Updated!

Vivian boarded the Hogwarts express. The small walkway was empty and quiet. After debating for a few moments she decided to sit in the middle most compartment. She glanced at her watch for the fifth time and sighed. Her anxiety had caused her to be over half an hour early for departure. Her leg bounced quickly as she fiddled with her watch's silver clasp. Taking a deep breath in she leaned up against the cool class to get a better view of the platform. The empty platform soon began to show signs of life as families trickled in. Hugs and kisses were exchanged as kids started to file onto the train. She steeled herself to keep her eyes out the window instead of anxiously waiting in hope that someone would join her. Chatter of voices soon filled the train. The platform started to resemble a bees nest with all the people moving here or there. She fumbled with the buckle of her satchel. Pulling out a random text book she tried to read at random to slow her beating heart. New places. New people. It all felt too much. Her eyes flicked up at the sound of her compartment door opening. A young girl around her height quickly let herself in. Her dark red hair pulled into a ponytail. Vivian quickly looked back at her book forcing herself to take slow, even breaths.

"Hello! I'm Lily & this is Severus." The cheery and energetic girl spoke up across from her. Lowing her book Vivian offered a hesitant smile.

"I'm Vivian." She glanced over at the boy she hadn't noticed earlier. He had black hair that stood in stark contrast to his pale skin. "Nice to meet you both."

"You're a first year too right? Severus told me there are four houses we are sorted into. Which one do you want to be in?" Lily smiled wider, leaning forward.

"Well…my parents were both in Slytherin, but I wouldn't mind any of the other houses." She glanced between them watching their reactions. Either people loved Slytherin or hated it. For some reason there never seemed to be an in-between.

"I think they all sound great! Hopefully we can all get sorted into the same house!" Lily was quite talkative and animated with her hands which was a relief. All Vivian had to do was listen and nod. The Severus boy stayed quiet unless specifically asked a question or prodden on by Lily. It was surprising to learn Lily was a muggleborn. She seemed to fit in with a natural confidence. All too quickly the train began to slow. Lily and Vivian peered through the window to try and get a glimpse of the school. The fog was heavy leaving the school enshrouded with only small lights flickering through. Soon all the students were pushing their way off the train. Vivian lost sight of Lily and Severus in the chaos. A bombing voice made her and a few students around her jump.

"FIRST YEARS! FIRST YEARS LINE UP HERE!" A giant of a man bellowed. Vivian's eyes grew wide as she hesitantly made her way through the quickly dispersing crowd.

"Name's Harid. Follow me this way first years. To the boats. Then you'll be sorted into your houses. Right this way. Mind yer step!" The man strode towards the shore line where small boats had been lined up. A small cold hand grabbed hers. She almost jerked her hand away before seeing Lily beside her. The girl leaned over and whispered, "This way we won't get lost again." Vivian grinned and squeezed her hand in acknowledgement. Severus followed behind them until they were almost to one of the boats when a group of boys rushed in front of them nearly knocking Severus over as they shoved each other playfully before getting on board.

Lily rolled her eyes while Severus glared at them. Vivian offered Severus a hand up that he ignored. Lily led them to the last boat. Vivian could have sworn it was smaller than the rest. She hesitantly stepped inside worried it would sink at the slightest weight. Seeing as it was still afloat she carefully made her way to the front to make room for the others. She shivered, pulling her cloak closer as the fog swirled around. The fog grew thicker leaving only the sight of the boats' lanterns as they floated across the water. Soon the boats hit the shore.

"Follow me! Stay close! These rocks can get slippery. Don't need any of you falling into this water." Hargid called out. Students huddled together in groups as they made their way up the slick window stairwell. Vivian and Severus had started to pant by the time they reached the top.

Hagrid smiled as a witch came out to greet them.

"This'll be Professor McGonnagal. She'll take care of ya from here on out." Before much else could be said the Professor started ushering them down a hallway until they reached a large door.

"It's time to get sorted into your houses. Wait until I call your name." With that she opened the door to a spacious room. Tables and students make four long lines. At the head sat the teachers with the Headmaster at the center. The Professor continued to urge them forward until they lined the front of the hall. Up a few steps was a stool with an old hat upon it. Vivian's heart started to race as the Headmaster stands to welcome everyone. It all sounds muffled as her heartbeat in her ears. Lily squeezes her hand. Glancing over Vivian realizes Lily looks just as nervous as her, if not a little green. She gives her hand a squeeze in return mustering up a small smile. Lily smiled back, taking a deep breath. One by one the students went up to a stool for the sorting hat to be placed on their heads. She was left with only a handful of other students after Lily's name was called. Almost immediately after it was placed on her head the hat announced, "GRYFFINDOR!" Dread fell like a heavy rock in Vivian's stomach. Her family had been placed in Slytherin for generations. Her name was called next. She was terrified what her parents would think if she didn't get placed in Slytherin, but deep down she desperately wished to be in Gryffindor. She'd always failed to meet her parents expectations anyways, if she could finally make a choice towards her own happiness she wanted to take it.

The hat spoke to her, making her start, "Seems like another Slytherin, except…hmm…maybe not. GRYFFINDOR!" It yelled out. Vivian walked down to sit next to a cheering Lily in what felt like a dream. Her parents would be pissed, but she might finally be able to find her own place.