Chapter two

While the three new friends glided over the glistening waters, a beautiful castle loomed into view. Many whispers went through the crowd of first years whilst others looked on to study the many turrets and historical windows. James was trying to not look into the water but with Sirius gabbing on about nonsense James was starting to feel really sick.

'Sirius please shut up' snapped James.

'What's up with you water boy?' replied Sirius.

'Your making me feel even more ill' answered James.

'Be quiet the both of you, just look at the castle!' cried Remus.

The castle was getting closer and the excitement was growing, suddenly the small boats bumped into the banks of the lake. The extremely tall man stepped out of his boat and the youngsters followed obediently in his wake.

James was trying to ignore the annoying voice in his head shouting 'Gryffindor, Gryffindor.' But he couldn't shake it off he really did want to be in Gryffindor.

All of a sudden a woman with a pointed hat and a strict face walked out of a huge door.

'First years please follow me into the great hall, you will then be sorted into one of the four different houses, they are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts your house will be like your family.'

The strict woman walked briskly into the room behind the door, hundreds of gasps floated up to the ceiling where a black night sky was dancing above everyone's heads.

Every head turned towards the first years when they entered the hall. While everyone was pointing towards the ceiling, three first years were having an argument.

'I heard you had the tackle a vampire.' whispered James excitedly.

'What nonsense James, like they would expect a first year to be able to do that.' Explained Remus hurriedly.

'You two do not know anything! You have to knock out a troll!' wailed Sirius.

'When I call out your name you I will place the sorting hat upon your head and you will be sorted into the house which is best for you.'

'Black, Sirius'

'Hmmmm a different Black, brothers in Slytherin. I see more bravery in you than the others, quite clever. Gryffindor!' the sorting hat shouted into Sirius' ear, Sirius let out an extremely high whoop. He was in Gryffindor, Gryffindor!

As Sirius sat down a girl called 'Creston, Claire' had been sorted into Hufflepuff. Next the pretty red headed girl that James had seen earlier was sorted into Gryffindor, James would be happy.

The sorting hat had gone through most of the new students when Remus got his go, the hat said he was very clever and would always look out for his friends Sirius gave another high whoop when Remus was placed into Gryffindor too. James and a few others were left.

James' sorting took a few long minutes. The hat was debating with its self about which house James was best for finally to James' relief the hat shouted 'Gryffindor'

A boy named Peter Pettigrew was the last Gryffindor. The other first years were mixed through the other houses.

James, Sirius and Remus were all smiling, they were together. Just as this message whirled through their heads a tall man with a silver beard tucked into his belt stood up.

'Welcome for new students, to others welcome back. I am Professor Dumbledore. Now you are all settled among your houses I would like to say a few words. The forbidden forest is off limits to all students, also this year a Halloween ball will take place, a fancy dress ball. Students wishing to come will be able to sign a list provided by their head of house. Finally, I have two more words. Tuck in.'

The last two words left a couple of first years pondering until they looked down at the table. Many foods were there. Something for everyone.

'I told you that we wouldn't have to fight a hag or troll' said Remus knowingly.

'Hi I'm peter' a small boy interrupted.

All the boys introduced themselves to the new boy. The conversation then turned to the subjects they would be participating in the years to come.

The desserts then came and went. Many people in the hall had had heavy eyes and were ready to sleep. As Dumbledore had already said his speech the prefects leaded their house to the dormitory. The older students dragged on behind, while all the first years were happily pointing up at all the framed photos and to some peoples astonishment they were talking.

The password was given and the girls walked up one staircase while the boys walked up the other. Peter, James, Sirius and Remus were sharing a dormitory with a boy called Matthew Pierce, they introduced themselves politely but were too tired to hold a conversation. As soon as the boy's heads had hit their pillows they were thrown into an instant sleep.