Artemis Titus had never been alone. Born three minutes and seventeen seconds after her twin brother, Apollo, she had always had someone close by the share her life with. Her brother and her family had been everything to her growing up. It was all that she knew.
Growing up in one of the most prominent and oldest of pureblood lines, Artemis was always surrounded by equals. The Titus family was known for a number of things. First, for their fierce loyalty to the purity of their family line; second, the fact that they were perhaps one of the most notorious and feared families in the wizarding world (second only to the Blacks); and third (for Artemis, most importantly), for the graceful and dignified way that they raised their children. Titus children did not argue, nor did they boast. They were articulate, and cunning, and knew when they ought, and ought not to speak. The family had a long line of dark haired, and light eyed features. Occasionally, this trait was skipped due to the mixing of blood. For instance, Apollo and Artemis had blonde hair that shone brightly in both the sun, and the low lighting found in the Titus family. This trait came from their mother, who came from Nott family. Yes, blonde hair, and bright blue eyes, cool as ice.
The Titus family was known for their pride, and their dignity, oh yes. Never a toe out of line, lest you receive a harsh punishment from Father, a tall, broad shouldered gentlemen with a particular fondness for using his leather belt. Therefore, the children were always on their best behavior, always aware that they were representatives of the family, and should do nothing to disgrace it.
Artemis had never found this life to be too difficult. She understood how her family worked. Under her parents' eyes, she and Apollo were perfect angels, not a toe out of line. They spoke of their distaste for Muggles, Muggle-borns, and blood traitors. In fact, Apollo spoke with true sincerity. Artemis, however, kept her mouth shut, merely asking herself questions as she went to bed at night. Were Muggles really that bad? And Muggle-borns as well? Surely, they had done nothing wrong? No, they must have; otherwise, her family would not be so opposed to them. Her family must know best. Despite her secret questions, Artemis never shied away from making fun of the few Muggle-born children she had met in Diagon Alley, or in the small wizarding village they lived on the edge of. No, for if Artemis showed her true colors, her family would certainly not approve.
So, as September first came, and the Titus twins set off for their first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Artemis knew exactly who she would be. She would no doubt be in Slytherin house, same as every member of her family. That was without saying. She planned however to completely dominate her school. She would show her family that she was worthy of their love and affection, and become a powerful figure amongst her classmates. Others would ask her opinion, and wish to know what she thought on matters. Yes, Artemis Titus would be at the top of the school.
That's why she was so nonchalant when she saw her other classmates being sorted. She didn't care who went where, she just wanted to begin her first of seven wonderful years. A small jolt came when she saw the eldest Black boy being sorted into Gryffindor ("Oh the shame!" she thought to herself). Even that passed quickly. She couldn't wait to stand beside her brother and be in completely control. That's why she was bored and barely paying attention as her peers were soon moving to different tables, and settling into their new homes. Yes, she couldn't wait for others to envy her, and want to be her. That's why she was so un-surprised when her brother sat at the three-legged stool, and with barely even touching his head, the Sorting Hat shouted for all to hear, "Slytherin!"
This sorting was so pointless. Why even bothering asking it, she thought, as the hat now slipped onto her head, when she knew where she was going already? When she already had her entire future planned.
And that's why Artemis Titus fainted when the Sorting Hat, old and wise called out not Slytherin, but:
"GRYFFINDOR!"
It was in that moment that Artemis Titus was to begin a year, not on top, not powerful, as she had predicted, but alone.
