Chapter 3

When something unusual happens, the news always spreads very quickly in schools. Hogwarts is no exception. Soon half the students knew what Alicia had done.

After the small girl had found herself a nice empty compartment, people kept coming in to see the face of the little first year who had made a snake appear.

Some, nearly all dressed in red and gold, scowled at her or mocked her.

Others, those who were dressed in green and silver, clapped her on the back and treated her very well.

Alicia soon found what house she liked best.

And then one of her cousinscame to see her.

Every Weasley had been sorted in Gryffindor. They were trustable and brave people. Everyone tended to like them a lot. It seemed that Alicia was the only one who didn't get on with them.

"Hello Alicia," one of Ron's daughters, Beverly, sat down near the little girl.

"Hey, Beverly."

"I heard what you did."

"So?"

Alicia didn't like Beverly. She couldn't wait for her cousin to leave.

"You're going to be in Slytherin."

Alicia wasn't surprised. She had heard many people saying she would be put there. Some said that she was bound to, because she liked snakes.

That was why the Gryffindors all disliked her, she guessed.

But that was ridiculous! She hadn't even been sorted and already she had many enemies!

Alicia had never understood kids of her own age.

"Is that why you came in here, Alicia asked, to tell me something I already know?"

Beverly scowled at the little girl before her. Over the years Alicia hadn't changed. She was still as arrogant as ever.

"I came here to warn you, Alicia. Before choosing your side, I must tell you. Ginny and Harry are going to be very miserable if you are put into the Slytherin house."

"Why is it so important? It's not going to change everything! I'm still going to be Alicia Potter, their only daughter. They're still going to love me!"

For a moment there was fear in Alicia's voice. She didn't want to loose her parents!

She had always known Hogwarts would ruin something in her perfect calculated life.

But, what if she lost the only persons she loved just for the stupid decision of a hat?

"Well, Ginny is still going to care for you but I don't know about Harry. He dislikes the Slytherins very much, you know."

Alicia remembered the conversation she had overheard the day before. She had heard the tone of Harry's voice when he spoke of the Slytherin house. It was one of hatred.

But Alicia couldn't help liking everything that was dark magic.

It was her nature. She had been born this way.

Was she prepared to throw all her instincts away just for her father?

No. Alicia always thought about her happiness before anyone else's.

"But why does my father hate the Slytherins so much?"

"Don't you know?" Beverly was smiling. For once she could see the light of innocence in her cousin's eyes.

"No, I don't."

"Well, Harry doesn't like the Slytherin house because that is the house his worst enemies went to. Including Voldemort."

Voldemort. That name always seemed to be pronounced these days.

Alicia felt a strange feeling inside her stomach.

She didn't know why but the mention of that single name awoke something in her.

After a long awkward silent, Beverly decided to leave Alicia alone.

And for the rest of the journey the only thing Alicia could think of was the wizard her father had killed.

Voldemort ...

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An enormous man came to welcome all the first years, when the train finally arrived. Alicia guessed that that man was Hagrid, one of her parent's greatest friends.

She couldn't help liking the giant man.

He had a booming voice, strong arms, he made himself obeyed.

And he became one of the few people that Alicia respected.

Hagrid guided them to the lake where little boats waited for them. He told them every thing about Hogwarts' tradition. All the first years had to cross the lake before making their entry into the castle.

Alicia groaned. She really hated this place!

"What if we don't want to cross that stupid lake," she shouted to the giant man.

"Ya don't have a choice," Hagrid answered simply.

Alicia sniffed indignantly. This man wasn't treating her well enough, she thought.

"Okay, everyone, Hagrid turned to the crowd of kids, you will go into pairs. There are only forty four boats so one of you is going to have to come with me. Everyone climb onto ya boats and start paddling once you found a partner!"

Alicia noticed that nobody wanted to be her partner. She blushed furiously. Some kids saw her and sniggered.

"Mister, Alicia tugged on Hagrid's sleeve, I don't accept this."

Now all the children were watching the girl that had made a snake appear.

"What d'ya mean ya don't accept this?" Hagrid looked confused.

"I don't want to cross that lake on a boat!"

Hagrid scratched his head and looked around, not knowing what to do. He had been doing this job for years and no kid had ever refused!

Then, as Hagrid looked closer at the little girl speaking to him, he recognized Alicia. She looked a lot like her parents. Harry had told him how difficult his daughter could be.

Hagrid chuckled.

"Ah, c'mon, just climb on the boat with me."

But Alicia wouldn't budge.

"I don't want to."

Now Hagrid was getting annoyed. He had promised professor McGonagall that he would bring the children on time.

So he grabbed Alicia and threw her into the cold water. The other kids laughed loudly.

The little girl felt more than humiliated as she spluttered and cuffed.

She was forced to climb onto the nearest boat and paddle till the other end of the lake.

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The sorting had begun. A young woman read the names of the first years on a piece of parchment while the headmistress, McGonagall, stared at them all.

It was one of the first times that Alicia felt nervous.

Her hands were sweating, her whole body trembling.

Now the hat was going to decide for her.

Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin?

Author's note : Okay so what did you think? I'm getting a bit tired so this one may not be as good as the two first chapters.

Thank you for your reviews!

Now, I have a choice to make.

What house will I put her into?

Please leave reviews to tell me where you want her to be !