"Reyes, Cassia!"
She put the Hat on with trembling hands. She had rarely felt so conflicted in the whole of her peaceful life. Her mother, a herbologist and former Hufflepuff, still smiled whenever she spoke of the friends she had made there. It was also Xander's new house. She had always trusted their friendship before, but was it strong enough to survive such a separation?
On the other hand, Gryffindor was her paternal grandfather's house. Samuel Reyes, Order of Merlin First Class, was her hero; he was the one who had taught her to jump from a diving board, ride a broomstick, and question every authority, including his own.
This was a choice that would determine her whole life. What should it be?
The answer is simple, came the Hat's voice. None of these people are wearing me right now, are they? You are. I think you know what you want, only you're afraid to admit it.
She did know … but would her grandfather be disappointed?
If he is, retorted the Hat, He clearly doesn't practice what he preaches.
None of these words are your own, Cassia, she remembered him telling her.
There's nothing you love more than a complicated puzzle or revolutionary idea, the hat told her, almost kindly. I can see it. There are other kinds of courage, you know,besides swooping in with wands blazing. Sometimes, all you need is a well-brewed potion or a few well chosen words to change the world.
Cassia smiled and sent the Hat her gratitude.
"RAVENCLAW!"
