Author name: Kara
Author e-mail: Caruh314@aol.com
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Author's Note: Finally, Hogwarts! This one took a while. Don't laugh at my song, I'm no good at rhyming! Thanks to Sami and Aurora, my great betas. Please R&R!. Also, theres also a slightly different version on TheDarkArts.org, part of FictionAlley.org, under the name Kara. Thanks!
CHAPTER 3- Nice To Meet You, Severus
Remus, Remus! James called, waving his hand in the air and jumping up and down. Remus' head turned quickly, and he smiled when he saw James' unruly hair becoming even more messy. He quickly enlisted his mothers aid to help his drag his trunk over to James and Mr. Potter, Harrison.
So nice to see you again, Serena, Harrison greeted Serena, his hand outstretched. Her face was wan, and her features unusually sharp. Her dark blonde hair was pulled into a severe bun, and she had on black office robes. Where are you off to? he asked, noting her attire.
After I see Remus off, I am going to look for a job, Remus looked up from his conversation with James. I can't expect Abram's money will last forever, can I? she said bitterly. Especially when no one's contributing.
Harrison looked embarrassed. Er- yes, he agreed. He turned to the two boys. I expect you two not to get into any trouble! I heard about your nightly escapade, and even though I don't know the details, I don't expect anything like that to happen at Hogwarts. He peered sternly over his glasses. And, on the brighter side, I see the carriages, and the kids getting off the Express! He excitedly pointed to the young witches and wizards stepping down the Hogwarts Express onto the Hogsmeade platform. Hurry, Serena and I will bag you a good carriage! He hastily lifted James' trunk, suddenly energetic, and put it into the first coach he came too. There ya go, he said. Shortly, he became misty eyed. Oh, James, he wailed, I'll miss you! He embraced his son tightly, and gave Remus a quick hug as well. Before he could start crying properly, the boys quickly clambered into the carriage. He and Serena turned to leave Hogsmeade Station.
James let out a deep sigh, and sunk into a plush seat. Good thing he left, before things got embarrassing, huh, Remus?
Remus started to reply, but was cut off by a boy sitting in the corner seat of the coach. A little late for that, eh? He had a thick Devonshire accent.
Remus groaned, and James asked angrily, Who are you?
The boy sat up in his seat, and Remus and James could now properly see his face. He had dark blue eyes, and a very tan complexion. His straight, jet black hair was cut in a crew cut. I'm Sirius Black, you? He offered his hand. Remus eyes it wearily, but James grabbed it, and shook it with vigor.
James Potter, and this is my best friend, Remus Lupin, He motioned to Remus, who was sitting quietly on the seat closest to the door.
Sirius' eyes shone. I know you! James looked startled, and Sirius laughed. Well, not you, but my Da knows yours! He got him out a lil' bit of trouble...Something about enchanted muggle bicycle, I think? I don't know about you, but I want me a motorcycle!
Remus finally spoke. A real one? Sirius nodded, Enchanted! I bet I'll learn some good ones this year!
I know a couple myself, Remus commented.
Sirius scoffed, How would you know magic before you came to school?
Remus smile. Get yourself a wand, and open a book.
Sirius looked sheepish. he said. Well, do some magic then! he ordered. Remus pulled his wand out of his robe. Ten inches long, made out of Hollywillow, good for general magic, Mr. Ollivander had said. He took a deep breath, and whispered ignitiate, and a small red flame shot up to the tip of his wand. As all three boys leaned in for a closer look, the carriage door flew open. A pale, pasty faced boy with greasy black hair stood in front, looking anxiously at the fire coming from Remus' wand. He let out a small squeal, and turned, presumably to
Sirius was the first to act. He vaulted from his seat, and grabbed the boy by the back of his collar. Slowly, the boy turned around. He was almost trembling. Where were you going? Sirius asked, his voice sugar sweet.
To tell a teacher, the boy retorted, pulling his ironed white shirt from Sirius' grasp. No magic allowed!
Sure there is, Remus said amiably. We're almost at school aren't we?
The boy seemed to be thinking it over. Abruptly, Sirius pulled the startled boy into the carriage and slammed the door shut.
Whether we're at school or not, he said, huffing, you won't be telling any one! He pulled the shade over the window.
The boy became paler, so that his skin directly contrasted with his hair. he said, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes, however, were not as calm. They were looking frantically all over the compartment, perhaps looking for a way out. He sighed, and sat on he cushion across from Sirius.
So, what's your name? James asked, making his presence known. As soon as the boy spotted him, his eyes narrowed, and loathing replaced his scared look. I know you, he snarled, pointing a finger at James. You're a Potter.
You say it like it's a bad thing, James said, still not offended.
The boy started pompously, Severus Snape.
James looked politely bewildered. Snape, you say?
The boy smirked, So, you don't even know who I am? James shook his head, becoming impatient. Well, my family knows yours, unfortunately. Your grandfather, Alexander Potter, was my grandfather's best friend. His smirk grew wider, and color was coming back to his face. And, do you know what he did? James shook his head again. He betrayed him! He sold him out to the enemy. Was supposed to be his secret keeper, but told their location, just like that! He snapped his fingers as to punctuate his remark.
cried James. Don't you dare talk about my grandfather like that...Especially since he's dead now! And it must be a lie, no Potter would ever do that!
Oh, us Snape's know you Potter's, Severus spat the name out. Liars, cheats and always involved in scandals! A devilish gleam appeared in his eye. I even heard some things about your mother...How's it like having a scarlet woman for a mum?
That was when all three boys lost it. James and Sirius both leaped for the boy, throwing punches and kicking, while trying to dodge the blows from his hard boots. Remus pulled out his wand once more, and tried to pull Sirius and James off Severus. He then smiled at his best friend and his new friend, and cast a spell on Severus-
petrificus totalis
Instantaneously, Severus' body seized up, and he couldn't move. He was stuck lying on the floor, and the carriages started with a jolt. He spent the whole ride listening to the boys' laughter, most of it being directed at him, and them chatting amongst themselves, as if all three had been friends their whole life. Severus quietly observed them, being the only thing he could do.
The nasty Potter boy is awful, he concluded. I'll never speak to him again. The one with the straight black hair is almost as bad, but the quiet one was smart. I still don't like him. After reaching his decisions, he spent the remaining time trying (and miserably failing) to send angry glares to their backs.
The boys were still chattering when the stagecoach began to slow. They noticed the slight change in speed, and began to gather their things. As the carriage pulled to a stop, they all filed out. Remus and James had been informed by Mr. Potter to leave their things on the coach, they would be sent to the school as everyone elses belongings had been. As they clambered down the steps, Remus casually flicked his wand behind him and muttered the counter-spell for Severus under his breath.
A screeching voice startled all four. Are you all first-years? A severe looking teacher in bright green robes was standing formidably in front of them.
Er- yes, Sirius squeaked.
You were supposed to be on the boats! She frowned. You're lucky school hasn't started yet, or I would take off points for not following directions. She grabbed Severus up from the floor of the coach, and motioned for the other three to come along. she pointed, run along and catch up with the rest of your year!
So, instead of catching the first glimpse of their school in a little four-seater boat, floating through the ivy and mist, they got a fleeting glimpse of the outside before they found themselves in a large group with other first years. The very large, young looking man who appeared to be heading the group banged on the massive oak doors.
The strict looking woman was somehow inside already, and she threw open the enormous doors. They waited in a empty chamber off the main hallway, and she began to speak.
Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am the Transfiguration instructress, Professor McGonagall. Shortly, you shall be sorted into one of four houses- Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. Each house is outstanding, and has produced remarkable witches and wizards. Your house will be who you eat, sleep and attend classes with. Also, points will be rewarded to your house for effort and good behavior, and taken away for rule breaking. They are tallied, and the house with the most points wins the House Cup. I'm sure you shall all become a great addition to whichever House you are in. She left the chamber, her green robes billowing out behind her.
James, Sirius and Remus all threw each other nervous looks. Sirius had been fidgeting during the whole speech, and his hat was a an odd angle on his head. Remus was neat, but visibly pale, and James was trying to flatten his hair, and tried to wipe smudges off of his shoes. Severus had moved to the other side of the room, with people who seemed to be his acquaintances. Sirius was pretty sure a boy that nasty couldn't have friends, and James and Remus readily agreed with him.
Just as the students were beginning to feel more comfortable, Professor McGonagall returned. She told them to form a straight line and follow her. She led them into what could be no other than the Great Hall.
Remus was looking at the enchanted ceiling, not even seeing the four House tables with hundreds of students at them. The ceiling had been enchanted to look like the sky outside. If he hadn't known he was inside, he could not have told the difference. He was leaning so far back, though, that he bumped into Sirius, who fell backwards into a red headed girl.
she cried, tripping, and falling out of line onto the floor. Sirius quickly scrambled off of her, and offered his hand to help her up. When she looked at him, she blushed, and grabbed his hand. He apologized, and she readily accepted it. He never found out her name, however, because the Sorting had begun.
When you look at me, what do you see?
A black and dirty, old, tattered hat.
But don't let appearances deceive you!
I'm far superior to that!
I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Cap,
I've got it, brains and all!
And I am the one who decides,
Into which house you fall!
Should I place you in Gryffindor?
Where lie the brave and mighty of heart?
If you know that you are daring,
Of this house you could be a part!
Or maybe Hufflepuff suits you,
If you're patient, through and through.
Kind in manner, and loyal of heart,
Charitableness sets them apart.
Astute Ravenclaw may be your call,
When you try on me in the Great Hall,
If you want to learn at school,
In Ravenclaw you'll be no fool.
Last, but not least, there's Slytherin.
Very cunning, they achieve their ends.
They know how to get where they belong.
What shall I say when you put me on?
So, go on, have a try, don't be suspicious!
I don't bite, or do anything vicious!
Just try me on, and you shall see,
Where you belong in the Hogwarts School
Of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
The brim of the hat closed as it ifnished it's song. Sirius was gaping at the black, pointed hat. Although he had begged, his mother had given him no clue of what to expect at the sorting. Some people laughed out of sheer relief, and others looked bored; someone must have previously told them what would occur.
Noting the bored-looking kids, a blonde girl whispered to Remus, That must take the fun out of it, huh? He nodded, but didn't say anything as the first name was called out.
Black, Sirius!
Sirius was absolutely petrified. He stood stock still, until the red haired girl gave him a nudge. Slowly, he walked to the stool and put on the hat, which slid down to his nose. Remus and James held their breaths in anticipation...
To be continued...