The train slowed to a halt and within seconds the four of them disembarked, leaving behind their trunks as instructed. All four of them had recalled their pokémon since they didn't want them wandering off. Steam billowed from the great scarlet engine, flowing past their knees as they made their way along the platform, wondering where they were supposed to go.
"Firs' years, firs' years with me!"
"Hagrid!" Harry exclaimed in glee as he recognized the familiar voice and the towering figure a short distance away. A pair of black eyes shone from the mass of hair and the giant's face broke out into a grin.
"Hello there, Harry!" Hagrid greeted cheerfully, holding a rather large torch in his hand as Fang growled next to him. Harry petted the Houndoom, who crooned softly, pleased by the boys gesture. "Seems like yeh got yerself some friends already!"
"Whoa," Ron muttered in awe as he took in Hagrid's enormous body. The redhead looked positively shocked by the sheer size of the man, and he shrank back a little in fear.
"Don't worry," Harry reassured his friend. "Hagrid may look alarming, but he's really nice."
"Uh-huh..."
"You enjoy the ride, Harry?" Hagrid asked.
Harry nodded vehemently. "Yeah!"
"Alright." Hagrid smiled one last time before cupping his hands around his mouth like a megaphone, bellowing, "Firs' years, follow me!"
Harry did as he was told, trailing behind Hagrid as he led them down a worn path. The boy felt excited as he did so, listening attentively as Ron chattered about Hogwarts, Hermione and Neville not too far behind the redhead.
The narrow path suddenly opened onto the edge of a wide, black lake, its waters glimmering under the light of the setting sun. Perched atop a high mountain in the middle of the expanse of water, its windows shimmering, was a humongous castle with an absurd amount of turrets and towers. Harry felt his breath taken away momentarily as he stared at the structure in awe. He'd never seen such a huge thing before.
"Come on then..." Hagrid called, jolting Harry out of his zone. "Four of yeh ter a Lapras!" He pointed at the lake, and Harry finally noticed the pod of large blue pokémon with great spiky shells on their backs floating serenely towards them. "Make sure yeh've got a firm on them spikes! Yeh wouldn't want terms fall inter the lake and get eaten up by the giant Octillery."
Harry's eyes widened in horror at that, but Hagrid assured him in secret. But he wasn't convinced.
He made sure he had a firm hold of the nearest spike as soon as he climbed onto the nearest Lapras, which turned its head back slightly and smiled at him with its soft, brown eyes. It moaned a sound like a musical note, and he instantly felt at ease. Harry smiled nervously and grabbed the spike with his other arm just as Ron, Hermione and Neville joined him on the Lapras.
"This is beautiful," Hermione murmured as she carefully clung onto a spine jutting from the Lapras' shell. Even the more experienced Ron and Neville were completely in awe from the amazing sight.
And then they were off – the Lapras took off, cutting through the lake at a smooth yet fast pace. Harry looked around at his companions: Ron looked eager, Hermione thoughtful, while Neville's face was a mixture of nervous and fright. He kept hugging the spike in front of him like his lifeline and didn't let go of it until the Lapras touched down on the edge of the island that held the castle.
The students got off their rides, most of them still staring at the structure in front of them in awe. The only ones Harry noticed who weren't enjoying themselves were Draco Malfoy and his thuggish cronies flanking him. His dislike for the pale-faced boy was growing by the second.
"What's going to happen now?" Harry asked Ron as Hagrid walked up to a pair of thick, iron doors. Ron just shrugged.
His question was soon answered when Hagrid fiddled with something in one of his many pockets, causing the iron doors to swing open with a mighty groan, revealing a woman, ready to welcome them into the castle. She was rather severe-looking, wearing a white lab coat that was unbuttoned. Her hair was drawn into a tight bun and she pushed her square spectacles with her finger. Harry immediately made a mental note to not cross her.
"Firs' years are here, Professor," Hagrid beamed at her.
The woman nodded. "Thank you, Hagrid." Her voice was crisp and professional. "I will take it from here. Students, if you will follow me."
She whipped around and walked off without a second to lose, and the new students hurried after her, not wanting to be left behind. They followed her up a set of stairs, then another and yet another. Harry noticed that the walls around them were lined with portraits, and occasionally pictures of famous ex-students. Harry barely had time to register their faces before the group of students came to an abrupt halt, and he stood on his toes to get a better view of the lady as she spoke.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said. "My name is Professor Minerva McGonagall. Before you can begin you education in this institution, you must first partake in a very important ceremony. You will all be brought into the Great Hall, where you will immediately be sorted into your houses. The Sorting Ceremony is a very important one, as it will determine you into your house, which will be like your family during your stay at Hogwarts. Each house – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin – value different qualities and I hope you will bring credit to whichever house you are sorted into."
McGonagall paused for a moment, peering over the delegation of students in front of her. "After the Sorting, dinner will be served, after which you will be led to your dormitories and be handed your timetables tomorrow, first thing in the morning. Understood?"
A murmur of assent broke through the crowd, and McGonagall nodded, satisfied.
As soon as he was led into the Great Hall Harry went slack-jawed. Four long tables were placed along the length of the room. Each table held a group of students having similar expressions: the one on the far left contained cocky smirks, the next one calculating eyes, then uncouth sneers, and the one on the far right smiling faces. Hanging above each table was a humongous banner, swaying slightly: a silver and emerald-green banner with an elegant Arbok; a roaring Pyroar with a blood-red background; a majestic Honchkrow, its black wings unfurled; and a Linoone, lithe and graceful, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
At the front of the hall was a long table holding the staff of Hogwarts. Harry noticed Hagrid settling down into a huge chair meant only for him, as McGonagall led the first-years were led up to the staff table, where there was a comfy stool and a hulking and intimidating ape-like creature standing right behind it, its sharp eyes impassive. It had white and purple fur, and its grey fingers twitched slightly.
"The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin," McGonagall called, her voice ringing through the Great Hall. She then looked at the nervous first-years in front of her. "This is Oranguru. You will sit on the stool and he will sort you into the house in which you belong."
McGonagall took out her pokédex and pressed a button on it, causing a holographic projection of a list to appear in front of her. She cleared her throat, then announced: "Abbott, Hannah!"
Harry adjusted his glasses as a nervous girl scurried over to the stool. Oranguru stared at her with stern, but not cruel, eyes, and raised a grey hand over her head, enveloping both of them in a faint, purple aura.
They waited for a few seconds until Harry heard a deep and calm voice in his mind, bellowing Hufflepuff!
Harry flinched and looked around, trying to find the source of the sound. "What was that?" he demanded, a note of panic creeping in his voice.
"That was Oranguru 'speaking' in our minds," Hermione piped up. "I've heard about that – most psychic-type pokémon have the ability to converse telepathically with people...Although it must have the Telepathy ability if it can talk to so many people at one time."
Harry didn't know half of what she was talking about, but he took her word for it. He watched with anticipation as one by one new students walked up to Oranguru as their names were called out, ready to be sorted into their houses.
Harry heard a squeak next to him as McGonagall announced, "Granger, Hermione!" The excited girl rushed up to the stool and shuddered as Oranguru placed a huge hand over her head. The hulking psychic-type took a bit longer to determine her house, but eventually declared Gryffindor! and the table on the far left of the Great Hall cheered as Hermione hurried of to their table.
"Not Gryffindor," Ron moaned next to him. "She'll drive us barmy if we're put in there."
"Cheer up, Ron," Harry comforted, watching Percy Weasley and the twins, Fred and George, cheer enthusiastically.
After a few more names, Neville was called up to be sorted. The chubby-faced boy chewed his lip nervously as he wrung his hands, sweating bullets as he headed for Oranguru. The ape-like pokémon frowned a little in concentration, and after two solid minutes his eyes flashed as he called out Gryffindor!, causing Neville to happily take a seat next to an equally-excited Hermione.
"Malfoy, Draco!" The pale-faced boy swaggered up the stairs and smugly seated himself on the stool. Harry heard Oranguru shout Slytherin! through everyone's minds as soon as he touched Draco's sleek, blond hair. Draco smirked and strutted to the Slytherin table, where all the students welcomed him into their ranks.
"Parkinson, Pansy!"
Slytherin!
"Patil, Padma!"
Ravenclaw!
"Patil, Parvati!"
Gryffindor!
"Perks, Sally-Anne!"
Hufflepuff!
"Potter, Harry!"
Silence ensued, and a sliver of ice ran down his spine as he felt every single eye in the Great Hall swivel onto his scrawny form.
For the first time in his life, Harry felt like he might be having the opportunity to experience stage fright (not that he'd had a lot of experience with that matter).
Murmurs broke into the hall.
"Potter? The Harry Potter?!"
"The Boy-Who-Lived..."
"No frickin' way!"
"Bloody hell...!"
Harry steeled himself and walked slowly towards Oranguru. He tried to ignore the whispers and hisses around him, not liking them in the slightest. For the first time in his life, he was the centre of attention...Hagrid had told him that this would happen, but he'd never thought that it'd make him feel so nervous and jittery.
He closed his eyes and sat upon the stool, and instantly shivered as he felt a chill run down his spine. Harry tried to frown, but his entire body was locked in place.
He panicked. What the hell is going—
There's no need to worry, said a deep, calm voice, which Harry recognised as Oranguru's, in his head. Harry Potter... Interesting.
What's interesting? Harry thought back.
Hm? Oh, just that I see two paths for you, Harry Potter, the voice enlightened. Harry felt feather-light touches poking at his mind. Each will lead you to success, and you will attain fame and glory. Normally, I sort children into the house that will bring out the best results, but in your case... I will let you choose.
The two paths that I see for you are Gryffindor and Slytherin, Oranguru's voice said in a monotone. You will flourish in both. You will attain fame, glory and success and fulfil your destiny... But you must decide.
Harry frowned internally. So... The choice is up to me?
Yes. Harry imagined if Oranguru was nodding behind him. I cannot say which one would be the best for you, and so I leave it up to you.
Harry shuddered. Obviously not Slytherin, he mused.
Not Slytherin, eh? Oranguru sounded amused. Are you sure? You would do well in Slytherin, and your house would help you along the way to achieve glory! You have an insatiable thirst to prove yourself – Slytherin would be the best choice!
No, Harry thought, a bit forcefully. Perhaps it was his imagination, or what others had told him that was influencing his mindset, but he thought they looked to be an unpleasant lot.
I...see, Oranguru said in his head. You are determined; and for that, I sort you into GRYFFINDOR!
The last word echoed in everyone's mind, and the hall erupted in applause. The Gryffindor table was hollering and cheering the hardest, with Fred and George Weasley linking arms and dancing a jig as they chanted, "We got Potter! We got Potter!" Harry walked shakily over to the Gryffindor table, not noticing the fact that he was given the hardest and loudest cheer yet, he was just so relieved that he wasn't put in Slytherin. After shaking Percy Weasley's hand vigorously, he sat down opposite the Weasley Prefect and continued to watch the Sorting as a spectator.
He barely caught his breath before his eyes strayed to the High Table. Hagrid, who caught his eye, waved at the boy, causing Harry to grin back at the large man. Sitting in the middle in a large, gold chair, was a tall, thin man with a long crooked nose and flowing silver hair, moustache and beard. His bright, blue eyes twinkled at Harry through the half-moon glasses he wore, and Harry smiled back hesitantly.
Harry wrenched his gaze away just in time to hear Ron sorted into Gryffindor. He immediately began clapping, making his palms sting as he vented his emotions. The twins joined a second later, whistling and calling Ron's name as the rest of the table joined in as well.
Ron blushed scarlet as Percy shook his hands vehemently in an overly formal manner, but beamed when his older brother showed him to his seat.
Once "Zabini, Blaise" was sorted into Slytherin, McGonagall switched off her dex and recalled Oranguru in his pokeball. Harry stared longingly at his empty gold plate, his stomach rumbling at the prospect of a feast, but his attention was momentarily diverted to the staff table, where the old man, who had been staring at Harry a little while ago, got to his feet, arms spread wide as he beamed at the students.
"Welcome!" he greeted cheerfully. "I am Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, headmaster of this fine institution. Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words, and here they are: ain't nobody got time for that! Thank you!"
Most of the students cracked grins and snorted, causing Dumbledore to smile even wider.
He sat back down, and everybody clapped and cheered.
Harry didn't know whether he was supposed to laugh or not. "Um... Was that a normal speech for the Headmaster?" he asked Percy uncertainly.
"Oh, Dumbledore's insane, of course," Percy said airily. "Lots of fun, incredibly powerful trainer, but completely bonkers. But no need to think now, Harry. Eat."
Harry went slack-jawed as he stared at the banquet in front of him: roast beef, roast chicken, lamb chops, pork chops, sausages, bacon, steak, ribs...the list seemed endless. He felt drool trickling down his chin as he stared at the food with bulging eyes; it felt like he was in a dream.
Harry automatically started loading his plate up with whatever he could lay his forks on. He practically inhaled his food, shovelling everything in his mouth like a never-ending conveyer belt. Crumbs got everywhere and his cheeks began swelling.
Next to him, Percy smirked. "You seemed almost as bad as Ron for a minute there," he said, Ron scowling at his brother at the remark. "But it looked like you needed that."
Harry didn't reply. He just kept on wolfing down anything that was edible.
When everyone had eaten as much as they could, the remains of their food were teleported from their plates, which were left sparkling clean. A moment later the desserts appeared. Ice cream, apple pies, puddings, treacle tarts, éclairs...
As Harry let out a burp of satisfaction, the last remains vanished from the plates. He patted his slightly larger belly, his eyelids growing heavy as he felt sleepy, but managed to dismiss his drowsy state momentarily as Dumbledore got to his feet again.
Dumbledore cleared his throat from the podium, stroking his long silver beard. "Ahem – just a few more words until we're all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.
"First-years should notice that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. That is why it is called the Forbidden Forest. I hope this is clear to not only the first-years but also some of our older students." His eyes twinkled in the direction of Fred and George, who scoffed at that. "Mr Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to remind you that there must be no pokémon battling between students in the halls. Any battles should be supervised in one of the many battlefields of the castle or held outdoors.
"Glade trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."
Harry frowned. What the heck was 'the Glade'? He made a mental note to ask Ron about it later.
"Additionally, I would like to inform you that the third floor corridor on the right-hand side is prohibited to anyone who does not wish to meet a very painful end." Several students laughed; others looked horrified. Harry couldn't help but scoff at Dumbledore's words; surely he was joking...right?
"And lastly, I am proud to welcome back Professor Quirinus Quirrel," Dumbledore continued, to which there was a polite round of applause as Professor Quirrel smiled back nervously, adjusting the purple turban on his head. "He has very heroically agreed to undertake the post of the Battle Instructor after a year of travel."
And on that happy note, Dumbledore sent them off. There were flashes of red light as the older students recalled their pokémon (the first-years simply hadn't got the chance to send their own out) and the hall was filled with noise as everybody prepared to stream out of the hall. Harry and the rest of the first-years were soon found by Percy, who guided them to their dormitory.
Harry groaned, rubbing his sore tummy; the Dursleys hadn't exactly starved him, but they'd only ever given him the bare minimum of food a day, and he wasn't used to eating so much food at once and being forced to walk up several flights of stairs almost immediately after. The Gryffindor common room was located up on the seventh floor, so the walk was a long one. He breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he saw the students in front of him come to a halt.
"Here we are," Percy muttered as he stood in front of a doorway, which had the mural of a magnificent Pyroar. Harry blinked in surprise as the picture started to move; the Pyroar rose up on its hind legs and opened its mouth in a roar as its red mane flared with fire, and he realised that it was something like a GIF. "This is the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. To get in, you will require your pokédexes and place it in this scanner right here." Percy pointed to a spot on the door, where there was a small space in the shape of a standard pokédex. "So you must carry your pokédex EVERYWHERE. Please give me your dexes so that I can register you to the Gryffindor database."
The entire process took about ten minutes, with Percy putting pokédex after dex in the scanner so that the first-years would get registered. After everything was done, Percy handed the devices back with a smile while the door slid open with a hiss and allowed the Gryffindors to admit themselves into the common room.
"Welcome to the Gryffindor common room," Percy declared grandly, with a hint of pride. "Your dormitories can be reached by stepping on one of the teleportation tiles – boys on the left, girls on the right. First-years is the first tile, second-years the next, and so on."
Harry rotated in his spot as he tried to memorise the room. The first thing he realised was that everything was red. The armchairs, the couch, even the blazing fireplace. The floor was lined with a soft, rouge rug. Several students lounged in the chairs, one going even further to doze off on the couch. On the wall hung several paintings of Godric Gryffindor, his golden hair draped on either side of his chiselled face as stared into the unknown with bright, blue eyes. Harry noticed that Godric Gryffindor's hand never left his sword.
Harry immediately stepped onto the warp tile designated for the first-years and squeezed his eyes shut as he felt his insides lurch forwards and backwards. After a second the sensation stopped, but he still felt like he wanted to hurl, although the need to sleep quickly overpowered everything else.
Their dormitory held five magnificent four-posters with deep-red velvet curtains. Their trunks had already been brought up (Harry didn't know how, but he was pretty sure the answer was 'pokémon'). Too tired to talk much, they pulled on their PJs and fell into bed.
"Great food, wasn't it?" Ron muttered tiredly as he began breathing in his pillow. Pyro the Cyndaquil had already curled up on his trainer's back, chittering softly.
Harry simply nodded half-heartedly; everybody was too tired to say anything. Before long, all five boys had bid each other goodnight and had retreated to the confines of their beds.
Harry stroked Hedwig, who hooted softly as she drank in the attention, causing the Rowlet's trainer to smile even wider. Hedwig smiled at him through her eyes before flapping her wings and launching herself at a small, gnarled perch that extended from the wall. The owl nuzzled her head into her wing as Harry flipped the light switch.
Before he faded into the realm of dreams, Harry briefly wondered how much he would enjoy his new home.
XxXxX
Whelp, that's it! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, like the others, and that it wasn't much of a bore.
Thanks for the reviews, follows and favourites last chapter, and the suggestions for the characters' teams. However, since I have already outlined Harry's, Ron's, and Hermione's teams (not so much for Neville) I'd prefer suggestions for characters like the professors, Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, etc.
As for the Sorting Hat, I rather like my choice. I was originally going to go with Xatu, but Oranguru just seems more...ancient and mystical than most other psychic-types. Plus it also helps that he resembles his trainer, Dumbledore.
The next chapter will feature Harry and Co going about their classes in Hogwarts, and it will come up in a couple of weeks at earliest, but no promises. I won't be having a strict update schedule for this unlike one of my other current projects, Trainer: Kanto Arc, simply because it's much better to update whenever I please rather than continuously pump out a chapter a week. It's whatever works best for me.
As always, make sure to review, follow and/or favourite! Happy reading!