{ 7 }

She stared at him.

He stared back.

It was only three minutes later that the balance was broken when Adrianna, despite her wishes, felt her eyes burning and was thus forced to blink. "Remind me why you're here?"

"Your father wanted me to accompany you today. Our Famiglias are friendly, anyways."

Translation: Bianca Zabini had smiled and had somehow convinced Xanxus days ago that Blaise and Adrianna should go shopping together. Indeed, how coincidental it was that she chose the day where all the Varia Officers were out on missions, and that Remus had to stay at the base to ensure the plan to use Hagrid would work swimmingly.

Adrianna sighed but allowed the boy to lead her from the dimly lit pub into the entrance of Diagon Alley.

They were easily able to acquire their supplies from the Apothecary, books from Flourish and Blotts, and parchment and quills from the store nearby. All that was left was their robes and wands.

"You won't be getting a pet?" Adrianna asked as they took their short stroll towards Madam Malkin's. Their purchases had already been shrunk for them, neatly placed inside the trunks that Bianca had purchased for them. Thankfully, the trunks had featherlight charms, making them quite easy to shrink and to carry in their pockets.

Blaise shook his head. "I already have an osprey at home. His name is Nico."

"That's adorable," Adrianna cooed. "I'm wondering if I should be getting an owl, though. There's no other way for me to send letters back home, but if I bring an owl, I can't bring Oreo…"

"There are linked pairs of journals that let you send messages between each pair and you won't need to refill the pages. Any ink will do," Blaise mentioned. "You might want to get that instead."

"Oh… where would I buy one?"

"I'll ask Mamma about it," Blaise said.

"Cool. Thanks," Adrianna said, eyes locked onto the sign saying 'Madam Malkin's — Robes for All Occasions'.

As Blaise moved to open the door for her, it suddenly swung open, and a boy with pale blonde hair haughtily walked outside. He gave Blaise and Adrianna a nasty look as he looked at them up and down, sneering.

"Mudbloods," he said with a sniff as he walked past them.

Adrianna rose an eyebrow and extended her foot as he walked beside her, causing the boy to shriek and stumble. She hastily withdrew her foot and turned to him, gasping in shock, "Oh no, are you alright?"

The boy sputtered, turning pink and righting himself before saying, "You'll pay for that, Mudblood! When my father hears about this—"

"Draco," a woman sternly said as she exited the same store. She was dressed in elegant, dark purple robes, and she was giving the boy a meaningful stare. Once Draco bit his lip to stay silent, she glanced at Blaise and Adrianna. "Oh. Bianca's son. Draco, this is Blaise Zabini. You've met his mother, the Lady Zabini. I suggest you apologize right now."

Draco huffed but mumbled an apology that Blaise shrugged off.

"It's alright, Aunt Cissa," Blaise sent her a charming smile, "but perhaps Draco would like to apologize to my companion? He said a word that shouldn't be uttered in polite company."

Narcissa Malfoy took a second glance at Adrianna, who stared back at her. Narcissa was a pureblood, but even she was aware of — and could secretly appreciate — high-end Muggle designer clothing, which was exactly what the girl in front of her was wearing. Even if the girl came from a line of Muggles, the wealth her family had was something she could respect. "Draco?"

"But, Mother, she—"

"Draco."

"What?! But…" Draco looked a bit green, as if he felt so suffocated at the thought of having to lower himself. "Tch, I… apolo-gize…"

Adrianna nodded in response.

"Thank you for being considerate towards my son, Blaise and Miss?"

"Adrianna Vongola."

"Italian."

"Yes."

"Hm," Narcissa nodded thoughtfully before taking Draco's hand. "It was very nice to meet you both today. Unfortunately, Draco and I still need to pick up a few things."

Adrianna and Blaise said their goodbyes to Narcissa Malfoy before entering the shop.

An assistant was assigned to them, and while their measurements were being taken, Adrianna asked, "That word he used… is it bad?"

"Very," Blaise said. "He basically said you had 'dirty blood' since he assumed you came from a Muggle line."

"Is he dumb?" Adrianna muttered. "Regardless of where you come from, it's your abilities that matter, and what you choose to do with them."

"Well, the British community has remained… stuck with traditional thinking," Blaise responded quietly so that the assistant would not hear.

"Disappointing," Adrianna sighed.

After acquiring their multiple sets of school robes and daily robes, Adrianna and Blaise headed to their final destination for the day: Ollivander's.

"I heard it can take up to an hour per person," Blaise shared, causing Adrianna's nose to scrunch up at the thought of having to wait so long. "Also, what your wand is made of is usually private, but I'm giving you the option to stay if you want, or to walk around if you get bored."

"You wouldn't mind me knowing?" Adrianna asked, "And why is it a private thing?"

"Wands are essentially an extension of who you are as a person, so a lot of people have found it to be a vulnerable part of themselves," Blaise explained, "but since you and I are going to be best friends anyways, I could really care less if you knew what my wand was made of."

"I literally just met you a few weeks ago. It's too early for you to be my best friend," Adrianna pouted, "but, I'll take you up on that. I'm curious, and in exchange, you have to stay for mine, too. It's only fair."

"Fairness? Not for our future best-friendship?"

"Fairness."

Blaise rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

Eventually, they reached Ollivander's. Once again, Blaise opened the door for Adrianna, who was the first to see how dimly lit the wandmaker's place was. There were stacks of boxes lined up on his shelves, and beyond his counter, there were even more shelves filled with wands.

Ollivander himself was very old, with thin white hair, but his eyes sparkled and shined as if he was still someone of their age. "Well, now, I didn't think I would be seeing the both of you together. Blaise Zabini, son of Bianca Zabini, and… are you not Adrianna Vongola, daughter of Xanxus Vongola? Both of you have parents who are quite infamous in Europe."

"How did you know about that?" Adrianna asked him.

He simply gave her a mysterious smile before asking, "Who will be going first?"

"I will," Blaise offered, stepping forward. "My wand arm is my left."

"Good, good," Ollivander nodded, "let us begin."

True to his word, finding a wand did indeed take a while. Adrianna, who had opted to sit on the stool beside the door, counted up to twenty or thirty wands before Blaise had found his wand: acacia, with a dragon heartstring core, ten inches, flexible.

"A peculiar wand," Ollivander commented.

"What makes it so?" Blaise asked.

"I've only ever made acacia wood for a select few," Ollivander traced the wand gently, "because acacia wands are truly selective. If the wizard or witch in question fails to meet its expectations, it will never work to the best of its capabilities, though I have hopes that you'll bring out the best in this wand. Your core, on the other hand, means you'll be able to produce powerful spells. Do note, however, that those with dragon heartstring cores typically find Dark magic easier to use."

"Thank you," Blaise said, acknowledging the explanation and thoughtfully looking at his wand. He switched places with Adrianna, who took around a whopping forty-three wands before Ollivander paused and hummed.

"I wonder…" he trailed off, disappearing into the shelves for a few moments before coming back with a box that he held reverently in his hands. Upon handing Adrianna the wand, she felt a warm, tingling feeling, as if she was at peace. "English oak, with a phoenix feather core, eight inches, very flexible."

"What does it say about me?" Adrianna asked curiously.

"English oak symbolizes great loyalty and intuition. Owners of these wands are usually powerful and influential leaders who are able to build harmonious relationships with their people. Furthermore, English oak means you are capable of developing a strong bond with natural magic and with creatures. On the other hand, having the phoenix feather means you have the potential to cast a great number of spells, though this also makes the wand difficult to control at times. I am certain, however, that you will be able to make full use of this wand."

They paid Ollivander for the wands, along with wand holsters and a premium wand cleaning kit, before exiting the store. They stopped for some ice cream before they went their separate ways via Floo.

Soon enough, the days went by like a blur, and Adrianna now found herself standing in front of the Hogwarts Express, with a large number of people shooting the Varia wary looks. It wasn't as if they were trying to hide anything, either. The hilts of Squalo's strapped swords stood out, and the half-bloods and Muggleborns easily paled and shied away from the group. Levi's parabolas and Bel's knives certainly added to the intimidation, as well, though Fran's large frog hat earned curious stares. Xanxus' blood red eyes sent a nosy crowd of people away before he turned them onto his daughter.

"—and darling, don't forget, sunscreen in the morning and your moisturizer," Lussuria rambled on as they patted Adrianna, admiring their handiwork. Adrianna's robes, as promised, became tailor-fit. Although Adrianna could have easily paid for the robes to have an auto-fitting charm, she knew Lussuria enjoyed doing these things. "Oh, how we'll miss you!"

"Good riddance," Fran sighed in relief, earning a whack from Lussuria.

Bel leaned closer to Adrianna, pleased to note that the knife he had given her was carefully tucked away under her robes, which had added pockets thanks to Lussuria. "Shishi, remember, principessa, that should you need more wire, you need only ask the prince."

"Of course, fratello," Adrianna beamed at him.

"And remember—"

"Don't get caught."

"Shishishi~"

"Regardless," Levi interjected, sending Bel a stern glare before looking at Adrianna, "even if there are annoyances, don't forget to make friends."

"We'll see," Adrianna shrugged at that, but allowed the taller man to give her a head pat.

Mammon nodded, "And connections. Make connections. You'll be with heirs and heiresses of various companies. You'll never know who'll be helpful in the long run."

Adrianna nodded, thinking briefly of Blaise before she looked at Fran, who stared at her with indifference. "Well?"

"Well, what?"

"I'll be gone for ten whole months, you know."

"Thank god for that."

Adrianna pouted, but found herself distracted by Xanxus ruffling her hair. She looked up at her father, who smirked at her.

"Never forget: you're Vongola and you're Varia, and we never lose."

She beamed, hugging him tightly and squeezing him with all the strength she had in her arms. After a few moments, she slowly let go. "I'll be home soon!"

"VOI! Come home in one piece, brat!" Squalo said, taking his turn to mess up her hair.

Xanxus also gave her a final head pat before she stepped back to take a look at all of them: at Lussuria, at Levi, at Squalo, at Bel, at Fran, at Mammon, and at Xanxus.

She really was lucky to have them.

Ronald Bilius Weasley was the sixth son, so he really wasn't anything special. Nothing he did was unique to him. Bill was the leader, the eldest that everyone relied on. Charlie was the one people invited for sports, since everything came easily to him. Percy, ever the bookworm, had such a vast array of knowledge that adults around them said he could even start Hogwarts early if it was possible. Fred and George were the ones who brought joy to the family — even if their mother insisted she hated their jokes, she would always be seen with a small smile afterwards. That left Ron, who wasn't as dependable, as athletic, as smart, or as funny.

Ginny wasn't any of those things yet, either, but she was automatically favored because she was the only girl, the first female Weasley in generations.

Sometimes, it made Ron sick.

He would hear his mother go on and on about how the belief in pureblood superiority is wrong (this, he could agree with) and how pureblood mothers should be doing more than just sitting around at home and having tea parties and smothering their heirs and heiresses. Then, she would turn around and act as if Ginny was her only child, chiding everyone but her perfect, precious daughter. Anything Ginny asked for, she received.

He didn't like it, but what could he do about it, anyways? He was just Ron.

After escaping his mother's smothering hugs and kisses, and after Fred and George left him to join their friend, Lee Jordan, Ron pulled his trunk along with him as he sought an empty compartment.

Luckily, there was one nearby, and he slid in, resting on the comfortable couch and wondering what Hogwarts would be like.

By now, he was certain that whatever tall tales Fred and George had told him were just that: tales. He was starting to doubt that he would really have to fight a mountain troll just to get Sorted.

Just as he was about to doze off, his compartment door was suddenly opened and in came a bushy haired girl and a chubby boy with dark hair. The boy sent him an apologetic look, confusing Ron, but his attention was immediately occupied by the girl, who sat in front of him and raised a hand to shake.

"Hello, there! I'm Hermione Granger. You are?" she asked, and before Ron could even utter his name, she continued, "Oh, and this is Neville. We met along the corridor, so we'll be joining you, if you don't mind? It's my first time to experience all of this, and magic, so it's ever so exciting! I've already read all the books, so I'm sure I've done enough preparation for the year—"

As she continued her rambling, Ron began to zone her out, eyes glancing at the boy who could only be Neville Longbottom. Ron wasn't sure why someone like Neville was just letting this Granger girl boss him around, but that wasn't Ron's problem. His problem was her sudden intrusion into his space. The least she could've done was ask!

"Erm," Neville interjected, cutting Hermione's passionate speech about education short, "s-sorry, but I-I think I've lost my toad. I c-can't find Trevor!"

"Oh, no!" Hermione gasped, immediately standing up. "Let's go look for him! I'll go this way. And, you should help, too!"

She directed that last bit to Ron, who was starting to form a scowl on his face because did she really just order him around?

Once she left, Neville gave him a short apology before going in the opposite direction to look for his toad.

Ron blinked for a few moments before sighing and grabbing his trunk. He did not want to be here when that girl returned.

It was time to find another compartment.

Adrianna glanced at Blaise Zabini, who was just following her around like a shadow rather than finding his own compartment. "You know, shopping with you was one thing, but now that we're going off to Hogwarts, you don't have to pretend anymore."

"Pretend to what?"

"To be friends with me," she rolled her eyes, but deep down inside was a strange yet unavoidable and irritable feeling of anxiety that she couldn't shake off.

"Do you really think I wasted a summer day shopping with you, if I didn't want to be friends with you, or to get to know you?"

His straightforward response had her stopping in her tracks. It was a good thing that Lussuria, ever the mother hen, had them arrive at the station early, or she would have had to face scowling students attempting to maneuver around them in the narrow train corridor.

He gestured towards the compartment next to them, which was mercifully empty. Hesitantly, she entered and sat down, and allowed him to levitate her luggage up alongside his. Afterwards, he sat across her and leaned towards her ever so slightly.

"Why can't you believe that I like being around you?" he asked her curiously.

"Because," Adrianna stressed, "aren't you just doing this because your Mamma asked you to? Don't think I don't know it's because she and Papa are friends. Which means, this is a Mafia thing."

"So what if that's what she wants? Can't I make my own decisions?"

"How do I know that all… this… is you?" Adrianna asked, and she knew she sounded so… childish and bratty right now, but she had wanted to… know who she was - and who she could be - outside of her home, and outside of the Mafia. Blaise was just a reminder that she wasn't her own person yet, if the adults around them were pushing them to be friends for the Famiglia.

She wanted something that came about from her own doing, and this was not it.

(Granted, she did build her budding friendship with Fleur through someone else, but Fleur was Mammon's cousin of sorts. That was a familial connection. Pushing Blaise towards her was certainly Mafia networking at its finest, but she didn't want to think about allies right now. She wanted real friends. Besides, she hadn't even met Fleur in person yet.)

Blaise shrugged. "What would it take for you to believe me?"

Adrianna huffed. "Well, I don't know. From all the shows I've watched, I've noticed that true friendships are formed or tested from life-or-death situations. So, let's wait until we get to that point."

"Deal," the boy shrugged nonchalantly.

"Now—"

They were disrupted by the sound of their compartment door being opened hastily, and a bushy haired girl entered with arms crossed, asking, "Have either of you seen a toad? Neville's lost one."

Adrianna looked at Blaise, the mild annoyance in her eyes mirrored in his own. She subtly tilted her chin towards him.

Blaise nodded and turned to the girl, "We haven't. Is that all?"

The girl frowned but nodded, moving to leave but visibly pausing in her motions, almost as if she wasn't quite sure about what she wanted to do next.

"The door, if you please?" Blaise smiled at her. Adrianna noted this down as smile number 3, the one where he would try to not be openly rude to the one he was conversing with.

"...right," the girl said, almost sounding disappointed, as she gently shut the door on her way out.

"She was rude," Adrianna commented.

"Am I a better option, then?" Blaise teased her.

"Yes," Adrianna rolled her eyes at him, "but only because of familiarity."

"I'll get you to admit our friendship one day."

"Life-or-death needs to happen first," Adrianna said, pausing to think before adding, "and it can't be something you orchestrate on a whim. It has to be a legitimate, random event."

"Fine," Blaise sighed dramatically, "but we're going to a magical school, anyway. I'll take my chances."

"What do—"

Adrianna was once again interrupted — this time, by the sound of a gentle knock on their compartment door. "Yes?"

The door slid open and a shy redhead hesitantly took one step inside. "Hi, I'm Ron. Ron Weasley. I was wondering if I could join your compartment? The ones who joined mine are a bit annoying."

Adrianna once again locked eyes with Blaise. The boy shrugged, and Adrianna had a Feeling this was going to be an important decision. There was a little tickle at the back of her brain, one that intensified and felt comforting when she stood up and sat next to Blaise, gesturing to the now empty seat. "Feel free."

Ron gave her a happy smile, sliding the door shut and sitting in front of them.

"I'm Adrianna Vongola."

"Blaise Zabini."

In another universe, Ron would have been startled by Blaise's last name. He had, after all, heard the rumors about Bianca Zabini, and he didn't doubt that her son would follow in her footsteps. He would have assumed Adrianna was related to Blaise, and would have spent the train ride feeling uncomfortable and being unable to look them in the eye. At some point, he would have just sucked it up and returned to his previous compartment with Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom.

This was not that universe.

"Zabini?" Ron repeated curiously.

"Yes. Problem?" Blaise raised an eyebrow, accompanied by smile number 4.

"No," Ron quickly shook his head and raised his hands in defence. "I've heard loads of stuff about your Mum, but… I mean, you're not your Mum, so…"

"Hmm," Blaise nodded slowly. "Not a lot would say that."

Ron shrugged. He wouldn't like it if people said things about him because of his Mum. "And, uh, Vongola? I don't think I've heard that name before. Where're you from?"

"Italy," Adrianna said.

"Oh, cool. I've never been there," Ron admitted. "What's it like?"

"Well—"

And for the third and final time for their train ride, Adrianna found herself interrupted when their compartment door slid open once more.

"Oh, come on," Adrianna grumbled.

The door revealed a blonde boy with slicked back hair, accompanied by two taller boys who stared at them blankly.

"I heard Harriet Potter would be on the train—" the boy began, eyes gazing from Ron to Blaise to Adrianna, before his eyes widened and he rudely pointed a finger in front of her face, "You! And Zabini! You were the ones from Madam Malkin's."

Adrianna furrowed her eyebrows before her mouth formed an 'o'. "Ohh, you're the one who doesn't know a thing about designer brands. Who are you again?"

"It's Draco Malfoy," he puffed his chest out, "and you better remember it, Mudblood. My name's worth more than whatever yours is. From the Muggle clothing you wore, it's obvious you don't know a thing about this world."

Adrianna smiled at him. "Right… son of Lucius Malfoy, I assume?"

Draco preened and nodded, causing Adrianna to lightly giggle.

"My fratello recently suggested I read up more on wizard economy, and on who's who. As of this year, your father's registered net monthly income amounts to about thirty-seven thousand Galleons, yes?"

"I can't fathom how someone with dirty blood like you could get access to such information, but yes," Draco frowned in confusion.

"I suppose I just find it funny that my family's net monthly income is usually at least five times greater than what your father makes," Adrianna smiled, eyes curving into inverted 'U's, "so, I suppose your pure blood doesn't really matter?"

At this, Draco's mouth inelegantly fell open.

"Come back when you actually have something relevant to say, Malfoy," Blaise rolled his eyes at him, standing up to push Draco's shoulder with a finger. It caused the blonde to stumble back into his companions, and Blaise shut the door in front of them, ensuring it was locked. "We should have done that sooner, I think."

Adrianna sighed in agreement, only now noticing the shell-shocked Ron. "Yes?"

"Both of you are rich-rich!"

Adrianna and Blaise glanced at each other.

"Our parents are rich, certainly, but aren't we all just students starting out at Hogwarts?" Adriana shrugged. Noticing the discomfort on Ron's face, she asked, "Will this be a problem?"

Ron quickly shook his head, still visibly a bit overwhelmed. "It's just a lot to take in."

"Well, let's move on to lighter topics," Blaise interjected. "Does anyone want to play wizard's chess?"

Ron's conflicted face brightened up as he eagerly said yes, the topic of the previous conversation easily forgotten.

The first-years had been herded into the castle by Hagrid, a tall man who Adrianna recognized as the one the Varia officers were talking about using. He had a kind face and gentle demeanor, something she saw as he comforted a shaking first year who was starting to feel homesick. Yet, she couldn't fathom why he would be so loyal to a man who would have manipulated her whole life if he had the chance.

Maybe she was still too young to understand such bonds.

As they were brought inside the Great Hall, led by one stern-looking Professor McGonagall, Adrianna, Blaise, and Ron marvelled at how big and enchanting the Great Hall looked. Numerous faces of older students, already sorted into four different tables, stared at them, wondering which among them would be joining their Houses. The lit candles decorating the ceiling hovered under an enchanted ceiling featuring a starry sky. Paintings that hung on the walls had people moving freely inside.

It was magical — and this was going to be their second home for the next seven years.

"How do you think we get Sorted?" Adrianna asked the two boys who stood beside her.

"My brothers told me we were going to fight a troll," Ron scowled. "I'm pretty sure they were lying."

"It's a hat!" a girl from the crowd of first years pointed out as Professor McGonagall brought out a somewhat worn, brown hat and placed it on top of a stool. Many first years gasped when it began to speak:

(Song directly lifted from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*)

'Oh you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see.'

At that line, Blaise and Adrianna looked at each other worriedly, nervous that their families' exploits in the Mafia would be revealed outright the moment they wore the Hat.

'So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart.'

Ron stared harder at the Sorting Hat and clenched a fist, eyes glancing at the table that had housed all of his older siblings.

'Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil.'

Neville briefly looked up before fiddling with his thumbs.

'Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.'

Draco stood up straighter and let out a smirk.

'So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!'

Two identical redheads from a nearby table stood up and gave a round of applause, causing their Housemates to give chuckles. Professor McGonagall stared at them pointedly, and they quickly sat back down, though the smiles never left their faces.

"Now, when I call your name, you will come forward and sit on this stool. The Sorting Hat, a revered artifact from our Founders' time, will tell you which House you are meant to be in, the House that will be your family for the next seven years," Professor McGonagall said as she unfurled a rolled up piece of parchment. "Abbott, Hannah!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Susan Bones, a red haired girl, followed her blonde friend, Hannah, into Hufflepuff. Terry Boot was the first new Ravenclaw, Lavender Brown the first new Gryffindor, and Millicent Bulstrode, the first new Slytherin.

Adrianna and her new friends — or, acquaintance, on Ron's part — had names who were towards the back of the alphabet, so Adrianna found herself getting sleepy as the ceremony dragged on.

Draco Malfoy was the easiest Slytherin to get Sorted, and at this Adrianna woke up a little, narrowing her eyes as she watched him swagger towards a table on the far end of the Great Hall.

"What are you thinking?" Blaise asked her as he watched her watching Draco.

"I'm tempted to find a way to get into Slytherin," Adrianna hummed, "but it's too much of a hassle."

Blaise snorted. "You wouldn't last in Slytherin."

"Excuse me?" her eyes narrowed further.

Blaise put his hands up in surrender. "Hey, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying, there will probably be more people like Malfoy in Slytherin. Are you really sure you want to spend seven years of your life surrounded by those people?"

Adrianna pouted. "Tch, you have a point."

"Of course, I do," Blaise smiled at her serenely, and she rolled her eyes.

Then—

"Vongola, Adrianna!"

"Go on up," Blaise gently nudged her shoulder.

Adrianna stood straighter, walking towards the stool that would determine the trajectory of her life moving forward.

The Hat was placed on her head, and the first thing she heard was a cackle.

'HAHAHAHAHA,' said the Sorting Hat, 'what a mind, I see! Your friend is right, you know, Slytherin is not the best place for you. No, no, someone like you, Adrianna Vongola, or should I say, Harriet Potter, would grow best elsewhere.'

At the mention of her old name, Adrianna's eyes widened as she internally screamed.

'MERLIN, PIPE DOWN," said the Sorting Hat. 'Now, I'm bound by magic not to disclose anything I see in your head, so not to worry. Though, I do wonder what you're feeling towards Albus Dumbledore? I can see that you've been told about what he did, and what he might do.'

'I do dislike him, but I think holding on a grudge won't do me well,' Adrianna thought. 'It's easy for me to say because Papa gave me such a good life, and a family, and I thankfully didn't get to experience a likely bad life, so, I guess I'm also grateful Dumbledore left me there. Papa wouldn't have found me otherwise.'

'And that line of reasoning is why I think you wouldn't thrive in Slytherin. You're certainly ambitious, and you have drive, but it's your heart and the things and people you value that closes the door to Slytherin for you. No, I know where you should go—'

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Adrianna went to the table to the cheering table. Older students adjusted to allow the first years to sit next to each other, assuring them that they would introduce themselves after the Sorting.

She watched as Ron Weasley ended up in Gryffindor, while Blaise made his way to Slytherin. Slytherin's table was next to Hufflepuff's so Blaise easily threw her a smirk before sitting behind her.

Albus Dumbledore then stood up, looking slightly uncomfortable as he took his time scanning all the houses. Then, he put on a smile and said, "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin, I would like to say a few words: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"

(Taken from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone*)

Suddenly, the once bare tables became full of various foods. Adrianna was happy to see bacon, pasta, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and other food that she enjoyed at home. She eagerly served herself some food and munched as everyone began to introduce themselves.

Two girls in front of her, who were the first to get Sorted, beamed at her.

"Hi, I'm Hannah Abbott!" the blonde said. "This is Susie!"

"I'm Susan Bones," the red haired girl added, smiling at Adrianna. "You are?"

"Adrianna Vongola."

"That's Italian, isn't it?" Hannah asked eagerly. "Oh, I just love Italy. You have just beautiful lakes. My cousin, Louis, and I would always go there with our families every Yu—"

Her eyes widened slightly before she let out a nervous giggle, "—every Christmas."

Adrianna watched Susan give Hannah a glance before responding, "Yup, that's me."

Hannah continued to babble about everything and anything, with Susan sending her fond but exasperated looks as she somehow kept up with the conversation. Susan was, however, happy to note that Adrianna was inputting her own comments throughout the babbling.

As she spoke with two of her new Housemates, Adriana chanced a glance at the staff table, where the Headmaster was still scanning the room, looking for something.

Or someone.

She snorted, looking away before he could stare at the Hufflepuff table, sneakily patting Oreo, who was hidden and sleeping inside the sleeve of her left arm.

A/N: BEFORE ANYTHING, please don't get mad at Adi! SHFSHBFS Right now, she's in a stage where she wants to be able to do stuff on her own — such as making important decisions like who her friends are going to be — but having Blaise essentially 'forced upon her' makes her feel that other people are still choosing for her. She also feels that Blaise is only doing it because his mom said so and not because he genuinely wants to be friends, which is what she wants to have. She was able to have Fleur because of Mammon's connections, but that was still a genuine friendship that they built up. For Blaise, it was a simple, 'oh be friends with him', so she's hesitant to fully trust him.

This will dissipate soon enough when they do indeed face a life-or-death situation.

Other notes:

[ 1 ] Ron — I've decided to give his character a try and see what can happen if he forms a friendship with Adi and Blaise. First-year Ron had so much potential.

[ 2 ] Hermione — I've portrayed her as a bit of an annoying character because even I couldn't stand Hermione in their first year. We'll see where that goes.

[ 3 ] Wand info — based off the Harry Potter website, specifically the 'Writing by JK Rowling' section on wands

[ 4 ] Hufflepuff! — how many of you expected this? I think this was a natural House for her to be in because Hufflepuffs are the ones who are very community-driven, and that's what I envision a Sky to be like. Adi also values friendship, which, along with her wand, simply scream 'badger'.

Anyways, sorry for only updating now! Decided to follow the advice of some of you to take it easy and write at my own pace, so I feel a bit better releasing this chapter. It's been a hectic few weeks of non-stop work to submit and getting sick because of the weather, so I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Will reply to reviews in the next chapter bec I'm about to pass out T_T

See you next time c: