AN: Hey everyone! I finally got the time to write the next chapter. Hope you'll like it even though it's poorly written. Flames (most likely) are accepted.

Destiny

Chapter 3: The Sorting/Telling A Secret

Disclaimer: I don't own either HP or SM. They belong to their respective owners. But I DO own the poem/song in this fic. So please ask me first if you want to use it (which I doubted.)

Warnings: Just to let you know, I'm not good at making songs/poems.

"talking"

'thoughts'

~ settings ~

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~ Great Hall ~

The massive doors of the Great Hall burst opened and several students entered the hall. Behind them are Harry with Ron besides him with Hermoine and Serene behind them. They, as the other students had, left their luggage in a corner where they'll be taken to their rooms. Serene let Yumori fly off to the Owlery (as Harry did with Hedwig and Ron with Pig), where they are currently getting fed and watered.

"Oww.. My neck hurts," said Ron, massaging the tensed muscles at the back of his sore neck.

"Probably because your too tall for the stagecoach's ceiling," suggested Hermoine. "Don't you think so Harry?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, probably," said Harry, noticing the looks Hermoine and Serene gave him and blushed.

Luckily, Harry was saved from further embarrassment when Ron, who finally stopped massaging his neck, said.

"Wonder what's the Sorting Hat going to sing to us this time?" He glanced at the Sorting Hat, patched and stitched in several places and different angles, on top of a three-legged stool placed at the center of the hall.

"What do you mean?" asked Serene, turning to face Ron, her voice had a confused tone.

"Well you see, every year the Sorting Hat always sings a different song every year. I guessed its has to do that to pass the time every year after the sorting. It must be pretty boring, being a hat and all," explained Ron, shrugging his shoulders.

"I see," said Serene slowly.

"Anyway, we got to take our seats at our House Table now. Hope you'll be in Gryffindor," said Hermoine and took each of Harry's and Ron's arm and practically dragged the two boys towards their House Table.

"Good luck," said a voice behind Serene.

Serene turned to see Draco with his two buddies standing besides him.

Before she could reply, Draco winked at her and walked off towards the Slytherin Table with Crabbe and Goyle.

'Thanks,' thought Serene and smiled. She then stood on a dark corner, seemingly like she wasn't even there.

Just then, the door of the Great Hall opened and several first years entered. Looking either nervous, frightened, excited or all of the above, they crowded around in front of the entire House Tables, facing the High Table.

Professor McGonagall approached the High Table and stood behind the Sorting Hat.

To the first years' surprise (and Serene's who was still hiding in the shadows), the brim of the Sorting Hat opened at it began to sing:

Thousands of years ago,

When I was new, sleek and tall,

There were four great wizards,

Who had a dream,

A dream that is meant for all,

Gordic Gryffindor, whose boldness and bravery,

Sets those in Gryffindor apart,

Helga Hufflepuff, whose hardworking and loyalty,

Makes Hufflepuffers worthy of their just hearts,

Rowena Ravenclaw, whose wit and knowledgeable mind,

Makes those Ravenclawers unique from any other kind,

And we mustn't forget Shalazer (sp?) Slytherin, whose cunningness and determination,

Rate Slytheriners as the avoiders of emotions,

Together, they built this magical place,

This place called Hogwarts,

For students to learn every kind of magic there is,

Gordic of Gryffindor,

Helga of Hufflepuff,

Rowena of Ravenclaw,

And Shalazer of Slytherin,

These are the four houses, divided by the founders,

To suite each student's unique personality,

So put me on,

If you dare to try,

For I am not just a regular hat,

But I am the one,

the only,

Sorting Hat!

Applauses greeted the Sorting Hat as it finished its song. The hat then bowed and went silent.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and opened the piece of rolled parchment clutched in her hand.

"When I call your name, your are come up here to be sorted,"

"It's nearly Serene's turn," stated Harry as he, Hermoine, and Ron watched "Leon, Michael," placing the hat on his head.

"Ravenclaw!" shouted the hat.

Michael Leon took off the Sorting Hat and gave it back to Prof. McGonagall. He then approached the Ravenclaw Table where he was greeted by handshakes and soft slaps on the back.

"Moon, Serene," called out Prof. McGonagall.

Serene stepped out of the shadows and walked towards the High Table. Not noticing the stares coming from some of the boys (some had drool coming out from their opened mouths) and the jealous glares she received from – minus Hermoine – some of the girls.

Serene was startled when the Sorting Hat muttered.

"Hmm.. yes, smart, very talented, courageous…you'll do well in all of the Houses… OH! (cried the Hat as it saw Serene's past) Well that's settled then, you shall be in…….

~ Sakura: I guess I should end here…

~ Readers: *holds guns and other kinds of weapons* NO!! *gives Sakura death glares*

~ Sakura: *sweatdrops* Okay! Okay! I'll continue….

"GRYFFINDOR!!!"

Serene took off the hat and handed it to "Neuter, Jake," and walked towards the Gryffindor Table where she was greeted with handshakes, smiles and introductions.

"Congratulations Serene," said Hermoine as soon as Serene took the seat besides her.

"Thanks," replied Serene and rubbed her hands together, trying to warm them. They had gone icy cold when she had waited for her turn to be sorted.

The old man wearing purple robes and sitting on a large golden chair at the center of the High Table, raised up and said,

"Before we begin our start-of-the-term feast, let me remind you that the Forbidden Forest is off limits to each and every student and that Mrs. Norris, Mr. Flitch's, our caretaker, cat, should not be kicked or turned into a mouse," at this, he glanced at the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan, all whom were whistling innocently.

"Now let the feast begin," said Prof. Dumbledore and clapped his hands.

Several different kinds of food appeared on the tables and each of their goblets were suddenly filled with lemon juice.

"Chicken Harry?" asked Serene, handing out a plate of roasted chicken towards Harry who sat besides her.

"Sure. Thanks," replied Harry, taking the plate from Serene. He felt a blush creeping into his cheeks. Harry still hadn't forgotten about their (his and Serene's) conversation earlier at the train.

When everyone finished had already finished eating, the leftovers of the piles of food disappeared along with their plates and goblets.

"Now, that we're all fed and watered, its time for us to go back to our rooms and have a pleasant sleep," said Dumbledore.

Several yeses filled the hall, some students were feeling too sleepy to say anything so they just nodded their heads in agreement.

Everyone stood up and left the Great Hall. The teachers were going to their private rooms, Hagrid walked back to his cottage near the Forbidden Forest, and the students, led by the prefects, walked towards their House's Towers.

Serene, though nervous, couldn't help but noticed the portraits moving as they walked up the stairs.

After some time later, the Gryffindor prefect, a guy called Evan Janret, stopped in front of a portrait of a fat lady wearing a pink silk dress.

"Password?" asked the portrait.

"Turnip Tart," replied Evan and the portrait swung itself open to reveal a round hole hidden behind it.

Everyone then entered the hole and into the Gryffindor common room. A cozy place with a lit fireplace and plenty of squashy, yet comfortable chairs and couches.

Evan led everyone upstairs where they found one path going to the right and one on the left.

"Girls' dorms are at the left, boys' at the right," said Evan.

Everyone else nodded their heads and went into their separate ways, girls at the left, boys at the right.

~ Boys Dormitory ~

Harry opened his dorm room and entered with Ron behind him. The two didn't say anything much as they brushed their teeth and changed into their pajamas. Their other three roommates (Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan (sp?) and Neville Longbottom) were already fasted asleep in their own beds, snoring softly.

However, disaster struck when Ron faced Harry and asked.

"Hey Harry, how come you and Serene aren't talking much to each other?"

"It's nothing. We're both too tired to talk I guess,"

"Yeah right," snorted Ron, then his lips curled into a sly grin, "Did something happen between you two when me and Hermoine went to get our ride?"

"Nnnn…oooo," stammered Harry, blushing furiously.

"I don't believe you. Come on, tell me. I won't tell to anyone else, I promise. Not even to Hermoine," vowed Ron. Placing one hand in his chest, he said. "Qudditch's honor,"

Harry sighed in defeat. "All right," he said and proceeded to tell Ron about his conversation with Serene at the train. (AN: I think I don't need to refresh your memory of that incident. Hehehe! ^.~)

When Harry finished, Ron stared at him, an awed look in his face. At this, Harry blushed even redder.

"So that's what happened," said Ron, then he added slyly, "So did the two of you kissed?"

If possible, Harry's face turned even redder (In fact, they're starting to turn into a plum color). "No,"

"You sure?" teased Ron.

"I'm sure," said Harry firmly and crawled into his bed, placing the bed's cover over his head, still blushing furiously. "Night,"

"Night," was all Ron said but Harry could have sworn that Ron gave a slight snicker as he turned off the lights of the chandelier. (AN: Don't ask me.)

After a while, Harry heard snores coming from behind Ron's hanged curtains in his bed.

'Some things never change,' thought Harry as sleep finally took hold of him. 

~ Girls Dorms ~

Serene opened her dorm room to reveal five four-poster beds hanged with deep red, velvet curtains. She noticed her trunk and spare backpack at the foot of one of the beds and sat down on the soft mattress. She glanced around to see that she her four roommates aren't here yet, although their trunks are already placed at the foot of their beds.

Suddenly, Yumori flew from the opened slide of the window besides Serene and into the room. It then perched itself on Serene's shoulder. The girl then proceeded to stroke the ice phoenix's sliver-white beak.

Serene then heard the door opened and turned around. She saw Hermoine (which made her gave a sigh of relief) entered the room.

"Hey Serene," greeted Hermoine, noticing the golden haired girl.

"Hey," replied Serene and smiled.

Just then, the door opened to reveal three other girls, one looked like a twelve-year-old while the other two looked slightly older than Serene and Hermoine. The two older girls were talking to one another while the third one was silent.

Hermoine turned to face the three girls and with a smile, said "Hey guys, I want to introduce you to Serene…."

"We've already met," said one of the older girls, she was tall and had long brown hair tied into a high ponytail. Her green eyes sparkled.

"Hey there Koneko," said the other older girl, she was slightly taller than the first one and had short sandy-blonde hair cut into a boy's hairstyle. Her blue eyes had a hint of mischief in them as the girl winked at Serene.

The last girl didn't say anything, instead she gave Serene a shy smile. She had chin-length black hair and dark purple eyes. Her skin, unlike the other two girls whom were both slightly tanned, were an unnaturally pale color.

Serene gasped. Only one word came out of her mouth….

"Minna….."

As a response to what his mistress said, Yumori opened his slender beak and let out a surprised, yet welcoming cry.

~ To be Continued ~

~ Sakura ~ Gomen minna! *hides behind the computer* But I had to stop here. I got writer's block *grumbles* Anyway, I'm sorry of the cliffy. But don't worry cause I rarely gave cliffhangers. Anyway, got to go now. Sayanora! ^.^