She let out the breath she had been holding, carefully shaking out her arms, which had previously been wrapped around her torso in an attempt to give herself some semblance of comfort. Today was the day that she would be sorted into her Hogwarts house. "At least I won't stick out," she mumbled, glancing around her. She had always cursed her short stature, but now, being the only fifteen year old surrounded by first years, she was glad that her height allowed her to blend in with the crowd.

She jumped a little, trying not to display her fear as the door swung open and Professor McGonagall appeared to usher them out to the Great Hall. The students chattering suddenly much louder than it was before, she did her best not to panic. Following the rest of the students into the room, she willed herself not to look. She did, and stopped dead in her tracks. There are so many people here. Oh sweet Merlin, now they're all staring at me. Move, legs, move!

Down amongst the house tables, a few people snickered, pointing at the nervous girl. James nudged Sirius in the ribs. "Hey, looks like we've got another Peter! How much you wanna bet she goes to Hufflepuff?" He laughed.

Sirius barely spared the girl a glance. "Nah, Peter somehow got his way into Gryffindor. Bet she'll come here. They'd be perfect for each other!"

They both roared with laughter at the thought of Peter having a girlfriend, not even caring that the friend in question was sitting across from them with Remus, frowning at the table. Remus tutted disapprovingly, but said nothing.

At least I'm somewhat close to the front, she reassured herself. Less time to humiliate myself. The line was slowly disappearing off to their respective houses. As McGonagall was preparing to read her name from the scroll however, Dumbledore stood, and her heart stopped. No, no no no no no. PLEASE no. Don't call more attention to me!

"Boys and girls, I have news most exciting! We have been given the honor of housing a transfer student for the rest of her education! I expect you all to welcome her warmly, as one of our own! I am pleased to introduce you all to formerly-home-tutored fifth year, Miss Desticius, Vox!" Beaming at her with an ominous twinkle in his eye, Professor Dumbledore led a light smattering of applause as he took his seat, and the tiny fifth year made her way to the sorting hat.

Vox was grateful that the sorting hat fell over her eyes. She was mortified. Why did the headmaster have to call such attention to her? Everyone was whispering about her now. There's no way she could be a fifth year, she was too tiny. Did he say Desticius? Tradition dictates they don't attend public education establishments! Did the death eaters come after her family? Now I'll never be able to blend in!

"Hm, but hiding isn't a very Gryffindor trait, Miss Desticius..." Vox jumped at the voice in her head. What is that? Is the hat talking to me? Oh no! It can read my mind? "Calm yourself, child!" The hat scolded. "Having a panic attack in front of all of these people wouldn't do well for your plans, now would it?" Vox took a deep breath, intending to hold it until the damned hat let her go to her table. "It's very brave of you, you know. To come to the one place where you are most in danger of having your powers taken advantage of. Great dangers lie within this school for you, Miss Desticius. Yet, you agreed to come here..." I have no idea what you're talking about. Please, just put me somewhere I'll fit in. I don't like the attention... "Somewhere you'll fit in, eh? As you wish...

GRYIFFINDOR!"

Vox was dismayed. She took the hat from her head and slid into the very end of the Gryffindor table, hoping to get through dinner with as little attention as possible. Isn't this the house of bravery? What a fraud. Maybe the hat is defective and puts you in the opposite house? Someone should warn the headmaster. Not me, of course. But someone should...

James swore, handing over the last of his dessert to a gloating Sirius. "See?" The curly haired Gryffindor laughed, "I told you we'd get stuck with her! Why don't you go say hi, Peter?"

Vox was careful to make sure she stayed away from the students of her year as she followed her new housemates to the common room. They were certain to ask her questions, and she didn't want anyone to get too close to her. The less they knew about her, the better, in her opinion. She was startled out of her moping reverie by a far-too-cheery redhead. "Hi! I'm Lily Evans. You're... Vox, right? Desticius Vox? I'm a fifth year too, come on! I'll show you to our dorm!"

Definitely too cheery Vox thought as she quietly followed the stranger up the stairs.

James and Sirius watched them go, no longer laughing. "Do you think...?" Sirius said, turning to James.

"Doubt it," James replied. "Neutral families don't usually get sorted into Gryffindor, do they?"

"Maybe she isn't neutral," Sirius continued. "I shunned my family's beliefs and now I'm here. Maybe she decided to take a stand." Resolving to ask her whenever they got the chance, the boys went up to their own dorm, joining Remus and Peter in a peaceful slumber.