The Sorting hat
Chapter 4- The Sorting Ceremony
They clambered out of the train, the cold chill of the dark night wrapped them up in a blanket, forcing the children to huddle together, robes clenched tightly to their bodies.
“First years! First years this way” Came a booming voice that could only be that of the grounds keeper.
A quick glance between them solidified the twin’s response as they sprinted forward, their gang following, meandering through the crowds. Peter fell behind, but James and Remus each grabbed an arm, ensuring he wasn’t lost in the sea of people.
“Al’right Annie, Robster” The half giant greeted them,
“Hi Hagrid” They grinned happily,
“Good to ‘ave you back. Bin odd wi’out ya”
“Right back at ya big guy” Robin beemed happily,
“Hagrid meet, James, Sirius, Lily, Remus and Peter” Rowanne introduced each member of the group.
“Good to meet ya” He smiled, “One second” He scratched the bird on his shoulder and sent it flying off to the castle. Rowanne looked confused, she was sure that had never happened before, Hagrid saw her look, “You know your mother” he explained, “She wan'ed me to let her know once I’d seen ya”
“But we’re going to see her in a few miniutes” Robin rolled her eyes,
“I don’t think that’s the point” He chuckled, turning to the rest of the group. Lily had slipped away to join Severus who seemed to instantly light up at her presence. “Well I think that’s everyone, If you’d like ta follow me we can get a move on”
They walked a little way on the outskirts of a village, Rowanne and Robin pointed out different parts of Hogsmeade that they could visit when the time came, Honeydukes, The Three Broomsticks. even the Shreeking Shack- not that it was shreeking at that point. Until they reached a river that had a few docks on it “Okay. If you can get into pairs or threes then take it in turns to get into a boat” Hagrid called over the bustling first years, “Girls” Hagrid called, beckoning Rowanne and Robin first. They clambered into a boat, it rocked unsteadily under their feet but once sat down the water seemed to settle into their presence. Hagrid lit the torch above their heads like a beacon setting the boat in motion. Drifting off towards the castle, knowing its journey.
Behind them James and Sirius began to catch up, then Peter and Remus, Lily and Severus. Followed by the rest of the cohort. Once Hagrid- whose boat sped faster than the others- was ahead, the rest of the boats began to speed up. Coming to a boathouse at the bottom of the castle.
By now it seemed like the rain and thunder had calmed, though the blip wasn’t going to last forever. Almost as soon as the group of youngsters had entered the large oak doors, the heavens opened, allowing the petulant storm that was being held back to rain down on the castle grounds.
The first years ascended the stairs, Hagrid in the lead closely followed by Robin and Rowanne. However they were stopped abruptly as they reached the top. McGonagall glaring down at them. She raised her eyebrows at the sight of the twins, which was almost unnoticeable. Though it made Rowanne gulp, unsure of what her mother was thinking.
“The first years professor”
“Thank you Hagrid” McGonagall nodded,
“Did you get my owl?” He asked excitedly,
“I did, thank you. I can take it from here”
“Umm right, yes” He scuttled off, well as much as you can scuttle as a half-giant.
McGonagall turned to the gaggle of first years who had all caught up to eachother and reached the top of the stairs. She watched carefully, observing every dynamic and behaviour of each group and individual. “The sorting ceremony will comence momentarily. During which you will be separated into four houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin” McGonagall’s eyes lingered momunterily at the girls and then Sirius, “While you are at Hogwarts your house will be your family, good deeds will earn you house points, any rule breaking” Her eyes lingered on James, “Will deduct points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the house cup, a pride for the whole house. You will be with those in your house for almost everything, eating, sleeping, lessons and free time. I will be back in a moment to bring you into the hall, in the meantime I suggest you straighten yourselves up” Her eyes narrowed at Robin, “And get to know your new classmates” She looked to Rowanne, before turning on her heels and going through the large double doors.
“So thats your mother?” Remus asked,
“The one and only” Robin taunted sarcastically,
“She’s…” He began, but trailed off,
“Intense” James raised his eyebrows,
“She’s not normally like that” Rowanne reasoned,
“I’m guessing that’s all we’re going to know her as though”
“Probably” Robin smirked,
The double doors once again opened and McGonagall beckoned them in. The group hurried up to the end of the hall. The two tables each side of them were silent, eyes on the students, picking out ones they knew and passing the message around.
Rowanne and Robin stood side by side at the end of the hall, facing a small chair with the crooked hat on it. Rowanne glanced up at the teacher’s table, the chairs she and Robin normally occupied had been removed, allowing more room for the other teachers.
Next to the twins was Lily with Severus behind, were the two girls Robin had seen earlier. On the other side James, Sirius, Peter and Remus all crowded around, whispering frantically.
McGonagall coughed, commanding the room. "I will call your name, you will come forward and then the hat will call out your house and you can join them at the table" She instructed, taking out a roll of parchment and reading the first name. She called a few names that Rowanne didn't recognise. One was sorted into Slytherin, two to Hufflepuff and another to Ravenclaw. Then they reached the 'B's
"Black, Sirius" McGonagall called. Sirius looked terrified as he made his way on stage. He played it off well but Robin could tell he was dreading whatever came out of the hat. It took a while, Sirius' eyes darted between the two tables at either end of the hall. But eventually the hat called…
"GRYFFINDOR" The hall sat back, aghast. Even a wave of confusion or panic rushed past McGonagall, though she hid it almost immediately.
"There's got to be some mistake" a voice called from the other side of the hall as Sirius began to walk to the Gryffindor table. McGonagall shot a sharp look in the direction of the heckler and the hall fell silent. Rowanne wasn't sure if he looked even more scared or relieved as she caught a glimpse of his face. Though the buzzing next to her told her that James was definitely pleased for Sirius.
The names continued, another one for Slytherin, and two Ravenclaw, Barty Crouch Jr. And then they were up again.
"Evans, Lily" McGonagall called, she looked softly at the girl who smiled at her new Professor. Lily sat down, her legs shaking. The hat was placed on her head, it lingered for a few moments, before calling out…
"GRYFFINDOR" Lily beamed, running over to join Sirius. James' smile grew ever wider, Rowanne wasn't sure if he'd make it to his own name at this rate.
Quite a few names flicked by, three Hufflepuff, two Slytherin and another Ravenclaw. Then it was Remus's turn. "Lupin, Remus" he walked up onto the stage, and took his place. It didn't take long for the hat to cry…
"GRYFFINDOR" he was off, faster than he probably intended, but determined to get out of the spotlight.
After a few more names, Pandora Lestrange being one placed in Ravenclaw, they had finally moved to the 'M' section. Robin could feel her sister tense up next to her, breathing quickening. She reached out and squeezed her hand, trying to provide comfort. Ronin learnt that the one girls- "Macdonald, Mary"- that she'd spotted at the train station wasn't just in their year, but was sorted into Gryffindor.
Finally Minerva paused on a name, trying to hide a smile, "Mcgonagall, Robin" the room stood still. Of course everyone knew the deputy head, and that she had children, but most didn't know when they would start Hogwarts. The entire school wanted to see where the twins would end up, as obvious as it was it didn't stop them from etching forward towards the front of the hall, trying to get a good glimpse at the young girl.
Rowanne noticed that even the other professors seemed to be paying closer attention to the sorting hat. She nodded to her sister as Robin ascended the stairs, she didn't look at her mother, but sat down with an air of confidence, previously unmatched by her other classmates.
“Well would you look at that, another McGonagall sits under my hat. You may not think there is a question about your presence but when I look right into your essence maybe there's more than a lion I see inside you but don't you worry I don’t think you follow in his wake, that you have been able to shake. You're brave and bold just like those old. So I am fairly certain you're definitely ready for the curtain. Good luck my friend and don't be afraid your heading off as a GRYFFINDOR"
Robin, seemingly unphased, stood up. She winked in Rowanne's direction who now knew something was about to happen. Robin placed the hat back on the chair and turned, bowing dramatically as if she had just given an hour long monologue, and by god had she. The whole time she kept bowing, focused only on the floor.
Fireworks blew off from the sides of the hall, bellowing crimson and gold sparks out into the magical night sky. And from the four corners of the hall crimson and gold smoke erupted, creating a fog of red and yellow that engulfed the hall. From somewhere in the distance music started to play and the fires around the hall shone a darker red and gold. It took Rowanne a minute to realize the song but when she did, she could stop herself from laughing.
By the the time the words "WE ARE A FAMILY" yelled out across the science, the hall erupted into applause and laughter, singing along to the song.
Though it wasn't just Rowanne's antics that had carried the event it was her mother's reaction. McGonagall looked as though she wanted to take the hat and force it to change its mind. She pushed her fingers to the bridge of her nose, the palm of her hand hiding the grin Rowanne could tell had slipped out.
Even Dumbledore stood up, chuckling and clapping louder than anyone bellowing along to the lyrics. Rowanne watched as McGonagall turned around, clearly expecting him the silence the hall full of students. She shot him a look, making the other teachers laugh even more but made the headmaster stand up straight and stop clapping. Instead holding out his hands for silence.
As the last verse played the hall filtered out into a trickle of the final stragalers. Robin took a final bow, still not looking at her mother, probably out of fear. And she hurried over to the Gryffindor table, welcomed by a horde of students.
"Now that that is over" McGonagall finally met Robin's eyes, and Rowanne could swear she saw daggers actually shoot across at Robin, "we can carry on" Mcgonagall looked down at the sheet of parchment, Rowanne bet that after that McGonagall had forgotten about her youngest child, she seemed to roll her eyes, hoping beyond anything that Robin hadn't got something similar planned for her sister.
"McGonagall, Rowanne"
Rowanne walked up onto the stage, she couldn't catch her mother's eye but saw Professor Gonnolinne behind her staring intensely at the unfolding situation. Rowanne took her seat, and the hat was placed on her head. Robin may have been trying to ease Rowanne's fear by making a fool of herself but it did the opposite for Rowanne.
She shut her eyes tightly and thought about her sister,
“Hmmmm, well what have we here? Ravenclaw your head is at but alas the heart gives back. Gryffindor you want to be I am shocked that you cannot see. Your wish could be granted but I don’t know if you’d ever get started. Do you really need this trial, just to discover that you're in denial? The past is past but present is new, so it’s not like you have time to stew. I'm not saying you're not brazen, but this is a difficult occasion. The wrong house I can’t afford, so the question is; would you ever wield a sword? Yes, I know what you want to desire but I fear it’ll make you a liar. Your head is smart, logical with a spark. But the heart is brave, loyal looking to save. Difficult one you are, I did have this problem with your mother but I don't think you are her cover. No, you are completely certain? Well then this is a burden. Breaking tradition isn’t normal, but in this case it’ll be informal. Come back to me when you change your mind and realize what you need to find. Seek out your truth and be a sleth. Until then if you're sure GRYFFINDOR”
Rowanne finally opened her eyes, it had been a while. The hat had been relived of her head. She glanced round, this time able to catch her mother's eye. McGonagall nodded slightly before turning back to the parchment.
As Rowanne walked over to her new spot, she felt arms clutching her neck. Robin had run forward, pulling her over towards their table. Though Rowanne wasn't really present, the words the sorting hat had said mulling over constantly in her brain.
When she had finally sat down she glanced back up at the teacher's table, Dumbledore winked at her. She felt a bit more at ease, though further down' the table the once invested Professor Gonnolinne was now gone. But Rowanne didn't have long to dwell on this as another girl joined them. She had completely forgotten that there were still other people to sort, James and Peter included.
The girl, that Rowanne later found out was Marline McKinnon, sat down with the rest of their group. The listened as a few others were housed into Slytherin, Evan Rosier, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw before McGonagall called, "Pettigrew, Peter"
Peter looked the most nervous of all. He was probably up there for one of the longest as well. But when the hat finally called, "GRYFFINDOR" Robin swore she heard James squeal with excitement, though that could be because he realized he was next.
"Potter, James" McGonagall called, the boy practically skipped up into the stage, but he didn't even get his 15 minutes of fame, McGonagall hadn't gotten a chance to place it on his head before the hat yelled, "GRYFFINDOR"
James ran over to the rest of his friends, greeted warmly by the others. For most the sorting had gone on too long. The excitement of Robin's prank had worn off and everyone was getting hungry.
The others on their table chatted excitedly, though they were told by a snappy Lily to shut up as McGonagall called, "Snape, Severus" but she was disappointed as the sorting hat called "SLYTHERIN" and a longing look between the two friends resulted in them falling on different sides of not just the dining table but also a war.
After the final few people were sorted, Professor McGonagall rolled up the scroll and took away the hat, seating herself at Dumbledore's right hand. He himself rose, walking up onto the platform and the noise trickled out.
"Good evening everyone, welcome or welcome back to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Before we tuck in to our delightful feast I think I should introduce the people sitting around me for our first years don't you"
"I am Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster. If you haven't worked that out yet then maybe we sent your letter a few years too early. To my left is Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor and my deputy though we all know she is secretly in charge and most of the time I'm half expecting to be pushed out of a job. She may be a sweet pussy cat sometimes but she certainly has a bite" he winked in her direction as the school burst into giggles. McGonagall pursed her lips, narrowing her eyes at Dumbledore.
"Well at least she's not as mad at me" Robin shrugged,
"Dream on" James smirked,
"On the same side we have Professor Sprout, head of Hufflepuff. While some of her plants may be ferocious she certainly isn't. Unless she catches you watering the wrong thing. Next to her is Professor Gonnolinne, our astronomy professor. Careful he does bite, especially when hungry"
"That's the one you were talking about?" Sirius asked,
"Yeah, that's the one" Robin sneered,
They looked back up, "Professor Slughorn, head of Slytherin and potions master. As slow as a slug and as loud as a horn" Slughorn groaned, rolling his eyes, "Madam Hooch is our resident quidditch queen, she'll be teaching you first years how to fly"
"What if we already know how to?" James rolled his eyes.
"Then we just get to have fun mocking Rowanne" Robin taunted, recieving a side-eye from her sister.
Dumbledore continued, "Head of Ravenclaw, and charms, now he may be small but that doesn't mean he doesn't throw a mean punch after a few butterbeers" Professor Flitwick bowed, pretending to punch the teacher next to him, Hagrid. "And finally, our Gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys Hagrid, unlike Flitwick, is a half giant, but is as cuddly as a teddy bear. Wouldn't hurt a fly, though he would adopt enough for the whole of Scotland"
"Right, I think that's everyone. Ah Mr Filch has asked me to remind you to refrain from using magic in the corridors, and please don't forget that the forbidden forest is out of bounds to all students who don't wish to be traumatized by images far beyond their imaginations" he looked down to check something, "One more thing, we have a new addition to our school, in the grounds is the Whomping Willow. Do not, I repeat, do not approach it in fear of a few broken ribs and a bad case of death" his voice became grave, and the students took worried looks between each other, confused.
However the minute he had finished warning them his face returned to its old calm fashion, "Now I'm famished so with these final words, ipascotch, wazadoodle and plethortiga let the feast begin" as he waved his arm the bare tables became laden with fresh food, mountains of potatoes and carrots, piles of broccoli and giant plates of meat of different species. The gang tucked in, as did the rest of the school, catching up with people they hadn't seen in months.
They piled their plates with food, talking and laughing together as they did, "So how does it work?" Liy asked enthusiastically,
"Beats me" Robin shrugged, earning another eye-roll from her sister,
"Who cares, it's awesome" James cried enthusiastically, shoving another drum stick in his mouth,
"Well isn't that delightful" Lily said sarcastically raising her eyebrows at the boy,
Though he wasn't the only one, Sirius had shoved two green beans into the side of his cheeks, pretending to be a walrus, while Remus seemed to be rearing a farm, having nothing but the thousands of different kinds of meat on his plate. Chicken, pork, beef, lamb, turkey and about any kind you could think of. Lily, Robin and Rowanne- all of whom had never lived with boys- looked at the quartet in disgust.
"Essentially" Rowanne turned to Lily, changing the focus of the conversation, "Downstairs they have a replica of the hall, and then the food is sort of levitated up wards onto the table"
"That's it!" Lily said, seemingly unimpressed,
"Well of course not, it's insanely complicated. Took me weeks to understand it and I've been learning magic my whole life. You wouldn't understand half of it" Rowanne sighed, she hadn't meant to be harsh, in fact she hadn't even realised her mistake.
"Oh" Lily looked away, glancing across the hall at Severus who hadnt taken his eyes off her.
"You know you can be a bit like mum sometimes" Robin whispered, at Rowanne's confusion,
"What do you mean" Rowanne asked, Robin chuckled, turning back the boys who were now having a sword fight with carrots.
Rowanne stared up at the table above them, she saw McGonagall side-eyeing her and the group. Rowanne smiled at her, but didn't recieve one in responce, that was odd. She focused back on the table, suddenly remembering there were two other girls. They were talking between themselves, but Rowanne was not the type of person to abruptly start a conversation. She nudged her sister, who understood Rowanne's intentions imediatly.
"Hey, I'm Robin, that's Rowanne. I saw you guys at the train station, have to say, I love your style" Robin beemed at the girls,
"Mary" One girl said holing out her hand, "Thanks"
"Marlinne" The other one copied,
"You guys are McGonagall's kids right" Mary asked,
"That's going to follow us everywhere isn't it" Robin sighed, rolling her eyes
"Yeah we are" Rowanne confirmed,
"So you did that thing with the music and fireworks and stuff?" Marlinne asked Rowanne,
"Oh hell no. I'm not suicidal. This idiot on the other hand seems to be ready not to make it past the first day"
"Oh mum's not gunna do anything, she'll be pissed at Dumbledore for calling her a pussy in front of the entire school"
"Oh yeah he's dead to but I wouldn't be surprised to find myself with pet toads tomorrow"
"Mum doesn't use transfiguration as a punishment"
"Not on students, but after that…" Rowanne shrugged as Robin turned white,
"So what's your mum like?" Mary asked, "She's head of Gryffindor, she go easy on us?"
"Not in you dreams" Robin chuckled, "She's strict, like rivaling Gonoline strict. Whatever you do, don't cross her. She'll make your life hell"
"Robin shut up" Rowanne rolled her eyes, turning back to the other girls, "She's fair, just because Robin decides to completely mess with her on a daily basis"
They looked between them, choosing still to side with Rowanne, "What about the others?" Marlinne asked,
"Well they're pretty much how Dumbledore described them" Robin shrugged, "They're all cool, except Gonolinne, I wouldn't get on his bad side. Unless your Ro"
"Oh shut it, dumbass" Rowanne said as the hall slowly quietened down.
Professor McGonagall stood just as the feast disappeared, "Infront of you you should have recieved your timetables. Do not loose them" Her eyes narrowed at Robin, "Now the feast has concluded, would the prefects escort the first years to the dormitarys please" She walked around the side of the table, making a beeline for her daughters and their friends. "You three, follow me" The deputy indicated to her daughters and Remus that they follow her. Robin and Rowanne looked between each other, then to Remus who shrugged and they did as they were told, following McGonagall into her empty classroom.
When they got to the classroom, McGonagall closed the door. Taking her time to sit at her own desk, nodding to Remus to find his own, though still not acknowledging either of the twins. Minerva placed her head in her hands for a moment, before eventually glancing up, straight at the them.
"Rowanne, tell me you had nothing to do with what happened earlier" she looked fiercely at her youngest daughter.
"Mum I promise I had no idea" Rowanne pleaded, but McGonagall held up a hand,
"Robin. Evelyn. McGonagall." Her mother turned on the eldest,
"Ooo full name, I am in trouble" Robin sassed stupidly,
"I swear Robin what the hell were you thinking. You hadn't even been in the school five minutes and you're already causing that much trouble" McGonagall pointed her finger at Robin, the other hand resting on the table.
"Ooo the finger, should I be scared?" Robin taunted. Rowanne looked across at Remus. Why was she doing this?
"I'll give you the finger in a minute" Rowanne could tell McGonagall was losing control. She would never do that to a student but with Robin it was different, always would be. She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. Rowanne hed Robin back from retorting something stupid, if she could get her to stay calm as well then maybe they would be okay.
McGonagall opened her eyes, apparently she had come to a decision on the consequences. "-20 points from Gryffindor. And detention"
"What! Mum" Robin whined,
"Yes. That's my final decision"
"That's so unfair it was just a joke"
"You can have another detention"
"Mum stop it"
"And another one"
"Mu-" Rowanne leapt forward, covering Robin's mouth,
"She accepts the consequences and apologies for her behavior" Rowanne smiled sweetly at her mother who clearly wasn't impressed with the joke.
"I'd rather hear it from her" McGonagall narrowed her eyes at Robin,
Rowanne nudged Robin forward, releasing her from the grasp "fine! Sorry" Robin spat, she looked to the ground afterwards "what are you going to make me do"
"You'll see"
"Mum!"
"Robin do you want another detention?"
"No" she looked to the floor,
"Then I would get out of here if I were you"
The twins left, leaving McGonagall and Remus alone in the classroom.
"What the hell was that!" Rowanne rounded on her sister,
"I don't know" Robin sighed, "God she's gunna kill me isn't she"
"Yep, definatly"
They walked over to the dorms, in silence,
"Ummm, do you know the password?" Robin turned to her sister,
"Only last years" Rowanne shrugged,
"So what do we do?"
"I guess we wait" Rowanne shrugged.
Robin slumped against the wall while Rowanne sat on the floor opposite, head in her lap. "So what do you think mum wants with Remus?"
"Who knows, who cares. I'm tired"
"Robin!"
"Sorry" She sighed, "I wouldn't worry, you can just ask him when he gets back"
"Yeah I guess"
"Rowanne? Robin?" A bearded man rounded the corner,
"Professor" Rowanne got up, smiling,
"Hi Uncle Albus" Robin greeted him,
"What are you two doing out here?"
"Mum made us miss the password so now we have to wait until someone comes to let us in" Robin pouted,
"Hmmm, well I can let you in"
"Really! Thanks Professor" Rowanne exclaimed, a bed sounded really good right about now,
"First, I'm assuming Minerva has already resolved the situation. But I wanted to ask, what punishment did she give you Robin?"
"Three detentions" Robin looked away from him and towards the staircases,
"And she took 20 points from Gryffindor!" Rowanne complained,
"Ah, I mean I wouldn't say what you did was that bad. I can't help you on the detention front but 25 points to Gryffindor, for an excellent display of house pride" His eyes twinkled,
"Really!" Robin exclaimed happily,
"Thanks professor" Rowanne nudged her sister,
"Yeah thatnks Uncle Albus" She wrapped her arms aroung him happily,
"One last thing girls" They looked between eachother, a wave of suspicion and happiness, they knew that look all too well, "I have something for you" He held out two paper bags, handing one to each twin,
"What is it"
"Well I know you obviously can't go into hogsmeade and most kids get snacks delivered by their family, so I though cause I doubt your mum's thought about it, or would. So I packed you each a snack bag" He seemed pleased with himself,
"Thanks Uncle Albus"
"Yeah thanks Uncle Albus"
"Your welcome, now you better get inside before it gets past curfew" He winked, "leonis iuba" the portrait swung open, revealing the commonroom on the other side. Whie many students had gone up to bed, James, Sirius, Peter sat around the blazing fire. They looked up as Robin and Rowanne entered.
"Your here" Peter sat up
"I was genuenly starting to think that your mum took you out of school or something" Sirius said as he came up to them,
"Nah we're all good"
"Though this one was an idiot and got herself three detentions"
"Three!" James cried, "On the first day! That's got to be some kind of record"
Robin shrugged, Rowanne sighed, "Did Lily and the others go to bed?"
"Yeah, what happened between you guys? She seemed upset"
"I don't know, I'll find out" Rowanne made a beline for the dormitaries, but turned on her heel before she reached the archway, "don't eat all of that tonight, you'll never sleep" She gestured to Robin's bag, and headed upstairs.
"Well what happened?" Sirius asked, turning to Robin,
"Never mind that, how the hell did you pull it off?" James exclaimed enthusiastically, pulling her down onto the sofa.
Back in McGonagall's office, she seemed to have changed entirely. No longer angrry but completely in control of herself.
"So Mr Lupin, I wanted to talk to you about the arrangements for you throughout the year"
"Of course" He said, unsure of how to approach the woman,
"After dinner on the full moon, you will make your way down to the hospital wing where Madam Pomfrey and I will bring you to an abandoned house so you can safely transform. She will be back to collect you in the morning" Mcgonagall explained, "We'll head to Madam Pomfrey now so she can take your vitals and give you a check up. Then we'll see the house"
They left the classroom, walking down the now deserted corridors in an awkward silence.
"When is the full moon?" Remus asked, finally breaking it,
"What" Mcgonagall spun her head around sharply, "You mean you aren’t keeping track?"
"Ummm, no sorry" he looked to the floor as his cheeks turned red,
"It’s on the 5th, so Sunday. You might have to miss a few lessons Monday but that should be okay" She stopped at two double doors, smiled and pushed them open.
A tall woman with blonde hair approached. She looked strict but strangely material in the same way. She smiled at the two, a glance at Mcgonagall before resting her eyes on Remus,
"Ah Mr Lupin. Come on, don't be shy" she put her arm on his shoulder, "take a seat there, I'll be over in a second"
Remus was directed towards one of the beds as the women spoke in hushed voices, though he couldn't hear what they were saying.
"Robin okay?" Madam Pomfrey asked, a smile creeping onto her face,
"Oh shut it you" Mcgonagall rolled her eyes, of course this was a way of bullying her,
"Just saying, that was some epic stuff"
"And she's just put Gryffindor in last place"
"No pretty sure you've done that"
"I didn't have a choice, besides don't you have a patient"
"Yes right, good point. We still on for tonight?"
"Yep, you Podma, Rolanda. 9 o'clock. But it can't be late, lessons tomorrow"
"God it's just like being back at school"
"I keep telling Albus he should start on the next full week, but you know him. He's always right" She rolled her eyes, "Now get a move on, else we'll be late to my own party"
"Yeah yeah, whatever" Poppy left her friend, walking over to talk and examine Remus.
After she was done they walked up to the Shreeking shack. It wasn't what Remus was used to, but it was better than being binded during his transitions. They made their way back, though something seemed to catch Madam Pomfrey's eye as they walked back passed the Great Hall.
"Minerva" So that was Mcgonagall's first name, Remus thought,
"What is it?"
"Gryfindor seem to be in the lead"
"What do you mean? There's no way, I took 20 points!"
"Well they are five ahead of the others"
"Who the hell gives points on the first night!"
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of your two"
"I have no doubt it was" Mcgonagall shook her head, as they made their way back to Gryfindor tower.
When they arrived, Mcgonagall opened the dorm, "Leonosis iuba" the portrait hole swung open. Mcgonagall wished him a goodnight and Remus entered, only to be accosted by the four other students.