I remember the first time I stepped through those doors of Hogwarts.

It was like I was taking my first breath of a new life.

Things were so different then. I guess it was a simpler time.

I remember walking through the long, tall hallways. They never seemed to stop, a never ending maze.

Then we made it to the large room. It was filled with decorations and large tables.

That's where we were assigned our houses.

The only girl that spoke to me on the whole train ride was Hermione. I didn't really talk to her much, just answered with simple nods. I guess I'm rather shy, more or less an outcast. She was assigned to Gryffindor.

After more names were called, the hat rang my name from its lips.

I swallowed hard before making my way to the front, and sitting down on the stool. Professor Dumbledore placed the hat on my head.

“Mhhhh this ones hard… something is different here.” the hat spoke.

I nodded in response.

“Do you speak?” the hat chuggled.

“Yes.” I whispered to him.

“Oh… that accent is very different. I haven't heard that one in a while.” I felt my face turn red as those words left his lips.

The room had gone so quiet, I could hear my heart pounding in my chest.

“Very well,” the hat had begun speaking again, “I'm stuck between two options. You've got the personality of a Hufflepuff, but the attitude of a Gryffindor…. Well, I say Gryffindor!”

After that we were given a tour and shown our house common room, as well as our rooms.

Lucky Hermione was my roommate. I didn't talk to anyone but her for weeks.

I was the only American, and once people found out it was hell for a few months. I quickly grew popular, because I know a spell that could turn any drinking liquid into liquor.

This got me into lots of parties.

Now, here Hermione and I sit, waiting to load the train, heading to our fourth year at Hogwarts.