cried Dumbledore. Adhara noticed that the other teachers’ smiles had become rather fixed.

Dumbledore gave his wand a little flick, as if he was trying to get a fly off the end, and a long golden ribbon flew out of it, which rose high above the tables and twisted itself, snakelike, into words.

“Everyone pick their favorite tune,” said Dumbledore, “and off we go!”

And the school bellowed:

“Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they’re bare and full of air,

Dead flied and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we’ve forgot,

Just do your best, we’ll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot.”

Everybody finished the song at different times. At last, only the some red-headed twins were left singing along to a very slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped loudest.

“Ah, music,” he said, wiping his eyes. “A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!”

The elder girl, Penelope Clearwater as she introduced at the end, took the first years up the marble staircase. What it felt like eternity of climbing stairs they reached a door without a doorknob or keyhole, but a bronze knocker in the shape of an eagle. She rapped the door.

“I have a tail, and I have a head, but I have no body. I am NOT a snake. What am I?” suddenly a female disembodied voice from knocker asked.

“A coin” Adhara answered reflexively when all the students looked at her with a weird expression “Sorry, I love riddles” she said sheepishly.

The door got open and Clearwater took them inside to the common room. It was a wide, circular room with arched windows hung with blue and bronze silks and a midnight blue carpet covered in stars, which was reflected onto the domed ceiling. The room was furnished with tables, chairs, and bookcases; and by the door leading up to the dormitories stood a tall statue of Rowena Ravenclaw made of white marble.

“You have guessed with Ms Prince-Black action,” Clearwater looked her while informing, clearly amused by her, “that the knocker will ask you a riddle and to enter you have to answer that. I am Penelope Clearwater with Alekos Wilson” she gestured toward a boy with golden skin and black curly hair, “are 5th year prefects, and we are delighted to we delighted to welcome you in Ravenclaw house”

“Our emblem is the eagle, which soars where others cannot climb with the motto Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure; Without wishing to boast, this is the house where the cleverest witches and wizards live. Our founder, Rowena Ravenclaw, prized learning above all else – and so do we. Ravenclaw house has an illustrious history. Most of the greatest wizarding inventors and innovators were in our house, including Perpetua Fancourt, the inventor of the lunascope, Laverne de Montmorency, a great pioneer of love potions, and Ignatia Wildsmith, the inventor of Floo powder” Wilson addressed them.

“As for our relationship with the other three houses: well, you’ve probably heard about the Slytherins. They’re not all bad, but you’d do well to be on your guard until you know them well. They’ve got a long house tradition of doing whatever it takes to win – so watch out, especially in Quidditch matches and exams.

The Gryffindors are OK. If I had a criticism, I’d say Gryffindors tend to be show-offs. They’re also much less tolerant than we are of people who are different; in fact, they’ve been known to make jokes about Ravenclaws who have developed an interest in levitation, or the possible magical uses of troll bogies, or ovomancy, which (as you probably know) is a method of divination using eggs. Gryffindors haven’t got our intellectual curiosity, whereas we’ve got no problem if you want to spend your days and nights cracking eggs in a corner of the common room and writing down your predictions according to the way the yolks fall. In fact, you’ll probably find a few people to help you.

As for the Hufflepuffs, well, nobody could say they’re not nice people. In fact, they’re some of the nicest people in the school. Let’s just say you needn’t worry too much about them when it comes to competition at exam time in,” Clearwater continued.

“Another cool thing about Ravenclaw is that our people are the most individual – some might even call them eccentrics. But geniuses are often out of step with ordinary folk, and unlike some other houses we could mention, we think you’ve got the right to wear what you like, believe what you want, and say what you feel.

 Speaking of eccentrics, you’ll like our Head of house, Professor Filius Flitwick. People often underestimate him, because he’s really tiny and he’s got a squeaky voice, but he’s the best and most knowledgeable Charms master alive in the world today. His office door is always open to any Ravenclaw with a problem, and if you’re in a real state he’ll get out these delicious little cupcakes he keeps in a tin in his desk drawer and make them do a little dance for you. In fact, it’s worth pretending you’re in a real state just to see them jive,” Wilson picked up where Clearwater left.

“Thank you for your kind words Mr Wilson,” a squeaky voice from near the door said, making all heads turn towards the door. Tiny professor flitwivk came near the prefects. “Good evening, my new Ravens, I am professor Flitwick, head of house of intelligence. As the prefect Clearwater and Wilson have introduced you properly with this house I'll not bore you further. But there are a few rules that all of you must know as a ravenclaw.

>Do not fight with other members. Keep all debates civil, and respect everyone's opinions.

>Do not bully other members. And don't disturb anyone who is reading or writing.

>Common room library is for everyone. So don't keep books to yourself for too long. Keep the books after completing the work in the place where it belongs.

>Always remember you are not inferior to anyone but also nobody is inferior to you.

>Respect everyone's privacy.

 >I know curiosity is a main trait for being Ravenclaw, but don't bully anybody to tell or explain something to you. Ask politely.

>Good humour, clear and open mind, and realism is essential for doing work.

>This is your home for the next 7 years, so it's your duty to keep it clean.

>Last but not least, as Mr Wilson said earlier my doors for you are always open. So if there is a problem you can come anytime. I'll be ready for you with dancing cupcakes.

And once again: well done on becoming a member of the cleverest, quirkiest and most interesting house at Hogwarts." Professor Flitwick completed with big beaming smile. 

"Now girls' dormitories are on the left side while boy's are on the right side. Boys are prohibited from entering girls' dormitories. So beware, and come down to the common room before 8 as one of the prefects will provide you with a map of basics routes for classes" Clearwater said and all the students started to go.

"Miss Prince-Black" Professor called.

"Yes professor," she answered, turning around. Noticing many also did the same. Nosy people.

"Any relation with Professor Black," all people turned to her answer, hah professor has asked what they all wanted to know.

"Yeah, he is my father," she answered, smiling softly.

"Ahh, that's good. Now off you go," Flitwick said, returning her smile. Then she all left.

She reached her