Ravens Have no Hearts

Pairing: Harry/OC, Ron/Hermoine, and others will be hinted at

Rating: PG-13 for now, mild language

Author: Tainted Elf

Disclaimer: I don't own HP

Timeline: Sept. 1, the first day at Hogwarts

Chapter Two: Trials and Tribulations

Liliana smiled brightly as she took off through the brick wall in front of her. Rose and Evan Moore were behind her with Matthew, while Antonin had just run through. It was tough to be inconspicuous, but no one seemed to notice them.

It was odd, walking through a brick wall, but she didn't feel a thing as she passed through. On the other side was a massive black and red steam engine. She boarded, ten minutes early, and sat in her own compartment. Her annoying twin was off with Draco already. To make matters worse, Draco's henchmen, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, were with him.

Matthew, who made Head Boy this year, was gloating to Percy Weasley, a fifth year, in the compartment behind hers.

Another girl walked into Liliana's compartment, "May I sit here?"

The girl had eerie violet eyes and long blond hair. "Of course. I am Liliana Moore."

She shook Liliana's hand. "It's a pleasure. I have heard a lot about your family. I am Carrie, Carrie Lorn."

Liliana gave Carrie a dry smile, "Everything you've heard about the Moore family is probably true. Mind you, I do not associate with that name, I am going to be in Ravenclaw House."

Carrie smiled, "Really? I want to be in Slytherin to make my parents happy. My mum was a Ravenclaw; my dad was a Slytherin. When my brother got into Gryffindor, they were furious. Seems they 'want' to be as renown as the Malfoys and the Moores."

Her violet eyes lit up. "I would rather just be a great witch, that's all. I don't care if everyone knows about me, but anything to make my parents happy."

Liliana's green eyes mocked her, "I am going to do everything in my power 'not' to follow my parents wishes. They already have Matt, the head boy, and captain of the Slytherin House Quidditch Team. There's also no doubt my conniving twin will be in Slytherin."

Carrie eyes grew wide, "Matthew Moore? He's your brother?! May I have his autograph?"

The aspiring young Moore sighed, "Whatever." Carrie set out in search of Matt, leaving Liliana to continue her reading.

She found a simple spell that looked easy enough, and called her twin in. "Antonin!" When he arrived, she took his glasses, and stomped on them.

Antonin glared, "Hey!" Liliana proceeded to pick them up and got out her fine wand.

"Oculus Reparo!" The glasses mended themselves quickly, leaving Draco and his henchmen gaping.

Draco smiled, "Brilliant and beautiful, what more could a man ask for?"

Liliana shot daggers at him through her dark green eyes. Draco ignored her, running his slender fingers through her ebon hair.

Before Draco could react, Liliana had slapped him across the face, leaving a red handprint on his cheek. He removed his hand from his cheek after rubbing it and shrugged, "Very well, but we will see how you fair alone at Hogwarts." With that, the snooty blond, her twin, and their two henchmen walked off angrily.

The bushy-haired brunette that Liliana had met in Diagon Alley walked by and paused, "Hello again."

Liliana looked up, angry at first. "What now?" She noticed Hermoine. "Oh sorry, I thought you were someone else."

Hermoine smiled, "I would hope so." Liliana gave an apologetic look and Hermoine sat down. "Looking forward to Hogwarts?"

The Moore's daughter sighed, "In a way, yes. What House do you want to get into?"

The bushy brunette smiled, "I just finished that chapter in 'Hogwarts, A History' and I think either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. And you?"

Liliana smiled, "You would do well in both. I will probably be in Slytherin, just from my lineage, but I long to be a Ravenclaw."

The ebon haired girl stared wistfully out the window at the lovely scenery. Lush valleys untouched by humans sprawled for miles.

Hermoine noticed her forlorn look, "I have read that the Sorting Hat has never been wrong, I am sure it will know where to put you."

Liliana smiled, "Thank you. Friends?" She offered her hand to the girl, and Hermoine took it.

Just as they dropped hands, Hermoine spotted something. "Oh, that's Neville's toad. I will see you later!"

Liliana stood; she had already changed into her robes. They were nearing the school and Hermoine had left her wand. 'I had better find her incase we aren't in the same house.' She walked down the rows of compartments, and finally found Hermoine talking with the Boy Who Lived.

The Moore hesitated, her parents had told her so many terrible things about that boy. 'Harry Potter' She smiled, "Harry Potter, it seems we meet again."

Harry smiled at her, "We met at Diagon Alley, correct? Yes, Liliana Moore."

Liliana shivered, "Just Liliana, please."

He nodded, "Of course. Hagrid told me that your family is famous. Perhaps with you at Hogwarts I will get less attention."

They both laughed. Liliana sighed, "Blast it, I was hoping something along the opposite lines. People think I am so great, but I am nothing like my parents."

Harry looked down, "I wish I could say that."

Liliana shook her head, "James and Lily were very sweet people I hear. I would be proud if I were you."

The brown-haired boy smiled, "Thank you Liliana." Those words meant more to Harry than he let on, and he smiled brightly.

The train pulled to a stop and the four got off together. Ron Weasley introduced himself, "I'm Ron Weasley. Nice to meet you."

Liliana smiled, "Hello Ron." She remembered hearing about him too from her parents. Evan always told her that the Weasleys were about as much wizards as Mudbloods were. Looking at Ron and then at Hermoine, she forgot everything her parents had ever taught her. Hermoine was no awful Mudblood, she was just a Muggleborn witch. As for Ron, aside from his ragged clothing, he seemed quite sweet.

As the group paraded off the train, a large bulky man motioned them towards a grouping of boats. As they got in the boats together Harry spoke to the large bearded man. His name was Hagrid, and he was the Games keeper. Despite his massive size, he seemed very harmless.

Liliana smiled, "Is the Sorting first thing?" Hagrid nodded.

Harry sighed, "As long as I am not a Slytherin."

Liliana tensed, "Yeah, same here." Hermoine watched her, and so did Carrie who was near the back of the boat. Both of them gave her questioning looks.

Hagrid smiled, "That's the spirit. Slytherin House is known for producing Dark Wizards, that's not the place for a sweet girl like you. What's your name again?"

She bit her lip, "Liliana Moore." Hagrid fell silent and didn't say a word until he whispered to Harry as they disembarked.

As they listened to McGonagall's speech before entering the Great Hall, she saw Draco staring at her and then sneering and making comments to Crabbe and Goyle.

Liliana proceeded up the stairs, behind Harry and with Hermoine at her right side. Draco approached her, "Great company you keep Lili, really. A Mudblood, a Weasley and the filthy little Potter? Surely you can do better than that?"

Ron and Hermoine shot Malfoy cold glares. Liliana just smiled politely, "At least I do not stoop as low as my brother and hang out with the likes of you." Ron sniggered and the four of them slipped into the Hall to be sorted.

All the first years piled in to the room, a dingy beat up hat sat on a stool in the middle of the Hall. As the talking died down, 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!

A few of the first years snorted and Hermoine and I laughed a little. Harry stared in awe, but then again, I heard he hadn't even known he was a Wizard.

As Hannah Abbot was sorted into Hufflepuff, I began to get nervous. I was after my twin, and if we both got into Slytherin, my new friends would never want to speak to me again. Terry Boot became a Ravenclaw, and all the people at their table cheered. As I looked among them, I longed to join them. A Ravenclaw girl sat near the head of the table, she looked very beautiful and Liliana noticed that she caught Harry's eye for a moment. Envy shot through Liliana. She laughed, 'Me? Jealous?'

Before Liliana could realize what was happening, Ernie Macmillan became a Hufflepuff. As Draco Malfoy approached, the hat barely touched his head and yelled out, "SLYTHERIN!" Her brother approached, and of course he was a Slytherin.

Tension shot through Liliana, she was next. "Moore, Liliana."

The nervous raven-haired girl slinked up to the stool proudly and smiled as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. 'Not Slytherin. Please, anything but Slytherin. I beg of you!'

The Hat pondered, "Well, you really seem perfect for Slytherin. This one is too ambitious for Hufflepuff, and too conniving for Gryffindor. I'd have to say, SLYTHERIN!"

A look of utter despair filled Liliana's face as I glumly walked towards Slytherin table. Her now future teammates grinned and welcomed her. Among them was Malfoy, who smiled; "I knew you'd change your mind."

Liliana slapped him and tried everything in her power not to burst into tears. She ignored the next few names, but noticed Carrie had joined Slytherin. Liliana looked sadly over at Hermoine. Harry Potter was sorted...into Gryffindor.

The loneliness was something Liliana had never felt before. Idiots and sniggering fools surrounded her. Finally, it was over, and not even Ron was in her house.

As the feast began, and food appeared on her plate, she lost her appetite. A few other Slytherins tried to get a word with her and her brother. She didn't even feel like breathing, much less talking.

She wanted to curl up and die. 'I didn't even make Hufflepuff.' Anger swelled within her, how she hated her parents. This was their entire fault. How could do this to her? As she looked up at the top table, she noticed her teachers. A man at the end, in all black robes was watching her intently.

'He must be the head of Slytherin, he has the looks for it.'

Snape watched the young first year at the end, not touching her food. He considered telling Dumbledore, but no one was ever moved from the house they were assigned...it just wasn't done. Just because this girl had some oddity that caught his eye, did not make her an exception.

He returned to his meal, still watching the raven hair eleven-year-old before him. She looked more like a four or fifth year than a first year. She was already closer to womanhood than many of the older girls. Her eyes held deep pain, those green orbs. Something about the girl compelled Snape; he would definitely talk to her later on.

Finally the feast was over, and Liliana was one of the first to try and leave. The problem was, until Matthew decided to show them where to go, she had no clue where the dormitories were. With a heavy sigh, she waited by the doorway.

Much to her surprise, the dark haired man she had spotted earlier approached her. Snape smiled, "Hello Liliana. I am Snape, I am the Head of Slytherin House and the Potions instructor."

Liliana said her polite greetings and smiled. "Have I done something wrong?"

Snape gave a slight smile, "No, my dear, but I could not help but notice your despair. Perhaps you do not like your house?"

"Not to be rude sir, but I think I am not cut out for Hogwarts."

Snape smiled, though it seemed like more of a devilish smirk. "I have already heard your twin babbling about how you mended his glasses, after breaking them, and I am quite certain that you are perfect for Hogwarts."

Liliana flushed lightly. "Thank you sir, it is just that I do not wish to stay if I am to be a Slytherin."

Snape sighed as McGonagall approached, "Is there a problem Severus?"

He shook his head, "No, none at all." She looked from the downtrodden girl to the Potions teacher before departing to the Gryffindor Common Room.

Severus sighed, "Now look at what she has gone and done. The Slytherins have already left. I suppose I will show you where to go." He looked irritated to Liliana, but she didn't mention it.

"Have I angered you?"

Snape turned, "No, of course not. Why would you think such balderdash?"

Liliana shrugged, "You seem angry." Snape shook his head, and proceeded towards what she assumed was the Slytherin dormitory, making small talk with Liliana all the way.

Liliana found that Snape had been a Slytherin, and that he understood why Liliana would not want to be one. "You are a wise young girl, Ravenclaw will suit you better. Innocent and wise, yes, Slytherin was most definitely not the place for you. I assume the Sorting Hat just took in account your parents."

"Yes. I would believe it." Liliana sighed.

"You don't have to be like them, I never liked them very much myself. You can be your own person, with all the potential you have, you could be anyone you wanted." They arrived in front of a large portrait of a suit of armor.

"Thank you Severus." Liliana flushed, she didn't know why she had used his first name. Snape didn't object, he just gave her a polite nod and headed down the hall.

As she whispered the password under her breath, Liliana considered how the day went. She sat in the Common Room for a while, just basking in the light of the fire. She pondered about the events of the day, would she still be friends with Hermoine, Ron and Harry even if they weren't in the same house? Will they still accept her, or will they realize what kind of a family she comes from and desert her?

Though the fire was raging, the Common Room was still cold. She rolled her eyes, "What would expect from Slytherin?"

Ron and Harry sat in the Gryffindor Common Room talking quietly. Hermoine was in the Common Room too, curled up in an armchair reading. Hermoine sighed, "I can't believe she made Slytherin, the poor girl."

Harry frowned and turned to Ron. "Do you think we could go rescue her?"

Ron sighed, "From where? She is in the Slytherin Common Room by now, and unless you know where that is, I guess we can't."

"Not to mention, it's after hours!" Hermoine scowled at him.

"We weren't asking you, were we?" Ron glared.

Harry yawned sleepily, "I am sure she will be alright. If worse comes to worse, she can just ask Dumbledore to be resorted."

Hermoine looked at Harry as if he had just sworn, "REsorted? Harry, you don't just get REsorted. It doesn't happen. The Sorting Hat is never wrong."

Too tired to argue, Harry shrugged. "Let's just go to sleep, we will see her in the morning and we can talk then."

Hermoine nodded, "True." Ron and Harry trampled up the stairs to the boys dorms while Hermoine trailed behind, reading more of her rather thick book.

Yawning, Liliana stood and considered heading up to bed. Suddenly, she heard the oddest sound coming from the portrait hole. As she glanced at it for a moment, the knocking repeated. Someone was there.

Liliana approached it and opened it cautiously, with her wand drawn. As the figure appeared, her wand fell loudly to the floor. She didn't bend down to pick it up.