10.30.04: Like I said before...reposting with little fixes...mainly at the end...

Summary: This is a girl's quest to find out just why she was placed in a house with people she hates. A witch, raised as a muggle, finds out about her family history. Unexpectedly, she is inducted into Slytherin House, and is doing everything in her power to find out why.

Chapter Notes: Ok, these notes are going to be a little long, so please bear with me, they are important. Last chapter, it was pointed out that the scene from Flourish and Blotts was directly from the second movie. I had a reason for this. I felt that it would be better for me to observe the scene and write about what I saw and heard, rather than what I read. I didn't want to use J.K. Rowling's words. Also, I really like the intensity of the scene in the movie, although it is a bit different. I thought about putting Arthur attacking Lucius but eventually decided against it.

I also feel like this chapter is a little boring...but it sets up some important things for later on. It will be a little slow for a bit...until I get the ball rolling...like I said, just setting stuff up. Hopefully, I don't bore you to death, and you keep reading, I'm half finished with chapter three...

And...well, I wasn't going to disclose this, but I feel like I should be honest. This story is kinda Mary-Sueish. If you don't like that, then I'm sorry. The initial spark for this story was "What if someone was put in a house that they really didn't want to be in, and had to find a way to cope?" Of course, my first thought was put Harry in Slytherin or Draco in Gryffindor, but it's kind of a been there, done that thing, and I really wanted to be more original. I thought it would be interesting to have a person caught between the two worlds and also interesting to see how people outside of Gryffindor live and deal with what goes on in the cannon. (Speaking of cannon, I'm going to try to stay as close to the books as possible...I really don't want to re-write many important goings-on...they're fine the way they are. I'll let you know if there's a change.) My character won't be involved in the cannon adventures so much, she may know about them, and have some hidden insight, which you will see later, but she'll have a few adventures and conflicts of her own. I mean...what does Draco and his gang do when their lot's not being seen...I'm really looking forward to adding my own insight to the other side of the coin. This is a story about a girl looking from the inside out as well as the outside in. This is Raven's story, not how involved can she get with the cannon characters. Not that she won't get a little involved...we'll just have to see, now won't we?

So, if you have any questions, comments or ideas, please feel free to tell me. I'll try to accommodate as best I can.

A/N: Please review, I'd really like some constructive criticism! Try not to flame; constructive criticism is by far more helpful in a world of hate. (Ok, that sounded a little cheesy, but I meant
it.)


Handsome Prats and Sorting Hats
Finally, September 1st had come. I had checked my trunk for the fifteenth time that morning, finally satisfied that everything was in order, then went to the bathroom to check on my appearance.

Mum had told me to wear muggle clothes for the trip to Kings Cross, and then I could change into my Hogwarts robes on the train. Wanting to look my best, but stay comfortable at the same time, I chose my best dark blue jeans with a dark green tank top to bring out the colour in my eyes. I topped it with my smart-looking zip-up leather jacket. The necklace Mum gave me on my birthday lay in the hollow of my throat, a simple but charming silver pentacle on black cord. I've always loved star shapes, and this one fit me perfectly. Beautiful in its simplicity.

Looking at myself in the mirror, it was quite obvious how nervous I was. While my hair tumbled down in perfect black curls, my eyes were wide and so clear that they almost looked blue-grey. My face was pale, my tan waning as I spent most of my time reading my schoolbooks. Even though I spent some time outdoors, usually it was in the shade of a tree.

Dabbing some pink lip-gloss on, I decidedly put my hair up in a high pony, and left the bathroom for my room down the hall. I looked around one last time at the only home I've known all my life. Most everything I had I was leaving behind, minus some favourite posters, jewellery, pictures, and my alarm clock. Sighing heavily, I grabbed my trunk and headed towards the door.

"Raven!"

"Coming, Mum!"

As I struggled down the hall towards the entryway, my mother stood near the door, all dressed up, ready to take us to Kings Cross.

When I reached her, she smiled warmly, tears welling in her eyes. "Oh, my sweet Raven. Look at you, all grown up."

"Ma, I'm only eleven years old." Exasperated, I set my trunk down, and moved to put my black Converse tennies on.

"Yes, but you're so much more mature and grown up than most of the muggle kids wandering around. Now, let's go. We have only a few hours to make the train," she said, ushering me out the door to our small car.

The ride to Kings Cross was uneventful to say the least. I tried to listen to some music, knowing it would be the last time for a while, seeing as muggle electronic devices didn't work in Hogwarts. Other than my mother, the thing I miss the most when I'm at school is my music. My soul seems to live around music, and I still feel lost without it sometimes. Doing my homework in silence is outrageously boring.

For a few days, I had kept thinking about what house I would be placed into. "Mum," I asked, "what house do you think I'll get into?"

My mum smiled. "Oh, I can't be sure dear. You know, both your father and I were in Ravenclaw. Maybe you will be too. But no one's a better judge of that than the Sorting Hat."

"Yes," I said, "I've read a little about the hat."

Mother only smiled wider. "See? That's my clever little girl. Already studying her heart out. Do you know about the different qualities of the houses?"

"Yes. Gryffindors are known for their courage and chivalry, Hufflepuffs for their loyalty and hard work, Ravenclaws for their cleverness and wit, and Slytherins for their cunning and ambition."

"Very good."

"But Mum, how does the hat really sort that all out? I mean, don't people generally have many of those qualities inside them? How does the hat pick just one?"

"It probably picks the one that is most prominent, and searches your personality to see who you would fit in best with. Although I'm sure you'll get this speech when you arrive at school, your house will be like your family away from home. You'll have to stick together and trust each other or life could get quite uncomfortable. Not that friends don't have their fights or inter-house relationships don't exist, just that since you'll be living with the other people in your house like a small dormitory, you'll have to be compatible to get along well."

I nodded. "I see, but I still could end up in any house. We don't really know yet, huh?"

"No, we don't. But I wouldn't worry about it, honey. You'll go into whatever house you are meant to be in." She patted me on the leg in reassurance, ending the conversation.

Finally, we arrived at Kings Cross. I loaded my trunk onto a trolley and we headed off to find platform 9 ¾.

"Somewhere...around here..." my mother muttered under her breath. "Ah! Here it is! Now Raven, all you have to do is walk straight through this barrier, right here," she pointed to the brick barrier between platforms nine and ten.

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, yes, you heard me, straight through dear. I'll be right behind you."

"Ah...um, ok," and I positioned myself in front of the barrier.

"Run a bit, if you have to!"

Run? At a solid brick wall? Had Mum gone mad? "Ok, here goes nothing," and I ran at the barrier and straight through the other side, to stand next to a bright red steam engine labelled Hogwarts Express.

"Whoa..." I stared in awe at the gleaming train, watching all the parents and their children bustle about.

"Hurry Raven, the train will be leaving soon," Mum said, coming up behind me.

"Ak! Mum, you scared me!"

We moved over to the doors of the last carriage; it seems all the rest of them were rather full.

"Here you go, dear. Now write home soon, I'd like to know what house my clever little daughter gets into!"

"Mum!" But I smiled and gave her a lasting hug and a glossy kiss on the cheek. "Bye, Mum, I love you!" I stepped up onto the train.

"I love you too, darling! Keep in touch!"

"I will!" I hauled my trunk onto the carriage waving to my mother as I went. She blew kisses at me, wiping away tears as she did so.

On the carriage, I found an empty compartment near the back and settled myself down. Excitement built in my chest as the train's horn blew and we started moving. Shortly after the train started, there was a small knock on the door and it slid open to reveal the Granger girl and the Weasley girl.

"Excuse me," the Granger girl said, "would you mind if we sit with you? All of the other compartments are full." She looked really apologetic.

"Er...yes, of course I don't mind! Please, sit down," and I gestured to the bench seat opposite of mine. The girls murmured their thanks and moved inside.

"I'm Hermione Granger, and this is Ginny Weasley. It's a pleasure to meet you." Hermione reached over and shook my hand, followed by Ginny.

"My name's Raven Harrell, it's a pleasure to meet you as well." I smiled genuinely at the girls. "So, what years are you in?"

Ginny answered. "This is my first year, Hermione's second. How about you?"

"It's my first year, as well."

Hermione blinked. "Really? You look so much...older. No offence."

I only smiled at her. "None taken. I am quite well aware of my physical attributes. Honestly, I would give nearly anything not to have them." I pulled my legs up to my chest and gazed out the window. "So Hermione, which house are you in?"

I'm in Gryffindor, along with my friend Harry and Ginny's older brothers Ron, Fred, George, and Percy."

"Wow...are you the only girl, Ginny?"

"Yes. The youngest too. I'd trade almost anything to be older than at least one of my six brothers."

"My goodness, six brothers?"

"Yeah, Bill's the oldest, he does curse breaking for Gringotts, and Charlie works with dragons in Romania," she gleamed with pride.

Suddenly, the compartment door slid open. All three of us girls whipped our heads around, to see none other than the Sun-boy standing in the threshold, his hands on the frame. Two massive boys stood behind him. I saw Hermione and Ginny give Draco a hard look.

"Oh, great, its Granger and the Weasel. Or should I say Weaselette?" Draco sneered. "Where are Potter and the other Weasel? They stay home this year? Too afraid to come back?" The boys behind him snickered.

"In your dreams, Malfoy," Hermione bit back.

"Oh, but Granger, you'll find that my dreams always come true," he said mischievously, eyes flashing. Then I watched those same eyes move onto me. "And who have we here?" He looked at me for the first time that day, scanning my body with those mercury-blue eyes.

For some reason, I didn't feel awkward by this, or even intimidated. In fact, I was checking him out as well. He had his hair worn in the same stylish way, and he was already wearing his school robes, minus the cloak. A green and silver tie lay perfectly at his slim and pale throat. He radiated stature and power.

"You don't need to know, Malfoy," Hermione replied. "Now go find your own compartment."

But Draco moved inside. "No, Granger, I don't think I will. I like this one," and he sat down next to me, catching my eye. I held his gaze.

"Crabbe, Goyle, why don't you sit down?" Draco's eyes never wavered from mine.

As one of the lumbering oafs sat on the other side of Draco, the other plopped down next to Ginny. I heard a small squeak from Ginny as she scrambled out of the way to sit pressed up against Hermione. Draco of course, had to move as well, but closer to me. Telling by the look on his face, he hadn't minded a bit.

I remember feeling lost in his eyes. Like he was trying to pull me in, suck me into oblivion. I couldn't tell if he was trying to cast a spell on me or not. He just kept staring at me so intently. The colour of his eyes was so cold, icy-blue grey and unforgiving like the waters of the arctic. I could see farther than that, but only a little. Past all the coldness to something deeper that I can't explain with words. His close presence had a strange affect on me. Only this thought had come upon me: He's beautiful, but deadly.

"What's your name?" he asked in a commanding tone.

Although I vaguely remembered my mother's warning about the Malfoys, I felt my mouth move of it's own accord.

"Raven Harrell."

"What house are you in?" It seemed like he was a drill sergeant, interrogating me. Our eyes never moved.

Again my lips fluttered. "I'm not in one yet. This is my first year."

"Really?" He said with mild curiosity. "You look older." His eyes raked me once more. I started to hear static in my ears.

"I'm not," I said in a whisper. There were other people there...I had felt them, but they seemed lost to me. All there was was Draco's eyes.

"Obviously," he sneered.

Hermione's agitated voice cut through the buzz in my head. "What house do you want to be in, Raven?"

I remember blinking and slowly turning my head towards Hermione. "I...er...I don't really know, actually." I tried to mentally shake my head clear again. "Both of my parents were in Ravenclaw, so I suppose I will be as well."

Draco scoffed. I had almost forgotten he was there after Hermione's interruption. "What? Did you parents name you after their house? How pathetic."

I turned back to him, hoping that clear disdain showed in my eyes. "No, actually. My mother liked the myth of the raven. Do you know what that is?"

"No, and nor do I care."

"Well then, why don't you just leave, Malfoy?" Hermione said.

"I don't think so, Granger. I find great joy in bothering you. It's the only thing that gets me through this horrid train ride."

Trying to change the subject, I asked the Sun-boy, "What house are you in, Draco?" Although I think I already knew the answer.

"Slytherin. The only house worth being in." he made a pointed glare at Hermione. She just scowled back. Then he turned to look questioningly at me. "And just how did you know my name? I dare to hope your Ravenclaw parents told you out of fear," he nearly spat.

I decided not to tell him anything more about my family. "You can think that, if you wish." I gave him a smirk I hope looked slightly cunning and more confident than I felt. He only glared back.

Then he stood up, with Crabbe and Goyle automatically moving to do the same. Draco moved directly in front of me, blocking my view of anyone else in the compartment. Bracing himself on either side of my head with his hands, he leaned in so that he was only a few inches from my face.

"You'd do good not to piss me off, Raven." He whispered fiercely soft to me. His breath smelled like mint. "Remember that, because I'm sure we'll be seeing each other. A lot." A strange knowing look passed through his eyes, but I had dismissed it quickly.

"Only in your dreams, Draco," I whispered back, smirking.

He smirked back. "You're right, only in my dreams. And we all know what happens to my dreams, don't we?"

"Yes, I believe we do."

"Good." He pushed away and left, commanding Crabbe and Goyle to follow.

Hermione immediately went and closed the door behind them. Ginny let out a whoosh of air. I felt the air lighten on my shoulders, and although I was playfully bantering with Draco just before he left, what he had said had affected me more than I apparently let on.

"That conceited, ugly, annoying, prat." Hermione seethed, obviously pissed off at this latest encounter.

"That's where I disagree with you, Hermione." I said. She looked at me in mild shock. "I think that he's quite handsome...for a conceited, annoying, prat." I smiled warmly at her.

She caught my stab at easing the tension and smiled back. "Yes, I suppose he might be when he's not sneering at you. And that's something I've never seen, although that fact should be obvious."

"Well," I said, "I certainly don't want to be in Slytherin, now do I?" We all giggled for a bit. I turned to Ginny. "What house would you like to be in?"

"She shrugged. "I suppose I'll be in Gryffindor with all the other Weasleys. Even my parents were both Gryffindors."

"Yes, it seems quite obvious, doesn't it? I've read all about how they sort you into houses. Quite interesting, actually."

"Where did you read that? Even I didn't know about that before being sorted, and I'm sure I read every book on Hogwarts." Hermione said, puzzled.

"Oh, I'm not sure what book it was in. I think it was in one about one of the founders...probably Godric Gryffindor. I know I've asked Mum about it as well, so maybe that's where I'm remembering it from." Hermione nodded. "But to think that I'll have a part of each of the founders of Hogwarts rooting around in my head, trying to sort out which house I should be in. Amazing really."

"Yes, it's a very interesting experience," Hermione said. "Nerve-racking, hoping you'll get put into the proper house, hoping that you'll get along with your house-mates. A thoughtful look passed over her face. "I almost didn't." she nearly whispered, a small smile playing on her lips.

There was a knock on the door, and it slid open to reveal a plump older lady with a trolley full of sweets. "Anything off the trolley, dears?" she asked in a kind voice.

We got what we wanted, and I bought a few more for Ginny...I remembered how self-conscious the Weasleys seemed about their financial state, and how Lucius Malfoy shoved it in their faces. Ginny blushed at my insistence. Some of the candies were absolutely amazing, but I especially loved the Pumpkin Pasties and the Chocolate Frogs.

For the rest of the trip, we chatted and ate, the earlier meeting long forgotten. Finally, we changed into our school robes as the time grew near.

I found that I really liked Hermione; we had quite a lot in common. We both had a deep passion for books; although I could sense that she believed almost anything she read out of a textbook, and didn't bother with fiction stories like I did.

I liked Ginny as well, although she seemed a bit shy. Seeing as we were both first years, we shared similar fears and anticipations. Hermione told us not to worry, that we would both be fine as long as we studied hard. I was happy to have made such good friends already and really hoped to be put in Gryffindor house.

It was pitch black outside, and as the train slowed into Hogsmeade Station, excitement grew in me, swelling in my chest and making me breathless. When we stepped off the train, Hermione bid Ginny and I good-bye and good luck and told us that she'd see us in the Great Hall. A call of "Firs' years, Firs' years over here!" lead Ginny and I to a large man, far taller and wider than anyone I had ever seen, with a large brown beard and a trench coat that looked as if it was made of some type of animal skin. We followed him to a dock of small boats with no oars, which we entered and rode enchanted across the lake to Hogwarts.

The school itself was a mass of darker black against pitch, dotted with warm coloured lights. I could almost see the outline of the castle as it blocked out the tiny dots of sparkle in the night sky.

Our boats finally docked under the castle and we followed the large man to the fortress doors, where he knocked his large hand against the wood, and waited. Right away, the doors opened, and an older witch with black hair tied in a tight bun, and wearing robes of emerald green greeted us. Her name was Professor McGonagall.

We then followed Professor McGonagall into the entryway of the castle and past two large doors and into a small chamber. She then proceeded to tell us almost the same thing Mum had told me in the car, about the houses being like families, and that house points were to be awarded or lost based on our behaviour.

"Please form a single file line while I set up the sorting." Then she left through a different door than we had entered.

Soon after our line was formed, Professor McGonagall came back and ushered us into the Great Hall. I remember thinking what a beautiful room it was, with a bright warm glow from the floating candles and an enchanted ceiling that looked just like the star-studded sky outside. Four long tables were nearly filled with students from the four different houses. I scanned the crowd and found Hermione, who looked to be keeping her attention up front, but I saw her stealing worried glances at the two empty places next to her.

I turned and looked at he head table, looking at all of the professors that I would have the opportunity to get to know extremely well over the next seven years. I saw Lockhart sitting up there, looking as ridiculous as ever, and prayed that he wouldn't be teaching any classes I had. My eyes rested on Professor Dumbledore for moment, taking in his wizened appearance before my attention was again on Professor McGonagall and a stool in front of me which had an old, worn hat on it: The Sorting Hat.

The tear near the brim on the hat opened up and a song issued from it.

Every year I wait,

Sitting still and long,

For a new year to begin,

So I can sing my song.

The line becomes divided.

While another crosses still.

The time for trust grows nye,

Though it is only through your will.

So put this old bonnet on

Good lasses and good lads,

To see which house do you belong,

To which house becomes so glad.

Good and trusty Gryffindor,

Which often gets the fame.

Or loyal, fair Hufflepuff,

Who never gets the blame.

Ravenclaw is clever

Most witty and most wise.

While Slytherin stays cunning

Ambitions most surmised.

So again I'll sit and ponder

In which house you ought to be,

While the lines grow far and closer

Although no one will quite see.

Applause burst out in the Great Hall, and then Professor McGonagall started reading off names from a long piece of parchment. My attention weaved in and out as the names were called.

"Creevey, Colin..."

The small mousy-haired boy sat for a moment, and then: "GRYFFINDOR!"

"Harmon, Ashley..."

A blonde boy stepped up to the stool.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Finally, "Harrell, Raven..." was called and my attention snapped to the stool. Chancing a glance at Ginny standing in line next to me, I stepped up to the seat, took the hat, and sat down. Placing it on my head, I heard a little voice in my ear.

"Well...I haven't come across a mind like this in ages. So many qualities...but where to put you?" A wild thought passed through my head. What if it couldn't choose? What if I was forced to go home? Then the hat spoke again. "Don't worry little one, I'll figure you out...Loyalty coupled with strength and daring...good match for either Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. I see a mind already filled with studies...Ravenclaw may do. But look at your ambition! And cunning! So hard to choose..."

My mind was in utter bewilderment. What was this old hat babbling about? Me, daring? Ambitious? Cunning? I think not. I was a bookworm, a shy, quiet, bookworm...

The hat was speaking to me again. It felt like I had been sitting on the stool for hours. "Oh, I see your doubts, little one. I see your thoughts...but I also see how far this jumbled and vast mind can take you...so it will have to be..."

Oh my gosh, here it was...finally...

"SLYTHERIN!"

What?!


BTW...I know the train scene is kind of like Harry's experience in the books...and just let me say that it was completely un-intentional. Kind of realized it later...lol :P

Thanks for reading! Please review!