Chapter One: The Sorting
The first years lined up in the Great Hall for the usual Sorting Ceremony. Most had expressions of curiosity, nervousness, and in some cases, hope. All except one.
The girl stood in the back of the line, hidden between two tall first years. As a matter of fact, every single first year was taller than her. She dwarfed even the smallest of the lot, looking as if she were eight, rather than eleven.
Names were called and students tried on the Sorting Hat. When it called out there names, they moved to their new House. There were now two students left. Professor McGonagall called out, "Wells, Sarah," and looked up.
The small child stepped forward, her hands outstretched. She walked slowly and carefully, hands held out like detectors.
Sarah was too short to help herself on to the stool, so McGonagall had to help her. When McGonagall touched the child, she flinched and stiffened, but let her help, not saying a word.
The hat was lowered over her head and silence fell.
Whispers swept through the hall. They didn't understand why the girl had been moving so slowly and with her hands outstretched.
Up at the staff table, teachers exchanged looks. The girl did have her head down when she walked. Maybe she couldn't see that well?
"Ah, child," the hat said into Sarah's ear, making her jump, "I have seen your past before. Do not worry, little one. You will be safe where I shall place you. I know it is hard to believe, but there is kindness out there, and I personally sorted the man who will help you twenty years ago. Without further ado, I place you into SLYTHERIN!" The last word was shouted to the hall and the Slytherin table quietly applauded, looking unsure about doing so. Many had originally stayed silent, but at the fierce glare from their Head of House, applauded.
Sarah jumped down from the stool and placed the hat back on the seat. One of the Slytherin prefects stepped forward and led her to a seat at the applauding table. Sarah took a seat, hands folded in her lap, her head down.
Up at the staff table, the Head of Slytherin, Professor Severus Snape, watched the little girl. He knew she was much shorter than her piers and much skinnier, too. He could make out several of her bones sticking out, even from this distance. And the way she had walked to the stool, hands outstretched, as if feeling her way blindly. He decided to keep a watchful eye on the child. After all, she was now a Slytherin, and he looked out for his snakes.
Albus Dumbledore stood and clapped his hands for silence.
"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our start of term feast, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"
Several students applauded and cheered as the plates magically began to fill with all kinds of foods. There was chicken prepared in many different ways: baked, steamed, roasted, sautéd, stir-fried, and fried. Potatoes: roasted, mashed, dipped in gravy, fried, and baked. Many different kinds of juices filled the pitchers. Bowls of fruits were lined in a row, ready to be devoured by the hungry students.
Sarah made no move to get any food, though she could smell the delectable scents. She sat, motionless, head down, and hands folded in her lap. She wore a blank, emotionless expression.
"Aren't you hungry?" the prefect who had helped her find a seat asked.
Sarah shrugged. Sighing, the prefect filled a small plate with some chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, rice, and a thickly buttered roll. He set it down in front of Sarah and took her hand. Sarah flinched and pulled away from the contact, her head snapping up to look fearfully at the prefect, eyes full of fear.
"Sorry," he replied, his voice softening. "I only meant to show you where everything was. My name is Theodore, by the way, but you can call me Theo. I'm one of the Slytherin prefects. The other is Cindy Blake. She's very nice."
Theo couldn't help speaking so gently to Sarah. She seemed terrified to be touched, from what he could see. He didn't ask why that was, but instead, kept his voice calm and gentle. He had an inkling feeling he knew why Sarah acted this way, but decided to just observe her for now, and he would speak with his Head of House if the need arose.
Sarah hesitantly felt her plate and picked up the chicken thigh. She ate a few bites, enjoying the nice, juicy meat, before setting it down. She ate a few bites of the corn, potatoes, and buttered roll, then pushed her plate away.
"Why don't you eat?" one of the first years asked, leaning over to talk to Sarah. The boy had blond hair with gray eyes and wore a pompous expression. "The name's Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
He stuck out his hand. Sarah made no move to shake it, not even acknowledging the hands presence. Draco looked annoyed.
"Why don't you eat?" he asked again. "Or talk for that matter? It's rather rude to just ignore people."
Sarah just shrugged. Sighing in annoyance, Draco returned to his meal.
After the dessert plates had been cleared, Dumbledore stood and gave his usual welcoming speech. He spread his arms in welcome, as if to give a large hug to everyone in the room.
"Now, before I send you all off to bed," he began, "I have a few start of term notices to give. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." Dumbledore's gaze shifted to a pair of twins sitting at the Gryffindor table, who grinned and laughed. "I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death." A few students laughed nervously. "Now, with that being said, off to bed with you. Chop chop."
The chairs all scooted back as students stood. Theo called out to the Slytherin first years, "First years, follow me! Sarah, would you like any help?"
Sarah shook her head and stood. Theo led the first years out of the hall in a neat line, and down to the dungeons. He explained the safest and quickest way to get to the common room and showed them where Snape's office was, and in the event of an emergency, his living quarters. He kept an eye on Sarah, who trailed in the back, near Cindy, who made sure Sarah didn't fall behind.
When they reached the common room entrance, Theo said the password, "Pureblood magic," and led the way inside. He told the first years to take seats quickly, as their Head of House would be coming in shortly to speak with them.
The students quickly sat. Sarah sat in the back, furthest from the others. Within a few minutes, the common room door opened, and Professor Snape stepped in.
