Marauding Hearts
An Inconvenient Separation
Lily Evans gasped as she saw the luminous light reflected on the great lake. She nudged Severus, who was sitting next to her on one of the many boats slowly making their way across. Hagrid, the kindly big giant, was yelling out instructions and heaving Frank Longbottom out of the water. She had met him just once and she could tell he was not a very…sophisticated boy. Severus was watching her face intently, for any sign that she wasn't impressed.
"So, Lils, you'll be in Slytherin I think." He casually stated. "You've got good brains and a head on your shoulders. Thank God you're not like those brawny idiots over there." He pointed to the two boys: James and Sirius. Potter and Black Lily hastily corrected her thoughts. You're not in primary school any more, and Sev hates them. It's just…I don't. She secretly glowed at the praise Severus had given her, she liked it when he complimented her. It made her feel special and she was so worried she would be rubbish at magic and that they would kick her out.
"Mmm…what are the other houses? I know Slytherin…and a little about Gryffindor." She asked, apprehensive that he would think she didn't want to be in his favoured house. She thought she did, well, she wanted to be with Sev. That was enough wasn't it?
"Hmm…well there's Gryffindor, for the brawny idiots who spend their time showing off and Ravenclaw for the brainy people who spend their time in the library or ramming it down other people's throats. Then there's Hufflepuff for the people who aren't clever, strong or ambitious." He snorted and shook his head. "No Lils, Slytherin is the one for you. It's for people who are clever, but not cocky and have a good dose of common sense. We know where we want to go, see?"
"Yeah…" She wasn't sure whether or not Severus' explanation was unbiased or not. She enjoyed the thought of being clever and in Ravenclaw or being brave and in Gryffindor. No she firmly thought What would I do without Sev?
"Finally. We're here." Severus gestured to the docks, and some of the students making their way up to the looming castle. Lily gasped as she saw the great grey building ahead of her. There were turrets, gothic windows, moats, mazes and so many twinkling lights Lily lost count.
They walked up the steep hill, slipping occasionally on the wet grass. At the wooden oak door a witch with a pointed black hat and a green robe stood imperiously. "Welcome to Hogwarts. Because this is your first year, you will be sorted into a house. Now come this way." She pointed a hand towards the inner castle and slowly the students scuttled in. As the last group -Black and Potter- fell in the door shut behind them. This is actually happening! Lily skipped excitedly.
"Oi! Evans! No need to act like a rabbit." Sirius Black called. She blushed a deep shade of red, rivalling that of her hair. Severus threw one last look of disgust to the two and steered her into the Great Hall. Before, she felt a little overcome but now she felt so overwhelmed she staggered back. The Hall was cavernous, with five tables spreading as far as the eye could see. Four were parallel to each other and one was at the top. All eyes were on the timid little group and she could see a wizard chuckling at her inquisitive stare.
"That's Dumbledore." Severus hissed to her. Lily felt mortified, this was her new headmaster! She quickly averted her eyes.
"Ajal, Thomas!" The teacher, who Lily now knew to be Professor McGonagall, called out. Under a little stool, Lily saw a peculiar hat. THe creases made it look as it it had…a face. McGonagall pulled it out and placed it on his head.
The crease…the mouth…opened and started talking. "Hmm…kind heart, willing to go to a sacrifice for friends…Hufflepuff!" The hat cried out spontaneously.
"You didn't tell me this was what was going to happen!" Lily whispered accusingly to Severus. He shrugged and gave a look saying: No biggy. McGonagall carried on, the hat occasionally just making calls as soon as it touched the scared first-year underneath's head, until she got to E.
"Evans, Lily!" Lily nervously made her way up to the stool. She gingerly placed herself on it and bit her lip. Her bright green eyes darted around the hall, looking for some reassurance. She could feel the weight of the leather hat on her head. " Ahhh…this one's got brains, and also a strong sense of loyalty. Kind…and brave." At that one word Lily closed her eyes. Brave, that's a Gryffindor trait. She cursed. "GRYFFINDOR!" The hat yelled. She smiled, and didn't feel awful.
She joined the table with the red and gold banners above it. Sirius Black patted a seat next to him but she shook her head and sat with Marlene McKinnon instead. She looked across at Severus, and saw a wounded look cross his face. He of course was sorted into Slytherin and they made eyes at each other from across the room. Potter was also sorted Gryffindor, which gave her an odd thrill of joy. But she wasn't with Sev. Oh shit.
A/N None of the characters, buildings and etc belong to me, they belong to JK Rowling! Also, please review or else I won't do the next one!