Omninihil Chapter Three - As-Sorted Confusion
This chapter is dedicated to Gandhi, because my little sister didn't know who he was and I find that scary.
Standard disclaimer applies.
As the group entered the enormous and dimly lit Entrance Hall, the only sound was that of footsteps on the stone floor. The flaming torches that lined the walls left burning afterimages on Odelia's eyes. She was too busy observing her surroundings to listen to the witch's speech about the Sorting ceremony, only catching the bit about smartening up while they waited. Automatically she straightened errant locks of hair, tugged her robes into position and scraped some dirt off of her boot.
"Oooh, look at the ickle first years!" exclaimed a cackling voice. Levitating near the ceiling was what seemed to be a small man with an extremely obnoxious face. Several children shrieked at this apparition and many began to chatter, but Odelia knew that it was only Peeves the poltergeist. No cause for alarm, she rationalized, and was about to tell the others students so when Peeves began hitting random children with what appeared to be a rubber chicken.
"Aah!"
"Get it away from me!"
"Help!"
"Ai-ya!" From the throng, one student threw a wand like a boomerang. The wooden rod hit Peeves on the forehead and bounced back to its owner, who turned out to be (to Odelia's amazement) Kira. The line erupted with cheers, and Kira blushed while the brown-haired boy next to her looked impressed. Peeves yelped and zoomed away from the area.
"That was rather impressive," admitted the tall witch - Professor McGonagall - who appeared to have witnessed the event. "Five points to whatever House you end up in." Odelia grinned to herself before remembering that the Sorting was about to begin. "In line, please," continued the Professor, "and follow me." Odelia dutifully fell into line behind Ignatius as the Professor led them into an even larger room, the Great Hall.
This room was far more exciting than the last. Odelia couldn't stop gazing at the five tables - one for each House and one for the teachers - lit by hovering candles. She almost tripped over somebody else's foot while staring up at the famous enchanted ceiling, through which each star shone with brightness and clarity. Odette waved frantically from the Hufflepuff table, and Odelia managed a feeble smile. Her stomach gave a quick jump as Professor McGonagall brought out a three-legged stool and set a dilapidated hat on top of it. All occupants of the room fell silent. A rip in the hat opened like a mouth and began to sing:
"This school in which you stand right now
Was built quite long ago.
Four wizards joined their forces strong
To forge the place you know.
Their students were divided then
Four Houses held them all.
Now I take on the ancient task:
Deciding where you'll fall.
Do your mind and clever wit
Hold all your friends in awe?
We've got the perfect place for you;
You'll be a Ravenclaw!
And if hard work and loyalty's
In everything you do,
Come and I'll Sort you straight away -
It's Hufflepuff for you!
If courage, nerve and daring
Make sure your life's no bore,
Try me on now and I'll put
You into Gryffindor!
If you think that cunning plans
Are just what you were meant
For, you'll be put in Slytherin
Where you'll be quite content.
Come one, come all, get Sorted -
Satisfaction guaranteed!
We'll see your time at Hogwarts is
A happy one, indeed!"
There was a quick burst of applause. Odelia clapped, though she wasn't particularly impressed with some of the rhymes. Then the room became quiet again and Professor McGonagall began to call out names. Odelia could feel herself turn as green as her boots, which were glowing in the dimness of the Hall.
"Anastas, Ignatius!"
Ignatius winced before stumbling up to the stool. He sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head; it quickly fell to cover his face. For a moment there was silence. Then the hat declared, "RAVENCLAW!" Ignatius removed it, looking relieved, and grinned at Odelia before dissolving into the cheering Ravenclaw table.
"Andrews, Nora!"
A tall blonde girl ran to the hat, as if to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible. She was quickly proclaimed a "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Axle, Robert!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Bagshot, Cynthia!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Berry, Edward!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Brightling, Iris!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Odelia found herself about to chew on her knuckles but stopped the process immediately. 'Just a school, just a hat, just a House…' the names began to blend with the cheers of the older students in her head. She started humming softly to calm herself, ignoring the disbelieving looks of several students near her.
"Delwin, Odelia!" Odelia gulped and, still humming, approached the Sorting hat. She almost collapsed onto the stool and tossed the hat onto her head. In an eternity of a moment, all was anticipatory silence. Then came what she dreaded - the hat's judgment. What terrible truths would it reveal?
How very interesting…
Just don't say I'm like Odette, Odelia prayed.
Worry not; you're not at all like your sister. Not at all. You're a puzzle, child…
A puzzle? Odelia winced; surely this meant she didn't belong anywhere.
Keep your robes on; I'm not finished yet. Such intensity… such duality. You're driven on one side by an almost unnatural desire to do good and on the other by bitter rage. You resent your family yet are fiercely loyal to them… you desperately want people to like you but act as if you don't care. Well, well. I believe you'll be the first OMNINIHIL!
Odelia took off the hat in shock. Omninihil? That wasn't a House. She looked helplessly at the other occupants of the room, but most of them seemed just as confused as she. Finally she glanced at Headmaster Dumbledore, who smiled slightly and gestured to a small empty table Odelia was sure she hadn't seen before. Amid whispers but no cheers, Odelia seated herself at the table pondering one thing: Had the hat created a new House just for her?
The sorting continued with no more unusual occurrences, though Odelia didn't pay much attention. At the moment, she wished more than anything that Aura were there with her; being the only one at a table was quite awkward. She would even have been glad of Odette's presence.
"Fairfax, Garland!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Filbert, Jonathon!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Flynn, Liam!"
A long pause. Then: "OMNINIHIL!" The crowd was silent again as the brown-haired boy from the train headed towards Odelia's table. With a quiet determination, Odelia began to clap, though it sounded strange against the stony quiet. Odette and some of her Hufflepuff friends began to applaud as well, then Tolkien Girl and a few Ravenclaws. By the time Liam Flynn reached the Omninihil table, there was a decent amount of noise.
"What the heck is going on?" he hissed, taking a seat across from Odelia.
"I have no idea," she replied with a shrug, "But I think it's safe to assume that there are now five Houses." She stared in wonder at the three candles suspended above the table as Liam banged his elbows onto the wooden surface.
"This has got to be a joke," he muttered, a black scowl making his eyebrows dive over irises of clear blue. Odelia didn't mind his foul mood; being at a table with one other person was immeasurably better than being alone.
"Hamilton, Linnet!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Harper, Donovan!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"What did the hat say to you?" Liam demanded abruptly with a pensive look on his face.
Odelia wasn't sure she wanted to share the hat's comments. "It said I was a puzzle… and that I was interesting. And it talked about duality, and then said I would be the first Omninihil." Deciding to deflect the attention from herself, she countered, "What did it say to you?"
Liam looked uncomfortable. "Uh… talked about conflict and things like that." Odelia resisted the urge to snort and tied her bootlace instead. She noticed a few other students staring at her and gave her best "Queen Elizabeth" wave.
"Lance, Thomas!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Lang, Selena!" Selena sauntered up to the hat, though Odelia was pleased to note that the girl was shaking. It took a while to decide on her, and Odelia feared for a moment that Selena would become the next Omninihil.
"RAVENCLAW!" Selena smiled prettily and sat down next to Ignatius. Odelia glared at the patch of floor near the Ravenclaw table.
"Such a snob," she muttered venomously. Liam glanced at Selena and shrugged noncommittally. "Met her on the train," Odelia explained, and Liam nodded in understanding. With a sigh of boredom, Odelia leaned back and crossed her arms over her stomach, gazing at the enchanted ceiling.
"Morrow, Helen!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Nero, Devin!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Odelia had never thought the Sorting would take so long, though the fact that so few people were Sorted into her own House - she had a House now! She was a student! exclaimed a small part of her brain - might have had something to do with it. Still, she wished she could eat while the Sorting was occurring.
"Ryan, Evan!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Sellers, Kira!" Odelia and Liam quickly turned to Kira, whose normally pink face had gone pale as she took the hat from Evan Ryan and set it on her own head. The room was engulfed by silence for what seemed like eternity; Odelia hoped against all reason that Kira would be placed in…
"OMNINIHIL!" Odelia felt a grin of relief spread across her face as she and Liam clapped. Kira grinned back as she joined the table.
"I don't know what's going on," she expressed, "but I'm glad we're together." She and Liam seemed to have gotten to know each other on the train; Liam's scowl ceased momentarily to give Kira a surprisingly sunny smile.
"Starling, Hyacinth!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Sterling, Michael!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Swenson, Samuel!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"I hope it ends soon; I'm hungry," Liam complained. "And I want to know what's going on." His blue eyes suddenly widened and he clapped his hands over his face. "Oh no! How are we supposed to have a Quidditch team? That hat's defective!"
"Do you even play Quidditch?" Odelia cut in, slightly annoyed at the onslaught of complaints.
"Well, no," Liam admitted, "but I was going to try." Kira stopped tapping out a rhythm on the table with her wand and raised an eyebrow at Liam.
"That was lame." She then returned to her percussion, not noticing Liam's scowl deepen. Odelia wondered if his face would be stuck that way.
"Yule, Meadow!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
With that, Professor McGonagall carried the hat and stool away and the Great Hall erupted with boisterous cheers. The three Omninihils joined in. The Headmaster stood at his place at the Head Table and gestured for silence. Most of the students complied, though there were still a few whispers.
"Before we begin what I'm sure will be an exciting new year," Dumbledore began, "I am compelled to make a few quick announcements. First, all students are now allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest." The Hall was as silent as still water. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled from behind half-moon spectacles. "Not." There were several disappointed groans. "Sorry, but I had to get your attention. The Forbidden Forest is off-limits as usual, and first years are not allowed broomsticks without special permission. Mr. Filch has requested that I emphasize the importance of clean floors in the school; if it is possible for you to levitate through the hallways, please do so." Was he joking or serious? It was impossible to tell. "As I'm sure you have noticed, we have a new House this year. I hope you will all welcome Omninihil." He retained his poise while students began to chatter and whisper again. "Remember, the quieter you are the sooner you can eat." Silence.
"As most of you know, the Hogwarts Houses are named after the school's founders - Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. What most people don't know is that they had an assistant of sorts, a very bright young woman by the name of Ondine Omninihil." Odelia leaned forward to catch every word; at last things were being explained. Liam stopped scowling to improve his concentration, and Kira bit one of her fingernails.
"Omninihil was known as a child prodigy; at the age of seventeen she was already a skilled witch. According to records, she asked to help with the Hogwarts project and was received enthusiastically. Unfortunately, there was an… accident… later and Omninihil was driven away and never seen again. Her name has been wiped from most documents concerning Hogwarts's history, but the fact remains that she was the fifth Founder. I ask our three Omninihils to approach me after the feast for further information. Let's eat!"
Odelia jerked away from the table as it began to fill with dishes of food. She was amused to see that Liam's elbow was stuck in a bowl of mashed potatoes, but handed him a napkin to help clean it off. Kira kept an admirably straight face and remarked, "It's going to be an interesting year, eh?"
"Indeed it is," Odelia replied, attempting to use two forks at once to fill her plate faster. Kira tried to wave her wand and make the food come to her, but ended up hitting Odelia's arm. "Hey, careful there!"
Kira shrank back for a moment, face crimson and eyebrows almost hidden in her hair. Odelia smiled to show that it was no big deal, inwardly sighing at Kira's over sensitivity. Oh well, she thought, if they can put up with my faults I can put up with theirs. Liam wasn't eating; instead he sat heavily in his chair, looking at a kidney pie with disgust. "Something wrong?" Odelia inquired gently, not wanting to inspire another rant.
"Food's got too much meat in it," Liam grumbled more quietly than usual.
Odelia raised a dark eyebrow. "Are you a vegetarian?" Liam nodded, 'Do you have a problem with that?' plastered over his face. Odelia only smiled and slid the plate of string beans under Kira's arm. "These better?" A relieved grin replaced Liam's stoic countenance.
Even the best of meals can only go on so long, and so it was with this one. The plates began to disappear. Odelia held onto one to see what would happen, but it vanished from her grasp. Drowsy from the long day and large repast, she rested her head on the back of her chair and tried to count the stars while Dumbledore instructed all students to follow their prefects to their common rooms. "Wonder if we have a common room," Odelia whispered absently. As the rest of the students left the room in a collective osmosis, Odelia headed in the direction of Dumbledore and beckoned her housemates to follow her.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir?" Odelia gazed respectfully at the venerable wizard, who was speaking to another teacher with graying hair and kind eyes. "We're the Omninihils…"
"Ah, yes." Dumbledore smiled benevolently. "I would like you to meet Professor Lupin, your de facto Head of House, since none of the professors were in Omninihil." Odelia beamed and tried to keep from radiating enthusiasm; according to Odette, Lupin was the best Professor ever. "Due the small number of students in your House, you will have Transfiguration with Gryffindor, Defense Against the Dark Arts with Ravenclaw, History of Magic with Hufflepuff, Charms with Slytherin, Herbology with Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and Potions with Ravenclaw and Slytherin." He looked at Liam's confused expression and chuckled. "You needn't try to remember all of that; it'll be on your schedules. Now, I'm sure you're all tired, so Professor Lupin will lead you to your common room and sleeping quarters."
"Thank you, sir," murmured Odelia, who seemed to have silently been elected the group's spokesperson. Lupin smiled at the three first years and gestured in the direction of the Entrance Hall; the students followed obediently like a row of ducklings.
"I must say," Lupin expressed, ascending the marble staircase, "This Sorting was one of the most interesting in several years." He grinned candidly. "It may earn an article in the Daily Prophet."
"Stupid media," grumbled Liam, trying to avoid tripping over his robes.
"Well, maybe we could tell the reporters that you have an embarrassing skin condition if they try to take your picture," Odelia offered with a wicked grin.
"Eh, well, I don't know if that would be necessary," Liam replied hurriedly. "I mean, my mum and dad wouldn't be happy about it."
Kira sighed in mock admiration. "Such a martyr." Odelia noticed that although Lupin didn't interrupt the students' exchange, he was still grinning. Once on the second floor, the small group turned to the right and reached a carved circle, etched lightly into the stone wall.
"Puffapod," announced Lupin, and a hidden door slid open to reveal a room. Of medium size, its walls were papered in a pattern of interlocking teal and salmon swirls. A thick salmon-colored carpet covered the floor, and a mobile of shimmering black feathers dangled from the ceiling. There was a curved teal couch in each corner of the back of the room, with a gray stone fireplace between them. Fir cones burned in this hearth, releasing scented smoke to the sky. There was a teal-painted door with salmon trim on each side of the room, presumably leading to boys' and girls' dorms. "Nice room," Lupin commented, and then laughed. "I'll confess that I'm as new to being Head of House as you are to being students, so I might make a few mistakes. Just talk to me if you need anything, or if you feel like other Professors" (his eyebrows furrowed slightly) "are treating you unfairly. The door on the left is for boys and the one on the right is for girls. Anything more you need?"
The three Omninihils looked at each other and collectively shrugged.
"Guess not," Liam surmised, looking less grouchy than usual.
"Thanks for helping us get settled," added Odelia, in accord with her parents' instructions and her own feelings.
Lupin smiled and stifled a yawn. "I'll see you all tomorrow then. Don't forget the password." With that, he exited the common room and the door slid shut behind him. Odelia, Liam and Kira stared at each other for a moment in mutual uncertainty. Then Odelia yawned, and the other two followed suit.
"I'm going to hit the sack. It's late and I'll bet we're supposed to get up early tomorrow," predicted Kira. Odelia nodded consent.
"Yeah," Liam agreed, "I guess I'll go to bed too. G'night." He strolled toward the door on the left as Odelia and Kira headed to the one on the right.
The dorms, like the common room, were carpeted in thick salmon, but gray stone replaced the pattern of the latter. Teal silk hangings enclosed two beds with a window between them; Odelia's luggage sat in front of one, Kira's before the other. The witches climbed into their respective beds with whispers of "Good night," and Odelia pulled her curtains shut to change into her nightgown.
"Hey, Odelia!" Kira whispered as loudly as possible.
"What?" Odelia poked her head out from between the curtains.
"The crest on our robes has changed; look at yours," Kira explained. Odelia complied and had to keep herself from gasping. Between the Hufflepuff badger and the Ravenclaw eagle, on a background of teal and salmon, was a black swan.
---
As the group entered the enormous and dimly lit Entrance Hall, the only sound was that of footsteps on the stone floor. The flaming torches that lined the walls left burning afterimages on Odelia's eyes. She was too busy observing her surroundings to listen to the witch's speech about the Sorting ceremony, only catching the bit about smartening up while they waited. Automatically she straightened errant locks of hair, tugged her robes into position and scraped some dirt off of her boot.
"Oooh, look at the ickle first years!" exclaimed a cackling voice. Levitating near the ceiling was what seemed to be a small man with an extremely obnoxious face. Several children shrieked at this apparition and many began to chatter, but Odelia knew that it was only Peeves the poltergeist. No cause for alarm, she rationalized, and was about to tell the others students so when Peeves began hitting random children with what appeared to be a rubber chicken.
"Aah!"
"Get it away from me!"
"Help!"
"Ai-ya!" From the throng, one student threw a wand like a boomerang. The wooden rod hit Peeves on the forehead and bounced back to its owner, who turned out to be (to Odelia's amazement) Kira. The line erupted with cheers, and Kira blushed while the brown-haired boy next to her looked impressed. Peeves yelped and zoomed away from the area.
"That was rather impressive," admitted the tall witch - Professor McGonagall - who appeared to have witnessed the event. "Five points to whatever House you end up in." Odelia grinned to herself before remembering that the Sorting was about to begin. "In line, please," continued the Professor, "and follow me." Odelia dutifully fell into line behind Ignatius as the Professor led them into an even larger room, the Great Hall.
This room was far more exciting than the last. Odelia couldn't stop gazing at the five tables - one for each House and one for the teachers - lit by hovering candles. She almost tripped over somebody else's foot while staring up at the famous enchanted ceiling, through which each star shone with brightness and clarity. Odette waved frantically from the Hufflepuff table, and Odelia managed a feeble smile. Her stomach gave a quick jump as Professor McGonagall brought out a three-legged stool and set a dilapidated hat on top of it. All occupants of the room fell silent. A rip in the hat opened like a mouth and began to sing:
"This school in which you stand right now
Was built quite long ago.
Four wizards joined their forces strong
To forge the place you know.
Their students were divided then
Four Houses held them all.
Now I take on the ancient task:
Deciding where you'll fall.
Do your mind and clever wit
Hold all your friends in awe?
We've got the perfect place for you;
You'll be a Ravenclaw!
And if hard work and loyalty's
In everything you do,
Come and I'll Sort you straight away -
It's Hufflepuff for you!
If courage, nerve and daring
Make sure your life's no bore,
Try me on now and I'll put
You into Gryffindor!
If you think that cunning plans
Are just what you were meant
For, you'll be put in Slytherin
Where you'll be quite content.
Come one, come all, get Sorted -
Satisfaction guaranteed!
We'll see your time at Hogwarts is
A happy one, indeed!"
There was a quick burst of applause. Odelia clapped, though she wasn't particularly impressed with some of the rhymes. Then the room became quiet again and Professor McGonagall began to call out names. Odelia could feel herself turn as green as her boots, which were glowing in the dimness of the Hall.
"Anastas, Ignatius!"
Ignatius winced before stumbling up to the stool. He sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head; it quickly fell to cover his face. For a moment there was silence. Then the hat declared, "RAVENCLAW!" Ignatius removed it, looking relieved, and grinned at Odelia before dissolving into the cheering Ravenclaw table.
"Andrews, Nora!"
A tall blonde girl ran to the hat, as if to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible. She was quickly proclaimed a "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Axle, Robert!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Bagshot, Cynthia!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Berry, Edward!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Brightling, Iris!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Odelia found herself about to chew on her knuckles but stopped the process immediately. 'Just a school, just a hat, just a House…' the names began to blend with the cheers of the older students in her head. She started humming softly to calm herself, ignoring the disbelieving looks of several students near her.
"Delwin, Odelia!" Odelia gulped and, still humming, approached the Sorting hat. She almost collapsed onto the stool and tossed the hat onto her head. In an eternity of a moment, all was anticipatory silence. Then came what she dreaded - the hat's judgment. What terrible truths would it reveal?
How very interesting…
Just don't say I'm like Odette, Odelia prayed.
Worry not; you're not at all like your sister. Not at all. You're a puzzle, child…
A puzzle? Odelia winced; surely this meant she didn't belong anywhere.
Keep your robes on; I'm not finished yet. Such intensity… such duality. You're driven on one side by an almost unnatural desire to do good and on the other by bitter rage. You resent your family yet are fiercely loyal to them… you desperately want people to like you but act as if you don't care. Well, well. I believe you'll be the first OMNINIHIL!
Odelia took off the hat in shock. Omninihil? That wasn't a House. She looked helplessly at the other occupants of the room, but most of them seemed just as confused as she. Finally she glanced at Headmaster Dumbledore, who smiled slightly and gestured to a small empty table Odelia was sure she hadn't seen before. Amid whispers but no cheers, Odelia seated herself at the table pondering one thing: Had the hat created a new House just for her?
The sorting continued with no more unusual occurrences, though Odelia didn't pay much attention. At the moment, she wished more than anything that Aura were there with her; being the only one at a table was quite awkward. She would even have been glad of Odette's presence.
"Fairfax, Garland!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Filbert, Jonathon!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Flynn, Liam!"
A long pause. Then: "OMNINIHIL!" The crowd was silent again as the brown-haired boy from the train headed towards Odelia's table. With a quiet determination, Odelia began to clap, though it sounded strange against the stony quiet. Odette and some of her Hufflepuff friends began to applaud as well, then Tolkien Girl and a few Ravenclaws. By the time Liam Flynn reached the Omninihil table, there was a decent amount of noise.
"What the heck is going on?" he hissed, taking a seat across from Odelia.
"I have no idea," she replied with a shrug, "But I think it's safe to assume that there are now five Houses." She stared in wonder at the three candles suspended above the table as Liam banged his elbows onto the wooden surface.
"This has got to be a joke," he muttered, a black scowl making his eyebrows dive over irises of clear blue. Odelia didn't mind his foul mood; being at a table with one other person was immeasurably better than being alone.
"Hamilton, Linnet!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Harper, Donovan!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"What did the hat say to you?" Liam demanded abruptly with a pensive look on his face.
Odelia wasn't sure she wanted to share the hat's comments. "It said I was a puzzle… and that I was interesting. And it talked about duality, and then said I would be the first Omninihil." Deciding to deflect the attention from herself, she countered, "What did it say to you?"
Liam looked uncomfortable. "Uh… talked about conflict and things like that." Odelia resisted the urge to snort and tied her bootlace instead. She noticed a few other students staring at her and gave her best "Queen Elizabeth" wave.
"Lance, Thomas!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Lang, Selena!" Selena sauntered up to the hat, though Odelia was pleased to note that the girl was shaking. It took a while to decide on her, and Odelia feared for a moment that Selena would become the next Omninihil.
"RAVENCLAW!" Selena smiled prettily and sat down next to Ignatius. Odelia glared at the patch of floor near the Ravenclaw table.
"Such a snob," she muttered venomously. Liam glanced at Selena and shrugged noncommittally. "Met her on the train," Odelia explained, and Liam nodded in understanding. With a sigh of boredom, Odelia leaned back and crossed her arms over her stomach, gazing at the enchanted ceiling.
"Morrow, Helen!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Nero, Devin!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Odelia had never thought the Sorting would take so long, though the fact that so few people were Sorted into her own House - she had a House now! She was a student! exclaimed a small part of her brain - might have had something to do with it. Still, she wished she could eat while the Sorting was occurring.
"Ryan, Evan!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Sellers, Kira!" Odelia and Liam quickly turned to Kira, whose normally pink face had gone pale as she took the hat from Evan Ryan and set it on her own head. The room was engulfed by silence for what seemed like eternity; Odelia hoped against all reason that Kira would be placed in…
"OMNINIHIL!" Odelia felt a grin of relief spread across her face as she and Liam clapped. Kira grinned back as she joined the table.
"I don't know what's going on," she expressed, "but I'm glad we're together." She and Liam seemed to have gotten to know each other on the train; Liam's scowl ceased momentarily to give Kira a surprisingly sunny smile.
"Starling, Hyacinth!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Sterling, Michael!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Swenson, Samuel!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"I hope it ends soon; I'm hungry," Liam complained. "And I want to know what's going on." His blue eyes suddenly widened and he clapped his hands over his face. "Oh no! How are we supposed to have a Quidditch team? That hat's defective!"
"Do you even play Quidditch?" Odelia cut in, slightly annoyed at the onslaught of complaints.
"Well, no," Liam admitted, "but I was going to try." Kira stopped tapping out a rhythm on the table with her wand and raised an eyebrow at Liam.
"That was lame." She then returned to her percussion, not noticing Liam's scowl deepen. Odelia wondered if his face would be stuck that way.
"Yule, Meadow!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
With that, Professor McGonagall carried the hat and stool away and the Great Hall erupted with boisterous cheers. The three Omninihils joined in. The Headmaster stood at his place at the Head Table and gestured for silence. Most of the students complied, though there were still a few whispers.
"Before we begin what I'm sure will be an exciting new year," Dumbledore began, "I am compelled to make a few quick announcements. First, all students are now allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest." The Hall was as silent as still water. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled from behind half-moon spectacles. "Not." There were several disappointed groans. "Sorry, but I had to get your attention. The Forbidden Forest is off-limits as usual, and first years are not allowed broomsticks without special permission. Mr. Filch has requested that I emphasize the importance of clean floors in the school; if it is possible for you to levitate through the hallways, please do so." Was he joking or serious? It was impossible to tell. "As I'm sure you have noticed, we have a new House this year. I hope you will all welcome Omninihil." He retained his poise while students began to chatter and whisper again. "Remember, the quieter you are the sooner you can eat." Silence.
"As most of you know, the Hogwarts Houses are named after the school's founders - Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. What most people don't know is that they had an assistant of sorts, a very bright young woman by the name of Ondine Omninihil." Odelia leaned forward to catch every word; at last things were being explained. Liam stopped scowling to improve his concentration, and Kira bit one of her fingernails.
"Omninihil was known as a child prodigy; at the age of seventeen she was already a skilled witch. According to records, she asked to help with the Hogwarts project and was received enthusiastically. Unfortunately, there was an… accident… later and Omninihil was driven away and never seen again. Her name has been wiped from most documents concerning Hogwarts's history, but the fact remains that she was the fifth Founder. I ask our three Omninihils to approach me after the feast for further information. Let's eat!"
Odelia jerked away from the table as it began to fill with dishes of food. She was amused to see that Liam's elbow was stuck in a bowl of mashed potatoes, but handed him a napkin to help clean it off. Kira kept an admirably straight face and remarked, "It's going to be an interesting year, eh?"
"Indeed it is," Odelia replied, attempting to use two forks at once to fill her plate faster. Kira tried to wave her wand and make the food come to her, but ended up hitting Odelia's arm. "Hey, careful there!"
Kira shrank back for a moment, face crimson and eyebrows almost hidden in her hair. Odelia smiled to show that it was no big deal, inwardly sighing at Kira's over sensitivity. Oh well, she thought, if they can put up with my faults I can put up with theirs. Liam wasn't eating; instead he sat heavily in his chair, looking at a kidney pie with disgust. "Something wrong?" Odelia inquired gently, not wanting to inspire another rant.
"Food's got too much meat in it," Liam grumbled more quietly than usual.
Odelia raised a dark eyebrow. "Are you a vegetarian?" Liam nodded, 'Do you have a problem with that?' plastered over his face. Odelia only smiled and slid the plate of string beans under Kira's arm. "These better?" A relieved grin replaced Liam's stoic countenance.
Even the best of meals can only go on so long, and so it was with this one. The plates began to disappear. Odelia held onto one to see what would happen, but it vanished from her grasp. Drowsy from the long day and large repast, she rested her head on the back of her chair and tried to count the stars while Dumbledore instructed all students to follow their prefects to their common rooms. "Wonder if we have a common room," Odelia whispered absently. As the rest of the students left the room in a collective osmosis, Odelia headed in the direction of Dumbledore and beckoned her housemates to follow her.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir?" Odelia gazed respectfully at the venerable wizard, who was speaking to another teacher with graying hair and kind eyes. "We're the Omninihils…"
"Ah, yes." Dumbledore smiled benevolently. "I would like you to meet Professor Lupin, your de facto Head of House, since none of the professors were in Omninihil." Odelia beamed and tried to keep from radiating enthusiasm; according to Odette, Lupin was the best Professor ever. "Due the small number of students in your House, you will have Transfiguration with Gryffindor, Defense Against the Dark Arts with Ravenclaw, History of Magic with Hufflepuff, Charms with Slytherin, Herbology with Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and Potions with Ravenclaw and Slytherin." He looked at Liam's confused expression and chuckled. "You needn't try to remember all of that; it'll be on your schedules. Now, I'm sure you're all tired, so Professor Lupin will lead you to your common room and sleeping quarters."
"Thank you, sir," murmured Odelia, who seemed to have silently been elected the group's spokesperson. Lupin smiled at the three first years and gestured in the direction of the Entrance Hall; the students followed obediently like a row of ducklings.
"I must say," Lupin expressed, ascending the marble staircase, "This Sorting was one of the most interesting in several years." He grinned candidly. "It may earn an article in the Daily Prophet."
"Stupid media," grumbled Liam, trying to avoid tripping over his robes.
"Well, maybe we could tell the reporters that you have an embarrassing skin condition if they try to take your picture," Odelia offered with a wicked grin.
"Eh, well, I don't know if that would be necessary," Liam replied hurriedly. "I mean, my mum and dad wouldn't be happy about it."
Kira sighed in mock admiration. "Such a martyr." Odelia noticed that although Lupin didn't interrupt the students' exchange, he was still grinning. Once on the second floor, the small group turned to the right and reached a carved circle, etched lightly into the stone wall.
"Puffapod," announced Lupin, and a hidden door slid open to reveal a room. Of medium size, its walls were papered in a pattern of interlocking teal and salmon swirls. A thick salmon-colored carpet covered the floor, and a mobile of shimmering black feathers dangled from the ceiling. There was a curved teal couch in each corner of the back of the room, with a gray stone fireplace between them. Fir cones burned in this hearth, releasing scented smoke to the sky. There was a teal-painted door with salmon trim on each side of the room, presumably leading to boys' and girls' dorms. "Nice room," Lupin commented, and then laughed. "I'll confess that I'm as new to being Head of House as you are to being students, so I might make a few mistakes. Just talk to me if you need anything, or if you feel like other Professors" (his eyebrows furrowed slightly) "are treating you unfairly. The door on the left is for boys and the one on the right is for girls. Anything more you need?"
The three Omninihils looked at each other and collectively shrugged.
"Guess not," Liam surmised, looking less grouchy than usual.
"Thanks for helping us get settled," added Odelia, in accord with her parents' instructions and her own feelings.
Lupin smiled and stifled a yawn. "I'll see you all tomorrow then. Don't forget the password." With that, he exited the common room and the door slid shut behind him. Odelia, Liam and Kira stared at each other for a moment in mutual uncertainty. Then Odelia yawned, and the other two followed suit.
"I'm going to hit the sack. It's late and I'll bet we're supposed to get up early tomorrow," predicted Kira. Odelia nodded consent.
"Yeah," Liam agreed, "I guess I'll go to bed too. G'night." He strolled toward the door on the left as Odelia and Kira headed to the one on the right.
The dorms, like the common room, were carpeted in thick salmon, but gray stone replaced the pattern of the latter. Teal silk hangings enclosed two beds with a window between them; Odelia's luggage sat in front of one, Kira's before the other. The witches climbed into their respective beds with whispers of "Good night," and Odelia pulled her curtains shut to change into her nightgown.
"Hey, Odelia!" Kira whispered as loudly as possible.
"What?" Odelia poked her head out from between the curtains.
"The crest on our robes has changed; look at yours," Kira explained. Odelia complied and had to keep herself from gasping. Between the Hufflepuff badger and the Ravenclaw eagle, on a background of teal and salmon, was a black swan.
---
This chapter is dedicated to Gandhi, because my little sister didn't know who he was and I find that scary.
Standard disclaimer applies.
As the group entered the enormous and dimly lit Entrance Hall, the only sound was that of footsteps on the stone floor. The flaming torches that lined the walls left burning afterimages on Odelia's eyes. She was too busy observing her surroundings to listen to the witch's speech about the Sorting ceremony, only catching the bit about smartening up while they waited. Automatically she straightened errant locks of hair, tugged her robes into position and scraped some dirt off of her boot.
"Oooh, look at the ickle first years!" exclaimed a cackling voice. Levitating near the ceiling was what seemed to be a small man with an extremely obnoxious face. Several children shrieked at this apparition and many began to chatter, but Odelia knew that it was only Peeves the poltergeist. No cause for alarm, she rationalized, and was about to tell the others students so when Peeves began hitting random children with what appeared to be a rubber chicken.
"Aah!"
"Get it away from me!"
"Help!"
"Ai-ya!" From the throng, one student threw a wand like a boomerang. The wooden rod hit Peeves on the forehead and bounced back to its owner, who turned out to be (to Odelia's amazement) Kira. The line erupted with cheers, and Kira blushed while the brown-haired boy next to her looked impressed. Peeves yelped and zoomed away from the area.
"That was rather impressive," admitted the tall witch - Professor McGonagall - who appeared to have witnessed the event. "Five points to whatever House you end up in." Odelia grinned to herself before remembering that the Sorting was about to begin. "In line, please," continued the Professor, "and follow me." Odelia dutifully fell into line behind Ignatius as the Professor led them into an even larger room, the Great Hall.
This room was far more exciting than the last. Odelia couldn't stop gazing at the five tables - one for each House and one for the teachers - lit by hovering candles. She almost tripped over somebody else's foot while staring up at the famous enchanted ceiling, through which each star shone with brightness and clarity. Odette waved frantically from the Hufflepuff table, and Odelia managed a feeble smile. Her stomach gave a quick jump as Professor McGonagall brought out a three-legged stool and set a dilapidated hat on top of it. All occupants of the room fell silent. A rip in the hat opened like a mouth and began to sing:
"This school in which you stand right now
Was built quite long ago.
Four wizards joined their forces strong
To forge the place you know.
Their students were divided then
Four Houses held them all.
Now I take on the ancient task:
Deciding where you'll fall.
Do your mind and clever wit
Hold all your friends in awe?
We've got the perfect place for you;
You'll be a Ravenclaw!
And if hard work and loyalty's
In everything you do,
Come and I'll Sort you straight away -
It's Hufflepuff for you!
If courage, nerve and daring
Make sure your life's no bore,
Try me on now and I'll put
You into Gryffindor!
If you think that cunning plans
Are just what you were meant
For, you'll be put in Slytherin
Where you'll be quite content.
Come one, come all, get Sorted -
Satisfaction guaranteed!
We'll see your time at Hogwarts is
A happy one, indeed!"
There was a quick burst of applause. Odelia clapped, though she wasn't particularly impressed with some of the rhymes. Then the room became quiet again and Professor McGonagall began to call out names. Odelia could feel herself turn as green as her boots, which were glowing in the dimness of the Hall.
"Anastas, Ignatius!"
Ignatius winced before stumbling up to the stool. He sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head; it quickly fell to cover his face. For a moment there was silence. Then the hat declared, "RAVENCLAW!" Ignatius removed it, looking relieved, and grinned at Odelia before dissolving into the cheering Ravenclaw table.
"Andrews, Nora!"
A tall blonde girl ran to the hat, as if to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible. She was quickly proclaimed a "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Axle, Robert!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Bagshot, Cynthia!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Berry, Edward!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Brightling, Iris!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Odelia found herself about to chew on her knuckles but stopped the process immediately. 'Just a school, just a hat, just a House…' the names began to blend with the cheers of the older students in her head. She started humming softly to calm herself, ignoring the disbelieving looks of several students near her.
"Delwin, Odelia!" Odelia gulped and, still humming, approached the Sorting hat. She almost collapsed onto the stool and tossed the hat onto her head. In an eternity of a moment, all was anticipatory silence. Then came what she dreaded - the hat's judgment. What terrible truths would it reveal?
How very interesting…
Just don't say I'm like Odette, Odelia prayed.
Worry not; you're not at all like your sister. Not at all. You're a puzzle, child…
A puzzle? Odelia winced; surely this meant she didn't belong anywhere.
Keep your robes on; I'm not finished yet. Such intensity… such duality. You're driven on one side by an almost unnatural desire to do good and on the other by bitter rage. You resent your family yet are fiercely loyal to them… you desperately want people to like you but act as if you don't care. Well, well. I believe you'll be the first OMNINIHIL!
Odelia took off the hat in shock. Omninihil? That wasn't a House. She looked helplessly at the other occupants of the room, but most of them seemed just as confused as she. Finally she glanced at Headmaster Dumbledore, who smiled slightly and gestured to a small empty table Odelia was sure she hadn't seen before. Amid whispers but no cheers, Odelia seated herself at the table pondering one thing: Had the hat created a new House just for her?
The sorting continued with no more unusual occurrences, though Odelia didn't pay much attention. At the moment, she wished more than anything that Aura were there with her; being the only one at a table was quite awkward. She would even have been glad of Odette's presence.
"Fairfax, Garland!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Filbert, Jonathon!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Flynn, Liam!"
A long pause. Then: "OMNINIHIL!" The crowd was silent again as the brown-haired boy from the train headed towards Odelia's table. With a quiet determination, Odelia began to clap, though it sounded strange against the stony quiet. Odette and some of her Hufflepuff friends began to applaud as well, then Tolkien Girl and a few Ravenclaws. By the time Liam Flynn reached the Omninihil table, there was a decent amount of noise.
"What the heck is going on?" he hissed, taking a seat across from Odelia.
"I have no idea," she replied with a shrug, "But I think it's safe to assume that there are now five Houses." She stared in wonder at the three candles suspended above the table as Liam banged his elbows onto the wooden surface.
"This has got to be a joke," he muttered, a black scowl making his eyebrows dive over irises of clear blue. Odelia didn't mind his foul mood; being at a table with one other person was immeasurably better than being alone.
"Hamilton, Linnet!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Harper, Donovan!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"What did the hat say to you?" Liam demanded abruptly with a pensive look on his face.
Odelia wasn't sure she wanted to share the hat's comments. "It said I was a puzzle… and that I was interesting. And it talked about duality, and then said I would be the first Omninihil." Deciding to deflect the attention from herself, she countered, "What did it say to you?"
Liam looked uncomfortable. "Uh… talked about conflict and things like that." Odelia resisted the urge to snort and tied her bootlace instead. She noticed a few other students staring at her and gave her best "Queen Elizabeth" wave.
"Lance, Thomas!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Lang, Selena!" Selena sauntered up to the hat, though Odelia was pleased to note that the girl was shaking. It took a while to decide on her, and Odelia feared for a moment that Selena would become the next Omninihil.
"RAVENCLAW!" Selena smiled prettily and sat down next to Ignatius. Odelia glared at the patch of floor near the Ravenclaw table.
"Such a snob," she muttered venomously. Liam glanced at Selena and shrugged noncommittally. "Met her on the train," Odelia explained, and Liam nodded in understanding. With a sigh of boredom, Odelia leaned back and crossed her arms over her stomach, gazing at the enchanted ceiling.
"Morrow, Helen!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Nero, Devin!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Odelia had never thought the Sorting would take so long, though the fact that so few people were Sorted into her own House - she had a House now! She was a student! exclaimed a small part of her brain - might have had something to do with it. Still, she wished she could eat while the Sorting was occurring.
"Ryan, Evan!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Sellers, Kira!" Odelia and Liam quickly turned to Kira, whose normally pink face had gone pale as she took the hat from Evan Ryan and set it on her own head. The room was engulfed by silence for what seemed like eternity; Odelia hoped against all reason that Kira would be placed in…
"OMNINIHIL!" Odelia felt a grin of relief spread across her face as she and Liam clapped. Kira grinned back as she joined the table.
"I don't know what's going on," she expressed, "but I'm glad we're together." She and Liam seemed to have gotten to know each other on the train; Liam's scowl ceased momentarily to give Kira a surprisingly sunny smile.
"Starling, Hyacinth!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Sterling, Michael!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Swenson, Samuel!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"I hope it ends soon; I'm hungry," Liam complained. "And I want to know what's going on." His blue eyes suddenly widened and he clapped his hands over his face. "Oh no! How are we supposed to have a Quidditch team? That hat's defective!"
"Do you even play Quidditch?" Odelia cut in, slightly annoyed at the onslaught of complaints.
"Well, no," Liam admitted, "but I was going to try." Kira stopped tapping out a rhythm on the table with her wand and raised an eyebrow at Liam.
"That was lame." She then returned to her percussion, not noticing Liam's scowl deepen. Odelia wondered if his face would be stuck that way.
"Yule, Meadow!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
With that, Professor McGonagall carried the hat and stool away and the Great Hall erupted with boisterous cheers. The three Omninihils joined in. The Headmaster stood at his place at the Head Table and gestured for silence. Most of the students complied, though there were still a few whispers.
"Before we begin what I'm sure will be an exciting new year," Dumbledore began, "I am compelled to make a few quick announcements. First, all students are now allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest." The Hall was as silent as still water. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled from behind half-moon spectacles. "Not." There were several disappointed groans. "Sorry, but I had to get your attention. The Forbidden Forest is off-limits as usual, and first years are not allowed broomsticks without special permission. Mr. Filch has requested that I emphasize the importance of clean floors in the school; if it is possible for you to levitate through the hallways, please do so." Was he joking or serious? It was impossible to tell. "As I'm sure you have noticed, we have a new House this year. I hope you will all welcome Omninihil." He retained his poise while students began to chatter and whisper again. "Remember, the quieter you are the sooner you can eat." Silence.
"As most of you know, the Hogwarts Houses are named after the school's founders - Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. What most people don't know is that they had an assistant of sorts, a very bright young woman by the name of Ondine Omninihil." Odelia leaned forward to catch every word; at last things were being explained. Liam stopped scowling to improve his concentration, and Kira bit one of her fingernails.
"Omninihil was known as a child prodigy; at the age of seventeen she was already a skilled witch. According to records, she asked to help with the Hogwarts project and was received enthusiastically. Unfortunately, there was an… accident… later and Omninihil was driven away and never seen again. Her name has been wiped from most documents concerning Hogwarts's history, but the fact remains that she was the fifth Founder. I ask our three Omninihils to approach me after the feast for further information. Let's eat!"
Odelia jerked away from the table as it began to fill with dishes of food. She was amused to see that Liam's elbow was stuck in a bowl of mashed potatoes, but handed him a napkin to help clean it off. Kira kept an admirably straight face and remarked, "It's going to be an interesting year, eh?"
"Indeed it is," Odelia replied, attempting to use two forks at once to fill her plate faster. Kira tried to wave her wand and make the food come to her, but ended up hitting Odelia's arm. "Hey, careful there!"
Kira shrank back for a moment, face crimson and eyebrows almost hidden in her hair. Odelia smiled to show that it was no big deal, inwardly sighing at Kira's over sensitivity. Oh well, she thought, if they can put up with my faults I can put up with theirs. Liam wasn't eating; instead he sat heavily in his chair, looking at a kidney pie with disgust. "Something wrong?" Odelia inquired gently, not wanting to inspire another rant.
"Food's got too much meat in it," Liam grumbled more quietly than usual.
Odelia raised a dark eyebrow. "Are you a vegetarian?" Liam nodded, 'Do you have a problem with that?' plastered over his face. Odelia only smiled and slid the plate of string beans under Kira's arm. "These better?" A relieved grin replaced Liam's stoic countenance.
Even the best of meals can only go on so long, and so it was with this one. The plates began to disappear. Odelia held onto one to see what would happen, but it vanished from her grasp. Drowsy from the long day and large repast, she rested her head on the back of her chair and tried to count the stars while Dumbledore instructed all students to follow their prefects to their common rooms. "Wonder if we have a common room," Odelia whispered absently. As the rest of the students left the room in a collective osmosis, Odelia headed in the direction of Dumbledore and beckoned her housemates to follow her.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir?" Odelia gazed respectfully at the venerable wizard, who was speaking to another teacher with graying hair and kind eyes. "We're the Omninihils…"
"Ah, yes." Dumbledore smiled benevolently. "I would like you to meet Professor Lupin, your de facto Head of House, since none of the professors were in Omninihil." Odelia beamed and tried to keep from radiating enthusiasm; according to Odette, Lupin was the best Professor ever. "Due the small number of students in your House, you will have Transfiguration with Gryffindor, Defense Against the Dark Arts with Ravenclaw, History of Magic with Hufflepuff, Charms with Slytherin, Herbology with Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and Potions with Ravenclaw and Slytherin." He looked at Liam's confused expression and chuckled. "You needn't try to remember all of that; it'll be on your schedules. Now, I'm sure you're all tired, so Professor Lupin will lead you to your common room and sleeping quarters."
"Thank you, sir," murmured Odelia, who seemed to have silently been elected the group's spokesperson. Lupin smiled at the three first years and gestured in the direction of the Entrance Hall; the students followed obediently like a row of ducklings.
"I must say," Lupin expressed, ascending the marble staircase, "This Sorting was one of the most interesting in several years." He grinned candidly. "It may earn an article in the Daily Prophet."
"Stupid media," grumbled Liam, trying to avoid tripping over his robes.
"Well, maybe we could tell the reporters that you have an embarrassing skin condition if they try to take your picture," Odelia offered with a wicked grin.
"Eh, well, I don't know if that would be necessary," Liam replied hurriedly. "I mean, my mum and dad wouldn't be happy about it."
Kira sighed in mock admiration. "Such a martyr." Odelia noticed that although Lupin didn't interrupt the students' exchange, he was still grinning. Once on the second floor, the small group turned to the right and reached a carved circle, etched lightly into the stone wall.
"Puffapod," announced Lupin, and a hidden door slid open to reveal a room. Of medium size, its walls were papered in a pattern of interlocking teal and salmon swirls. A thick salmon-colored carpet covered the floor, and a mobile of shimmering black feathers dangled from the ceiling. There was a curved teal couch in each corner of the back of the room, with a gray stone fireplace between them. Fir cones burned in this hearth, releasing scented smoke to the sky. There was a teal-painted door with salmon trim on each side of the room, presumably leading to boys' and girls' dorms. "Nice room," Lupin commented, and then laughed. "I'll confess that I'm as new to being Head of House as you are to being students, so I might make a few mistakes. Just talk to me if you need anything, or if you feel like other Professors" (his eyebrows furrowed slightly) "are treating you unfairly. The door on the left is for boys and the one on the right is for girls. Anything more you need?"
The three Omninihils looked at each other and collectively shrugged.
"Guess not," Liam surmised, looking less grouchy than usual.
"Thanks for helping us get settled," added Odelia, in accord with her parents' instructions and her own feelings.
Lupin smiled and stifled a yawn. "I'll see you all tomorrow then. Don't forget the password." With that, he exited the common room and the door slid shut behind him. Odelia, Liam and Kira stared at each other for a moment in mutual uncertainty. Then Odelia yawned, and the other two followed suit.
"I'm going to hit the sack. It's late and I'll bet we're supposed to get up early tomorrow," predicted Kira. Odelia nodded consent.
"Yeah," Liam agreed, "I guess I'll go to bed too. G'night." He strolled toward the door on the left as Odelia and Kira headed to the one on the right.
The dorms, like the common room, were carpeted in thick salmon, but gray stone replaced the pattern of the latter. Teal silk hangings enclosed two beds with a window between them; Odelia's luggage sat in front of one, Kira's before the other. The witches climbed into their respective beds with whispers of "Good night," and Odelia pulled her curtains shut to change into her nightgown.
"Hey, Odelia!" Kira whispered as loudly as possible.
"What?" Odelia poked her head out from between the curtains.
"The crest on our robes has changed; look at yours," Kira explained. Odelia complied and had to keep herself from gasping. Between the Hufflepuff badger and the Ravenclaw eagle, on a background of teal and salmon, was a black swan.
---
As the group entered the enormous and dimly lit Entrance Hall, the only sound was that of footsteps on the stone floor. The flaming torches that lined the walls left burning afterimages on Odelia's eyes. She was too busy observing her surroundings to listen to the witch's speech about the Sorting ceremony, only catching the bit about smartening up while they waited. Automatically she straightened errant locks of hair, tugged her robes into position and scraped some dirt off of her boot.
"Oooh, look at the ickle first years!" exclaimed a cackling voice. Levitating near the ceiling was what seemed to be a small man with an extremely obnoxious face. Several children shrieked at this apparition and many began to chatter, but Odelia knew that it was only Peeves the poltergeist. No cause for alarm, she rationalized, and was about to tell the others students so when Peeves began hitting random children with what appeared to be a rubber chicken.
"Aah!"
"Get it away from me!"
"Help!"
"Ai-ya!" From the throng, one student threw a wand like a boomerang. The wooden rod hit Peeves on the forehead and bounced back to its owner, who turned out to be (to Odelia's amazement) Kira. The line erupted with cheers, and Kira blushed while the brown-haired boy next to her looked impressed. Peeves yelped and zoomed away from the area.
"That was rather impressive," admitted the tall witch - Professor McGonagall - who appeared to have witnessed the event. "Five points to whatever House you end up in." Odelia grinned to herself before remembering that the Sorting was about to begin. "In line, please," continued the Professor, "and follow me." Odelia dutifully fell into line behind Ignatius as the Professor led them into an even larger room, the Great Hall.
This room was far more exciting than the last. Odelia couldn't stop gazing at the five tables - one for each House and one for the teachers - lit by hovering candles. She almost tripped over somebody else's foot while staring up at the famous enchanted ceiling, through which each star shone with brightness and clarity. Odette waved frantically from the Hufflepuff table, and Odelia managed a feeble smile. Her stomach gave a quick jump as Professor McGonagall brought out a three-legged stool and set a dilapidated hat on top of it. All occupants of the room fell silent. A rip in the hat opened like a mouth and began to sing:
"This school in which you stand right now
Was built quite long ago.
Four wizards joined their forces strong
To forge the place you know.
Their students were divided then
Four Houses held them all.
Now I take on the ancient task:
Deciding where you'll fall.
Do your mind and clever wit
Hold all your friends in awe?
We've got the perfect place for you;
You'll be a Ravenclaw!
And if hard work and loyalty's
In everything you do,
Come and I'll Sort you straight away -
It's Hufflepuff for you!
If courage, nerve and daring
Make sure your life's no bore,
Try me on now and I'll put
You into Gryffindor!
If you think that cunning plans
Are just what you were meant
For, you'll be put in Slytherin
Where you'll be quite content.
Come one, come all, get Sorted -
Satisfaction guaranteed!
We'll see your time at Hogwarts is
A happy one, indeed!"
There was a quick burst of applause. Odelia clapped, though she wasn't particularly impressed with some of the rhymes. Then the room became quiet again and Professor McGonagall began to call out names. Odelia could feel herself turn as green as her boots, which were glowing in the dimness of the Hall.
"Anastas, Ignatius!"
Ignatius winced before stumbling up to the stool. He sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head; it quickly fell to cover his face. For a moment there was silence. Then the hat declared, "RAVENCLAW!" Ignatius removed it, looking relieved, and grinned at Odelia before dissolving into the cheering Ravenclaw table.
"Andrews, Nora!"
A tall blonde girl ran to the hat, as if to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible. She was quickly proclaimed a "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Axle, Robert!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Bagshot, Cynthia!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Berry, Edward!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Brightling, Iris!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Odelia found herself about to chew on her knuckles but stopped the process immediately. 'Just a school, just a hat, just a House…' the names began to blend with the cheers of the older students in her head. She started humming softly to calm herself, ignoring the disbelieving looks of several students near her.
"Delwin, Odelia!" Odelia gulped and, still humming, approached the Sorting hat. She almost collapsed onto the stool and tossed the hat onto her head. In an eternity of a moment, all was anticipatory silence. Then came what she dreaded - the hat's judgment. What terrible truths would it reveal?
How very interesting…
Just don't say I'm like Odette, Odelia prayed.
Worry not; you're not at all like your sister. Not at all. You're a puzzle, child…
A puzzle? Odelia winced; surely this meant she didn't belong anywhere.
Keep your robes on; I'm not finished yet. Such intensity… such duality. You're driven on one side by an almost unnatural desire to do good and on the other by bitter rage. You resent your family yet are fiercely loyal to them… you desperately want people to like you but act as if you don't care. Well, well. I believe you'll be the first OMNINIHIL!
Odelia took off the hat in shock. Omninihil? That wasn't a House. She looked helplessly at the other occupants of the room, but most of them seemed just as confused as she. Finally she glanced at Headmaster Dumbledore, who smiled slightly and gestured to a small empty table Odelia was sure she hadn't seen before. Amid whispers but no cheers, Odelia seated herself at the table pondering one thing: Had the hat created a new House just for her?
The sorting continued with no more unusual occurrences, though Odelia didn't pay much attention. At the moment, she wished more than anything that Aura were there with her; being the only one at a table was quite awkward. She would even have been glad of Odette's presence.
"Fairfax, Garland!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Filbert, Jonathon!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Flynn, Liam!"
A long pause. Then: "OMNINIHIL!" The crowd was silent again as the brown-haired boy from the train headed towards Odelia's table. With a quiet determination, Odelia began to clap, though it sounded strange against the stony quiet. Odette and some of her Hufflepuff friends began to applaud as well, then Tolkien Girl and a few Ravenclaws. By the time Liam Flynn reached the Omninihil table, there was a decent amount of noise.
"What the heck is going on?" he hissed, taking a seat across from Odelia.
"I have no idea," she replied with a shrug, "But I think it's safe to assume that there are now five Houses." She stared in wonder at the three candles suspended above the table as Liam banged his elbows onto the wooden surface.
"This has got to be a joke," he muttered, a black scowl making his eyebrows dive over irises of clear blue. Odelia didn't mind his foul mood; being at a table with one other person was immeasurably better than being alone.
"Hamilton, Linnet!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Harper, Donovan!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"What did the hat say to you?" Liam demanded abruptly with a pensive look on his face.
Odelia wasn't sure she wanted to share the hat's comments. "It said I was a puzzle… and that I was interesting. And it talked about duality, and then said I would be the first Omninihil." Deciding to deflect the attention from herself, she countered, "What did it say to you?"
Liam looked uncomfortable. "Uh… talked about conflict and things like that." Odelia resisted the urge to snort and tied her bootlace instead. She noticed a few other students staring at her and gave her best "Queen Elizabeth" wave.
"Lance, Thomas!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Lang, Selena!" Selena sauntered up to the hat, though Odelia was pleased to note that the girl was shaking. It took a while to decide on her, and Odelia feared for a moment that Selena would become the next Omninihil.
"RAVENCLAW!" Selena smiled prettily and sat down next to Ignatius. Odelia glared at the patch of floor near the Ravenclaw table.
"Such a snob," she muttered venomously. Liam glanced at Selena and shrugged noncommittally. "Met her on the train," Odelia explained, and Liam nodded in understanding. With a sigh of boredom, Odelia leaned back and crossed her arms over her stomach, gazing at the enchanted ceiling.
"Morrow, Helen!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Nero, Devin!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Odelia had never thought the Sorting would take so long, though the fact that so few people were Sorted into her own House - she had a House now! She was a student! exclaimed a small part of her brain - might have had something to do with it. Still, she wished she could eat while the Sorting was occurring.
"Ryan, Evan!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Sellers, Kira!" Odelia and Liam quickly turned to Kira, whose normally pink face had gone pale as she took the hat from Evan Ryan and set it on her own head. The room was engulfed by silence for what seemed like eternity; Odelia hoped against all reason that Kira would be placed in…
"OMNINIHIL!" Odelia felt a grin of relief spread across her face as she and Liam clapped. Kira grinned back as she joined the table.
"I don't know what's going on," she expressed, "but I'm glad we're together." She and Liam seemed to have gotten to know each other on the train; Liam's scowl ceased momentarily to give Kira a surprisingly sunny smile.
"Starling, Hyacinth!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Sterling, Michael!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Swenson, Samuel!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"I hope it ends soon; I'm hungry," Liam complained. "And I want to know what's going on." His blue eyes suddenly widened and he clapped his hands over his face. "Oh no! How are we supposed to have a Quidditch team? That hat's defective!"
"Do you even play Quidditch?" Odelia cut in, slightly annoyed at the onslaught of complaints.
"Well, no," Liam admitted, "but I was going to try." Kira stopped tapping out a rhythm on the table with her wand and raised an eyebrow at Liam.
"That was lame." She then returned to her percussion, not noticing Liam's scowl deepen. Odelia wondered if his face would be stuck that way.
"Yule, Meadow!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
With that, Professor McGonagall carried the hat and stool away and the Great Hall erupted with boisterous cheers. The three Omninihils joined in. The Headmaster stood at his place at the Head Table and gestured for silence. Most of the students complied, though there were still a few whispers.
"Before we begin what I'm sure will be an exciting new year," Dumbledore began, "I am compelled to make a few quick announcements. First, all students are now allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest." The Hall was as silent as still water. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled from behind half-moon spectacles. "Not." There were several disappointed groans. "Sorry, but I had to get your attention. The Forbidden Forest is off-limits as usual, and first years are not allowed broomsticks without special permission. Mr. Filch has requested that I emphasize the importance of clean floors in the school; if it is possible for you to levitate through the hallways, please do so." Was he joking or serious? It was impossible to tell. "As I'm sure you have noticed, we have a new House this year. I hope you will all welcome Omninihil." He retained his poise while students began to chatter and whisper again. "Remember, the quieter you are the sooner you can eat." Silence.
"As most of you know, the Hogwarts Houses are named after the school's founders - Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. What most people don't know is that they had an assistant of sorts, a very bright young woman by the name of Ondine Omninihil." Odelia leaned forward to catch every word; at last things were being explained. Liam stopped scowling to improve his concentration, and Kira bit one of her fingernails.
"Omninihil was known as a child prodigy; at the age of seventeen she was already a skilled witch. According to records, she asked to help with the Hogwarts project and was received enthusiastically. Unfortunately, there was an… accident… later and Omninihil was driven away and never seen again. Her name has been wiped from most documents concerning Hogwarts's history, but the fact remains that she was the fifth Founder. I ask our three Omninihils to approach me after the feast for further information. Let's eat!"
Odelia jerked away from the table as it began to fill with dishes of food. She was amused to see that Liam's elbow was stuck in a bowl of mashed potatoes, but handed him a napkin to help clean it off. Kira kept an admirably straight face and remarked, "It's going to be an interesting year, eh?"
"Indeed it is," Odelia replied, attempting to use two forks at once to fill her plate faster. Kira tried to wave her wand and make the food come to her, but ended up hitting Odelia's arm. "Hey, careful there!"
Kira shrank back for a moment, face crimson and eyebrows almost hidden in her hair. Odelia smiled to show that it was no big deal, inwardly sighing at Kira's over sensitivity. Oh well, she thought, if they can put up with my faults I can put up with theirs. Liam wasn't eating; instead he sat heavily in his chair, looking at a kidney pie with disgust. "Something wrong?" Odelia inquired gently, not wanting to inspire another rant.
"Food's got too much meat in it," Liam grumbled more quietly than usual.
Odelia raised a dark eyebrow. "Are you a vegetarian?" Liam nodded, 'Do you have a problem with that?' plastered over his face. Odelia only smiled and slid the plate of string beans under Kira's arm. "These better?" A relieved grin replaced Liam's stoic countenance.
Even the best of meals can only go on so long, and so it was with this one. The plates began to disappear. Odelia held onto one to see what would happen, but it vanished from her grasp. Drowsy from the long day and large repast, she rested her head on the back of her chair and tried to count the stars while Dumbledore instructed all students to follow their prefects to their common rooms. "Wonder if we have a common room," Odelia whispered absently. As the rest of the students left the room in a collective osmosis, Odelia headed in the direction of Dumbledore and beckoned her housemates to follow her.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir?" Odelia gazed respectfully at the venerable wizard, who was speaking to another teacher with graying hair and kind eyes. "We're the Omninihils…"
"Ah, yes." Dumbledore smiled benevolently. "I would like you to meet Professor Lupin, your de facto Head of House, since none of the professors were in Omninihil." Odelia beamed and tried to keep from radiating enthusiasm; according to Odette, Lupin was the best Professor ever. "Due the small number of students in your House, you will have Transfiguration with Gryffindor, Defense Against the Dark Arts with Ravenclaw, History of Magic with Hufflepuff, Charms with Slytherin, Herbology with Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and Potions with Ravenclaw and Slytherin." He looked at Liam's confused expression and chuckled. "You needn't try to remember all of that; it'll be on your schedules. Now, I'm sure you're all tired, so Professor Lupin will lead you to your common room and sleeping quarters."
"Thank you, sir," murmured Odelia, who seemed to have silently been elected the group's spokesperson. Lupin smiled at the three first years and gestured in the direction of the Entrance Hall; the students followed obediently like a row of ducklings.
"I must say," Lupin expressed, ascending the marble staircase, "This Sorting was one of the most interesting in several years." He grinned candidly. "It may earn an article in the Daily Prophet."
"Stupid media," grumbled Liam, trying to avoid tripping over his robes.
"Well, maybe we could tell the reporters that you have an embarrassing skin condition if they try to take your picture," Odelia offered with a wicked grin.
"Eh, well, I don't know if that would be necessary," Liam replied hurriedly. "I mean, my mum and dad wouldn't be happy about it."
Kira sighed in mock admiration. "Such a martyr." Odelia noticed that although Lupin didn't interrupt the students' exchange, he was still grinning. Once on the second floor, the small group turned to the right and reached a carved circle, etched lightly into the stone wall.
"Puffapod," announced Lupin, and a hidden door slid open to reveal a room. Of medium size, its walls were papered in a pattern of interlocking teal and salmon swirls. A thick salmon-colored carpet covered the floor, and a mobile of shimmering black feathers dangled from the ceiling. There was a curved teal couch in each corner of the back of the room, with a gray stone fireplace between them. Fir cones burned in this hearth, releasing scented smoke to the sky. There was a teal-painted door with salmon trim on each side of the room, presumably leading to boys' and girls' dorms. "Nice room," Lupin commented, and then laughed. "I'll confess that I'm as new to being Head of House as you are to being students, so I might make a few mistakes. Just talk to me if you need anything, or if you feel like other Professors" (his eyebrows furrowed slightly) "are treating you unfairly. The door on the left is for boys and the one on the right is for girls. Anything more you need?"
The three Omninihils looked at each other and collectively shrugged.
"Guess not," Liam surmised, looking less grouchy than usual.
"Thanks for helping us get settled," added Odelia, in accord with her parents' instructions and her own feelings.
Lupin smiled and stifled a yawn. "I'll see you all tomorrow then. Don't forget the password." With that, he exited the common room and the door slid shut behind him. Odelia, Liam and Kira stared at each other for a moment in mutual uncertainty. Then Odelia yawned, and the other two followed suit.
"I'm going to hit the sack. It's late and I'll bet we're supposed to get up early tomorrow," predicted Kira. Odelia nodded consent.
"Yeah," Liam agreed, "I guess I'll go to bed too. G'night." He strolled toward the door on the left as Odelia and Kira headed to the one on the right.
The dorms, like the common room, were carpeted in thick salmon, but gray stone replaced the pattern of the latter. Teal silk hangings enclosed two beds with a window between them; Odelia's luggage sat in front of one, Kira's before the other. The witches climbed into their respective beds with whispers of "Good night," and Odelia pulled her curtains shut to change into her nightgown.
"Hey, Odelia!" Kira whispered as loudly as possible.
"What?" Odelia poked her head out from between the curtains.
"The crest on our robes has changed; look at yours," Kira explained. Odelia complied and had to keep herself from gasping. Between the Hufflepuff badger and the Ravenclaw eagle, on a background of teal and salmon, was a black swan.
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