Snape watched from a distance as James Potter talked to Genieve. A sneer pulled at his face.

" A Gryffindor she will not be," Snape turned, heading up the hill with his fellow Slytherin class.

James saw Snape watching him. Snape muttered something before turning to leave. James took off after him.

" Snape!" James called to him. " Snape, hey!" Snape turned slowly, glancing at him. " You keep your hands off of Genieve. She's Gryffindor property."

" HA!" Snape cackled. " You can't guarantee that. The Sorting Hat will tell us that," Snape turned on his heel.

" She's a Gryffindor at heart," James called after him. Snape stopped in his place, turning his head slightly.

" At heart a Gryffindor, I think not. She's a Slytherin all through," Snape whispered. " A talented child like herself doesn't belong in Gryffindor," with that Snape turned and stormed up the steps. James watched him leave.

Genieve boarded the boat gingerly, wondering if it was safe to cross water on the small craft.

" It's safe," a young voice told her. Genieve turned and saw a young blonde first year. He smiled quickly jumping in. Quickly he extended his hand, helping her in.

" Thank you," Genieve stepped in. " May I ask your name?"

" Ah… I am sorry," the boy smiled. " My name is Lucious Malfoy," the man took her hand, kissing it lightly.

" I'm Genieve Larkov," she smiled, blushing.

" Ah… a Larkov," Lucious grinned. " My father knows a Larkov… from Dublin."

" That would be my father," Genieve informed him.

" I thought so," Lucious eyes her. " The same talent. I can feel your talent."

" Thank you," Genieve blushed. " You're too kind."

" I speak the truth," Lucious grinned. " You shall do well in this school."

" I hope so," Genieve smiled. Lucious watched her, smiling.

" What house has your family been in?" Lucious asked quickly. Genieve glanced at him. She pursed her lips.

" My family has been in Gryffindor," Genieve answered. Lucious narrowed his eyes.

" Well," Lucious turned to look away from Genieve, drawing his robes up around him. " You should be a Slytherin. Why waste such talent in Gryffindor," Lucious whispered before heading to the other side of the boat. Genieve watched, her mind taking the information in.

" So I've been told," she whispered.

" All first years follow me," McGonagall instructed. " We will be taking you to the Great Hall for sorting," the boat hit the dock, halting instantly. " Come on, keep up," McGonagall motioned for the first years to follow. Genieve followed carefully.

The castle was huge! She had to tilt her head back to see even the lowest tower.

" How old is this castle?" Genieve sighed. " It must be ancient."

" It was here before I can remember," McGonagall told her. " The thousands and thousands of ages old. Come now. This way. Stay close. The plants sometimes like to grab unsuspecting students."

Snape entered the Great Hall and made his way to the Slytherin table. A few of his friends had already gathered there.

" Have you seen Potter lately?" one of his friends asked.

" Of course I have Devon," Snape sat down quickly. " I've already argued with him once and secured one of the best sorceresses to our side. This is going to be a good year."

" We've got a new potions teacher and rumor has it that he's really easy," his other friend, Almur Russo, commented. " We can actually get away with our pranks."

" Our house head is really simple this year too," Snape smiled. " Lord James Hector, quite an easy man," Snape finished his sentence just as the first years came into the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall led the group. Standing right behind her was Genieve Larkov. Snape watched her pass, smiling slightly.

" What's up with you?" Russo asked. Snape signaled him to be silent. The Slytherin table became silent with Snape's gesture.

" Sorceress Genieve Larkov will be Slytherin!" Snape stood, bowing to Genieve. Genieve glanced at Snape quickly. A clamor arose from the Gryffindor table. James Potter stood quickly, accepting Snape's challenge.

" She will not fall into the hands of evil!" James yelled.

" Slytherin!" Snape chanted.

" SLYTHERIN, SLYTHERIN!"

" GRYFFINDOR, GRYFFINDOR!"

" SILENCE!" Dumbledoor raised his voice. " Silence!" McGonagall quieted the first year students near the head table. " Please. The Sorting Hat will tell the truth. It will Sort the girl as it feels fit," McGonagall nodded. " Let us continue with the ceremony. Professor McGonagall, please bring forth the first years," McGonagall brought the first years forward. Slowly she unrolled the list, calling out each name. Finally she reached Genieve's name.

" GENIEVE LARKOV!" McGonagall called. A roar came up from the Slytherin and Gryffindor table. Genieve froze for a second before stepping forward. She drew herself up, walking forward slowly. She lowered herself to the stool, waiting for McGonagall to lower the Sorting Hat to her head. Genieve felt the Hat on her head and shut her eyes. A hush came over the entire Hall.

" Well… very interesting," the Sorting Hat spoke. " Very talented… very strong.. very VERY powerful."

" SLYTHERIN… GRYFFINDOR…"

" Ah, they all want you in their house. The two most powerful houses of all, but where to put you. Your family has lived in Gryffindor for ages. But then again…" the Sorting hat paused. " Very difficult decision indeed, very difficult. The makings of a great sorceress are here, all of it is here. But where should you go… let us put you in. Well let's see… how about…" there was a silence over the Hall. No one breathed or moved. "SLYTHERIN!" A great roar came up from the Slytherin table. Faintly over the din, James Potter's anguished scream floated over the Hall.

" Slytherin, the true Hogwarts champion!" Snape yelled.