Chapter Two- Sorting
I remember being really excited about my second year. The thing that excited me the most was that I wasn't a first year anymore. There were kids who were younger than me, so I wouldn't be pushed around as much by the older kids and Peeves. It was a nice feeling, even if I did feel bad for the incoming first years. James just laughed at me and grinned roguishly when I mentioned this aloud on the train ride to Hogwarts.
"It's just the order of things, little Mary Mack," he told me happily, giving me a friendly slap on the back. I had a feeling that he was going to be one of the students to terrorize the incoming students.
I was fascinated by the Sorting. I liked being able to sit through the Sorting Hat's song, and actually listen without feeling anxious. Recalling my first year, I remember that I had nearly fainted with nervousness-a fact that some of the Slytherins in my year were fond of bringing up. But it was nice to watch the eleven year olds squirm; I had been in their shoes once. But I didn't have to be anymore, because I wasn't a first year. Can you understand my happiness?
The Sorting passed somewhat quickly and painlessly, although one first year looked like she was about to wet herself. Although, one name stood out the most to me: Black, Regulus. I glanced at Sirius along with most of the rest of the table. I had been under the impression that he was a single child, considering how he never mentioned having a little brother, only a year younger than him.
Watching Regulus Black get Sorted was like looking at a mirror image of Sirius. They were very similar, with the same dark hair that seemed to fall naturally in an elegant style. I was willing to bet they had similar eyes, though I couldn't make them out from where I was sitting.
Whispers had shot up and down the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables at the name Black. The whole Hall was waiting to see if Regulus would follow his family, or his elder brother. Where was he going to be placed?
Time seemed to stand still. I craned my neck a little, unnaturally curious about this pureblood's sorting. It wasn't as if this really had anything to do with me, after all. I didn't even know the boy.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Sorting Hat opened the rip in its mouth and shouted,
"SLYTHERIN!"
The green and silver clad table burst into raucous cheers, and I glanced over at Sirius curiously. His face seemed to fall slightly, but there was no other indication. I think I was the only one to wonder about how he felt about his brother's Sorting.
I watched as the black-haired boy took off the mangy Sorting Hat and placed it back on the stool before making his way over to the Slytherin table, a small smile on his lips. I think I was the only one who caught a small glance over to the Gryffindor table. He was looking for Sirius' approval or disapproval, but he wasn't going to get it.
I really think I'm the only one to pick up on the fact that Sirius and Regulus, as different as they were, weren't actually enemies.
Okay, so the beginning of this story may skip around a bit, and it could be a bit hard to follow. I just want to establish the relationships between Mary, Regulus, and Sirius to start out. I've never done this before, so bear with me? Or not, but if you're going to flame, you might as well help me not suck in the process. So... review?
- double heart