Haphephobia

Peculiar

Adeline was staring at her reflection in the body-length mirror they had put in her chambers, after deciding to join their school yesterday. She wouldn't share a room with other students and thus she had the Headmaster's approval to use one of the empty teachers chambers. She wore their clothing, standard black robes, and her hair was for once freshly washed and cascaded freely down her back. Her silvery-blue eyes were widenend slightly, but other than that no one would see that she was anxious. The clothing felt foreign and constricting, making it harder for her to move so freely like she did in the forest. Deliberately, she decided to stick to having bare feet, the calming and comforting touch of the cold stone doing her well. She ripped her disapproving gaze from the mirror and left her chambers, her feet thudding softly on the floor as she mentally retraced her steps to get back to the Headmaster's office. Appearantly, this school had four different houses in which she had to be sorted into one. Gryffindor for the brave at heart, Hufflepuf for the kindred spirits, Ravenclaw for the smarts and Slytherin for the cunning. As she recalled what Albus had told her about the houses, she made a mental note to ask him about the classes. It was still many weeks before a new schoolyear would start, so she expected that the teachers would teach her enough to get up with the students of her own age. 

As Adeline reached the gargoyle statue, she allowed a warm smile to curve her plump lips. Animals always gained a special place in her heart, and a mythical animal made of stone would find its own spot there just the same. Her elven ears twitched as she listened closely if someone was near, before resting her pale hand on the statue's head as she concluded she was alone. ''Hello again.'' She murmured, her voice soothing and warm. To a human, the sound was enthralling; Chime bells dingling softly with every syllable as her eyes sparkled fiercely. Truly, a magnificent sight and sound. The statue unfroze and pressed its hard head into her delicate touch, enjoying the feeling for a moment before swaying to the side and allowing the staircase to unfold before her very eyes. She nodded in gratitude before she graciously made her way up the stairs, her bare feet tapping softly against the steps. Almost soundlessly, Adeline reached the big doors that led to the Headmaster's office. Instead of knocking, the young teenager held a misschievous glint in her eyes when she heard an ongoing conversation inside, resting her trembling ear on the wooden doors. ''-course I remember my promise, Albus! You needn't remind me. The Potter boy is safe.'' She heard the impatient voice of Snape snap at the Headmaster, who she could imagine was sitting there with a calm and amused smile. ''Very good, Severus, very good indeed. It seems though, that our conversation is no longer a private matter.'' Albus replied, and the girl immidiately raised her hand to knock on the door. She was noticed, but it did not bother her in the slightest.

Like last time, the doors dwindled open without someone touching them and like then, Adeline walked inside to have the doors close behind her. She gave either man a respective nod before coming to a halt infront of the Headmaster's desk, allowing a faint smile to ghost on her lips. ''Ah, Miss Adeline. Welcome, welcome. You are here for your sorting, correct?'' the older wizard's soothing voice greeted, as the girl did but nod at him. ''Very well, sit down please.'' He motioned to one of the vacant three chairs and stood up as the girl sat down, turning around to grab something from behind him. When he walked around his desk and stood next to Adeline, she could see an old hat in his hands. A doubtful, white eyebrow raised in questioning but she left it at that, fairly sure the Headmaster would know what he was doing. ''While this hat is placed on your head, dear Adeline, it will sort through your personality traits and past life and determine which house would fit you best.'' He explained, a scowl forming on her face. A hat would decide which house she had for the coming years of her life? ''The hat's decision is final.'' Albus added as he noticed the doubtful glint in her eyes, smiling kindly at her. Adeline did not return it, only reluctantly residing in the fate this piece of old fabric would give her. Right before Albus would press the hat on the girl's head, she took it from his hands. The risk of exposing her elven ears was too big, and thus she gently set the human clothing on her white locks herself. 

Ah, an Elf! I have never had the honor of sorting one of you, dear. Harbouring a last name no one would like to have, a past filled with secrets, sorrow and pain. The survival skills and bravery of a true Gryffindor, but the cunningness and slyness of a worthy Slytherin. Not only do those two fit you, but your kindness to animals and the urge to help those in need make you a great Hufflepuf, with the fierce and stubborn intellect of a Ravenclaw. My oh my. You, my dear, fit in all four houses. Adeline's face fell in an emotionless mask as she thought the hat's words over. All four houses? She could not see herself in Hufflepuf or Ravenclaw simply because they were kind or smart. Yes she knew she had these traits but she did not value them in herself, not one bit. No, she valued her bravery to face her problems and dangers head on, or derive a cunning and sly plan to set the odds to her favor. That is how the young teenage girl survived in the wild, alone, for all those years. That is what was most important for most of her life. She would think herself a true Slytherin, but abruptly stopped that thought. Severus was head of Slytherin House and he, although a very interesting human to study, did not trust her. She could not risk exposure or hatred by being within his reach. Gryffindor. The house fit her personality and the Head of it all, Minerva McGonagall, trusted her and pitied her. Perhaps not the most adored emotion, pity, but it would surely keep Severus in check, if the moment came that she had to pick her student or colleague. 

Adeline smiled to herself at the irony of her thoughts, both of them so Gryffindor and yet so Slytherin. But the hat tore open, revealing a gap that could function as a mouth. ''Sly-.... Better be, Gryffindor!'' It exclaimed hesitantly, as if unsure if he agreed with the girl's train of thought. Adeline allowed a relieved smile on her pale lips before they straightened up in a line once more, taking the hat off and setting it on the desk as she nodded once to the Headmaster in gratitude. Albus Dumbledore seemed highly surprised by the hat's hesitant answer, as he had never seen it stammer or stutter before. However, he concealed the surprise in a few moments by smiling kindly down at the girl. There was no doubt now, this young lady was a very different kind of person, and Albus was keen on finding out who and what exactly she was. Severus, or Professor Snape from henceforth, was not amused. At all. The girl was a perfect match for the Slytherin house and even the hat thought so, before it had the nerve to put her in the rival House He did not care nor like this child, but he could no longer deny that he was curious. Who was she, why did she live in a forest, and why did she refuse to speak? His expression was grim, and it was clear for all to see that Severus Snape was aggravated the girl was not in his house. Adeline studied his expression, her peculiarly colored eyes sparkling in amusement. She can admit to not knowing much about witches and wizards, but she knew he looked like a little boy who just got told 'no' for the first time. It was so very entertaining, and it took her great willpower to not burst out in laughter right then and there. No, she composed herself and only a little smirk plastered on her face. A Gryffindor girl. School had yet to officially begin, and Adeline already found this one of her most interesting adventures.