Fiebre | Severus Snape

dos - ara estic ben sola (rewritten)

chapter two - now i'm completely alone

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First year students scurried excitedly towards the entrance of their soon to be school, entering the castle. Their energy seemed never ending, Alba finding it difficult to keep up with them. After walking up few sets of stairs, Alba and the group behind her came to a halt at the top. There was a figure awaiting their arrival hovering over the balcony, watching them come up.

There stood an older woman with a large black hat placed on the top of her head. She dressed in alluring emerald robes, stoic in posture. Alba recognized her right away, Minerva McGonagall, who was the witch alongside Dumbledore that appeared every year at her doorstep to see if Alba would retract her unwillingness to attend Hogwarts. For a second she felt a sense of peace spotting someone familiar.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. Before anything else, as first year students you will need to be sorted into your houses." McGonagall directed her attention to Alba.

"That goes for you as well, Miss Aldana."

Alba stiffened, somewhat confused as to what she meant and how it would be done. Before she could dwell on the thought any longer, the large wooden doors in front of the crowd suddenly flung open. Inside showcased a grand dining hall, full of young witches and wizards of all ages.

Alba's eyes scattered the room left to right, noticing the floating candles that hovered above the tables. The ceiling reflected an image of the night sky, clearly bewitched. Dead silence occupied the huge room once the door had been opened. Four long tables that were packed with students directed their attention to Alba and the group alongside her.

McGonagall began to lead the first year students and Alba down the long hallway in the middle of the two center tables. Alba felt her nerves begin to rise before mentally pushing them down. No. Head up. Pick up your posture, just like you practiced. Don't mess this up.

She felt the eyes of everyone settle upon her, keeping her facial expression neutral. She made sure to stride nice and elegantly, but not over exaggerated, reminding herself of the tips she had learned on how to walk properly in high heels. Smaller steps. Don't rush. Moving slowly adds more confidence. Keep your balance.

The group stalled in front of the stairs of the main platform where older witches and wizards were sat behind a U-shaped table. The staff remained keen and curious, their heads turning to direct their attention to an older voice. The familiar voice, Albus Dumbledore, rose from his seat to give information and instructions. Alba paid very little attention to what he was saying, still in awe of the huge room filled with floating candles. Suddenly Dumbledore's voice had gotten louder from excitement, which grabbed Alba's attention instantly.

"Enough of that. With great pleasure, I want to welcome our first year students!" Dumbledore chimed. Everyone began to clap. "However, before we sort our first year students, we have a rather rare occurrence in our sorting ceremony." Stares were coursed to Alba's direction as older students began to put two and two together. 

"May I introduce you to our sixth year transfer student who will be attending Hogwarts alongside all of you.." Dumbledore paused, his twinkling eyes meeting Alba's. She resisted the urge to gulp, panic threatening to overtake her as she realized that she was first in line to be sorted.

"Let us all welcome with open arms, Alba Aldana!" Dumbledore beamed. Eager whispers were heard, intertwined with distant clapping. Alba froze for a second before McGonagall motioned to come forward and sit on the wooden stool next to her.

A semi-neutral expression remained on Alba's face as the clapping died down. Quickly, she inwardly reprimanded herself to put on a smile, pretend that she was ecstatic to be there despite the uneasiness she felt attempt to pry its way to her head. Snap out of it. Go on, what are you waiting for?