As and Remus stayed with the Weasleys until the 1st of September and departed with them to King Cross station in Muggle London.
As she walked, As' black ankle boots collided with the brick floor of the platform making a muffled thump with every step. She and Remmy carefully manoeuvred the trolley to a stand still in front of the pillar reading 9 and 10. Fred and George who had been walking alongside them stepped back as said, in sync as per usual said "See you on the platform." Blackfeathers, the so creatively named bird Remmy and As had chosen (after the purchase of As' wand) hooted loudly.
Eyes fixed on the wall with the comfort of Remmy's hand on her shoulder, Remmy and As broke out into a steady run. The trolley collided and then passed through the barrier with Remmy and As directly behind it. On the other side, the Weasleys met young Harry. Remus and As had missed the young Potter, who had been a friend from birth, by mere minutes.
Two pairs of eyes stared at the scarlet school train; one pair with longing and recalled memories, the other with amazement and excitement.
As' stomach felt tight as she took in her guardian. Tears almost clouded her vision but never left her eyes. She was a Black after all.
Words were scarce as she and Remmy hugged each other tightly. Remus was loath to let them be apart for so long. She had only ever left him for a few days when Remmy went furry.
"I'll miss you Remmy and I'll write loads. Love you."
"Goodbye As, you cannot imagine how much I will miss you but you will barely have time to miss me. Hogwarts will be some of the best years of your life. Enjoy every second of it. Love you and I'll speak to you soon." And with those parting words, As stepped onto the train and her Hogwarts journey began.
Grinning, As leapt into a carriage with Fred and George's other best mate; Lee Jordan. Upon seeing each other they recognised each other despite never having met before. Lee Jordan practically knew the girl in front of him, from hearing all about her from the twins, so he would never judge her name or her image. Laughing hysterically, the two hugged and a steady flow of conversation began in Fred and Georges absence. They talked pranks, school, Fred and George and of course Lee's tarantula.
After a quick visit to see Ron and his new friend, the famous Harry Potter, the oldest Weasley twins made their way to Lee's compartment and were pleased to find their friends in conversation and laughter.
An hour or so later, Fred and George decided to send 'little Ace' of to make a few first year friends. Both she and Lee complained. Loudly. But to no avail. They were adamant. An irritated, icy glare overcame her features and her black outfit made her look intimidating and quite the Slytherin, a more traditional Black. Despite this, she was more like her father, a Gryffindor lioness at heart.
Draco Malfoy followed, or more accurately tailed by the beastly boys Crabbe and Goyle stopped short at the sight of his cousin. Regardless of the fact his family was disgraced by her upbringing (imagine that filth of a werewolf raising a pureblood witch, a Black) the first time he saw her she truly looked as though she would be a great addition to their family and to the Slytherin house.
"My dear cousin, I do believe this is the first time we have met." Young Draco addressed his younger cousin. Although she had been told enough awful stories about his side of the family she thought it couldn't do any harm to be nice and polite. Unconsciously she stood a little taller and spoke a little differently- only someone who knew her well would have been able to tell.
"Indeed, Draco. Perhaps, we shall see each other more now at school to make up for the 11 years we spent never seeing each other or making each others acquaintance."
"Of course." A strange moment of understanding between them was shared. They suddenly spoke the same language. A slight smile was passed before each departed. On her journey she met another witch, a muggleborn who she smiled bemusedly at. She thought if her cousin Draco didn't clearly favour Slytherin and the darker side to magic and the little muggleborn witch, Miss Granger the light, then they would have gotten on splendidly.
Continuing on, she peered in the compartment windows until ginger hair clogged her view and she recognised Ron. Not bothering to speak, she skipped into the compartment and announced her presence by gracefully sinking down next to Ron and resting her head on his shoulder. Harry watched this both amused and confused.
Ron chuckled and rolled his rolled his eyes. "As. Ace, up". He said slowly as if speaking or rather commanding a dog.
"Bloody git." She said light heartedly, but sat up anyway.
Interestingly, Harry and As got on as if they'd known one another for years. They didn't say very much in particular and only knew each other as 'Harry' and 'As'.
Hours passed and the three found themselves stood in front of Hagrid. As wasn't really surprised by the things that the other first years were in the Hogwarts experience, only mildly interested. Ron supposed she would have found out about everything years ago from Fred, George and Remus.
After the cold ride in the boats and a quick briefing from Professor McGonagall the anxious cluster of first years entered the buzzing great hall to await the sorting.
A song was sung preparing the new students for the sorting and then it began. Names were called, houses announced and students welcomed to their new school families.
"Ascella Sirrah Black." And then the hall went almost silent. Many students recognised the name and looked on with curiosity and contempt. Draco, seated and settled among the Slytherins sat up straighter and paid rapt attention to this specific sorting.
Ignoring everyone else, sure footed and confident but not cocky like her cousin, Ascella sat primly while the sorting hat descending onto her head. She knew for certain that the hat would place her in Gryffindor or Slytherin and her mind would be at ease either way. She knew Remmy would prefer it if she was in Gryffindor but wouldn't be disappointed with her if the result was otherwise.
Her stormy grey eyes flickered towards her cousin. Uncertainly, he nodded and she understood what it meant. He would be there for her either way. He hadn't ever really had the opportunity to properly show care towards family but he would take this chance. Ultimately she realised that only she mattered, that this was for no one else.
