Chapter 4 - The Sorting Hat

The soft lapping of water against the hull of the small wooden boat was the only sound that filled the silence. The boat glided across the glassy surface of the Black Lake, heading towards the imposing silhouette of Hogwarts Castle. Serena Snape sat quietly, her ebony hair cascading down her back and a faint frown creasing her brows. Beside her, Lily Evans was chattering excitedly about the castle, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation. 

Across from them, James Potter, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were all crammed into another boat, the disappointment on James' face clear as day. He had wanted to share a boat with Serena, but the rule of four people per boat had dashed his plans. His hazel eyes continually flickered to the boat carrying Serena and Lily, a hint of longing in his gaze. 

Serena, noticing his gaze, sighed inwardly. She had spent the entire train ride trying to ignore James' attempts to capture her attention. He was relentless, always finding a way to approach her. Whether it was offering her candies from the trolley lady, convincing her in a game of Exploding Snap, or even engaging her in some nonsensical conversation, he never seemed to tire.

Serena had hoped that once they reached Hogwarts, he would find a new interest, but it seemed that was wishful thinking. 

"James, stop staring," Sirius teased, his gray eyes twinkling with mischief. "You're acting like a lost puppy." 

"Shut it, Sirius," James replied, his face flushing. But he didn't look away from Serena.

Meanwhile, Remus sat quietly, a smile playing on his lips as he watched the scene unfold. He had a feeling his years at Hogwarts were going to be anything but boring. 

Lily, noticing James' gaze on Serena, put a protective arm around her. "She's mine, Potter!" she declared, her voice echoing across the lake. 

"Is that a challenge, Evans?" James retorted, a grin spreading across his face.

Lily grinned back and said, "You don't even have the right to challenge me in the first place, Potter." 

"Go on, Evans!" Sirius cheered, pumping his fist in the air. 

"Shut up, mate!" James groaned, shoving Sirius in retaliation. The sudden movement caused the boat to rock dangerously. 

Remus, the voice of reason, tried to steady the boat. "Guys, stop messing around," he warned, but it was to no avail. The two boys kept pushing one another.

With one final shove from Sirius, the boat tipped over, throwing the boys into the cold waters of the Black Lake. A collective gasp echoed from the surrounding boats. 

Just when it seemed like things couldn't get worse, a large tentacle emerged from the depths of the lake, wrapping around the overturned boat. The Giant Squid, usually a rare sight, had decided to intervene.

Before anyone could panic, the Squid carefully lifted the boat, flipping it back upright. One by one, it plucked the sputtering boys from the water and deposited them back into their boat. It then retreated back into the depths, leaving behind a stunned silence.

"What... was that?" Remus finally managed to ask, his eyes wide with shock.

"That," James replied, grinning from ear to ear despite his soaked state, "was awesome!"

Sirius, too, was grinning like a maniac. "Did you see that? The Giant Squid saved us!"

Their excitement was contagious, and laughter soon filled the air. Even Serena, watching the scene from her boat, couldn't help but roll her eyes with a hint of amusement. What idiots.

She raised her wand and pointed it at the boys' boat. "Tergeo," she said, casting the drying spell. The water instantly evaporated from their clothes and hair, leaving them dry.

"Thanks, Serena!" James called out, giving her a thumbs up. Sirius and Remus echoed their thanks, their spirits not dampened in the slightest by their recent dip in the lake. 

Serena merely nodded in response, hoping that this wouldn't become a habit. 'Just this once,' she reassured herself.

~~~

As Serena settled in the boat once again after the ordeal, she couldn't help but let her gaze wander towards the magnificent structure that loomed ahead. The sight of the castle's majestic silhouette against the night sky stirred a flurry of emotions within her.

A sudden rush of memories flooded Serena's mind, memories from her past life as Severus Snape began to resurface, intertwined with the present scenery unfolding before her. She vividly recalled a scene of utter devastation—Hogwarts castle in ruins, the aftermath of the Second Wizarding War. The image of broken walls, charred remains, and the echoes of battle haunted her thoughts.

In that vision, Serena remembered the final battle against Voldemort, the sacrifices made, and the lives lost. She felt the weight of her own sacrifice as Severus Snape, a man who had played a pivotal role in the fight against darkness. The memories of pain, loss, and the ultimate redemption were etched deep within her.

As the boat glided closer to the castle, Serena's heart ached with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow for the lives lost and the scars left behind, but gratitude for the bravery and resilience that had prevailed. Hogwarts stood as a symbol of not only the struggles and sacrifices but also the triumph of good over evil.

She recalled moments of solitude and introspection, as Severus Snape wandered the halls of Hogwarts in the dead of night, his thoughts consumed by the burdens he carried. The weight of his conflicted loyalties, his fading friendship with Lily, and his dark dealings with the Death Eaters all flooded back into Serena's consciousness.

Visions of heated debates with Dumbledore, the headmaster who had placed his trust in Severus, flashed before her eyes. She remembered the desperate pleas for protection, the unbreakable vow he had made to safeguard Harry Potter, and the immense responsibility that came with it.

The memories shifted to the classrooms, where Severus Snape had stood as a professor, his sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge captivating the minds of his students. Serena felt the pride and satisfaction of seeing pupils succeed under his tutelage, even as she carried the weight of his reputation as a stern and intimidating figure.

However, amidst the shadows of Severus Snape's past, there were moments of tenderness and vulnerability. Serena recalled stolen glances exchanged with Lily, the warmth of their friendship before it was shattered by misunderstandings and choices made. Severus' rivalry towards the Marauders. The duels, hexes, and detentions that came with it.

She tore her gaze away from the haunting memories, focusing on the present moment.

The castle before her was no longer in ruins but stood strong and proud, a beacon of hope and knowledge. Serena took a deep breath, finding solace in the thought that Hogwarts had risen from the ashes, rebuilt and ready to welcome new generations of witches and wizards.

~~~

As Serena and her fellow first-year students disembarked from the boats and made their way to the entrance of Hogwarts castle, they were greeted by the no-nonsense, younger figure of Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor House.

"Welcome, first years," Professor McGonagall said with a warm yet firm smile. "I trust your journey was pleasant. We have an important event ahead—the sorting ceremony. Please follow me into the castle and gather in the designated area. We will begin shortly."

The stone walls echoed with the whispers of countless generations of witches and wizards who had passed through these very corridors.

They reached a bustling area where other first-year students had gathered, their anticipation palpable. Serena looked around, taking in the diverse faces of her future classmates, each filled with a mix of eagerness and curiosity.

Professor McGonagall addressed the group, her voice carrying a sense of authority and warmth. "Now, while we await the commencement of the sorting ceremony, take a moment to clean yourselves up and get to know your fellow students. Remember, the friendships you form here may last a lifetime."

Serena turned to her side, catching Lily's eye. They exchanged a nervous smile, their excitement mingled with a touch of trepidation. 

As the first-year students milled around, getting acquainted with each other, James Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin made their way over to Serena and Lily. 

"Serena!" James called out, a slight nervousness lingering in his voice. "Do I look okay?"

Serena gave him a cursory glance, her eyebrow raising slightly. "Your hair's a mess, Potter. You should fix it." The boy definitely got his bird nest of hair from his father.

James, rather than being deterred by her blunt remark, took it as an invitation. "Would you mind helping me out then? And call me James!" He asked hopefully, pushing a lock of unruly hair out of his face.

Sirius rolled his eyes at this, pulling out his own wand to give his hair a quick combing charm. "Honestly, James," he muttered, "you're hopeless."

Meanwhile, Remus and Lily were engrossed in their own conversation, their excitement high. They were already discussing which classes they were most looking forward to and speculating about the houses they might be sorted into.

Their conversation was interrupted when another boy approached Serena. He was a tall, skinny kid with glasses perched on his nose and an air of awkwardness about him. "Hi," he said, giving Serena an uncertain smile. "I'm Oswald. Oswald Fudge. What's your name?"

James, who was still hoping for Serena to help him with his unruly hair, found himself mildly annoyed at the interruption. A slight scowl formed on his face as he watched Oswald and Serena interact. 

The door from the Great Hall opened once again before James had a chance to bring Serena's attention back to himself.

Finally, the moment arrived. Professor McGonagall stepped forward, her voice commanding attention. "It is time for the sorting ceremony to begin. Please follow me into the Great Hall."

The first-year students filed behind Professor McGonagall, their footsteps echoing through the corridors as they made their way towards the Great Hall.

As Serena walked alongside her fellow first-year students, making her way towards the Great Hall, unbeknownst to her, some of the older students who were gathered to watch the arrival of the first years had taken notice of her petite stature and delicate features.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as Serena passed by, catching snippets of conversation about how cute and small she appeared compared to the rest of her group. Some students exchanged amused smiles, charmed by her unassuming presence.

Serena, however, remained blissfully unaware of the attention, her focus fixed on avoiding the eyes of Headmaster Dumbledore.

~~~

The moment she entered the Great Hall, up along the crowd of professors, she caught sight of Headmaster Dumbledore, the wise and revered figure who commanded respect from all who knew him. Serena's heart skipped a beat, for she carried a burden that weighed heavily upon her.

Years ago, in her previous life as Severus Snape, Serena had been forced to make a difficult and fateful decision. She had played a role in Dumbledore's demise, a necessary sacrifice to protect 'the greater good' and ensure the defeat of darkness. Despite the passage of time, the memories and emotions associated with that event remained fresh in her mind and heart.

As Serena walked, she couldn't help but cast furtive glances in Dumbledore's direction. She desperately tried to avoid eye contact, her internal struggle evident as she wrestled with the guilt and turmoil that still lingered within her. It was a painful reminder of the sacrifices she had made and the weight of her past actions.

The current Headmaster Dumbledore remained oblivious to her connection to Severus Snape and the role she had played in his death. To him, she was just another eager first-year student embarking on her magical journey.

As the Sorting Hat drew nearer, Serena took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. She knew she had to find a way to reconcile her past and move forward, to honor the memory of Severus Snape while embracing the person she had become.

With renewed determination, Serena lifted her gaze, ready to face the sorting ceremony and the transformative years that awaited her. It was time to set aside the ghosts of the past and forge her own path—one that would be defined not by the shadows she carried, but by the light she aimed to bring to the world.

~~~

"Oh, gather 'round, young witches and wizards fair,

For the Sorting Hat will choose, with utmost care.

In this venerable hall, where magic fills the air,

A destiny awaits each student who enters here.

I'm the Sorting Hat, wise and old,

With stories and secrets yet untold.

Four houses stand strong, united yet distinct,

Each with virtues and traits that truly instinct.

Gryffindor, brave at heart and bold,

Where courage reigns and heroes are molded.

Hufflepuff, loyal and kind,

With friendships that forever bind.

Ravenclaw, wise and ever seeking,

A thirst for knowledge, always peeking.

Slytherin, ambitious and cunning,

A drive for greatness, forever running.

So, sit upon this stool, let me peer inside your mind,

To see the strengths and qualities you'll find.

For it's not about blood or family name,

But the character within that fuels the flame.

Brave Gryffindors, with lions' might,

Stand tall and fight for what is right.

Hufflepuffs, with hearts so true,

Your loyalty will see you through.

Ravenclaws, with minds so keen,

Unleash the wisdom that lies unseen.

Slytherins, with ambition grand,

Forge your path with a cunning hand.

No matter the house, you'll find your place,

A community where friendships embrace.

So wear your colors with utmost pride,

For Hogwarts is where magic resides.

Now, let the Sorting begin, dear students all,

Discover where you'll stand, hear the House's call.

Embrace the journey that lies ahead,

For within these walls, your future is spread.

So listen, young witches and wizards dear,

The Sorting Hat's song echoes loud and clear.

May your time at Hogwarts be filled with delight,

As you embark on this magical flight."

Lily exclaimed in awe as she shook Serena's arm beside her, "It sang!" 

Minerva McGonagall stood poised at the front of the room, a long list of names in her hand and the Sorting Hat placed on a stool next to her. 

Serena watched with rapt attention as McGonagall began calling out names, each student stepping forward to place the hat on their head. It was a process she knew all too well. Yet, as the sorting progressed, she felt a growing sense of unease. 

Some students were being sorted into different houses than they were supposed to be in her past life as Severus. The realization hit her like a wave. What if she wasn't sorted into Slytherin? The thought sent a sharp pang of anxiety through her. 

Meanwhile, Lily Evans was called up, and the hat barely touched her head before it shouted, "Gryffindor!" The same went for Sirius Black and James Potter, who were sorted into Gryffindor with hearty cheers from their new housemates. Remus Lupin was next, and after a moment's hesitation, the hat declared him a Gryffindor as well. 

Serena's heart pounded in her chest as she awaited her turn. She watched as James settled at the Gryffindor table, his eyes catching hers for a moment before she quickly looked away. Sirius was being his usual boisterous self, already making friends, while Remus gave her a reassuring smile and Lily was waving at her.

Finally, it was her turn. 

"Serena Snape," McGonagall called out. 

Taking a deep breath, Serena stepped forward, her mind racing with thoughts and fears. As she sat down, she couldn't help but think, Please, let me be in Slytherin. She wasn't sure what she would do if she ended up somewhere else. The entire hall held its breath, waiting for the hat's proclamation.

~~~

As the Sorting Hat was placed onto Serena's head, she could feel it rummaging through her memories. It was a strange sensation, like someone flipping through the pages of a book. "Ah, a mind filled with knowledge from two lives, from two different worlds," the Hat's voice echoed in her head. "This is rather unusual."

"Get on with it," Serena thought impatiently, her heart pounding in her chest. "Slytherin."

The Hat seemed to chuckle. "Not so fast, Miss Snape. You're not the same as before, are you? Two personas merged into one. You've come anew."

"I don't care," Serena shot back in her mind. "Put me in Slytherin. That's where I belong."

The Hat seemed to ponder for a moment. "Slytherin, you say? The house of cunning and ambition? You certainly have those traits, but there's more to you now. You're an Omega, after all."

"What difference does that make?" Serena demanded, her anxiety spiking. 

"My dear, your secondary gender can play with your emotions and urges," the Hat explained. "It could contradict some of your plans in play. But, you are determined, aren't you? And loyal... Very well.. If you're sure..Better be—"

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Hat shouted out, "Slytherin!"

Relief washed over Serena as she took off the Hat and joined the Slytherin table, the sea of green and silver breaking into applause. She shot a final glance at the Gryffindor table, meeting James' gaze. His expression was unreadable, but Serena didn't care. She was where she belonged. But the Hat's words echoed in her mind. She had a feeling this journey will be different than her last one, and she was right. Only time would tell what lay ahead.