Sorting and Slytherins
As Diana, the girl which she has discovered was named Lilith, and the boy whose name was Regulus departed from the train and into the platform they were directed towards a lake. Just above the lake was the castle, beautiful in its nature with an eir of grandeur to it.
However their method of transportation seemed daunting to many first years. ‘It’s tradition!’ James had told her, no- he had warned her. Countless times over the summer he had been going into detail about her first year and what it would bring.
“Firs’ years! Get into fours and hop on a boat!” A rather gruff voice had informed them, and before she’d even had time to examine her options Lilith had grabbed her shoulder, and Regulus’ shoulder and led the pair of them into a small wooden boat. “We need someone else” Lilith pursed her lips and scanned the area until she spotted someone who was stood alone.
“You there! Praying mantis!” She waved her fingers in the direction of a boy- probably the same year as them with a head of dark, almost pointy hair and rather sunken features. He looked tall, taller than any eleven year old reasonably should be.
He clearly didn’t appreciate being called a praying mantis but shuffled over all the same. He hopped into the wooden boat and sat beside Diana.
He held out a hand awkwardly, as if conditioned to do so “Barty”. Diana clasped his hand and shook it before turning back to the castle and jumping ever so slightly as the oars began to row themselves.
“It’s charmed you know” Lilith smiled “so that we can’t fall off” she clasped her hands in her lap and began to ramble on about some sort of instrument which she had been learning over the summer.
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Once the boats had hauled them to the stone security of the castle, the first years were ushered into a small group - there was maybe a hundred, or a hundred and twenty, first years - all together in the foyer just in front of a pair of grand doors.
“Welcome first years” a woman with a thick Scottish accent stalked her way up in front of them, her movements almost feline as she ascended the stairs.
“For those of you whose parents or family haven’t been to Hogwarts, tonight you will be sorted into one of four houses.” She paused - most likely for dramatic effect. “Those houses are Gryffindor-“ a loud cheer erupted from a small group of boys, which she shot a glare towards “Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw…” she paused again, face souring imperceptibly “and Slytherin”.
Lilith huffed slightly, patting Diana on the arm “everyone thinks slytherins are nasty- but they’re really just goal oriented”. Diana didn’t really have a response for her comment, and stuck to nodding along whilst Regulus and Barty seemed to be exchanging friendly words.
As the doors opened and the first heard were ushered down the centre of the hall, flanked by the house tables either side of them, she heard several mutters of students commenting on the room, or what house they would be sorted into.
From the Gryffindor table - which was to Diana’s right - she heard a familiar voice whisper to her “good look” before she was patted on the arm by one of James’ friends - Sirius she remembered - who cheered “Gryffindor eh?”. Diana awkwardly looked over at him before turning back towards the front and waiting for the head master to complete his rather drawling speech.
“Very well. Micheal Adams” the boy’s name was the first to be called, and he was sorted into Ravenclaw.
The following names went as a breeze.
“Regulus Arcturus Black” the boy from the train and Sirius’ younger brother, had been sorted into Slytherin. The look on his elder brothers face was devastating, he looked almost disgusted, and he even turned his back to his brother.
“Bartimus Crouch Junior” was called out next, and the hat took a while to decide Ravenclaw.
Several other names had been called but none of them felt entirely vital to Diana. That was until the name “Lilith Lestrange” was called out.
Of course Diana knew of the Lestrange’s, but Lilith had neglected to tell her that one rather important detail about her life. The lestrange’s and the Black’s - alongside other countless families - had looked down at hers for years, claiming them to be blood traitors and treating them like scum.
“Slytherin” the hat called out before it had even tapped the hair on her head. A handful of Gryffindor booed whilst the slytherins cheered, allowing the girl to prance over to the table and sit down beside Regulus.
Name after name had been called out until hers was finally called. She perched herself on the wooden stool and the hat was placed atop her head.
“Well well well. I know your brother all too well, trouble isnt he?” The hat pondered “but no, I sense something different. Not too bright I must admit, and not the most cunning. But I see talent, and bravery too… better be- HUFFLEPUFF!”