Chapter 3 - Train Ride to Hogwarts

Serena and Lily had just finished stowing their trunks in the overhead racks, their compartment on the Hogwarts Express a small oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of students and their families saying their goodbyes. The red velvet seats were comfortable and plush, and Serena felt a sense of déjà vu wash over her as she sat down, the memories of a life past, a life as Severus Snape, flashing in her mind.

She remembered another trip to Diagon Alley to get her wand, not as a small, cute girl with her mother, but as a lanky, awkward boy with a stern-faced mother. The attention she'd received this time around was vastly different. People had paused to watch her as she passed by, a few even smiling and waving, their eyes filled with a strange sort of adoration. It was unnerving and embarrassing, to say the least, but Serena reminded herself that it was just a part of being an Omega. She was still the same person, at her core and she was glad that her old, original wand accepted her this time as well. 

Her wand was made from Ebony, which is 12 inches long with a dragon heartstring as the core. It was sleek and elegant, reflecting her intelligence, resourcefulness, and mysterious nature. The ebony wood signifies power, protection, and transformation. The length of 12 inches suggests a wand that is well-balanced and suitable for precise spellwork. The core represents power, intensity, and a connection to the magical world's deepest magic. She wouldn't have known what to do if she got a different one. Merlin forbid.

Over the summer, Serena had tried to tap into her unique Omegan magic, attempting healing touch and scent manipulation, but progress had been slow and frustrating. Her mother had given her last-minute lessons regarding her first heat cycle that will arrive when she hits puberty and the suppressants she would have to use. Salazar help her.

Moreover, Eileen's high expectations, hoping Serena would excel in harnessing her abilities. But despite her best efforts, she'd made no progress except healing a paper cut size injury. 

Nevertheless, she held onto hope. She'd run through the platform of 9 and ¾  just a few moments ago, Lily and her family at her side, their love and care a comforting balm. Of course, not including Petunia Evans. If she was disgusted by Severus then, now she was envious of Serena's beauty.

Lily's excited chatter pulled her out of her thoughts. 

"...and I can't wait to see the Great Hall, and the dormitories! I've heard they're under the lake, can you imagine?" Lily was practically bouncing in her seat, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Serena laughed, shaking her head. "You're certainly ready, aren't you?" she teased, her tone hiding the depth of her own nervousness. She was about to start a second time at Hogwarts, in a new body, with a new gender, and a new chance to right past wrongs. It was overwhelming, but at least she still had Lily.

"And I'm lucky to have you with me, Lily," Serena said sincerely, reaching out to squeeze her friend's hand. "I wouldn't want to do this alone."

Finding Serena too adorable to handle, Lily hugged the tiny girl into her arms. "Me too, Rena."

Serena blushed like a peach, "Lily!"

Lily laughed and let the poor girl go, "Sorry Rena! You're just too cute!" 

Still blushing, Serena gave a small huff.

As Serena denies the happiness she felt from the physical affection, she found herself lost in another memory, her surroundings blurring before reforming into the familiar, if somewhat dilapidated, kitchen of the Snape family home. 

The smells of damp stone and the faint tang of potion ingredients filled the air. Eileen Snape, her mother, sat across from her at the worn wooden table, her dark eyes serious.

"Serena," Eileen began, her voice firm yet filled with an underlying current of worry. "You must understand, Omegas are rare in the wizarding world. It's a trait that carries both power and danger."

Serena shifted uncomfortably in her seat, the wooden chair creaking under her. "I know, Mum. You've told me before."

Eileen sighed, her gaze never leaving Serena's. "Yes, and I'll keep telling you until you understand how crucial this is. Some wizards… they'll do anything to get their hands on an Omega. You mustn't let them."

"But how can I stop them if they find out?" Serena asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. The thought made a knot of fear twist in her stomach. She hated this feeling.

Eileen's lips thinned, but she reached under the table, pulling out a small, nondescript box. "The day you presented, you were registered as an Omega in the wizarding records, just as you were registered to attend Hogwarts. The professors will know, but others... they can only guess by your scent."

Serena accepted the box, opening it to reveal a single, shimmering vial. The liquid inside glowed with soft, ethereal silvery swirls. "What is this?"

"It's a potion that will mask your scent for a month," Eileen explained. "You must take it before going to Hogwarts. It will help you to hide your secondary gender until your first heat."

Serena's hands trembled slightly as she held the vial. "But I don't know how to make it..." She didn't have the recipe for this potion nor the ingredients. She never even heard of this potion before!

"You can learn," Eileen said, her tone brooking no argument. "Madam Pomfrey at Hogwarts will also have it. It's your right as an Omega to be provided with such protections."

Eileen's stern gaze softened slightly as she reached out, covering Serena's smaller hand with her own. "You're strong, Serena. You'll learn to navigate this world. I just know you'll be the most beautiful and desirable out of all the other Omegas. Remember, my dear, you can hide your secondary gender as long as you can from the rest of the student body. The potion will help you but be cautious. Some may still try to uncover your secret. Keep your friends close."

As the memory of her conversation with her mother dissipated, Serena found herself back in the present, sitting aboard the Hogwarts Express. The rhythmic chugging of the train filled the air as excited chatter of Lily filled the air. She didn't need to worry about Lily telling anyone that she was an Omega. Lily was eager to protect her and made a promise to keep Serena's status as an Omega to themselves.

~~~

The chatter of excited students, the clanging of trolleys, and the stray hoots of owls filled the air. Serena Snape sat in the compartment, her eyes fixed on the window as the platform outside began to blur. Her heart was thudding in her chest, a mix of apprehension and determination. Her fingers traced over the wand in her lap, contemplating the two spells that might keep her safe from a past she desperately wanted to forget. 

Should I cast a spell-lock on the door or place a notice-me-not charm? she thought, her mind a sea of options and potential outcomes. Serena had never been one to leave things to chance, and this new life she found herself in was no exception. 

After a moment's hesitation, she decided against casting either. It wasn't like her to hide, and she wasn't about to let her past fears dictate her present actions, even if it meant potentially dealing with them again.

She was lost in her thoughts when the compartment door suddenly slid open. She turned her head with shock and her eyes met the familiar hazel ones of James Potter, her heart beating wildly, his hair just as messy and dark as she remembered. Then, something strange clicked inside her head, like two puzzle pieces coming together and Serena had to force her eyes away from his gaze. 

Beside him stood Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, both looking just as she remembered them when they were young.

"Mind if we join you? All the other compartments are taken," Potter asked, his voice loud and confident over the ruckus outside.

Serena's heart skipped a beat. The Marauders. Just like in her past life, they were here again. She opened her mouth to decline when Lily Evans, her red hair gleaming in the sunlight that streamed through the window, spoke up.

"Of course! come on in," she replied happily, oblivious to Serena's inner turmoil.

Serena closed her mouth and cast a sidelong glance at Lily, pouting her lips. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched as the three boys took their seats, and she couldn't help but feel like she was trapped in a repeating cycle of her past life. She didn't want to have anything to do with the Marauders, especially not James, who, she noticed, was looking at her with a strange kind of interest.

It was going to be a long journey. Serena sighed and leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. She looked out the window, her mind filled with thoughts of the past and the future.

~~~

The boys, all part of an already quickly forming group that would later be known as the Marauders, were introducing themselves to the two girls. James was the one leading the conversation, his charisma shining through as he introduced each member with a grandeur that was expected of him. Serena sat quietly in her seat, seemingly uninterested in the introductions as she already knew who they were. Her black silky hair framed her small, cute face, her red lips pursed in an expression of slight annoyance. 

Lily, on the other hand, was more accommodating. She introduced herself with a warm smile, "I'm Lily, Lily Evans," her green eyes twinkling with anticipation. When it was Serena's turn, James turned to her, his hazel eyes curious. "And you, little Miss?" he asked, "What's your name?"

Serena looked up, her dark eyes meeting three pairs of eyes glued on her. She felt a sudden rush of self-consciousness; she was not used to being the center of attention. Not like this. However, she maintained her composure and introduced herself. "Serena Snape," she said, her voice as smooth as silk. "..and don't call me little Miss," she muttered under her breath, pouting her lips.

Well, she wasn't 'little' when she was Severus. Oh how she missed her tall height at times like this.

James, Sirius, and Remus were momentarily stunned, their gazes fixed on her. Unbeknownst to Serena, they were taken aback by her beauty and her unexpected cuteness. 

"You're cute! Pleasure to meet you, Serena," James said with a wide smile while the other two boys gave their nod of agreement. 

The Marauders made Serena shiver in her seat. Admittedly, she didn't hate them anymore but who said anything about liking them? Never in her life, did she imagine her past bullies to ever compliment her with sincerity. 

She glared at James, praying she was giving him the most vicious intimidating look but contrary to her thoughts, the look was anything but. James had found it really adorable. It was poking at his heartstrings. 

Thankfully, Lily saved Serena from the idiotic look James was giving her.

"Are you guys excited? I'm so nervous about the sorting!"

"Yeah, I am too, but I'm just happy I get to attend Hogwarts," replied Remus.

"Are you two Muggle-borns?" Sirius suddenly asked, his tone casual but curious. Sirius didn't recognize their last names.

Without missing a beat, Serena replied, "I'm a half-blood." 

Lily hesitated before admitting, "I'm Muggle-born."

James immediately reassured them. "Don't worry about that. Sirius and I are purebloods, but we're not the typical pureblood supremacists you might've heard about," he said. "If anyone tries to give you girls problems because of it, we'll handle them for you!" Anyone could hear the conviction coming out of his voice. "And Remus here is a half-blood too." 

Remus smiled at them, "My mother is a muggle and my dad is a wizard. How about you, Serena?" 

"Oh, my mum's a witch and my dad is a muggle," Serena avoided looking back at Lupin's eyes. She decided it was better for her to stare at the floor rather than the faces of her past bullies. 

"Hey, what's that attached on your necks?" Lily asked as she noticed a small square patch on the neck of each of the boys.

The boys exchanged glances before Sirius grinned mischievously. "Those are scent blockers," he explained. "They're for Alphas, you know, to help control our scents and not overwhelm others."

Lily's eyes widened with surprise as she processed the revelation. "Wait, all three of you are Alphas?" she asked, her voice tinged with astonishment.

Serena, who had been observing the boys intently, shared in Lily's surprise. She cursed her horrible luck, Of course! They just had to be Alphas! All bloody three of them! She was doomed.

"That's quite rare, considering Alphas only make up about 20% of the wizarding population," she couldn't help but remark.

James and Sirius exchanged knowing glances, a mixture of pride and amusement evident on their faces. James spoke up, his voice filled with a hint of lighthearted arrogance. "Well, as the charming young lads that we are," he pointed at all three of them, "love to defy expectations," he said with a smirk.

Sirius chuckled, leaning back against his seat. "We're a special breed, you know," he added, his tone playful. 

Serena rolled her eyes. Special indeed.

Remus, ever the level-headed one, chimed in. "It's true that it's uncommon, but we've learned to embrace our secondary genders and use them to our advantage."

Lily nodded, taking in the new information. "Ahh, I see. That's interesting." 

Serena thought the same. She'll definitely use her Omegan traits to her advantage. 

Sirius, never one to let a moment pass without teasing, turned the conversation towards Lily's own discoveries about the wizarding world. "So, Lily, were you surprised when you found out about the secondary genders we have in the magical world?"

Lily smiled warmly. "Yes! I was. It was quite the news! But honestly, it didn't change much for me. I present as a Beta, so I didn't have to worry about some of the challenges that come with being an Alpha or an Omega."

Lily glanced at Serena and said, "Serena and I became friends early on, and she helped me understand everything. We've been there for each other since then."

James couldn't resist asking, "And what about you, Serena? What's your secondary gender?"

"I'm a Beta, just like Lily," she replied smoothly. 

Remus, who had been listening intently, decided to steer the conversation towards a lighter topic. "Have any of you thought about which house you might end up in?"

The boys exchanged excited glances, their anticipation palpable. Lily's eyes sparkled, eager to hear their thoughts. 

Serena, on the other hand, knew this conversation was inevitable. This was the start of everything. Their strained, animosity relationship with each other. Their vile bullying, masked as pranks. They were cruel to her. But Serena also realized that she was partly at fault. She remembered how she scoffed at their choice of house, Gryffindor, offending them by her choice of words, and they retaliated back. She was going to avoid that fate. She learned her lesson the first time. She was more mature now than when she was Severus, at 11 years old. 

James, always confident, spoke first. "I'm sure I'll be in Gryffindor. It's where my family has always been."

Sirius nodded in agreement. "Definitely Gryffindor for me too. Can't imagine being anywhere else."

Remus smiled thoughtfully. "I'm leaning towards Ravenclaw. I've always loved learning and books."

Lily joined in, her voice filled with determination. "I think I'll end up in Gryffindor as well if I'm right about the traits! But who knows? I hope me and Serena will end up in the same house!"

Feeling the looks and stares on her again, Serena braced herself. This is it she thought, as she clasped her hands together. 

Glancing up, Serena reluctantly said, "I-I don't know for sure yet… but I think I belong in Slytherin," she quickly looked back down as she didn't want to see their reaction.

She wasn't lying when she said she wasn't sure yet. In this world, Serena and Severus merged together as one and knew that her secondary gender as an Omega might influence the sorting hat's decision. But she still wanted to be sorted into Slytherin. She was the Head of the House for Merlin's sake! 

As Serena mentioned her potential placement in Slytherin, Sirius couldn't help but let out a sigh, his expression clouded with a hint of bitterness. "Slytherin, huh?" he muttered, his voice tinged with reluctance.

"My whole family has been in Slytherin. They're... not the best bunch, to say the least."

Before Sirius could continue, Lily quickly interjected, her voice filled with enthusiasm and defense. "Rena is nothing like them," she declared, her words carrying a sense of conviction. "Rena said that Slytherin is for those with ambition, determination, resourcefulness, and cunning. Rena is ambitious and determined, but she's also caring, and kind. She wants to be a potion master because she loves the art and the potential to help others with it, right Rena?"

She finished her statement proudly and turned to face Serena. 

But before Serena could respond, James and Remus chimed in, echoing Lily's sentiments. James flashed a playful grin at Serena. "Yeah, Sirius, we all thought she'd end up in Hufflepuff with her cuteness overload," he teased, earning a playful swat from Lily.

Remus chuckled and added, "Sirius didn't mean to offend anyone, especially you, Serena. It's just unexpected, that's all. We're all still getting to know each other."

Serena didn't know what to say and all she could do was nod her head dumbly at the unexpected reactions. 

Sirius mumbled an apology and looked towards Serena, "So, are you any good with potions?" 

….

As the tension in the compartment eased, they continued to discuss their expectations for the Sorting Ceremony and shared lighthearted banter, excited for the adventures that awaited them at Hogwarts.