This went on for quite a while till Professor Weasley said, “Skinner, Mallory.”

I swallowed deeply, walked up to the stool and sat down. My legs felt like runny Jell-O and lead bricks all at the same time, but the butterflies calmed down a bit when Allie gave me a thumbs-up and a big smile. She put the Sorting Hat on me and I was surprised to hear it speak.

“Mmm…yes…smart, perhaps Ravenclaw - no…Slytherin, no, too pure-hearted…not Hufflepuff…very brave…GRYFFINDOR!”

It's a day full of discoveries for Allie and me, as well as the first day of classes. Allie starts to fit in, and I...well, let's just say that I get a new talent.