Chapter Two

The Newest Gryffindor

Des couldn't believe that it was September first already. The rest of the summer had been interesting. Des had overheard her father telling Draco his big scheme to donate six brand new Nimbus Two Thousand and One brooms to the Slytherin Quidditch with the condition that Draco be made Seeker. Selene's father had already agreed to it, of course, and he was Head of Slytherin House so it was basically a done deal.

Then she came up with a way to get revenge on Draco and also insure that she could do whatever she wanted to at Hogwarts without him snitching to their father. Des threatened to prove to the entire school including the Headmaster exactly how Draco got on the team (she knew they would know but wouldn't be able to do anything about it otherwise) if he told their father anything that would get her in trouble.

Of course, Draco didn't want to call her bluff so he agreed without argument. When he told their father that he wanted to go flying with Selene, he couldn't say or do anything when Des called him a liar and said that he really had plans to meet a Hufflepuff girl. Of course their father didn't want his children to associate with anyone who wasn't in Slytherin and forbid him to go.

Des knew Selene might be mad at her for awhile but she wasn't the type to stay made for long. Besides Selene didn't really deserve to have fun after siding against her best-friend. Frankly, she didn't see what was so great about her brother in the first place looks aside. It was very rare that he was nice to anyone which wasn't surprising since he was going to be a Death Eater eventually. Unless he actually decided to defy their father. Yea, right."

"Here's platform nine and three-quarters." Draco told her coldly.

"Where?" All she saw was platforms nine and ten.

Lucius said, "Go so she can see how to do it, Draco."

Draco smirked and ran towards the barrier that divided the platforms, while pushing his trolley. Des' eyes widened in horror. He was going to hit it! Then suddenly he was gone. Oh there must be some kind of magic entrance there.

"I'll go right after you. I want to talk to Severus."

Des gritted her teeth in concentration and then did exactly what her brother had done. The next thing she knew she had passed through the barrier and there was the Hogwarts Express. She glanced at the cage that held Princess, who luckily appeared to be just fine.

Briefly she wondered where Draco had went but then her father appeared. "There's Severus and Selene. Come along, Desdemona."

She followed her father slowly. The trolley suddenly felt much heavier. If she wasn't a Malfoy, Des might have thought it was caused by a guilty conscience but of course that was absurd.

Lucius said, "Good day, Severus. Ready to go to Hogwarts, Miss Selene?"

"Of course Mr. Malfoy, I've been looking forward to it all summer" Selene noticed Des and gave her a look that said 'what did you do to keep Draco away'. "If you excuse me sir, I think I'm going to help Des with her things"

"Bye, Father. See you at Christmas." Des said quickly.

Lucius said coldly, "Behave yourself, Desdemona."

Des didn't answer as she was already following Selene to the train.

"Oh, Des do you know why Draco didn't Owl me? because I spent the rest of vacation waiting for him to owl, although I now know all the potions father is going to be giving everyone this year." Selene said not even looking at Des.

"How should I know why that stupid git didn't owl you? I do know that Father forbid him to go flying though."

"Des you had better be telling the truth. You know I have no problems getting you or anyone else back if they lie to me"

"Of course I am telling the truth."

The Hogwarts Express let out a loud whistle.

"Come on get your things put up and grab that furball of yours so we can go get a seat"

"All right." Des quickly stored her things in a compartment and took Princess out of her cage.

"Come on" Selene said as she pulled Des onto the train. "I don't know about you but I'm going to be sitting with Draco"

"Sure. That why you can have the pleasure of meeting his goons." Des snickered.

"I want to see them try something if I don't get them I know dad will if they do anything to his little angel"

"Oh they won't do anything to us. Just to people Draco hates."

"That means I'm safe I don't know about you though" Selene said smiling.

"Whatever. You had better watch out for Pansy Parkinson. She has a crush on Draco. Not that he likes her but she can be vicious."

"She has apparently never dealt with Snapes very often then"

"Yea. "Let's go look for my silly brother. Maybe we'll get lucky and bump into some decent people along the way."

Selene laughed.

They walked asking various people if they knew what compartment Draco Malfoy was in.

"Hey there's Pansy." Des whispered to Selene.

Selene looked at Pansy the whispered to Des. "You have got to be kidding"

"Afraid not."

Selene shuddered.

"Des, is that you?" Pansy called with fake sweetness.

"Yes, have you seen my brother?" Des asked trying not to grimace.

"Well of course, I have. He is looking for Potter to give him a nice err 'surprise.' "

"Oh, is he?" Des muttered darkly.

"Come on, Selene." Des whispered.

Des and Selene began backing away.

"Nice talking to you, Des." Pansy said.

"Bye."

"Okay, let's find that stupid prat."

"Lead the way Des, goodbye Pansy" Selene said with fake sweetness.

"Okay, let's find that stupid prat." Des gasped when she stepped into another compartment. There were three red-haired boys and a red haired girl in there. They had to be Weasley's. Another girl with bushy brown hair was in there, too.

"Des, next time give me a little warning when you are going to stop suddenly"

"Sorry." Des whispered.

"Is something wrong?" The brown haired girl asked.

"No not really we're trying to find Draco Malfoy have you seen him"

"Malfoy. Yes, I have. He left in a huff when he learned that Harry and Ron missed the train. I haven't the faintest idea where he went. Are you two first years? I would stay away from him if I was you."

Selene couldn't help it and started to laugh.

"Well unfortunately that is impossible. Seeing as how I'm am stuck being his sister. You must be Hermione Granger."

"Malfoy has a sister?" One of the red haired boys asked.

"Oh yes" Selene said looking at the one who had spoke.

"But, aren't you a Weasley? I knew you people were poor but I didn't realize you were stupid."

"Des, would you shut up"

"I suppose Father has been hiding my existence. No wonder he didn't want me to come." Des muttered angrily.

Selene gave Des a hard look. "Come on lets go" she said pulling Des away and saying to the occupants of the compartment. "Sorry about this"

Des whispered to Selene. "I think there's only one compartment left."

"Then that's probably where he's at"

"Must be." Des pushed open the door to reveal a sulking Draco and his goons, Crabbe and Goyle.

Draco said, "Hello, Selene."

"Hi Draco, been looking for you"

"Oh have you? Well, we were quite busy but unfortunately our plans feel through."

"So I heard"

"You are horrid, Draco."

Draco sneered.. "Upset because your boyfriend is going to get expelled, Des?"

"Harry isn't going to be expelled and he isn't my boyfriend."

"How do you know I was referring to Potty? But yes I am sure missing the train to Hogwarts is reason for expulsion. Bye bye Potter and Weasel." Draco smirked.

Selene just shook her head at the two then went and sat next to Draco.

"Oh shut up, Draco."

"Please don't tell me you two are going to do this the entire way to Hogwarts"

Draco rolled his eyes. "I guess not. Take a seat, Des."

Des frowned and sat down by the window, the farthest she could get from Goyle.

Selene looked at Draco. "How come you didn't Owl me?"

Draco refused to meet her gaze. "Father wouldn't let me. He was in a bad mood the rest of the summer. Probably something to do with the Ministry."

Des snorted. "That makes it sound like he works for them."

Draco glared at his sister. "You knew what I meant, Desdemona."

"Guess that means his being a Death Eater shouldn't be spoken of at school? Pitty."

"Hey maybe some other time we can go." Selene said getting Draco's attention" Selene knew what would happen if these two kept going on like this.

"Quiet, you silly little girl. Oh yea that would be great, Selene."

"So what happens when we get to Hogwarts?" Des asked.

"Hagrid will lead you across the lake and then you'll be sorted by the sorting hat." Draco said in a bored tone.

"Oh."

"Then we eat." Crabbe said.

Draco said, "Who cares about the stupid feast? I just want to find out what they do to Potty and Weasel."

"It should be interesting I suppose" Selene said. For the most part there was silence for the rest of the ride.

Des noticed that the train appeared to have stopped. "I think we're here."

"Guess that means his being a Death Eater shouldn't be spoken of at school? Pitty."

"Hey maybe some other time we can go." Selene said getting Draco's attention" Selene knew what would happen if these two kept going on like this.

"Quiet, you silly little girl. Oh yea that would be great, Selene."

"So what happens when we get to Hogwarts?" Des asked.

"Hagrid will lead you across the lake and then you'll be sorted by the sorting hat." Draco said in a bored tone.

"Oh."

"Then we eat." Crabbe said.

Draco said, "Who cares about the stupid feast? I just want to find out what they do to Potty and Weasel."

"It should be interesting I suppose" Selene said.

Des noticed that the train appeared to have stopped. "I think we're here."

Draco stood up. "Follow us, Des." He reached for Selene's hand casually.

Selene without even thinking about it took his offered hand and followed him.

When they stepped off the train Des heard a booming voice calling. "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!"

Draco said, "You two have to go now. Second years and above go by Horseless Carriages. See you later, Selene."

"See you soon Draco" she said and she quickly gave Draco a quick kiss on the cheek. Then pulled Des along.

"Let's hurry so we can ride in the same boat." Des said.

"Ok lets go" Selene said as they walked.

They followed Hagrid and the others down a steep, narrow path to the black lake.

"Aren't his friends horrible? They give me the creeps. All they do is grunt most of the time but still."

"They are something all right"

"Yea. Oh let's get in this one. Wonder who will sit with us? There's four in the boats."

"Does it really matter"

"No. I'm just curious to find out what the other first years are like."

"Well we'll find out soon enough" she said as they sat in one of the boats. With a command from Hagrid the boats began to move towards the castle, and the sorting hat. Soon they had arrived and they were greeted by the head of Gryffindor house.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, now in just a few minutes you will be brought before your classmates and you will be sorted into your houses which are: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin." The Professor told them to wait quietly and that she would be right back.

Moments later she returned and told them that they were ready for them now. The first years followed her as she lead them close to the teachers table. "Now as I call your name, come forward and I will place the sorting hat on your head and you will be sorted into your house" She began to call out names and they were sorted.

"Desdemona Malfoy" Selene watched as her friend walked forward to the stool. The hat barely touched her head when the hat yelled 'Slytherin' a few more names were called then the professor called "Selene Snape" Taking a deep breath Selene approached and the sorting hat was placed on her head. A few moments later the hat called out 'Gryffindor'.

Cheers normally would have followed but instead it was whispers. Professor Snape's daughter was in Gryffindor? There had to be some kind of mistake was what everyone was thinking.

Des and Draco exchanged horrified looks. Professor McGonagall was motioning for Selene to go sit at the Gryffindor table and so she did. Three more students were sorted and then the Headmaster, Dumbledore, stood up and everyone fell silent.

After he gave a quick speech about staying out of the Forbidden Forest and other such rules, the feast began.

After taking her place at the Gryffindor table she sat next to one of the Weasley's that she had seen on the train. She half listened to Professor Dumbledore as he talked about the rules. After all she was still in shock about being placed in Gryffindor and not Slytherin.

Hermione couldn't wait any longer. As soon as the food appeared, words began spurting out of her mouth. "Hello, I'm Hermione Granger. We sort of meet on the train. If you are Snape's daughter and friends with the Malfoy's what are you doing in Gryffindor?"

Selene looked at the brown haired girl. "I wish I knew, and yes I am Professor Snape's daughter"

"Who is your mother? I mean I never knew that he was married."

"She died a long time ago. I think I was about 3 at the time, and its kind of funny too she was a Gryffindor"

"Oh! Perhaps that explains it."

"Well you see that's the thing, something like this only happens every few generations"

"Very strange. Well if the sorting says you belong in Gryffindor...it's never been wrong I suppose."

"I think there are a few people who would dispute that"

"You know it's funny about your mother being a Gryffindor. I'm not trying to be disrespectful, mind you, but Professor Snape seems to strongly dislike everyone in this house."

"What's that phrase... appearances can be deceiving"

"True. Oh I do wonder what has happened to Harry and Ron."

"I take it that they are your friends?"

"Yes."

"Draco and Des are my friends, have been for a long time"

The boy sitting next to Selene stood up and left.

"That's Percy Weasley. He's a 6th year prefect, the feast must be almost over."

"I see, do you think he might not like me"

"Who?" Hermione asked looking puzzled.

"Percy"

"Oh I'm sure that he wouldn't dislike you for being Professor Snape's daughter. He has to attend to his prefect duties."

"I hope your right, Hermione"

Just then the remaining food and dishes disappeared.

"I guess the feasts over"

"Everyone in this house is quite nice, I'm sure you'll soon find out. See I told you so."

The prefects, the head boy and girl began to pass out schedules.

Hermione snatched hers eagerly from a startled looking fifth year. "I can't wait for lessons to begin tomorrow."

Selene gave Hermione a puzzled look. "Wild guess, you like studying"

"Of course." Hermione said.

Selene started to laugh. "You are like the exact opposite of Des"

"Well, the sorting hat did consider putting me in Ravenclaw." Hermione admitted.

Then everyone began leaving for their houses.

"For some reason I'm not surprised"

Hermione beamed. "We had better go now." She glanced at the red haired girl that was sitting next to her. "You too, Ginny."

Ginny said quietly. "All right."

The three girls followed the other Gryffindors.

"Didn't I see you in the store getting your wand?"

"Yes." Ginny replied shyly.

"I thought you looked familiar"

Hermione said, "You two will be sharing a room along with the other first year Gryffindor girls."

"All right"

Hermione said, "Here we are, this is the fat lady's portrait. I'm afraid I don't know the new password though."

Percy came up behind them. "Balderdash."

Hermione, Ginny and Selene followed him into the Gryffindor common room.

Selene looked around. "Not to bad i think this is the first time i have ever seen the Griffindor section"

"Does that mean you've been in the Slytherin common room?" Hermione asked.

"Yes lots of times"

"Well, you won't be allowed in now. That's against the rules."

"Ah, I see"

"I was hoping Harry and Ron would be in here."

"You don't think they are in a lot of trouble do you?" Ginny asked.

"I'm sure that they are all right"

"Well do you two need me to show you to the dorms?"

"Sure, if you don't mind"

"All right."

On the way, Hermione explained about the staircases.

Ginny said, "Fred and George said that someone was killed last year because the staircase moved when he was on it. They were joking though, right?"

"Of course." Hermione scoffed.

"Do i need to be careful around them"

"Yes. It can be dangerous but really as long as the boys don't try to come to our dorms it's not likely that anything would happen."

"Good"

"Here we are. There should be signs on the doors stating the years they belong to."

"Thank you, Hermione"

"Yes. Well I see my room is the same as last year's. Since I already know my roommates, I'm going back to the common room to wait for Harry and Ron."

"Ok, i might come down and do a little reading later"

"Let me know if something bad happens." Ginny told Hermione.

"I will. Bye." Hermione called over here shoulder.

"That must be our room." Ginny said pointing to a door that was marked first years.

"So Ginny I guess we should go in"

"Guess so. I hope our other roommates are nice. Hermione doesn't care for hers."

"Poor her"

"Yea." Ginny agreed as she slowly began to pull the door open.

There were five beds in the room with curtains pulled closed around them. A trunk was at the end of each bed also.

"I guess we play hunt for our stuff"

Ginny blushed. "I can tell which trunk is mine. It used to be my oldest brother, Bill's."

"Hey why are you blushing, there is nothing to be ashamed of"

"Well it's rather worn out looking."

"So, you should see some of the stuff in my room"

Ginny laughed. "At least that's one thing I have that's completely mine at home."

"I hate it when my little cousins would come over and they ended up in my room, i didn't sleep all night"

"I guess being the only girl does have it's advantages. Although having six older brothers can be a pain."

"Six?, I feel sorry for you"

"Yeap. Bill and Charlie don't live at home anymore though."

"Well that's two less"

"True."

"That means four to go"

"Percy still has two years of school left and who knows if the twins will ever pass their O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S., and of course Ron's only a year older than me."

"Well you'll get rid of them sooner or later"

"Yeap. So do you have any clue which trunk is yours?"

"I think I'm in the bed next to you"

"Okay. I guess our other roommates are in the common room."

"Did you hear who else they put in Gryffindor? Not that I would know who they were, anyways."

"Not really, im sure we'll find out soon though"

"Yea. Hermione says two of her roommates are so quiet she barely realizes that they are there."

"Hey Ginny I'm going to get a book and go down to the common room and read care to join me"

"Sure. I hope Harry and Ron have shown up."

"They probably have"

"Unless they got expelled. But surely that wouldn't happen." Ginny said nervously.

Selene went to her trunk and dug around for the book then motioned Ginny to follow "I doubt they have"

Ginny and Selene arrived in the common just in time to see Hermione hugging Harry.

"See and you were worried"

Ginny let out a sigh of relief. "Yea."

"Go on and see your brother, I'm going to sit down"

"Okay."

Selene sat silently reading for awhile. It wasn't until Harry and Ron had went up to their dorm that Hermione noticed Selene. "Hello, it's refreshing to see someone who likes to read around here."

Selene looked up from the book. "Yeah mom or dad would always read to me"

"What is it that you are reading?" Hermione asked sitting down in the chair next to her to re-read Hogwarts: A History, her favorite book.

"Oh, just a potion book"

"Getting ahead in your lessons? That's good. I always have to push Ron and Harry to do their work."

"Actually im just reviewing some i haven't delt with in a few months"

"Oh?"

"Yes"

Hermione glanced over at Selene's book. "That isn't the same book we had first year."

"I know its a fourth year"

Hermione's eyes bugged out. "A fourth year?"

"Yeah like i said im just reviewing it I accidently left my other book at home"

"Other book?"

"Yeah its a sixth year"

Hermione's eyebrows shot up and she sprang to her feet. "You know I think I had better go up to my room now, I think I've grabbed the wrong book or something."

"Ok, I'll be here for a little bit"

Hermione nodded as she suddenly found herself speechless and hurried out of the common room.

Ginny came over. "What's the matter with her?"

"I have no idea she asked about my book then said she must have grabbed the wrong one then she disappeared"

"Oh. Well, maybe she accidently forgot to read one of her books from cover to cover before she arrived here." Ginny joked.

Selene laughed then went back to reading. Ginny left. A short time later Selene started to get tired so she closed up the book and went to her room.

***

"Do you think Proffessor Snape is going to complain?" Des asked Draco as they walked to the Slytherin common room after the feast.

"Of course. The very idea of putting her in there is absurd." Draco scoffed.

"This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Who am I supposed to hang out with." Des complained.

"Not my problem but it better be Slytherins only." Draco warned.

"Remember our deal. I can hang out with whoever I want."

"Well, I'd be careful if I was you. Father might allow us to associate with Selene still but you better find some back ups in Slytherin to please him."

Draco lowered his voice. "Do you think I actually enjoy hanging out with those morons?"

Des sighed. "Fine. I just hope the girls in my year aren't as annoying as Pansy."

"Shut up, that prefect is telling everyone the password."

Des was only quiet until they got into the common room. "I thought you liked Selene."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Well, you are acting like you wouldn't be friends with her now just because they put her in dumb, olde Gryffindor."

"I said no such thing." Draco snapped.

"Whatever. I had better figure out how to get my dorm room. Good night." Des declared before storming away.

Des couldn't help but think she hated Hogwarts already. For one thing they had too many rules and she didn't even get to see Harry Potter again.