The train stopped at Hogsmeade station and all the students poured out of the Hogwarts express. First years were ushered toward some enchanted boats and Lily, Aimy, and Severus sat in one boat While the four other boys from their compartment sat in another near theirs.
The beauty and mystery of the lake enchanted the young students, and gave them quite a shock, as a giant tentacle came out of the water and playfully swatted at a few students. Most of the children panicked but Aimy only laughed and swatted back. Her parents were experts on magical creatures, and she knew that this beast wouldn't harm them unless it was provoked.
The boats pulled into a shimmering dock and an older woman ushered them along up to a grand castle. All the kids stared at it with wide eyes, as they came to the realization that this was where they would be living every school year for the next seven years. The muggleborns thought it was a dream come true, while the half-bloods, and purebloods saw it as an honor.
In front of the two giant wooden doors the older woman introduced herself. "I am Professor McGonagall head of Gryffindor House and your transfiguration teacher. Once you walk through these doors you will all be called up in alphabetical order and sorted into your houses. These houses are your homes and families while you are here at Hogwarts." She said looking at all the nervous eleven-year-olds. She then went and opened the doors and lead the students into the great hall.
Four long tables took up most of the hall, and they were pact with students. In the very front there was a long table where all the teachers sat. Hanging from the ceiling were banners that represented Slytherin house. Aimy remembered her brother telling her how they won the house cup and as a reminder to the rest of the school, the house colors and crest were presented through out the following school year.
Lily stood next to Aimy and grabbed her and Severus's hands for support. "It will be okay." Aimy whispered to her nervous friend.
Lily smiled at her shyly and nodded in thanks.
Mcgonagall walked over to a raggedy hat and nodded to it. It then broke into song shocking the first years as it described its purpose and the four founders of Hogwarts. McGonagall picked up the hat, then began to call names up. She placed it on a few students and the hat would call out a house after sitting on their head for just a moment. "Sirius Black!" The woman called.
Aimy looked to her other friend and gave him a reassuring smile. Sirius smiled back at her gratefully and headed up to McGonagall and the sorting hat. It was placed on his head and it "Hmmd" for a second. "Not the typical Black I see, a loathing for your family, loyalty and courage as well, I say." the hat paused dramatically. "Gryffindor!" Cheers erupted from the table decked out in red and gold. Sirius looked like he was on top of the world.
Aimy and James cheered for their friend, then paused as Professor McGonagall called out. "Aimy Craven!"
Lily squeezed her hand in a sense of good luck, but unlike her friends, Aimy felt like she was ready for this and made her way swiftly to the hat. The Sorting Hat was quiet at first as it pondered over the strange little girl. "Loyal as a lion, yet cunning like a snake. Yet your ambition and need is very strong... Slytherin!" It hollered.
Aimy smiled and gently took the hat off and made her way to the cheering table. Her Brother Grinned at her proudly and gave her a bone crushing hug. "That's my girl!" He laughed ruffling her hair.
Lily was called up not long after and placed in Gryffindor, Severus looked heart broken. He looked to Aimy for some sort of comfort and she smiled at him kindly. The boys Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew, who had been in their compartment were placed in Gryffindor along with James. Severus was a near wreck when he got to the hat but sighed in relief when it placed him in Slytherin.
Severus immediately made his way to the only familiar face and sat beside Aimy. She giggled and gave him a hug, allowing little Severus to let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. Looking at her he smiled. "You were right."
"Right about what exactly?" She grinned knowingly sending a look to James Potter at the Gryffindor table.
The boy was slumped over and banging his head on the table, Sirius laughing at him. James looked up at Aimy and glared. She only smiled sweetly and rubbed fingers together in the sign for money. "Hey Severus, how about I buy you a nice potions book with my prize money." She said cockily to the boy.
He only laughed and shook his head. "You have to tell me how you knew."
"Maybe when your older doll." She teased pretending to be a grownup.
And that was just the beginning of their new lives.