"Remember that one fight where our group split into two?" Lina asked the rest of the group.
"Yeah, it was me, Jessie, and Amy, and you, Mary, and Azalea, all for a stupid reason." Cassie exclaimed as she laid down on the bench she was at. Her eyes were closed, her arms folded across the back of her head. The rest nodded their head in agreement with what Cassie said. In Cassie's mind all of the fights they had were all for stupid reasons, and all caused by Azalea.
"The firs'-years, Professor McGonagall" said Hagrid.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." This woman was Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor house and Transfiguration teacher.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "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 a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your 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."
Azalea looked straight at McGonagall, trying to remember every word she said. She saw that it was all true, this was no dream. She looked over at Cassie seeing the haunted look that was barely noticeable.
"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 your 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."
"Gryffindor will obviously get the cup," Mary whispered to Jessie. Azalea heard and wondered if Gryffindor was really that great. Of course she didn't know how exactly they got sorted, but it made her wonder if the Gryffindor house is overrated. Or if any other house was underrated and also overrated.
"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron's smudged nose. Azalea remained unaffected by all the chattering while Cassie stayed at Azalea's side. She desperately needed someone to talk to, like Lina who would listen to everything she said.
"I will return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly."
Azalea noticed a boy walking up to the top of the staircase. He looked like he had an air of where everyone should respect him, like he was better than all of them. His strides looked confident as he held a smirk on his face.
"So it's true then, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." His sneering voice echoed in the hallways. His slicked back hair looked as if he put too much gel in it.
Whispers erupted by the mention of Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived. "Harry Potter, here?" "No it can't be."
Azalea only knew that Harry was the main protagonist in the books and he was the main hero. After all the talks that Lina gave about Harry Potter made her remember a few things.
"My name's Draco, Draco Malfoy." A small laugh emitted from Ron and Mary. Both tried to cover their mouth to hide any sign indicating that they were laughing. Draco snapped his head in both their direction. "Think my name's funny do you, red hair, hand me down robes, you must be a Weasley." The Weasley boy looked down, averting his eyes from Draco. "And you, you're probably just a Mudblood." Gasp erupted that he would dare to say such a word.
"Excuse me!" Mary exclaimed. "I'll have you know-" Only she was cut off by a snickering Cassie who put her hand over Mary's mouth. Mary glared at Cassie and Azalea also laughed.
Draco glared at them with disgust and turned back to Harry. "You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." Draco's eyes quickly darted at the spot where Cassie and Mary stood and grimaced. He held out his hand to shake Harry's, but Harry didn't take it.
"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks," he said coolly.
"You go Harry," Mary whispered, her hands cupping her mouth, Cassie still by her side.
What made Harry so heroic? He just looked like a meek boy who didn't know what to do. Azalea noticed that Professor McGonagall had come back and stood directly behind Draco.
"Move along now," said a McGonagall. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to start." She tapped her scroll onto Draco's shoulder making him stand down.
Each first year stood in a straight line. Azalea stood behind Lina and Mary in front of Lina. Azalea was scowling at Mary still not forgetting her hatred for her. Lina turned towards Azalea giving her a sharp glare causing Azalea to soften her look.
The Great Hall doors slowly opened to reveal four long tables. Each table had a banner above and a dazzling sky. The first years looked star struck by the ceiling.
"It's not actually the sky, it's only bewitched to look like one, I read about it in Hogwarts: A History," Hermione whispered.
"Yeah we know," Mary responded, a small smile on her lips. Hermione glanced over at Mary and grinned.
"You know, you are a lot nicer than your friend over there." Hermione tilted her head in the direction of Cassie who stood behind Azalea. Azalea was able to hear everything considering how close she was to them.
"She's not always like that, trust me."
Hermione let out a small shrug not believing Mary's words.
Stopping at the front everyone stared at an old dusty hat. A few moments passed until it started singing. It made Azalea step back in shock for the hat was really singing.
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!
People applauded loudly as The Sorting Hat finished its song.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," McGonagall said.
"Abbot, Hannah."
The hat went below her eyes and sat there until it shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Bones, Susan."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
How did this sorting hat work exactly? Did it really look through their traits seeing the house that suits them best. In doing so wouldn't the hat have to dig deeper into memories?
"Boot, Terry."
"RAVENCLAW!"
Names passed and after, "Hopkins, Wayne," was sorted into Hufflepuff, the first person to be called from the group of friends was finally going to be sorted.
"Jackson, Mary."
A smiling Mary bounced up to the three legged stool and patiently sat there. She was really excited to finally be sorted by the one and only Sorting Hat.
Ahh, I see. You used to be a very shy girl, highly loyal and hardworking, Hufflepuff would do well for you. Although your patience lacks in this along with your dedication. Mary held a horrified look at the thought of being Hufflepuff. It was for people that are seriously just leftovers. Don't judge a person that quickly. The hat's words caused Mary to deeply flush with embarrassment. Greatly smart, too, but your braveness stands out though, the trait I see most. But I must warn you, don't be fooled by a person's house, they can turn out to be far greater than you. Well, in that case, it better be….
"GRYFFINDOR!" Mary bounced off the stool, a wide grin across her face.
She was actually in the house she wanted. She could literally shout with joy right now.
After that, a girl named Megan Jones joined the Hufflepuff house. Mary waited patiently for the rest of her friends to be sorted, a wide grin forming.
"Malfoy, Draco."
Malfoy swaggered up to the stool. The hat barely touched his head when it shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" He joined his gorilla friends, Crabbe and Goyle at the Slytherin table.
"Matthews, Lina."
Lina walked up towards the hat in McGonagall's hands. Her own hands were shaking with anticipation. The hat dropped over her eyes.
I see, you are one of Mary's friends. You are the reason why everyone is brought together, but I must ask you, will you be able to keep it that way? Lina held a confused look at the hats words. You may not understand now, but later you will. You are forgetful and call yourself dumb, but you are loyal and patient with dedication. These traits could get you in Hufflepuff, but I see more potential in you, a far greater potential...
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Lina let out a smile towards a whooping and cheering Mary. She set the hat down and gave a quick hug to Mary. She didn't notice that she had a troubled face on.
"What's wrong," Mary asked.
"Nothing." Lina then put the thought all the way to the back of her mind, slowly forgetting the hats words.
"Matron, Amy."
Amy was very nervous. What if the hat found out that she wasn't really a witch? How did the hate even work? She came to the obvious conclusion that it was magic. She let the hat drop on her head and a voice spoke.
You know most of your friends had Hufflepuff as a possible choice, but you are a true one. You aren't brave, you know you can be useless. Choose your side wisely.
She gave a little yelp in fright. She then calmed herself and asked, Why? She couldn't stand the fact that she had to choose, but if she had to then she will.
You're the first to ever talk to me from your friends, you will see in the future.
The hat didn't give Amy a chance to think because the hat shouted his final answer, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Amy notice that Mary and Lina cheered along with the rest of her new house. Clapping and stomping their feet to show they were proud. Amy gave them a shy look and waved to them. She then looked towards Cassie seeing her give a thumbs up. Amy blushed and ran towards the cheering table. Did she really accomplish something that great?
"Milton, Jessie."
Noticing that her name was called, Jessie stumbled over and fell onto the stool. Laughter erupted from the halls. Blushing with embarrassment Jessie had the hat put on her head to hide the mortification on her face.
You are a clumsy one. Jessie flushed with embarrassment at the hats words. Even the hat knew how clumsy she was. She should just be in Hufflepuff by now. But that doesn't mean you will end up in Hufflepuff, they are not all leftovers. Great things will come towards you, this better be….
"GRYFFINDOR!"
A moment of intense shock went through Jessie then she sighed with relief. Jessie stalked off to the applauding Gryffindor table.
Then very few people were left leaving, "Moon" "Nott" "Parkinson" twin girls that were sorted into separate houses, "Patil" "Patil" then a, "Perks, Sally-Anne." Harry Potter passed getting into Gryffindor. The Weasley twins were boasting loudly saying, "We got Potter! We got Potter!" Another person was sorted named "Oliver Rivers."
"Rogue, Cassie."
Mary, Lina, and Jessie turned towards the front again. Their best friend was just called up. She had a blank face on. Cassie reached the stool and the hat dropped onto her head.
This was finally the time to get sorted. She already knew what house she should get. She waited for the hat to drop on her head. When it did Cassie was ready to say which house she wanted.
Well you are peculiar. You are not like your friends, you want to keep everything the same. Cassie let out a quiet gasp. Yes I know, I can go through all your memories, nothing is hidden from me. Your mother, such a sad story. They want to change our story, the Gryffindor's, but you know the consequences. You are willing to change sides just to protect them. You do know what you can get yourself into if you do this.
I know, Cassie solemnly thought. Just put me in Slytherin already, it's where I should go. It was the only house where she thought she could be of some use. If she ended up in Gryffindor, she knew that she would be dragged by Mary to go and interfere with the plot.
You are cunning indeed, but you have the heart of a Gryffindor.
At the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy was betting with Theodore Nott on what house she will get.
"Probably Gryffindor like her other friend," he spat.
"I'm thinking Ravenclaw for her," Theodore responded.
"A filthy person like her doesn't deserve to be in this house. I saw her with that other Mudblood that laughed at me."
At the Gryffindor table Fred Weasley was speaking to the whole table saying, "She's going to be a Slytherin for sure." Many people at the Gryffindor table nodded in agreement.
"Tried slamming the door in our faces," George continued. "You were in the compartment." George pointed at the group of three. They each flushed with embarrassment.
"Look, we're sorry about our friend Cassie, please forgive us." Lina stared at the Weasley twins. They both shrugged.
"She'll still be a Slytherin," both answered still looking at Lina.
"No she wo-" Mary was cut off by a loud, "SLYTHERIN!" Lina looked at Cassie in shock, mouth gaping open. The green table erupted in cheers, a smirking Cassie joining the table. She quickly took a seat next to Draco Malfoy who put up a shocked face.
"You're in Slytherin!"
"No, I'm not. I'm just sitting at the Slytherins table for fun," her voice was dripping with sarcasm. Draco gave a groan in return.
After Ronald Weasley joined Gryffindor, the final friend of the group of six was called up.
She was the last one and she will do her best to represent her house. Her pride was always there, no one could change the fact that she was a strong girl.
"Yates, Azalea."
The hat was put on her head and she waited for her house to be called.
The same as Cassie. You will be hated by the people in your house if they ever found out. The love for them should never be said aloud, or else they will be hurt.
Azalea looked on with a glare at the Gryffindor table. Her hatred rising as she looked at Mary. All of them noticed her glare and not even five seconds later the hat shouted, "SLYTHERIN!"
Clapping could be heard as Azalea rushed off and hugged Cassie. Cassie awkwardly hugged back when the final person, Blaise Zabini, was sorted into Slytherin.
Azalea herself didn't even know why she hugged Cassie. It was a pure instinct thing to do. Yet the hats words struck a cord with her.
Why would the hat say such words to her? The same as Cassie, what were her intentions first of all. The rest was easy to figure out, she knew the hat knew her deepest secret and her deepest desire.