Jessame Rose could not believe the winter had gone so fast. It had been a sad goodbye when she boarded the bus to take her up North, away from Tim and Sarah for what felt like an interminably long time. Now she was here, at Dumbwarts itself. Inside the stupid ostentatious castle on land that she believed would be far better being part of a National Park so normal people could enjoy them.
She'd managed to stay fairly invisible during the journey, finding a mostly empty carriage and sitting in the corner, not attracting the attention of the other over-excited kids. She'd spotted Livia and Anita, which made her feel a tiny bit more confident, but then she'd seen that Kayleigh girl. That awful girl. She was so haughty and treated other people like they weren't worth dirt. JR made her already small body shrink even more, so as to ensure she wouldn't be noticed by that nasty girl.
All of the 'magic' she'd seen so far she was fairly certain could have been pulled off with the correct chemicals and technology. The ceiling of the hall they were in, for example, was probably just an elaborate light show, no matter what her books said about it being enchanted to reflect the conditions outside. In a way, she kind of pitied all these people for taking something so stupid so seriously. Then again, if it was real, it certainly couldn't be good. Only evil could take over people's minds like this and produce such incredible things.
Jessame Rose listened carefully to the headmaster, memorising Nicolas King's and Cecily Rambolt's names. She groaned inwardly on being reminded she would be judged and labelled in front of all these people, without a chance to observe and learn how to act first. When the 'hat' began to sing... yes, sing...ugh she shivered, but listened carefully to the words, trying to learn as much as possible. It suggested she not be afraid, which she knew meant it wanted her to let her guard down so it could do as it wished. She filed away the information about the house characteristics in her mind, and cringed at the part about heinous crimes. I knew these freaks were up to no good, she thought. Well, this was a challenge alright, and she'd face it, and she'd win. She'd do her damn best to bring this place to ruins.
When her name was called, she stood a little shakily. The boy next to her jumped a little, as if not realising she'd even been there before. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the stage on her short but strong dark legs, wishing she didn't have to wear such an impractical uniform. She almost had to climb onto the stool, and the hat was placed on her head. She couldn't help but shudder at the thought of this magical thing touching her, and when it reached into her mind, she lashed back. You know I don't belong here! Go on, try and find one of these dumb houses I could fit into. I'm no freaky witch. Tell them all it's a mistake so I can get out of here. I'll fight it. Whatever you do, if you don't let me go, I'll fight it! she thought, vehemently. If Tim and Sarah could read her thoughts now, they wouldn't recognise her as their daughter, foster or otherwise. She was usually so timid. Timid or excited in a quest for knowledge or wonder at the world around her; never before had she been so angry or determined. Hate was unfamiliar to this small dark girl.
"Being in denial doesn't change the fact that you're a witch. And best of luck with the reason why you're here, by the way, more powerful people than you have tried much worse things than you're going to and they always fail. You'll like it here soon enough, I can see your inner kindness. Yes. That's it. HUFFLEPUFF!"