I stood tall and stoic, at least on the outside. I had to keep up the front when Mother and Father were around. They would be furious if they knew how I let loose when they weren't around.

Oh, well.

Mother headed off to purchase school books while Father escorted Draco, my twin brother, and me into Madam Malkins, where she had us stand on pedestals. I kept my expression fairly emotionless until he had gone, and then I collapsed into a fit of giggles, looking at Draco.

He smiled back at me. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't been in his life cracking jokes and generally making him laugh a lot, he would be a bit of an uptight jerk. Sort of like Father.

"Did you see the look of approval he gave me?" I made an emotionless expression with my eyes focusing on my brother in a cold way. "I think that's the most cheerful expression he's worn for months!"

Draco snorted. "Artemis, you're ridiculous."

"Oh, you only just noticed?"

He sighed in response, rolling his eyes at me. Still, the smile on his face was obvious.

Another boy entered the shop and was led to a pedestal near ours. He had black hair, bright green eyes, and glasses.

"Hello!" I said, giving him a smile, because the boy looked a little nervous. "I'm Artemis, and this is Draco, my brother."

Draco gave a small wave, and the new boy said, "Hi. I'm Harry."

"Pleased to meet you, Harry. Are you going to be joining Hogwarts like us this year?"

He looked a little surprised, but nodded. "Yeah."

He looked between me and my brother. It was easy to tell we were siblings. We had the same platinum blond hair, the same gray eyes, similar features, and were even the same height. In fact, if I had it my way, even the hairstyles would match. I just hadn't done that yet because then I would have to face the wrath of Father.

"Any ideas on what House you'll be in?" Draco asked politely.

"Uh . . ."

I smiled. "Let me guess: you have no clue what that is?" I got my answer from his embarrassed expression. I laughed, though hopefully it didn't come off as mean. "When you arrive at Hogwarts, you get sorted into one of four Houses: Slytherin for ambition, Ravenclaw for intelligence, Hufflepuff for loyalty, and Gryffindor for bravery."

Harry still looked confused. "Why?"

I shrugged. "To help friendships, to make sure the teachers aren't overloaded-why would I know?"

"Oh."

Sadly, our conversation couldn't last much longer than that. Harry finished up, hopping off and giving a slightly uncomfortable wave. "See you at school."

I waved back, though he couldn't see.

Later, at home, I sat on my bed, thinking. My fingers ran over my new necklace, and I smiled at the feeling of smooth metal.

While we were shopping, Mother surprised me with it-a cord with a pure silver snake curving into an S. The symbol of Slytherin. I now wore it with pride.

That didn't stop the questioning thought pulling me apart at the seams: What if I wasn't sorted into Slytherin?

I didn't think the thought had even crossed my parents' minds. They seemed totally certain that I would be a snake. After all, our whole family had been in the House of Salazar Slytherin. Why should I be any different?

They also didn't know about how different I was when they weren't around. They thought I was this perfect, dispassionate daughter who was 100% Slytherin. Sure, I had ambition, but . . . anyone who really knew me, ahem, Draco, knew that was far from my most prominent quality. I was probably going to be Hufflepuff, actually.

I sighed, letting the silver snake fall to its resting place on my neck, letting my thoughts wander.

I suppose I'd just have to face that if that comes.