Ch. 4 What Was I Thinking
She was a misfit. The hat had stated what she had feared deep down in her bones, she really didn't belong. Or did she belong in Hufflepuff. This whole ordeal was becoming so confusing she just wanted to cry. The Slytherins sat open mouthed and even the Hufflepuffs who were "friendly to all" were finding it a bit hard to clap. Hufflepuff had never produced a dark wizard! And now a Kuroi in their house? Their odds weren't looking so great anymore. Everyone had heard the rumors, Kira was destined to replace her brother at Voldemort's side. Her whole entire family was evil! How could they accept her with open arms? But to her surprise, they slowly began to stand and clap for her. One by one the Hufflepuffs gave her a standing ovation welcome, and made room for her to take a seat at her house table. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad?
Everything else went as usual. Another Weasley to Gryffindor, Dumbledore gave a welcome, and the feast was magnificent, but Kira's stomach was so unsettled she could barely enjoy it. How long would it be before her parents found out? Did they already know? Would they disown her? They already ignored her, if they did disown her would it be that different? What would the Dark Lord do? She pushed all of these questions from her mind and tried to focus on her new home. The Hufflepuff house welcomed all their new members with a black and yellow scarf, badger pin, and a homemade black and yellow bracelet made by a fourth year. They had a bit of a sibling thing so that each first year had someone they could ask questions to, and each older student had someone to mentor. This concept was entirely new to Kira who had only heard stories of betrayals and pranks from the Slytherin house. Kira's new bracelet had a small tag at the end that read "Aana Lux". Kira peered around the table and noticed a bright eyed dark haired girl wave her over. She was one of the few Hufflepuffs with jet black hair. Her eyes were green, but a deeper green than Kira's and they seemed very knowing and wise. She had a soft expression that was welcoming to anyone who was privileged enough to meet her gaze.
"Welcome Kira," Aana said with a smile. "I'll be sort of a big sister for you this year. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to find me." Her voice was soft and melodic. Strangely calming and peaceful. Big sister? Kira had always secretly wanted a big sister. This was an unexpected gift. Kira's mind began to spiral out of control with doubt and worry again and she nearly lost it in front of her new friend, but to spare her house from any proof that she was crazy, she gained control and smiled back.
"Thanks, I really appreciate your kindness." She replied. "I, I don't really know anything about hufflepuff." She admitted honestly.
"No worries, several of our new members don't know anything about us either. We take majority of the new students from non magical families so it's common.
"I'm not a muggle..." Kira replied.
"Being born to a family that hasn't had any experience in magic is not a bad thing. And I know." Aana was a bit frustrated. She had hoped for a kind new younger sibling, but a Kuroi? She had never expected that turn of events. But she knew the hat was never wrong.
"So, Kira... Did you ask the hat to be a Hufflepuff?"
"I'm not trying to infiltrate your house and overthrow you if that's what your wondering."
"Actually, no, I was wondering exactly what I asked you."
It was clear this was going to be a rocky relationship. Kira honestly had a good heart, but it was so hard for her to let people in to see it. She was used to the families of The Shadows. They were all cutthroat. Out to get each other. Never self sacrificing. This new family concept was strange and it was causing her to put up walls between her and her mentor.
"Look," Aana started, "I'm imagining Hufflepuff was not what you were expecting. I would also imagine you're worried what your parents will think. But the truth is, these next years aren't about them. They're about you. Which house will you best grow and learn from, that's what the hat takes in to account. I have no doubt you would have fit well into any house, most Hufflepuffs are like that honestly, but you were chosen to come here. You're not an outcast. And I'm also guessing you have a great heart. Don't shut us out ok?"
Was mind reading part of the curriculum at Hogwarts? Kira managed to shut her gaping mouth, but not before Aana realized how right she was.
"Trust me," Aana started again. "This year and the ones to follow will go much smoother once you realize your house is on your side."
Kira sighed and let that sink in. On her side? Was that even possible? Aana didn't understand what a statement she was making since she clearly wasn't aware which side Kira was destined for. It was like a battle was raging inside of her to see whether good or evil would prevail. But right now all that was happening was Kira was feeling queasy.
The dinner ended and prefects instructed the new students to follow them to their new home.