"Hufflepuff!"
The Great Hall erupted with the final bout of applause as the final first year took his seat with the rest of his house. Nearly 150 students had been sorted this year, and, at this point, everyone was just waiting to move along and get to the feast.
Dumbledore stood up, towering over the rest of his guests, as Professor McGonagall lifted the Sorting Hat from its resting place, ready to commence with the rest of the evening, but not before the doors to the Hall opened up once more. The sound of its hinges parting set an eerie silence over the crowd as heads turned one by one to catch a glimpse at their late arriving guests.
While the headmaster did not appear to be surprised, the rest of the eyes stared. The other professors were especially confused as they were not informed of these 'uninvited' strangers.
Two girls, too mature to be first years but too young to be professors, stepped foot into the Great Hall.
Their eyes did not land on anyone or anything except the seat they were supposed to take to be sorted into their houses. While their mannerisms were atypical of students, those were not the only oddities that caught the attention of their peers. Onlookers could only describe them as cat-like, and they gave off an aura that was not to be toyed with. A black cat and a white cat strutting down the Great Hall like no one was watching.
Io's sapphire hair complimented her small stature, petite and quaint yet intimidating with her air. She towered above the first years in a long-sleeved black satin dress that stopped a few inches above her knees. The clunky heel of her boots thunked with each step though she did not appear as intimidating as her counterpart. Aster's long, silver locks framed her face with small ringlets towards the bottom, keeping anyone from catching her expression as she moved forward in her leather jacket, black jeans, and boots. The two gave off the impression that they were purebloods, but no one would dare guess. Just who were these girls who were too old to be sorted, too young to teach, and seemed out of place in the silent hall?
Professor McGonagall scurried over to Dumbledore, worry gathering under her eyes. He reassured her quietly and out of earshot from the other professors, and the Sorting ceremony continued.
Io released Aster's hand, walking up the few stairs at an even pace. The silence of the hall made the creak of the stool echo. She crossed her legs while keeping eye contact with her twin.
The Sorting Hat was silent for a moment, but Io could hear the voice in her head.
"So you're the one I was forewarned about. The Pukwudgie healer with a darker core and a blackened stare to match. So where to put you…"
Io remained silent, keeping her composure, never once making eye contact with anyone other than Aster.
The Sorting Hat chuckled in her ear.
"How complex - how very complex. So many secrets in this mind, this dark and God-fearing mind. Where could you go but among the darkness of a like minded crowd…"
And after several seconds, "Slytherin!" roared and made the walls rumble.
The girls were told not to reveal too much other than what was necessary, and from what Io had read about Slytherin, it said more about her personality than she imagined. While her Pukwudgie peers had personalities of all kinds, the aura around the Slytherin house table was very distinct - dark, exclusive, yet tempting and all too inviting.
Io stood up but did not go too far, waiting for her sister's turn.
Aster sat down quietly, her eyes straight forward just as Io did.
The Sorting Hat began once again.
"And you - you! The Wampus - the warrior whose courage dares to match that of a Gryffindor but whose heart yields more loyalty than most. How complicated you two are…"
Aster did not flinch, but she waited patiently, hiding her anxiety in her curls.
The Sorting Hat hummed quietly before roaring, "Both of you have dark hearts with fire at the core. Loyalty above all, and secrets rewarded to none." And once again it declared, "Slytherin!"
Led by Professor Dumbledore, the hall filled with a hollow applause, students and professors still unsure of how to feel about the transfers. Io and Aster didn't expect to be sorted in the same house. Back at Ilvermorny, their houses accompanied each other often but had their own distinct qualities. Then again, it only sunk in all the more that they were far away from home. Being in different houses helped them develop individual personalities they might have never discovered if they weren't separated. Being in the same house will be an entirely different journey.
Locking arms together, the sisters moved to the Slytherin table with their new deep green lined Hogwarts robes, all eyes set on them. They didn't dare to look anywhere they didn't need to, but curiosity had to kill them sooner or later. The Slytherin House did not know what to make of the two and just sat silently, observing them as they walked closer.
Io's eyes flickered up once, and what a mistake that was. For when they landed on someone, it wasn't just anyone to be pushed into the background of her mind.
Draco Malfoy's cold stare met hers exactly at the right moment, and the chill set in before her knees hit the bench. She felt his calculating gaze on her even after she broke eye contact. Her fingers twitched suddenly, catching the attention of her sister, but this had to be ignored. No distractions.
"Well, don't they look friendly." A dark haired witch just off to the side sneered under her breath. If anyone had asked what the human equivalent of Ice Mice was, she might fit the description. It was obvious that she was trying to exude an aura of authority as she leaned into a handful of the Slytherin boys, all of them looking disinterested and giving half chuckles to appease her. She continued, "I give her one week in Potions before she singes that fringe right off her - "
"Pansy." Blaise Zabini quietly hissed as Draco sent her a quick glare. The girl immediately went silent, hiding a spiteful sneer aimed at the twins as if she was marking her territory.
Io's wand must have slipped under her robes, but before anyone could make another comment, a large gust of air blew into Pansy's face, sending a little bit of her food back with her. Aster chuckled under her breath as the bully hurried to recompose herself. She spent the next minute shaking salt from her torso.
"That wasn't in the job description." Aster whispered with a devious grin.
Io smirked and nodded her head to herself. "That was just a side perk."
Before Aster could respond, Dumbledore stood up and fixed his glasses. "Before the banquet begins, I will say again for our two arrivals. Aside from our new professor and Professor Snape now teaching potions, be aware. Lord Voldemort and the occurrences from the summer holiday have cast a dark mood, and your studies will not be interrupted - be assured that Hogwarts is safe, protected. But all that aside - feast, eat, and good luck on your first day of term."
"You're just going to let them pull a stupid prank like that!" Pansy shrieked towards her friends, breaking the ominous air set on by Dumbledore's words - not that she cared to listen. She shot a nasty glare over at the two. "You're lucky Filch didn't see - "
"My sincerest apologies." Io cut her off, feigning sympathy. "I'd hand you a handkerchief, but it's gone. Rather unfortunate incident in Potions."
Several people snickered with their heads down while Pansy's face turned an unpleasant shade of puce. Some of the first years even dared to spare a laugh, making it all the more embarrassing.
Aster sighed, resting her head on her hand as she watched the scene in amusement. "Was that another… what did you call it? Side perk?"
"No." Io started reaching over for her dinner. "That was our introduction speech."
"And what a way to be introduced."
"I'm sure Uncle Altair would have laughed at that one, too."
Io's eyes glanced up once more. For a second time, her eyes met the cold, peering look of Draco Malfoy. Only this time, his lips were turned up in a curious grin.
"It would seem as if the Malfoy Prince is interested in you." Aster remarked with a smirk while looking at her sister, who quickly glanced away, flustered.
"There are a lot of boys who are looking, Aster. Not just him." Io muttered heatedly under her breath while determinedly staring at her dinner. "Besides, flirting with a Malfoy is not part of the plan."
"Part of the plan, she says. Like she isn't already distracted." The lavender haired sibling laughed into her food. "I'm sure our uncle wouldn't mind you having a little fun - as long as you don't forget why we're here."
"And what kind of fun would come out of Draco Malfoy? You read his profile. Cold, snarky, he's basically a bully protected by his family's money and status. The rest of his friends aren't any better. They're all children of alleged Death Eaters."
"Profiles aren't always complete and accurate, remember? I'm sure there are things about him that we don't know yet that you can… Unearth."
"And what methods would you suggest to unearth said unknown qualities? We're unfortunately passed the idea of striking up a friendly conversation."
"I'm sure you'll think of something. Besides, he may be useful in the future. You were always the better one when dealing with men like him anyways." She shot a suggesting look at Io.
"Men like him? Exactly what do you think I'm good at anyway?"
"You're good at making secretive and temperamental men like him either spill their guts out to you or make them hopelessly obsessed with you and with your charm." A sly smile crept on her face while Io glared into her roasted chicken.
"I'm not sure where you think I've earned these high caliber qualifications, but I seriously doubt that will happen." Io said between nibbles. "Not with a snake like Pansy on his shoulder. Even this so-called charm you say I possess can't get past a jealous girl."
"She can be… taken care of if necessary."
"For the record, nowhere in this conversation did I give you permission to charm any of Pansy's things."
"And who said that was my intention? Just get a little closer to Draco, and see what he knows. Death Eater father or not, if he has a role to play at the end of all this, then you can find out. Boys are dim - it'll be easy."
"So first he's a dim boy to be fooled with but he's now a source of intel?"
"His supposed rivalry to Potter could prove to be problematic."
"Then what would you have me do? Distract him, keep him away from Harry? He's not exactly alone all the time; what about his best mate, Blaise? Or Goyle? Nott?"
"I suppose that's true." Both looked deep in thought at this.
"Come to think of it - Blaise seems like your type. Brooding, tall, intimidating - well, more intimidating than you at least." Io laughed once before attempting to avoid Aster's glare.
"I have no clue what you're talking about. Besides, Malfoy technically is the more valuable option for us."
"Us, she says as if she didn't spend the last five minutes trying to convince me that a good snog with Draco Malfoy was somehow part of why we crossed an entire ocean and came to a new school. I'd say Blaise is a good opportunity for you to uh… socialize."
Aster looked at her sister skeptically at that reasoning, who only grinned cheekily in reply.
"He's a good option to break into that circle of friends. Only that though, his profile doesn't indicate much other than his mother marrying many times before her husbands die."
"We'll just find a way to keep them both out of our hair. I'll use my animagus to get into the Gryffindor common room tomorrow night." Io remarked before reaching for dessert. "Which reminds me… are we supposed to be attending classes?"
"I heard we will have to in order to blend in. The good thing is that Slytherins and Gryffindors have most classes together."
"Please tell me I don't have to attend transfiguration again. If I'm told to change one more pocket watch into a beetle, I might hang myself."
"I think we would need to ask Dumbledore about that. I don't want to be in charms either - "
"Ms. Visage."
Out of habit, they both answered.
"Both of you, please follow me." Professor McGonagall appeared by their side in an instant. That side of the Slytherin table fell silent, and eyes once again fell on them, only this time it was more out of amusement than curiosity.
McGonagall led them to her office, a large, warm room with many candles and books to line the walls. The siblings stood awkwardly in front of her desk, waiting for whatever she had to say.
"Well, do sit." The professor motioned.
Io and Aster took their seats quite slowly, eying the elder as if she could snap at any moment.
McGonagall did not speak for a moment or two. After reading over a few things on her desk, she cleared her throat.
"Io Visage, age 16, Pukwudgie, specialty - transfiguration?"
"Yes, ma'am." Io replied courteously. "And potions."
McGonagall stared at her over crescent shaped spectacles for a few seconds before tossing up a small golden object into the air before Io's feet.
Io's arm was slightly faster than the speed of the trinket, quickly transfiguring it into a small black beetle, dropping onto the floor. The irony was more unsettling than the professor knew.
"And your agility is impressive." She gave a small smirk. "How did you know it was a pocket watch?"
"Call it a lucky guess." Io smiled politely. Aster tried not to snicker.
McGonagall switched her gaze. "Aster Visage, age 16, Wampus, specialty - charms and herbology. Care to demonstrate for us?" She motioned over to the beetle on the floor before turning it back into the golden watch and handing it to the young girl.
Aster studied the watch then spoke, somewhat nervous yet confident in her abilities. "May I keep this?"
McGonagall peered at her skeptically before nodding. The younger girl then whispered something under her breath then placed the object at her feet.
All three witches looked at the object. The other two were trying to figure out what had changed. McGonagall pointed her wand at it to raise it up off the floor, but the watch would not budge.
With raised eyebrows, Io leaned over and attempted to take the watch herself, but again it didn't move.
Aster chuckled and picked it up effortlessly, tossing it up into the air then holding it out for her sister to try again. Just as the first time, the watch couldn't be removed from her hand.
"Anti-theft charm? Very useful, requires a lot of focus, but very useful." McGonagall seemed satisfied. "However, these do not display that you are above attending class."
Io and Aster merely looked at each other, silently communicating their plan before Aster undid the charm and threw the watch at Io, who swiftly turned it into a goblet and enlarged it with a casual Engorgio, demonstrating both advanced charms and transfiguration skills. The precision necessary for the spells seemed almost casual and natural to the older Visage. Aster kept the goblet levitating at eye level then proceeded to fill it with a quick Aguamenti followed by a spell to turn the water into whiskey.
"Would this suffice?" Io smiled. "Would you like some whiskey professor?"
McGonagall looks shocked and perplexed at the level of skill the girls have demonstrated to her.
"I was not aware that Ilvermorny taught such advanced level spells to 6th years."
"Oh, they don't, Professor." Dumbledore emerged suddenly along with the rest of the Hogwarts staff. "And thank you, ladies, for providing a nice beverage for us; it's a very warm welcome, don't you think?"
"Hello, Headmaster. Our curriculum was tailored to our needs." Io simply said while placing the goblet down. It wasn't the complete truth but it wasn't a lie either.
"I see." Professor McGonagall interjected. "It seems you are more advanced than our 6th years, perhaps it would be better to attend class with the 7th years instead. Or perhaps some of the extra studies you haven't experienced yet."
"Just as planned actually. I thought I'd try to introduce you before your arrival, but it seems as if I had mistaken your arrival date with something else." Dumbledore grinned genuinely. "The Visages are the nieces of a dear friend, and they are our special guests - transfers from our cousin's to the west. Please accept them with your higher level students as they require certain periods free for certain projects assigned to them from their Uncle and their headmaster."
"Assignments?" Another professor off to the side questioned. His long dark hair indicated he was one of the men in the files they were given. Professor Snape stepped forward. "And what exactly is more important?" His black marble eyes shifted over to Aster then to Io.
Before either of them could think of a plausible excuse, Dumbledore stepped in again. "Well, they are first and foremost students of Ilvermorny. Therefore, we must respect their wishes as they have allowed us to care for two of their top students to continue with individual projects from their school."
"Very well." McGonagall replied curtly as the other professors nodded in agreement.
The girls waited to be excused as heads turned in the other direction.
"Oh, Ms. Visage - " Dumbledore started. " - and Ms. Visage." He continued with a smile. "Try to stay out of trouble."
The girls nodded sharply, acknowledging his hidden meaning before following Professor Snape to the dungeons to settle into what will now be their home for the next couple of years.
"The password is Pureblood. The prefects will inform you when the password changes every two weeks. Girls dormitories are to the right and boys to the left. I expect no trouble from you girls as Slytherins." Snape drawled coldly before leaving with his cloak trailing behind him out of the dungeons.
"Lovely head of house we have here." Aster dryly said as they headed to their room shared with two unknown girls already tucked into their respective beds.
"We're going to have to have a talk with him and Dumbledore eventually." Io replied thinking back to all the information they had on Severus Snape.
"Yes, eventually."
Eventually - it was grim that the word was quickly becoming something that described the likely outcome of their mission. Only one night in Hogwarts, and doubts were already floating through their minds.