Chapter Four: I'm A What!?
Tessa looked at the ceiling in awe before returning her attention to the front, where Professor McGonagall had announced the headmaster Dumbledore was to make a speech. "I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce. The first years please note, that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the third floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to all who do not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you."
Tessa raised her eyebrow slightly at this announcement, because honestly, she though it was preposterous. Either way, she didn't have time to dwell on it as students started to get sorted. It wasn't very long before they called her name, and she walked up to the stool to decide her fate. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head and she suddenly heard a voice.
"Intelligent, perfect for Ravenclaw. Nice, but not quite right for Hufflepuff I think. You come from a long line of Slytherin purebloods…but no, that's not the house for you either. You're very loyal, if not a bit conflicted. I think the choice is clear, Gryffindor!"
Tessa blinked a few times, stunned by what the Sorting Hat had shouted.
She didn't get up nor did she hear the thunderous applause coming from the red a gold table. All she could think was that somehow, the hat had to have made a mistake. She couldn't be a Gryffindor, her mother would murder her! Finally snapping back to reality, she slowly made her way over to the Gryffindor table and sat down, staring at her plate.
Harry and Ron were quick to join her, and soon after the feast began. She didn't touch her food though, and Harry took notice. "Hey, what's up? You're not eating, and what was with you going off with Malfoy earlier?" Tessa looked up at him briefly and over at Ron who was now looking at her as well.
Looking back down at her plate she sighed," My family's friends with his family. If I hadn't gone and my mother had found out, I'd have been in big trouble. Though I guess it doesn't much matter now, my mom's going to murder me." Both Ron and Harry looked confused so she continued," Everyone in family has always been a Slytherin, I'm the first who hasn't been, and I'm in Gryffindor of all places."
Ron, understanding house rivalries because of his siblings, patted her on the shoulder in comfort. "You'll be alright mate. We're always glad to have you here." Tessa nodded in thanks, and although she was much livelier after that, she still didn't eat any. She was still nervous after all. Half way through the feast Harry caught site of someone and turned to Percy Weasley to question him about it.
"Hey Percy, who's that teacher talking to Professor Quirrell?" Percy glanced to see who he was talking about before explaining," That's Professor Snape, head of Slytherin house." Tessa looked up at this point to see who they were talking about and turned back to Percy. "What's he teach?" "Potions," Percy started," But everyone knows he's been after Quirrell's job for years, he teaches DADA"
Tessa raised her eyebrow and scoffed, "He wants to trade teaching Potions for Defense Against The Dark Arts? What an idiot." Percy looked at her funny for a second before laughing. "You like Potions I take it?" Tessa nodded, "Love them. I plan to be a Potions Master after Hogwarts." "Good luck to you then," Percy grinned," You'll have a tough time in his class. He hates Gryffindor." Tessa simply rolled her eyes. "Don't all Slytherins."