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It was the first day back at Hogwarts school. A brisk September, chilly, but it was filled with the anticipation of students that filled up the Great Hall with the beautiful air of home. Many students had already filed in, sharing hugs with their friends and finding their place on their house table. The professors were gathered around the front of the Hall as usual, some sharing conversation, others less so. The headmistress, Professor McGonagall sat right in the middle, sharing conversation with Professor Trelawney. The students buzzed with the anticipation of the feast, and the incoming first years. The sorting hat brought great joy and amusement to many students, and it was a good way to scope out new members of their own house. More students were arriving now and taking their places, and the tables were becoming just near full. 

Kaelyn Cobble, a seventh year Hufflepuff, sat among some sixth year girls. She was making jokes and laughing, but all she could think of was the feast. Why hadn't she bought something on the train? She normally did, but for some reason she didn't seem to realise how long it would actually be until she could eat. She was excited, too, to see the first years. They were always so cute! And she loved the tradition of the sorting hat, and seeing nervous children waiting to see if they got into the house they wanted. She remembered herself in that place, and how pleased she was to be in a house she really fit in - even her mother thought so!

On the Ravenclaw table, Anastasia Borak sat with a Potions book. She always loved to get a headstart on her studies, and she rarely spoke to anyone, especially on the first day back. She hadn't written to anyone over summer, she never really felt the need to. She hadn't had a best friend for all of Hogwarts, but she had had friends, people to talk to, and that was enough for her. Ana thinks too many friends stunts academic progress, her parents do too. She awaits the feast and sorting of the first years, but she knows she won't eat much and first years don't excite her. There's an element of fun to it, of course, but by the 20th student it becomes far from fun, and more like dull.

The hall is very close to being full, and soon the first years will be arriving.

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