Finally, she was back at Hogwarts. Stepping through the doors of the Great Hall, Mariel's earnest eyes scanned the room, her happy smile faltering slightly. Far too many people in here already meant that she would not have her choice of seat. Had she missed the sorting?

As she walked towards the table filled with a sea of blue and bronze, the presence of the smallest sitting there confirmed her question. Green eyes lingered on the staff table. Several new faces there, which was no surprise to the young Ravenclaw, but no one sitting in the middle yet. Just who was the Headmaster going to be? The wait had been near infuriating to her and still no answer. She supposed the wait would be over tonight as she let out a resigned sigh.

Finally stopping at her House table, Mariel's eyes scanned the length, looking for a suitable seat and landed on a shiny captain's badge. Slowly looking up into the girl's face, Mariel vaguely recognized the older Ravenclaw as one who had played Beater last term. What was her name? Mariel racked her brain, failing to recall it. She'd find it out soon enough. Giving the girl a polite smile and respectable nod, Mariel walked further down the table in search of an empty seat.

Spotting a seat, Mariel also spotted a familiar face, pleased that she had been sorted into her House. Dropping herself gracefully into the seat next to Lasca, she gave her friend a grin before saying, "Well done. Didn't I tell you Ravenclaw?" Not only was she glad her friend was in the same House, but also felt a satisfaction in being right.