Hogwarts at Last
Ch. 3
‘Well, there goes the plan of laying low for the first few weeks,’ Astraea thought sighing to herself.
Remus looked between his new friend and the two boys who had rudely stormed into their compartment feeling a flash of protectiveness for the girl. She had shown him a secret and in doing so was discovered by these two prats who, by their clothes and attitudes, must be wealthy pure-bloods.
The girl caught the young werewolf’s gaze and gave a reassuring smile before turning to address the two wizard heirs.
“To answer your first question, my name is Astraea Elowen Prewett, heir to House Prewett,” she spoke, outstretching her hand in greeting. Sirius rudely ignored her hand for continuing to press the girl for answers.
“Ah! So you’re the cousin that Aunt Lucretia talks about. Why have we never met?” The Black heir interrogated the girl next to him with a curious gleam in his eyes. Remus nearly growled at the disrespect this boy was showing to his new friend. With a look and a small smile, Astraea reassured the young boy. This wasn’t going quite as well as she would have hoped.
Astraea lowered her hand back to her lap before sitting up straight, squaring her shoulders, and lifting her head. Her change in demeanor threw the two boys into uncomfortable territory as she made a show of looking over the young heir Black once more before speaking.
“You must be Cousin Sirius heir to House Black, yes?” she spoke with a proud yet detached tone, one only perfected after many hours of practice with Aquila and Capella. She deliberately turned away from Sirius, something no other Black would have stood for before he could answer to address the other boy in the compartment.
“I am Astraea Prewett, what is your name?” she once again held out her hand in greeting. James took it and kissed the back as Remus had, proving he at least had better manners than Sirius, before letting go and introducing himself.
“Well met Heir Prewett. My name is James Fleamont Potter, heir to House Potter. We were-” James was cut off by a loud sigh from Sirius.
“Ugh! If you’re done with all that stupid greeting nonsense then tell us how you did that!” The young heir whined as he was near pouting from being ignored. Astraea looked at the boy coldly.
“I am surprised, Cousin, that you would disregard the importance of introductions. One would think that the Black family does not care about tradition or the importance of their name by your actions.” The girl scolded the other heir whose face flushed in embarrassment.
In retaliation, Sirius grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it before growling out his greeting.
“Well met Heir Prewett. I am Sirius Black, heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House Black. Is that what you wanted?” he spat out. Astraea gave a thin smile to the boy.
“Well met Heir Potter and Heir Black. May I introduce you to my friend Remus Lupin?” she motioned over to the young werewolf who had thought himself forgotten once he heard that the other boys were also heirs to important families. His eyes widened and a blush crept up on his cheeks at Astraea’s claim of friendship.
Shyly the boy reached out his hand which the other boys took turns shaking.
“Hello. My name is Remus Lupin, it is a pleasure to meet you both,” Remus spoke with false sincerity that made Astraea hide her snicker behind her hand. Sirius immediately faced the girl once more to continue his line of questioning. The girl raised a hand to cut him off before speaking.
“As for your second question, it's sort of complicated to explain,” she then went on to explain her status as a Metamorphmagus and how it works to the three boys who just stared at her in awe.
“As such, my family decided that it would be best to wait until I had some amount of control over my ability before making any sort of public debut in society. Although I suspect after this year I will be forced to attend social functions with my mother when I am able.” She finished with a put-out sigh as the boys looked at her in awe.
“Wicked!” Sirius and James whispered at the same time. They glanced at each other and smiled excitedly before turning their attention back to the female heir. Remus looked nervously from Astraea to James and Sirius. James was the first to request a demonstration of her magical gift.
“So you can change how you look whenever you want without spells or anything? Can you show us again? Can you?” the young Potter boy asked excitedly, nearly bouncing in his seat.
Astraea sighed and looked out the window to the rolling hills of the English countryside passing them by to calm her nerves. After focusing for a moment, she turned back to the other children, hair now inky black like that of Sirius’s family falling in gentle ringlets over her shoulders.
The three boys stared in awe at the girl once more. Astraea rolled her eyes and fought to keep the blush off her cheeks as her hair reverted to her traditional Prewett shade. She looked over at Remus who seemed to take pride in his new friend’s ability. Smiling gently she turned her attention back to the two wizard heirs.
“So, may I ask how the two of you know each other?” she asked trying to gauge what their relationship was at this point in their lives.
“Oh, we just met. Black here nearly fell off the platform trying to get a better look at the train. I grabbed ahold of him before he could and we decided to try to sit together for the ride.” James responded causing Sirius’s ears to turn pink in embarrassment. The other boy quickly jumped in to try and change the conversation.
“SO! What Hogwarts House do you all want to be in? My family has all been Slytherin but I think Gryffindor would be awesome, they have a lion for their emblem,” Sirius exclaimed loudly. Astraea smiled and decided to humor the boy this time as James and Remus perked up at the talk of the different Houses.
“Obviously Gryffindor is the best Black. It’s been the house that the Potters have been sorted into for generations. Gryffindor is for those who are brave! Not like Hufflepuff or Slytherin.” James sniffed haughtily, his own perchance for prejudice showing through. Astraea held her tongue as Remus chimed in.
“I don’t know, I think Ravenclaw might be interesting. You would probably learn a lot in that house right?” he spoke softly, gaze not lifting from his fidgeting hands.
“True. There are many good things about each of the houses. Gryffindor values bravery, Ravenclaw their wit, Hufflepuff prizes loyalty, and Slytherin resourcefulness. I think one could find a home in any of the houses.” Astraea spoke noncommittally. Sirius looked at the girl and young werewolf with thinly veiled annoyance before scoffing and standing up.
“Even with your weird ability, you’re still boring. Come on Potter, let’s go find someone more entertaining than these two brooms in the mud,” Sirius spoke before striding out of the compartment not waiting for James. The Potter Heir started after the other boy before calling out a quick apology and rushing out leaving Astraea and Remus alone once more.
The young witch rubbed her temples gently trying to curb the headache she could feel was forming while Remus seemed to be trying to put together what just happened. He looked at the girl across from him then back down to his scared hands.
“Did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean-” he spoke in a shaky voice as if he was close to tears. Astraea placed her hand atop his and gently squeezed them.
“Remus, I promise you did nothing wrong. It seems Black was looking to start a fight with someone. You and I wouldn’t take the bait so he went off to find someone else to bother. I think the only reason he decided to take Potter along was that he agreed with Black,” she explained smiling reassuringly at the boy only pulling away once a small smile of his own graced his face.
“Now, what are you looking forward to leaning this year? I for one am fascinated with potions..”
The two chatted away the rest of the train ride until the prefects began to make their rounds telling the first years to change into their school clothes. Astraea and Remus took turns changing in the compartment and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Hogsmeade Station.
As they gathered their trunks Remus tried to hide his battered one but Astraea simply took his hand in her own before they made their way off of the train and onto the platform. Another prefect, this one from Hufflepuff according to her tie, showed them where to put their trunks before sending them to the far end of the platform where the large form of Hagrid dwarfed the cluster of first years surrounding him.
The half-giant stood there holding a large lantern and waving the youngest students over. Before joining the huddle of children, Astraea grabbed Remus’s hand once more so they wouldn’t get separated. Remus, not used to being in crowds, held on to it tightly trying to settle his nerves.
“First years this way! This way to the boats first years!” he called out until he deemed to have the right number of small children following his lead. The large man led the way down to the docks where a number of small rowboats were tethered.
“Alright now, follow me! Four to a boat now, go on!” he called out waiting for the students to fill the boats. Astraea quickly pulled the young werewolf towards an empty boat and helped him in before settling in herself.
Moments later, a young and clearly pissed off Lily Evans pulling along a muttering Severus Snape, approached their boat.
“Can we join you? The only other boat is with that prat Black and his friend Potter,” Evans spit out. The mention of the two boys set a deep frown on Snape’s face. Remus had to nudge Astraea gently snapping her back to reality.
“Of course. Here, please you are more than welcome to join us!” She said helping the two into the boat before settling in once more. Hagrid walked around untying the boats before climbing into his own.
The crafts gently began to glide through the water following the Groundkeeper’s lead. They made their way across the lake and once they cleared the bend before them, came the sight that girl had been waiting to see since waking up in this world.
There, set atop a cliff overlooking the lake and valley below, was the castle of Hogwarts. Golden light filled its windows and its three towers broke the cloud line. The impressive silhouette filled the skyline and there were several gasps of wonder from the other first-year student, most noticeably the ones in her own boat.
Astraea smiled to herself drinking in the sight with pure wonder. This was really happening. She really was at Hogwarts. She looked over at the young werewolf whose face reflected the awe she felt. She gave him an excited smile before turning back to the majestic sight before her.
Finally, they reached the dock at the base of the castle and were shepherded up the steps, through the main courtyard, and into the annex before the large oaken doors of the Great Hall. There before the doors stood Professor McGonagall holding the list of first years in her right hand. As the first years came to a halt before her, she raised a hand, commanding the attention of the mass of children.
“Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates but first, you must be sorted.” Murmurs broke out among the children trying to figure out how they would be sorted. McGonagall stared the chatting children into silence before continuing.
“The houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. While you are here your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points, any rule-breaking, and you will lose points.” A stern look from the professor passed over all of the children reinforcing her words.
“At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup. The sorting will begin momentarily.” The head of Gryffindor spoke before passing through doors leaving the first years alone.
Astraea took the time to turn to the two other children who had joined her and Remus on the boat ride and introduce herself. She gave the pair a soft smile and held out her hand in greeting.
“I don’t think I introduced myself before. My name is Astraea Prewett, nice to meet you both.” Lily was the first to respond. She grabbed the other girl’s hand and shook it the muggle way.
“Lily Evans, thanks for letting us ride with you two. I probably would have taken a dip in the lake trying shut Black and Potter up if we had to ride with them. This here is Severus, he’s my best friend.” Evans spoke motioning to the young boy with greasy black hair and raven eyes. The boy shuffled forward and took Astraea’s hand.
Once more she was surprised when he quickly kissed the back of it before letting go is if burned. The young witch was expecting a muggle handshake from the young half-blood but apparently Eileen Prince had taught her son some of the etiquettes for interacting with other witches and wizards before sending him off into their world.
“Severus Snape,” the young wizard muttered in greeting as his hair covered his face to try and hide his flushed cheeks, clearly embarrassed. Astraea just smiled at the two even as Lily gave Severus an astonished look.
“I hope we will become friends in the time we have here,” she said sincerely as McGonagall came back into the waiting area.
“We are ready for you now. Follow me.” The professor spoke in a no-nonsense tone but the slight smile on her face betrayed her excitement. The large doors swung inwards as the huddle of first years processed down the center aisle looking around the hall in wonder.
Lily pointed to the charmed ceiling and the floating candles in awe as Severus explained the magic behind it. There was such childlike wonder and joy that radiated off the two of them that it made Astraea’s heart ache for how their stories had ended.
She watched their interactions with a tight knot in her stomach. This would be one of the things that must be changed. Severus needed to stay Lily’s friend for her and James to survive the war. For Harry not to grow up alone. She just needed to make sure that happened.
The girl was pulled out of her thoughts by a small hand fitting itself into her own. She turned her head to see Remus giving her a reassuring smile probably thinking the concerned look on her face was about where she would be sorted in a moment’s time. The young witch smiled back in gratitude and focused on the stool in front of the now stopped group of eleven-year-olds.
So consumed by her thoughts, Astraea missed the sorting hat’s opening song. Her attention was only pulled back to the event at hand by Dumbledore stepping forward and giving his opening speech.
“I only have a few announcements before the sorting begins. I wish to remind returning students and inform the first years that the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden,” the old wizard stated in an almost cheerful tone before continuing.
Conflicting emotions burned through the young witch at the sight of the Headmaster, the so-called greatest wizard who was willing to sacrifice a young boy and his family to triumph over Voldemort. Whatever her family said about him, Astraea knew that she shouldn’t trust the man, lest she become a pawn in his plans as well.
“Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Those interested should speak to their Head of House or Madame Hooch. Lastly, Mr. Filch, the caretaker has asked me to remind you all that magic should not be used in the corridors between classes. Now Professor McGonagall if you will.” The Headmaster waved the professor forward before taking his seat once more.
McGonagall stepped up next to the stool on which the Sorting Hat had been placed and unfurled the list. She held the list aloft in one hand and picked the magical hat up with the other. Scanning the list, the deputy headmistress began.
“Ahearn, Rosinin.” The first name was called and a girl with dark hair stepped up on the raised dais sitting on the three-legged stool. The sorting hat was lowered onto her hair and for a moment, the whole hall was silent.
“SLYTHERIN!” the Sorting Hat called out, voice echoing loudly through the hall. The Slytherin table cheered heartily while the rest of the hall clapped politely.
Once the cheering calmed down, McGonagall continued. Astraea took little notice of names being called except to note those who would go on to become Death Eaters in the future. That is until Sirius was called.
“Black, Sirius.” Astraea watched as Slughorn eyed the young boy with a nearly hungry interest clearly thinking that he would be the guiding force for the newest Heir Black. The witch hid her amusement behind an uninterested facade as the hat was set upon his softly curling black locks.
A minute passed, then two. The hall began to fill with murmurs at the unforeseen delay of sorting the Black Heir.
“GRYFFINDOR!” the hat roared out silencing the hall.
There were several shocked faces among the staff but they quickly transitioned into a force polite clapping as the young boy loped across the hall to his newfound House table. There were several stunned looks on the older student’s faces at the Slytherin table including that of a young Narcissa Black who looked astonished before her face slid back into a mask of neutrality.
McGonagall cleared her throat to refocus herself before continuing. Several more names were called before Astraea paid attention once more.
“Evans, Lily.”
The hat sat on the young girl’s red hair for no more than thirty seconds before calling out.
“GRYFFINDOR!”
The witch smiled brightly and rushed over to be greeted by her house not noticing the despair that clouded her best friend’s face. Astraea wanted to consol the young Snape but decided that it would be best for the boy to process his emotions about being separated from his friend on his own for a bit.
The list continued.
“Lupin, Remus.”
The young werewolf straightened up and with a final squeeze from his new friend, made his way up to the dais. He stiffly sat upon the stool and held his breath as the raggedy old hat was placed on his sandy-brown hair. Several seconds passed.
“GRYFFINDOR!” The hat called out once more.
A shy grin painted the boy’s face as the house of lions warmly welcomed him into their midst. He took a seat next to Lily but kept his eyes trained on Astraea hoping they would be sorted into the same house.
Three more were called before another familiar name appeared.
“Pettigrew, Peter.”
Rage burned through Astraea’s blood. There was the traitor who would give the Potter’s up to Voldemort and yet the heavyset boy with mousey brown hair that stumbled up to the stool didn’t seem to be someone that she would ever consider a threat. That is if she didn’t know any better. She would have to keep an eye on him.
The hat was set on his head and for nearly seven minutes the hat stayed silent as the whole of Hogwarts witnessed the first true Hatstall in their generation. Astraea had counted 15 different sizes of floating candles when the hat finally called out.
“GRYFFINDOR!”
There was plenty of applause but the young witch kept silent as she observed the way he scampered over to the table of lions. She bristled as he took a seat next to Sirius and Remus and the two fellow first years began to converse with him.
She didn’t have much time to dwell on it however as the next name was called.
“Potter, James.”
The Potter Heir swaggered confidently up to the stool and sat down. The hat barely brushed his hair before it called out.
“GRYFFINDOR!”
The sorting was met with loud cheers, Sirius’s voice recognizable through the din as James raced over to join him at the table.
Finally, it was her turn.