p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"br /"There yours now Professor Walker." His red hair swayed when he gave the Professor a short bow. Professor Walker was a tired looking man with his hair shined and slicked back with wax — sighed. Looking at all them with dead brown eyes. What struck Thomas the most was his missing left ear lobe. What in the world happened to it?/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thank you Asad." Turning with another sigh, he disappeared into the large wood doors. Leaving his voice behind him."Follow me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Good luck." Asad said to them, nodding to them and disappearing into the dark of the school grounds. Thomas followed Lars and walked with the other first years in a river of back flowing robes. Flagstone floors felt hard under Thomas's feet. Flaming torches lighting the halls did little to stop the chill crawling up his ups. Shivering Thomas looked around in awe. He was in a castle, a real life working castle!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Welcome to Hogwarts budding witches and wizards." Professor Walker stopped the at the top of a set of stairs. Turning his brown robes flared around him, and his wide brim hat creating a shadow on his face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""While you are here. Hogwarts will be your second home." Folding his arms across his chest he continued. "Your house will be like your family. Us professors will be your guardians, watching over you as you grow." "Like all families we have our rules. Following them will award you points." His head nodded when he spoke, Thomas imagine he could nod off to sleep at any time./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Points get automatically collected in giant hourglasses. They're set in niches along one wall in a corner of the entrance hall record the points for all to see. Gryffindor's has rubies for points. Ravenclaw's with sapphires, Hufflepuff's with diamonds, and Slytherin's with emeralds." Professor Walker's eyes narrowed. Thomas saw him glare a hole into some whispering students. "These precious stones are under guard of powerful spells."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""What is given can be taken away too." The whispering in front of the professor stopped, and he went back to his sleepy demeanour. "Points accumulate over the course of the school year. At the end of which a House Cup is awarded to the house with the most. A prize cherished by all houses."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I am Deputy Headmaster, Head of Slytherin House and your Transfiguration Professor. You may call me Professor Walker." Heaving a sigh, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll be right back for you. Try not to burn down the stairs." He slid into the door and disappeared inside it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""First years!" A zipping of cold came whirling overhead. Thomas looked up and saw a man who looked like an old, but poor court jester. His clothes were all patched up, right down to the three bells hat. Swirling around cackling as he pleased. Thomas could see right through him! A shimmering white spectre, right from the pages of a famous poet./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Nice," Thomas whispered thinking of one of his favourite poems. More amazed than scared, Thomas wondering what guilt kept the jester's soul lingering./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""There's one for each house too." Lars mummer-ed to him from his side. Thomas's look at him, surprised. Did they keep ghosts here on purpose? Or did witches and wizards turned into ghosts more often after death?/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He's Peeves — a poltergeist not a ghost." Bernard whispered. His eyes not leaving the spinning spectre./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""What's the difference?" Pipa asked, when the ghost, or poltergeist came up and behind Pipa and tugged on her hair. /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Ow!" Pipa swatted at him but her hands went right through, and Pipa shivered so hard. Thomas swore he saw her lips flicker blue./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""What does it matter what I am to you little firsty year?" He blew a raspberry at her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Leave her alone." Lars spoke up standing for Pipa. Peeves turned and stared right at Thomas, and Thomas learned that even a ghost could turn pale./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Eek!" He screamed and turned into thin air. Thomas frowned, did he scare a ghost off? With his face or...? Thomas reached up to check if his ears were still covered./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Are you okay Pipa?" Lars asked, tucking Pipa's hair back around her shoulders./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I'm fine." Pipa rubbed her arms. "Cold though."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I thought only the Bloody Baron could scare off Peeve's." Bernard muttered. Head dipped in thought. "He's scared of vampire or blood?" Bernard looked at Thomas his finger tapping on his lip./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Welcome first years!" Another clear floating man came into view. He was heavy man with a happy chubby smile on his transparent face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Fat Friar!" A girl squealed from the bottom of the stairs./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I hope to see you in Hufflepuff." He waved at her and went straight into the room beyond the wall, by going through the wall./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Nearly Headless!" Another ghost came in grabbing everyone's attention. Much more regal looking than the last./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He prefers Sir Nickolas." Thomas overheard the slap someone received. His eyes were on the next ghost travelling overhead and into the next room. Curious if it was a ghost reactions would be the same as Peeve's./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thank you, young witch." He smiled and continued on with a sad thin female travelling a few feet behind him. She didn't a word, and no one pointed out who she was. Another man came through, his body wrapped in chains and his shirt covered in blood. They all ignored Thomas, on purpose? Thomas couldn't be sure, but non of them screamed at him which was better for him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""That's the Bloody Baron." Bernard said, responding to Thomas interest in the ghost."He looks after Slytherin's house."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Who was the one before him?" Pipa asked Bernard who seemed knowledgeable on the subject of ghosts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Helena, Ravenclaw house." Bernard shook his head his eyes looked watery. "She's had it rough in life and death."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I heard there was a vampire this year." Thomas turned to see a pair of judgmental green eyes with black mop of hair. His hands tucked in his pockets, but he reminded Thomas a bit of John. Who Thomas knew both hated feared him, and like to take that out on him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""M mm," Thomas nodded and didn't hide it, not like he could anyway. Bernard's reaction to him on the train told him that word about what he was out already. Thomas tucked his hands into his sleeve robes, hiding their shaking. Hoping that things didn't go beyond words. Thomas wanted a peaceful school year./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I heard there would be a Potter attending school this year." Lars came up beside Thomas, his relaxed state made Thomas feel more at ease./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Irish?" A tanned blue-eyed boy with long brown hair tied at his nape asked Lars./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""The brogue gives me away every time." Lars flashed the boy a smile./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Pale skin, dark eyes and under that hair I bet there's pointed ears." His lips curled, "It's hard to believe they let a magical beast into this school. No matter how human it looks."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Daniel, you shouldn't do this." A small girl with striking similarities to the boy beside her. Her hair curly red, and her faced freckled, but the eyes. Were identical./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Let me deal with this Emma." He shoved her tugging hand off his sleeve./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Should you be hanging around a vampire?" The green-eyed boy, Daniel asked. Thomas twitched, demon or vampire. It seemed like his treatment would remain the same with most people. "How can you tell if you're a friend or..." Daniel dragged out his words starring Thomas down. Thomas resisted the urge to roll his eyes, the stare wasn't that bad. It would take a few more years before it could make him shake...any more than he already was. "A midnight snack." Emma beside him gasped, and the long haired boy shook his head./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I have to go." Emma said, "Sorry." Shaking her head and turned to go up the stairs. Thomas didn't get a chance to come up with a response before Pipa stormed in front of him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Hey!" Pipa marched in front poking her finger right in the boys face. "He doesn't bite people."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""How would you know?" He sneered, actually curled his lip and sneered at Pipa. Thomas frowned not liking that at all./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I asked." Pipa stomped her foot, "I learned about people before I judge them you jerk!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Didn't you judge us?" The long hair kid asked his eyebrow lifted. Only to be ignored by both, Pipa and his friend./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Didn't you come over here to start something?" Pipa countered, turning her finger and shook it at him. "You should feel ashamed. Bad boy!" Pipa spat, "Bad." Pipa was treating them like a dog? Thomas's lips twitched, it was a comical sight. Thomas heard the light cuffing of Lars's held back laughter. Leaving him unsure how to stop it or if he should at all. Pipa looked like she had it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I came over because I saw Malfoy." His green eyes narrowed at Bernard whose face looked blank. "He would hang out with the vampire." He turned his green eyes at Thomas. "You want to fix the image of vampires? Don't hang out with a Malfoy."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""!" Thomas didn't need to know the reason behind the way he said Bernard's last name. He only needed to see the hurt flicker across Bernard's paling face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I'm Daniel, Daniel Potter." Daniel pulled his hands out of his pockets. Holding one out to Thomas./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""If you want to change your image. We're your best bet." Thomas looked at his hand, and at Daniel's face. Daniel looked confident and cool. In his eyes though, all Thomas saw was a reflection of the people at the orphanage. A little fearful, with a strong interest in him, but for nothing he would enjoy. Even if Thomas was wrong, he couldn't shake the feeling./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Thomas looked at Bernard who was edging back into the growing crowd around him. Already accepting that Thomas would abandon him. Without a second thought Thomas reached out. Grabbing not Daniel's hand but Bernard's arm. He had no intention of becoming some vampire poster boy. Thomas was more interested in learning magic, and making real friends. Like Lars./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Stay." Thomas said. Bernard may have been scared or at least weary of him at first, maybe even now. Thomas couldn't say, he didn't have Lars's way with people. Bernard tried at least. He said he was sorry and he was trying. Bernard stayed with them on the train, and the boat. Despite thinking Pipa would sink it. Thinking back Bernard could have left at any time, but he didn't and that had to mean something./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I already found my best bet." Thomas's hand shook, but he turned and faced Daniel. "Right here." Thomas's motion not to Bernard but Pipa too./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I couldn't agree more." Lars place a hand on his shoulder. Thomas turned and received a smile. Lars had a way of helping Thomas feel more confident. "Thanks for the offer." Lars declined Daniels hand to, and it fell down to his side./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Your mistake." Daniel turned with a tsk falling off his tongue. The student parting the way for him and his friend to go though./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Bill Weasley. See you around." Bill nodded and followed his friend. Everyone turned back into their groups whispering. Taking sideways glances at Thomas's group./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""You rejected a Potter — for me?" Bernard's mouth opened a few times before his used his hand to cover it. "You'll regret that you know." Bernard whispered it, but Thomas could see the edges of a smile around Bernard's hand./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He is a Potter, and his friends are all descendant of the holy trio." Pipa brought up. Thomas shrugged and looked at Lars who also shrugged./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""So?" Thomas asked, Pipa grabbed her chest mouth dropping in shock./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""So — they're descendant's of heroes. Loved by all." Pipa shook her head. "We made, about the whole school first years group hate us." Pipa whispered looking around the group. Not looking bothered by the idea./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""More room for us?" Thomas looked around not seeing a big problem yet. If they avoided them, then Thomas would have fewer people to deal with./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""We have each other." Lars swung an arm around Thomas's neck. "No matter what our house." Thomas leaned into Lars shoulder and returned his hug./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Me too!" Pipa grabbed poor Bernard by the arm and forced him into the hug. "Mates for life!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Sounds like a plan." Lars laughed and patted Pipa's head. Thomas looked at Bernard and smiled. Bernard's eyes went wide, he wasn't expecting the hug./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""You'll get use to the hugs." Thomas offered his advice, if he got use to them, then surly Bernard could too./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Yes." Bernard smile, and Thomas couldn't help but think that Bernard was a bit cute when he smiled./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""First years this way!" Professor Walker's voice yelled, sounding as tired yelling as he went on speaking./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""It is time to get sorted!" Thomas shook and looked up at Lars. He nodded, they had a plan; for the shake of a future that Lars couldn't see. Thomas had to be strong. Trembling hard, Thomas moved forward with the group. Stepping into a great hall. They were flanked with long wooden tables. That Thomas couldn't even take a moment to appreciate. His nerves were dancing to hard inside him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Look Thomas the ceiling!" Pip tugged on his robe and pointed up. Thomas looked to see and night sky with candles for stars. It was a beautiful sight./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Wow," Thomas whispered. Pipa tugged and smiled at him, giving him a thumbs up. Up ahead was a single three leg wooden stool. With a limp and tattered hat on its circle seat. Thomas knew from his talks with Lars. His parents too, who were amazing at gathering information. Without it being a school they themselves never attended, they knew a lot. That worn and tattered grey fabric was nothing else, but the Sorting Hat./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Once all the students got lined up and faced the hat did it come alive. Rising up it to in a breath, it folds and wrinkles forming into dark eyes. It's opening the fold that created its mouth and started to sing in a rough and tumble voice./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER""Times will always change,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"But you can always count on me,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"To remain the same./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Into your houses I will arrange./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"For I am the Hogwarts Sorting Hat!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"I may not be the best looking chap,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"But let not your hearts get lost in its appall;/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"For inside I top them all!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Inside your head, I see it clear./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"The vibrations of your heart and soul,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"That's the ability of the Sorting Hat, see./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"That's how I tell — where you ought to be./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"In Gryffindor, oh Gryffindor./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"To be here, you must have a brave heart,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Wavering not with your daring and nerve./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"But don't forgot — chivalry also sets Gryffindor's apart/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Hufflepuff, Devote Hufflepuff/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"You work hard and play hard,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Your souls are loyal as they're true./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Use your patience to see who you should regard./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Ravenclaw, Earnest Ravenclaw/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"If learning is what makes your heart tick,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Then in this year you'll be thrilled to find;/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"You'll learn more by accepting teachings of every-kind./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Slytherin, Dear Slytherin/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"In your cunning you are misjudged,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Laying in your hearts are many means,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"If you don't let the past intervene./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"It's an amazing time to be alive!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"The world is yours to own!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"So come on up, and sit on down,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"And place this Sorting Hat on your crown!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Thomas joined the others in clapping for the song. Suffering from tunnel vision, Thomas didn't see anyone else in the packed room. Thomas focused on that hat, and what he had to do. It's not because he believed in Lars's visions, but because he believed in Lars himself, and wanted to help. Professor Walker came up to stand beside the stool, a large scroll unrolling in his hands. He began the most nerve wracking part of all. Name-calling, and c's was before s's. Lars was counting on him to speak up to the hat./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Psto 1464" Tripping over his own robe, the young boy stumbled forward. Blushing from the tip of his glasses to the tips of his ears. He sat on the stool shaking so hard the stool shake along with him. Thomas felt a bit bad for him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Slytherin!" Psto was out of the seat and had the hat off his head before Professor could blink. He ran to the Slytherin table like he was being chased. Was he? Thomas shook his head, and sighed in relieve alongside him when he sat down. At least he made it there./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Megan Albert." Professor Walker voice said in a sigh. With twin tails trailing behind her a blind girl ran up to the stool. Professor Walker lifted the hat and placed it on her head when she sat down./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Hufflepuff!" Sorting Hat took no time in placing the cheerful girl into her house. Thomas chest tightened at the fast pace of the decisions. The next several names were a blur./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thomas Cloverleigh." Professor Walker called out. Thomas looked at Lars. His eyes swirled different shades, and he gave him a thin smile. Lars was nerves too then. Thomas took a long breath, and walked in the silent stretch between him and the hat. The stares didn't bother him, but disappointing Lars. That would kill him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""You'll be okay." Thomas looked up surprised at Professor Walker's encouragement. He nodded at him, grateful for the small act of kindness. He sat on the stool, holding onto it's sides until he felt the wood dig into his short nails. When the hat fell on his hat, the rim shaded his eyes and made his ear tips itch./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""M mm," The hat shivered on his head like when he spoke. Thomas shook, and took in some quick breaths and ready himself for battle. "My first vampire." Thomas wasn't sure if the hat was talking out loud or in his head, so he whispered his desires./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Mr. Sorting Hat." Thomas whispered. Deciding to polite first. "I need to be in Gryffindor, please." Thomas braced himself, and waited./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Slytherin would be a better fit for you." The Sorting Hat said after some pause. "It would help grow your natural nature, bringing you to your greatest self."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I know, but..." Thomas whispered, picturing the sick and scared look on Lars's face when he woke up from that vision. "I need to be in Gryffindor." Thomas said firmly. "Please Mr. Sorting Hat." Thomas fingers hurt from clutching at the stool. "Please."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Troublesome ones pop up every generation." Thomas felt the hat shift on his head in a sigh. "Fine then."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thank you." Thomas whispered. Slumping on the stool in relieve./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat shouted. Thomas sighed rising a hand to his chest in relieve. Thomas looked at Lars, who opening smiled and clapped the loudest out of all the students. Walking on shaking legs. Thomas got a rather warm welcome from the other Gryffindor students. Sitting at an empty table, Thomas waited to see what would happen to his new friends. A few names later Pipa's turn came up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat shouted without even settling on her head. People around Thomas clapped. Thomas got tackled off the tables bench seating by Pipa's hug. Laughing some older students helped Thomas and Pipa up to watch the rest of them get sorted. When Bernard turn came, the Slytherin students perked up and started to whisper./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Bernard walked up slow, if Psto wanted out of (there) than Bernard was the opposite. The hat landed on Bernard head he looked sick. Thomas felt bad for him. On the train he worried about Slytherin house if Thomas remembered right. The Sorting Hat stayed quiet for a long time. So long Professor Walker moved his feet around, looking down at Bernard and the Sorting Hat./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Gryffindor!" The room exploded in noise. Slytherin's house yelled in denial, other houses become a blur of whispers. Bernard face remained pale, and he wobbled but made his way to Thomas and Pipa. Thomas stood up and ran to Bernard's side who leaned on him right away. Between him and Pipa they got him to sit on the bench at their table./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Lars O'Sullivan," Professor Walker continued on ignoring the ruckus. Thomas looked on as Lars walked up in a slow easy stride, and had the Sorting Hat placed on his head. Withing seconds Thomas got his answer./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Slytherin!" The Sorting Hat called out. Lars turned and winked at Thomas. Thomas clapped so hard his hands stung. They did it. Thomas sighed that would be the end of it. Thomas thought watching Lars walked and get welcome by the Slytherin house. Other names like Potter, Weasley and were soon called. Everyone got excited, but Thomas didn't care. Him, and Pipa worked on getting Bernard to get to remember how to breath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I have a few words to say before we begin our new year. First big welcome to the new faces I see this year." An older man, small round and with a curling black and white beard. He wore a gentle swirl of pale blues and greens. Stood up from the long table that Thomas just noticed. The chair behind the man detailed in gold, Thomas thought he must be a very important man./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He's the Headmaster, Professor Longbottom." Bernard used his arms on the table to steady himself. Pipa still rubbed his back, keeping a close eye on the still sick looking Bernard./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thanks" Thomas whispered. Getting a small nod when they turned back to the Headmaster's speech. Thomas found his voice soft and very soothing to listen to./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""We are all born solitary, yet after the moment we first open our eyes." He raised his hands and a brilliant ball of light appeared. Shattering into a colourful fading twinkle of rainbow coloured chains. "Chains — likes rainbows — of interactivity are formed." Closing his hands the chains vanished./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Makeshift chains, often desperate, sometimes ridiculous, always strange." His beard opened up into a brilliant smile. "It is my wish you take these chains. Every social action as an optimistic chance. An opportunity between the strange and the known."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Not only is the Universe stranger than we think, it is stranger, and more wonderful than we can ever imagine." Clapping his hands. Some students that Thomas hadn't notice earlier came from the sides. All holding giant toads!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""!" Thomas shook in horror at not only the sight of the giant bumpy croaking horrors. It was also the fact that people were not only touching them but holding them too!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Altogether now." Professor Longbottom pulled his wand out waved it around like a baton. All the older students started to sing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER""Hogwarts, Hogwarts,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Teach us something please,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Whether we be old and bald/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Or young with scabby knees,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Our heads could do with filling/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"With some interesting stuff,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"For now they're bare and full of air,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Dead flies and bits of fluff,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"So teach us things worth knowing,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Bring back what we've forgotten,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Just do your best, we'll do the rest,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"And learn until our brains all rot."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"The students and frogs croaked in harmony. It was quick to turn it into the most horrible moments in Thomas's life. Professor Longbottom seemed into it. Closing his eyes and keeping up with even the slowest of students./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Ah!" Professor Longbottom opened his eyes. Looking satisfied, Thomas was glad the whole ordeal was done. "Now let the feast begin." Waving his hands Thomas found the strong smells of food. Surrounding him and piles of food appearing out of nowhere./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""There gone now." Pipa said, Thomas assumed she meant the frogs or toads. Whatever they wanted to call them. He couldn't bring himself to look towards the head table. Who knows if one of the creatures escaped? The mere idea made the food before him look like unappetizing piles. The meal came and went quickly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Once the meal was over a small group of Students from all the house. Wearing badges on their chest gathered them together. Lars managed to give Thomas a quick hug and wink before they went their separate ways. Where Thomas went up, Lars went down. At least he had Bernard and Pipa. They walked with him, and watched with the same interests as they stopped in front of a portrait of the Fat Lady. According to Bernard was her real name./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Nicker Bonkers," An serious student who lead them here said. The Fat Lady in the photo nodded and opened her frame. Showing a secret room. Entering with the rest Thomas looked around on his own. Ignoring the boring drawl of the badge student. The room gave off a warm vibe. It was a large round room, with cozy chairs, snug sofas. Round tables in several shades of red sat in front of a crackling, burning fire. A majestic landscape picture of a lion sat proudly above it, over a shelf stacked with dusty books and a trophy. It was a nice space that Thomas felt would be easy to live in./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Following the boys to their wing. Thomas loved the large windows letting in moonlight in the round room. There is no need for ceiling lights and Thomas like the seating available by the window. With no need to sleep he could picture many of the upcoming nights there. Looking out onto the large, expansive view of the school grounds./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Thomas and Bernard were given a wide berth. Thomas didn't mind and Bernard seemed to tired to be bothered. He helped Bernard organize his things by his four-poster bed. Thomas's things were all tucked inside his black storage ring. It didn't take long for everyone to fall asleep around Thomas. In the quiet of the night, Thomas spent his first night staring out the windows of the shared bedroom. Letting his mind wonder as the mist took hold of the grounds./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thank you Asad." Turning with another sigh, he disappeared into the large wood doors. Leaving his voice behind him."Follow me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Good luck." Asad said to them, nodding to them and disappearing into the dark of the school grounds. Thomas followed Lars and walked with the other first years in a river of back flowing robes. Flagstone floors felt hard under Thomas's feet. Flaming torches lighting the halls did little to stop the chill crawling up his ups. Shivering Thomas looked around in awe. He was in a castle, a real life working castle!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Welcome to Hogwarts budding witches and wizards." Professor Walker stopped the at the top of a set of stairs. Turning his brown robes flared around him, and his wide brim hat creating a shadow on his face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""While you are here. Hogwarts will be your second home." Folding his arms across his chest he continued. "Your house will be like your family. Us professors will be your guardians, watching over you as you grow." "Like all families we have our rules. Following them will award you points." His head nodded when he spoke, Thomas imagine he could nod off to sleep at any time./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Points get automatically collected in giant hourglasses. They're set in niches along one wall in a corner of the entrance hall record the points for all to see. Gryffindor's has rubies for points. Ravenclaw's with sapphires, Hufflepuff's with diamonds, and Slytherin's with emeralds." Professor Walker's eyes narrowed. Thomas saw him glare a hole into some whispering students. "These precious stones are under guard of powerful spells."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""What is given can be taken away too." The whispering in front of the professor stopped, and he went back to his sleepy demeanour. "Points accumulate over the course of the school year. At the end of which a House Cup is awarded to the house with the most. A prize cherished by all houses."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I am Deputy Headmaster, Head of Slytherin House and your Transfiguration Professor. You may call me Professor Walker." Heaving a sigh, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll be right back for you. Try not to burn down the stairs." He slid into the door and disappeared inside it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""First years!" A zipping of cold came whirling overhead. Thomas looked up and saw a man who looked like an old, but poor court jester. His clothes were all patched up, right down to the three bells hat. Swirling around cackling as he pleased. Thomas could see right through him! A shimmering white spectre, right from the pages of a famous poet./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Nice," Thomas whispered thinking of one of his favourite poems. More amazed than scared, Thomas wondering what guilt kept the jester's soul lingering./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""There's one for each house too." Lars mummer-ed to him from his side. Thomas's look at him, surprised. Did they keep ghosts here on purpose? Or did witches and wizards turned into ghosts more often after death?/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He's Peeves — a poltergeist not a ghost." Bernard whispered. His eyes not leaving the spinning spectre./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""What's the difference?" Pipa asked, when the ghost, or poltergeist came up and behind Pipa and tugged on her hair. /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Ow!" Pipa swatted at him but her hands went right through, and Pipa shivered so hard. Thomas swore he saw her lips flicker blue./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""What does it matter what I am to you little firsty year?" He blew a raspberry at her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Leave her alone." Lars spoke up standing for Pipa. Peeves turned and stared right at Thomas, and Thomas learned that even a ghost could turn pale./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Eek!" He screamed and turned into thin air. Thomas frowned, did he scare a ghost off? With his face or...? Thomas reached up to check if his ears were still covered./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Are you okay Pipa?" Lars asked, tucking Pipa's hair back around her shoulders./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I'm fine." Pipa rubbed her arms. "Cold though."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I thought only the Bloody Baron could scare off Peeve's." Bernard muttered. Head dipped in thought. "He's scared of vampire or blood?" Bernard looked at Thomas his finger tapping on his lip./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Welcome first years!" Another clear floating man came into view. He was heavy man with a happy chubby smile on his transparent face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Fat Friar!" A girl squealed from the bottom of the stairs./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I hope to see you in Hufflepuff." He waved at her and went straight into the room beyond the wall, by going through the wall./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Nearly Headless!" Another ghost came in grabbing everyone's attention. Much more regal looking than the last./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He prefers Sir Nickolas." Thomas overheard the slap someone received. His eyes were on the next ghost travelling overhead and into the next room. Curious if it was a ghost reactions would be the same as Peeve's./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thank you, young witch." He smiled and continued on with a sad thin female travelling a few feet behind him. She didn't a word, and no one pointed out who she was. Another man came through, his body wrapped in chains and his shirt covered in blood. They all ignored Thomas, on purpose? Thomas couldn't be sure, but non of them screamed at him which was better for him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""That's the Bloody Baron." Bernard said, responding to Thomas interest in the ghost."He looks after Slytherin's house."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Who was the one before him?" Pipa asked Bernard who seemed knowledgeable on the subject of ghosts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Helena, Ravenclaw house." Bernard shook his head his eyes looked watery. "She's had it rough in life and death."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I heard there was a vampire this year." Thomas turned to see a pair of judgmental green eyes with black mop of hair. His hands tucked in his pockets, but he reminded Thomas a bit of John. Who Thomas knew both hated feared him, and like to take that out on him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""M mm," Thomas nodded and didn't hide it, not like he could anyway. Bernard's reaction to him on the train told him that word about what he was out already. Thomas tucked his hands into his sleeve robes, hiding their shaking. Hoping that things didn't go beyond words. Thomas wanted a peaceful school year./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I heard there would be a Potter attending school this year." Lars came up beside Thomas, his relaxed state made Thomas feel more at ease./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Irish?" A tanned blue-eyed boy with long brown hair tied at his nape asked Lars./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""The brogue gives me away every time." Lars flashed the boy a smile./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Pale skin, dark eyes and under that hair I bet there's pointed ears." His lips curled, "It's hard to believe they let a magical beast into this school. No matter how human it looks."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Daniel, you shouldn't do this." A small girl with striking similarities to the boy beside her. Her hair curly red, and her faced freckled, but the eyes. Were identical./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Let me deal with this Emma." He shoved her tugging hand off his sleeve./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Should you be hanging around a vampire?" The green-eyed boy, Daniel asked. Thomas twitched, demon or vampire. It seemed like his treatment would remain the same with most people. "How can you tell if you're a friend or..." Daniel dragged out his words starring Thomas down. Thomas resisted the urge to roll his eyes, the stare wasn't that bad. It would take a few more years before it could make him shake...any more than he already was. "A midnight snack." Emma beside him gasped, and the long haired boy shook his head./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I have to go." Emma said, "Sorry." Shaking her head and turned to go up the stairs. Thomas didn't get a chance to come up with a response before Pipa stormed in front of him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Hey!" Pipa marched in front poking her finger right in the boys face. "He doesn't bite people."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""How would you know?" He sneered, actually curled his lip and sneered at Pipa. Thomas frowned not liking that at all./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I asked." Pipa stomped her foot, "I learned about people before I judge them you jerk!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Didn't you judge us?" The long hair kid asked his eyebrow lifted. Only to be ignored by both, Pipa and his friend./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Didn't you come over here to start something?" Pipa countered, turning her finger and shook it at him. "You should feel ashamed. Bad boy!" Pipa spat, "Bad." Pipa was treating them like a dog? Thomas's lips twitched, it was a comical sight. Thomas heard the light cuffing of Lars's held back laughter. Leaving him unsure how to stop it or if he should at all. Pipa looked like she had it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I came over because I saw Malfoy." His green eyes narrowed at Bernard whose face looked blank. "He would hang out with the vampire." He turned his green eyes at Thomas. "You want to fix the image of vampires? Don't hang out with a Malfoy."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""!" Thomas didn't need to know the reason behind the way he said Bernard's last name. He only needed to see the hurt flicker across Bernard's paling face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I'm Daniel, Daniel Potter." Daniel pulled his hands out of his pockets. Holding one out to Thomas./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""If you want to change your image. We're your best bet." Thomas looked at his hand, and at Daniel's face. Daniel looked confident and cool. In his eyes though, all Thomas saw was a reflection of the people at the orphanage. A little fearful, with a strong interest in him, but for nothing he would enjoy. Even if Thomas was wrong, he couldn't shake the feeling./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Thomas looked at Bernard who was edging back into the growing crowd around him. Already accepting that Thomas would abandon him. Without a second thought Thomas reached out. Grabbing not Daniel's hand but Bernard's arm. He had no intention of becoming some vampire poster boy. Thomas was more interested in learning magic, and making real friends. Like Lars./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Stay." Thomas said. Bernard may have been scared or at least weary of him at first, maybe even now. Thomas couldn't say, he didn't have Lars's way with people. Bernard tried at least. He said he was sorry and he was trying. Bernard stayed with them on the train, and the boat. Despite thinking Pipa would sink it. Thinking back Bernard could have left at any time, but he didn't and that had to mean something./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I already found my best bet." Thomas's hand shook, but he turned and faced Daniel. "Right here." Thomas's motion not to Bernard but Pipa too./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I couldn't agree more." Lars place a hand on his shoulder. Thomas turned and received a smile. Lars had a way of helping Thomas feel more confident. "Thanks for the offer." Lars declined Daniels hand to, and it fell down to his side./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Your mistake." Daniel turned with a tsk falling off his tongue. The student parting the way for him and his friend to go though./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Bill Weasley. See you around." Bill nodded and followed his friend. Everyone turned back into their groups whispering. Taking sideways glances at Thomas's group./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""You rejected a Potter — for me?" Bernard's mouth opened a few times before his used his hand to cover it. "You'll regret that you know." Bernard whispered it, but Thomas could see the edges of a smile around Bernard's hand./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He is a Potter, and his friends are all descendant of the holy trio." Pipa brought up. Thomas shrugged and looked at Lars who also shrugged./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""So?" Thomas asked, Pipa grabbed her chest mouth dropping in shock./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""So — they're descendant's of heroes. Loved by all." Pipa shook her head. "We made, about the whole school first years group hate us." Pipa whispered looking around the group. Not looking bothered by the idea./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""More room for us?" Thomas looked around not seeing a big problem yet. If they avoided them, then Thomas would have fewer people to deal with./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""We have each other." Lars swung an arm around Thomas's neck. "No matter what our house." Thomas leaned into Lars shoulder and returned his hug./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Me too!" Pipa grabbed poor Bernard by the arm and forced him into the hug. "Mates for life!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Sounds like a plan." Lars laughed and patted Pipa's head. Thomas looked at Bernard and smiled. Bernard's eyes went wide, he wasn't expecting the hug./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""You'll get use to the hugs." Thomas offered his advice, if he got use to them, then surly Bernard could too./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Yes." Bernard smile, and Thomas couldn't help but think that Bernard was a bit cute when he smiled./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""First years this way!" Professor Walker's voice yelled, sounding as tired yelling as he went on speaking./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""It is time to get sorted!" Thomas shook and looked up at Lars. He nodded, they had a plan; for the shake of a future that Lars couldn't see. Thomas had to be strong. Trembling hard, Thomas moved forward with the group. Stepping into a great hall. They were flanked with long wooden tables. That Thomas couldn't even take a moment to appreciate. His nerves were dancing to hard inside him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Look Thomas the ceiling!" Pip tugged on his robe and pointed up. Thomas looked to see and night sky with candles for stars. It was a beautiful sight./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Wow," Thomas whispered. Pipa tugged and smiled at him, giving him a thumbs up. Up ahead was a single three leg wooden stool. With a limp and tattered hat on its circle seat. Thomas knew from his talks with Lars. His parents too, who were amazing at gathering information. Without it being a school they themselves never attended, they knew a lot. That worn and tattered grey fabric was nothing else, but the Sorting Hat./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Once all the students got lined up and faced the hat did it come alive. Rising up it to in a breath, it folds and wrinkles forming into dark eyes. It's opening the fold that created its mouth and started to sing in a rough and tumble voice./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER""Times will always change,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"But you can always count on me,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"To remain the same./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Into your houses I will arrange./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"For I am the Hogwarts Sorting Hat!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"I may not be the best looking chap,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"But let not your hearts get lost in its appall;/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"For inside I top them all!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Inside your head, I see it clear./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"The vibrations of your heart and soul,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"That's the ability of the Sorting Hat, see./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"That's how I tell — where you ought to be./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"In Gryffindor, oh Gryffindor./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"To be here, you must have a brave heart,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Wavering not with your daring and nerve./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"But don't forgot — chivalry also sets Gryffindor's apart/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Hufflepuff, Devote Hufflepuff/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"You work hard and play hard,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Your souls are loyal as they're true./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Use your patience to see who you should regard./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Ravenclaw, Earnest Ravenclaw/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"If learning is what makes your heart tick,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Then in this year you'll be thrilled to find;/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"You'll learn more by accepting teachings of every-kind./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Slytherin, Dear Slytherin/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"In your cunning you are misjudged,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Laying in your hearts are many means,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"If you don't let the past intervene./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"It's an amazing time to be alive!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"The world is yours to own!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"So come on up, and sit on down,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"And place this Sorting Hat on your crown!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Thomas joined the others in clapping for the song. Suffering from tunnel vision, Thomas didn't see anyone else in the packed room. Thomas focused on that hat, and what he had to do. It's not because he believed in Lars's visions, but because he believed in Lars himself, and wanted to help. Professor Walker came up to stand beside the stool, a large scroll unrolling in his hands. He began the most nerve wracking part of all. Name-calling, and c's was before s's. Lars was counting on him to speak up to the hat./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Psto 1464" Tripping over his own robe, the young boy stumbled forward. Blushing from the tip of his glasses to the tips of his ears. He sat on the stool shaking so hard the stool shake along with him. Thomas felt a bit bad for him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Slytherin!" Psto was out of the seat and had the hat off his head before Professor could blink. He ran to the Slytherin table like he was being chased. Was he? Thomas shook his head, and sighed in relieve alongside him when he sat down. At least he made it there./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Megan Albert." Professor Walker voice said in a sigh. With twin tails trailing behind her a blind girl ran up to the stool. Professor Walker lifted the hat and placed it on her head when she sat down./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Hufflepuff!" Sorting Hat took no time in placing the cheerful girl into her house. Thomas chest tightened at the fast pace of the decisions. The next several names were a blur./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thomas Cloverleigh." Professor Walker called out. Thomas looked at Lars. His eyes swirled different shades, and he gave him a thin smile. Lars was nerves too then. Thomas took a long breath, and walked in the silent stretch between him and the hat. The stares didn't bother him, but disappointing Lars. That would kill him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""You'll be okay." Thomas looked up surprised at Professor Walker's encouragement. He nodded at him, grateful for the small act of kindness. He sat on the stool, holding onto it's sides until he felt the wood dig into his short nails. When the hat fell on his hat, the rim shaded his eyes and made his ear tips itch./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""M mm," The hat shivered on his head like when he spoke. Thomas shook, and took in some quick breaths and ready himself for battle. "My first vampire." Thomas wasn't sure if the hat was talking out loud or in his head, so he whispered his desires./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Mr. Sorting Hat." Thomas whispered. Deciding to polite first. "I need to be in Gryffindor, please." Thomas braced himself, and waited./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Slytherin would be a better fit for you." The Sorting Hat said after some pause. "It would help grow your natural nature, bringing you to your greatest self."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I know, but..." Thomas whispered, picturing the sick and scared look on Lars's face when he woke up from that vision. "I need to be in Gryffindor." Thomas said firmly. "Please Mr. Sorting Hat." Thomas fingers hurt from clutching at the stool. "Please."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Troublesome ones pop up every generation." Thomas felt the hat shift on his head in a sigh. "Fine then."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thank you." Thomas whispered. Slumping on the stool in relieve./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat shouted. Thomas sighed rising a hand to his chest in relieve. Thomas looked at Lars, who opening smiled and clapped the loudest out of all the students. Walking on shaking legs. Thomas got a rather warm welcome from the other Gryffindor students. Sitting at an empty table, Thomas waited to see what would happen to his new friends. A few names later Pipa's turn came up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat shouted without even settling on her head. People around Thomas clapped. Thomas got tackled off the tables bench seating by Pipa's hug. Laughing some older students helped Thomas and Pipa up to watch the rest of them get sorted. When Bernard turn came, the Slytherin students perked up and started to whisper./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Bernard walked up slow, if Psto wanted out of (there) than Bernard was the opposite. The hat landed on Bernard head he looked sick. Thomas felt bad for him. On the train he worried about Slytherin house if Thomas remembered right. The Sorting Hat stayed quiet for a long time. So long Professor Walker moved his feet around, looking down at Bernard and the Sorting Hat./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Gryffindor!" The room exploded in noise. Slytherin's house yelled in denial, other houses become a blur of whispers. Bernard face remained pale, and he wobbled but made his way to Thomas and Pipa. Thomas stood up and ran to Bernard's side who leaned on him right away. Between him and Pipa they got him to sit on the bench at their table./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Lars O'Sullivan," Professor Walker continued on ignoring the ruckus. Thomas looked on as Lars walked up in a slow easy stride, and had the Sorting Hat placed on his head. Withing seconds Thomas got his answer./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Slytherin!" The Sorting Hat called out. Lars turned and winked at Thomas. Thomas clapped so hard his hands stung. They did it. Thomas sighed that would be the end of it. Thomas thought watching Lars walked and get welcome by the Slytherin house. Other names like Potter, Weasley and were soon called. Everyone got excited, but Thomas didn't care. Him, and Pipa worked on getting Bernard to get to remember how to breath./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""I have a few words to say before we begin our new year. First big welcome to the new faces I see this year." An older man, small round and with a curling black and white beard. He wore a gentle swirl of pale blues and greens. Stood up from the long table that Thomas just noticed. The chair behind the man detailed in gold, Thomas thought he must be a very important man./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""He's the Headmaster, Professor Longbottom." Bernard used his arms on the table to steady himself. Pipa still rubbed his back, keeping a close eye on the still sick looking Bernard./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Thanks" Thomas whispered. Getting a small nod when they turned back to the Headmaster's speech. Thomas found his voice soft and very soothing to listen to./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""We are all born solitary, yet after the moment we first open our eyes." He raised his hands and a brilliant ball of light appeared. Shattering into a colourful fading twinkle of rainbow coloured chains. "Chains — likes rainbows — of interactivity are formed." Closing his hands the chains vanished./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Makeshift chains, often desperate, sometimes ridiculous, always strange." His beard opened up into a brilliant smile. "It is my wish you take these chains. Every social action as an optimistic chance. An opportunity between the strange and the known."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Not only is the Universe stranger than we think, it is stranger, and more wonderful than we can ever imagine." Clapping his hands. Some students that Thomas hadn't notice earlier came from the sides. All holding giant toads!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""!" Thomas shook in horror at not only the sight of the giant bumpy croaking horrors. It was also the fact that people were not only touching them but holding them too!/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Altogether now." Professor Longbottom pulled his wand out waved it around like a baton. All the older students started to sing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER""Hogwarts, Hogwarts,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Teach us something please,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Whether we be old and bald/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Or young with scabby knees,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Our heads could do with filling/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"With some interesting stuff,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"For now they're bare and full of air,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Dead flies and bits of fluff,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"So teach us things worth knowing,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Bring back what we've forgotten,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"Just do your best, we'll do the rest,/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"And learn until our brains all rot."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"The students and frogs croaked in harmony. It was quick to turn it into the most horrible moments in Thomas's life. Professor Longbottom seemed into it. Closing his eyes and keeping up with even the slowest of students./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Ah!" Professor Longbottom opened his eyes. Looking satisfied, Thomas was glad the whole ordeal was done. "Now let the feast begin." Waving his hands Thomas found the strong smells of food. Surrounding him and piles of food appearing out of nowhere./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""There gone now." Pipa said, Thomas assumed she meant the frogs or toads. Whatever they wanted to call them. He couldn't bring himself to look towards the head table. Who knows if one of the creatures escaped? The mere idea made the food before him look like unappetizing piles. The meal came and went quickly./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Once the meal was over a small group of Students from all the house. Wearing badges on their chest gathered them together. Lars managed to give Thomas a quick hug and wink before they went their separate ways. Where Thomas went up, Lars went down. At least he had Bernard and Pipa. They walked with him, and watched with the same interests as they stopped in front of a portrait of the Fat Lady. According to Bernard was her real name./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;""Nicker Bonkers," An serious student who lead them here said. The Fat Lady in the photo nodded and opened her frame. Showing a secret room. Entering with the rest Thomas looked around on his own. Ignoring the boring drawl of the badge student. The room gave off a warm vibe. It was a large round room, with cozy chairs, snug sofas. Round tables in several shades of red sat in front of a crackling, burning fire. A majestic landscape picture of a lion sat proudly above it, over a shelf stacked with dusty books and a trophy. It was a nice space that Thomas felt would be easy to live in./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Following the boys to their wing. Thomas loved the large windows letting in moonlight in the round room. There is no need for ceiling lights and Thomas like the seating available by the window. With no need to sleep he could picture many of the upcoming nights there. Looking out onto the large, expansive view of the school grounds./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Thomas and Bernard were given a wide berth. Thomas didn't mind and Bernard seemed to tired to be bothered. He helped Bernard organize his things by his four-poster bed. Thomas's things were all tucked inside his black storage ring. It didn't take long for everyone to fall asleep around Thomas. In the quiet of the night, Thomas spent his first night staring out the windows of the shared bedroom. Letting his mind wonder as the mist took hold of the grounds./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p