WARNING - READ AUTHOR'S NOTE

Welcome to James Potter and the Sword of Gryffindor: Extras! If you have not yet read James Potter and the Sword of Gryffindor, I strongly recommend doing so before reading these extra scenes. These stories are meant to fill in the time gap before James Potter and the Lost School is released, the second in the series. Starting with this excerpt, where we have an insider's look at the Sorting Hat's decision-making, these extras will follow along the plot of my first book and provide insight into events or characters beyond our young hero James' knowledge or control. I hope you enjoy these scenes!

The Sorting Ceremony

(Please have read the second chapter of James Potter and the Sword of Gryffindor, "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" before reading.)

Sirius Black:

Hmm, an interesting case. You're definitely brave, though bold might be a more accurate way of putting it . . . You come from a Slytherin background, don't you? I can certainly see the appeal for you—and yet I sense a certain reluctance. Why would that be? Slytherin's a fine House, and I can't say you wouldn't do well there. Does it have to do with your family? I sense your need to be different; there's that Slytherin pride again, always behind your motives . . . (Pauses to listen to Sirius, who breaks in with a string of angry expletives.) Fine, I'll consider it again! No need to be rude. Where would you want to be headed, if you had the choice? (Pauses while Sirius hesitates and then responds.) Really? Well, I can't really disagree with you there. After all, Slytherin has been said to share quite a few traits with its biggest rival—stubbornness not being the least of which. Well, since you insist, I suppose I'll consent. GRYFFINDOR!

Lily Evans:

Yikes, GRYFFINDOR!

Remus Lupin:

Interesting . . . I'm seeing a lot of different traits, many of which could fit in any of the Houses. In fact, to be perfectly honest with you, you may be one of the most challenging cases I've seen. You're remarkably well-balanced in almost every possible way, and I could place you in almost any one of the Houses with equal certainty. To start, you seem to possess a good mind, a level head, and a fair-minded personality. Have you considered Ravenclaw? It seems the most immediately obvious choice, though I wouldn't throw aside the others so quickly. After all, you have a remarkable work ethic—one of the best I've ever seen. And I can't deny your commendable level of loyalty, which would make you a better fit for Hufflepuff. Yes, even your just temperament would work well there—on second thought, I find Hufflepuff a much better match than Ravenclaw. But still . . . something about the remaining Houses begs me to stop and reconsider. Slytherin wouldn't be a bad choice; you seem to have a lot of drive and a fair amount of cunning, though others might not suspect it. Still, I think your conservativeness and love for the rules would keep you from best flourishing in that House, so I'll decide against it. That leaves Gryffindor, and you don't appear to possess the same level of bravery I've witnessed in so many of the other candidates over the centuries. However, there's still that unwavering loyalty for those close to you, as well as something else I can't quite place . . . You've been through a lot, haven't you, even at your young age? Whatever it is, it seems to have granted you with a quality precious others can claim. What would be the best word used to describe it? Wisdom? Fortitude? Perseverance? Well, however you explain it, it seems to overpower your other traits quite impressively. Therefore, I think I can cross off Hufflepuff. After all, there is more than one type of courage . . . GRYFFINDOR!

Peter Pettigrew:

(Sighs.) And I thought I was through with difficult ones today . . . Calm down, didn't you hear me singing not a half hour ago? It never ceases to amaze me—anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. This may prove more involved than I would like this close to finishing. Well, I think I can cross off Ravenclaw. Nothing personal, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot going on up here. The same goes with Hufflepuff; it's not that you can't put in your fair share of hard work, but your loyalty seems to be a little . . . sporadic. Limited to those you choose, in other words, and even their statuses aren't set in stone. You seem drawn to those in power most of all, which would put you at a good place in Slytherin. After all, surrounding yourself with promising companions is a sure way to rise in the world, and it's not an uncommon method used, even in this school. (Coughs politely.) You'll soon know what I mean. Anyway, I see an impressive degree of Slytherin qualities in you, but I'm not sure that you possess the appropriate amount of cunning the House usually looks for. Granted, you know when the wind is blowing in your favor, but you don't have the sort of mind to plan ahead or make careful decisions. I'd guess you normally rely on others to do your thinking for you, which is a quality often found in Gryffindor; they never can seem to shake their dependence on their peers, regardless of whether or not they offer sound advice. Slytherins put much more faith in their own opinions, which is one of the biggest differences between the two easily-confused Houses. Still, not to say that Gryffindors won't stubbornly stand by their views once they decide on a right course of action, but they are also more likely than their Slytherin counterparts to admit fault if they turn out to be in the wrong. So how do you see the world: in black-and-white, or in gray? Hmm . . . your convictions don't seem that strong one way or another, though that may be due in part to your lack of self-reliance. Do you have a preference? (Long pause while Peter stammers something about his lack of knowledge and gives a description even vaguer than the previous monologue.) Well, my point stands: you really can't come up with a decision on your own. Gryffindor, then? But Slytherin seems much more fitting, and you would find a slew of fellow students only too happy to lead you on your way to success. Still, can I really sign you off so quickly to a House where you would constantly be overshadowed and possibly taken advantage of by your more ambitious classmates? I hate to compromise people's potential, but Gryffindor is not always the most welcoming House, either. Your companions can make or break your school experience, so I hear. (Pauses while Peter pipes in with a few thoughts.) The Lupin boy? Yes, he's in Gryffindor. You met him on the Hogwarts Express? Having him with you might make an easier transition, but that still doesn't make it the correct choice—although, to be fair, there are seldom "correct" choices when it comes to this level of introspection. That being said, I think it's time I made a decision before I stall as long as with McGonagall when she was your age. Hold on a moment while I think. (Another contemplative pause.) All right: this is it. Plug your ears. GRYFFINDOR!

Severus Snape:

SLYTHERIN! (As the Sorting Hat is being taken off.) Wait! I meant—

If you have any suggestions for extra scenes based after the Sword of Gryffindor, please leave a message or pm me!