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Here is the next chapter - I hope you enjoy it :)
"Wait," Lauren cut in just as Dumbledore started heading towards the shelf to retrieve the Sorting Hat. "How am I to pay for school supplies? I don't have any money." She intentionally left out the fact that even if Dumbledore were somehow able to access her account from her world, there would barely be enough money in there to pay for a quarter of the supplies. She was as broke as they came.
"The school has special funding for students in need," Dumbledore assured.
Lauren nodded, though she chewed worriedly at her bottom lip. Even with the cost of school supplies covered, there was still the fact that she was going to need clothes, especially now that she was in the 'growing stages' of her life.
Bloody hell! This is a nightmare.
Dumbledore, as though reading her mind, added delicately, "And the Ministry has provisions set aside for children in similar situations such as yourself."
"You mean they have a secret fund for people that just happen to magically drop into a fictional world and find themselves children once again?" she asked sarcastically.
"Not quite," the Headmaster muttered good-naturedly, seemingly unaffected by her surly disposition. Though, being in the presence of Severus Snape on a daily basis, the old man had probably become immune to the withering insults that were eloquently veiled by a dark, silky voice. There was no denying the fact that Snape was highly intelligent and could cut people down with a few well-chosen words – a talent that he used to his full advantage. But this certain skillset was annoyingly ineffective when it came to the Headmaster, it would seem.
"Has there ever been a situation like this before?" she enquired.
Dumbledore actually pondered the question for a few moments before throwing a questioning look in Severus' direction. The Potion Master simply shook his head slowly from side to side; he had never heard of such a thing happening before either.
Lauren sighed and extended her hand, waiting for Dumbledore to pass her the Hat. "Lead me to my doom," she sighed unenthusiastically.
He gave her a crooked smile before plopping the tattered hat in her outstretched hand, the material surprisingly soft and supple to the touch, contrary to its outer appearance.
"I think you and Miss Ward are going to get along splendidly," he declared, his statement directed at Severus. "You both share a rather pessimistic outlook."
Professor Snape levelled him with a dark scowl. "Life lessons have been…enlightening and have thus taught me to be cynical. Miss Ward, I am sure, has been gifted with similar experiences."
The hat was half-way to her head when Lauren paused, reflecting on the difficulties Severus Snape had endured throughout his life. From an ambiguous hints of an abusive home life and the relentless and vindictive bullying suffered at the hands of the Marauders at school - which Dumbledore had done nothing to put a stop to it – to the disastrous events concerning Lily Evans…It was hardly surprising that Severus had taken on such a despised outlook on life.
Which lead her to her next line of thought. Was it possible that Snape had lost his will to live a long time ago, possibly the same night that Lily was murdered at the hands of his Master, Voldemort?
It was quite plausible. Lauren had suspected, from what she had read in the books and seen in the movies, that Severus had no expectations of surviving war and had resigned himself to his fate. She had always wondered why he had not fought back when Nagini had attacked him. Her conclusion had been that he had wanted to die that night.
Or will want to die. That horrible event has still yet to happen.
Which begged the next question: how had he drawn similar conclusions from her when he barely knew her? Had he read her thoughts and memories without her knowledge? Or did it take a kindred spirit to recognize the signs that others would easily overlook.
Lauren chose not to dispute his claims - he spoke the truth, after all. There were very valid reasons why she was abrasive and rough around the edges. Life hadn't been kind to her either, though it paled in comparison to what he had been through. And will go through.
"Experience is a bitch," she muttered and then settled into her chair, pulling the Sorting Hat down firmly over her head. It was far too big and fell down over her eyes, plunging her into darkness.
Hmm, what do we have here? the Hat's voice echoed inside her head, startling her with the foreign intrusion. Having another voice inside her head was disconcerting.
"Sadly, just little 'ol me," she replied, clasping her hands in her lap as she awaited its verdict.
You're a highly unusual one…not from this world…yes, very interesting. What to do, what to do…it ruminated, more to itself than to her.
Lauren waited for it to continue, resisting the urge to jiggle her feet impatiently or wiggle in her chair. She absently wondered if that was a childhood trait, the inability to sit still?
You represent a very difficult choice, indeed. So many possibilities. I sense a certain amount of courage hidden deep within you…courage that will come to the forefront when the time calls for it…maybe Gryffindor…
"If you dare put me in Gryffindor, I promise you that when Buckbeak shows up in this timeline, I will personally feed you to him. You'll end up being nothing but Hippogriff poop once I'm done with you," she growled.
The Hat was momentarily quiet, and Lauren wondered if she had offended it? Was it even possible to insult a hat?
You would do well in Gryffindor, it finally spoke up. You are fiercely loyal, and you are not afraid to fight for what you believe in. Traits of a true Gryffindor. So why your objection?
"Because Gryffindors are shown blatant favoritism, getting away with things that would normally have others expelled in a heartbeat." Her thoughts instantly went to Sirius Black and how he attempted to murder Severus by sending him into the Shrieking Shack, where he knew full well a werewolf lay in wait. If James Potter hadn't had a stab of conscience, it most certainly would have ended up being murder. And Sirius would still have probably gotten away with it, she thought bitterly. All because he was a Golden Gryffindor.
You have an acute sense of justice, too. Something Gryffindors pride themselves in. Then there is also your short temper, another common feature…
Severus has a short temper, she thought to herself, but was wise enough not to say this out loud. She was keenly aware that the two men in the room were listening intently to her conversation with the Sorting Hat, though she doubted they could hear what the Hat was saying - it seemed to speak only inside her head. But both Headmaster and Professor could most assuredly hear her.
The last thing she needed was for Snape to hear her pointing out the fact that he shared a common trait with Gryffindor. He would surely flay her alive for that.
Ravenclaw is a possibility, the Sorting Hat continued, ignoring her line of thought. Behind your abrasive mask lies an intellectual…
"Have you seen my grades from high school? I'm not exactly what you would call an intellectual."
Maybe, but that was before. What about now? the Hat pressed, pausing for good measure to let his implication settle in. Knowing what you know, and what is at stake if you should fail, would it be safe to assume that you would apply yourself this time round to achieve the life you desire? The very life that was denied to you back in your world?
Lauren thought about that. If there was no way for her to return to her old life (which seemed like a distinct possibility), then this would prove to be golden opportunity for a second chance. A chance to make something of her life. A chance to achieve good grades through hard work and dedication and become something...more.
Then reality crashed down as she really thought about it. She would have to learn everything from scratch. She would have to learn and dedicate all the properties of the ingredients needed to brew a perfect potion to memory. She would have to learn to flick her wand just the right way. She would have to learn all the Latin words used to cast spells. Not to mention all the detailed history she would have to memorize.
She felt the rising panic begin to take over. It felt as though she were being set up for failure.
Guaranteed, it's not going to be easy, but you are not going to be the only one who will have to start from the beginning and learn all the basics.
Of course, Lauren thought, somewhat mollified. There will be other Muggle-Borns who will be in the same boat as me. I won't be the only novice bumbling my way through school…
And help can be found in the unlikeliest of places…all you need to do is ask…
Lauren frowned to herself, trying to decipher the cryptic words of the Hat.
You have caught the attention of a particular Professor. I am certain he will guide you if you seek out his aid.
Lauren stilled, wondering whom the Hat was referring to? Then her thoughts drifted to Severus Snape. She had assumed that the Headmaster had summoned him to help deal with her, but maybe that hadn't the case at all.
No, Professor Snape came of his own accord. After all, it's not every day that someone crashes through the roof of the Great Hall, managing to break through numerous protective wards in the process. You managed to pique his curiosity.
Interesting, she mused, unsure how she should really feel about this revelation.
It is, indeed. You and he are more similar than you care to admit…
Lauren snorted.
You shall find out in due time, child…
"I'm not a child," she snapped.
The Sorting Hat chuckled in her head, highly amused at her ire.
Lauren lifted the Hat part way off her head, noting that Dumbledore was now leaning back against his desk, his gnarled hands clutching the edges on either side of him and a look of consternation etched on his wizened face (probably from the comment she had made about Gryffindors). Professor Snape stood off to the side, his arms folded in front on him and his ever present scowl etched on his pale face.
"Does it ever stop talking?"
It was Dumbledore's turn to chuckle. "You're a conundrum. It will eventually sort you into the House that best suits you," he replied amusedly, motioning for her to put the Hat back on.
Sighing dramatically, Lauren did as she was bid, glimpsing the brief twitch of Professor Snape's lips as he suppressed his smile. Once more she was plunged back into murky darkness.
You have been brought here for a very particular reason, Miss Ward. Can you guess why, with the hints I have given you?
Snape, she immediately thought, unashamed that he was the thought that had popped into mind. You think I can help him?
I think you can both help each other…
"Is that why I was brought here?" she asked out loud.
Yes.
"How? Was it you?"
Another chuckle sounded. No. I do not possess such magic.
"Then who did?"
You shall find out in due time…
"Oh, for fuck's sake, enough with the bloody riddles!"
Very well then, the Sorting Hat said slyly in her head. And then it suddenly shouted out, clear for all to hear, "Slytherin!"
"What?! You barely considered me for the other houses, except Gryffindor."
Which you flatly refused, the Hat pointed out. Your prickly demeanor, paired with your foul temper and barbed tongue, ruled you out of the running for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. You would have been a poor fit for those houses anyway. That left the choice of Slytherin. I think, if you put your mind to it, you can be cunning and shrewd enough to fit right in. And it will keep you in close vicinity of Professor Snape. Who, I might add, is the reason for you being here.
"Is that the only reason?" she asked, unable to wrap her mind around the fact that she was somehow supposed to help the formidable and fearsome Professor. How the hell was she supposed to do that, especially when he was not the sort of person to easily let others in?
No, there are others. But, yes, he is the main reason.
"Okay, but you're forgetting the fact that I'm Muggle-Born. I thought Muggle-Borns weren't sorted or accepted into the Slytherin House?"
It is rare but, being of a Slytherin nature and possessing certain Slytherin qualities, who says you have to tell them the truth? And with that, the Hat went silent.
Lauren slowly lifted it from her head, blinking as her eyes tried to adjust. She glanced over at Dumbledore. "I think your barmy Sorting Hat made a mistake," she bit out, handing him back the ratty Hat.
Dumbledore affectionately dusted it off and placed the Hat back on the shelf. "What makes you say that, Miss Ward?"
"For starters, it wanted to sort me into Gryffindor," she declared, visibly shuddering before deciding to stand up.
"Yes, I heard," Dumbledore said dryly. "It's nice to know you think so highly of that House."
"Oh don't give me that crap. Slytherins are automatically shunned, solely because of the house they belong to. They are deemed the worst of the worst from the start. Gryffindors, on the other hand, are favored above all. You, I should point out, are guilty of showing such favoritism towards Gryffindors," she criticized, her blue eyes flashing with the injustice of it all.
His eyes narrowed, his own ire coming to the forefront as he pursed his lips in disapproval. "I should warn you, Miss Ward, that as a student of Hogwarts, such insolence shall not be tolerated. You would do well to learn some respect."
Somewhere in the back of her mind, Lauren knew it would be unwise to make an enemy of this wizard. But she seemed unable to reign in her tongue.
"Respect needs to be earned, not demanded," she replied evenly, unwilling to back down. "Besides, my point shall be proven at the end of the school year."
Puzzlement replaced anger, and Dumbledore hastily held up his hand. "Do not reveal any more details of future events."
"What is the other reason that you assume that the Sorting Hat made a mistake?" Snape interjected smoothly, his silky voice diffusing the building tension with effortless ease.
Lauren turned her attention to Snape, who was keenly observing her. His dark eyes, framed by even darker lashes, glinted like deep pools of obscurity, intrigue barely detectable upon the surface. His pale features were set in a neutral mask, and he stood sure and straight, his posture impeccable. He was the epitome of darkness yet, somehow, he had taken on the role of mediator between her and Dumbledore.
Lauren blinked at the revelation, and her mind quickly scrabbled to return to their previous point of discussion. "As you know, I'm Muggle-Born. That should automatically disqualify me from Slytherin." She paused, her brows furrowing. "Though, the Sorting Hat did say it was rare but not unheard of…"
"The Sorting Hat was correct. Though highly unusual, there have been a select few Muggle-Borns that have been sorted into Slytherin," Dumbledore stated, donning once more the mask of personable and wise Headmaster.
"So…I should lie about being Muggle-Born?"
"I'd suggest omitting the truth. Or maybe evade it altogether," Severus supplied, cunning lacing his rich, deep voice.
"Something Slytherins are good at doing," she pointed out.
Severus gave her a small smirk. "Indeed," he intoned.
"Okay, but I really don't think I possess the characteristics of a Slytherin," she went on.
"I beg to differ," Dumbledore mused. In his mind, it would seem, she was very much a Slytherin and nothing would convince him otherwise.
Lauren arched a brow at the Headmaster. On her adult self it would have looked condescending, but paired with her now youthful and childish face, it failed miserably. A fact that was quite obvious when Dumbledore flashed her an amused smile.
Dumbledore's eyes shifted to Severus and then back to her. "Yes, I think the Hat sorted you correctly," was all he deigned to say on the subject. "Now that the matter has been settled, I must impart on you the importance on keeping all future knowledge you possess to yourself, Miss Ward. Do not talk about it, not even with Professor Snape or myself. I cannot stress how detrimental it would be if you inadvertently altered events."
"My being here has automatically changed things," she pointed out.
"That may well be, but you need to exercise caution. That includes interacting with Harry Potter. In fact, I think it would be best if you avoided him altogether."
Lauren eyed him suspiciously. Part of her thought this was just him being a manipulative bastard and trying to control everything, but another part knew that if she tried to change events from the book, the whole outcome would be very different. And maybe not for the better. The Headmaster did make a valid point.
Her eyes shifted to Severus Snape, who stood silently to the side, half in and half out of the shadows.
She was a Slytherin now, and she was going to have to be cunning and shrewd, especially with the issue regarding Severus Snape. She wasn't wholly concerned about Harry Potter – he had ample enough help from some of the greatest wizards and witches around. But who did Severus have? No one.
She gave a short nod of assent, her gaze still on the Potion Master.
"Excellent!" Clapping his long-fingered hands together, Dumbledore pivoted to address Snape. "Severus, would you be so kind as to escort Miss Ward to her room?"
Severus gave him a curt nod and sharply nudge his head to the side, indicating that she should follow him, which she did without question. Surprisingly, he held the door open for her.
"Miss Ward?" Dumbledore suddenly spoke up.
She halted in the doorway, glancing over her shoulder at the wizard.
"Your supplies will be delivered to your room by morning. And might I suggest that you endeavor to refrain from using questionable language from now on."
"Ah, that might be problematic," she replied. Swearing was almost second nature to her, a habit she couldn't help.
"I thought as much," he sighed and suddenly waved his wand in her direction.
Lauren blinked and glanced around, feeling no different. "What did you do to me?"
Dumbledore gave her an enigmatic smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he tucked his wand back into the sleeve of his robe. "You shall find out soon enough." He nodded again to Severus, clearly dismissing them.
"What did he do to me?" she asked as Professor Snape stepped around her and started descending the stairs, his hands clasped behind his ramrod straight back. Lauren had to quicken her pace to keep up with him.
"A simple, yet effective spell," was his nonchalant reply.
They passed by the gargoyle and Snape strode down the darkened hallway, his cape billowing behind him.
"Oi! Can you slow down?" she panted, running to catch up to him.
Severus glanced down at her and gave an annoyed huff, though he did slow his pace.
Now matching his strides, Lauren persisted. "Can you please tell me what Dumbledore did to me?"
His lips twitched and he glanced down at her as they continued walking. "No."
She frowned at the single syllable. "No? You mean 'no' as in you can't tell me, or 'no' as in you won't tell me?"
The corner of his mouth twitched again. "I think a simple no will suffice."
She scowled at him. "You're a real prat, you know that?"
"I've been called worse," he stated with a shrug. "Do try and be imaginative when insulting someone," he drawled.
"Beetlejuice," she snapped.
Lauren stuttered to a halt, her eyes widening like saucers and her mouth forming a surprised 'o'. Severus, too, had come to a standstill and was staring back at her, a slow smile curling his lips.
"What did you call me?"
"I, uh…" she stuttered.
Severus closed the distance between them in two long strides, and she was acutely aware of how close he was standing in front of her. She picked up the distinct smell of herbs and old parchment, a scent that strangely suited him. Craning her neck to meet his penetrating gaze, Lauren swallowed thickly.
"Say. It. Again." He enunciated each word, slowly and carefully, that predatory smile still on his lips as he gazed down at her with unsettling intensity.
"Beetlejuice," she repeated, almost a whisper. What! No, I didn't mean to say that! I meant to say 'Bastard'."
His smile widened and suddenly a low chuckle escaped his lips, the sound almost disconcerting, especially coming from this particular man. If she hadn't been so confused, Lauren would have realized that it sounded rather pleasant.
His amusement died down, and Snape gave her a pointed look before turning and striding away.
"Wait! Did Dumbledore do this to me? Did he somehow make it so that I would be unable to swear?" she questioned as she hastened to catch up to him.
"That would be correct," Snape stated.
Lauren scowled. "That…that Beetlejuice!" she exclaimed with feeling.
Snape's laughter echoed through the hallway, following them down to the dungeon.
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