Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.

Leonna-Grace, arrived on school grounds at last. Her long chestnut brown hair waved back and forth as she stumbled out into the wizarding world she longed to be apart of. Her long trembling fingers grasped her bags as the rest of her followed the other first years.
The wind is so very cold, and smells of cinnamon, or maybe tea. I carry my belongings off the trolly, scuffing my new black flats with every step. By the time I arrive at the school corridors, my nails are bit down to bleeding point. My nerves over taking my whole body conflicted a strange twitch in my eye. How will I find my classes? I'm very little, I hope I don't get pushed around. Will people want to befriend me? Oh no, I'm in too deep. I want to go home! I'm going to be noxious...
Leonna-Grace, quickly became remorseful of her decision to enroll at Hogwarts; the sight of all the students, tall, older students, is just too overwhelming for the small first year. But by the time she turned around it was too late, someone had been waiting to greet her.

Clafin rushed down off of the Hogwart's Express and hurried her way over to her designated greeting spot. As a prefect, it was her job to help any and all first years that looked like they were lost, scared, or overwhelmed. This year she had asked the groundskeeper if she could be of any help, and he had thankfully agreed. She pushed her bag further up her shoulder, causing the several bags of tea in it to radiate a soft scent into the air surrounding her. She took a deep breath in and rejoiced in the soothing smells of cinnamon and peppermint. She smiled lightly and looked around to find someone to help. There was a small girl standing just a few feet away from her, who's face went from excited to terrified in seconds.

Clafin brushed her bangs away from her face and quickly muttered a spell that brought her hair up into a loose side braid. Tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, she took a step towards the girl. She looked incredibly frightened and almost a bit intimidated, which was odd to Clafin seeing as they were practically the same height. "Hey there! My name is Clafin. I'm a fifth year prefect. You look like you could use a little help. What's your name?" The words came out too fast, in result of her nerves. Clafin silently scolded herself, but kept the bright smile on her face as she waited for the girl to respond.

Is she talking to me?
Leonna-Grace, was approached by a somewhat short girl who claimed to be a fifth year prefect. She wasn't sure of the name, she shouted her words quite quickly! It was a hard sentence to grasp; Leonna-Grace, just nodded her head and smeared a half smiled on her face. As she pretended to be excited about the new meet and greet with this girl, she couldn't help but scream helpless in her dark grey eyes.
What do I say? My God she is flawless! Is she aware her hair is falling out of her braid? Look at her, even messed up hair doesn't ruin her perfection. How do you even talk to a girl like this? She may be as short as I am, but bloody hell she is intimidating for her height. Just introduce yourself, don't act weak! You're a witch! You are not to be frightened by a fourth year perfect, so buck up and stop acting like a house elf.
"Oh, Hello! I'm Leonna-Grace, Leona-Grace Trelawney! You might of heard of my aunt, she use to be a professor here. Anyway, I'm new, a first year- do you smell cinnamon?"
Did I speak too much? That was a lot of words for a self introduction. You nit, she probably doesn't even know Aunt Trelaney. Nit! Nit! Nit!

Clafin looked at the girl expexctantly as she stood before her with a light smile finally appearing on her face. Fighting back a sigh of relief, she nodded and smiled as the girl began to speak. Although Leona-Grace, as she had introduced herself, still looked incredibly intimidated she did seem as though she was beginning to loosen up a bit. Clafin's nerves began to settle down finally and she realized she'd been grasping to the leather strap of her bag as though it was her only way to live. She let go and flexed her hand out by her side.

"The old divination professor? My best friend's mother talks about her sometimes. Only when she's quite upset though..." she trailed off, think about Hermione sitting at the kitchen table over a large stack of papers muttering to herself about how much easier it would have been to finish if she hadn't wasted her time on the "phooey" class. "My uncle mentions her from time to time as well, but he doesn't like talking about his past much. Completely understandable, considering everything." she stopped herself as she realized her babbling. "Cinnamon? Oh, yeah. That would be me. Sorry! The tea helps me calm down. Always have some on me, just a bit more today than usual." she smiled at Leona-Grace, as she heard old Hagrid's boing voice over the sea of first year chatter. "We'd better get going then. Don't want to miss the boats and end up with the threstals." Studying the first year's face for a moment before adding, "You can come with me if you'd like? This part does end up getting a bit chaotic."

Chaos. Exactly what I need right now. Leonna-Grace, thought sarcastically to herself. She is a sarcastic soul, one who seems to be put together quite well, but inside is completely mad and scatter brained! So the thought of the chaos to come with the boats made the first year feel anxious.
What was she talking about when she said "My uncle mentions her from time to time as well, but he doesn't like talking about his past much. Completely understandable?" Sounds like a secret to me. Though Leonna-Grace, was quiet, she enjoyed secrets, mysteries. Maybe it was the Slytherin that ram in the family. She was ashamed of that part of her kin.
"This is very embarrassing, but I am terrible with names! Remind me of yours again? I could called you Cinnamon, but- don't know if that's a very good nickname." She said in a joking matter. Leonna-Grace, decided it was best not to ask about her uncle, she doesn't like being nosy- well at least making it obvious she is nosy!
Taking the stunning fifth years offer about help boarding the boats, she reached out her hand for the girl to grab. Her nerves had settled quickly, something about the girl was very welcoming, and Leonna-Grace felt comfortable around her.

Clafin smiled brightly at the girl as she spoke. "Oh, no worries! It's your first day here and there's lots going on. Don't expect you to remember my name even halfway through the year, but it's Clafin. Short for Clafindiffious. My parents decided that they'd gift me with a name that hasn't been used in the family since the 1700's. Lucky me, eh?" she said sweetly as the dark memories resurfaced in her mind. She'd always been one to bring a smile to other's faces, even when her past haunted her every day. She pushed her bangs out of her face once again, as the wind swirled around them. She gently grabbed Leona-Grace's hand and began to weave her way through the crowd up to Hagrid's side.

"Ahh. There ya are, Clafin!" Hargid said as he pulled her away from Leona-Grace and into a giant hug. "How're 'arry and Ginny doin' then?" he asked as quietly as his excited voice could manage. Clafin responded sweetly that everyone was good but she hadn't managed to visit them as much as she'd hoped over the break. After a few more polite exchanges Hagrid yelled out to the first years to settle down. "This 'ere, is Clafin. Fifth year Gryffindor prefect. Don't let her small size fool ya. She's the best duelist and seeker I've seen in years! She's helpin me out this year getting' all of ya first years to the castle as smoothly as possible." Clafin blushed severely as she was introduced, but smiled and nodded her head to the crowd before her. She managed to grab Leona-Grace as Hagrid began explaining the boats.

"Sorry, about that. He's a friend of the family. Sure does know how to embarrass a girl though!" she laughed heartily. "I have to take the last boat out, to make sure nobody gets left behind. It might be a while, so I'd understand if you want to go ahead."

A small Giant appeared before Clafin, and Leonna-Grace. Small Giant, isnt that an oxymoron for ya!
"I have to take the last boat out, to make sure nobody gets left behind. It might be a while, so I'd understand if you want to go ahead." Said Clafin. Does she not understand Im trying to avoid people? Im the girl who is most likely to be left behind.
I can wait it out! Leonna-Grace, said confidently. She would much rather wait behind with familiar face then board on a boat with strangers.
The wind wasn't too strong, but had a strong enough breeze to push Leonna-Graces' hair around. So she did what felt like the most quick fish tale, ever! That will reduce the wind a bit, and definitely stop bothering me with hair in my eyes!
"So Clafin, since will be waiting here awhile, tell me a bit about yourself. you can start by explaining how you know the big guy! Hagrid?" As Leonna-Grace questioned Clafin, a body had nudged by to speak to Hagrid. She seemed a bit older, a second year? Maybe a third? She seemed dazed, puzzled, lost. Boy, cant I relate to that feeling!

Clafin smiled and pushed more hair out of her face. She flicked her wand quickly and they were pinned back. She let out an annoyed huff, as she spoke. "Sorry that my hair is so disastrous. I took a small nap on the train. Well, I tried to anyways. Thomas kept flying candy at me." she said quickly. As the Leona -Grace began to ask about Hagrid, she couldn't help but let a huge smile form upon her lips. "He's a family friend. He was in the war with my...well, practically with every adult that's in my life." she said happily. "He really saved Harry's life, when you think about it." she added quietly.

Clafin nodded slightly, signaling Leona-Grace to wait just a moment. She peered over to where Hagrid was talking to a small girl. She would have immediately assumed that the girl was a first year, had she not looked so familiar. She vaguely remembered her being sorted last year. She tried to listen in over the chatter to see why she was so anxiously looking at Hagrid waiting for a response. "Just a second, I'll be right back!"

She rushed over to her tall friend and the small girl. "Sorry, I couldn't help but over hear. Do you need help with anything?" Clafin asked. "Oh," she added quickly while sticking her hand out in introduction, "I'm Clafin Potter. Fifth year prefect for Gryffindor. Sorry, for my manners. I'm new to this and overly excited."

As Clafin, walked away Leonna-Grace, found herself being pushed and shoved by other first years. She may have been the smallest, but boy! she was not the most immature.
"Cut it out!" Shouted Leonna-Grace, the obnoxious first years were just a bit much for the shy Leonna-Grace. So Leonna-Grace, decided to crowed away from the large bundle of anxious first years waiting for the boats. As she took a few steps forward she noticed a voice, to what seemed directed towards her.
"Why hello, I'm Stephy. I take it you're a first year since you don't have a house badge on your robes."
My robes?
"Oh yes, my robes, is it that the only give away? I was hoping my nervous vibe didn't scream Newbey! Leoona-Grace Trelawney, first year! My aunt use to be a professor here, but I doubt you've heard of her! However, youre a slytherin- I'm sure you've heard of my cousin! Draco, Draco Malfoy. Sorry, I'm rambling on... I do this when I'm nervous! And first days, they really hike up my nerves!"
Leonna-Grace, covered her mouth jokinglee to show she'd shut up now and give the girl a chance to speak.

"Oh, Hargid! She can just follow me in when I go, can't she?" she asked to the half giant kindly. She turned to Stephy quickly and added, "I totally understand about the threstals, they terrify me to the bone. Don't get me wrong, I find them completely beautiful and intriguing...but they are just a bit too dark for my liking." she smiled brightly to her. She looked over expectantly at Hagrid, who quickly agreed. He had never managed to say no to Clafin after what had happened to her parent's. He was too afraid to see her go back into the morbid mindset that had followed the months after the accident. Clafin hugged him as tightly as she could and returned to Leona-Grace, who was now introducing herself to Stephy.

"However, youre a slytherin- I'm sure you've heard of my cousin! Draco, Draco Malfoy. " she had heard her say. Clafin took a deep breath in and tried to ignore her personal prejudices against the blond. She smiled as Leonna-Grace realized that she was babbling and covered her mouth. The first year reminded her a bit of herself, chestnut hair and everything. "Don't worry, the nerves will go down after the sorting." she said sweetly to Leona-Grace, trying to assure her. "Do you know which house you'd like to be sorted into?"

Turning to Stephy, she quickly said, "Yeah, cursed with the one of the most known last names in the wizarding world. Not that I'm ashamed of my family, just gets a bit frustrating trying to discern who is there for me or to get to them. If that makes any sense at all?" After that, she quieted down, allowing the two girls to respond to both each other and herself.

Clafin nodded slightly as Stephy spoke. "You've no idea. I can handle questions about Harry and even the Weasley's but when it comes to my parents..." she shrugged her shoulders. "It was just far too publicized to be able to avoid any questions, thanks to that wretch, Rita Skeeter." she said in an almost irritated tone. She pushed her hair to the side again, and took a deep breath. "It's in the past though," she said as she forced a huge smile on to her face. She laughed as Stephy spoke to Leona-Grace, but didn't add much to the conversation. Her eyes were clouded over with dark memories, even though she kept her smile planted firmly on her lips. She laughed as Stephy spoke to Leona-Grace.

(Clafin, Leonna-Grace, has two n's )


When asked what house Leonna-Grace, wanted to be sorted in, she froze up more tense than usual. Her mind had finally settles blissfully, but that question had been more intimite with her than anyone knew. She had thought about this very question since she recived her acceptance letter Hogwarts . She could never be a Gyriffndor! She is not brave. Hufflepuff, maybe. Slytherin, she could follow her families foot steps and become a Slytherin. It runs in the family, and she is expected to be one. The traits are there unkowingly. But all Leonna-Grace could think about is her father.
Is that what I am to come of? And I suppose a Death Eater after? His actions are, unforgivalbe, and really quite morbid! What a horrid thing to do, kill your wife. I want so badly to have him gone! If people knew, Oh how I hope people knew! I would- She stopped that thought. Now I am thinking like a Slytherin.. Bloddy Hell, curse me now.

"Hufflepuff." She said planely. Its what she wanted, its where she thought she belonged. But am I a Slytherin, truly. Leonna-Grace, felt the weight of the world fall on her shoulders. The remembrance of her mothers killing lingered in her mind. She tugged on her shoulder strap of her bag, the leather strap had never been so tightly grasped since its purchase.

"Im sorry to hear about your parents Clafin, I know it doesnt mean much coming from a practical stranger, but the situation was quite tradgic. However, youre lucky to have a brother like Harry! He seems like a good role model to look up too!" She said almost reluctently. She never liked to comfort people, she usually would say something wrong and just end up upsetting someone even more, one way or the other.

"Oh Stephy, I promise not all the Malfoys, are as terrible as they sound. Draco, has a bad reputation, actually its horrible... But if you knew him like I do!" She stopped herself realizing she is accusing the girl of thinking badly about her family; she never actually said anything crude about them in the first place.

"Alright girls, last boat!" Said the tall and rather hairy man. He smelt of sausage, and would seem scary, but he had a vibe of acceptance, helpfull, and sweet. Not harmfull at all. Giants, are really misunderstood, it wasnt te giant part of him that scared Leonna-Grace at all, it was the half humon; Leonna-Grace, had a hatred for the humon race, including herself.

(Sorry, I was on my phone and didn't notice that it had auto-corrected!)

Clafin shook her head. "You've misunderstood. Harry is my uncle, not my brother. My mom was his sister." she said quietly. "He's been great with helping me out though. I live alone in my parent's old cottage a few miles down the road from his house. I was..." she paused for a moment, trying to decide how to carefully word her summer activities. She eventually gave up by saying, "Well... I was away for the summer, and didn't get to see much of them. Didn't get to see much of anybody, really." she said with a smile. She agreed whole-heartedly with Stephy and her opinion of Rita Skeeter, but would never be able to say it like she had just done so easily.

"I thought I'd be put in Ravenclaw as well, but the hat decided that I was brave or something. I scream and run at the sight of the smallest spider though, so I don't really agree with that much." she said speaking to both of the girls through a laugh.

As Hagrid called out to the three of them to board the last boat, Stephy asked what had happened to her parents. Clafin took a deep breath in and shook her head, "No, it's fine. I was about seven when my parents started talking about something called "The Order" all the time. They sort of were gone a lot after that. On my eighth birthday they told me they were going away for a while, and took me to stay at my Uncle Harry's house. I lived there for about two years. I wrote letters with my mom and dad all the time. Right before my tenth birthday they finally came back home, but they wanted me to keep staying at Uncle Harry's place. Which was fine with me, seeing as how our cottage was just down the road. I spent almost all of my time with my parents. We usually played Quidditch in the meadows with my best friend, Thomas. After 6 months of them actually being there, they disappeared. I haven't heard from them since I was ten. Then a few years later there was an attack at the cottage and that's when Thomas and I got really close...I dont really remember my parents all that well to be honest. I remember how they were but I dont remember them. They both came from families of magic. I would assume that they were in the Order. I thinkthat was their choice. Their way to fight back.When they left I took it pretty hard. I've always thought that maybe if I had just been a better kid they would've stayed with me. I felt like it was my fault. As I got older, everyone said that it was Deatheaters." she finally finished the story, and took another deep breath in. She looked at the two girls, hoping that they wouldn't view her any differently. After most people found out or heard what had happened, the way they looked at her changed. The casual glances filled with pity and sympathy, instead of the usual smiles and laughs.

She realized that the boat ride had taken less time than she had anticipated, or maybe it was just because her story had been so long. They arrived at the shore in no time at all. She picked up her bag and pulled it over her shoulder, so that the strap was laying firmly across her chest. "We'd better get going. Don't want to be late for the ceremonies!" she said and began to walk faster down the gravel path towards the entrance hall, leaving Stephy and Leonna-Grace behind by a few paces.

As Clafin, hurried her way off the boat Leonna-Grace, took her sweet time just attempting not to slip-fall, and make a fool of herself on her first day. Stephy, followed behind her and Clafin, had raced ahead of them. Leonna-Grace started touching her hair, pressing it down trying to get the fly aways pushed away, she crabbed a couple clips to pin her hair back as they walked towards the castle, she wanted to look presentable whebn appearing before the whole school during sorting.
Stephy, didnt get Ravenclaw when she had already pre placed herself there... Will I be the same?
Herthoughts and worries about Slytherin, clung to her.
"Hey Stephy? What was your first thought when you head Slytherin from the hat? I mean, he is so wise, but do you think it was right?"
Leonna-Grace, figured she could be more help than Clafin, since she herself had thought she'd be a Ravenclaw.

Leonna-GBrace, listened to Stephby,, explainig the hats choice and her excitment to finally arrive at the doors of the castle; she nodded her head in acknowledment to her stroy and began claping in joy when walking through the doors.
"I'm just glad I'll have a familliar face and a friend if I'm sorted into Slytherin!" Stated the first year.
Friend, is it too early to call her a friend? I hope I didn't freak her out!!!! After all, we just shared a boat together, it's not like a life long memory to talk about later in the future in our "friendship." Oh Leonna-Grace, you nit. You probably just freaked out the girl closest to your friend here!
The brown hair girl fiddled her fingers, and attempted to crack a smile as she worriedly walked through the doors side by side, with Stephy. The second year looked extacict about her return to the school. It was almost as if Stephy, just saw her first snowy Christmas, but it was differnet for Leonna-Gace! Almost as if a bogart was coming her way. She glanced at Stephy, waiting for her to make a rude comment about the friend thing,
Rude, why would she be rude? She's the nicest anyones been to you so far this first day.

Clafin realized how far ahead of Leonna-Grace and Stephy she had gotten and slowed her pace down a bit. She looked back at the pair, who were casually talking. Stephy looked elated to be back at Hogwarts. That was a feeling that Clafin, herself knew very well. The first year, however looked like she was about to drop dead from fright. "Stephy, we'd better get going! We have to be in the Great Hall before the rest!" she called out, happily. She tried not to worry about what the pair would think of her after they knew what had happened, and plastered an almost-sincere smile on her face.

As soon as the others had managed to catch up, she smiled over at Leonna-Grace and wished her good luck with the sorting. She wanted to comfort her new friend somehow, but didn't have quite the right words to say, instead she gave her a tight hug. "I'll catch up with you after the sorting or tomorrow!" she promised. She nodded her head to Stephy and then to the doors. The chatter of reacquainted classmates filled the air, as she opened the heavy doors. She scanned the hall quickly and waved goodbye to Stephy. Clafin practically skipped over to a seemingly tall boy and took a seat next to him, after giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek.

s Clafin, and Stephy, parted in their seperate ways Leonna-Grace, was left to by the mingling first years.
She spotted the hat to her left and heard the first name be called. When soarting began Leonna-Grace, got a glimpse of happiness in her mood because the faster it starts the faster its over!
"Leonna-Grace Trelawney!"
Oh no, tha's me!
Her smile practically jumped off her face, she turned pale in seconds. Just keep breathing and walk up. Her baby steps seemed like the steps of a small spider, they were so small. But like a spider, Leonna-Grace traveled up to her soarting seat quickly. The soarting hat was placed on her head, as she put her crossed fingers behind her back.
"Just to let you know, green is not my color!" She whispered to the hat. Leonna-Grace's whitty sense of humor always relaxed her when making a sarcastic comment abbout things. Her nerves were at the highest point of the entire day.
"Not green eh? Youre family would be so proud though. What do ya say? Slytherin!" Shouted the hat.
Although Leonna-Grace, had been avoiding that very house name, she was still joyfull to see that once she spotted Stephy, there was a seat saved just for her.
As soon as the hat was removed Leonna-Grace, let out a sigh of relief to have soarting over with. She hopped of the warm wooden seat, running towards Stephy. She took a seat and recieved a few high fives, and hand shakes, along with one acknowledging head nod.
"Like you said Stephy, the hat knows best!" She said with an almost giggle.

Clafin smiled appreciatively as Stephy wished her a continuation of being a prefect. "Thanks! I hope to see you around this year! Have a good opening ceremony!" she called before she took her seat next to Thomas. She quickly began chatting away to him about the two new friends that she had just met. She smiled brightly at everyone around her, making all of the first years feel welcome as they took a seat at the Gryffindor table. She was just about to tell Thomas about Leonna-Grace's relations with the Malfoy, but was cut short when she heard the first year's name being called for sorting. She reached over and held Thomas' hand as she turned to see the small girl whispering to the hat. She clapped as Leonna-Grace was sorted into Slytherin. Clafin smiled and waved hoping that she would see, as she took a seat next to Stephy.

*New Day*

Clafin sat up straight, breathing heavily as she tried to ignore her nightmare. She laid her head back down upon the pillow and stretched her body out. After a while, she decided she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep. She quickly took her lilac striped pajamas off and pulled on a pair of jeans and a plain white tank top. She pulled her hair back into a high ponytail, after slinging her bag over her shoulder. She tiptoed out of the dormitory as quietly as she could, as to not wake any of her classmates. She walked down a corridor, hoping she wouldn't run into anybody. Even though it was no longer dark outside, she was still a bit worried about getting in trouble for being out. She couldn't shake the images from her nightmare, and eventually decided to go out to the quidditch pitch.

She went to the broom closet and pulled out her new broom. Harry had bought her a top of the line broomstick for her birthday, and she hadn't had the chance to try it out yet. She mounted the broom and took off into the air. She climber her way, higher and higher until the cold air was biting at her skin threatening to put her into shock. She hovered where she was and looked around. There was someone down on the ground, calling out to her. Clafin was too high up to see who it was or hear what they were saying, so she slowly made her way down.