Allright, I'm finally updating! It's longer than usual though... Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers, keep doing what you're doing please!

Please excuse the Sorting hat song... I thought there should be one. Also, the sorting hat will be in italics while the childrens thoughts back to it will be in underlinded italics.

Disclaimer: It's not mine.

Severus Snape sat cross-legged on his bed, staring out the window. He glanced at the clock on his bedside table, and angled it carefully so he could see it by the moonlight. "Four in the morning." He whispered, and fell backward to examine his ceiling. "Only a few more hours."

He thought of the day his letter had come, and grimaced. At the Evans' house everything had been exciting and happy, but as soon as he got home harsh reality had set in. His father had been furious. The fighting had lasted for hours, until he had gotten drunk enough to forget about the cause. Needless to say, neither he nor his mother had ever mentioned it again. Tomorrow he would escape. His mother would be fine, she was used to his father.

Sighing, he tried to think of a happier topic. He would get to spend a school year with Lily and Petunia. Yes, that was better. He returned to staring out the window, daydreaming.

"Severus?"

With a look of surprise, he turned to his doorway. "Mom?"

She entered the room and sat on the corner of his bed cautiously. "You're leaving tomorrow."

He nodded. "Yes."

"I… I'm happy for you."

Severus started. "You are?"

"You and your father don't get along well, do you."

He shook his head.

"You know we can't leave him."

Another shake.

"Now Severus…"

"He's not a good man." The understatement of the year.

"We've had this talk before. Knowing you we'll have it again." She sighed and moved closer to him. "So enough of that. My little Severus is growing up and going to Hogwarts, I don't want to argue."

He gave her a small smile. "I'll miss you too mom."

"Maybe… if you owl Friday afternoons… your father isn't ever home then…"

"Maybe."

She put her arm around him and pulled him close, wincing. Noticing, he grimaced. "Watch out for yourself, okay?"

"Severus… of course."

"You can use magic you know."

"But it's so weak now…" After a pause she squeezed him and stood up. "Goodnight Severus. Try and get some sleep."

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Petunia blinked and sat up, rubbing her eyes blearily. Turning to look at the clock, she groaned. 4:00 AM. "And I'm never going to fall back asleep…" she muttered darkly. There was a rustle of sheets from above her, and her sister's head appeared.

"Tuney? You up?" Whispered Lily.

"Yeah."

"Today's the day!"

Petunia groaned once more and rolled over, stretching. "Go to sleep."

"But Petunia!" Lily's head disappeared and her legs replaced it, swinging back and forth. "Today is the day! In a few hours we leave, and then we get on a train and then we go!"

"Sleep. Now."

"You're no fun."

"Sleep is fun."

Lily groaned, and Petunia just knew she was rolling her eyes at the ceiling. Sleep was one thing Lily and Petunia had always disagreed on, with the latter requiring much more. Lily never payed any mind to her sister's arguments though, and Petunia knew she was fighting a losing battle.

"We could…" Lily flung her sheets back dramatically. "Sneak out."

"And go where?" Petunia looked intrigued despite herself.

"I don't know, the park or something." She sighed. "Yeah, I know, not a good idea. But there's no way I'm going to fall back to sleep!"

Petunia sighed and got out of bed, carefully arranging the covers back. She stumbled over to their dresser, and flipped the lamp on. Turning back to her sister, she held up the half full nail polish vials Severus had made them for their birthday. "C'mon, we might as well look our best tomorrow."

Lily grinned and slid off her top bunk. "See? I knew you were as excited as I am!"

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"SEVERUS!"

Severus looked up from his swing and rolled his eyes. "Hello." The girls dashed up, grabbing their swings and jumping into them. Severus found himself with a face full of red hair, and spluttered indignantly. Lily leaned over to him, eyes twinkling, to apologize and he responded with a twitch of his head that sent his own hair flying into her face.

"Obviously red hair is better for whipping." Petunia said with a smile, and the others grinned back. It had been ten months since the three had begun their friendship with a conversation about hair whipping, and none of them had forgotten.

One more hour… The thought was prevalent among them. No one dared to speak it out loud, but each could feel it everywhere. It whispered through on the wind. One more hour…

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Exactly one hour later, Mrs. Evans found them lying on the ground staring at the clouds silently. She smiled sadly and cleared her throat. "Come on kids, we need to go." They got up, excitement shining in their eyes. Severus sprinted to the gate, where his trunks were waiting. Mr. Evans pulled up in their car, and they piled in.

The car ride passed far too quickly for the adults, and far too slowly for the children. When Kings Cross Station finally came in sight, two loud cheers came from the backseat. Severus, who had been looking out the window with a worried expression, merely smiled.

They got out of the car and organized their things, chattering happily all the while. During the walk to platform 9, the girls unconsciously walked closer to their parents.

"Must be another wizard thing…" Mr. Evans muttered. He drew first one, then the other girl in for a hug before turning to Severus and extending his hand. "You all be careful, do you hear me?"

Mrs. Evans hugged her girls, and then grabbed Severus in a hug. "Mail… Owl us every chance you get. And that includes you too Mr. Snape!"

The girls came up on either side of Severus, and he smiled. "Thanks Mrs. Evans… …"

"Mom… Dad…" Petunia said.

"We're going to miss you." The girls finished together. They turned to look at the brick wall. "Sev? Help?"

He made a show of rolling his eyes and sighing before moving so his nose almost touched the bricks. Smiling he waved to the adults, called out a final goodbye, and stepped through the wall.

Mr. Evans' jaw dropped as his wife gasped. "I'll never get used to magic."

The girls gave them one last hug, and pulled their luggage after them as they ran through the bricks. Laughing, they emerged on the other side where Severus stood waiting. "That was so cool!" They looked around at the hundreds of people with wands and bags, and then they saw the train. "Wow…"

Severus smirked. "Shall we?"

They boarded the train quickly, and Lily raced down the hallways. "I found an empty compartment!" Quickly they claimed it, shoving trunks into storage.

"I call window!" Shouted Petunia.

"No way, the window is mine!"

They turned to race to the seat, and found Severus lounging in it. "Nooo!" They launched themselves at him, ending up in a laughing heap on the floor of the compartment. Just as they had calmed down and found seats, the door slid open to reveal three boys staring at them. Two were grinning broadly, while one stood in the back looking embarrassed.

"Do you ladies need help? You seem to have been stuck with an…" he flashed them a smile. "Unfortunate traveling companion."

Severus withdrew into himself, sure that the moment he had been dreading had arrived. It's happening already. Soon they'll wonder why they ever wasted their time with someone like me…

Lily's green eyes flashed, and Petunia raised an eyebrow. Glancing at each other, they gave a slight nod.

"Just what do you…"

"Think you're talking about?"

They boy messed his black hair in what he obviously found a dashing manner. "Well we've got a nice empty compartment…" He shot a pointed look at Severus. "That's just big enough for five."

Severus clenched his fists. That's it… I've got to try. He sneered at the boys. "And just who are you?"

"I'm James. James Potter. Of the Noble house of Potter? The guy behind us is Remus. And this…" He pointed with a flourish, "is Sirius Black, of the most Noble and Ancient house of Black." Sirius gave a bark of laughter. James grinned. "And who might you ladies be?"

"I'm Lily Evans."

"I'm her twin sister, Petunia."

"Fraternal twins." They said together. "The boy with us is Severus Snape."

Though they had emphasized the 'with us', James seemed not to notice. "Come on Remus, help us get their bags." He and Sirius made to step into the compartment, and Severus quickly jumped to block their way.

"You do realize that the girls never answered you." He said coldly, encouraged by the girls' show of support.

"Well, yeah, but the answer is obvious, isn't it?" James said with a smirk that was, in Severus' opinion, nothing compared to his or the girls'.

Sirius let out another bark of laughter. "Who would want to sit with a sniveling idiot like you? Snivelling Severus."

James' eyes widened. "Hey… you may be on to something there Sirius! Snivellus."

Petunia stood up, ponytail swishing in what Severus recognized as a very dangerous way. "Out."

James paused in mid laugh, a puzzled look on his face. "What?"

Lily grabbed Severus' hand, and pulled him up to stand with her. "You heard her. Get. Out." Petunia took Severus' other hand and glared at the boys.

James raised a hand and messed his hair. "Okay, I think we got off on the wrong foot here."

"Smooth move James." Sirius said, still laughing.

"You too. Out!" Lily shouted.

Sirius' jaw dropped. "Who- me?"

"Yes, you. The only one of you who hasn't been a complete git is… oh what's his name… Remus! And he hasn't said anything!"

Petunia pulled her wand out of her pocket. "I don't think we can get much clearer!"

"Oh come on you don't know any spells yet!" James cried.

Lily put a finger to her chin. "Let's see… there's aguamenti, the jelly-legs jinx, bat-bogey hex…" She smiled sweetly. "Of course we've never actually cast any of these, so they may not come out quite right. Then again, would you really like to risk it?"

"You're bluffing. Come on, you can't honestly rather spend the train ride with him over us!"

Severus drew his wand. "My mother is a witch, and unlike them I have cast a few spells. I suggest you leave now, and if you have to try again do it when we aren't extremely angry."

James raised his hands and began to back away slowly. "I'm leaving, I'm leaving. Come on Sirius, Remus." As they left, he messed his hair and winked at the girls. "I'll see you two later!"

"Ugh!" Lily flopped down onto a seat, quickly followed by the other two. "He's such a jerk!"

"You know the worst part?" Petunia asked. When the others looked at her questioningly, she smirked. "Evans comes before Potter in the alphabet. That means…"

Lily groaned. "One of us might end up in the same house as him!"

The rest of the train ride passed uneventfully. Severus left to change, and the girls stayed in the compartment. They laughed at the sight of each other in wizarding clothes, and the girls waved their wands chanting "Abracadabra!"

All too soon for Severus' liking the train ride was over, and they were ushered into row boats. Four fit into a boat, and Severus ended up with Lily, Petunia, and Remus, who smiled shyly.

"I'm sorry about before… James and Sirius mean well I think. I only met them today, but they're generally okay."

Severus chose to ignore this, while the girls nodded very slightly. Remus smiled at them. "They were flirting with every girl, but you two especially. In fact…" He craned his neck, and then rolled his eyes. "They're signaling to me right now to make you two think they're wonderful." When the girls scoffed, he shrugged. "I think it would be pretty hard after that show earlier. I mean, you two are pretty, but eleven is a bit young don't you think?" He blushed as he said the last part, and extended his hand to Severus with a hopeful smile. "I'm Lupin. Remus Lupin. Who're you?"

"Severus Snape." He sneered back.

"It's nice to meet you Severus. And you're Petunia, and you're… Lily?" They nodded and gave him small smiles. "I hope we can be friends."

With that, the boat ride ended and the boys stepped off. Severus carefully took Lily's hand to help her, and Remus did the same for Petunia.

It's not like I chose Lily specifically, she just happened to be on my side of the boat…

They joined the crowd swarming through the doors of the castle, listening to the exclamations of awe around them.

"It is beautiful." Said Petunia.

"Very." Said Lily and Severus.

"Oy! Remus!" came a shout.

Remus, who had been staring at the moon, blinked and turned to look at the two boys who were waving at him. "I'd better go…"

"You don't have to be friends with them you know." Said Petunia, looking at him.

"Yeah, well, they were nice to me on the train. I'll be seeing you?" When they nodded hesitantly, he grinned and hurried off.

A woman Severus recognized as the professor who had come to the Evan's when they got their letters came out to greet all the first-years. He tuned out her speech even as the girls listened raptly, and moved with the swarm as they entered the Great Hall. There, on a stool, sat a ragged old hat that he assumed was the sorting hat. Sure enough, the rip in its brim opened wide and a song came pouring out

I may be old and torn

But don't judge by only that

For I was sewn long ago

Yes, I'm the Soring Hat!

Now Gryffindor is for Heros

Only the brave and the daring

For Godric was quite bold

And he was always caring

Ravenclaw is for the intelligent

For those with a love of books

Rowena valued knowledge

And so for that she looks

Hufflepuff is for loyal

For true and ready friends

Helga never judged

And would give her best till the end

And Slytherin prizes ambition

Ancestory and cunning

But Salazar was a good man

Though his shrewdness was stunning

They picked students with the traits they held dear

And taught them all they knew

And then they soon crafted a sorting hat

So the houses would stay true

So here I am right here and now

Have a seat and let's chat

There's nothing you can hide

For I'm a mind-reading hat!

Severus politely applauded with the others, and watched as students were called up. Black, Sirius went into Gryffindor he noted with a grimace. One by one, they were sorted until McGonagall called out "Evans, Lily!"

Lily walked up to the hat, and smiled at Severus and her sister as it was lowered over her eyes.

Gryffindor. Gryffindor.

Well now you are a determined one, aren't you? Any particular reason you want that house so much? No, no, I see it already. Your friends. You want to be brave for them, always there to defend, correct?

How did you… Well, I guess you're right. I never really thought about why I wanted Gryffindor so much before, I just…knew.

You can be brave for them in other houses too you know.

But Tuney will probably be put with me because we're twins!

That doesn't define all. From what I've seen in your head she is in fact destined for other houses.

Then can you put me there?

You and your sister are very different people. So is the boy in your memories. No, I'm afraid I cannot. You seem to be on to something with the Gryffindor though, I rarely see such a determined mind as yours. Yes, it had better be… GRYFFINDOR!

The last word reverberated throughout the great hall, and Lily slowly walked to the Gryffindor table, shooting her friends a thumbs up. Sirius made a show of patting the seat next to him, and she deliberately walked by to an empty seat.

"Evans, Petunia!"

Petunia walked up to the stool her sister had just vacated, and shrugged at Severus as she put on the hat.

Hufflepuff.

What, you too? At least you have better reasoning. Yes, of course I can see it! You read through the house descriptions carefully and chose what you thought suited you best. Since you feel such a strong loyalty to your friend and your sister you thought Hufflepuff.

Well, yes.

You seem to be correct… You would do well in Gryffindor, but I fear you have too much common sense to to any "brave" things on the spur of the moment. Slytherin… No, I believe you too are correct. You'll do well in… HUFFLEPUFF!

Petunia took off the hat and glanced at her sister, who was beaming. She turned to grin at Severus, and saw both him and Remus shooting her thumbs up. She smiled at both of them.

Soon "Lupin, Remus!" Was called and placed into Gryffindor. He began to sit by Sirius, but paused when he saw Lily beckoning. With an apologetic grin to Sirius he took the empty seat by her.

Severus nodded at him. He would much rather have her sit by Remus than that Potter.

A few children later "Potter, James" Was put into Gryffindor. He tried to sit by Lily, but both Remus and the girl on her other side wouldn't budge. He messed his hair for what must have been the twentieth time in an hour, and sat by Sirius.

Soon, "Snape, Severus!" was summoned. He stalked up and placed the hat on.

Ah, so you are the boy I saw…

What?

Nothing, nothing. Now then, to the sorting! You could be in Slytherin quite easily, you are correct, but have you ever considered Gryffindor?

Severus froze. Lily…

I see you haven't. Well, I suppose you haven't got a coin on you? No? Ah well. Gryffindor would be a struggle for you with some of the boys that have been placed in it, and you are a bit too cunning for it… Better be… SLYTHERIN!

Severus smiled at Lily and then at Petunia as he walked to join his new house. The Headmaster, Dumbledore, stood and gave yet another speech. Severus caught the drift of it, which was obey rules, forbidden forest is forbidden (well gee, wouldn't have gotten that one…) and that Hogwarts was a wonderful place. He turned to the table as food covered it, and struck up a conversation with the boy next to him.

Lily paused in her chattering with Mary McDonald and Remus as the table overflowed with food. "Oh wow! This is so cool!" She looked up and saw her sister filling a plate and Severus cautiously talking to some boy on his right. We'll be fine.

Petunia took a sip of pumpkin juice and laughed as one of the second years told a joke. Yes, this would be a good year.

I think James was a bit... overly Jerkish in this, so if y'all have any critisizm on his character please tell! Lupin is obviously going to be the "good marauder", and if you think you saw any foreshadowing of why... well, eleven is a bit young don't you think? It could very likely happen though. Until next time readers!