His name was called, McGonagall's thick brogue piercing through the haze of fear. He quickly moved up to the stool and tried to ignore all the eyes all over him. As the Hat was lowered over his ears he could feel a something rifling through his mind, playing through his most recent memories; of the train ride and following alterations...
A voice rang out though his mind and he jolted; earning yet more laughter from the spectators, 'Buck up there lad,' said the Hat 'and practice your masks, you'll need them in SLYTHERIN!'
No. No that was wrong. At McGonagall's urging he stood. This couldn't be happening. He stumbled unthinking in the direction of the green House, McGonagall reaching out and snatching the Hat from his head; to yet more laughter. It would have stung him, but he was too shocked to . Gods, he was the first Longbottom to be Sorted anywhere but Gryffindoor and he was sorted into Slytherin. Thoughts swarming in his head, his face was blank as he sat down with a nod to his new family, yeah right. As the Sorting came to a close he looked up into the glaring eyes of the Slytherin first years, and around at the suspicious glances from the older years; though he wasn't surprised, the sudden appearance of a predominantly Light family in the Darkest of Houses?
The sudden appearance of plates and food meant that the introductions were under way, it would be rude to eat without knowing the names of your dinner partners after all. Pansy Parkinson was the first to announce herself, her short black hair shimmered under the light from the thousands of candles, failing to distract anyone from her unfortunate nose; knowing what little he did of her (mostly limited to polite conversation during the Winter parties thrown every year) he knew anyone mentioning the pug like state of said nose would get you a swift kick to the balls, regardless of age or rank.
Mousy and dark eyed, Theodore Nott mumbled his name and made sure to mention his current position as heir, his father's fortune and connections in the shipping and merchant realm was to be admired after all; despite the dubious legality of many of his dealings. Millicent Bulstrode had definitely grown since Neville last met her, all of it muscle and all of it menacing.
Draco Malfoy introduced himself as well as Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, as was his right; but Neville was treated to more of Crabbe's displeasure with an uncouth growl and cracked knuckles. Everyone turned to the blond girl on Neville's right who introduced herself with a chilling tone and a slight French accent as Dalphine Greengrass, and then they were looking at him.
Pushing down his instinct to wince as their eyes found purchase on his person Neville found his most chilling voice; though it was no match to Dalphine's, 'Neville Longbottom,' he stated, and then at their continued staring added 'As in of the Ancient and Noble House of.' At this he turned rather pointedly to the last first year, who smiled in the manner of something predatory; tight lips hiding too many teeth, and named himself Blaise Zanibi.
Then they could eat.