Lestrange

Chapter 5. Sorting & Secrets

Her hands clammed up as she began to think about her name being called in front of everyone, although she was more than curious to see what house she'd be sorted into. Previously at Ilvermony, she'd been in the Thunderbird house, the supposed equivalent to Slytherin. However, she hoped not to be in Slytherin as it birthed almost all dark witches and wizards and she'd assumed that others would think the worst if she were to be sorted into it. The only house she found particularly appealing was Ravenclaw and figured she'd be sorted there because of her love for school. Though she couldn't be sure of the test she would receive in the next few moments.

Ilvermony was easy enough. They stepped into a circle with four different animals carved in wood around them. If one glowed white you would go to that house, if more than one glowed you would have a choice. Two houses for Honora lit up, Thunderbird those who valued soul and adventure, and the other Wampus who valued the heart and were natural warriors. Honora only being seven and all, chose Thunderbird because–well she'd always been up for an adventure at that age, and liked their house crest the most. But now looking back she'd probably had have asked for a different house altogether.

As they appeared in front of the first years, McGonagall ushered for her to stand on the side of the group. Honora gazed over the crowd, smiling a bit as they were all filled with nervous energy, but she thought her nerves were more prominent than anyone else's. Wiping her clammy hands on the black robe she turned to face Mcgonagall, taking deep breaths to calm herself.

"Welcome everyone to your first year at Hogwarts! As some of you may know I am Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor and the head of Gryffindor. We will now enter the Great Hall and you will walk to the front. Your names will be called individually for the Sorting Hat. I want no nonsense! This is process will put you with the house you will live with for your time here at Hogwarts. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin! You will certainly be closest with those in your own house. Now wait for just a moment before the doors open."

Mcgonagall stepped down from in front of the first years to Honora. "You'll lead the first years and get sorted first–since you are going into your fifth year." She nodded her head and soon after the doors opened by the wave of Mcgonagall's wand. Honora listened to the nervous, but excited chatter amongst the first years as they each entered.

Honora certainly could agree with the remarks of amazement around her. Hundreds of candles lit the Great Hall and floated in the air, far above from where people sat. Four rows of long tables lined the room each house sitting at one and decorated in their respective colors. It certainly was much more extravagant than Ilvermony. As she walked along the first years she seemed a bit out of place, looking much older than most of them, as she was almost sixteen. She frowned slightly to herself though noticing that most of them were almost or the same height as her. Excitement buzzed through the room as the first years stopped at the front. Each house anxious to gain its new members.

"Good evening to all, new and returning students! It is as always, exhilarating to start off a new year." Dumbledore bellowed into the crowd of people. "Professor Mcgonagall will now start the sorting ceremony by announcing our new students going into higher years, followed by the first years." Dumbledore ushered to Mcgonagall before giving a slight smile to Honora.

"Good evening students. Tonight we only have one new student going into her fifth year–Honora Lestrange!" Silence. The buzzing energy in the room had halted and she felt tension all around her. As Honora pushed her way through the first years that had crowded her and turned toward the hall, everyone looked shocked, and to her surprise, frightened. The faces in the crowd made her stomach drop and almost feel like she could hurl. Why did she have to be first? If she had been last she was sure they'd pay less attention to her. Honora didn't even realize she had made her way to the chair, her legs felt wobbly from anxiety rushing through her. She sat down in the wooden chair and an old burlap witches hat, was placed on her head.

"Well, well, looked who the cat dragged in." She jumped at the sudden voice above her. "Don't be startled, I'm just here to put you in a house. . .You're exactly like your mother was when she was your age–!" He exclaimed. "Bright mind, resourceful, and very ambitious, you would make an exceptional Slytherin." The hat said a bit loud causing whispers to break out at the Slytherin table. Her eyes darted to the table dressed in green and silver, scanning over the crowd. She spotted Draco who just stared at her with a frown on his face. She wondered if he knew the true reason she'd come to Hogwarts.

"I can rule out Ravenclaw for you act on emotion and not intelligence not that you aren't intelligent – no not at all – but not a strong virtue for you. . and Hufflepuff for that matter. Impatience is not a value, Honora, but you are certainly loyal." She frowned at the hat above her but noticed her finger tapping on the arm rest repeatedly and ceased.

"Your greatest strengths seem to be your courage. Willing to do anything above all to help those you are loyal to. . how adorable. You and your mother are so alike. .Very loyal indeed – but your mother, easily corrupted. Something you should take note of for the future eh?" The hat had lowered its voice and Honora's posture stiffened at the thought of her agreements with Dumbledore.

"Don't worry I'm not going to say anything–Wouldn't want you dead on your first day. But, where to put you? Honestly, Hufflepuff might be a better fit than Slytherin. .Possibly Gryffindor but I don't know. Brave. . yes. Hm and the loyalty yes." The hat whispered and teased once more, and the girl beneath it becoming increasingly irritated with the piece of dusty material.

"Alright, alright. . an impatient one you are. ."

"Gryffindor!"

Only small, scattered applause struck through the hall as the hat roared the house name. Honora looked to the table draped in scarlet and gold and noticed that not a single person seemed to look happy. She was shocked at the hats results. Loyal? Certainly, but was she really brave? The hat had barely even mentioned Gryffindor, and they looked a bit abrasive to her arrival. The Hufflepuff table, sat with kind faces seemed more alluring than the table she was headed to. It was going to be harder to fit in than she thought.

"No, that's bloody weird."

"Ron stop."

"No, he's right it's weird." Seamus piped up.

"If you two must insist gossiping about her, quiet your voices." Hermione shushed the both of them, glancing down the table towards Honora who shifted awkwardly in her seat under the intense stares. Harry looked down to her as well, curiously examining the girl. He didn't like the name Lestrange–probably no soul that did but he couldn't not notice some kind of energy about her that said she was different.

"–I mean everyone heard rumors of Bellatrix having a child, but after her arrest, and they didn't find one it was clear it wasn't true."

"Well obviously it's true Hermione unless they just so happen to have the same last name." She rolled her eyes at Ron, looking back to Harry who still had his eyes locked on the girl.

"What do you think Harry?"

"Definitely odd."