"The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself."

― C. JoyBell.

If there had been any solace in Lexa's life during these difficult few years, it was reading and acquiring knowledge about the rest of the world; Newham was a mere speck in the scheme of it all. Architecture, and how culture and specific environment shaped it, particularly fascinated Lexa. So when the kru began the drive up to The Woods' residence, she couldn't help but be starkly reminded of Château de Maisons in France.

The approach to the home was lined with towering, lean birch trees, trimmed to perfection, with grassy knolls mingling with puffy clouds on the skyline in the distance. The path towards the house was linear, but the residence appeared eternities away; Lexa couldn't imagine getting the mail every morning. Her breath was succinctly taken away once the details of the home—no chateau, were revealed. The structure stood at three stories in the frontal elevation, more longitudinally rectangular than square, but Lexa noticed it was carved into the side of a hill. She surmised if one looked from the back of the home, it would appear four stories. The architecture had old details: pilasters framed seamlessly proportioned distances between windows; each window was framed with custom designed moldings, freshly painted, and the elevations were denoted on the façade with similar details; the exterior was comprised of muted yellow stucco, swirling expertly on the surface (Lexa wished to run her hand across its crisp edges); a large mahogany door was located centrally, recessed from the façade, and directed the eye up to the mostly flat roof, an architectural anomaly for when this home was created. (She assumed the home was born in the late 19th century or meticulously mimicked later on in history.) The only pitch in the roof occurred at its centrality.

Lexa had never seen the countryside before, if she did she didn't remember in the slightest, but found herself awestricken by its subtle, but striking, beauty.

Lincoln must have shared these sentiments as he stumbled out of the vehicle with his jaw dragging along the cobblestoned earth.

Lexa looked back to her siblings and bit back a snort; they looked so utterly out of place in their raggedy hand-me-downs and tattered clothing (herself included). Here they were, she thought, standing around the entrance of a home fit for royalty. Kids who were struggling just to have a meal last week, not to mention their less than savory living conditions and area, were here. Lexa looked to her left when she heard Soncha's collar jingle as he went frolicking around in the grass. She shook her head and softly smiled; they were incredibly lucky to be here. She saw Anya emerge from the vehicle next, who strode towards the front doors with the regality of a queen, Ryder following closely behind her.

"Let's go little ducklings, I hate moving things so let's get this done quickly." Anya announced loudly as she approached the home, but stopped before entering the home. "We will enter and climb to the third floor; choose your rooms and Ryder will see all of your belongings are placed there." Anya clasped her hands behind her back and peered at the gangly bunch, which were still standing awestruck by the car. "Well, come on then! Hustle!" She bristled.

Anya's sharper tone must've caused gears to begin moving in their brains because the four younger children immediately snapped to attention and walked briskly towards the house. Lexa looked at Gustus with an impassive face and followed suite, hands clasped behind her back. Gustus smirked as the brunette passed because, while she wouldn't ever admit this, Lexa began picking up small mannerisms of Anya's over the past few days. Gustus inferred the strength and confidence Anya exuded was appealing to Lexa and she found herself someone to look up to. Ryder watched these interactions and crossed his arms with a playful look; this was going to get interesting.

/

The younger portion of the kru sprinted at a breakneck speed up the wooden staircase to the third floor; even Lexa and Gustus had pep in their step due to the positive energy. Lincoln was first to dive headfirst through an open doorway, tumbling forward and blocking the entrance.

"You all get your own rooms, you know? No need to worry about that." Anya called out from behind them.

Silence. Everyone stopped, turned, and stared confusedly.

"Wait," Aden began slowly with wide eyes. "We… don't need to share?" He finished, leaning forward.

"No, there is ample space for nearly three times the number of you." Anya stated, surprised by the look of bewilderment spreading across their faces.

"Thank you, Anya." Lexa whispered, head down, and hands clenched. A slight twinge of pink spread across her sharp cheekbones.

"No need to thank me… You all deserve this." Silence once again envelopes the threshold. "Don't get all sappy on me, you brats." She rolls her eyes and turns to walk away.

Six sets of feet thunder down the hallway, their momentum crashing and transferring into Anya's back and hips. She turns to find all of the kru hugging her, sniffling softly and trying to communicate their gratitude. Clearly not accustomed to positive physical contact, Anya awkwardly pats them on the heads gently. Her brown eyes dart around the corridor for an escape route, only to see Ryder smirking by the stair well.

Anya lifts her hands, "Some help here?" Ryder's smirk deepens.

"Nope, you have this one covered. You get to run off to Hogwarts in a few days, anyhow." Ryder replies, hands articulating his thoughts.

"I don't do affection, Ryder." If looks could kill, Anya would have dropped him in that moment.

"You're doing quite well," Dark eyes shine with amusement. "Lunch will be ready momentarily, just tell me the rooms they choose and I'll get the baggage up there."

Anya's huff echoes down the stairwell.

/

They did not fare well their first night separated; Lexa woke up to Aden and Echo pressed against her sides and a chest full of drool. Gustus reported similar events, except he woke up on the floor and found Nyko and Lincoln sprawled out across his bed. Lexa found the silence comforting after a while; she was no longer worried about anyone breaking and entering or stray bullets from a gang meeting gone awry. No car sirens or cursing drunks in the streets, just the sound of nature filtering in her open window. Soncha seemed to really enjoy the change in scenery; he often brought back interesting pieces of woods and rocks in the evening when he crawled in through Lexa's open window. Anya merely shook her head at their antics.

Explaining the whole witches and wizards circumstances to the kru was interesting to say the least. Questions popped from every angle and Anya was mostly patient; she only threatened to hex someone once. Anya explained she didn't know if everyone had magical talent or if there were any squibs out of the kru, but she promised the family would take care of them all the same. These classifications were mainly lost on the group of children who just shrugged and took everything in stride.

However, this morning would be a challenging endeavor as it was September 1st; this would be the first time their family would be separated for an appreciable time. Today was the day Lexa and Gustus would embark on their journey to Hogwarts.

Anya woke everyone up at the crack of dawn as Ryder packed the vehicle with Lexa's, Gustus', and her own Hogwarts supplies. She explained they would travel to King's Cross Station in London and board the Hogwarts Express, which was located on Platform 9.

There was loud wailing, copious amounts of tears, and promises to come back on loop as hugs were exchanged. Lexa had Aden latched to her thigh as she limped through the house, trying to get everything in order and ready. He cried and screamed, afraid Lexa would forget about him or find a new family; Lexa tried to assure him the best she could but didn't forcibly remove him from her leg. It was the least she could do.

Lexa put on her stone façade and wobbled out the door with Aden still clinging and crying; he eventually let go when the cobblestone gave him a few abrasions. The rest of the family dragged behind Lexa and Gustus, sniffling following them to the vehicle. Gustus looked like he was about to fall apart, Lexa noted. His eyes were glassy and tired looking, his hair haphazardly done, and dragging his feet slightly. Lexa sucked in a breath; she needed to be strong.

So, Lexa did what she does best; she defiantly pushed aside her own emotions and held her chin high. Her green eyes were stoic and contemplative, her lips set in a firm line.

"Guys," Lexa spoke, her voice level and calm. "Gustus and I will see you on breaks, all is not lost. We are not off to battle, just going to school as you all will be very shortly." She squares her shoulders and motions towards the remaining kids. "You guys better be good and kick ass in your studies because if I find out you're slacking I'm going to be really disappointed. We do not disappoint, right?" Lexa's green eyes connect with Aden, Echo, Lincoln, and Nyko.

"SHA, HEDA!" The kru shouts back. Lexa nods at them and opens the car door.

"Let's go, Gustus."

They miss absolute disbelief and surprise wash over Anya and Ryder's faces as the two children clamber into the back of their transportation.

/

Sprinting into a brick column with all of her supplies, which one may add totals her weight and some, on a cart headfirst was not what Lexa imagined. She imagined Anya or Ryder opening a secret portal of green flames and walking through like a badass. Or perhaps a dirty, dingy alleyway with a dude, double the size of Ryder, checking names off a list and allowing them to proceed through some metal, heavily secured doors like they have in banks.

Lexa supposes most people don't think to run into walls for fun, as it would probably have them either committed or arrested for questioning.

Lexa sincerely hopes Hogwarts doesn't base things on heavily frowned upon actions in their world because right now she feels incredibly obtuse as she braces for impact.

Except, it never comes.

Steam billows skywards to be blocked by the melding of glass, stone, and steel ceiling, aesthetics compliments of the Industrial Revolution, and a huge mass of children, teens, and parents are bustling across the platform. A red train, adorned with black and gold accents, is housed on the tracks, standing idle with the strength of a lion on the savannah. Lexa slows her sprint to a jog and veers off a few feet to the right and watches Anya, followed by Gustus, emerge from the brick.

"Come on, ducklings." Anya throws her hand up and motions down the platform, "We need to drop off our luggage."

Lexa nods, noticing a change in Anya's demeanor. She is no longer soft edges for Lexa and Gustus, a mask of sovereignty and indifference has replaced it. Anya juts her chin high and strides forward, leaving them to scurry after her.

"What happened? Did we piss her off?" Gustus whispers harshly.

"I don't think so," Lexa looks around them, noticing people making way for Anya. "Stay humble, Gus. She's done so much for us, so we stand with her. There is so much we do not know." Lexa speaks stoically, yet strong.

"They look afraid of us." The taller boy takes a deep breath, eyes darting to the staring faces encompassing them.

"There is a fine line between fear and respect, brother." Lexa replies, standing taller and wiping her face clean of emotion. "Let us follow her cue for now, I do not wish to disappoint."

"Sha." Gustus follows Lexa's lead, puffing out his chest and tries his damndest to look unperturbed.

Anya, who heard every word, feels herself fill with pride and smiles internally. They will make the Wood's family proud, she thinks.

However don't be fooled, Anya will not divulge these feelings; if revealed, they will only serve to give the two of them big, overinflated heads.

/

Two curt nods in their directions and a short "Go make friends," and Anya is striding off, slamming the train door behind her.

The Hogwart's Express howls as they chug along the countryside housing Lexa and Gustus and their incredulousness of their cousin's Sink or Swim tactic. Lexa is first to shake her emotions and nudges Gustus.

"What now?" Lexa grumbles. Gustus shrugs. "Ugh, let's find somewhere to sit."

It takes them a solid five minutes to find one not full to the brim with occupants, but when Lexa peeks through the window of one, she still finds one occupied but not full. Out of options, Lexa knocks politely, but confidently, and opens the sliding door.

She's greeted with a short explosion, a series of yelps, and black smoke that causes her to cough. Lexa hears Gustus' worried voice, but can't make out the words over the ringing in her ears. She walks towards the windows, covering her eyes and waves her hands around frantically trying to disperse some of the smoke, before finding the latch and pushing the window outward. It takes a minute or so for the smoke to filter out the window before Lexa can identify the situation.

A girl her age sits cross-legged with a wide smile, face full of soot and hair blown back viciously. Lexa thinks the girl's skin is tanner than her own and has dark, wavy hair, but can't be certain due to the mishap. She is holding a wand in one hand and an engine? in the other. A scrawny boy sits next to her; half of his face is blackened with floppy hair flying all around. His brown eyes are huge and it looks like he hasn't moved since the explosion went off.

"HOLY CRAP THAT WAS AWESOME!" The girl with the wand shrieks with a wide grin. "I mean, I didn't get it to work, but who cares. Another hypothesis down." She sets the metallic hunk down and looks up, locking with eyes born from the forest. "Who are you?" She stands and puts her hands on her hips.

"Alexandria Woods, you may call me Lexa." Lexa says slowly with a cautious expression, "This is my brother, Gustus." She extends her head backwards slightly, nodding at the anxiety-induced mute of a boy behind her. Lexa fixes the mussed girl with an intimidating look. "Who are you and… what did you do?"

"Raven Reyes, nice to meet you." Raven smirks with dark eyes shining, "This is Finn, don't mind him he's a big baby. Basically my brother, we were born on the same day, same hospital, same hood. So y'know, naturally we'd be besties." She looks proud of these facts.

"Why'd you try and blow him up, then?" Gustus speaks up, arms crossed and wary.

"I was trying to enchant this motor." Raven says matter-of-factly, rolling her eyes. "Our parents are muggles, and my old man is a mechanic, so I really got into it, too. Imagine if I could make an automatic car? In the sense it's totally automated, no operator necessary. Magically alter each part of the vehicle and then make an operating system to rule it all, sort've like a feedback syste—" Raven spews out words excitedly.

"Here we go," Finn speaks up, trying to clean face and hair. "Ray, they don't care."

"—It's interesting, I'm not well versed in the studies of chemical engineering or magic so I cannot aid you in your hypothesis development." Lexa explains, earning a head tilt from Raven.

"Do you always speak so formally?" Raven inquires, eyebrow perked.

"I do not know what you mean." Lexa balks.

"Yes, she does. Lex reads way too many old school novels and plays, so it's not surprising it leaks into her daily vocab." Gustus chuckles, Lexa growls slightly.

"Shop of." Lexa smacks him upside the head.

"Oh, I like you." Raven takes a step forward and pulls Lexa in. "We're going to be friends, I tell ya."

"Oh?" Lexa looks at the offending appendage on her shoulder, "Who says I want to be friends with you?" Raven throws her head back with a laugh.

"Trust me, Commander Hard Ass." Raven pushes Lexa down on the seat. "I'm good with these things," She plops down next to Lexa. "Besides, I'm super awesome. Why wouldn't you want to be?"

"Ugh, Ray…" Finn grumbles and puts his head in his hands.

"I'll bite," Gustus sits next to Finn and recrosses his arms. "Where you two from, anyways?" Lexa looks at Gustus curiously; he's not usually the type to initiate a conversation.

"The Bronx." Lexa and Gustus squint at the firecracker reincarnate. "…New York?" Looks of realization dawn on the siblings' faces. That explains the weird accent.

"Wait, how did you even get here?" Lexa inquisitively asks, she read in a newspaper a while back about the insane costs of flying across the Atlantic.

"Courtesy of Headmaster Kane," Raven holds her hands up, behold, the gesture screams. "I'm guessing because we are so poor, we get some sort of financial assistance." She snorts; Finn shoots her a disapproving glare.

"Judging by your tailored robes and fancy boots, I'd bet you have no clue what that actually me—"

"I would not be so quick to judge a book by it's cover, Reyes." Lexa stands, sharply cutting Raven off, and glowers down at the Latina.

"Lex…" Gustus stands, eyes worriedly looking between the two.

"Feisty! I love it." Raven breaks the intense eye contact and stands next to Lexa. "Don't be so serious, Woods." She smirks, patting Lexa on the cheek. "Let's go walk around and see what idiots we will be graced with this semester."

The dark-eyed girl walks away with her hands on her head, humming an odd melody. Lexa swishes her lips around, shakes off the energy humming in her muscles, and catches the sliding door as Raven lets it go. Still in the compartment, Gustus and Finn exchange worried glances.

What these two young girls don't know, their meeting was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, one that would be written about for centuries to come.

/

Lexa followed closely alongside Raven as they traversed through multiple carts, listening to her explain random trivia, and tidbits about Hogwarts. Lexa began noticing different designs and shades of robes, not everyone wore the green and silver like Anya. In fact, there were differences in crests on the upper-right edge of their robes.

"Why isn't everyone wearing the same thing?" Lexa looked over to Raven, who was a few inches shorter than her.

"What do you mean?" Raven looks over, slight confusion adorning her face.

"Well, my cousin wears green and silver. There's a snake on her chest. But that kid," She points slightly to her left, "Is wearing red and gold, and there's a lion?"

"Oh! There are different houses inside Hogwarts. We are sorted by the Sorting Hat once we arrive, but the jist of it is that there's four of em: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin." Raven explains, pointing out the different uniforms when they come into view.

"Oh, I remember Anya mentioning she's a beater for Slytherin. I did not connect the dots." Lexa examines everyone thoughtfully.

"Your cousin plays Quidditch?!" Raven bounces in front of Lexa, impeding further motion.

"Yes?" Lexa gives her a what's-the-big-deal look, pursing her lips.

"That's so cool! We can't play as first years…" She looks slightly dejected and Lexa knows exactly how she feels.

"I know, I'm sad about it, too. I want to be a Beater with my cousin and prove myself." Lexa blushes at her admission, but Raven looks proud.

"I want to be a Keeper. I can see everything going on from my spot. Let's work hard to get there, huh?" Raven holds out her fist, waiting for Lexa. "Com'on, pound it!"

Lexa's eyes widen slightly as she looks taken aback. Raven grabs Lexa's wrist and pulls it parallel with her shoulder, before smacking their knuckles together.

"That's what "pound it" means." Raven laughs slightly.

"It's odd." Lexa still looks a little perplexed.

"You'll get the hang of it." Raven chirps, beginning to walk towards a large group of people. Lexa thinks they all look around her age, but she cannot be certain. They're all talking animatedly and laughing.

"—So Griff, I hear your dad's got himself front seat tickets to the Caerphilly Catapults this season for leading the innovation of their stadium's defense system?" A boy with greasy hair ending at his mid-neck asks in a faux-bored fashion.

"Shut up, Murphy." A boy with shaggy brown hair that covers his forehead, leaving his deep brown eyes visible says hoarsely. Everyone laughs at this.

"The defense system really interesting though, don't you think?" A dark-skinned boy asks, Lexa can't see his face, only his back.

"He's proud of it," A girl's voice answers, "The Ministry of Magic is super pleased. So yeah, I guess." Lexa sees her shoulders lift in a bashful manner. "But, hey, we're probably going to be arriving soon…" The voice trails off. Lexa finds the sound oddly comforting.

"Lex, come on. What's up?" Raven smacks her forearm, snapping Lexa out of her daze.

"Sorry, I just thought I knew someone…" Lexa shakes her head slightly, "Let's get back and see what the two boys are up to?" She asks, face once again impassive.

"Meh, you're more interesting, but yeah." Lexa blushes at this slightly and to her horror, Raven smirks evilly at its appearance. "What's wrong, Woods? Cat got your tongue?"

"Don't be a fool, Raven." Lexa turns on her heel and begins her walk back to the cabin.

"You're way too easy, Woods." Raven chuckles while following her.

/

Anya waits for them as they de-board the train, arms crossed and face screwed up in her signature scowl. Tonight the moonlight creates an intense contrast on her features, harshening her cheekbones and furrow, silvering her dark, blonde hair, which lays braided on her shoulder. Lexa thinks the moonlight fits her well; she can only hope to be as strong as Anya one day. Raven tumbles out behind Lexa with Gustus.

"Finally, you guys are so slow." Anya seems exasperated.

"Raven, this is my cousin Anya Woods. She's a fourth year." Lexa motions towards her, watching as Raven's eyes widen ever so slightly and she swore she saw Raven's entire face get dark with red. It's probably just a shadow, she thinks and forgets about it. Anya merely nods.

"'Sup?" Raven gives her a half smirk. "Raven Reyes at your service!"

"Quaint." Anya replies in a seemingly flat affect. "I'm glad you networked some, Alexandria. Your bags will be dealt with, ready to get to the castle?"

"Castle?" Lexa narrows her eyes.

"The school adopted a Gothic architectural aesthetic. Flying buttresses, pointed arches, gargoyles—"

"Yes, yes, yes. I know all about 12th century gothic architecture, thank you." She waved off Anya's bored explanation. Lexa thought the ornate and opulent lifestyle would be over once she left the Woods' Residence, never in a million years did she think she'd be nose deep inside her beloved history books.

"You're totally a nerd too, huh?" Raven slaps her on the back causing Lexa to cough.

"Whatever." Lexa pouts at their teasing. She was a badass leader, not a hermit who revels in idleness and cowardice.

"Alexandria and Gustus, we older students will be boarding the carriages which carry us the rest of the way. You will be taking the boats..." Anya's mask falls slightly, Lexa notices. She seems apprehensive. "There are things that may surprise you, please direct your questions towards me, quietly, if they arise." Anya advises cryptically.

"Okay," Gustus replies without a thought, Lexa finds the comment to be more aligned with a warning. Anya walked off and pointed towards where the first years would be lining up and taking the boats across the Black Lake.

Some time passes as they talk animatedly amongst one another, and as the line of students diminishes a bit for where Anya went, Lexa is immediately alerted towards what Anya meant; she tugs at Gustus' sweater.

"Gus, what in the world is that?" Lexa's voice comes out shakily, like nothing Gustus has ever heard before, which causes him to turn and look at her.

"Magic carriages, I suppose. Not surprising considering this is a magical school, Lex." He sniggers at her antics. "Since when are you scared of anything?" He teases lightly, his eyes dark in the moonlight, refocusing his attention on whatever Finn was babbling about.

Lexa gapes at him dubiously because what the bloody hell, the carriages aren't magically moving, but freaking dragon-horse chimeras, or something, are pulling them. They're obviously harmless because not once has turned and mauled someone, but she doesn't know why other first years aren't pointing fingers or talking about them. Surely she isn't the only kid from a non-magical fam—

"Hm, I'm sorry. I was hoping you would not be able to see them." Anya comes up behind Lexa and places her hand on her shoulder and holds up a book in her hands. "Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you. I forgot my book on the train…They're called Thestrals." Lexa studies their spiny bodies and tucked back wings, she wonders how wide they could spread if necessary.

"Why can't the others see it? They only see a carriage." Lexa wonders, looking at its snout and empty eyes, grey wispy hairs floating carelessly with the wind.

"It seems no one else has seen death," Anya pauses, her hand squeezing Lexa's shoulder. "Apparently, you have experienced it."

"I don't recall seeing a death first hand…" Lexa's voice breaks slightly.

"That's probably for the best, Alexandria." Anya's voice grates against her chest, clashing against the hammering of her heart swallowing her hearing. Lexa swallows a few times and clenches her jaw, rooted to the ground in front of her. While Anya did not say it, Lexa knows and her stomach rolls at the thought.

The probability she witnessed the brutal massacre of her parents is exceedingly high and, somehow, she survived the aftermath.

Lexa empties her lunch in a nearby bush.

/

When it was announced the first years would split off from the rest of the students and board the boats, Anya waved slightly and bunched up with what Lexa imagined were her friends (who were all notably dressed in green and silver garb). Lexa watched her black robes billow out and followed her motion until her dirty blonde hair was no longer visible. Raven poked her on the hip when it was time to move on.

Raven must have noticed Lexa's muddied mood, but she doesn't push. Instead, she sticks close to Lexa and comments on the historical advancements flying buttresses made on engineering during the early centuries. Lexa mutely nods and acknowledges the high ceilings adorned with height-shattering windows, micro and macro scale details carved into moldings, columns, and statues. Gustus and Finn are discussing the potential hiding places the multiple niches must hold, how easy it could be to scare someone or place a booby trap. Lexa rolls her eyes at their immaturity.

A precinct? Pref…PREFECT! Was droning on about the Sorting Hat Ceremony as he led them through the stone-clad corridors; Lexa did not like his clammy looking skin and rambling thought process. Lexa liked confidence and directness, those traits demanded respect. The sweaty boy rambled about meeting with Headmistress Indra, the Head of Ravenclaw, who would initiate the Sorting Ceremony.

Lexa heard metal clanging in the distance, it was well timed to a pace, and figure emerged on top of the stairs they stood below.

"Welcome, First-Years…" A rough voice echoed throughout the corridors. Lexa pushed Gustus aside to see the voice more clearly. "…To Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

There stood a woman, staring down at everyone menacingly, with tattoos and scars littering her dark skin. Her curly hair was buzzed short, eyebrows furrowed in a grimace, and eyes dark as the night continued to unblinkingly assess the newcomers. A mustardy-yellow, stiff looking shirt extended to just below her jaw, before being tucked inside a dark navy trouser. A dark navy robe with embossed a feathery pattern completed the ensemble.

"My name is Professor Trikru, head of Ravenclaw. As you all have heard, it is time to be sorted. This is a Hogwarts tradition dating back for millennia. Each of you will wear the Sorting Hat, and it will decide which house you will enter: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. You will live with your house, collaborate with your house, and compete against the other houses yearly. Now, line up single-file and follow me beyond these doors; we will explain more shortly." Professor Trikru announced.

"Scaaa-ry!" A voice to her left shakily exhaled, startling Lexa slightly. A slight Asian boy stood there with wide eyes, Lexa saw something light up behind Raven's eyes and smelled trouble.

"Aw, you're so adorable. Pint sized." Raven loops her arm around his neck and drags him into their circle. "What's yer name, chicklet?"

"Monty, Monty Green." Jet-black hair swoops over his forehead as he nervously speaks. "Where you guys think you're going to be sorted? Professor Trikru looks hardcore."

"Ravenclaw, duh."

"Me, too." Monty smiles. "My whole family has been either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff."

"Me and Finn are muggle-born, no legacy here." Raven shrugs haphazardly, walking slowly with the flow of the crowd. "What were your parents, Lexa?"

Lexa opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. What does she say? She's only realized she's had family for less than a month? That she doesn't even know her own parents' names let alone their sorted houses—heck, did they both even attend Hogwarts? Emerald eyes drift over to familiar hazelnut ones, pleading with her brother for a semblance of how to deal with this. Gustus' face is uncomfortably scrunched up, like he decided to eat something sour; obviously no assistance was coming from him. What else is new?

Luckily her inner monologue is cut off and expectations for an answer are forgotten as they traverse through the threshold, placing them inside a grand dining hall. Four tables are lined up, parallel with one another, with current students littering the benches. Lexa searches for Anya, but cannot find her in the mass thrush of people.

"Welcome to Hogwarts! For those of you who do not know me, I am Marcus Kane, the Headmaster here at Hogwarts." Arms extend from a middle-aged man, salt and pepper hair curling around his jawline and ears, with a scruffy beard similar in color. His demeanor is jovial and welcoming and reminded Lexa of Christmas morning before…nevermind.

"Returning students, I hope this year is remarkable and furthers your desires to learn and excel in our world. New students, I expect your journey was comfortable and allowed you to meet some new friends before this year begins! Now, before we start the Feast, let us sort our young students!" Marcus bellows, raising a goblet at the groans resonate from previous students. "Now, now… you all know how this goes, don't act surprised. Professor Jaha, please begin!"

An ebony skinned male, cloaked in a deep maroon and gold set of robes, stands and clears his throat. He assess the crowd of First Years as he pulls out a ragged, burlap hat. It reminded Lexa of an old witch's hat; pointed tip and a generous diameter brim. Who would want to wear that?

"Finn Collins!" Professor Jaha reads from a scroll, undoubtedly holding everyone's names. Professor Trikru places a small wooden stool near Jaha and Finn stumbles out from the crowd. He looks around unsure of what he is supposed to do.

"Please sit, Mr. Collins." Jaha gently asks, gesturing towards the small stool. "I will place the Sorting Hat on your head once you are ready."

Finn digs his teeth into his bottom lip and acquiesces, plopping promptly down on the stool.

"AH! My first decision of the year!" The hat exclaims, its expression dancing excitedly ontop of Finn's head. Lexa nearly falls over at the action; she didn't think the Sorting Hat was actually a cognizant being! "Mr. Collins, my first student in a decade has coincidentally gone to the same house! Do you think you can keep the count going? Loyal, honest, patient, yes. Yes, I do think so… HUFFLEPUFF!"

The Hufflepuff table erupts in a roar, clapping and encouraging Finn to their table. Jaha takes the hat off Finn's head and gives him a gentle shove over to his decided House's table.

Now this event goes on for quite some time, students being chosen at a seemingly random order. Lexa notices the grimy, obnoxious boy getting sorted into Slytherin, and the cordial boy into Gryffindor. The lithe Asian boy, Monty she thinks, was sorted into Ravenclaw. His face shone brightly; obviously pleased he continued his family's legacy. Many other faces sit and go, none of which Lexa has any connection to, so naturally she becomes slightly bored.

That is, until Gustus is called up.

"Gustus Woods! Please come on up!" Professor Jaha exclaims, bright teeth exposed in a smile.

Gustus takes a deep breath, steadies himself, and pushes through the remaining students. He squares his shoulders and nods at Professor Jaha and turns to sit down on the chair. (Jaha seems to be biting back a chuckle at Gustus' seriousness.)

"A Woods? It has been much longer than I predicted! My boy, you remind me of your father! Determined, yes. You've fought against strife admirably, aided your family diligently." Gustus squeezes his eyes shut and clenches his hands on his knees. "Resourceful, too and not afraid to know when to call it quits. You shall continue your family's legacy at…SLYTHERIN!" The Sorting Hat nearly jumps off Gustus' head with its energy. Gustus looks teary eyed as he stands and runs off towards the Slytherin table, whose students are clapping loudly.

"Settle down, settle down. Thank you… Next is Raven Reyes!"

Raven jumps up and throws her fist in the air, allowing a small "Yes!" to escape from her lips. Her thick ponytail whips back and forth as she struts up to the chair.

"Let's get the ball rollin', Pops!" She says, crossing one leg over the other and folding her hands ontop. Jaha seems to mutter something under his breath as he drops the hat on Raven's head, covering her eyesight momentarily.

"Ay, I can't see!" She yelps.

"Now, now, child. Hush up, let me listen to your mind. Aren't you an inquisitive one? Trying to create an automated Muggle vehicle without any training, HA! Very close, too!" Raven grumbles over his monologue. "Got a tongue too, eh? Yes, you're going to go on and do great things, I promise you this." The Sorting Hat hums in thought. "It's really quite obvious: RAVENCLAW!"

Lexa claps with the remainder of the unsorted students as Raven skips off. There are only a few of them left at this point, Lexa realizes as she scans the area. She recognizes the boy with shaggy brown hair from the train and he's standing next to a blonde girl. A slow sense of realization and curiosity dawns upon Lexa, crawling up her spine, and she begins walking towards the duo. She reaches out to tap her on the should—

"Clarke Griffin!" The girl jolts slightly and Lexa pulls her hand back slowly as Clarke begins her walk up to the podium. Lexa huffs out a puff of hair and slumps slightly; she's never going to get a proper second with Clarke.

Lexa follows Clarke with her eyes, noticing her sunshine locks flowing over her shoulders, a small smile gracing her pink lips as she sits. Clarke looks up as the burlap hat encompasses her skull, feeling him already beginning to move and think.

"Clarke Griffin, how interesting! I vividly remember your father in Gryffindor, head always in the clouds on that blasted broomstick." Clarke giggles at the thought. "The creativity and ambition was certainly passed onto you from him, no doubt! However, I see you are exceedingly loyal, encouraged by mystery and depth…Strength and desire to alter this world and not afraid of the lengths necessary to induce such. Yes, Ms. Griffin, you are your father's child," Clarke positively glows with happiness at this point, Lexa wonders if Michael Angelo felt this way as he painted the 16th Chapel. "but, you are your own… in SLYTHERIN!"

Sky-born eyes do not disappoint in revealing her emotions: confusion, denial, anger… emptiness, and then acceptance follows harshly. Clarke grins suddenly (it doesn't reach her eyes, Lexa notes) and she gets up, thanks Professor Jaha, and walks over to the Slytherin table. She sits at the front of the table and Lexa watches her introduce herself to a few other students nearby.

"ALEXANDRIA WOODS!"

Lexa freezes, they didn't make a mistake and she actually is going to be sorted. Her blood whizzes in her ears accompanied by the rapid thudding of her heart. Her esophagus is the Sahara reincarnate and she swears eating those magical pop rocks must've caused abrasions all the way down.

"Come now, Alexandria." Lexa jars alive at the loud voice, its sound reverberating in her chest, clashing against her heart. Be strong, you need to be strong. She chants in her head as she shakily walks.

Lexa didn't realize how nervous she was going to be, how big of a decision this ultimately will be. Based on Gustus' sorting, it seems the Woods family has a reputation for being Slytherins… What if she can't cut it? What happens if she's in another House and she never sees Gustus or Anya until Winter Break? There has to be some sort of appointed hearing she can get to appeal her House, because obviously the Hat would be wrong.

"Sit down, please." Jaha hums, holding the yapping Sorting Hat. Green eyes widen a fraction as a blush snakes its way up her neck.

"Sorry," Lexa says hoarsely and feels the Hat cover her ears entirely; now her heartbeat is echoing around the inside of the hat. Great, she thinks.

"TWO FIRST YEARS FROM THE WOODS FAMILY?!" The Hat screeches excitedly. "What a pleasure!" Lexa clutches her eyes shut at his voice. "Don't be shy, it is not in your nature," Lexa peaks an eye open, hesitancy slowly melting away. "Hmm."

Slytherin, slytherin, slytherin. Lexa thinks, imagining her family and how she wishes to make them proud.

"Slytherin, eh? You don't have to be in Slytherin to be great, Alexandria." The Hat's voice bounces around her conscious.

"I don't want to be alone. I've been alone for too long." Lexa whimpers back.

"But, what if there are greater opportunities for you elsewhere?" The Hat inquires.

"I am nothing without my people." Lexa states defiantly.

"You are wrong, Alexandria. I see a genius in you, a gentle soul, and a natural born leader. You'd be good in Slytherin, but..." A deep grumble of thought his expressed. "You aspire for knowledge and acceptance; creativity for the greater good; selfless."

"Can't I be all of those things in Slytherin?"

"Answer me this, if there was a Muggle with a gun pointed at you and five other people. They tell you if you run away, you will be safe, but the others will die. Or you can sacrifice yourself by attacking them, allowing for a distraction for the others to escape, but are killed in the process. What would you do?"

"I would not do either scenario."

"Oh, do tell."

"I would use my magic and wit to disarm the individual. No one gets hurt."

"AHA! See?"

"They do not deserve to die, what is there to see?" Lexa asks densely.

"Your answer clearly differentiates you from your desired and appropriate house."

"I thought Brotherhood is exemplified in Slytherin?"

"Indeed, but your loyalty extends far beyond and branches into selflessness. A trait most Slytherin's do not possess."

"You are insufferable."

"Why do you read about the world and its history?"

"To escape the harsh reality of my own world." Lexa bites back.

"Do you do it as a chore?"

"No, learning is the only way to further oneself. I acquire as much knowledge as I can so if I am ever faced with difficult decisions, I am equipped with as much background as possible to make the best decision possible." Lexa heatedly explains; she feels aggravation nestling into the nape of her neck.

"Thank you, your rhetoric has enlightened me. My decision has been made."

Lexa snaps her eyes open at this and straight ahead. Blue.

Clarke is examining her curiously, azure eyes soft and searching, a calming half smile. Lexa can't help but smile back at her.

"RAVENCLAWWWW!"

/

Anya finds Lexa later and pats her on the head affectionately out of the sight of her peers. She tells her in a quiet voice that she is pleased on Lexa's placement and is looking forward to seeing her growth as a witch.

Lexa doesn't find out until she sits down with Raven that she experienced something called a "Hat-Stall." Apparently, she sat there mute for over ten minutes as the Sorting Hat juggled with where to put her. Raven informed Lexa that a Fourth Year told Raven there hasn't been a hat stall in a few years and Lexa was one of the longest times to be stalled on record; Lexa chortled at this new information.

At least she gave that damn raggedy potato sack a run for its money.