A/N: This is my first fanfiction, I'm not going to promise continuous updates because I'm going back to school soon. That and I have to actually reread the books because I need to get some facts straight in my mind. A visit to Pottermore may also be in order… Thanks for stopping by. Oh! As much as I wish I was, I am not J.K. Rowling and therefore do not own Harry Potter. I do own Christina Solaria though…

Chapter the First: Beginning

They had kissed my cheek goodbye at the station, acting the doting parents they were forced to be, hating my existence. I did hope that as my mother and father they loved me, just in their own way but I knew the chance of this was as high as the Dark Lord returning. Once on the train I ignored the stares of the beckoning future Slytherins and instead sat on my own, pondering which house I would be in. The approaching moment would decide my life, I knew that, but I still held out hope that I would be able to choose for myself.

It all came down to hope, and emotion I possessed in abundance and my parents hated. They didn't like the spirit that inhabited my body, the spirit associated with rebellion. Growing up my fairy-tales consisted of what happened to unruly pureblood girls who didn't find a husband with a well-paying Ministry job and produce heirs.

I tolerated the balls and entertaining the pure-blood children because I loved the pretty dresses and it was the only time I was allowed company outside my mother's tea parties. Of course the company was absolutely dreadful but who was I to complain?

I had always viewed Hogwarts as my way out of the life my mother had set out for me. If I was sorted into Gryffindor or even Hufflepuff then they would disown me, allowing me to live my life the way I wanted it. But as I grew older I realised the futility of such a life. I had no money, and my inheritance would vanish as soon as I was removed from the family. I had no friends and no family who sympathised with me. I would be even more alone than I was now.

I didn't realise that I wasn't alone in my compartment until I chose to change into my uniform. The girl tensed as my gaze rested upon her.

"Blood status?" I questioned.

"Pure." She replied.

"Good, I'm allowed to be friends with you. I'm Christina Solaria, it's nice to meet you."

"Lily Moon. Pleasure. I assume you wish to be in Slytherin."

"My parents wish me to be."

"So do mine."

"Do you wish to be in Slytherin?"

"I don't have a choice."

"Well, neither do I, really. I just like to try and convince myself I do."

She laughed. "Then I guess we can tackle Slytherin together!"

"OK," I smiled.

Perhaps Slytherin wasn't the worst thing that could happen, after all Lily didn't seem to be as uptight as the other pureblood witches I knew.

Lily and I managed to get a boat together on the last leg of our journey to Hogwarts. I had seen pictures of the castle but nothing could compare to the supreme beauty of actually being there and seeing just how magnificent it truly was. As we walked up to the doors we remained quiet, listening to the excited whispers of our fellow first-years as they waited to see where they would be placed.

As we stood gathered in front of the teachers, waiting for our turn to be sorted, Lily seemed to be getting even more nervous.

"What's wrong?" I whispered.

"I have to be in Slytherin. I have to be. I will be, right?"

"Just ask, I'm sure the hat will listen to what you have to say."

She nodded and was about to respond when Professor McGonagall called her.

"Moon, Lily."

For a full minute I watched as she sat there, her eyes frantic. Eventually, though, she was placed in Slytherin and a relieved grin split her face before she hurried over to the green and silver table. A few more people were sorted, including Harry Potter whom I watched with interest. It was, after all, thanks to him that I wasn't already engaged to a wannabe death eater. Finally Solaria, Christina was called and I ascended the stairs with confidence, though not too much confidence (don't want to get put in Gryffindor, after all!).

"Ah, I haven't sorted a Solaria for quite a long time. Pity, you always have such interesting minds. Such a mixture here. So much hate for those who have scorned you and for the one you are supposed to serve despite his apparent death. You're smart and willing to do anything to gain the approval of someone, anyone. You can be brave but you know the difference between bravery and outright recklessness, something I can't say for the Gryffindors. I feel like you would do well in Ravenclaw but for you to reach your true potential and thrive here, you need the protection that comes with who you are. It better be… SLYTHERIN… but remember young Christina, the hope and love you possess may one day be your salvation. Don't let the darkness overcome you and smother it. Keep it lit."

The hat was lifted off my head and only then did I feel the relief hit me. I was safe. My first friend was safe. For now there was nothing to worry about. I buried the hat's words deep in the back of my mind until they were nothing but a distant echo, one that I would ignore until it was needed. For now, I had a feast to attend.

A/N:
Just a quick clarification, Lily Moon is a student in Harry's year who is either in Hufflepuff, Gryffindor or Slytherin because the five Ravenclaw girls have been named. I decided to put her in Slytherin because I felt that Chrissy needs a friend who doesn't go totally 'I'm a pureblood therefore I'm better than you' all the time.

3 Asha