Prologue:

It all started with the Sorting. Or, perhaps it would be better to say the Sorting is when it all ended. It depends on how you look at the situation. But that's probably where I should start, because one way or another, that's when things started to change.

"Cissy, stop it!" Bellatrix snapped at Narcissa as another origami owl flittered overhead, hooting softly. It was flying cheerfully around the train compartment, and flittering beside the window, where outside trails of steam issued from the Hogwarts Express. At Bellatrix's order, the owl went into a steep dive and landed in Narcissa's outstretched hand. With delicate fingers, Narcissa lovingly unfolded the enchanted piece of colored parchment and placed it in a pocket of her robes. Bellatrix rolled her eyes, and patted her younger sister firmly on the shoulder. Next to each other, you wouldn't have recognised Bellatrix and Narcissa as sisters. Bellatrix had long tightly curled hair tumbling down her shoulders in and untamed way, the same dark color as her eyes. Her jaw was squared in a permanently defiant manner, her nose upturned as though she had smelled something foul. Narcissa, on the other hand, had straight blond hair, perfectly combed, with brown eyes the colour of cinnamon. Her back was rigid, as though afraid to lean onto the worn seat. And what about me? I was almost a splitting image of my older sister, with unruly curled hair (which I had pulled back in a bun) and dark gray eyes. The angles of my face were somewhat softer, yes, and my hair was lighter than hers, but at first glance, you would have thought we were twins. I was sitting opposite Bellatrix, furiously reading through 'Mrs. Quince's 101 Studying Tips and Pointers'.

"I don't understand why you feel the need to already begin working." Bellatrix said haughtily, her eyes on a small pocket mirror she was now holding to her face.

"Since you're a first year, they'll only get you to do small stuff, trying to control your magic. You'll have no problem, but it will be tedious waiting for the mudbloods. They should put the wizarding families into another class, if you ask me. It's not fair we have to wait on the stupid and incompetent." Bellatrix sneered, and leaned far down in her seat, looking bored. Narcissa leaned forward and peered at the cover of my book.

"I haven't been studying yet. Do you think I'll be okay?" She heart-shaped face was worried, her lips puckered. I closed my book, carefully marking the page I had been on. I reached out and stroked her hair, and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"You'll do wonderful." I whispered to her. She seemed grateful, but worried all the same. How could I blame her? We were both starting our first year, and had no idea what to expect, and Bellatrix refuse to give us any details. But I was not worried.

I was terrified. I was an incredibly shy person, and the idea of one school stuffed with hundreds of underage witches and wizards… I clutched my book tightly. My mother had always only allowed me to play with children inside our own family. There was a good number of family, that was true, with many cousins around my age, but they never seemed to care for me much. Sure, held great respect for each other, for after all we were tied together by lineage more noble than any other wizarding family, but for some reason, they seem to find me odd. I was little Andromeda, daughter of Cygnus and Druella Black, the queer mute little girl found haunting the personal family library. Small Andromeda, Bellatrix's shadow, Narcissa's silent guardian, her mother's trinket- The Hogwarts express was slowing down. Bellatrix rolled her eyes, and grumbled as she got to her feet. I was so nervous now that when we started to leave the compartment I almost forgot to put Brutus, my small gray kitten, back into his carrier. He meowed in distress as I put him back in, but I quickly ran out into the hall after my sisters, not listening to his cries.

Getting off of the train was a nightmare. People surrounded me on all sides, giving off a claustrophobic air. I felt trapped, walking in the same direction as everyone else, people stepping on my trailing robes, so I would halt abruptly. It was a relief when we got to the banks of the lake, where dozens of boats were bobbing.

"First years, this way!"

"Thatser right, first years, disa way! Yer comin'?"

A thin wizard with a voice too high for him stood before the gathering throng of first year students, watching us with eyes that seemed to be trying to look everywhere at once. Next to him loomed a young man, much larger than any man I had ever laid eyes on was shouting, his hands cupped around his mouth. The beginnings of a wispy beard decorated the tall man's chin, and his hair went down to his shoulders. He was dressed simply, not in Hogwarts robes, but in trousers with grass stains on the knees, and a shirt an ugly dulled yellow. I was scared as soon as I saw him. He looked strong enough to pick me up with one hand; I barely came up to his waist. Someone grabbed my arm, I turned quickly to see Narcissa clinging to it.

"Bella left me!" She pouted, her perfect eyebrows drawn together. "She went to the carriages with all the other third years, and left me behind!" Narcissa had just spotted the boats, a few of the first years were already getting on. "We're taking boats?!" She asked fretfully. "But won't we be cold and wet afterwards?" I shrugged, and took her hand in mine. Passing the gigantic man, we climbed clumsily into the boats. Two other first years got into the boat with us, and then we were gliding, gliding across the still waters. It was eerily beautiful, as though someone had turned off all sounds. The sun was setting in the distance, basking the lake in radiant colors. Far away, the silhouette of a forest came into view. The trees trembled, as if from excitement. I was excited too now, the nervousness peeling away to reveal the wonder. It was as if I had stepped into one of the many books I had read about in my dusty corner of the library. Excitement gripped me tightly, refusing to let go. Anything was possible here, and suddenly the world was opening up like a clam, and I was about to see the pearl… and then I could see the castle. Towers of different heights grew out of the main castle, almost at random. They stood solid, beckoning me to explore undiscovered corridors and forgotten chambers. The heavy Gothic windows shone in the dying sun, and the whole place seemed to promise power. Next to me, Narcissa shivered in anticipation.

As we walked between the two winged boar statues, Bellatrix found us. She took Narcissa's hand, but whether she gripped it possessively or protectively, I could not tell.

"Good luck." Bellatrix said curtly. Around her, a few of her fellow third year Slytherins were waiting, watching us, as if considering what jinx to use. I was used to this kind of gaze, and so I returned it, respectful, yet dangerous. They seem to relax after that, and one of them gave me an almost imperceptible nod. Bellatrix started walking away briskly, and the others hurried to keep up. A stern looking witch was ushering the first years through the double oak doors. We hurried to come in, and found ourselves in a huddled mass. The witch stood on the marble staircase so we could see her better. Her graying hair was pulled into a tight bun like mine, and on her hat was a few ravens feather placed artistically.

"I am Professor McGonagall, the professor of Transfiguration." The witch started, clasping her hands together and staring us down. "In a few minutes, we will walk into the Great Hall. I expect everyone to walk single-filed towards the front. Then the Sorting will take place. When your Sorting is over, please sit down with the rest of your House. Is that clear?" There was a jumbled of assorted 'Yes ma'am.' From the first years. Professor McGonagall nodded tartly.

"Right. We will be entering the Great Hall in-" She tilted her head, as though listening for something. "Roughly five minutes. You may talk among yourselves, but keep your voices low." With that, she stepped down from the stairs, and a collection of muttering broke out.

"My mom says I'll probably be in Ravenclaw-"

"What do you think they'll be serving, I'm starving-"

"They will remember to get our luggage off the train, won't they?"

I stood stiffly as this babble broke out, wondering what I should do. Narcissa was nervously folding the enchanted paper I had given her for her birthday, her fingers becoming a blur. A girl approached me, her light brown hair falling almost to her waist. She approached Narcissa.

"Hello. I'm Clementine Pristina. What's your name?" Narcissa blinked, her face pale. I know what she must feel like; none of us had ever been approached to in this way before. There were gestures, calculations, and offers of alliances- to be approached so blandly seemed to stun Narcissa for a moment.

"Narcissa. Narcissa Black." The girl, Clementine, stretched out her hand. Whatever was she doing? Handshakes were for deals, for conspiracies, for hidden secrets…Narcissa stared at the hand, as though it had just turned into a snake. When after a few moments and Narcissa still had not taken the proffered hand, Clemintine slowly let it drop back to her side.

"So…" She said uncomfortably. The two of us stared at her. To leave a sentence hanging was a sign of indecision, of weakness. There were many ways we could take control of the situation now, slipping under her guard. Unfortunately, neither of us understood what was going on. Was she threatening us? Pretending to be naive so as to unbalance us the next time we met? The girl was blushing now, staring down at the ground.

"Right…well, see you around, I guess." And she walked away, disappearing in the crowd. Narcissa uncurled her fingers, and released an origami griffin, which took a few experimental flaps of its wings before taking off.

"Follow me!" Professor McGonagall had reappeared, and the first years struggled to form a line. After that, we followed McGonagall into the Great Hall.

Above us, the ceiling was a cascade of colours, from a dark blue in the west, to an inky black in the east. Small stars were popping into sight, and a sliver of the moon was visible. On either side were two long tables, crowded with students of varying ages, dressed all in their Hogwarts robes, their House crest embroidered on the left side chest. From the crest I could see as the students turned to look at us, Gryffindor was the farther left, then Hufflepuff was next, then a table filled with Ravenclaws, and on the far right, the Slytherins lounged, staring at the first years. I tried not to look nervous, keeping my head held high. On a platform ahead, a man with a graying auburn beard stood, his dark blue robes trailing and his half-moon spectacles glinting in the candlelight.

"The headmaster!" One of the girls in our line squeaks.

"Another year starts!" He said, his voice warm and carrying throughout the Hall. "A promising year unfolds before us, fresh and air dried for us to use. But, before we go on, let's let a dear friend of mine go on ahead." The Great Hall burst with appreciative laughing. I looked at the man, wondering what was so funny. Then, Professor McGonagall walked in, carrying a tall stool, a scroll, and…what was that tucked under her arm? I craned my neck, eager to see. Was it a rag? McGonagall set the stool down directly in front of the headmaster. Then, taking the thing out from under her arm, she carefully placed it on the stool. It was a hat. An old, ragged, worn hat. I looked around, wondering what was going on. We wouldn't have to wait long before the Sorting, surely? Then, to my astonishment, the hat blinked-it blinked-and opened a rip where the brim stopped. And then, it began to sing. I watched, stunned as it sung in a beautiful bass voice about the founders, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin. This thing was supposed to to sort us into our houses? I looked around the hall apprehensively. The Hat finished with a dramatic flourish, and soon the whole school was cheering. I could have sworn I saw the Hat bow ever so slightly, and one of the dark folds of material it had for eyes was winking. Professor McGonagall unrolled the scroll she had been holding.

"Aphilt, Daphne!"

A nervous looking girl broke out of our line and went up to McGonagall.

"Here." Professor McGonagall indicated the stool. The girl sat on it, crossing her legs and looking around. Professor McGonagall put the Hat onto the girl's head; the hat was so big, that it fell down past her eyes. There was a pause; everyone seemed to be waiting on something. And then there was a sudden cry:

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The Hall burst into applause; the Hufflepuff table stomped their feet and whooped. Professor McGonagall lifted the Hat off the girl's head, to show the girl's face shining with relief. She jumped off the stool and ran over to the Hufflepuff table, tripping on her robes on the way.

And so it went on. One by one, the first years got sorted.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

The shouts of the Hat echoed around the room, one after another.

"Black, Andromeda!" Professor McGonagall called out. My stomach knotted, and I quickly walked up. The whole school was watching me now, I could feel their eyes staring at me. This was the most people I had ever seen at one time, and I could feel my cheeks burning. Taking my robes, I sat on the stool with more elegance than many of the other first years. Crossing my ankles and placing my hands in my lap, I glanced up at the crowd for a second before the Hat came down on my head, blocking them from sight.

"Humm…" The Hat mumbled, its voice deep, but not unkind.

"Let's see, let's see… I can see much intelligence in here. A generous portion of quick thinking, an eye for spotting answers…all good traits for a Ravenclaw…but ah, I see there is undying loyalty to those you love! You would protect your loved ones at any cost, you understand that everything has a price to pay…excellent Hufflepuff characteristics. But deeper, I see a kind a hidden braveness, a glowing light of righteousness in the depths of your mind! Though many have tried to extinguish it, it still shines on inside of you, lighting the way. Yes, this trait is the strongest, but you keep it hidden from all eyes, including your own. However, it is there none the less, Gryffindor would be a way to strengthen this inside yourself…"

My heart was beating very fast. Surely, it must be joking! I could not be in any house but Slytherin! Every member of the House of Black had been in Slytherin, for generations! I couldn't be in Gryffindor, the sworn enemy of Slytherin! How could I part with Narcissa? She needed me.

"The reason your considering Slytherin so you can protect your sister is why I think Gryffindor is right for you." The Hat said, and I was shocked to realize the Hat was reading my mind.

'You don't understand, I have to be in Slytherin!' I thought furiously.

"I understand all that you understand, plus a great deal more." The Hat said thoughtfully. "I can see that you are misguided by the people around you…but you yourself are not like them, are you?" This question resonated in my ears, questioning everything I had always considered true; the question was rocking down the very foundation I had placed myself on. But was it right? A nagging doubt placed far beyond my thoughts came into view. Maybe I was different than the others, they were all wrong, and the House of Black was growing old and unstable-I was terrified by my own treacherous thought, but the thought remained, unbidden. But I was a Black. I was part of the Black. If was a Gryffindor, I would not longer be a Black, and without them I would fall, fall like a fledging too young to fly-

"I see." The Hat said, his voice gentle. "It is not yet the right time…you are young, and the beliefs of others will blind you until you open your own eyes…a pity, I can see so many opportunities…but someday…not today, though…better be…SLYTHERIN!" The Hat was pulled up, and as I opened my eyes, I heard the applause trickle to a stop. I was clutching the seat of the stool so tightly, that my knuckles had turned white. Angry tears clung onto my eyelashes and ran down my face. I quickly wiped them with my sleeve, looking mortified. Everyone was staring at me, transfixed. Professor McGonagall was looking at me, speechless. I stood, and quickly went down the platform, and walked over to the Slytherins. Unsure applause started back, but was quickly quelled. I sat at the end of the bench at the Slytherin table; the Slytherins were all peering at my face, looking bemused. Narcissa was sorted next; it took less than ten seconds for her to be sorted into Slytherin. The hat was taken off her head to reveal her sweet smile, and then she ran off, her paper griffin flying lazily behind her. A moment later she was sitting right next to me.

"Are you all right?" She asked, her smile fading somewhat as she stared into my eyes. I looked away and nodded. I couldn't think of what the Hat said or what Narcissa was saying, they were staring, all staring-

"Cuttlefern, Micheal!" Professor McGonagall's voice rang out, and the eyes stopped staring. I was so relieved, I started to shake uncontrollably. I wanted to run out, to go back to the library at home and cry in the corner.

"Ppst!" I looked up to see Bellatrix hissing at me from across the table. "What happened?" She asked, but not the way Narcissa asked. There was no sympathy in her voice, no pity, but curious thirst for gossip. I shrugged, and straighten my back, composing myself. I could not afford to look weak, not here and not now. I sat, trying to look intimidating, haughty, and regal, but yet not lordly. I could not think of what the Hat had said. I would have no weakness.

"Nothing happened." I told Bellatrix coolly.