More Reason
Marlene spoke to Lily and Dorcas for the entirety of their journey up to Hogwarts. She wondered why this Severus boy didn't say very much, but she put it down to shyness. Both the other children in her primary school class had been girls, so she didn't really know how to start a conversation with him. Oh well, Marlene thought. She's doing her best.
When they finally got to Hogwarts it was dusk. The castle looked magnificent, Marlene thought. Exactly how her dad had described it- big turrets and windows and towers going in every direction. She wondered if she'd ever be able to find her way around.
On the train she had learnt a lot about her fellow students. Lily was muggleborn, and had a sister who hated the idea of Lily being a witch. "She's just jealous." Severus had said, much to Lily's embarrassment. Dorcas was a "pureblood", so she was well equipped with lots of information about the magical world. She was hoping, no, expecting to be in Slytherin, like most of her family had been.
Severus had snorted when Marlene said she wouldn't mind being put in Hufflepuff, but she had learnt enough about him already to just ignore him. It's what Lily seemed to be doing anyway.
Upon entering the ginormous front doors of the school, all of the first years were grouped together. Marlene shared a smile with a few other students as she was pushed into a corner. Marlene was introduced to Professor McGonagall, who told them that they would now be sorted into their houses before joining the rest of the school for a welcome feast.
-
It was Marlene's turn. Lily had been sorted into Gryffindor, along with two other boys and just before her Mary MacDonald. There were a few kind looking people that had been sorted into Hufflepuff, so Marlene was feeling hopeful enough.
She stepped up to the stool facing the entire school and sat down. The hat was placed on her head and it immediately started speaking into her head.
You will face more reason to be brave in your life than most will face in generations. GRYFFINDOR!
Marlene immediately smiled. Gryffindor! That was good! But what did the hat mean about having to be braver than most? She had no time to really ponder this before she was being congratulated by McGonagall and walking to her seat. She sat beside Lily, which put her beside one of the other boys that had just been sorted. Remus, he said his name was.
Dorcas was right after Marlene. She didn't realise it, but she was crossing her fingers underneath the table, hoping that Dorcas would be sorted into Gryffindor with her. Unfortunately, the hat shouted out SLYTHERIN. Dorcas shot a small smile over to where Lily and Marlene were sitting before going over to the Slytherin table.
A timid mousy boy called Peter Pettigrew and a dark haired boy named James Potter were sorted into Gryffindor as well. Peter had said nothing, but sidled up to James as he sat down. James looked nice, Marlene thought. Not nice as in pretty but nice as in a good person. Kind.
Severus was sorted into Slytherin. Marlene was grateful for this, at least it meant that he wouldn't be annoying Lily the entire time.
After a speech by the Headmaster, Dumbledore, plates of food appeared on the long tables. Excited first years across the hall gasped in amazement as a chatter of old friends grew around the room.
After they had eaten and had been led to their dormrooms by prefects, what the hat had told Marlene was spinning in her head. More reason to be brave? What on Earth did that mean?
"Lily?" Marlene said in a near whisper.
"Yeah? What's up?" Lily responded.
"What did the hat say to you? I mean, like, what did it say in your head?"
"Oh. Erm, it just kind of said that I'd fit in here is all. That I fit the criteria?" Lily saw Marlene's puzzled look. "Why? Did it say something else to you? I kind of thought it said that to everyone."
"Well, kind of. It said something about me having to face more bravery than most people. I didn't know the hat told prophecies."
"Neither did I."
"I just wonder what it means, you know? Like, I get this is Gryffindor and we're supposed to be really brave and all, but I've never considered myself as brave. Kind or creative or smart maybe, but brave? I just don't know."
"The hat never makes mistakes, you know. I read it in one of our textbooks. Hold on I'll find it for you here-"
"No, honestly Lily. It's okay. Thanks though."
Lily just smiled. "Goodnight Marlene."
Marlene crept over to her bed and drew the thick red curtains around her. She had her Bible sitting on her lap, and let her fingers calm against the spine. She opened it to the last verse she had looked at, read her notes and then did her regular evening prayer. It was normally nothing specific, just wishing for general good fortune and good health for others. However, on this night, Marlene prayed for her future. Again, it was nothing specific, but Marlene just felt like she had to. She also prayed for the happiness of her friends that she just met.