Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Diary,

Today is the day! Today is the day! I cannot write that fast enough. It is the first of September: the day that the Hogwarts Express leaves for school. It's all about to begin. I'm no longer a child waiting by the mailbox each year for her letter counting the days I would be chosen as a student and be sorted into Gryffindor.

By the way, I totally didn't do that. You should know I'm smarter than that.

Okay, pretend for like five minutes then.

Anyway, I'm about to learn about what I can do with my magic. It took a great amount of restraint to leave my wand in its box.

By restraint, I mean my mum putting it in a lockbox—under a lock charm. I may or may not have tried to free it. You be the judge of that.

Morgan's wand is in there too so I'm not the only untrustworthy witch in the house.

It is going to be strange though. Since I can remember, I've been around my family at all times. Sure Morgan is going to be there, but we'll undoubtedly be in different houses. She's destined to read with Ravenclaws while I'm running around the castle with Gryffindors.

It's certain that I will be by myself at school. Mum won't remind me to finish my homework and Dad won't be able to give me a cup of tea when I'm upset. Morgan might be around to help when I need it, but she won't be next door anymore.

This is all a part of the process though. Change is good.

See you when I'm at Hogwarts!

~ Kasey

Kasey closed the diary and tossed it in her trunk. It was the last thing she needed before she left for King's Cross. She barely slept a wink the night before. Kasey had a good feeling that adventure was in front of her.

"Kasey!" Morgan burst into her room. "Mum and Dad are waiting in the car. The train leaves at eleven."

She quickly dragged her trunk off of the bed. "Coming."

With Morgan's help, Kasey was able to carry her trunk down the stairs without any injuries. The trunk weighed at least a few tons between her supplies for Hogwarts and everyday items she would need. She may have over packed, but that was due to Morgan's urging to be prepared. A part of Kasey wanted Morgan to be the one to have a swollen toe for being as pushy as she was about the issue. However, that didn't happen either.

The two girls managed to get the trunk into the car with their father's help. It was hard to imagine that this would be first year of seven that she would struggle with this.

Kasey glanced back at her home. It was a mid-sized two level home built entirely of brick. The home was surrounded by houses similar to the design in the neighborhood, Hadley Lane. The Dawsons would be the only family packing up the car in the row of houses. The rest of their neighbors were Muggles. Kasey admitted that it was difficult to keep the family's magical secret from friends she made on Hadley Lane, but she would miss them nonetheless. They were her escape from her homeschool life.

This time, Hogwarts would provide her friendships with witches and wizards. They would learn about their magical abilities together. There won't be any secrets.

With that thought in mind, Kasey loaded up in the car with her family.

King's Cross was flooded with people. The Dawsons dodged in between gaps of the crowd to make it to their designated platform: 9 ¾. This was made easier with the carts they were able to swipe from the door of the train station. There was mix of Muggles catching the train to work and families making their way to the Hogwarts Express as well.

Kasey thought victory was upon them when they reached Platform 9, but 9 ¾ was nowhere to be found. She pulled out her ticket.

"Yeah, this definitely says 9 ¾," Kasey thought out loud. "So where is it?"

Her mother pointed to the wall between platforms 9 and 10. "Right there, dear."

"How we supposed to get through there?" Kasey questioned.

"We run right through," Morgan answered with tact.

Kasey was taken aback by the statement. Run through a solid wall? She was aware of the magical world around them, but the plan sounded insane.

"Huh, I never took you for the joking type," Kasey remarked.

"I don't joke. I read."

Their father placed a hand on Morgan's shoulder. "We'll show you."

Morgan and their father readied themselves. With one nod at each other, they raced off to the wall. But there wasn't a crash or disaster to be seen.

Within moments her father and sister dissolved into it as if there wasn't a wall there to begin with.

Kasey felt more at ease with the revelation. She liked the idea of adventure, but slamming herself against a wall was a bit much for her.

She did that enough by accident.

Kasey's mother wrapped her hands on both sides of her shoulders. "Are you ready?"

"More than ever," Kasey replied.

"On three."

Kasey began to rock the cart back and forth.

"One…two…three."

And just like that they sprinted into the wall. Kasey was tempted to close her eyes, but she needed to see the platform at first glance. Not a few moments later, they disappeared into the wall.

Kasey didn't feel a thing. It felt just like running through an empty hallway. She did see the difference though. In front of her was the highly regarded Hogwarts Express. On the wall next to it was a sign that read: Platform 9 ¾. The red train was just as brilliant as she imagined it to be. This was the final step before her time at Hogwarts began.

The smile on Kasey's face couldn't be any bigger.

"Mum! Kasey!" Morgan called.

Morgan and her father were further down the platform where the rest of the crowd was gathered. Kasey and her mother raced to catch up to them.

They were at the middle of the train by the time Kasey and her mother arrived. Morgan could barely contain herself. She tugged on Kasey's arm.

"C'mon!" Morgan urged. "We need to get a compartment before it's all full."

"Can you girls spare a moment to say goodbye to your mother first?" their father reasoned.

Morgan calmed down a bit and went to hug their mum. Kasey joined in.

Their mother kissed both of their foreheads. "Be good, girls. Concentrate on your studies and stay out of trouble. Understand?"

Kasey knew the last statement was meant for her.

"Yes," the twins replied at the same time.

"Good."

There was no mistake that their mother was fighting tears. It would seem their mother would have a hard time adjusting to their absence from home. She kissed them one more time before ending their hug.

The twins went to embrace their father as well.

"Write often," he pleaded. "There's an owlery at Hogwarts you can use to send letters. Your mother and I would be happy to hear from you."

"We will," Morgan promised.

"Study, but have fun. You're a student at Hogwarts only once."

"She'll take the studying part and I'll take the fun part," Kasey quipped. "It works out better that way."

Her father laughed as Morgan rolled her eyes. The twins stepped away from their parents.

Their mother waved at the train. "You girls better go. The compartments will be filled soon."

The twins lifted their trunks from the cart and made their way toward the train. They gave a short wave before they walked up the stairs. Their mother's last goodbyes could be heard as they entered.

Kasey and Morgan didn't have to look for long for an available compartment thanks to Morgan's planning. The compartment had two cushioned seats facing each other with racks to place the trunks on.

The train began to move just as they sat down.

"Right on time," Morgan said with pride. "If only the rest of Hogwarts would be this easy."

Kasey scoffed. "Please, it'll be easy for you. School is in your blood."

"You're smart too, Kasey."

"But I don't read as much as you."

"We can read together," Morgan offered. She held up Hogwarts, A History. "I'm sure it'll help."

Kasey crossed her arms. "Is that one of our textbooks?"

"Yes, I figured I would do light reading before we arrived."

"That's light?" Kasey stared at the thick book with wide eyes. "And you call me mad."

"A little preparation never hurt. Besides, this is the first time I'm reading it so don't go crazy."

"Too late."

The compartment door slid open. "There has to be some room on this bloody train."

It was none other than Draco Malfoy accompanied with two larger boys with large gorilla arms. One of the boys was slightly taller than the other with large feet to prove it. The other boy was stockier and had a thicker neck. Kasey had a hard time believing the boys were even close to eleven years old.

Malfoy stopped on his tracks at the sight of the twins. He smirked. "If it isn't the Dawson twins. Fancy running into you again."

"A mistake I won't make next time," Kasey sneered.

Kasey took her mother's words to heart. With her brief encounters with the boy, she could tell that he was no different than the Pure-Bloods her mother warned her about.

Malfoy glared at her. "My father told me about you…and your mother. Disgraced from her family for nothing more than a mudblood."

Anger flashed across Kasey's mind. She heard the term more than she liked. It was a nasty word that she heard uttered about her father by Pure-Bloods like Malfoy. Her mother always described it a term Pure-Bloods used to make them seem superior. On behalf of her father, Kasey couldn't stand the word.

However, it wasn't Kasey who reacted first.

Morgan leaped to her feet and whipped out her wand. "Say that again. I dare you."

Malfoy and his friends laughed.

"Or what?" Malfoy scoffed. "You'll poke me with it?"

Kasey rose to her feet. "Famous last words. Don't underestimate my sister."

His laugh disappeared. "Please. You're a pair of half-bloods that grew up with Muggles. You're no better than a mudblood."

"It's better than being a Pure-Blood bigot," Kasey argued. "At least I don't have to spend hours on my hair."

Malfoy sneered at her. Kasey didn't waver. He didn't scare her as much as he should have. Kasey's anger took over the minute he uttered insults at her family in one breath.

Finally, he spoke. "Crabbe. Goyle. Let's go."

They slammed the compartment door closed on the way out.

Morgan put her wand back in her jacket. "You need to be careful with that mouth of yours."

"I had to say something," Kasey defended. "You know, the boy should write a book: How to Insult Someone in Two Sentences."

"I'm serious, Kasey. Mum told us to stay away from him for a reason."

"He was the one that came into our compartment. Besides, you were the first one who pulled out your wand."

Morgan's face flushed. "It was an accident. I don't even know proper spells since we couldn't practice at home."

"I'm sure Dad would appreciate it either way," Kasey reassured. "Malfoy can talk all he wants, but he can never break a Dawson."

A smile appeared on Morgan's face. "I hope you're right."

"Hey, you called me smart earlier. I have to be right about some things." Kasey jumped onto the seat to reach her trunk. "In the meantime, I should keep my wand on me in case Malfoy retaliates."

With the exception of Malfoy's intrusion, most of the train ride was quiet. Morgan's nose was stuck in her textbook as Kasey sorted through her Chocolate Frog cards. Kasey took no issue in indulging herself at the trolley. She was barely allowed candy at home so now was the time to get her sweets fix. Even Morgan had a few pieces of candy and promised not to tell their mother about it.

Finally, Kasey took out her diary and began writing.

Dear Diary,

I know I said we would be at Hogwarts when we spoke next, but I could hardly wait. I'm on the Hogwarts Express with Morgan. We'll be at the castle fairly soon and I'm shaking.

I'm anxious to see what house I'll be in. I know I've said I'm guaranteed Gryffindor, but I can't speak for the Sorting Hat. I actually don't know where I'll be…and that scares me.

Slytherin would be a nightmare. As a half-blood, I think I would be fine. As my mother's daughter, I'm not sure I would survive. With the way Draco Malfoy treats my sister and I already I can tell that the rest of Slytherin house won't be any different. Besides, Slytherin has a bad reputation of dark wizards coming from their house.

There's no way I'll get into Ravenclaw. Morgan is reading her textbook right now. I'm sitting here eating chocolate. No, that's definitely not an option. Granted both of my parents came from that house…so take pity on me oh great Sorting Hat and don't put me in Slytherin?

Then there's Hufflepuff. I don't really know what to say about that house. There's nothing bad about it. It's just…nice. That's really the only word for it.

I know you're just a book, but please send well wishes to the Sorting Hat. It might win its favor.

Bring cookies too. Cookies always help.

~ Kasey

The compartment door slid open again. Kasey placed her hand on her wand and Morgan lifted her head from her book.

Kasey let out a sigh of relief. It wasn't Malfoy. It was a chubby boy with a round face and a girl with bushy brown hair.

The boy sniffled. "Have you seen my toad?"

Kasey shook her head. "No, sorry."

"I'm sure he's around," Morgan reassured.

"I hope so."

The boy hung his head down as he walked away in defeat. Kasey felt empathy for the boy, but she would know if she saw a toad hopping down the hall. The girl turned to leave when she noticed Morgan's book.

She beamed at Morgan. "Have you started reading?"

Morgan's face brightened at the question. "Yes, just now."

"Well, I read all of the course material this summer. I know it by heart."

Kasey could never forget Morgan's expression at the girl's statement. Morgan's smile slowly turned into a frown as if she had been told that Santa Claus didn't exist. It was then that Kasey noticed that the girl already had her Hogwarts robes on.

This should be interesting, Kasey thought.

The girl continued. "It was quite the shock that I got my letter since no one in my family is magic, but I was nonetheless pleased. I hope my studying will be enough. Hogwarts is the best and I want to live up to the reputation."

The girl spoke so fast Kasey barely caught a word she said. Kasey turned to her sister. Morgan's face was turning as red as her hair.

"It is good to be prepared," Morgan added, her lips tight.

The girl nodded in agreement. "Oh, I forgot—I'm Hermione Granger."

"I'm Morgan Dawson and this is my sister, Kasey."

Despite Morgan's bitter demeanor, Granger still seemed pleased with herself.

"Nice to meet you. I better help Neville find his toad. Hopefully we'll be in the same house together. If not, see you at dinner."

Granger closed the door before either of the girls could respond.

"If we're in the same house together, I'm going to pull my hair out," Morgan griped.

Kasey let out a laugh. "Looks like somebody found their match."

"It's not funny. She was the one acting all high and mighty."

"Yeah, not like anyone I know."

Morgan huffed.

"It's clear you two are very similar," Kasey clarified. "C'mon, you didn't think you would run into other classmates who would match your intelligence?"

"Not like her anyway."

"Reminder: you went to school with me. Think about that for a moment."

Morgan shook her head. "Kasey. I told you—"

"Think about it. Did I ever make you feel so small when it came to our studies?"

"You're smart too."

"That doesn't matter. I'd rather play Quidditch than write an essay about World War I from the Muggles' perspective."

"I rather liked that essay."

Kasey rolled her eyes. "Do you see my point, twin? Hogwarts is going to be different from home. I won't be your only classmate."

Morgan's face turned glum. "And we won't be together—at least not all the time."

Kasey let out a fake gasp. "Are we finally admitting that I'm not Ravenclaw material?"

Morgan smiled. "You'll make a fine Gryffindor."

Kasey, however, was on a roll. She refused to let the act go despite her sister's praise. "But how will we tell mother and father? We have a family legacy, you know."

"Slytherin's also an option for you."

She mocked disappointment. "I was kidding. You didn't have to be rude."

"You'll fit right in with Gryffindor."

"And you're a natural Ravenclaw."

They each stuck their tongues out at each other before they grinned. Kasey took a mental picture of this moment. It was one of the few they would have when it was the Dawson twins and no one else.

Morgan glanced out at the window. The sun was setting on the horizon.

"We should get dressed in our robes," Morgan advised. "We'll be there any minute."

Kasey followed Morgan as they reached into the trunks.

A thought occurred to Kasey as she stared at her uniform. "Huh. You know what I'm surprised about?"

"What?"

"That you weren't the one who came dressed in her robes at King's Cross."

Morgan glared at Kasey briefly before returning her attention to her uniform. Kasey took pleasure in the jest toward her sister. After they left the train, moments like this would be few and far in between. As the oldest by five minutes, she had the obligation to make her little sister felt a little annoyed.

The train came to a stop just as the twins finished dressing into their uniforms. To finally have the Hogwarts robe on made Kasey's heart beat with anticipation. The Gryffindor tie would make it even better, but the neutral Hogwarts tie would have to do. Nothing was for certain until the Sorting Hat proclaimed her house.

The twins gathered their wands and adjusted their robes. Kasey was the first to race to the compartment door. There was no worry for her luggage since it would be taken to their respective houses once the feast ended.

Kasey only took one step out of the compartment when she felt a body crash into hers. Then she heard a splat!

Kasey turned to face a square-faced girl with wavy brunette hair and light green eyes. The girl held an empty cup in her hand. Its pumpkin juice contents, however, were on her Hogwarts uniform.

The girl let out a small gasp. "No! Not now."

Another girl with short brown hair and a face resembling a pug appeared next to her friend. "Don't worry. We'll go back to the compartment and you can change into a spare one you have."

The pug-faced girl then snared at Kasey. "Watch where you're going blood-traitor spawn."

Kasey was dumbfounded by the statement. "I'm sorry?"

"Kasey Dawson, right?"

"How—"

"Draco told me. He was very livid about you."

Kasey's blood broiled. "I don't care what he has to say about me."

"Doesn't matter. You better keep your big mouth shut or I'll make you regret it." The girl took the cup from her friend and looked inside. "Good, there's some left."

Kasey barely closed her eyes before a wave of pumpkin juice hit her face. She used the sleeve of her robe to rub the drink from her eyelids. She could hear the cackle from the group of girls in front of her. Her eyes blinked open to see three more girls join the group: a heavy-set girl with black hair, a small girl with auburn hair, and thin girl with pale blonde hair.

Morgan emerged from the compartment. Her eyes went wide at the sight of Kasey. "What in Merlin happened here? Who are you?"

"Pansy Parkinson, pleased to make your acquaintance," the pug-faced girl gave a sickly sweet smile to Kasey. "Stay out of our way and maybe your mother's reputation won't destroy yours."

The girls walked the other direction. Morgan immediately pulled out a handkerchief from her trunk and gave it to Kasey.

"Parkinson," Morgan spat out the name. "Another nasty Pure-Blood family."

Kasey wiped as much of the pumpkin juice as she could off of her face and her shirt. Some got in her hair, but she knew the battle was lost when it came to her curls.

"Can we agree that all Pure-Blood families are nasty?" Kasey remarked.

"Maybe only the ones on the Sacred Twenty-Eight List. I imagine the unlisted ones are nice."

"I hope so. I could meet some nice classmates."

Kasey finished with cleaning herself up and walked with Morgan to the platform.

Despite the sticky pumpkin juice in her hair, Kasey still felt a skip in her step as left the train with Morgan. Her Hogwarts dreams were coming true. She wasn't going to let anyone get in the way of that. The Would-Be-Slytherins would have to be dealt with after tonight's feast.

"C'mon, follow me—anymore firs' years?" A rough voice bellowed from the platform. "Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!"

Kasey took a slight step back at the sight. The voice belonged to an extremely large man with a grisly black beard. She almost confused him for a giant. Despite his dark looming shadow, a pleasant smile formed on his face as he looked down at the crowd of students. He then turned around and sauntered toward the dark path ahead of them. Kasey didn't remember if the man mentioned who he was, but she followed him nonetheless.

Their only source of light was the lamp that the large man carried. Kasey could tell they were in the woods somewhere due to the subtle shadows of the trees around them. There were also multiple times Kasey stumbled over a rock. She was glad to have Morgan to grab onto. The twins walked side by side to ensure they didn't get lost in the darkness.

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," the man called over his shoulder. "Jus' around the bend here."

There was a collective "Ooooh!"

Kasey's mouth dropped. The path opened up to a black lake in front of them. Across the lake was a vast castle perched on top of a high mountain. Its windows glistened with the reflection of the starry sky and its tall towers pierced the night sky. Kasey never imagined that Hogwarts would be this beautiful.

"No more'n four to a boat!"

She noticed the boats in front of them. Kasey rushed with Morgan to a boat. They were soon accompanied by two boys. It was difficult to tell in the dark, but one of the boys was small and lean in stature while the other was tall and thicker.

The lean boy held out a hand to Kasey. "Luke Fleming."

"Kasey Dawson." She shook his hand and pointed to Morgan. "This is my sister, Morgan."

"Nice to meet you both." He nudged his head in the other boy's direction. "The quiet one is my new friend, Aiden Owens."

"We just met on the train," Aiden added.

"It's a budding relationship."

"So far, you two are the nicest classmates we've met," Morgan said.

"I do feel bad for that one boy though," Kasey admitted. "With his lost toad and all."

Aiden nodded. "He came by our compartment too."

The group silenced as all of the boats sailed off at once. Kasey took in the sight of the castle ahead of her. As a child, she was told many stories about her parents' adventures at Hogwarts. They described to her in detail what the castle itself looked like, but it was nowhere near how she expected it. It was better than she could ever imagine it.

The first year students ducked their heads as they approached a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. The boats proceeded to take them into a dark tunnel that descended below the castle until they reached a harbor. Kasey and Morgan followed the other students as they climbed out of the boats.

"Oy, you there!" the large man approached the round faced boy. "Is this your toad?"

The man held out the boy's toad. He gladly took it.

"Trevor!" he cried.

"At least there's a happy ending there," Luke remarked.

The group continued to follow the man up the flight of stone steps until they arrived at a huge oak door.

"Everyone here? You there, still got yer toad?" the man turned to the door.

With his giant fist, he knocked on the door three times. It immediately swung open. A tall dark haired witch dressed in emerald robes stood in the doorway. She had a stern face that Kasey thought only her mother was capable of having.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," the grisly man announced.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here," the woman replied.

She opened the door wide. The entrance hall seemed to be just as tall as the towers Kasey saw earlier. Its large size was also incomparable to anything she had ever seen. The room was lit by the flaming torches on the stone walls and a marble staircase in front of them led to the upper floors.

Professor McGonagall led the students across the stone floor. Kasey could hear the drone of voices from the door next her as they passed. It was unmistakably the Great Hall. The older students must already be inside. Professor McGonagall finally stopped in a small chamber of the hall, away from the rest of the school.

They crowded closely in together as they faced Professor McGonagall.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall greeted. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."

She gave a hard stare to the crowd. Kasey felt nervous enough to run a hand through her hair as Morgan straightened her skirt.

"I shall return when we are ready for you," Professor McGonagall concluded. "Please wait quietly."

She left the chamber. Panic started to set in. The Sorting process was more complicated than Kasey anticipated.

Kasey leaned over to Morgan. "What did she mean by smarten yourselves?"

"I don't know," she stammered. "Just prepare maybe?"

"Think about what house you want probably," Luke said.

Kasey looked over at her other side. Luke and Aiden stayed close to Kasey after the boat trip apparently. She finally noticed Luke's unkept wavy dark hair and wide brown eyes. Towering over Luke was Aiden who had short auburn combed hair and light blue eyes.

"I know I definitely don't want to be a Slytherin," Luke continued.

"I hear that," Kasey agreed. "Hufflepuff isn't where I want to go either."

"What's wrong with Hufflepuff?" Aiden asked.

"Nothing really. It's just not as…interesting as Gryffindor."

Hufflepuff got as much as a bad reputation as Slytherin. Where Slytherin spawned the dark wizards, Hufflepuff produced the nice wizards. Many spoke of it as a weak house because of the lack of qualifications needed to be in such a house.

Gryffindor had to be the house Kasey would be sorted in. It had to be. She was the most reckless person she knew.

A series of screams interrupted her thoughts. Kasey glanced up to find a large group of ghosts gliding above the students. While it startled Kasey at first, she remembered her parents' recollection of the ghosts that haunted the halls of Hogwarts. Haunted was a loose term though—rather, they lived among the people of Hogwarts.

The ghosts didn't pay any attention to students below. They were too invested in their conversation.

"T-there's ghosts here too?" Aiden's voice shook.

Kasey would think for his tall size that Aiden would be braver, but that didn't seem to be case.

"Yes, they live amongst the walls of Hogwarts," Morgan answered. "It's nothing to worry about. They mostly keep to themselves."

Aiden let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."

Luke patted Aiden's shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll protect you, big guy."

"Move along now," a sharp voice echoed in the chamber. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."

Professor McGonagall returned. The ghosts each floated through the wall ahead of them.

"Now form a line and follow me."

Kasey stood behind Morgan with Luke and Aiden behind her. They walked back across the way they came and entered through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall.

The sight was just as captivating as the castle from the outside. Candles floated mid-air over four long tables where the rest of the students sat. At the end of the hall was another long table where the teachers sat. Beyond the floating candles was the starry sky instead of a solid ceiling.

"It's bewitched to look like the sky outside," Granger's voice carried down the line. "I read about it in Hogwarts, A History."

Morgan noticeably clenched her fist. "I was getting to that chapter."

"Don't fret," Kasey whispered. "You're still the biggest nerd to me."

Morgan only shook her head. Whether it was of disapproval or entertainment, Kasey didn't know.

Professor McGonagall took the students to the front of the hall and turned them to face the student body. She then put a four-legged stool in front of them. A dirty patched-up wizard's hat sat on the stool.

Everyone in the room stood in silence as they stared at the hat. For a moment, Kasey thought the tales of the talking hat were false. Then a rip near the brim opened and it began to sing:

"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
The Sorting Hat can't see,
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
And unafraid of toil;

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 folks use any means
To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

The hall roared in applause. Kasey's mouth hung open. She didn't expect a musical performance to come with the ceremony.

Professor McGonagall held out a long roll of parchment. "When I call your name, you will put the hat on and sit on the stool to be sorted. Abbott, Hannah!"

A pink-faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out from the crowd. She put on the hat and sat down as instructed.

After a moment's pause, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

Kasey's hands started to shake. The letter D wasn't too far off and Kasey would go before her sister. She was anxious to see where she fit in at Hogwarts. She knew that Ravenclaw was not meant for her. Kasey's lack of dedication to her studies proved that. She wanted Gryffindor, but there was always that small chance.

Kasey waited as each name was called. Her stomach churned as the crowed around her thinned out.

"Bulstrode, Millicent!" Professor McGonagall called.

It was the heavy-set girl that was Parkinson's friend.

"SLYTHERIN!" the hat shouted.

No surprise there. Kasey glanced over at the Slytherin table. The lot collectively seemed to be power-grabbing snobs just from the sneers they had on their face. It couldn't been how their face originally was, but her interactions with Slytherins and her mother's stories said otherwise.

"Crawley, Bethany!"

Kasey looked back at the stool. It was the girl that Kasey bumped into on the train. There was not one spec of pumpkin juice on her robes. Her hair even looked better than before. Kasey was sure Pansy took care of that.

Crawley put the hat on with caution and sat on the stool. She jumped slightly as the hat seemed to be whispering to her.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" the hat announced.

Crawley's eyes grew ten sizes bigger. Kasey watched as Parkinson's jaw dropped. Crawley slowly took the hat off and moved toward the Hufflepuff table.

Kasey had to admit that was a little satisfying.

Her nerves, however, didn't settle. She was at least a couple names away from being sorted. The hat would declare her house and there would be no argument for the next seven years about it. Kasey really hoped that the hat would take pity on her.

"Dawson, Kasey!"

She froze in place. The confidence she had on the train suddenly shattered. It was time.

Morgan gave her a gentle nudge toward the stool. Kasey finally moved toward the hat. She realized how silent the room became when someone was about to be sorted. It was almost deafening to her ears.

She finally got to the hat. Kasey gave it a brave stare and took in a deep breath. She put on the hat and lifted herself up to the stool.

At first, the hat was just as silent as the room.

Hello? Kasey thought. It was worth a shot.

"Kasey Dawson," a voice whispered in her ear. "A mystery you are."

She gripped the sides of the stool from the fright.

"You're clever, there's no doubt about that. But there's also courage I see. Oh, and I see a reckless streak from you in the name of fun. There's still that part of you I can't piece together…maybe something you haven't uncovered yet."

Gryffindor, please, she begged.

"Have your mind made up, do you? This is a rather difficult decision, but that house will not be the right fit. You do seem to care about how people look at you and you desire to belong somewhere you don't feel different. Wait…I know exactly where to put you."

Her heart dropped.

"HUFFLEPUFF."

Plot twist haha! Not really, but thanks for reading. Also thank you to those who followed the story and/or reviewed. There's definitely more to come.

~ Rowan Mortem