The already small boat seemed to shrink more and more as Scorpius and Charlotte floated down the river towards the looming castle ahead.

Scorpius could tell that Charlotte was completely overwhelmed by the whole situation, what with them being so close to Sorting and all. She was nearly shaking with excitement. He smiled to himself and gave a little chuckle under his breath. In the deep confines of his mind, Scorpius decided that Charlotte was kind of... cute.

The enchanted boat bumped the shore and Charlotte and Scorpius both scrambled out of it before the other children, so as not to get caught up in all the mayhem of the other first years.

"C'mon!" Hagrid bellowed. "Get yerself up here and into the castle!" Fang howled, but Hagrid kicked him 'softly' in the side and he immediately stopped.

The inside of Hogwarts was even more magnificent than Scorpius had imagined, not that he let on to Charlotte or the others that he was even the least bit impressed. He kept a calm expression of nonchalance on his face as the group crowded around the Sorting Hat.

Without wasting any time, an old saggy lady in a large green witches' hat stepped forward with a long list of names. "Without further adue, we will begin Sorting," She took a deep breath and called the first name, "Charlotte Anders!"

Charlotte held her chin high, glanced at Scorpius briefly with what seemed to be a tiny bit of fear in her eyes, then gracefully walked up the stone steps and sat down on the stool.

The Sorting Hat was placed on her head, but said nothing for a few moments. ".... Hmm..." The Hat pondered. "Incredibly intelligent... but also courageous." Charlotte quivered under the Hat, but then took a deep breath and steadied herself. "This is difficult... I'll have to go with..." The pause seemed to last an eternity as Charlotte and Scorpius both waited anxiously for the Hat to makes its decision. "Ravenclaw!"

The blue and black table cheered with delight and Charlotte let out a sigh of relief, hopping down from the stool and taking her place with all the other Ravenclaw members.

After what seemed like too many lifetimes, Professor McGonagall called Scorpius' name (with unsuccessfully masked contempt).

"Scorpius Malfoy!" Her voice rang loud in the Hall that now seemed quieter than before.

Scorpius walked up the steps with an aura of arrogance that only a Malfoy could manage. After all, he was still his father's son.

The Sorting Hat was plopped down upon his blonde head and it gasped, as if it had expected something different.

"Intriguing..." It mused. "A Malfoy.. yet... different than the rest.. But not so different. Cunning.. yes I see that. And smarts too.. but.. what's this?" The Sorting Hat gave a little shake. It sighed. "Slytherin!"