Poisoned Flowers - Ron Weasley x OC

Chapter 2

"Tabitha Dagon!"

McGonagall's voice echoed through the hall as you walked up the stairs and made your way to the stool to be sorted. The Great Hall had fallen almost completely silent. All eyes were locked to the back of your head. "It'll be over soon," you told yourself. Being the center of attention was not your strong suit. You lowered yourself onto the stool, feeling weak and slightly nauseous. You caught the eyes of the group that had sat with you on the carriage. Hermione was leaning in, whispering frantically to the two boys. When their eyes returned to you, they seemed almost betrayed. Ron's face looked disgusted, while Harry's looked rather confused. You sighed, knowing exactly what she had explained. Your father was a Death Eater, and your mother was a pureblood supremest. 

Hermione had not been the only one to notice, as many others mirrored their expression. Fortunately, your anxious thoughts were interrupted as the tattered hat was placed upon your head. It was larger than you expected, obstructing your vision of above. Suddenly, it began to speak.

Its voice was raspy, and in an almost rude tone it began; "Hmm, I see conflict in you. You have loyalties, yet you don't believe them. You're creative, yet you've never been able to express yourself. You're intelligent, driven, but for what reason..?" The hat seemed to take a deep breath. "Ah, I see. You feel that if you are successful, you'll be able to find an escape. What is it that you want? Glory? Power? Wisdom? Connection?" The words seemed to be drawn out in an endless amount of time.

You weren't sure how to respond. Nobody had every analyzed your feelings in such a way. In fact, nobody had ever really cared to. You thought of Luna, showing you remarkable kindness from the moment you had met. Truthfully, you wanted to be more like her. You wanted to be kind and thoughtful. You wanted to influence the people around you with knowledge and betterment. You wanted freedom and confidence. 

"I see your thoughts.." the hat muttered. "You'll make a fine addition." It paused, building the inevitable tension. You swallowed. "Better be... RAVENCLAW!" It bellowed. 

This had, needless to say, caught you by surprise. Your eyes met Draco's as the hat was lifted off of your head, the hairs that had been caught on the worn fabric sinking slowly back to your skull. He scoffed, looking as befuddled you. Had this actually just happened? 

There was some sporadic clapping coming from the Ravenclaw table, except for Luna. Luna was clapping excitedly. 

You made your way towards her, watching the faces of your peers. Those who were looking at you had brows carrying lines of confusion. This included Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You were sure you would have been a Slytherin. Positive. It was in your blood. You and Draco had even talked about it on the ride to Hogwarts.

You sat next to Luna, thoughts racing through your head. How would you tell your parents? What would Draco think? Would he be mad? You stopped yourself for a minute. Why would Draco's feelings matter over your family's? Over the Dark Lord's? You were sure the Dark Lord would understand.. Right? In the two times you had met, he had remarked on your intelligence and potential. He probably had more important things to worry about anyways. The thought made you shudder. 

Luna embraced you, and began talking about some of the various aspects of the school, including Ravenclaw house. You couldn't pay attention for the most part. You kept looking to Draco, who also met your eyes several times. He had a look of disappointment, yet something more hid behind it. Longing? The food had appeared on the table magically, and by now many had begun feasting. Draco's head hung as he batted at his food with a fork, light hair acting as a curtain over his eyes. You directed your attention back to Luna.