[ twelve, the sorting hat ]

[Professor McGonagall leads everyone through two large doors which go to the Great Hall, where there are four long tables with thousands of students, as well as floating candles. The roof appears to be the sky.]

The silence in the room was shattered by gasps of awe and wonder as the Westerosi citizens beheld the stunning sight of Hogwarts' Great Hall for the first time. The roofless room was a marvel, appearing almost otherworldly because the outside sky mirrored above all those seated and the numerous candles that floated mid-air. It looked as if everything within Hogwarts was far grander than within the Red Keep, for there was no comparison between this Great Hall and the one they'd walked a thousand times.

Swept away by the reactions of most of the room's inhabitants, the four visitors failed to get lost in their memories, miraculously avoiding falling into the ghostly embraces of those they'd lost. They momentarily and willfully forgot all the bloodshed the room had witnessed and basked in its beauty instead, remembering the exhilaration they'd felt the first time they'd stepped foot in it. It was taxing on body and mind, but it felt like coming home.

Hermione: It's not real, the ceiling. It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.

A mischievous grin stretched upon Aemma's face, and Hermione's eyes fluttered closed as she groaned out of habit. "Any other murderous heroes we should be on the lookout for? You know, just asking." Whilst Bathilda hadn't been precisely herself, Lockhart couldn't claim innocence ( at least until his spell backfired spectacularly, which, to this day, Aemma called 'divine justice' ).

"You should be one to talk." Ron chuckled amusedly. "Sixth Year rings any bell?" He'll never forget his friend's irate expression when she recalled what she'd discovered from Snape regarding the identity of the Half-Blood Prince; it'd felt as if they were suddenly facing a particularly angry Nundu only Neville could placate.

Whilst aware that it was all just playful banter, Aemma still felt a flash of mortification mixed with anger as that damnable book was mentioned again. She'd relied on it so heavily and found comfort in its pages that she hadn't realised when she'd gotten lost in them, not until it'd been too late. Temporarily too late for Malfoy, who'd laid bleeding on the bathroom floor, awaiting assistance in the form of Snape, because of a spell she'd cast herself ( granted, said spell had saved their lives several times during the war, and she'd never regret casting it against their opponents ).

Only after she'd shed blood ( but not killed ) through Dark Magic did Aemma truly understand the important lecture that Sirius had tried to impart before he passed: 'We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on...that's who we really are.'. Getting rid of the book had been easy; choosing to walk her own path and not the one preselected by others had been far more challenging, for who'd want a saviour who wasn't Light personified but chose to bathe herself in Grey?

[McGonagall leads the first years to the front where the Sorting Hat lies on the stool.]

Alicent pursed her lips in disgust as she gazed at the screen. It didn't take much to deduce that each child would eventually have to wear that excuse of a hat, a most unhygienic practice if you asked her. How could a society seemingly so advanced force their youth, their future, to undergo such a barbaric practice?

McGonagall: All right, will you wait along here, please? Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words.

[Dumbledore rises from the main table.]

Dumbledore: I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce. The first years, please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students.

Hermione scoffed bitterly, her voice but a mere whisper. "Unless it's for detention, of course." She never understood the logic behind that, for venturing into the Forbidden Forest at night like they had didn't lessen the dangers they could have and had encountered as First Years. Sure, detention with Hagrid was far preferable to time spent with anybody else, but that one had been poorly planned and executed. For Merlin's sake, Aemma's life had almost been cut short!

Dumbledore: Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, [shows a ragged old man, called Mr. Argus Filch, with his cat with red eyes, called Mrs. Norris.] has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you. [He sits back down]

Recalling his niece's adventurous spirit and tendency to do the opposite of what she'd been bidden to do, Aemond turned to her with a questioning look. "How long did it take you to break such a rule?" He queried, memories of years spent charting Maegor's tunnels in secret together coming to the forefront of his mind, unbidden.

Initially, Rhaenyra wanted to berate her half-brother for even addressing her sweet girl, for how dare he when he'd been the one to take her away from her? However, his words then registered in her mind, and cold dread descended upon her, stiffening her spine and causing her limbs to tremble. "Please, tell me that he's jesting, and you did not go looking for trouble," She earnestly pleaded, her eyes wide and terrified. "The Gods just brought the two of you back into my life, I cannot lose you once more."

Aegon felt a pang of jealousy as he witnessed the scene unfolding before him, for he knew that his mother wouldn't act the same had he been in Aemma's shoes. No, if anything, she'd probably feel elated and unburdened now that her problem child was no more, that the one who'd stolen her childhood was forever someone else's problem. She'd still claim his victories but turn her nose at his mistakes, for Aegon wasn't a product of love but of duty and incredible suffering on her behalf, suffering he was constantly reminded of.

Noticing her granddaughter's reluctance to answer ( therefore to lie ), Rhaenys swiftly changed the subject. "How could this man be so irresponsible as to say this to a school full of children with magic?" She shook her head, disappointed in the Headmaster, for all he was doing was asking for trouble, almost inciting it.

The Quartet remained silent, for they'd long since understood that their First Year had been one big test Dumbledore had set up for Aemma, a bitter realisation they'd come to once the war was finally over, and the truth had come to light. One might have expected rage and resentment to fester upon such enlightenment, but none of those ever came alongside the sad acceptance that Aberforth had indeed been correct: they hadn't known Dumbledore at all, yet a part of them still cared about the man.

McGonagall: When I call your name, you will come forth. I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses. Hermione Granger.

Hermione: [to herself] Oh, no. Okay, relax. [She goes up]

Ron: Mental, that one, I'm telling you.

[Aemma raises a brow. Hermione sits on the stool and McGonagall places the sorting hat on her head]

"That was rude," Muttered a slightly disappointed Rhaena, who'd realised both she and the older witch had much in common. "She was just frightened, and rightfully so since she did not know what to expect."

There was nought but shame on Ron's features as he remembered how he'd initially treated his girlfriend; he'd been terrible, and even if she'd long since forgiven him, he hadn't been as kind to himself. "Trust me, I know. I was a downright tosser back then. Aemma eventually tried to open my eyes, but it took something big to bring us together like we are today." And that was a mild version of the events since they could have met Death earlier than anticipated when they faced that troll.

Upon hearing the sound of jingling coins, Neville turned towards the offending party, emitting a clicking noise as he shook his head amusedly. "Are you betting on us?" He asked, withholding his laughter as he eyed the prince clutching the parchment to his chest.

The boy, who'd casually guessed all their Houses correctly, merely shrugged nonchalantly. "It seemed only logical." Daeron's response caused Aemma to choke on air as she struggled to maintain her composure and not burst into giggles. They should have considered themselves lucky Ginny wasn't there, for had these two ever met, they would have given a new definition to the word 'chaos'.

Sorting Hat: Ah, right then... hmm... right. Okay. Gryffindor!

[The students cheer; Hermione jumps off with a smile.]

Sullen-looking, Baela crossed her arms and glared at the parchment in Daeron's hands as if it'd just offended her whole lineage. "By the Gods, I'd guessed Ravenclaw," She muttered disappointedly, loathing the concept of losing as much as her father did.

Feeling bad for the girl and believing her worthy of some recognition, Hermione interceded. "The Hat did consider Ravenclaw, so it's not a complete loss," Her words had the desired effect, for the girl in question beamed successfully towards a less-than-pleased Daeron.

McGonagall: Draco Malfoy.

[Draco saunters up proudly. The tattered hat nearly freaks before touching down on Draco's head.]

Sorting Hat: Slytherin!

[The students cheer, not as loudly]

Ron: There isn't a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin.

Most Westerosi citizens who'd paid close attention to Aemma's introduction to Slytherin House looked momentarily baffled by Ron's statement before they recalled the former princess' warning regarding the prejudiced hatred those sorted in said House oftentimes had to deal with.

Corlys wasn't particularly fond of Draco, but he still felt terrible for all those children who'd be labelled as nothing but evil just because of the House they'd been Sorted in. In truth, it reminded him far too much of the hatred his grandchildren had had to deal with ever since they were born just because of the blood that ran through their veins, something entirely out of their control. It sickened him all the more for it. He was proud that his Aemma had come to see the truth of the matter and hadn't allowed other people's preconceptions to sway her beliefs for far too long ━ then again, he'd always known she was special.

Ron turned scarlet, slightly ashamed of what he'd said. Had it not been for his friendship with Aemma, his hatred for Slytherin would have likely continued throughout his school years. However, to loathe said House would have meant hating such an intrinsical part of Aemma he'd come to admire throughout their friendship, something he could never imagine himself doing (besides when he was being a complete and utter twat or under the effect of a Horcrux ). Granted, he still did not wholly trust the House nor its members, but he was a lot more open-minded than he'd ever thought possible when he'd first started attending Hogwarts.

McGonagall: Susan Bones.

[A small redhead, named Susan Bones, walks up to the Sorting Hat. Aemma looks around and notices a black greasy haired, pale man, called Severus Snape, giving her sinister looks. Her scar hurts.]

Aemma: Ahh! [puts her hand on her forehead in pain]

A jolt of terror hit Rhaenyra as she witnessed her daughter's beautiful face crumple in pain. Heart hammering in her chest and limbs shaking against her will, she turned towards Aemma only to notice her caressing the very same scar that had almost brought her to her knees on the screen. "My darling, are you okay? What is wrong?" Her tone might have been even, but those who truly knew her could easily detect her panic-laced words.

Daemon's nerves were carefully hidden yet nonetheless present as he observed his daughter, for something told him Aemma was much like Lucerys: never one to outwardly express pain unless it was truly unbearable. Whilst he didn't bother questioning her, for she'd most likely be shielding them from the truth, he focused all his energy on his hatred of whoever had dared harm his child. He knew he couldn't do anything about it, but this didn't diminish the fiery inferno that had erupted within him the moment he saw Aemma in pain.

Upon realising that several people were looking at her, Aemma swiftly removed her hand from her forehead, a coping mechanism she'd developed after the war. She'd heard Rhaenyra's pleading question yet had no intention of answering her query, for she was bound to secrecy and in no mood to share what had once brought her nothing but crippling pain ━ after all, now it was gone, it was nothing ( or so she kept repeating herself ). "Nothing, nothing to worry about," She parroted her thoughts, hoping her lying abilities didn't fail her again, for she didn't wish to further worry her former mother.

Ron: [concerned] Aemma, what is it?

Aemma: Nothing. Nothing, I'm fine.

It was apparent a younger version of Aemma didn't think her emotions were so evident to all those who surrounded her; otherwise, she wouldn't have bothered lying so outrageously. Aemond clenched his fists, the conclusion he'd come to darkening his mood even further, for the only reason for Aemma to be in such pain was for someone to be the catalyst of it, and who else, if not her sworn enemy? But how could he have infiltrated the school? Could someone have allowed him in? Questions upon questions weighed down on him as he tried to unravel the mystery.

Sorting Hat: Let's see... I know! Hufflepuff!

McGonagall: Ronald Weasley.

[Ron gulps and walks up. He sits down and the hat is put on.]

Sorting Hat: Ha! Another Weasley. I know just what to do with you. Gryffindor!

[The students cheer as Ron sighs in relief.]

The lack of complaints from anyone betting on the four visitors was a clear indicator that, this time around, they'd all guessed correctly, an easy feat given Ron's passion whilst describing the House in question.

McGonagall: Neville Longbottom.

Silence descended upon the room as all those who didn't hail from the Wizarding World, friends and foes alike, focused on what was unfolding on the screen. Whilst the Sorting of the former siblings' companions had been interesting to witness, nothing could compare with the exciting atmosphere that permeated the place when the former prince's name was called out loud.

Aemma: [Noticing that Neville is faintly trembling, reaches out and squeezes his free hand with a smile] You'll do great. [She whispers encouragingly]

Neville: Th-Thank You. [He squeezes the hand back, smiling back at her]

Neville leaned in towards Aemma while gently toying with a strand of her hair. "You were the first one to believe in me, and in that moment, it meant the world," He murmured. "It still does." His voice was tinged with nothing but love, admiration, and gratefulness, a testament to the depth of their relationship.

Throwing 'propriety' to the wind and kissing her boyfriend on the corner of his mouth, Aemma whispered back. "Well, I simply pointed out the obvious: you deserved to be seen for the amazing person you are." She'd almost forgotten they were surrounded by people they didn't truly know, and she was only brought back to reality by their reactions to her display of love.

Whilst half the people were appalled by Aemma's behaviour, for, according to them, she was still a maiden and an unmarried woman, the other half was elated to see two of the people they cared about so profoundly finally truly happy and able to openly express their feelings.

Neville: [He lets go and proceeds towards the stool, only to fall over in the process. The Hat takes a long time to decide before finally shouting...]

Sorting Hat: GRYFFINDOR!

The same celebratory clapping that began in the Great Hall continued in the small Screening Room as the Blacks and a few others celebrated his Sorting. Whilst some suspected that the Hat might have considered another House besides Gryffindor, they made no mention of it, allowing Neville the chance to share such detail with them if he ever wished to.

Regardless of what other House suited him, according to Baela, there was no denying that Gryffindor was where Neville truly belonged. She might not have known much about her brother's new reincarnation; still, it was evident that Neville embodied all the qualities Gryffindor House valued above all.

[Neville runs off with the Hat still on, having to run back to McGonagall for the Sorting to continue, which causes several people to burst into laughter. Aemma turns to stare judgmentally at the remaining First Years who joined in.]

Whilst most of the Greens stifled their laughter or hid their smiles behind their hands, Cole didn't bother with such precautions. It was safe to say the ruined knight didn't heed Aemma's earlier warning, for he burst into laughter alongside Hogwarts' student body, gleeful as he revelled in the former prince's humiliation.

Overcome by rage and indignation, Aemma turned around with snake-like poise and, once her wand was pointed at her target, moved it decisively and so quickly it was hard to keep track of the wooden weapon. "Oscausi," She snapped, soon followed by another word unknown by the Westerosi Citizens. "Incarcifors," She called out as Cole attempted to lunge at her.

Alicent's terrified whine never left her lips as she stared, horrified, at her steadfast protector. Where there once had been lips, there was nought but smooth skin, and no matter how much he thrashed, his strength was nothing against the might of the prison Aemma had transformed his chair into. An icy chill went down her back as she pondered what these people could do if they could take down Criston Cole, of all people, without so much as breaking a sweat.

"I warned you," Aemma said slowly as she eyed the Greens, smiling briefly when her gaze fell upon Cole. "I doubt that you'll be laughing anytime now." She couldn't care less that she'd used a dark charm; it was all about intent, after all.

Amid the chaos, Otto found himself cunningly observing the situation. He found it interesting that Aemma wouldn't be bothered by slanderous accusations about her person but would lose her patience when the target became her paramour. It might have been a mistake, but the former princess had shown her hand: Neville Longbottom, a weakling, was her weakness and one Otto was willing to exploit.

McGonagall: Aemma Potter.

[Everything goes silent. Aemma walks up and sits down on the stool. The Sorting Hat is placed on her head.]

Much like within the Great Hall, everything went silent inside the viewing room as everyone awaited Aemma's Sorting with bated breath. Stunning displays of magic were temporarily forgotten as each Westerosi citizen attempted to guess which House the former princess would be sorted in based on what they'd witnessed so far. It was thrilling to witness the beginning of Aemma's fantastic journey into the world of magic.

Sorting Hat: Hmm... difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh, yes. And a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?

Hermione nodded her head empathically. "I agree: you're brilliant, although you mainly apply yourself to the subjects you're interested in," She playfully berated. "I'd say you'd have fit in in Ravenclaw, but you'd have made the whole House implode within a week of your arrival." The mirth in her eyes and the ghost of a smile on her face betrayed her attempt at severity, showing how she really felt about her best friend's chaotic energy.

Aemma: [whispering to the hat] Not Slytherin, not Slytherin!

Before anyone could question her about her attitude towards a House she'd previously fiercely defended, Aemma intervened and took control of the discussion. "I wasn't always accepting of Slytherin House," She explained, hanging her head in shame. "For a long time, I was just as prejudiced as everybody else until I finally opened my eyes and realised how wrong I'd been. Granted, there are still a few gits in that House I will never be able to look at. Still, many of its students are good people who are wrongly judged daily by people like eleven-year-old me."

Rhaenyra couldn't be prouder of her sweet girl, for, Gods know, it could be hard to recognise and accept one's shortcomings, especially at such a young age. She couldn't help but wonder: had people followed in her daughter's footsteps when she was still but a girl herself, would they be in their current predicament, or would they be a House united? With a scoff, she shook her head; there was no use in pondering on the past when it was immutable.

Sorting Hat: Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It's all here, in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness! There's no doubt about that. No?

Aemma: [still whispering] Please, not Slytherin... anything but Slytherin.

Like Lucerys, Corlys felt like Aemma was destined for greatness, forever reshaping the world she lived in ( and maybe the one she'd left behind as well ). Whether she shied away from it or fully embraced it, it did not matter, for destiny did not care for the whims of mortals and followed a pattern none of them could ever hope to understand.

Meanwhile, Rhaenys smiled proudly at the screen, for her granddaughter had chosen to take control of her own destiny. This act required great courage at any age and demanded respect if done with a lack of greed. She'd done something many Taragaryen women had previously been negated: she ensured that her voice was heard ━ for that, Rhaenys knew she'd forever have their protection, her protection.

Sorting Hat: Well, if you're sure. Better be... GRYFFINDOR!

[There is an immense cheering and Aemma gets sent to the Gryffindor table.]

Much like with Neville, all those who'd ever cared about Lucerys joined in on the celebrations as Aemma sat at her new table. Money was quickly exchanged, for people had either bet on Gryffindor or Slytherin when it came to the former princess, for her personality and values were a perfect blend of the two Houses combined.

However, amongst all the celebratory cheer, there was one person who remained sullen. Aemond didn't know what he was most displeased with: his niece's closeness to the various peasants and his nephew or how she refused to entertain her future greatness. Either way, both things set his blood on fire, for they clearly dampened her potential and stifled her worth.

Fred and George: We got Potter! We got Potter!

Viserys chuckled amusedly at the twins' enthusiasm, clapping enthusiastically as they chanted. He was glad he'd been temporarily revived to witness his grandchildren's new lives, the ups and downs and all they entailed.

[Aemma sits down at the table. She looks at Dumbledore, who lifts up his goblet and slightly waves it, as if he was wishing congratulations.]

A couple Westerosi citizens narrowed their eyes at the man, easily distinguishing the red flags surrounding him, doubting his intentions from the beginning. Be it because he was the man who'd abandoned Aemma to her cruel fate as a babe or the way he only seemed to congratulate her of all people, it did not matter. There was an aura about him they'd often perceived around people at Court, and the distrust was as sudden as it was worrying, for what were his true plans?

author's note. I decided to add Neville's Sorting to the story because he's a key character in this one, and I never understood why they left him out in canon. Yes, his Sorting comes directly from the book and was adapted to fit the story better ━ it was just so adorable I couldn't bring myself to change a thing.
Also, nobody messes with Neville if Aemma is nearby; he really is her weakness and it'll be an important topic.