The door swung open at once revealing a tall black haired witch wearing an emerald greed robe. She has a very stern face but a warm expression. She seems like the kind of person you don't want to cross.

"The firs- years, Professor McGonagall." Said Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid, I will take them from here." Professor McGonagall said with poise.

I watched her pull the door wide revealing a gigantic entrance hall. It had stone walls lit with torches and the ceiling seemed never ending. There were magnificent marble staircases leading us to the upper floors.

We followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. I could hear the echo of hundreds of voices from the doorway to the right. That's must be where the sorting ceremony will take place. We all crowded in an empty chamber off the hall, huddled uncomfortably close to each other.

"Welcome to Hogwarts" said Professor McGonagall. "The start of term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the great hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room"

I contemplated the word family as she went on about the houses. I never really had a family, or one that I could remember. The Dursley's don't count, Harry definitely does but can a family be just two people? I'm not entirely sure. If we are it's not a regular family rather we are what's left over from a once whole family. To recognize me and my twin as family also meant to recognize what we lost. Could we really find family here? I'd like to think so. We had already made friends. Ron was ready to fight Malfoy, Crabe, and Goyle for us, the Weasley twins went out of their way to welcome and "apprentice" me (whatever that means), George had really went out of his way to explain Hogwarts, Lee and the girls were so welcoming and kind. The only rude people so far had been Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.

"I shall return when we are ready for you. Please wait quietly" Professor McGonagall left the chamber.

"How exactly do they sort us into houses? Harry asked Ron nervously.

"Some sort of a test, I think. Fred said it hurts a lot, but I think he was joking." Ron said before I could answer.

George had told me about the sorting. Apparently it's a hat that decides where you go. Looking back I'm glad I asked George and not Fred that one. Looking at my twin panicking I sighed. " I think a hat tells you."

" a hat?" Harry questioned.

"That's way too simple. These are Hogwarts houses Hope. Did one of the twins tell you that?"

"George" I frowned. He seemed genuine when he told me. However, him and Fred are known for pranks.

"Figures" Ron rolled his eyes while Harry slouched.

"Whatever it is we will get through it together" I stated.

When neither boy replied I looked around. No one was really talking other than Hermione Granger, who was talking about spells and which ones she may need. I didn't know wether to be nervous or to try to prepare for whatever the sorting ceremony may bring. I'd like to think the hat situation is the truth. I don't think I'd do well with pain nor could I think of anything else they may go to sort us. I could do an obstacle course or maybe catch something. I honestly don't have many talents yet.

"AHHH" I heard someone scream and looked up. I fell backwards.

There were about twenty see through people just breezing by. Pearly white and almost glowing, they glided across the room talking to each other. They paid no mind to any of us first years. No scream, jump, or fall got their attention. They were having their own conversation about a person (or ghost) named Peeves and how he has been given too many chances.

"I say, what are you all doing here?" A ghost wearing a ruff and tights asked.

"New students!" Exclaimed a bigger more jolly ghost. "About to be sorted I suppose?"

I nodded getting back on to my feet.

"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" Said the jolly ghost.

"Move alone now" I heard Professor McGonagall's voice. " now form a line and follow me." She said.

I got into line sandwiched between Harry and Ron. If I have to huddle near anyone at least it my brother and Ron. It was much better than standing in a crowd. We began walking out of the chamber and through the big double doors, into the great hall.

The great hall is magnificent. It's lit by thousands of candles floating magically in the air. The ceiling looked like the night sky and you could see almost every star! There are four tables filled with students all wearing the same colored robes and on those tables are golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall is a long table going horizontally filled with adults ( who I assume to be the teachers) we stoped just before the table and turned around.

Looking at hundreds of faces staring at you really has a way to make your stomach turn. I gulped. I saw Harry staring blankly ahead and Ron either staring at the ground or one of his brothers. I followed his eyes to see the Weasley twins sending thumbs up. Feeling nervous I started to fiddle my thumbs and focus on that.

Professor McGonagall silently placed a wooden stool in front of us. On top of the stool was the hat. I couldn't help but smile of relief. It was a hat!

"See I told you boy's it's a hat" I smirked. They must have decided to ignore me.

Taking a closer look at the hat I saw it twitch. Then the creases on the hat began to move. Forming a sort of mouth looking thing, then it began to sing.

It was honestly terrifying. Like I trust Hogwarts and the teachers not to put us in any danger but a talking hat? It's a bit creepy.

When it finished it's song the student body erupted in applause. The hat in return bowed to each respective table.

"So we've just got to try in a hat?" Ron whispered. "I'll kill Fred he was going on about wrestling a troll."

I snorted. "Aren't those like 30 foot tall? Who in their right mind would try to take on a troll?" I asked

"Well they told you the truth anyway. Not me. You. That's like a triple foul. I'm their brother."

"Fair enough."

I looked at Harry who was being extra quiet. He looked as nervous as I felt. I hope I don't look that nervous.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward holding a long piece of parchment. "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted."

"Abbott, Hannah"

A blushing girl with pigtails stepped out of line and put the hat on. She had barely sat down when

"HUFFLEPUFF" shouted the hat.

The table on the right cheered and clapped as the girl, Hannah, took a seat.

"Bones, Susan"

"HUFFLEPUFF" The jolly ghost from earlier waved towards the new Hufflepuff.

"Boot, Terry"

"RAVENCLAW" The table second from the left clapped and several Ravenclaw students stood up to shake hands with the boy.

Several other students got sorted and I started wishing I had a front of the alphabet last name. Though I suppose Ron will probably be last or almost with Weasley.

I began to notice that sometimes the hat would call out the house immediately, and other times it took a bit longer.

The boy in front of Harry, Seamus finnigan, got Gryffindor along with Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Malfoy and his goonies went to Slytherin. Several others went and then

"Potter, Harry"

At the sound of my brothers name a buzz of whispers broke out. I watched him walk up to the stool and put the hat on. It took a good three minutes but finally "GRYFFINDOR"

I smiled and watched him join the red table. Knowing I was next just solidified my body. I feel like my brain is Gina melt. I'm determined to go to Gryffindor. I will not get separated from my brother. I will be in the same house as my broken family.

"Potter, Hope"

That same buzz of whispering broke out. I paid no mind to it, choosing to focus on the task at hand. I sat on the stool and Professor McGonagall placed the hat on my head. It nearly swallowed my face. I could feel my heart beating.

"I see you are extremely loyal hum...with more nerve than you know what to do with."

A voice rang in my head.

"Gryffindor please" I whispered and crossed my fingers.

"Gryffindor you say... it could work... your nerve would definitely fit in. Hufflepuff could be great for you... your loyalty to others and need for justice will help you grow there."

"Gryffindor please" I repeated.

"Oh, alright. If you insist."

"GRYFFINDOR" it yelled.

I ripped of the hat. Beaming from ear to ear! This is literally better than Christmas! I made my way to the red table. MY table! I took a seat across from Harry. Next to Harry, The Weasley twins were yelling "we got the Potter's, we got the Potter's", and Percy the prefect shook my hand, Lee was excitedly shouting "Harry and Hope" and Angelina and Alicia from the train congratulated me.

Ron got sorted into Gryffindor and the last few kids were sorted. It was much nicer to cheer others on and enjoy the show.

The ceremony ended and Professor Dumbledore gave the best welcoming speech I've ever heard. "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

That was it. The whole welcoming speech. I loved it. Then the tables filled with an endless supply of all sorts of food. Literally any you could ever want. I ate and held conversation with my fellow Gryffindor's.