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Just between us did the love affair maim you too?
°• ♔ •°
McGonagall's pace was fast and brisk as she led Celeste and her sister through several winding corridors and into her office. Warm burgundy curtains swayed gently from the open windows.
"Take a seat please," the professor said hurriedly, gesturing the two girls to scarlet cushioned seats.
Perched lazily on her desk, sat a ratty brown pointed hat. McGonagall cautiously took it in her hands and turned towards the girls, who were staring at her blankly. "This is the sorting hat," the professor explained. "You will be sorted into one of four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. It will be your house for your remaining time at Hogwarts, and will serve as your family. Any points you earn or lose effect your entire house, so make wise choices."
Selene straightened herself, gazing determining ahead. Celeste merely nodded, feeling uneasy. I thought everyone here was in Slytherin, she remembered herself saying. It had never occurred to her that she might be placed in a different house.
Professor McGonagall started with Selene first, placing the hat on her head. In an instant, it sprang to life, it's wrinkles and ruffled parts transforming into a face. Concentrating hard, Selene squeezed her eyes shut.
But the hat did not take long.
"Slytherin!" it cried out, only after a split second of contemplating.
Celeste was next. She felt the gentleness of the time worn fabric as it was placed on her head. She couldn't tell was the hat was doing, but after several moments, a booming voice sounded in her head, making her jolt suddenly.
Her eye widen as the hat spoke lowly, You're a tricky one, aren't you? Torn across both sides. I wonder...
Slytherin, Celeste encouraged the hat, crossing her fingers in hope.
Scrambled murmurings jumbled in her head, and after several agonizing minutes, the hat finally declared, "Gryffindor!"
♔
At the center of the Great Hall, Sirius Black was seated beside his best mate, James Potter. Hundreds of everlasting candles floated just below the great ceilings, letting the familiar scent of autumn waft down.
"The Sorting Ceremony is later than usual," Remus remarked, looking over at the closed double doors.
"Maybe they're sorting Celeste first privately," Peter suggested. "She was nice, wasn't she?"
Sirius snorted. "Don't let her get inside your head. She's a Malfoy, you know," he warned. "Arrogant and vile like the rest of them. She'll end up in Slytherin for sure."
