Chapter Six: Hats And Glares

WhenNightFalls Notes: Raven loved the reviews (she begged me to write them down for her) and hopes you'll stay interested. As for some of the verbatism from the first HP book, she's well aware that you don't want a HP-knock off. The HP-books are a secondary plot, a background of sorts. Faith (and Buffy...) have their own adventures.

Chapter 6 – Hats And Glares

Hermione was right, just half an hour later the Hogwarts Express came to a halt at a tiny, dark station that didn’t seemed to be used much. All the students pushed their way out of the train. Faith thought about following some of the older kids because they knew what to do but she stopped in her tracks when she saw a giant of a man. He had long dark hair with a wild beard that covered almost his entire face. When he held his lantern closer to his face they could see two little black eyes but it was almost impossible to see it clearly.

“Right then. First years this way, please.” He bellowed. “First years, don't be shy. Come on now, hurry up.” Faith and Buffy shrugged and walked over to the man-giant. “Hello Harry,” he said with what seemed like a smile under all that hair.

“Hi, Hagrid.” Harry replied with a big grin. Faith bit back a snort at Ron’s expression when standing in front of the man-giant, Hagrid. Buffy misinterpreted her snort and gave her a punch on the shoulder, thinking Faith was trying to keep from laughing because she seemed like a midget compared to Hagrid. Faith gave her best friend a glare before the reason sank in and she burst out laughing.

“Right, then. This way to the boats.” Hagrid said giving the girls a strange look before he turned around with his lantern. “Come on now, follow me.”

“Wicked.” Ron said in awe. Faith’s laughter had trimmed down to poorly hidden snorts as Buffy took her arm and followed the giant down a dark, steep and narrow path. When they arrived at an end of a lake a lot of students, including the two girls stood watching in awe at the castle across the lake.

“Right, four students for every boat.” He bellowed then seemed to pick something up. Faith barely registered what the man-giant was saying. Something about a toad, maybe? Her attention was elsewhere. She had the distinct feeling she was being watched. When she turned her head to look over her shoulder she saw Draco openly staring at her. The strangest thing about it was that he wasn’t looking at her with condescension; it seemed more like he was looking at her curiously. With his head tipped ever so slightly to the side and questions burning in his eyes, it was like he was trying to see the family resemblance which freaked Faith out more than she was willing to admit.

“We’re going by boat?” Buffy’s softly hissed question made Faith’s head turn back. She gave her best friend a quick shrug before following Harry and Ron to the same boat, waiting for Hagrid’s signal. They thought they had to do their own rowing but the boats just followed Hagrid’s boat. When the boats neared the cliff, that seemed to support the castle, Hagrid yelled to duck as they sailed through an ivy curtain that hid a wide opening in the towering cliff. The boats glided down a dark tunnel right underneath Hogwarts to an underground haven with a shoreline full of rocks and pebbles.

“Everybody out of the boats.” Hagrid shouted when the boats all came to a halt at the harbour. The man-giant led the students up a passageway in the rock cliff to the smooth lawn in front of the castle.

“This is so cool.” Buffy said in a hushed tone. Faith chuckled, not getting why she was trying to be quiet. She looked to her side and saw a forest in the distance. The hairs in her neck stood up and she could’ve sworn she heard someone whisper ‘Morrigan’. Her head snapped around to see if it was Draco but he appeared to be busy with sneering at other kids.

When they arrived at the front doors of the castle, Hagrid lifted his hand and knocked loudly. A few moments later, the large doors opened revealing a very strict looking elderly woman with green robes. She eyed the students through her square-formed glasses. Faith fought the urge of cracking a joke to see if the woman could form a smile.

“Professor McGonagall, the first-years.” Hagrid said sounding proud of himself. The woman nodded and Hagrid passed her leaving the students. She motioned for them to follow her as she led them through a large hall with staircases and paintings. She came to a halt by a double-door where the sounds of other students could be heard.

“In a few moments the Sorting Ceremony will begin. You will be sorted into your Houses.” She eyed the students and stopped momentarily at Faith. “You will treat your houses as your family. You will be granted points for good behaviour but points can be taken if you break any rules.” This time her glance stayed on Ron who shuffled a bit under her stare.

“Stupid brothers.” He muttered. Professor McGonagall ordered them to follow her as she opened the double-doors, leading into the Great Hall. Faith couldn’t believe her eyes as she took in the vastness of the chamber. She turned her gaze upwards, seeing a clear, deep black sky filled with stars. She could hear Hermione saying something about it being enchanted. If Buffy weren't holding her hand, she would’ve turned around and made fun of the girl. Of course, it was enchanted, Faith thought. They walked in between four long tables and came to a halt at the front of the room. She could see the teachers sitting at a fifth table on a raised platform at the front of the room. In front of that platform stood a wooden stool with an old ragged hat. The Great Hall went quiet and all the students stared at the ugly hat. Faith noticed a small tear near the brim starting to open. They all watched as the old hat began to sing a song.

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,
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,
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;
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 folk use any means,
To achieve their ends.
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!

The Great Hall erupted out in applause when the hat was done with singing. Faith grinned at Buffy, finding the hat very amusing. The applause stopped when Professor McGonagall coughed to get their attention.

“When I call your name, you will approach and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head. When the Sorting Hat gives you your house you will sit with your fellow housemates.” She said clearly and unrolled a scroll. “Abbott, Hannah.” She called. A girl with light brown hair and rosy cheeks went to sit on the stool. A few moments later the Sorting Hat shouted “Hufflepuff!” She took the hat off and sighed relieved as she walked over to the Hufflepuff table, accompanied by applause.

Next was Susan Bones another Hufflepuff followed by Terry Boot who was sorted in Ravenclaw. The first Slytherin was Millicent Bulstrode who seemed very pleased by the choice. The list went on in alphabetical order putting three more students in Hufflepuff, three others, Hermione included, in Gryffindor, another five in Ravenclaw and four, including Malfoy’s goons, in Slytherin.

“Lehane, Faith.” McGonagall read. Faith took a deep breath, noticing Dumbledore sitting up a little straighter. Buffy squeezed her hand reassuringly before letting go. Faith walked to the stool and sat down. The hat fell over her ears; as a result, she couldn’t see the others in the Great Hall anymore.

“Ah, another name but no doubt the child of two Slytherins.” A voice spoke in her head. “Though the intelligence is there, it’s clear that Ravenclaw is not fit for you.” Faith refrained herself from asking why and just waited it out. “Hufflepuff perhaps, a dire loyalty for the right persons, but not too much tolerance so I’m afraid not. Gryffindor? There’s no denying you have plenty of bravado and you are a brave girl but it can be confused with your thirst for recognition. You yearn for power, like your mother.”

‘Shut up, I’m not like her.’ Faith thought angrily. She wanted it to be over already. ‘She’s evil, I’d never hurt B.’ She didn’t care what House she got in; she just wanted in the same House as Buffy. She wanted to look out for her best friend and she couldn’t do that if they ended up in different Houses.

“No, not by design, but others you might.” The voice responded to her thoughts. “You’d use whatever it might take to get your goal.” Before Faith could disagree with the stupid, old, ugly hat it had already shouted her House to the Great Hall.

“Slytherin!” When the hat shouted that one word, she could feel the blood being drained from her face. Buffy would never end up in Slytherin. Professor McGonagall removed the hat; she glanced at Faith with a nervous twinge in her eyes. Faith crawled off of the stool and made her way to the Slytherin table. She tried to sit as far away from the other students as she could. When she was seated, she looked up and stared in Draco’s delighted eyes. She looked over to Buffy who wasn’t sure what to think.

“Buffy, Faith…” Ron didn’t know what to say. Harry didn’t say anything; he saw the way she reacted to Draco and his goons, who clearly belonged in Slytherin. He was on the same page as Buffy, he couldn’t believe the hat put her in Slytherin.

“Faith’s not evil, the hat made a mistake.” Buffy said through gritted teeth. She glared at Draco who barely sat down when the Sorting Hat placed him in Slytherin. She kept thinking it over, what would’ve made the hat sort Faith in Slytherin.

“Potter, Harry.” The Great Hall went quiet then the whispers began as Harry approached the stool. Draco had chosen a seat next to Faith, ignoring her angry growl at his presence.

“Our saviour.” Draco said sarcastically. The brunette wondered what was taking so long. It was pretty obvious he belonged in Gryffindor, being a hero ever since he was a year old and all. She snorted amused and clapped loudly, ignoring the sneers and looks from her housemates when Harry got sorted in Gryffindor.

“Way to go, Harry!” She yelled and shot her fellow Slytherins a foul look accompanied by a smirk when she finished clapping. Other students came and went on the stool and then it was time for Buffy.

“Summers, Buffy.” Faith was as nervous as when she was called. She crossed her fingers but didn’t know what she was rooting for. Buffy definitely didn’t belong in Slytherin but she didn’t want to miss her best friend. It didn’t take nearly as long as it had taken with her but the hat wasn’t as quick as he was with Draco either.

“Gryffindor!” The Sorting Hat shouted. Faith could see Buffy was also struggling with either being happy or distraught at being sorted in another House than Faith. The brunette forced a proud smile and clapped loudly for the blonde.

“It seems that you should change your behaviour towards us Slytherins, after all now that you don’t have your friend.” Draco said with a small hint of a sneer. His two goons, Crabbe and Goyle, sniggered but Faith didn’t find any of this amusing.

“Shut up, Malfoy.” She said through gritted teeth, not bothering to look at him. She was looking at Buffy who was trying to be happy but not too happy. She shot her best friend a small reassuring smile, telling her it was okay to be happy and got a sad one in return.

“Quite the riposte, Faith.” Draco smirked. “Gryffindors hate us, as do we them. You’ll see soon enough that we are all you have.” He looked in the same direction as Faith just as Buffy looked to her side talking to the older guy Faith had collided with at King’s Cross.

“Look, just ‘cause you’re like family doesn’t mean I have to be your friend.” Faith spoke soft but harshly. She didn’t want everyone to know yet that she was related to Draco Malfoy. A thought roamed in her mind, wondering how many people Draco had told that they were related.

“So my dear aunt Andromeda has told you.” Draco stated and glared at Ron Weasley when he got sorted in Gryffindor. It was no wonder really that he’d get into Gryffindor. From the looks of it, there were already three Weasley’s in Gryffindor.

“That your mom is my aunt? Yeah, she did. She also told me you guys kinda despise muggleborns.” She shot Draco a smirk then lowered her voice “If any of you try and hurt B, physical or otherwise, you’re gonna be sorry the hat made me a Slytherin.” She gave him a venomous smile and turned her attention to Dumbledore who stood up.

“I have a few notices I wish to announce before we start on our feast. 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.” A lot of students laughed softly, but Faith didn’t really find it funny, maybe a little like a dare but not funny. “Thank you.” With that, he clapped his hands and food appeared on the tables.

“Awesome.” Faith mumbled with a grin. She didn’t know where to start so she just grabbed a bit of everything. She was pretty much ignoring the other Slytherins but the only one who seemed to mind was Draco. She had tried to ignore a ghost, apparently the Slytherin house ghost, but found it harder and harder to do every time he floated through the table across her plate.

-FtDSoH-

“B, wait up.” Faith ran after the group of Gryffindors that were about to head up the stairs. Their Head Boy, Percy, heard Faith as well and stopped for a few moments, looking irritated by the commotion. Faith glared at the redhead and turned her attention to Buffy.

“I know you’re not evil, Faith. The hat made a mistake, I just know it.” Buffy said firmly. Faith smiled crookedly and gave her a hug. That was all she needed to hear, knowing that Buffy didn’t think she was evil.

“I’ll see you around, I guess.” Faith shrugged when she let go of the blonde. Buffy smiled sadly and pecked her on the cheek.

“We’re gonna be fine.” She assured the brunette. Faith waved at Buffy as she headed up the stairs and groaned loudly when Draco called her name. She turned around and glared at her dear cousin the short walk to the other Slytherins.

“I strongly advise you to stay away from Gryffindor.” Draco wasn’t giving up. His father had given him the task of getting close to Faith, to make her lose her ties with muggles and half bloods. “You come from a proud line of wizards and witches.” They had been going through one passage in the dungeons after another until they came to a halt in front of bare, damp stone wall.

“Everyone remember the password.” A young man, Faith heard his name was Miles, said. He turned to the wall and clearly said for every first year to hear. “Pure-blood.”

“Freakin’ typical.” Faith muttered. A concealed wall slid open, revealing their common room. The room was long with rough stone walls and a low ceiling. Round green lamps hung from the ceiling with chains, lighting the entire room. In front of the door stood a fire-place with a richly engraved mantelpiece and carved chairs were scattered around the room.

“Nice place, kinda cold though.” Faith mused aloud taking in her surroundings. A lot of students eyed her suspiciously but Draco just smirked. Part of her was a real Slytherin, more than that, she was a member of the Black family and he’d do his best to get her to embrace it.

“The girls’ dormitory is down there.” Miles said pointing to a door on the other end of the room. “Boys’ dormitory is down there.” He now pointed at a door in the wall opposite of the fireplace. Faith took a few steps in the direction of the girls’ dormitory then turned around to face the other Slytherins.

“Well, my fellow serpents,” She took a deep, theatrical bow “Goodnight, see you tomorrow and don’t choke in your sleep.” The last part was said with evident sarcasm getting a few glares from some of the other Slytherins.

“Faith, you can make believe you do not belong here, but just think of where you’re from.” Draco called out to Faith as she walked away. The brunette stopped in her tracks and turned around, slowly walking up to Draco.

“I’m from Los Angeles, California. I’m Faith Lehane; my best friend is Buffy Summers, a Gryffindor and a half-blood.” She said in a low but clear voice for everyone to hear. “We can be blood-related but other than that you’re nothing to me.” She spat the last part.

“You don’t-” The blonde started but got interrupted by Faith.

“Shut it, Malfoy. I’m not interested.” She said and turned away from him.

“Your mother will hear about this.” Draco didn’t want to use that particular sentence but he had no choice. The brunette stopped walking but didn’t turn around. She rolled her shoulders and disappeared through the door.