Ebony

Ebony is happiest in the hands of those who have the courage to be themselves. They are often non-conformist and comfortable with being an outsider.


"Weasley, Percival!" Professor McGonagall called out.

Percy breathed deeply then took a quivering step forward. His Hogwarts robes were too short on him and were frayed at the edge from his brother Charlie, who was shorter and more rowdy than Percy. He passed the three remaining students who were left to be sorted, including one Oliver Wood who gave him a quick pat on the back. Percy had shared his train compartment with Oliver and had struck up a sort of companionship, promising each other to continue being friends after the sorting.

Walking quickly to the wooden stool, he glanced nervously around the Great Hall. Most of the students weren't paying attention, having had watched the majority of the first years accepted into the houses. Percy caught sight of his two older brothers, Bill and Charlie, whose red hair shone brightly amongst the Gryffindor house. They gave him comforting smiles and a quick wink from Charlie.

Percy sat stiffly upon the stool and kept rigid as Professor McGonagall placed the old sorting hat on his head. It easily slipped over his eyes and for a moment Percy saw only black.

"Ah, another Weasley! It doesn't take too many years before another one pops up," the deep voice of the hat echoed within his mind.

"Um, hello sir," Percy thought.

He hoped to come across as polite and well mannered. Especially to the object that would determine the fate of his Hogwarts years.

"Let's take a look shall we!"

Percy was shocked as the hat probed through his thoughts and past memories. He was terrified of what would be revealed, as he sat motionless throughout the intrusion of his mind. Crossing his fingers beneath his robes, Percy hoped he would be sorted into Gryffindor. He became worried when the hat hadn't spoken for a while. His breathing began to quicken and his hands were soon sweaty.

"Don't worry! There's nothing bad here. It's just taking longer than what I thought. It's my job to decide upon the right house for each student."

This didn't calm Percy's worried mind, as he longed to be placed with his brothers and follow the Weasley tradition.

"You have several traits that would make you the perfect student for any house. Take Hufflepuff for instance. They value hard work, patience, loyalty and fair play."

"Okay," Percy thought.

"From your memories I can see that you put your best into any task you're given, no matter how boring or tedious. Your patience for your brothers' antics is outstanding and you're a stickler for following the rules. I can definitely see you as prefect material in the future."

The hat chuckled, as Percy's stomach flipped at the suggestion.

"Yes, and loyalty. You will always stick by your family in the end, no matter how horribly they have treated you in the past. Hufflepuff's stay forever faithful, never ones to stray far from just and honourable treatment."

The images of Fred and George appeared in Percy's head, as several memories of torment emerged. Percy quickly shook his head clear and concentrated on what the hat told him.

"Now Ravenclaw! Yes, perfect for such an intellectual person such as you. Now this house values intelligence, knowledge and wit."

"I-I don't think I'm that smart," Percy grimaced.

"Now nonsense! I can see here in your memories hours of hard work, of memorising your school books and practicing all your spells to perfection. I'll tell you this; you're much more prepared then most first year students."

Percy became more nervous. Ravenclaw was an excellent house but he had to get into Gryffindor!

"Ah, but not more suited than a Slytherin!"

"Slytherin!" Percy almost yelled aloud.

"Yes, my boy. Slytherin values ambition, cunning and resourcefulness. I have never seen such a student as ambitious as you. You have the dreams and the intellect to achieve them. Why, you are even a pure blood. Why don't you want to go to Slytherin?"

"B-b-but I can't be a Slytherin! My family would disown me. I know that I'm not the perfect Gryffindor, that I'm not as brave as my brothers or as daring. But I can try! I know I can! It might be hard and I probably won't fit in but I have to! I'm not afraid to be different from my peers! I'm brave enough to be my own person. Please…just don't put me in Slytherin"

Percy was beginning to beg and felt his eyes water over as the prospect of being sorted into another house was becoming a reality. Percy felt the hat smile and he prepared for the worst.

"This is the kind of bravery that makes a true…

…GRYFFINDOR!" The hat boomed loudly to the awaiting hall.

The Gryffindors applauded politely, as Bill and Charlie's voices thundered over the others. Percy was shocked, and then felt a rush of relief flood over him. A wide smile adorned his face as he bustled over to the red and gold table, sitting down in the saved spot next to Charlie. He was truly a Gryffindor!