Chapter 28 - Sorting

When I made my way out of the train, I took Selene out and let her fly to the castle. After she was out of her cage, she pecked me on the head and flew off. It seems I left her in there to long and she's mad at me now.

"Right then. This way to the boats! Come on, now, follow me." Hagrid said, leading us to a vast lake with boats lined up. "Only four to a boat."

"Do you girls want to share a boat?" I asked the twins and Hermione.

"Sure" the twins said, while Hermione nodded her head vigorously.

When the boats were loaded, they took off on their own. After sailing across the lake, I could see Hogwarts castle and it is magnificent. I should build my own castle once I'm king, but that won't be for a while. When we disembarked from our boats, we were taken inside where Deputy Headmistress McGonagall was waiting.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Now, while you are here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn your house points. Any rule-breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup. Now, wait here and make yourselves presentable." McGonagall said in her usual strict and proper manner and left entering the great hall.

While waiting for McGonagall to call us in to be sorted, a wild ferret appeared. I could swear I heard Pokémon battle music playing in my head. "It's true then, what they're saying on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." The ferret said, and children whisper in the background. "This is Crabbe and Goyle and I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy." Draco introduces himself, with his lackeys in tow. I wonder if he's seen the James Bond movies?

"Ah, I knew you looked familiar. When those house-elves were stolen, your father's picture was in the paper. He looked really pissed." I said.

"Yes, but you can't expect much decorum from a Death Eater." I said, and many children gasped at the mention of Death Eaters. "No offense to you personally, it's not like you can control who your parents are." I said, patting his shoulder with a pitying look. Draco's face turned red from embarrassment and anger, but before he could say anything about twenty ghosts floating through the back wall. All the first years, especially the muggle-borns were scared senseless.

"Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance." A ghost said.

"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not really even a ghost. What are you all doing here" Another ghost said.

"New students! I hope to see you in Hufflepuff, that's my old house you know." The Friar said.

"Move along" McGonagall said, shooing the ghosts away. "We're ready for you now." She said, leading us through the huge double doors of the Great Hall.

When we entered the hall, the older students were already seated at their designated tables. The teachers were sitting at their own table at the back of the room on a slightly elevated stage. All of the first years are looking up at the enchanted ceiling and floating candles.

"It's not real, the ceiling. It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts A History." Hermione said, informing her curious classmates.

"Alright, wait along here. Before we begin the sorting, Headmaster Dumbledore would like to say a few words." McGonagall said, and Dumbledore rises from his seat at the main table.

"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." He emphasizes while looking directly at Fred and George Weasley. "Also, our caretaker Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that the 3rd-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." Dumbles said, taking his seat.

Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!

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

"Oh, no. Why do I have to be first?" Hermione said, looking nervous.

"It will be fine. Just sit there, and let the hat work its magic. It's just going to scan over your mind, and see which house would fit you best." I said, trying to calm her down. When she sat on the stool, McGonagall placed the sorting hat on Hermione's head.

"Ah, right then...hmm...right." It said while making expressions as if it's thinking hard. "Okay...Ravenclaw!!" The hat said, and the Ravenclaw table cheers for their new housemate. Hermione joins her cheering housemates, and the sorting continues. It seems I've changed changed something, but that's alright. Hermione never really belonged in Gryffindor anyway.

"Draco Malfoy." McGonagall called, and he saunters up to the stool like a proud peac.o.c.k showing off its tail feathers. The second the hat touched Draco's head it shouted "SLYTHERIN!"

Padma was sorted into Ravenclaw and went to her table with a smile on her face. Parvati Was sorted into Gryffindor, but didn't look as happy as her twin. When Parvati and Parma's eyes meet, they both frown and looked uneasy. This would probably be the first time they would be separated like this. After everyone was sorted, it was finally my turn.

"Harry Potter." McGonagall called. When I took a seat, the hat was placed on my head and my sorting has begun.

"You choose, I have no inclination towards any houses." I said.

"Well, if you're sure...better be... Ravenclaw!!"

(Thanks for reading!)