"Malfoy, Scorpius."

He gulps slightly, before ignoring the mutters that are rippling across the Great Hall, and determinedly walking towards the stool.

Her head spins round as she strains to see the strange boy her father is so opposed to.

He trips slightly over his too-large robes, but keeps going, pretending not to notice the sniggers echoing around the room.

She, although she's not sure why, blushes for him, and treads forcefully on the toes of her neighbour, who is in silent stitches.

He forces the hat onto his head, and grips the sides of his seat in obvious tension.

A Malfoy, huh? Better be -

No! Please… anywhere but there…

Not a Slytherin fan, I see?

It's not so much Slytherin…It's my father - or, more accurately, my grandfather.

You want to prove them wrong…

I want to prove that I'm not like them.

It's all the same in the end. So, if not Slytherin, better be… Gryffindor!

His face twitches as he restrains his delight, not even realising that half the hall has frozen in shock.

She grins for him, and applauds loudly, the only sound in the silent mass of students.

He turns to her as he walks to a hushed table, and finally lets himself smile at the sight of a girl with vivid red hair beaming, and practically jumping up and down as she claps.

She giggles, before being quieted by an embarrassed boy with messy black hair.

Unbeknownst to her, she's been caught.

"Potter, Albus."

She cheers loudly as the black haired boy climbs the steps, but is drowned out by the tumultuous applause coming from the student body.

He claps vigorously too, earning several confused glances from people who are aware of his parentage.

She increases her volume tenfold when the gangly looking boy is pronounced as 'Gryffindor'.

He moves up to allow space for the new boy, who flashes him a wary glance, before tentatively sitting down as far away from him as possible.

She frowns at the unfairness of her cousin, although not entirely sure why she is taking someone else's side.

"Weasley, Rose"

He starts slightly, before joining in with the raucous applause that seems to be mainly emanating from his table.

She practically dances up, her curls bouncing prettily.

The mental image of a swallow flashes into his head as he watches the grace of her movements.

She places the hat on her head, and sits down, her legs swinging in a carefree style.

A Weasley, I see. Not much deliberation here then -

Um, hello? Hat-type-thing? Um, I was wondering if you, could, well…

Not Gryffindor?

That would be great!

You would have such potential there…

I don't want to be the same. Just another meaningless name on the family tree. I want to be different.

Different, eh? Well, I suppose you wouldn't do too badly in… Slytherin!

Her face spreads into yet another smile, this time victorious, and she lifts the hat off her head, not quite oblivious to the gasps of shock across the hall.

He decides that it's time to repay a courtesy, and quite literally stands up as he gives her the applause suddenly missing from the room.

She winks at him as she skips to the table adorned with green banners, and sits down easily, as if she's quite at home.

He blinks, and slowly sits down.

He doesn't realise it, but he's been caught.