Hayley kept a close eye on Izobel, making sure she wouldn't fall too behind. So far she has proven to be determined but she couldn't help but think the poor girl would take off and hide. She wondered why there were so many mixed impressions of her. Then she wondered, what did Izobel think of her? She hoped Izobel didn't see her as too bossy or straight forward.
In that moment, Izobel looked over to her and smiled awkwardly. It's as if she didn't know how. And most of the time, she had her lips pressed into a tight line. Oh, I should lay off, it's our first day. Hayley told herself.
The first years all walked up the stairs as they were told and were welcomed at the top by an elderly woman. The old-looking pointed hat on her head gave her away. A witch. Hayley and Izobel once again saw it fit to linger at the back and watch quietly and attentively.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." The witch announced, smiling at all the excited faces, "Now, in a few moments you will pass through these doors and join your classmates, but before you can take your seats you must be sorted into your houses." She made a quick pause as she gazed at the curious looking students, "They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin." She listed carefully, examining the expressions of the First Years. She couldn't help but notice the distinguished silver-haired boy grinning and nodding proudly at the mention of Slytherin. Eager young chap, isn't he?
Hayley and Izobel shared a glance as the houses were mentioned. They had no clue what that was like or what the houses even meant. As if the witch had heard their thoughts, she began to explain.
"Now, while you are here your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn your points. Any rule breaking and you will lose you points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup."
Suddenly she was interrupted by a strange sound. Croaking? A boy ran out of the group, "Trevor!" He called frantically. He quickly grabbed something, a toad, and straightened up to face the witch. She gave him a cold stare, waiting for him to return to his place. The boy awkwardly bowed his head, mumbling a quick, "Sorry.", And walked back to his place in the crowd, trying to ignore all of the giggles from his First Year companions.
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily." The witch announced before turning around and walking off. The witch was barely gone before the silver-haired boy spoke up, rather loudly, gaining the groups attention, "It's true then. What they're saying on the train." He paused, smirking as he gazed over the group. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." He announced. He smirked even wider when all of the First Years began to whisper and snicker.
Hayley exchanged a look with Izobel. She had been right. She had heard that name before. Her father mentioned it many times before he left. Could all of those legends be true? Could this be the Harry Potter? In Hogwarts? Izobel seemed to be wondering the same thing. Loreena had mentioned him before. He was some sort of legend in the wizard world. Survived a feat thought to be impossible.
"This is Crabbe," He jerked his head in the direction of a rather large, dark-haired boy, "-and Goyle." He did the same for the taller boy behind Crabbe. The silver-hair smiled almost maliciously as he pushed himself off the wall, heading toward Harry Potter. "And I'm Malfoy." He stopped to be face to face with Harry. "Draco Malfoy." He said proudly. The redhead next to Harry scoffed, trying not to laugh at the proud Malfoy. Draco sent him a cold glare, instantly wiping the grin off the redheads face.
Izobel did not like where this was going. She could feel the thickness in the air, it was making it hard for her to breathe. She knew what it felt like to be intimidated by someone. This poor redhead was being intimidated by this Malfoy boy. It made her tense. It made her upset. Hayley did not seem to notice this exchange as she watched on intently, curious to know where this was leading.
"Think my name is funny, do you?" Draco spat. "No need to ask yours." He looked at the redhead with disgust. "Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe... You must be a Weasley." The Weasley shifted under his glare feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed.
Izobel could hear some snickering from around her. How could they? How could he? What has that poor redhead said to deserve that kind of humiliation? She can't stand there and watch on. Someone has to say something. Anything. But no one took a step forward. She watched as the redhead lowered his head. No, this will not be tolerated.
Izobel huffed, making Hayley flinch, and marched right up to the Malfoy boy. She shifted her dark hood so it didn't cover her angry eyes. Draco gave her a look, his eyes full with disdain, a frown on his face. He was slightly shocked at seeing her eyes. The iris changed to a hue of black from it's calm blue-grey, surrounding the pupil. What was that? The girl glared at him intently.
"Who do you think you are, Draco Malfoy? Mister high and mighty? I will have you know that acting like an annoying git will get you nowhere!" She hissed, making the First Years gasp in shock. Some of them snickered at the look of surprise on Draco's face. "Is your name so terrible, you must walk over someone else? What are you trying to prove? That the Malfoy's are filthy serpents?" She snapped. The group began to whisper and make comments. Izobel could care less. This boy needed to be put into his place.
Draco scowled furiously. He gazed over his First Year underlings as they all shot him mocking looks or looks of pity. He wasn't going to waste his time on this stupid girl but he wasn't going to back down either. "Oh, why don't you shut your mouth? You're probably from a worse family than his! I'm not going to waste my time with you, pitiful girl." Draco looked back to Harry, his glare ice cold, "You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to be making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." He then offered Harry his hand to shake.
Harry looked down at Draco's outstretched hand, then back up to him, "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks." He said confidently.
Izobel was relieved at hearing Harry's response, despite the angry look on Draco's face. She then felt a tug on her arm and was pulled back into the crowd just as the witch from moments before returned, tapping Draco's shoulder with a rolled up parchment. Draco turned to face her and she shot him a stern look. Draco was reluctant but made his way back to his place in the group after giving Harry another cold glare. The witch trailed him with her eyes, waiting for him to settle.
She looked out to the entire group, her expression softening somewhat, "We're ready for you now. Follow me." She announced, turning to lead us through the large double doors.
This was it. This was the moment Izobel had been dreading. What could be waiting behind those doors? What is going to happen? How is one sorted? Is there a test? She reached up and pulled the hood of her uniform robes lower. She dreaded this uniform. It didn't cover her as much as she'd like. This pesky pleated skirt and her socks were not long enough almost reaching her knees.
Hayley was mentally running up and down and all over the place. She was so excitedly, she could barely contain herself. She wanted to burst through the door and be sorted. Another part of her wanted to stay behind and let someone else go first. Just in case. So, she let everyone pass her as she looked left and right for Izobel. She was not hard to spot, being the only student with the hood on her head. She wondered when she would get a good look at this girl.
"Are you nervous?" Hayley asked, just as they approached the doors. Izobel simply nodded. "Great talk, Izobel." Hayley teased. But Izobel was frozen. The doors were opened, revealing a large room. It was breathtaking. Banners adorned the place, candles floating in the air lazily, many beautiful decorations.
Four very long tables divided the room and each table was filled with bustling students from every year and of every age. All of the First Years followed the witch through the aisle, amazed by the huge dining room, the changing ceiling and everything was so brilliant. Hayley stared in awe at the room, knowing her hair had turned bright orange from the whispers that suddenly erupted. She ignored them and they quickly died down. Hayley glanced over at Izobel who seemed to be struggling just to walk. Hayley scowled and leaned over to her as they walked, "It's going to be fine, Izobel. I'll be right here for you." She encouraged loud enough for her to hear. Izobel let out a sigh, smiling in thanks. It actually helped a lot. Her nervousness began to shift into excitement but she was still dreadfully anxious.
Hayley smiled and took her hand, giving it a soft squeeze. She would try and have her relax any way she could. She had to realize this was a new beginning for them, and that is great. Izobel didn't pull her hand away, instead gladly accepting the comfort. It helped boost her confidence somehow. She didn't feel alone. Finally they reached the end, standing before what could be the teachers and staff.
"You can wait around here, please." The witch said as she took the steps and stood beside a simple wooden stool, a ratty old wizards hat resting on it. "Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." She announced.
A man with a great, long, white beard stood up. Professor and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. He scanned over the nervous faces as he spoke, "I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce." He began. His voice was calm and gentle but full of authority. "The First Years, please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our care taker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the third floor corridor and the right hand side is out of bounds; to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death." Professor Dumbledore said while examining the expressions and reactions of his new students.
Izobel tensed. What could be on the third floor? Or the right hand side? And the forest, what could be lurking there? This sparked her curiosity, which was never a good thing. She glanced at Hayley who seemed to be thinking the same as well. They shook their heads and returned their full attention to the Headmaster.
"Thank you." He said before taking his seat. The witch, known as Professor McGonagall, took their attention once again.
She finally unrolled the parchment and looked at the students, "When I call your name, you shall come forth and I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses." She explained. She read the parchment, "Hermione Granger." She called.
Hayley and Izobel watched as the frizzy haired girl walked up front and sat on the stool. "Mental, that one, I'm tellin' you." The redhead mumbled toward Harry. Izobel and Hayley managed to hear and snickered, quickly trying to recompose themselves.
McGonagall carefully placed the hat on her head. "Ah, right then. Hmm, right. Okay." The Sorting Hat mumbled as he examined the girl. He finally came to a conclusion, "Gryffindor!" It exclaimed and almost instantly one of the tables burst into cheers and applause for her. Hermione smiled and hopped off the stool, skipping off to the table where some students made space for her to sit.
McGonagall glanced at the parchment and read the next name, "Draco Malfoy." She called, searching for the silver-haired boy. He was at the front of the crowd with Crabbe and Goyle. He hesitated to walk to the stool, seeming to brave himself for his result. He sat down and McGonagall lowered the hat toward his oil-slicked hair. "Slytherin!" Exclaimed the hat, startling McGonagall, seeing as she had not even properly placed the Sorting Hat on his head. She lifted it as the Slytherin table erupted in cheers and applause, welcoming the Malfoy eagerly.
"There's no witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't a Slytherin." The redhead commented once again toward Harry. This unnerved the girls. What was behind this Draco Malfoy bloke?
McGonagall once again glanced at the parchment. Each time, a knot would form in the pit of Izobel's stomach. She reached for Hayley's hand, sighing in relief when she felt a comforting squeeze. She had to remember she was not alone.
"Susan Bones." Called McGonagall.
Izobel sighed with relief. But she realized they were one student closer to her being called. She shook her head, feeling pathetic. Where was her usual feisty self? Hayley probably thought of her as a weak and frail little girl. She was not. She was just extremely nervous. Who wouldn't be, in her shoes? But she needed to be brave. She needed to calm down first. She took a deep breath but it caught in her throat at hearing someone grunt. She knew the sound very well, having made it herself numerous times in her past. A grunt of pain. She leaned forward and looked toward the source. She saw Harry tenderly rubbing his forehead, right over his infamous scar. He couldn't make out what Ron had said and missed what the Sorting Hat had announced but one of the tables started to cheer proudly.
Hayley and Izobel both tensed as McGonagall went to call the next student. "Ronald Weasley." She said. The two witches grinned, watching the redhead walk to the stool, a grimace on his face. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head. It exclaimed loudly, making some flinch, specially Ronald, who gasped, "Ha! Another Weasley." It announced. Izobel noticed how Ronald quickly sent a glance toward one of the tables, Gryffindor, and locked eyes with Fred and George. Of course! They're Weasleys! "I know just what to do with you." It said, making Ronald anxious. "Gryffindor!" It exclaimed, making the Gryffindor table cheer and clap for Ronald who had an expression of great relief. He quickly made his way to his house table and joined Hermione.
"Harry Potter." McGonagall called, making the entire room quiet down. Even the Headmaster's attention peaked as he leaned forward slightly, interested in where the boy would be sorted. Harry cautiously made his way to the stool. He noticed everyone began to whisper and mumble things, obviously about him, as he walked up to McGonagall and the Sorting Hat. The witch placed it over his head.
"Hmm, difficult. Very difficult." It started. "Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There's talent, oh yes. And a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?" It murmured, humming as it thought carefully. Harry closed his eyes and began to whisper to himself. They could not hear what he was saying. "Not Slytherin, eh?" The Sorting Hat voiced Harry's silent pleading. Izobel felt her stomach twist and glanced at Hayley who had the same worried expression on her face. Harry Potter was not a Slytherin. "Are you sure? It could be great, you know. It's all here, in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness! There's no doubt about that." It tried to reason with him. Harry squeezed his eyes shut and continued to chant 'please, please, anything but Slytherin'. "No? Well, if you are sure. Better be..." He paused and Harry tensed, waiting for the result. "Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table went absolutely bonkers, cheering and applauding for Harry who was more than overjoyed, a grin plastered on his face. Izobel was also glad he was sorted into the Gryffindor house, startling Hayley and some other students when she shouted from excitement. She couldn't help the grin on her face and Hayley laughed, nudging her playfully.
Even the teachers and the Headmaster applauded for Harry as he made his way toward his house table. Harry glanced back toward the Headmaster who was looking straight at him, raising his cup as a congratulation. Harry nodded in return, smiling.
To this point, Izobel was more than excited to be called to the front and be sorted. She was anxious to know where the Sorting Hat would place her. Hayley felt like she could explode. She wanted to jump up and sit on the wooden stool to be sorted and hear the students of her house cheer for her.
McGonagall waited for the room to settle before calling the next student. "Hayley Sykes." She called. She was not expecting to hear the students whisper as she walked up the steps to the Sorting Hat. The girl with the changing hair, she assumed was what was being said. As if on cue, her hair went from being a calm yellow to a light lavender, suddenly feeling nervous as the whispers did not cease. Of course it wouldn't. Not until her hair chose a color and stuck with it. She took a steadying breath as she sat down. McGonagall lowered the hat to her head but hesitated when it changed to a bright orange. Hayley nodded and Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. This is the moment of truth. Izobel sent her a smile and a thumbs up, making Hayley grin.
The sorting hat began to hum in thought, "Hm, interesting..." It said. "You are brave, cunning, daring..." It said, weighing the different traits he saw within Hayley. "And yet such power and determination. A brilliant mind, indeed. Oh, what is this?" He said, sounding interested. "Yes, yes. Now I know where you belong." It said, sounding pleased with it's decision. "Slytherin!"The hat exclaimed and Hayley flinched.
The Slytherin table cheered as the other tables whispered amongst each other, wondering how a girl like her could get sorted into Slytherin. Hayley heard more whispers and grumbles. Her hair faded into a dark orange, feeling unsettled by the way they were all talking about her. She stood and hesitantly made her way to her house table who was still cheering for her. This encouraged her and her hair went back to a bright orange. She caught sight of Draco Malfoy grinning at her, a malicious look on his face. She ignored it and sat in the space the students and Prefect had made for her. She greeted some of her new housemates excitedly.
Izobel stood there, dumbfounded. Slytherin? Hayley was sorted into Slytherin? That must be incorrect! Hayley could not be a Slytherin! What about that comment Ronald made? There's no witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't a Slytherin. Izobel felt sick to her stomach.
"Miss Whitlock!" Izobel gasped, snapping from her thoughts. She looked at McGonagall with wide eyes. The Professor stared at her with expectant eyes. Had she been called? The students behind her were giggling and snickering. Izobel felt like she could just die, then and there. "Please take your seat." McGonagall ordered, motioning to the wooden stool.
Izobel glanced over to Hayley for reassurance. Unfortunately Hayley had her back turned to her, chatting up her new housemates. She swallowed the lump in her throat and took a steadying breath, taking the steps carefully. The last thing she wanted was to trip on her robe and fall. Luckily, she made it with little casualties and sat on the stool.
"Please remove the hood, miss Whitlock." McGonagall ordered. Izobel did not allow herself to protest against her order and immediately flipped it off. Some students began to whisper. She knew they would. She has light bruises on her face, her lip was healing from a recent blow, it still stung and bled if she bit down on it. Izobel could feel tears forming in her eyes but she fought them back, refusing to show her emotions. Not here, in front of everyone. Professor McGonagall sent the students a hard look, "Settle down!" She ordered and almost immediately the whispering ceased. Izobel glanced over at Hayley who had paled, looking worried and horrified. Izobel sent her a reassuring smile. McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
"My, my." It started. The students all quieted down, intrigued by the Sorting Hat's first words. Izobel steadied her breathing and closed her eyes so she wouldn't have to look at all the staring faces. All staring at her. "Yes, very tolerant, this one." It said. "Kindness, plenty of determination, indeed." It continued. "And yet I see..." It paused, humming as it concentrated. "Great bravery, resourcefulness, self-preservation..." The students began to whisper at the mention of this. "Yes, I know where to place you now." It said. Get on with it then! Izobel was growing impatient. The hat chuckled, as if hearing her thoughts. "Hufflepuff!" It shouted, causing Izobel to flinch in her seat.
Izobel finally opened her eyes in time to see one of the houses jump to their feet, cheering and clapping their hands. Izobel couldn't help but smile at this kind of attention. She felt the Sorting Hat be removed by McGonagall and she stood, quickly walking down the steps. She slowed her pace as she walked toward her house table. She watched in awe as some students stood to their feet, allowing her a place at the table. As soon as she sat down, a redheaded girl, Susan Bones, reached out to take her hand. Izobel took it without hesitation, shaking it vigorously. She felt a hand on her back, giving her a pat. She smiled, truly smiled, for the first time in a long time. She felt at home.