Chapter Eleven

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As the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, the pair finally realised the reality of the situation. They were mere minutes away from Hogwarts after all, and in an hour at the most, a decision would be made that would influence their lives forever more. Neither could say that they were not fearful of this decision, or of being separated, though they doubted this, but even so, they were relatively excited. After all, they had waited eleven years for this, and it was finally about to happen.

Only ten minutes had passed, and the children each stepped out of the rickety boats which had carried them across the Black Lake, each of them glad to set foot on dry land again. Their slight seasickness, for most, was outnumbered by their amazement at the beautiful sight that was before them. The candles in the windows lit up the sky with a flickering glow, and the magic in the air could be felt even before they entered the castle. Each and every one of them knew that this was not just any place. Hogwarts School was truly special.

As the doors were opened and they were led inside by a slightly severe looking woman, who's greying hair was pulled back into a bun beneath her celebratory witch's hat. She had been mentioned many times by the Weasley family, however, as being a very fair and just Head of House in their time, and they had heard no reports otherwise by any current attenders of the school, though granted they did not know many. As it seemed that it was she who would be responsible for them during their seven year stay, the twins could only hope that her reputation preceded her, and not simply a rumour concocted by students who did not wish to end up in detention.

As the group gathered themselves in a half circle around the raised platform, where was situated the stool on which rested the infamous Sorting Hat, the stern looking woman began to speak, reading them a welcoming message that the pair knew was extremely well practiced, as it was precisely the same as the one she had read a great deal of time ago, during the first year that Harry attended the school. Having heard that this professor was fairly used to keeping routines when she could do, Teddy found that this did not surprise him at all. 'It would probably be easier than writing out something new every year, especially when it says the same thing anyway.'

However, the variation began when the Scottish professor produced a piece of parchment from beneath the stool, a leaf which Selena was aware had a list of forty names to be read in the order of their age, when they would approach the stool and be Sorted into the Houses which would act as their families for the next seven years. This was the decision that could potentially change their lives forever.

Of course, her brother had spent a great deal of time attempting to assure her that her fears were unfounded, as they would never split them apart when they were clearly so similar, but still the younger of the two of them had her doubts.

And so a few names, a dozen at most, had been read out, including that of Fred Weasley II, the son of Nymphadora Lupin's good friend, Angelina Johnson, and also of Ginny's elder brother, George, who chose to name the boy in honour of his deceased twin brother. After a few moments with the Hat on his head, the enchanted headwear had proclaimed that he belonged with the Hufflepuffs. Despite the Gryffindor heritage of their family, Fred had seemed to be thrilled with this outcome.

However, the couple of children born in April had now been Sorted, and so both children knew what was coming next, and their nerves were now almost overwhelming, the younger of them shaking so violently that she thought her legs were about to collapse under her from fear. Before they had stood in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, where so much of the history of their family, both old and new, had occurred, neither had been particularly worried about following in their footsteps, but now that they were here, it seemed imperative that they join the House of the lions as well.

"Theodore Lupin." read the Scottish woman, who had now introduced herself as Professor McGonagall, their headmistress, and beside her, Selena watched her elder brother ascend the staircase, taking his place on the stool and breathing in deeply as the Hat was placed on his head.

Closing her eyes just as he had done, the girl concentrated on her brother's mind, hoping for the special connection they had always shared to be strong enough in this magical environment to allow her to hear his thoughts, as she did not believe that she could stand the tension otherwise.

Luckily, the sorcery that tingled in the very air of Hogwarts School had sensed her need to know of her brother's thoughts, and she could suddenly hear a few words here and there, excerpts from the conversation he would be having with the Sorting Hat. He was clearly scared, she could tell from the subtle rises and falls in his tone, but he hid it well, responding to the questions of the enchanted apparel with something akin to arrogance.

However, all the important parts of the dialogue, such as the traits that had been seen in her brother, but fate was still on her side, it seemed, as the cry of the House sent Teddy Lupin running to join the lions.

Now it was her turn, and before her name was even read, Selena began to take small steps in the direction of the staircase, and seated herself quickly down on the stool. Immediately, the Hat began to talk in her ear.

Ah, so this is the twin sister that young Lupin mentioned. Hmm, it has always amazed me how two children borne of the same womb at the same time can be so completely different. Oh, he was loud and bold and arrogant enough to be a Gryffindor, there was no doubt about that, but you are something else. There's something deeper in you, not bravery, but something close to it. Just like your mother. Oh, I know exactly where you belong.

And so the announcement was made, the word that would change the lives of the twins as they knew them.

Hufflepuff.

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