I have no explanations, just... Here's the next chapter.
The end of summer break came sooner than I had thought. I was looking forward to returning to Hogwarts, but the lazy days spent with friends had been a wonderful change of pace. Our last night at the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley crafted a feast, the twins set loose fireworks in the kitchen, and then it was time for one last mug of cocoa and then bed.
The next morning was sheer chaos. We were all up at dawn, but somehow there was still more to do than time to do it in. Mrs. Weasley was in a mood, dashing about looking for stray quills and spare socks; people were crashing into each other on the stairs, half-dressed with bits of toast in their hands; and poor Mr. Weasley nearly broke his neck tripping over a chicken on his way through the yard with Ginny's trunk.
Mr. Weasley and Harry loaded the last of the trunks, and then we all piled inside. The interior had obviously been expanded with spells, but Mrs. Weasley seemed to be blatantly ignoring this fact. We were barely out of the yard before we turned around, as George had forgotten his fireworks, Ginny was missing her diary, and a third return when Fred realized he was missing his broom.
I was absolutely frazzled, having been packed well before bed last night, and my things loaded first thing upon rising that morning. The adults had a spat over flying the car in broad daylight, and we ended up hurtling through the station at a quarter to eleven. It must have been quite the sight, nine people in such a rush, most of them with blazing red hair.
I barely had time to think before Percy was grasping my shoulder and hurrying me through the hidden barrier to platform 9 ¾.
I piled my trunk on the train, and quickly found Lee in an empty compartment. The twins followed soon after, and we all had a lovely train ride playing exploding snap. I didn't get snapped once, and there was a lot of complaining from the boys that I was cheating, but as they couldn't prove it, they were left with no choice but to hand over the pile of sweets in the middle of the room.
Our arrival at school was an interesting thing, as none of the boys could see the thestrals pulling the carriages, and Fred thought I had actually lost it when I began stroking the neck of one before I climbed in the seat. George made some wise crack about it being a House Black thing, and we all moved on to talking of the feast we were headed to before I had to come up with an explanation.
I sat at my house table for the feast, something I didn't really want, but I figured it was a small price to pay for being free to interact at any other time. I glanced over at the Gryffindor table and frowned. Where were Harry and Ron? This was an odd time for a bathroom break, the sorting was about to start.
I focused my attention on the front as the hat began to sing.
Just a hat am I?
Or a tool to look in your mind?
Put me on, but beware
Your thoughts are laid bare
Leave all the lies behind
Should you be in Gryffindor?
Where lie those brave at heart?
Should you be in Ravenclaw?
Where dwells the bright and smart?
Should you be in Hufflepuff?
Where belong the just and fair?
Should you be in Slytherin?
Where guile and ambition are pair?
Or should you be in Black where they're
adaptable and decisive?
I'll let you know
where you belong
no student undecided.
There was a chorus of clapping as I tilted my head. I hadn't really thought about it, but it made sense that House Black would be included in the song.
Professor McGonagall stood up front with the scroll and read off the names of the new first years. The line whittled down until there were perhaps ten or so students left waiting to be sorted. Then McGonagall called for a Caterina Zabini, who was a tiny dark skinned girl who cast several glances at the Slytherin table. She disappeared under the hat for a moment, then the hat shouted, "Black!" And I shot to my feet.
I hadn't expected a house mate, but I clapped for her despite the stares from the other houses. Gryffindor soon joined my applause as the small girl scurried over.
"Welcome." Was about all I could think to say. "I'm glad to have you, do ask if you have any questions."
The girl merely nodded before turning to watch the rest of the sorting.
In the end, one more student was sorted house Black, a boy named Daniel Finnegan. When the feast was over, I was glad to see that McGonagall was headed over to help me escort the new members up to the dorms.
I left the explanations up to her, and the two first years nodded when they were told they could always come to her for help.
We got them settled into their dorms, then I turned to the professor with my anxiety clear in my face. "Professor, I don't know how to lead, or guide them. I'm only a second year."
"Don't worry, my dear. As far as the leadership goes, Dumbledore has agreed that I will act as Head of House until you are older. I will handle it. You just focus on your studies.
In the meantime, do try to be a good example."
She gave me what I suppose was meant to be a stern look, but the twinkle in her eye gave away her thoughts on my involvement with those that might be deemed poor examples.
I nodded in acceptance of the plan, and then went up to my dorm room.
My trunk was seated at the foot of the bed, and I pulled out the wizarding catelogs from under my clothes. These two were now my family, regardless of what they thought about their sorting. I wanted to get them a welcome present, so I sat on the bed and turned the page.
I couldn't give her her own house and then leave her completely on her own, now could I? From here on there are going to be more changes to the original plot, as Leo's choices affect others and change outcomes. I have some things planned, and I hope you will enjoy them. If not, at least I will. :D
Thanks to Pamela Hutchins, Son of Whitebeard, and AnimeFreak71777 for the reviews!
