Down in the dungeons, Regina and Severus dusted off their robes as they stepped from the fireplace. "These are my living quarters," Severus explained. Regina glanced around, taking in her surroundings. She was standing in what appeared to be the livingroom. Two black leather recliners stood in front of the fireplace, facing one another. The floor was bare, except for a worn black rug on the floor between the chairs. A large bookshelf covered the wall directly across the room from her. She walked forward and ran her hand across the books. Maybe he'll let me borrow some one day she thought hopefully.
Severus' voice pulled her from her thoughts. "I see you'll be asking to borrow my books shortly," he said with a smirk as her surveyed her hopeful face. "It will have to wait however. Right now, we must go see the headmaster. So, just leave your bags on the floor. They'll be moved after arrangements have been made about where you'll stay." Regina did as she was told, and together, she and Severus left the room and started towards Dumbledore's office.
On the way, Severus explained, "You'll need to be sorted. Ordinarily, you would have been sorted as a first year. Due to the circumstances, that wasn't an option in your case. Therefore, you'll have to be sorted as a sixth year." Regina looked interested. "How does one get sorted at Hogwarts," she asked. "You'll have to find out," Severus replied mysteriously.
By the time he finished, they had reached the office. "Butterbeer," Severus said aloud. A staircase appeared, and they stepped on it. It spun slowly until they reached a large door. Severus knocked loudly, and a voice called from the other side, "enter." Severus opened the door and followed Regina inside.
Looking up, Dumbledore spoke in a cheerful voice, "Come in and sit down." He pointed to two fluffy red chairs in front of his desk. The two guests thankfully sank into them. Regina observed Dumbledore. He was wearing a sky blue robe and moon shaped glasses. She and Severus patiently waited for him to speak.
Dumbledore looked at Regina as he spoke, "I'm pleased that you made it here safely." Regina's face remained expressionless. In a way, she reminds me strikingly of Severus Dumbledore thought. "Thank you, sir," she replied in a flat voice, void of emotion.
Severus spoke up. "I was just telling Regina a few minutes ago that she's have to be sorted." Dumbledore's face lit up in a smile. This should be interesting he thought. I wonder what Severus would do if she ended up in another house other than Slytherin?
"Of course, of course. Dinner is in a few minutes. We can do it then. Unless, of course, you would like to do it now, where the whole school won't be in attendance." Regina looked relieved. "Yes, I'd like to be sorted away from the rest of the school. Then, if it's no bother, I'd like to get some rest. I haven't slept well for a few nights."
Dumbledore looked sympathetic. "Of course. You'll be shown to your room as soon as you are sorted." He reached behind him, and Regina was surprised to see him pick up a tattered black hat.
"This is the sorting hat," he explained as he saw the confusion on her face. "I'll place it on your head, and it will tell you which house you belong in. That house will be like your family for the rest of your time at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn your house points, and if you break any rules, your house will lose points." Only if I get caught Regina thought as he placed the hat on her head. She was a bit surprised at his method of sorting. She had expected it to be more complicated.
"Hmmm…I haven't sorted a Snape in quite some time," a voice said just loud enough for her to hear and low enough so Dumbledore and Severus could not hear it. "Well, I see a lot of intelligence. You're like your uncle in that respect. You are extremely cunning, using any means to reach your goal. In fact, I know just where to put you." Then it called out in a loud voice, "Slytherin!"
Regina looked at Severus. He had a very smug smirk on his face. Dumbledore, noticing the look on Severus' face, laughed out loud. "I think Severus is pleased that you are in his house," he said with a smile in Regina's direction. "I take it he would have been displeased if you would have been anything other than a Slytherin." Severus gave him an icy look.
"Especially if it would have been Gryffindor," he replied. Dumbledore laughed harder. "Well, I'm glad I've amused you," Regina said in a sarcastic voice. "Perhaps, now I can get some rest." Dumbledore quit laughing. "Of course you can," he replied. Severus rose to his feet. "If you'll excuse us, we'll be leaving now," he said as he took Regina's arm. "Very well, you may go," Dumbledore excused them.
Severus led Regina from the room. As they walked towards the dungeons, they passed a group of first years. The group cast a sympathetic look at Regina. She glared at them, and they hurried away, a frightened look on their faces.
"What was that about," Regina asked when they were out of hearing range. "They probably think you are in trouble," Severus replied. "That's usually the only time I am in the presence of students outside of class." Regina replied, "Well, if they all act that ignorant, it's no wonder you don't wish to be around them." Severus looked surprised.
The next group they passed was Harry, Ron, and Hermione. As they offered a sympathetic look, they were shocked to see Regina give them a look filled with irritation. When she recognized Harry, the look turned to one of pure hatred.