"Wanna be my friend, Potter?" Malfoy asked, his hand outstretched.
Harry looked to his right. Ron was staring at his feet, not wanting to see what decision Harry would make. Who would he choose? On one hand there was Ron, the first person to really introduce him to the magical world. But on the other hand, Malfoy seemed to be pretty cool. Plus, he seemed to be one of those people who ruled the school. And Harry really wanted to fit in. But who to choose?
Harry looked from Malfoy to Ron and back. Finally he reached out his hand and shook Malfoy's "Sure."
Malfoy sneered at Ron and led Harry to the other side of the group. Soon Professor McGonagall came back out and led the first years into the Great Hall. Ron walked in infront of Harry and gave him a sad smile. Malfoy pushed Ron in the back, almost making him fall over. Malfoy laughed, but was immediately silenced by what he saw in the Great Hall.
The ceiling resembled the night sky, stars and all. And suspended in the air above the table were several candles. One girl with extremely frizzy hair was heard explaining how it was all just a spell. Hermione. Who else could it be? She really was an annoying know-it-all.
The first years made their way to the teachers' table. Directly in front of the headmaster, Dumbledore was a pointed hat sitting on a stool.
What's that for? Harry wondered. Do we have to pull a rabbit out of it? I don't think I can do magic with all of these people watching.
Malfoy nudged him. "Ready to take on the hat? Where do you think you're headed?"
"What are you talking about?"
Malfoy laughed. "Oh yeah, I forgot. You were raised by Muggles weren't you? You don't know anything about Hogwarts or the wizarding world." Harry shook his head. "Well, this hat determines what house you'll be in. It decides based on your personality."
"And what are the houses?" Harry whispered as Lavender Brown was sent to the Gryffindor table.
"The only house you need to know of is Slytherin. You're a pureblood right?"
"What's a pureblood?"
"Come on Potter, don't you know anything," Malfoy asked, "purebloods are people who have two magical parents. Were both of your parents wizards?"
"Yeah, but—"
"Then you're a pureblood."
"Draco Malfoy." Professor McGonagall called out.
"Look, don't worry. You'll be in Slytherin, I just know it." Malfoy said as he snaked through the crowd. He reached the stool and sat, waiting for professor McGonagall to place the hat on his head. She lowered the hat, but before it had even touched Malfoy's head it made its decision…
"SLYTHERIN!"
Malfoy winked at Harry and ran off to sit with Crabbe and Goyle. Harry watched him go and decided he wanted to be in Slytherin too.
"There's no witch or wizard that didn't go bad that was in Slytherin."
Harry turned to find Ron standing behind him. "And why are you talking to me?" Harry asked him.
Ron shrugged. "Dunno, just wanted to give you some advice. You don't wanna get stuck with the wrong crowd."
"Harry Potter!" Professor McGonagall called out.
"Well, thanks, but no thanks. I'll go to whatever house the hat says."
So Harry went up and sat on the stool. He notices everyone was watching him very intently. They were all watching, waiting, to see where the famous Harry Potter would be housed. Professor McGonagall lowered the hat onto Harry's head and his sorting began.
'Ah, Potter, where to put you,' the hat seemed to be communicating with Harry in his own mind. How was that possible? Oh yeah; magic. 'You're very proud; you want a chance to prove yourself. Hmm…you also seem to have made friends with a Mr. Malfoy over there. You are a tough one Potter. You're a perfect Gryffindor, but you would do equally well in Slytherin. Now, where to put you?'
Harry thought of what Ron told him about Slytherin. If he went there, would he become a bad wizard? No, he wouldn't let that happen. He just wanted to be with Malfoy; his friend.
'Well then, better be…'
"SLYTHERIN!"