Chapter 2: The Second Star to the Right
Santana stood alone on Platform 9 ¾. Tinkles had made sure all of her stuff was loaded, but you don't exactly have a drawn out goodbye with your house elf. Not in public anyway.
She watched all of the families say goodbye to one another with hugs and kisses galore. She caught a flash of blonde in the corner of her eye and turned to see Brittany and her family huddled together. They broke apart and Santana saw who she thought must be Brittany's little sister clinging to her leg. Every once in awhile Santana wondered what it would be like to have a little sister. She watched Mr. Pierce pry the little girl away. Brittany bent down and kissed her on the top of the head and then walked up to the train.
As Santana approached the train Quinn came up to her. Great. Just what I wanted. Well, I'll probably have to get used to it since everyone in both our families has been in Slytherin.
"Hey, I've got a seat in a compartment if you want. It's near the front. Having the Head Girl as a sister seems to have some perks." There was something different in the way Quinn spoke to her. It wasn't with the usual fake propriety.
Santana looked around to see if anyone else was around. Who is this person? Did Quinn Fabray just ask me to sit with her? I was pretty sure she hated me as much as I hate her. "Uh, sounds good?"
"Cool. I just thought it'd be nice to sit with someone I knew." Santana couldn't believe it, but Quinn sounded nervous. All of that bullshit about how easy things were going to be for her because her sister is Head Girl and the bitch is more nervous than I am. Santana struggled not to smile.
For the first time in her life Santana was having fun with Quinn Fabray. She didn't know if it was just because their parents weren't around, but Quinn wasn't actually that bad. Santana still didn't like her, and didn't know if she ever would, but she didn't want to murder her right now. That was serious progress.
"Where'd you go there Santana? You totally just zoned out."
Santana was startled at being caught daydreaming. "Uh, nowhere." She searched for a good response as Quinn raised her eyebrows. "You know…just thinking about how I don't want to kill you right now. I think the more important question is: What's up with you?"
Quinn looked surprised by the question. Santana figured it was because she didn't expect a real response. Santana couldn't blame her. She hadn't expected herself to respond the way she did. Quinn set her jaw. "There's nothing up with me," she replied callously.
The bitch is back. "Whatever you say Quinn. If I didn't know better I'd say you were nervous about school. Worried you're going to be in Hufflepuff or something?" Santana glanced at Quinn who was staring her down. Undeterred Santana continued. "No, that couldn't be it. They'd never let a bitch like you in Hufflepuff. Hmm, you're not smart enough to be in Ravenclaw. You know what, I'll bet you're going to be in Gryffindor. Won't that be hilarious? Think you'd even be allowed home if that happens?"
Quinn looked like she was going to explode. Guess I touched a nerve. Santana smirked to herself.
"You really think I have to worry about that? You're the one who should be worried." Santana could see Quinn was desperately trying to come up with something that would make Santana come unglued. "Sure, my dad may not be happy if I'm not in Slytherin, but my mom will be fine. What will happen to you? Will your mom be okay with it?" Santana's eyes narrowed to slits. "Oops, that's right. You don't have one."
If the witch with the trolley of treats had not chosen that exact moment to knock on their compartment, Santana would probably have found herself on her way home before the school year could even start. She roughly pushed her way past the witch and stormed down the corridor. She had no idea where she was going; she just wanted to get as far away as possible.
A compartment door opened in front of Santana. "Ow." Santana collided with the person who had just existed the compartment. "Would it kill you to look where you're going?" Santana seethed.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't see anyone…Santana?"
"Hmph." Santana looked up to find herself staring into deep, blue eyes. "Brittany?"
"We have to stop meeting this way. Are you okay though?"
"Yeah, it wasn't as bad as last time. You really should wear a bell or something so I know when you're coming." Santana couldn't help but smile as she spoke.
"Maybe I should. Why were you walking down the corridor just now?"
"I had to get away from Quinn. She's such a bi…" Santana could sense that Brittany was not comfortable with swearing, even a word as tame as the one she typically used to describe Quinn. "She's not very nice."
"Quinn?"
"Fabray. Her sister is Head Girl and her dad works with mine. You're lucky there's practically no chance you'll be in the same House as her. You won't have to spend the next seven years in close contact with her like I will."
"I bet she's not that bad." Although it annoyed her, Santana wasn't surprised to hear Brittany say that. She had a feeling that Brittany was one to always see the best in people. She had, after all, called Santana her best friend just minutes after Santana had blamed her for their initial collision.
"Wait until you meet her. Then you'll know I'm right." Even though she barely knew her, Santana couldn't imagine Brittany ever disliking someone, much less hating them. It didn't hurt to try and get Brittany on her side when it came to Quinn though. Santana didn't know why exactly, but the last thing she wanted was for Brittany and Quinn to become friends. It wasn't like she and Quinn were truly rivals, they hadn't really had anything to compete over, but Santana felt like she had something with Brittany. Something good. Something she didn't want Quinn to have. She didn't know what it was, but Brittany made her feel at ease. And alive. She wasn't about to give that up. She was so determined to hold onto the feeling that she was going to start fighting before she even had any opposition.
"Well if you don't like her then I guess I don't either?" Brittany phrased it more as a question than a statement. "Hey, you want to come and sit in my compartment? There's an extra seat."
Santana quickly glanced around. "Uh, sure. I guess."
Brittany grinned. "Awesome." She opened the door to the compartment. "Come on in."
"Um, weren't you just leaving the compartment?" Santana asked. "Before we ran into each other I mean. Where were you going?"
"Oh yeah. I don't remember." Brittany tilted her head. "Oh well. I'm sure if it's something important it will come to me." She bounced up and down a little bit. "Come on in. I want to introduce you to everyone."
Wait. People? There are people in there? People I have to meet? For some reason when Brittany mentioned there being a seat available Santana hadn't connected that with the others being occupied. "Okay…"
Santana followed Brittany into the compartment. Brittany pointed at an Asian girl with a blue streak in her hair. "That's Tina." Santana nodded a greeting to Tina who smiled back at her. Next Brittany pointed to an Asian boy wearing a fedora. "That's Mike." She leaned in close to Santana. "I think they're going to get married some day," she whispered quietly. "That's Sunshine." Brittany pointed to a tiny Filipino girl. "And that is Matt." Brittany pointed to the final occupant of the compartment, a scrawny kid with really dark skin. "Everyone, this is Santana. She is going to be hanging with us for a bit."
"Cool. Nice to meet you Santana." Mike offered his hand for Santana.
"Uh, you too." Santana took his hand and shook it.
"Yeah, welcome." Matt stood up and held his hand out for her. Santana shook it as well.
"Thanks for letting me hang here." Santana didn't typically thank people for allowing her to spend time with them. That was akin to admitting that, at the very least, they might not have chosen to hang out with her, and at the worst, it was an inconvenience or something they would have rather not done.
"Of course." Tina spoke for the first time. "We wouldn't want anyone to not have a place to sit."
"We were just playing 'Never have I ever.' Do you want to play Santana?" Sunshine smiled sweetly as she offered to include Santana.
What the hell? It's not like they'll come up with anything embarrassing. I bet most of them haven't even snuck into a movie. "Sure, I'll play." Anything to kill the time.
When the announcement came down the train that they were nearing Hogwarts Santana decided it was time to head back to her compartment. She needed to get her robes out of her trunk. "Well, I gotta go get my stuff. Um, thanks again?" Santana didn't know what to say as she departed their company.
Brittany jumped up. "I'm really glad you stuck around. It was super fun!"
"Yeah, I guess." Santana had no intention of admitting it, but she had had a really good time with them. "See you around, um…" Santana wasn't sure what to say when she was engulfed in a tight squeeze.
"Bye!" Brittany said brightly. "I just know we're going to be best friends."
Santana left the compartment very confused as to what had just happened. She shook her head. I'll figure it out later. As she neared the front of the train she heard what sounded like yelling. As she got closer she realized it was coming from her compartment.
"…You know it doesn't matter what you do, you'll never measure up to me." Is that Lindsey? "You better get used to living in my shadow and if you so much as step your toe out of line or embarrass me in the slightest, I'll make sure mom and dad know who really broke that vase this summer. Now excuse me, I need to get ready. I am Head Girl after all."
Santana flattened herself against the wall of the corridor as Lindsey exited the compartment. When she was out of sight Santana carefully slid open the door.
"What now?" Quinn's eyes were red and her face blotchy. "Oh, it's you." She struggled to compose herself.
"Are you okay? What was that about?" Santana didn't care per say, but she certainly was interested.
"I'm fine," Quinn snapped, failing to stop her voice from cracking. "It was nothing."
"Um, okay," Santana said as Quinn turned away from her. "I guess we should get ready then?"
"Mhm," was all she got in reply.
The wind was blowing and it was raining as they stepped off the train. "Firs' years over here." Santana looked up to see a large, hairy man beckoning them forward. She glanced to where he was indicating. A shudder ran through her as she realized he was pointing down a very dark and narrow path. Not wanting to appear scared Santana threw her shoulders back and walked forward. The path ended at a black lake. There were small boats along the dock. "Four to a boat," the large man shouted.
Santana found herself shoved into a boat with Quinn, Brittany and one of the boys she'd met on the train, Matt. She was sitting next to Quinn with Brittany across from her. Brittany was bouncing up and down in her seat making the boat wobble. "We're almost there!" she exclaimed. "Aren't you excited?"
Santana grumbled under her breath, "I'd be more excited if we weren't about to be dumped into the lake because you're shaking the damn boat so much."
Brittany suddenly stopped moving and Santana looked up to see her head was down and she was near tears. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to shake the boat."
Santana was used to making people cry. She didn't consider it a good day unless she'd made at least two of her house elves storm out on her. Usually making someone cry was something she took pride in so she was shocked at the feeling she had looking at Brittany. She didn't know why, but she actually wanted to make this girl stop crying. Santana reached across the aisle and rested her hand on Brittany's knee. "It's okay, just try to be a little more still." Santana could feel Quinn's eyes on her. Great, just what I needed. I finally get something to hold over Quinn and I lose it a couple hours later. Brittany smiled at Santana's words and touch. Once again Santana found herself lost in those big, blue eyes. She smiled back. You know what? It was worth it.
After they went through a hole in the cliff they exited the boats. Santana had seen pictures of Hogwarts and heard many stories about it, but she still wasn't prepared for the size of it. She and the others with her were led in the doors and to a small room. Santana could hear noises coming from the other side of a small door on the other side of the room. Is the whole school out there? What are we going to have to do?
Santana was momentarily distracted by the feeling of someone grasping her hand. She looked over to see it was Brittany and gave her a questioning glance. "I always hold my mom's hand when I'm nervous, but since she's not here…" Brittany explained. Santana nodded and allowed her to maintain her hold.
A frail woman entered the room. "I am Professor Pillbury. I am the Deputy Headmistress here at Hogwarts." She looks like she's about to puke. How long has she been here? Ten minutes? "Before we enter the Great Hall I wanted to welcome you and explain what is going on. As some of you no doubt know, here at Hogwarts there are four different Houses that you can be in. Each is named after one of the founders of the school and members are selected based upon the characteristics they possess. The four Houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Your House will be your family while you are here. Good things you do will earn your House points while any troublemaking will cause your House to lose points. At the end of the year the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup. And now with that, come, find out where your future lies."
Santana felt someone bump against her as the group started forward. She turned around and snarled at the tiny girl who bumped her. "Oops, my bad," the girl said cheerfully. "Guess I'm just a little excited."
Santana wasn't too thrilled about this development. And to make matters worse, she had gotten separated from Brittany. Santana allowed the crowd to carry her forward and hoped she'd be able to find Brittany again soon.
Santana entered the Great Hall with the other incoming first years. She tried not to display her amazement at the hall. There were four long tables on the floor and one above where the teachers were sitting. If Santana didn't know better she would have thought there wasn't a ceiling and those stars were the real ones. Even for someone who had just about everything she could imagine growing up, it was overwhelming.
A balding, dark skinned man stood up and Santana looked more closely at the teachers behind him. At the end of the row was the man who had led them to the boats. He wasn't less intimidating even that far away. Next to him was a kind of goofy looking guy, but Santana could not shake the feeling that if push came to shove he was someone you wanted on your side. Santana shifted her gaze to the next person. This woman was swaying back and forth in her chair and Santana saw her sneak a drink from a flask she had under the table. Is she drunk? I hope I have class with her. I bet it's really easy. Santana continued down the line looking at all the teachers. Wow, that's some hair! And a sweater vest to boot? Ouch. Finally she came to the end of the line and she felt a chill go through her. The woman sitting at the end looked like she had never smiled in her entire life and if was told a joke would sooner cut out the tongue of the offending party rather than laugh. I wonder who that is. And why is she so angry? I hope I never have to find out. With that Santana turned her attention back to the man who had just begun to speak.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Headmaster Figgins. I am sure you are all excited to be here for another year. We begin our evening with the Sorting! Without further ado, I give to you the Sorting Hat."
Headmaster Figgins pointed to a stool placed in front of the new students. On it was a ratty and frayed hat. Santana scoffed. Wait? I have to put that on my head? How many people have worn it? Ew. At that point the hat began to sing.
At the great school of Hogwarts
We are not all the same
Each of our four founders
Created a House with their name
In each House you will find
Certain traits will with clarity
Lead you to succeed
And thrive with prosperity
If you're fierce like a lion
I have a place for you
To reveal your nerve
And to yourself be true
If you do not display your fear
Or let your insecurities show
If you fight for what you believe
Gryffindor's where you will grow
If logical thinking
Is more your cup of tea
Do not fret one minute
For I have a place for thee
If you always make sure
To get the answer right
If you work problems through
You'll be in Ravenclaw tonight
If the thought of betrayal
Makes your insides quease
If loyalty to all
Is what you aim to achieve
If hard work and determination
Are your recipe for success
Then the House of Hufflepuff
Is where you will progress
If getting ahead
Is what you desire
If fame and wealth
Are what you care to acquire
If your ambitions determine
How you make your friends
Then to be in Slytherin
Will be what your heart recommends
I can see it all
I know what you want
So just put me on
It won't be for naught
Santana didn't get nervous. Never. And definitely not about something like putting a hat on her head, even a really old, musty one. She just didn't.
"Arthur Abrams," Headmaster Figgins announced. Man, I'd hate to have a name like that. You'd always be first. Santana looked up and saw a boy in a wheelchair rolling over to the hat. What on earth? How did a guy who can't walk get into Hogwarts? His parents must be muggles.
"RAVENCLAW!" shouted the hat. The Ravenclaw table began to cheer. Tentatively at first, but they soon got into it.
"Rachel Berry," said Headmaster Figgins.
A tiny brunette raced to the stool. "Yay! It's my turn. I wonder what House I'm going to be in. I hope it's a good one. Of course, they're all good ones, but I just know that one will be better for me than the others. I hope the hat will get it right. I know it's magical and all, but what if it's wrong? Can I get a redo if I don't like what it says?"
You have got to be kidding me. "Put on the hat Rachel." Headmaster Figgins wanted to keep the ceremony moving. How did she say so many words in one breath? If she is in the same house I am I just may kill myself…or her.
"SLYTHERIN!" exclaimed the hat. Oh crap! You have got to me kidding me. No, no, no, no, no!
Santana glanced over at the Slytherin table. They all looked like someone had just set their house elf free. Why is this happening to me?
Three of the students Santana met on the train, Mike Chang, Tina Cohen-Chang, and Sunshine Corazon, all became Ravenclaws. Why am I not surprised?
"Sam Evans." What a dork. Kind of cute though. He could potentially be useful.
"GRYFFINDOR!" Damn, too bad.
"Quinn Fabray." Santana watched as Quinn carefully placed the hat on her head and sat on the stool. Always so prim and proper. Gag me.
"RAVENCLAW!" Quinn's eyebrows shot up. Holy crap! Ravenclaw? Well, that makes things a bit better. Santana looked over to the Slytherin table to see if she could find Quinn's sister. She found her at the front of the table. Lindsey was sitting rigidly twisting the Head Girl pin on her lapel. She did not look happy. Quinn very stiffly walked to the Ravenclaw table.
"Finn Hudson."
A goofy looking kid lumbered over to the stool. He nearly knocked it over as he bent to pick up the hat.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" Figures.
"Kurt Hummel."
Santana was starting to get anxious. She still totally wasn't nervous, but she did want to get it over with. She looked up to see who was up to be sorted next. What a fairy princess. I'm surprised he doesn't have his tiara with him.
"GRYFFINDOR!" Well it does take courage to walk around looking like that.
"Santana Lopez."
It's go time. Santana strutted up to the stool. She lifted up the hat and sat down. Slytherin. Slytherin. Slytherin. Please put me in Slytherin.
Slytherin hmm? That's what you want?
What on earth? Who is that?
It's me, the Sorting Hat, duh. Who else could it be? You didn't think that people here could get into your head like this did you?
Santana was definitely caught off guard by the voice in her head. She had kind of thought that maybe there was someone at Hogwarts who did have the ability to get into her head. Of course not.
Ha. You realize that I can hear all of your thoughts right? All of them. You can't fool me. So you want to be in Slytherin?
Yeah. My papi was and he'd be really disappointed if I wasn't. He's always so sad. I just want to make him happy.
Hmm. Well I do take into consideration what people think. But I also have to consider where you would be the most successful. Lucky for you I think Slytherin might just be the best fit. So in that case…
Hey, can you tell me why you put Quinn in Ravenclaw?
"SLYTHERIN!"
Santana felt the hat being lifted off her head. She opened her eyes. She hadn't even realized she'd closed them. She looked over to the Slytherin table. They were all cheering. She started walking over. As she passed by, she saw Lindsey give her a curt nod. She continued to a seat at the table, breathing more easily now that it was over. Okay, now to see where the rest of these losers end up. Santana zoned out. She clapped when the people around her did. And booed and hissed with them as well.
"Brittany Pierce." Santana's ears perked. She looked up. There's no way she'll be in Slytherin. Santana found herself a little sad at that thought. I hope she's not in Hufflepuff though.
Brittany bounced over to the stool, grabbed the hat and plopped down. It took a bit longer for this one than it had for some of the others. Finally the hat announced, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table clapped and Brittany enthusiastically ran to join them. She was halfway there when she realized she was still wearing the hat. She returned to deposit it back on the stool with as much grace as one could in that situation.
Ha. Why am I not surprised? She doesn't even look embarrassed though. If that was me I'd want to die. As Brittany walked past Santana she tapped the side of her head and gave a little wink. What was that for? Was that supposed to mean something? She tapped her head. … Oh, she said she'd forget her head if it wasn't attached. Santana couldn't help but smile. Cute.
"Noah Puckerman." The boy Santana had met at Ollivander's strutted over to the stool. A mohawk? Really? Ha! He didn't have that when I saw him at the wand shop. Probably got it so people wouldn't know he's such a momma's boy. All I can say is: Fail.
"SLYTHERIN!"
Noah walked over to the Slytherin table. He plopped down in the seat next to Santana. "Fancy meeting you here."
Santana couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. "So, what happened to your hair? Someone switch your shampoo with a hair removal draft and then you decide to fix it by gluing a ferret to your head?"
Puck glared at her. Santana turned her attention to the next person up. It was Matt. He became a Gryffindor.
After the last student was sorted, Lauren Zizes, Slytherin, Headmaster Figgins stood up again. "Welcome to Hogwarts, one and all. And now, we feast."
Santana looked down at her plate and saw that it had magically been filled with food. She hadn't eaten since the train and so was pretty hungry. She didn't want to look like a pig though so she took small bites to maintain her dignity. A glance to her side told her that Noah did not feel the same desire. He was shoveling food into his mouth like he hadn't eaten in weeks.
As soon as Santana decided she couldn't eat any more the food disappeared and was replaced with a selection of desserts. Santana took this time to scan the Ravenclaw table. She saw Brittany sitting next to Quinn, deep in conversation. Santana felt an irrational surge of jealousy rush through her. She tried to catch the eye of one of the blondes, but was unsuccessful.
Headmaster Figgins walked to the front once more. "Before I dismiss you, I must mention a couple of things. Just like always I must remind you that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to students. I would advise you take heed of that. If you ignore that rule I can promise your punishment will be severe, providing you survive the forest. Also, please take note that there is no magic allowed in the corridors. And on a happier note, Quiddich trials will begin the second week of school. Anyone interested should see Madam Washington. Now, please follow your Prefects to your dormitories. You'll want to get a good night's sleep before your first day."
Santana scanned the crowd. She found Lindsey glaring in her direction. "Come on you maggots," Lindsey spat, "Let's get you to bed." Santana meekly followed Lindsey and the rest of the Slytherin first-years to their dungeon dormitory.