"Ravenclaw!"
Parvati saw her sister give her a significant glance as she scurried to the cheering mass of children. She knew that glance. It meant "You better be with me on this, or I dunno what I'm going to do".
Funny thing was, Parvati didn't know if she was with Padma on this. She'd never really been the biggest fan of reading—unless it was Teen Witch or something similar—and all she really wanted right now was to get it over with.
"Patil, Parvati"
Here goes, she thought as she climbed the steps and the hat was placed on her head.
Hmmm… the Hat contemplated. You, my dear, have a choice to make.
I get to choose? That was an unexpected (but pleasant) turn of events. She'd expected to just be shunted off to Ravenclaw with Padma.
Yes, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. One will help you learn and grow, the other will help you grow and learn.
What's the difference? It was all a bit too much to think about, especially with the whole hall staring at her.
My dear, let me put it in simpler terms: your sister chose learning before growing, and now you are faced with the same decision. Will you make the same choice?
I'm not my sister! Parvati thought fiercely, her eyebrows bunching in irritation. Everyone was always doing this—lumping them together, like they weren't individuals, but one person divided into two bodies. She was sick of it!
And there's the fire. Your sister would have gladly followed you anywhere, but you, you have the spark to be a leader. You are different. There was a smirk in its voice.
Yes. I. Am. She forcefully shot at it.
That spark is your decision. You'd better be… "Gryffindor!"
Relief and panic spread through her as she stumbled towards the red and gold. What would Padma think? Would she be okay on her own? A quick glance at the blue and bronze table showed her sister's face.
There was regret, and hurt at being separated. But there was also an identical look of relief.
They weren't each other, and it was time everyone saw that, including themselves.
I'm not my sister.
