Pairings: Cedric/Krista
Warnings: AU Universe. Gender switch. OC characters. Some character bashing. Mature scenes. Violence.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters, but the OC characters belong to me
Chapter Eleven: Hogwarts
It was nightfall by the time that the Hogwarts Express had pulled in at the station, with the older students being directed towards the Thestrals-pulled carriages to be taken up to the school whilst the students just starting their first year were being directed to the direction of the Black Lake by a large man carrying a lantern.
"Firs' years! Firs' years, over here!" A loud booming voice echoed across the tiny dark platform.
"This is where we leave you." Helen Youngblood told the four Downworlders that would be starting their first year at Hogwarts, already adjusting her cloak and ready to follow the rest of the Downworlders to where the carriages are. Her smile was grim and concerned—similar to the other older Downworlders. "We'll see you in a bit."
"All right. See you later." Lyssandra nodded, giving what she hoped to be a reassuring smile—but clearly, it did nothing for the nerves of the older ones.
"Firs' years! Firs' years, over here!"
"Is that half-giant whom I think he is?" Nathaniel whispered to Krista even as they followed the booming voice and the rest of the shivering first years down a steep narrowing path.
"Yes. Rubeus Hagrid." Krista murmured back. Nathaniel and Alec along with Lenox were one of the few amongst the Downworlders that actually knew that Krista was blood-adopted by House Nightray. This knowledge was only kept to a strict few outside of the vampire lords and the Avalon Council due to the fact that most Downworlders detests humans, especially those of the British magical variety. "I heard that Grandpa might be going ahead with the lawsuits in regards to ten years ago now that he has all the information and evidence that he needs."
Lenox who overheard the conversation said nothing. After all, strictly speaking, what Rubeus Hagrid had done that night is nothing short of kidnapping, as Sirius Black had then been Krista's lawful guardian. On the other hand however, if he hasn't done what he did, Krista would have been long dead, and would never have been taken in by Ethan and the Nightray clan.
Lord Charlus Potter is a brilliant man and just as intelligent as Lord Nikolai Nightray. There have been a few reasons why he had been one of the few humans that the Downworlders have respected, and have accepted into their fold—with Krista now being one of them notwithstanding. Lord Potter will want every bit of advantage that he could so that Dumbledore would not be able to weasel his way out of trouble, with how much influence he had over the British magicals. Though with the whole fiasco over Kristina Potter's 'death' nearly six years ago, his influence hasn't been what it once was.
"There are so many things that could go wrong if Lord Potter truly goes through with it." Nathaniel murmured, his forehead crinkling. Lenox and Lyssandra exchanged looks between themselves.
Attention brought to Lord Potter and possibly Lord Black and all those whom they associate with for one, by Albus Dumbledore of all people. Hagrid might even end up losing his home and job—and the Downworlders knew better than anyone else that anyone with even an ounce of creature blood in their veins in Great Britain will find it difficult to find employment, with all the bigotry. Even the shops at Grim Avenue would be reluctant to employ Hagrid, as he is so devoted to Dumbledore. Even Nathaniel did hear something about Ethan banning Hagrid from Grim Avenue due to how outspoken he had been about 'the great Albus Dumbledore'.
There were sudden loud gasps around them; and the four Downworlders blinked and looked up only to see that the narrow path that they're on had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake. And perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.
"Wow. So that's Hogwarts." Lyssandra murmured, impressed by the picturesque sight of the wizarding school. "The first wizarding school ever founded, huh?"
"Their founders will be rolling in their graves if they ever knew what it had now become." Nathaniel muttered grumpily.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore.
"Hang on." Krista grasped Nathaniel and Lenox by their sleeves to stop them from approaching the fleet of boats, and looked at Lyssandra to make sure that she did the same thing. "Let them board first." Or there'll be another 'accident', were the words that went unsaid.
The other three exchanged silent looks amongst themselves. They knew what Krista is concerned with—all of them have heard Helen's furious tales when she'd returned for winter break the year she'd started at Hogwarts about how Luca had nearly drowned when one of the humans had 'accidentally' pushed him into the lake when they were crossing the Black Lake. Since then, all Downworlders starting their first year waited until it's just them left before they boarded a boat, and they always tried to keep it to all Downworlders to one boat.
"Come on." Nathaniel moved when he saw the last of the students board a boat and approached the last boat himself. He held out a hand to help both Lyssandra and Krista in before they were followed in by Lenox.
"Everyone in?" shouted Hagrid, who had a boat to himself. "Right then – FORWARD!"
And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. There were screams from some of the other students then, and on instinct, all four Downworlders reached for their daggers that were concealed cleverly either by their sides or at the back.
"What—"
Krista was the first one to see it; gigantic tentacles reaching out of the inky black waters of the lake, and thus, splashing them all. Her eyesight also allows her to see within the waters of the lake, and she saw the unmistakable forms of the mermaid tribe swimming just beneath the water. One actually gave her a grin full of sharp shark-like teeth before swimming away again.
"Calm down!" Hagrid shouted to the scared students. "It's just the Giant Squid. He means you no harm!"
The students calmed down with Hagrid's words, though more than one of them eyed the tentacles of the Giant Squid warily. Krista was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead as they sailed nearer to the cliff on which it stood. It almost reminds her of the castle near the area where the Downworlders always celebrated the Winter Solstice or even Samhain.
"I feel like painting a picture of this sight." Lyssandra spoke suddenly, and the remaining three offered her grins.
"Heads down!" Hagrid yelled as the first of the boats reached the cliff; they all bent their heads, and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were then carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbour, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles.
"Has anyone lost a toad?" Nathaniel announced as they climbed out of the boat. As one, all heads turned towards the direction of the Downworlders even as Nathaniel held out his left hand on which a small green toad perched, giving out light croaks every now and then, large eyes blinking curiously.
"Trevor!" A round-faced boy cried with relief, though he looked wary as he approached them.
Nathaniel said nothing even as he gave the toad to the boy before moving on his way, along with the rest of the Downworlders. None of them missed how most of the other students automatically gave way to them, with either fearful or hateful expressions on their faces. Krista resisted the urge to 'accidentally' trip Hermione Granger when she heard the brunette whisper hatefully to her neighbour how they should just drown in the lake.
They then clambered up a passageway in the rock, following the sight of Hagrid's lamp, coming out at last onto smooth, damp grass right in the shadow of the castle. A flight of stone steps was the first thing that greeted them even as they walked up it and crowded around the huge, oak front door where a tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood in front of. She had a stern face as she gazed over the students, and Krista felt her lips twitching.
This is one teacher that she felt as if she might like.
"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid said.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." The witch—Professor McGonagall replied.
She then pulled the door wide, showing them all into what must be the entrance hall of the school. It was so big that one could have fitted an entire house in it and still has space for more. The stone walls were also lined with flaming torches like the ones the Downworlders often used for the ritualistic nights and celebrations. The ceiling was too high to even make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors, with several of them moving every now and then.
The students—the majority of them feeling rather nervous at the moment followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. Krista's ears pricked up when she caught the drones of hundreds of voices coming from a closed doorway to the right—the rest of the school must already be gathered.
Professor McGonagall however showed the first years into a small empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in curiously, peering about their surroundings nervously.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall, looking over at the nervous crowd of first years, her sharp eyes narrowing in on the four Downworlders immediately—being able to pick them out immediately due to the differences in the school uniforms.
She found herself frowning inwardly, hoping that Dumbledore wouldn't make things any worse for both sides. Honestly, she knew that Professors Meyers and Maksim were slowly running out of patience, added with the fact that the Downworlder children were continuously discriminated against year after year by both faculty and student. In fact, Minerva can count on one hand and still have fingers left over, the faculty members that have never discriminated against any Downworlder.
None of the Downworlders ever showed that it ever got to them, and they never retaliated physically or magically, let alone using their abilities unless it is to dodge hexes and jinxes. The most they ever did was cut against their 'bullies' with sharp words as good as any that Severus could give. Honestly, it is a sad day indeed when children could behave better than any mature adult could.
Professor McGonagall turned her attention back towards the group of anxious first years in front of her, her visage turning sad when she laid eyes on little Neville Longbottom who looked plain terrified. If James and Lily have lived, and Alice and Frank being well and sane, would little Kristina Potter be standing next to Neville now, looking both anxious and nervous at being Sorted?
The two children were god-siblings, Minerva knew, as she had been the witness to the god-parents' swearing ceremony when Sirius, Frank and Alice have sworn for Kristina, and James and Lily have done for Neville.
Dumbledore had borne the ferocity of her Scottish temper when the truth of Kristina Potter's death had come out, along with most of the faculty, especially Severus. Minerva knew how much Lily had meant to Severus, and while the Potions professor would never admit it, she knew that he had been looking forward to Lily's daughter attending Hogwarts—a child that he had sworn to protect and teach. Severus' animosity towards Dumbledore had reached almost alarming levels since, though after Kristina's death, it seemed like all life had left Severus. If not for Emily Prewett, Severus would likely have given up on everything.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat uncomfortably. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly in the Great Hall," she told the nervous first years, "but before you take your seats, you will be sorted into your Houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony, because while you are here, your House will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and even spend free time in your House common room."
"The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you house points, whilst any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope that each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I shall return when we ready for you." Professor McGonagall told them. "Please wait quietly." She left the chamber.
Krista sighed.
"You all right?" Lenox asked quietly, and Krista nodded.
"I wonder what the Sorting Ceremony is about though." Lyssandra pondered aloud. "And how they're going to do it."
"Can't be any worse than the induction ceremony we each went through." Nathaniel replied. All four looked at each other before chuckling at the mere memory of their own induction ceremony just a few years ago.
At a certain age, normally around nine years or so, each Downworlder child made their debut into the Downworlder society—mainly, the ceremony is used to introduce said child to the rest of the clans. There are normally only three major ceremonies in a fledgling's life—the induction ceremony, the Maturity Ceremony at age thirteen when they come into their powers and abilities, and the Coming-of-Age ceremony at sixteen.
"I can't imagine why Hogwarts would accept you." A nasty voice spoke from somewhere to their left—the four Downworlders have been keeping close to the side of the door, with the rest of the students keeping some space between them and the Downworlders.
As one, all students turned towards the speaker who seemed to be a certain brunette who is wearing quite a nasty look on her face. Several of the students in the crowd were glaring at her quite nastily, amongst them being Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott—two girls whom Krista knew quite well since she'd moved to Grim Avenue. Surprisingly, Justin Finch-Fletchley, the boy whom Krista and Nathaniel have met during the tour looked quite offended and pissed too. The majority of the students who were giving the speaker death glares were obviously from the pureblood clans, given how well groomed they were, and how they carried themselves.
Krista groaned silently to herself, with Lyssandra rolling her eyes in annoyance, and the other two growled with exasperation. "Not this again." Krista muttered irritably beneath her breath.
"Is there a problem?" Lenox questioned sharply, hand going towards where his concealed dagger pouch is.
Hermione Granger looked nervous, especially seeing the dangerous glares trained on her person from three out of the four Downworlders. Krista on the other hand looked as if she couldn't be bothered, and seemed particularly fascinated with staring at a spot on the opposite wall. Most of the students who seemed to have sensed danger have backed away as far from Hermione as they could, and seemed to suddenly find the walls or the ceiling particularly interesting.
"I-I'm just saying that you have no right to be here!" Hermione said stubbornly, gathering every bit of her courage. "You're not even human! Hogwarts is a wizard school for civilised people. And—"
"And they seemed to be more civilised and noble than you, Mudblood." A sharp voice cut through Hermione's rant.
As one, all students turned towards the speaker only to see a blond boy who seemed to be one of the few who had stayed at where he is when all the students have started backing away. With his grey eyes and aristocratic features along with his well-groomed hair and clothes, Krista would bet that he's from one of the pureblood houses—probably even from the Malfoy House.
Krista glanced at Hermione who looked pale and seemed to be looking around for support, but found that all the surrounding students were looking everywhere but at her.
Draco Malfoy narrowed his eyes at the mundane-born. "Know your place," he sneered, looking every bit the groomed heir that he is. "You are amongst wizards and witches, and you'll do well to follow our rules and obey the traditions and customs that have sustained our society for thousands of years. We have rules and laws and traditions to follow, and you'd do well to follow them if you even dared to call yourself a witch." Hermione Granger looked pale even as Draco Malfoy cut into her without mercy. "This is not the mundane world. This is the magical world. You change yourself to fit into it, not the other way around! The Downworlders have been in this world long even before humans or even a magical society existed! They set the foundations of this world as we know it. They're the agents of our patron gods. You'll do well to show them respect benefitting one of their power and station. You're quite welcome to return to the mundane world if you can't fulfil those obligations. Otherwise, hold your tongue!" Draco snapped. "Know your place, mundane-born! You are not even worth the air we breathe! Show deference to your betters, the same way even we the purebloods do!"
There were lots of murmurs from the students who seemed to hail from the pureblood houses, though majority of the students gathered shot Draco Malfoy venomous glares. Krista is ready to bet everything that she had that those are the idiots who shared the same views as those who view the Downworlders as nothing but creatures.
Surprisingly though, there were none who came to Hermione Granger's defence who seemed to be near tears with the harsh words that Draco Malfoy had said to her. Krista can only shake her head at this. Honestly, if she cried every time someone said something mean to her, she won't last long at Hogwarts.
"Enough, Draco." Blaise Zabini—the boy who'd entered their compartment earlier placed a hand on Draco's shoulder, stopping the boy from carrying on. "It wouldn't do to start a fight even before the Sorting. Besides, morons will always be morons." He sneered at the pale Hermione. "You can scream yourself blue and they wouldn't understand."
Draco took several deep breaths as if trying to calm himself, scowling fiercely at the mundane-born.
He knew, from tales growing up, that after Kristina Potter's death six years ago, there have been major changes in Magical Britain. Lots of the wizards and witches—half-blood or pureblood, who have grown up in the magical world have changed their tune towards mundanes and mundane-borns when they have learned how much Kristina Potter had suffered before she had died. Even now, Draco knew that every single year on the anniversary of her death and even on the night of You-Know-Who's downfall, there will be at least three pages dedicated to the Potter family in the Daily Prophet and near every single paper and magazine that ever existed in Britain.
Thus, restrictions on mundane-borns were stricter than before, despite Albus Dumbledore's protests, from what Draco knew from his heir studies with his father. Even now, six years later, there were many who detested mundanes and mundane-borns due to the fate that had befallen Kristina Potter.
Unlike contrary belief, while Lucius did agree with some of the Dark Lord's beliefs and had foolishly joined him in his youth for some unknown reason, he had gotten cold feet after the Dark Lord seemed to lose his sanity during the last few years of the war. After the war had ended, Lucius did try to throw his support behind Charlus Potter's attempts to gain custody of his granddaughter. At that time however, from what Draco knew, Albus Dumbledore's influence was humongous, and it took Lord Potter five years before he could even get Lord Black a trial for his unlawful imprisonment and custody over Kristina Potter.
But well… Everyone knew what happened after that.
Finally, Draco turned towards the four Downworlders who were looking at him suspiciously, though there is a hint of respect in the eyes of the one who seemed to be their leader. His father and mother have both told him even before his train ride to Hogwarts that if he did anything to upset the Downworlders, he'll be grounded for the rest of the year.
"Well, I wasn't expecting to do this here, but this is as good a time as any." Draco Malfoy admitted, approaching the petite vampire with unusual-looking eyes, even for a noble vampire. Red and green eyes. He doesn't see many with eyes that colour, even amongst the Downworlders. Draco gave a slight bow to Krista Nightray, ignoring the gasps and murmurs that have started up again from the morons that he had the misfortune to call his future classmates. "I am Draco Malfoy, scion of the noble house of Malfoy." He introduced himself. "I was advised by my father to introduce myself to you."
The Downworlders were struck with a strange sense of déjà vu. Four pairs of eyes went towards Blaise Zabini who is standing behind Draco who only grinned sheepishly. There aren't many wizards now, particularly the pureblood houses who even knew what the Downworlders once represented to magical society and their patron gods, let alone know the old forms of etiquette and respect that the Downworlders practiced. And here they have two in one day?
"Well." Krista was the first to break the silence, peeling herself off the wall that she is leaning against and walked towards Draco, yet she is careful to keep a respectful distance between them. "It's nice to see someone who knows their manners." She gave a small smile at Draco. "I'm Krista of House Nightray. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Scion Malfoy. Your father is an honourable man, one respected by my clan, as is his father before him. It's nice to meet Lucius Malfoy's son and heir."
"The pleasure is all mine, my lady." Draco replied smoothly, hiding his surprise at the fact that she knew the old wizarding forms of etiquette.
For the mundane-borns and even those that don't hail from a noble wizarding house, it is almost bewildering and uncomfortable for them to witness the deference that most have only seen in movies or read in books. This is very out of the realm of normal life, even for those that have grown up around magic.
Draco Malfoy isn't kidding when he had stated that the pureblood houses have equal respect and fear for the Downworlders. They knew exactly what the Downworlders represented to their society. It was common knowledge at one point. Though at some point, that knowledge was forgotten, and Downworlders were treated as pariah. Draco did however hear from his father that the History professor had insisted on that forgotten part of history being taught to the students, as did Emily Prewett, who now teaches the subject of Old Religion and even wizarding etiquette and customs.
A great shame, as how Abraxas Malfoy had put it once when Draco had spoken to his grandfather's portrait as part of his heir studies. Though neither of his parents had confirmed it, Draco knew instinctively that it is likely Dumbledore who is behind that knowledge being lost, along with so many. They're losing all their traditions and customs. At least, before Rufus Scrimgeour had become Minister and is restoring all the lessons and traditions, much to Dumbledore and the light side's chagrin.
The door opened once more, and Professor McGonagall stepped in. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at the nervous looks and even hateful expressions to the exasperated looks on the Downworlders and several of the children who hailed from the pureblood houses.
"Is there a problem?" she questioned sharply, and got immediate shakes of their heads. "Then come along now. The Sorting Ceremony's about to begin. Form two lines and follow me."
Like earlier with the boats, Krista, Nathaniel, Lyssandra and Lenox waited for the majority of the students to line up and follow before they followed suit—ending up behind Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini.
They were led out of the chamber, back across the hall and through a pair of double doors into what must be the Great Hall.
Krista had never even imagined seeing such sights. For all her hailing from the Nightray clan, Nikolai isn't one for pomp and glamour, hence why the main Nightray residence is at Nightray Manor and not the castle. Unlike most of the noble vampire clans, they do not have hundreds of servants either, only keeping five servants to clean and cook.
The Great Hall was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in mid-air over four long tables where the rest of the student body were sitting. Those tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. The ceiling was also velvet black, dotted with countless stars. Krista overhead Hermione whisper, "It's bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."
At the top of the hall was yet another long table where the teachers were sitting. Krista recognised Reyers and Maksim immediately, along with the Potions professor that had come with Emily Prewett to Moon's Dew that one time.
Finally, they came to a stop in front of the table where the professors were seated. Standing on her tip-toes to look over the shoulders of the taller students, Krista spotted a four-legged stool with a ragged-looking pointed wizard's hat that seemed to have seen better days.
Everyone in the hall had quietened down and was now staring at the hat. For a few seconds, there was complete silence. Then the hat twitched. A rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth—and the hat began to sing.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
The whole hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. It bowed to each of the four tables and then became still again. Professor McGonagall then stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment, smiling at the nervous first years.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. "Abbott, Hannah."
Hannah looked decidedly nervous even as she stumbled forwards, putting on the hat which fell over her eyes and sat down on the stool. After a moment's pause, the hat opened it's mouth, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
The table—which Krista assumed to be the Hufflepuff table cheered and clapped as Hannah went to her new House. Krista spotted Cedric amongst them, clapping politely.
"Bones, Susan."
"HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat shouted again, and Susan scuttled off to sit next to Hannah.
"Boot, Terry."
"RAVENCLAW!"
The table second from the left clapped this time; several of the older Ravenclaw students stood up to shake hands with Terry as he joined them.
Mandy Brocklehurst went to Ravenclaw like Terry before her. But Lavender Brown became the first new Gryffindor, and the table on the far left exploded with cheers—far louder than either Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw.
"I'm not going to that House." Lyssandra grumbled beneath her breath, wincing as she rubbed at her sensitive ears. Nathaniel and Lenox snickered with that comment, both trying to ignore the ringing in their ears. Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini who were standing near them overheard, and both stifled their amusement with that comment.
Millicent Bulstrode then became the first Slytherin, and joined her new housemates who were all decidedly calmer than the remaining three, merely clapping politely. Krista spotted Luca and Lake seated at the table, though at the far end, along with a few of the other Downworlders that Krista only knew by name and face, and not as well as she did Nathaniel, Alec, Lenox, Helen, Lyssandra and the others whom she'd grown up with.
"Finch-Fletchley, Justin."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Some of the students, Krista noticed that the hat shouted out the house the instant that it was placed on their head. But for others, it took a while to decide. Seamus Finnigan, for instance, was on the stool for an entire minute before he was declared a Gryffindor.
"Granger, Hermione."
Hermione almost ran to the stool and jammed the hat eagerly on her head.
It took over a minute before she was declared a Gryffindor.
"Krauss, Nathaniel."
There were whispers like hissing fires when Nathaniel stepped out to be sorted, being the first Downworlder of this year's batch to do so. Krista looked up at the teachers' table only to see Albus Dumbledore frowning disapprovingly, and she can only roll her eyes at this.
"SLYTHERIN!"
Krista then remembered hearing from Ethan about how most of the Downworlders who went to Hogwarts went to either Ravenclaw or Slytherin, mainly because of how they were raised, and thus, have character traits that those two houses looked out for.
This whole Sorting business is pointless, even back when Krista had heard about it, though not that she knew how they were sorted. This whole rivalry between houses that she had heard so much about would be toned down a lot if only the house system was abolished.
Neville Longbottom, the one who'd lost his toad sat under the hat for nearly five minutes before he was declared a Hufflepuff. Draco Malfoy stepped forward when his name was called, and he was almost immediately declared a Slytherin the moment the hat touched his head. He looked extremely pleased when he'd gone to join the Slytherin table—unlike his fellow first years, however, he took a seat at the table next to the one that the Downworlders already there occupied, much to their surprise.
There weren't many left now, and it seems to Krista that as the line went down, the sorting is getting faster. Lily Moon went to Slytherin, and much like Draco Malfoy, took a seat near the Downworlders, as did Theodore Nott after her.
And then finally…
"Nightray, Krista."
Every single Downworlder in the hall who looked bored straightened up immediately at the name of one of their own like they did Nathaniel earlier. For the wizards and witches who recognised the name, they looked interested, intrigued and even fearful. Dumbledore's face was almost amusing to Krista as she walked towards the stool—he looked like he'd swallowed something nasty even as she sat down and the hat dropped over her eyes.
There were several moments of silence as Krista sat there, though she frowned as she felt something probing at her mind shields, but she refused to lower them, and instead put up several stronger ones.
Finally, there was a sigh, and a distinctly male voice spoke to her within her mind. "Would you mind lowering your mind shields, please? I need to look into your mind to place you."
Krista frowned. "I will rather not risk it, not with us entering the enemy's den. I know for one that the current Headmaster has a nasty habit of breaking into people's minds," she thought.
The Sorting Hat was quiet before it spoke again. "It is a sad day indeed when the Downworlders view the wizards and witches with such mistrust and animosity. The days of co-existence and peace between both your kinds are indeed over. The founders will be upset if they knew, as they are the ones to hash out the first peace treaty between the magicals and the Downworlders." The Sorting Hat sounded upset. "But you have my word that Albus would not be able to read your mind as long as I am on your head. And I am honour bound to never reveal what I've seen in a student's mind. Not even to the Headmaster. You have my word on this."
Krista sighed. "Very well," she answered grudgingly before she lowered her mind shields hesitantly. She had them up for as long as Nikolai and Ethan have been teaching her magic and how to guard her mind. Not having mind shields up made her feel almost naked and vulnerable.
"Thank you." The Hat then fell silent for several moments before it chuckled. "I'll be. Albus had been going crazy the past six years ever since news of Kristina Potter's demise reached him. Whoever knew that Kristina Potter is alive and well and living under a different name?"
Krista stiffened with the Sorting Hat's words, mind immediately racing with all kinds of scenarios and what she might have to do if she has to fight her way out.
"Calm down, child. You have my word that I will not divulge the truth of your identity to anyone. Especially not one of the Morrigan's chosen."
Krista could hear the murmurs and mutterings of the students in the Great Hall. How long has it been since she had the Hat placed on her head?
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Listen to me, Krista Nightray. I am aware that the Downworlders view majority of wizardkind as their enemies. But it is amongst the snake den when you can find your true allies and friends, for you are kindred souls. And be careful of the Headmaster." The Sorting Hat murmured into her head even as the Hat was removed, and Krista made her way to where Nathaniel was seated, feeling quite shaken.
"What's wrong?" Nathaniel whispered.
"The Sorting Hat knows." Krista murmured back in a volume loud enough for only Nathaniel to hear. "Not here." She saw Nathaniel about to argue. "And we still have to decide what we're going to do about Zabini."
Krista's mind was then in a whirl as she watched the rest of the Sorting, with both Lyssandra and Lenox going to Slytherin as well. Unlike the other three houses, Slytherin seemed to be more accepting of the Downworlders at least—or at least, those that seemed to hail from the noble houses does. She could already hear death threats and animosity comments coming from all four tables, and for once, she wished that she could shut off her hearing.
Krista groaned to herself inwardly. What the hell was she thinking by coming to Hogwarts? Why didn't she accept Ethan's offer and attend Nightshades instead?
Nathaniel nudged her in the side even as Albus Dumbledore got to his feet, his eyes twinkling with that grandfatherly twinkle—but none of the Downworlders or even Slytherin House was fooled. Krista can already hear several mutters about wishing that Dumbledore would either get sacked or retire coming from the older students. The Headmaster was beaming at the students, his arms opened wide, as if nothing could have pleased him more than to see them all there.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts!" said Dumbledore. "To the new students, welcome! And to the old students, welcome back! I just have a few start-of-term notices before I leave you to enjoy the delicious feast prepared. All first years should note that the forest on the school grounds is forbidden to all but…the Downworlders." He grimaced with that last comment—something that none missed. Krista's eyes flashed. "Express permission will be required to even venture near the forest, and the consequences will be most dire for any who break this rule—"
"The heck is that senile old man saying?" One of the older Slytherins seated not far from Krista snarled.
"Calm down, Marcus!"
"I have also been asked by Mr Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. For the Downworlders however, please note that no instance of magic and combat are to be performed between classes in the corridor."
"I'll kill that senile old bastard." Nathaniel growled, much to the Slytherins' amusement, but they wholly agreed with their newest Downworlder housemate.
"Quidditch trials will also be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."
"Scion Malfoy—"
"Draco." Draco Malfoy interrupted, a small smile on his face. "You're welcome to use my name."
Krista nodded. "Are Downworlders allowed to try out for Quidditch?" she asked curiously.
"Officially, you can." The older student who was peeved earlier spoke up, having overheard their conversation. He had a small thin smile on his face as he addressed Krista. "I'm Marcus Flint, Prefect and Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch Team." He introduced himself. "There aren't any rules exactly forbidding it. But all entries have to go through Hooch, and well, she isn't exactly accepting of Downworlders…"
"Say no more." Lyssandra sighed tiredly. "We get the picture."
Majority of the older Slytherins seated nearby winced. "My apologies." Marcus said apologetically. He recalled a Downworlder in his first year trying out for the team—Luca who is a warlock, he recalled. The year Marcus had started at Hogwarts is also the first year when Hogwarts had first admitted Downworlders. And that year, there were only three students, with one going to Slytherin, and the other two to Ravenclaw.
Professor Snape has no problems with admitting Luca into the team when he had shown that he could keep up his grades coupled with Quidditch practice, but Hooch and Dumbledore both put so many roadblocks in it, and created so many issues for Slytherin with the rest of the school just because they want to admit the first Downworlder into a Quidditch team that said Downworlder gave up right before the first game of the season. The Slytherin Quidditch captain at that time had instead taken on Luca as an assistant coach where he stayed until today.
Not that all of Slytherin are wholly accepting of Downworlders being in Hogwarts. But as about a quarter of them actually came from noble houses that actually remembered what the Downworlders represented to their society and have respected power and might, they have no issues with accepting Downworlders as their housemates, though not that they really saw them much outside of lessons and meal times either way. The Slytherin common room is also likely the only one that the Downworlders spent time in outside of their own dormitory and common room.
"Most of us could run faster than the fastest broom could fly anyway." Luca cut in as an attempt to diffuse the Quidditch situation, smiling grimly, as he recalled his disappointment his first year. To be fair, the Slytherin Captain and Professor Snape have tried. He just gracefully bowed out so as to not incite anything further. "You're not missing anything. If you truly want to try flying, I think first years have flying lessons scheduled."
"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
"What's he going on about now?" Draco Malfoy sneered.
"Saying such a thing." Another older student frowned. Judging by the badge on her uniform, she seems to be Marcus' fellow female Prefect. "It's basically inciting the younger years to go exploring."
The boy sitting next to her grinned at Marcus. "Hey Marcus, five Galleons that a Gryffindor will go to the third floor corridor by the first week. I'm betting it being the Weasley twins."
Marcus Flint chuckled as the rest of the Slytherins around them stifled their amusement, aware that their Head of House is watching. "You're on."
Lenox frowned. But before he could say anything, the dishes in front of them were suddenly piled with food. Food of all kinds appeared on the tables—roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy and ketchup.
"You Downworlders don't have to worry about the food being potioned." Marcus Flint told them, taking a few sausages and bacon and placing it on his plate. "Professor Snape specifically had some Slytherin house elves check it before the food is sent to us." He blinked, as four pairs of eyes were trained on him. "Luca here asked the same question when he first started."
"Oh."
Krista then shrugged before taking a bit of everything and piling it onto her plate. It was delicious, but a little too greasy for her liking. Judging by how ill that Lyssandra is looking, she is of the same general opinion.
Krista then looked up at the teachers' table again. The half-giant, Hagrid was drinking from his goblet. Professor McGonagall was talking to a plump woman with wavy gray hair. Professor Snape, whom Krista recognised, was speaking to Emily Prewett. There was a professor wearing an absurd purple turban on his other side, eating silently, though he looked extremely nervous.
Krista frowned even as she met eyes with the turban-wearing professor, and then, she felt something probing at her mind shields. She glared at the man, and tightened her mind shields. The man gulped before tearing his eyes away from Krista, and went back to his food.
"Flint, right?" Krista spoke, and Marcus Flint looked up from where he is in the middle of a discussion with Mark Tarrent and Gemma Farley. "Who is that man wearing the turban next to Professor Snape?"
The Downworlders looked interested with that question.
"Oh. You know old Snape already, huh?" Flint blinked. "That's Quirrell. He teaches Magical Defence. He's a decent enough teacher, I guess, but he's a bit of a joke."
"Come on, Flint, be nice. Everyone's a joke next to Professor Snape." Gemma Farley smiled. "Professor Snape is really skilled in the Dark Arts and even defence of it. He tutored a few of us Slytherins when we couldn't get the grades we wanted." She explained.
"Huh." Krista murmured, never taking her eyes off of Quirrell, but he never looked at her again. She had a feeling that that man isn't what he seems like.
She groaned inwardly.
This is going to be a long eight months.
A/N: Apologies for the long update, people! I am currently in recovery from a broken leg due to an accident, thus, the long hiatus from FF for so long!
Much of this chapter was taken from the first book, so kudos to yourself if you find it familiar! As you might tell, this story is going to be different from the original, seeing as Krista is actually sorted into Slytherin. Take note also that due to Kristina Potter's 'death', views of the magicals towards mundanes and mundane-borns aren't exactly welcoming. Thus why no one said anything to Draco when he called Hermione Mudblood, and why no one came to Hermione's defence.
Krista will have a new set of friends in this story, and I'm still on the fence about Ronald and the Weasley clan. Draco too will have a new set of friends that don't go by the names of Crabbe and Goyle. Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini will be amongst them, and as Lily Moon is rarely, if never mentioned at all, she might be part of Draco's clique, and she will be portrayed differently. According to wikia, she is a Slytherin in Harry's year, though I am aware that most writers depict her as a Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw.
I hope that you like this chapter, and please read and review! Reviews give me inspiration to update!
