Ashlynn Black: Secrets (Chapter 2) - Tills

**CHAPTER 2, THE SORTING.**

ASHLYNN POV, IN THE TRAIN STILL.

"George?" I asked.

"Yea, what's up?"

"How do I even get sorted into a house? Some test, some...."

"It's way simpler, don't worry Ash. They just put a hat on your head and then you get sorted. Simple," he replied.

"But, if I don't get Gryffindor, will I still be able to spend time with you?" I inquired, worried. I felt like I was actually starting to like him, just a bit. After I asked this I realized how lame it had sounded, because his cheeks flushed a deep red, then I looked down at my feet, embarrassed. He looked up, into my eyes.

"Of course we can dummy, even if you're a Slytherin."

I felt so happy then, but suddenly realized with a jolt, would Dad be disappointed if I wasn't a Slytherin? My pale cheeks went a baby pink, but trust me that's the darkest they go. George looked at my expression, pained.

GEORGE POV

I didn't know what I'd done to hurt her. Oh god why did I always have to screw stuff up! She was the most beautiful girl ever, even if she was a Snape. I didn't want to ruin things between us this early! I bent my neck down and stared at my feet, trying not to show her my blotchy eyes, and the slow drip of cold tears running down my cheek. However, she reached out and touched my outstretched hand, and looked me in the eye, also crying.

"You didn't do anything wrong silly! It's me, just-" I loved her warm voice, her eyes, the way she smiled.... then I came back to reality.

"Just.. what?" I asked. I was scared, was she not allowed to spend time with me or something? "If it's Snape god I'll beat him up.."

"No. It's not him. It's.... George.... what if I'm not Slytherin? Will Dad even care about me?" She asked. I hated seeing her like this, I wanted to do something, to help her in some way....

"He'll still love you, you idiot. And if he doesn't I don't care if I get a weeks detention, I'll be sure to beat up his \*\*\*\* before you can say Weasley's Wizard Wheezes." She laughed, then asked a question I didn't expect when we had just met, to be honest.

"What's Weasley's Wizard Wheezes?" She asked, giggling. She had stopped crying now, but her eyes were still puffy and red. I got off my seat and sat down next to her, and my my arm around her thin shoulder. Gosh this girl needed feeding, I thought.

"Well, me and Fred, like I told you, are practical jokers. So we've started making out own joke products, but mum hates them, calls them Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, and throws them out when she finds them. Here!" I said, rummaging in my pockets for some joke items. "See here, joke wands. 4 Galleons each. Bargain." I said.

ASHLYNN POV

"Well at least you have er- entrepreneurial skills," I said, laughing. He hugged me tightly, gosh that was a great feeling. By then I suppose we did have feelings for each other. I smiled warmly, he grinned back.

"Oh \*\*\*\* we're almost there!" He shouted suddenly, only to get a stern look from the trolley witch. He repaid her stern looks with a very rude gesture. I giggled.

"Oi Ash, shut it!"

"Oh \*\*\*\*. I can't carry this" -I hit the trunk- "b\*\*\*\*\*" -I kicked it- "trunk!" I said, hauling my bag on my shoulder, grabbing Albert's cage, and before I could get my suitcase he had already picked it up and was ready to go. I didn't say it, but he looked so strong standing there. I think he would've liked it but I wasn't sure, so kept that to myself. I then proceeded to fall over my overlarge robes, only to be helped up by a sniggering George.

"You really aren't like your dad!" he laughed. I did too. That moment was bliss. Then we realized it was time to get off the train.

TIME SKIP ASHLYNN POV, HOGWARTS ENTRANCE HALL.

"I think I better go with those little ones over there," I said, pointing at a group who were evidently first-years, judging from the fact one or two were completely drenched from the boat ride. I walked over awkwardly, and positioned myself near the back. A prim, old witch was waiting at the front to be addressed. I coughed, and the group of little midgets looked at her. She gave me a warm smile. Looks can be deceiving then, I thought.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. When we proceed through these doors you will be sorted into your houses before the start-of term feast."

Yum, a feast! God I hoped they'd just hurry up and get this speech over with, I was starving.

"The houses are: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw.... and Slytherin. You will have a common room with your house, share dorms with your house and make friends within your house. Your triumphs will get you points, and breaking the rules will lose you points. The house with the most points at the ends of the year wins the house cup." Said the witch. "The heads of house are myself, Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor, Professor Sprout, head of Hufflepuff, Professor Flitwick of Ravenclaw and Professor Snape of Slytherin."

TIME SKIP, IN THE GREAT HALL, SORTING

I was waiting in the hall, and I couldn't help but notice Slytherin looked like a right lot of bad eggs. Bye the time it was almost my turn, I was so so scared. I turned round, and scanned the hall for familiar faces. I found Hermione, and she gave me an encouraging smile, Ginny mouthed 'Good luck!', Harry gave me a thumbs up sign, and George flashed me a wink. My confidence was somewhat restored, and after a weedy young boy got sorted into Ravenclaw.

"Snape, Ashlynn-Renn"

I blushed, I hadn't ever told anyone my full name. I felt like a rabbit in the headlights, as muggles say, to be honest. I stepped forward and Prof. McGonagall placed a battered old hat on my head.

"Hmm.." It said, making me jump. "You're ambitious..... but a loyal heart.... and there's bravery oh yes, and nerve... I know just where to put you! Better be..... GRYFFINDOR!" It yelled the last word out to all the hall, and I jumped off the stool, then ran along to sit in between George and Ron.

"B\*\*\*\*\* hell Ash! I thought you were gonna be Slytherin for a minute there......."

"Me too, Ron, to be honest."

Whilst everyone ate food I couldn't help noticing the disappointed look on my Dad's face, however.