Summary: After spending the majority of her life with only her father for company, Serena finally finds herself attending the legendary school called Hogwarts. Things aren't entirely as she expects, though. With the pressures of social anxiety, her father's approval, and Voldemort on the rise, the last thing Serena needs is a more drama. But will new friendship bloom quicker than she thought in her new house? Or will she make quick enemies of the Golden Trio? The only thing Serena knows for sure is that her secret must be kept safe. PART 1
Chapter 1
A lone figure stood before the Hogwarts gates, clothed in black and carrying only two weightless bags. Her observant eyes noticed every detail as she stared up at the towering castle.
Nothing has changed, she thought with a small smirk. To her it looked the same as it had four years earlier. The same bricks, turrets, and scenery. Even the grass looked the same. The identical wrought-iron gates loomed over her petite figure menacingly. She fearlessly pushed open the squeaking gate, walking slowly yet confidently into the grounds of the school.
As she walked along the paved path, a familiar courtyard came into view. It brought up memories of her days spent wandering the empty halls while all the students were in class. She closed her eyes and recalled a particularly fond memory.
The young girl raced through the halls, hiding behind pillars and sneaking around corners. She wasn't supposed to have left the library during school hours, but she wanted to escape Madam Pierce and the stacks of books she had already read numerous times over.
Once she had reached the courtyard, she found a nice spot in the shade to sit, her back supported by one strong pillar. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sound of the soft rustling of the leaves and the quiet waves in the distance.
She didn't notice the tall, cloaked figure standing to her right.
"Serena, I thought I told you to stay in the library." Her father's deep voice startled her. He held out a hand to her, helping her from the ground.
"I'm sorry father. I didn't mean to misbehave. I was just on my way to find you." The seven year old apologized. She glanced up at him underneath her long, black lashes with a look of regret. In her hands she held a leather-bound book, no larger than a diary. She held it up to him, almost reluctantly, "I saw this in the library and thought it might interest you."
He took the book gently from her, seeing that it was a book he had read before. But he still smiled slightly, accepting his daughter's gift, "Thank you."
The smile was gone in an instant, the book tucked away in his robes. He was all business once more, but Serena was used to that. She almost preferred this side of her father. It felt more real.
"I'll walk you back to our quarters," Her father told her as he checked the time on his pocket watch, "I have one more class to teach, and then I will meet you for dinner."
"Alright." Serena agreed, following behind her father as he led her through the halls. She didn't need to, but she instinctively grabbed her father's cloak. Her subconscious seemed afraid to lose him in the non-existent crowd.
She shook the thought from her head, continuing down the path. That had been the last time she needed his strange, yet comforting, reassurance. Now she knew better. He would never leave her.
Serena came to a stop at the front doors of the castle. She set down one bag, reaching to pull open the heavy door. It burst open and the caretaker, Filch, appeared in front of her. He shuffled around and barked at her, "You're late. The feast has already begun."
She picked up the discarded bag, handing both to the unkempt man, "Would you mind taking these to my father's quarters? The House Elves can take them to my dorm after the sorting."
Filch grumbled to himself, but still took her bags in hand, scurrying away. Serena, of course, knew her way around the castle, probably better than half the staff, and easily found her way to the Great Hall within minutes. Once there, she pushed open the large, wooden doors without hesitation.
The loud chatter ceased as she entered. She held her head higher, not bothered by the jealous and lustful stares of students around her, and began the long walk towards the staff table. Her father sat near the right end of the table, watching her closely.
Dumbledore stood up and held out his arms welcomingly. He gave her a wide smile and began one of his renowned speeches, "My fellow professors and students, this year we have a special student joining Hogwarts. For the last three years, she had been attending the Pennyworth School for Gifted Witches. Due to recent events, she has decided to transfer to Hogwarts. Now, for the sorting…"
He gestured to Professor McGonagall for the hat and stool. Once both were placed in front of him, he urged Serena to sit, and then did so himself.
She gracefully sat down on the chair, instinctively crossing her ankles. Soon the hat was placed upon her jet black curls.
Ah…I wondered how long it would be before you came along. You're just like your father…but I can see some of your mother in you too. Perfect pair, they were. It's a shame what happened…you could be like your mother…but no, you'd rather make your father proud, wouldn't you?
"Yes please." Serena whispered under her breath. Immediately, the hat belted out the house she had hoped for.
"Slytherin!"
The table decorated in green and silver erupted into cheers. The hat was taken from her head and she turned to look back at Dumbledore and her father. An almost hidden smile graced the usually platonic man. His eyes shone with unvoiced pride. She stood from the stool, as did Dumbledore from his chair. As she turned to walk to the Slytherin table, she heard Dumbledore announce above the quieting applause.
"Please welcome our newest member of the Slytherin house, Miss Serena Snape."