1. Harry Potter (Panda's version) - Featuring Janet Hayden - Chapter 20

“What?!” Janet was going to exclaim but managed to stop herself before the words escaped her mouth. Still in shock, she shot a glance first at Ernie, who looked disappointed, then to Hannah and Justin who were already at the Hufflepuff table, both looked at her with confused faces.

     What was done was done, Janet took off the hat and walks over to the Ravenclaw table. She was warmly welcomed by a round of applause by the Ravenclaws as they make way for her to be seated. A Ravenclaw girl with a prefect badge pinned on her robes held her hand out to Janet, Janet shook it nervously.

     “Welcome to Ravenclaw. I’m Penelope Clearwater. I’m a prefect, you may look for me if you encounter any problems here.” The prefect greeted. Janet smiled back, trying to hide that she was not paying attention as she was looking around the table hoping to see a familiar face which was quite impossible.

     “Macmillan, Ernest.”

     “Hufflepuff!”

     Janet let out a sigh, she did not notice that Ernie actually was looking at her before he headed to the Hufflepuff table to join Justin and Hannah.

     “Potter, Harry.”

     A bunch of whispers and murmurs broke out among the students. Janet's attention drifted away from the sorting and played with the sleeves of her robes. She couldn’t care less about Harry Potter, the boy who have changed her life and will be affecting her future. What she was aware of was, she had just been separated from her new friends and is all alone in a new place that she will have to adapt to.

     “Gryffindor!” The hat shouted for Harry Potter. Cheers from the Gryffindor table and groans from some other tables were heard across the Great Hall.

     Janet listened to Professor Dumbledore’s speech half-heartedly, and watched the food appeared on the plates in front of her. She played with the bowl of mushroom soup, stirring it round and round.

     “Hi!” a girl with brown hair and bright blue eyes, who sat beside Janet after she was sorted greets Janet. “I’m Lisa Turpin,” her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm which somehow made Janet felt slightly better.

     “No appetite, little one? I believe the Welcome Feast in Hogwarts does live up to its name,” a female ghost stopped in front of Janet and spoke in a misty whisper.

     Janet starred at the ghost, lost for words, she just shook her head.

     “That’s the Ravenclaw ghost, The Grey Lady.” Lisa explained as the ghost floated away towards the other end of the table. “You look really worried, is something bothering you?” Lisa asked with concern.

     “Oh, no. I’m ok.” Janet forced a smile and replied.

     Here, have a pie, that should cheer you up.” Lisa put a slice of pie onto Janet’s plate.

     “Thanks, Lisa, right?” Janet took a bite of the pie and felt much better, she was making friends and she should cheer up. “I’m Janet Hayden,” she said with a smile to Lisa.

     Yup, it’s Lisa and how is the pie?” Lisa asked playfully.

     Instantly, they became friends.

     Ernie was keeping an eye on Janet from the Hufflepuff table. Janet caught his eye and smiled back signaling him that she is fine. Ernie let go a smile of relieve and continue enjoying his dinner.

     Janet has never seen anything like this, no wonder her father said that they will not starve. There was plenty of food, just like a buffet. Just except the fact that the food will not run out, it keeps refilling itself.  
     Feeling much happier now as she has company, Janet piled her plate with all her favourite foods, bacon, sausages, potatoes and whatever that interests her while talking to Lisa about the castle ghosts.

     “Some are really friendly, like Fat Friar, the Hufflepuff ghost, he is a happy ghost who will always be ready to help. The Gryffindor ghost, Nearly Headless Nick is also quite friendly. You will not want business with Bloody Baron, the Slytherin ghost, he does scare me, sometimes.” Penelope explained to Lisa and Janet. “And look out for Peeves. He will forever be creating trouble so be careful not to cross him. Or on the safe side, just avoid him, he might end up getting you in detention for something you didn’t do,” said Penelope.

     “I never thought I will be actually seeing ghosts around. This is so bizarre.” Janet mumbled.