The Great Hall was just as incredible as he had imagined! Candles floated in the air among ghosts, while the Sorting Hat began its song about the Houses. Harrison was so busy admiring the star-dusted ceiling that he ended up bumping into someone.

"Watch it!" Someone sneered at him. By his luck, it simply had to be the red haired boy from the train. Could it get any worse?

As if summoned by Murphy's Law, Harrison's brother appeared over the red head's shoulder, grinning from amongst his new friends; a small crowd of first years was clustered around him. "Oh yeah, that's my idiot younger brother. I told you about him on the train, didn't I? Don't mind him, he's just a bit odd you see..."

Face turning red, Harrison turned away from his idiot brother and his hopeless clingers-on. Why couldn't they be sorted any faster?

Longbottom, Neville ended up in Gryffindor.

Harrison waited impatiently as Parkinsons, Perks and Patils were sorted and then finally...

"Potter, Harold."

Sharing one last grin with his fan club, Harrison's brother sat on the stool and a hush fell over the hall.

Typical, thought Harrison in exasperation. (Rose simply nodded in sympathy beside him.)

The Sorting Hat landed on Harold's head and gave a moment's pause, before crying out.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

It seemed as though the entire school had gone wild. The House of red and gold started screaming and dancing.

"We've got Potter! We've actually got Harry Potter!" A pair of red haired twins whooped in excitement.

Eventually everyone settled down enough for the next person to be called.

"Potter, Harriet."

This time, the general atmosphere of the hall was confusion. Harrison so did not understand other people.

The hat was quiet for a couple minutes before making its decision.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Again, a house table went wild. The House of yellow and black was cheering at the top of their collective lungs.

"Potter, Harrison."

Once more, confusion and muttering roamed the hall. Far greater than in Harriet's sorting.

Slowly, Harrison made his way to the stool and placed the hat upon his head, thankful that it prevented him from catching their stares.

Well, stated a voice this is unexpected.

Harrison's face creased in worry over a fear that he daren't not speak aloud.

Ah, do not worry assured the voice. I make sure that everyone is sorted and that they go to the house that is right for them. Now where to put you?

"Wherever I fit best?" Harrison questioned. Was the hat going senile in its old age, or did it let everyone choose?

I detest that! Thought the hat do you have any idea how difficult this job is?

Harrison frowned. "Not very?"

He hadn't been aware that hats could sigh. You need to understand when a question is rhetorical. Somehow, you're still good at getting what you want despite your poor social skills-

"Hey!"

-and you hate to lose to your brother under any circumstances. Yes, I have a couple ideas about where to place you...

"Can I ask you a question?" Harrison suddenly knew that if he didn't ask, he would always regret it.

You just did, Harri. The hat told him. But I already know your question. After all, I am in your head.

"So?" The anticipation was worse than waiting for his actual sorting itself.

Harri, I could not possibly comment on your sanity. Hogwarts has a very strict policy on that.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Stunned, Harrison made his way to the much more civilised table of silver and green. Several people attempted to shake his hand, but Harri wasn't paying attention.

(Rose was sorted into Ravenclaw. Not that anyone cared.)

Harriet shot him a smile from across the hall, while Harold said something to the person beside him and the Gryffindor table burst out into laughter.

Harrison sighed. This was obviously what the next seven years of his life would be like.