ILSFlamel.
Note: Characters belong to JK Rowling's and some of the marked lines from books or movies.
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Thank you to a wonderful Beta, Alna'ir.
Chapter 14 – The Sorting Ceremony
"Firs years! Firs years over 'ere! Firs years follow me!"
"That's Hagrid, he will take you by boat to the castle, just go along, I'll see you inside," Bella told the boys before hopping in a carriage with some students as they took the shorter way through the forest to the castle.
"Ms Flamel, I'm sure the ride was pleasant," Minerva greeted her as she directed the students to sit at their tables.
"Yes, it was. Thank you. Where shall I sit?"
"Oh, you can just take a seat next to Professor Snape."
Bella walked up to the head table and greeted all members as she passed by. "Evening Professor Snape." She received a head nod but nothing more.
Professor Sprout was on her other side. "Oh, the flower has just blossomed; I need to expand its habitat." She was really excited about it and she coursed through all that had happened to the flower since it was given.
Harry took a seat next to Orion, while Neville sat with a boy named Ernie. "Four to a boat," had instructed Hagrid the large man.
"What d'you suppose keeps the boats moving?" Ernie asked in no more than a whisper.
"Magic," Orion snorted, causing Harry to stifle a laugh.
"I'm sure their enchanted," Neville said.
"No, it's a giant squid that protects the waters of Hogwarts," Harry stated dully.
"How would you know?" Ernie asked sharply to the person that answered. He had decided that if they wouldn't be friendly then he wouldn't either.
"I have my sources," Harry smirked at the boy, feeling confident with his newly made friends next to him.
The castle finally came into view with all its beauty and grandness. All the students were stunned into silence by the century old castle lighting up in the dark sky, a beauty to behold.
"The first years are here and ready to be sorted," Minerva came in announcing. Filius grabbed a three-legged stool and the sorting hat and placed it between the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables at the centre of the staff table.
Minerva led the students in. Bella immediately spotted Harry and Orion and gave them a big smile.
"Now, before we begin Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words," Minerva said.
"I have a few starting term notices I wish to announce. First years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Gryffindor table. "I have also been asked by Mr Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
All Bella could think was, Great tell them something they can't do and they're going to want to do it.
The hat sitting on the stool then came to life and started singing for all to hear:
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
After a round of applause Minerva stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment. "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. "Abbott, Hannah"
A pink faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right down over her eyes, and sat down. She was placed in Hufflepuff.
"Braxton, Orion"
Orion held his head up high as he took a seat on the stool and placed the hat on his head.
"Ah, interesting mind, not bad, but not all good. I see a muggle orphanage you come from, many adoptions and lots of letdowns. There is some darkness within you, but do not let that overcome you as many have before you. Yes, yes, I see you have met Bella," the hat started speaking in his mind.
"I like her, she's the only one that's ever really been nice to me," Orion thought back to the hat.
"Wonderful girl, I've had the pleasure of knowing her for many years. But that's not what you're here for, is it? Which house to put you in? That's the question! Let's see, no, I'll spare the Hufflepuffs from you, while you are loyal to a fault, it is only to the few that you let in. I see Bella and Mr Potter are coming in closely to being called 'friends', trust her and go to her if you need anything," Orion could see himself going to her and her being probably one of the only adults he would trust.
"Ravenclaw won't suit you; while you're smart, the bookworms wouldn't know what to do with you. It's either Slytherin or Gryffindor... Which one? No preference I see. Well, your mother was a Gryffindor. Yes, Willow Braxton left you with her name, a wonderful woman. Very bright mind similar to yours." There was a pause and the hat started talking again. "I've decided, there is a side I just discovered as mischief-maker. Slytherins pride themselves with their image and would not accept a prankster. It better be –"
Orion's sorting was taking quite some time, eventually the hat bellowed out "GRYFFINDOR!" Bella clapped and cheered for the young boy, much to Snape's displeasure.
Hermione, rather unsurprisingly, was placed in Ravenclaw. Bella was sure the questioning little witch would do best in that house.
More students were sorted until Neville's name came up. This timid child she had met on the train was a question mark as to where he should go, but she was pleased when he was also placed in Gryffindor.
Mafloy's little spawn was placed in Slytherin, along with Goyle and Crabbe.
The chatter in the great hall died down when "Potter, Harry" was called. As he was making his way up to the stool whispers broke out among the students. Harry was nervous and looked up to Bella who gave him a comforting smile.
"Mr Potter, I was wondering when you would be placed under me," Sorting Hat humour. "No, oh, ok. Difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage I see, not a bad mind either. There's talent, oh my goodness, yes – and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting... So where shall I put you?" The hat paused as he seemed to look for something. "While you have smarts, Ravenclaw wouldn't survive your 'bravery.' Oh and loyal, to Bella, adopted into the Flamel family, a very lucky man. She wants to take in Orion also; I think that would be a very good idea. And while you're loyal, Hufflepuff wouldn't do, only loyal to those of meaning. Between Gryffindor and Slytherin then."
"Not Slytherin!" Harry thought.
"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the hat's voice. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that."
"Not Slytherin, Gryffindor. I want to be with my friends." Harry thought again.
'Well, if you're sure, better be –"
This was the longest sorting by far, Bella could see Harry concentrating and talking quietly to the hat. "GRYFFINDOR!" it yelled. Bella clapped along with the others and sent out a blinding smile.
The twins she had met on the train stood on their seats yelling, "We've got Potter! We've got Potter!" much to her amusement.
"Hooligans," Snape sneered.
Blaise Zabini, a dark skinned boy, was the last student to be sorted into Slytherin.
As the last student took his seat, Dumbledore got to his feet. He was beaming at the students, his arms opened wide, as if nothing could have pleased him more than to see them all there. "Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!" He sat back down as everyone clapped and cheered and as the tables piled with food.
Everyone ate and enjoyed their meal talking and getting to know one another. Bella was excited for the boys and couldn't wait to congratulate them, but it would have to wait for now.
As the feast ended, Dumbledore rose again. "I have some final introductions to make: our new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, please welcome Professor Quirrell." A soft round of applause sounded. "Also for the first time in Hogwarts' history, we have a castle assistant. She will be here to help teachers and students through their studies. Please welcome Ms Flamel." A louder round of applause sounded mostly from the Gryffindor table. "Now that we are watered and fed, first year please follow the prefects to the common room and have a good night," Dumbledore trailed off leaving the Great hall.
Bella and Snape both made their way down toward the dungeon, his light footsteps on the stone floor were followed by hers. Professor Snape was heading down to the Slytherin common room to greet the students and tell them the rules. He knew Bella was just behind him and couldn't fathom out why she would be heading that way. "Are you lost Ms Flamel?" Snape snapped at her.
"No my room is down this way," she said to him not caring about his foul mood and quickening her pace to catch up to him.
"I was under the impression you were staying on the other side of the castle, you know where it's light and bright," he replied voice dripping with sarcasm.
"No, why would I want to do that when I grew up down here?" she stated. "Ah, here's my turn, 'till tomorrow Professor." Bella turned down a side hall leading to a dead end. "Isabella" she whispered in a hiss and the wall gave way to a large room. It had the basic front room with comfy couches and a fireplace; there was also a kitchen and a dining room. There were three bedrooms in the space; her bedroom was off to one side with a large bed in the middle. The bathroom was similar to a prefect's one, with a large sunk in bath. The library held lots of her father's old books as well as some of hers from when she was little and the study desk was in the corner. Bella sent out a quick cleaning spell at the dust, but everything had been recently cleaned up by the castle elves. She unpacked her things and was off in dreamland.
Harry, Orion and Neville followed the prefect through the halls of Hogwarts after the welcoming feast. "Welcome to Gryffindor, this is the portrait of the Fat Lady. She guards the entrance to our common room and dorms. You are expected in the dorm every night by nine and breakfast starts being served at seven." Percy Weasley, the prefect, was the one leading the first years in the common room. "Over here is the main portion of the common room, on the other side are study nooks, and a brief library of books left by previous students. The girls' dormitory is to the right, top of the stairs just follow Miss Grassley. Boys this way," he called then led them up the left staircase. "This is the boys' dormitory. Neither gender can enter the other gender's dormitory; there are enchantments in place against it. The only women who can enter the boys' dorms are a Hogwarts staff and vice versa. The last door on the left is for first years," he said opening the door. There were six beds. "Just pick your bed and your trunk will be transported to you. Schedules will be handed out at eight thirty tomorrow at breakfast. Now get a goodnight of rest and do Gryffindor proud." Percy left.
Ron, the red head, was first into the room and he raced and jumped onto a bed in the far corner of the room, leaving Orion, Harry and Neville to take the beds on the opposite wall. Neville took the one across from Ron, Harry in the middle and Orion on the end near the entrance. The loo was located between Ron and Neville's beds across from the entrance door.
As the boys started unpacking they were talking lightly; it was only Ron and another roommate by the name of Seamus who were overly loud. Harry settled on his bed and Orion joined him. They were about to play a round of exploding snaps when Ron spoke up, "Are you really the Harry Potter?" he asked in an incredulous voice.
Harry quietly replied, "Yes, my name is Harry Potter." He was getting better at opening up but was still rather shy.
"Didn't you pay attention during the sorting? I think when Harry Potter was called out and he stepped forward was enough of a notice," Orion said basically telling him he was an idiot.
"Yeah, I heard his name, but he's the Harry Potter," Ron said again with a stupid awed look on his face.
"I get it you know, I've been with him since this morning. I know what his name is, you don't need to keep saying it," Orion had a mouth on him but he liked Harry and he wasn't going to let him get gawked at. He noticed that Harry didn't like it and would stand up for him.
"But..." Ron started, but he was cut off by Orion, "I swear if you say his name like that one more time I will show you why I kept getting sent back to the orphanage." Orion wasn't proud of being an orphan, he actually downright hated it, but this was his first friend, someone like him, and he wasn't going to put up with this.
Ron backed down opting to get some sleep before the next day, and the others followed tucking into bed. "Night," was mumbled as the first year occupants went into dreamland.