A/N: This is going to be a series focusing on the characters of my story Adoption which hasn't been published yet. If you're interested, there's a time line on my profile page. Just a warning, I've messed with the Canon time line, so you may see names in strange places ;)

September 1st, 1927

Blacks were always at the beginning of the list.

"Black, Alphard!" Dumbledore cried. Alphard stepped out of line, chin held high. He was a Black after all, and Blacks were never nervous. The hat Was placed on his head with a benevolent grin from Dumbledore.

"Ah, the great grandson of our esteemed Headmaster, are you?" the hat chuckled."You're an easy one though, SLYTHERIN!"

Satisfied, Alphard took his place at the green and silver table to watch his twin cousins's sortings.

/*~*\/*~*\/*~*\/*~*\

"Black, Cedrella!" was the next name called. With a little shove from her brother Orion, Cedrella stumbled forward and the Hat was placed on a her head.

"Another Black?"

"Alphards my second cousin" Cedrella thought.

"Is he? Well then, I don't think you'd fit with him. No, Very different, you two. Ravenclaw'd be good for you girl."

"No! I..I cant! Mother and Father will be furious!"

"Are you sure? Then, SLYTHERIN!"

Sighing in relief, Cedrella gave Dumbledore an small smile before rushing to the Slytherin table. Alphard was watching her anxiously. She slumped next to him, and glanced up at Orion, who was watching her suspiciously. Wincing, she curled into Alphard's reassuring one-armed hug.

/*~*\/*~*\/*~*\/*~*\

"Black, Orion!" Orion was pulled from his thoughts by Dumbledore's deep voice. Smirk in place, he strode forwards and settled on the stool his twin had recently vacated and the Hat was placed on his head. Filthy old thing he thought.

"I say!" came an affronted voice. "SLYTHERIN!" Inwardly amused at the thought of offending a hat, Orion sat down across from Cedrella. He stared at her suspiciously, but when Alphard jerked his head at the other Slytherins, who were watching him interestedly, he looked away from her to sneer at Dumbledore as he continued the sorting.