Chap9-The Sorting

~Chapter 9: The Sorting

The Great Hall became a still silence as all the students and teachers left. Professor Dumbledore instructed Dar, Lor and Red to stay inside the castle.

"There are classes going on outside," he started to say.

"And you don't want us disrupting it, yeah we know." Dar finished. They walked out of the Great Hall and down a corridor. It was quiet except for the far away clatter of classrooms. The paintings grew bored staring at the Americans and ignored them as they walked past.

"What do you want to do?" Lor asked them as a water painting caught her eye. They stopped somewhere on the third floor. Closed doors surrounded them as Red and Dar both looked out the nearby window.

"Look!" They both shouted together. Lor, who was staring at a painting of a salt-water merpeople, turned towards them and looked out the window. Just out of the corner of the window they could catch a glimpse of the Quidditch field.

"They have a Quidditch stadium here?!" Lor exclaimed. Quidditch were one of the threes' favorite pastimes. When they were 6, they played every single evening before dinner for about half a year. But being only a threesome team, they learned how to play differently at Cranely.

"Maybe we could play some time?" Dar suggested. Both of the boys' faces were shining. It was one of their deepest desires to beat every team there is.

"Yes, let's ask the Headmaster if we could join a team." Red said glowingly. "Or we don't even have to join a team."

"Let's go exploring," Lor said finally after they stared longingly at the field. "It would useful if we can find our way to the Hospital Wing."

"And to the bathrooms," Red added. They laughed as they moved away from the window and set out to search the castle for every passage way and room before the dinner bell chimed.

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The dinner bell rang and everyone headed for the Great Hall. Many students looked around for any signs of the Americans still hoping that they would sit with them. The Slytherins were greatly displeased when they went to the Gryffindors' table during lunch. Malfoy was still suffering from Lor's warning and couldn't help but flinch whenever someone touched him.

"She's coming to get me. She's coming to get me." He kept mumbling to himself. Crabbe and Goyle eyed him cautiously and helped him through their classes even though they didn't provide much help. The teachers spoke about the Americans, wondering what it might be like teaching them.

"I'd say they are a bunch of misfits that would cause trouble." Professor Snape proclaimed to Professor Merry.

"Now Professor Snape. You couldn't really mean that. You don't even know them!" She told him.

"If they are anything like you, we would be in a lot of trouble." Snape muttered under his breath.

"Did you say something, Professor?"

"Oh no nothing at all." Professor Merry eyed him warily. Snape looked around the Great Hall as she did this. Sighting Draco in his condition, he glanced worriedly around. If they had this much effect on Draco, he thought. There's no telling what they are up too.

"They are not here yet," he told himself.

"What?" Professor Merry asked him irritably.

"Nothing!" he shouted angrily.

"Touchy, touchy." she just murmured.

Then Professor Dumbledore walked in and took his place in the middle of the staff's table. He smiled at them all and waved his right hand for silence. He got it almost immediately.

"Before we begin tonight's dinner," he started to say with a warm smile, "I want everyone to know that a Sorting will be held." If any students were drowsily ignoring him, they snapped their head up at this.

"This Sorting will determine where the Americans will be accommodated. I have spoken with the Sorting Hat and I assure you that wherever they might be place, they will be treated as an equal. Meaning that if they broke any rules or gain any points, it will effect that House. Now we will only-" He broke off mid-sentences as loud footsteps echo in the hallways. The double doors again slammed open and in came Lor, Dar and Red looking flush and breathing hard. All heads immediately turn in their direction.

Swiftly they straighten themselves and dignifiedly walk to Dumbledore at the staff's table. Their footsteps are now silence and they walked in unison. Face set in a calm attitude and gait loose with buoyancy, they ambled down to what seems like their deaths. Heads turned as the students dressed in black robes watch their every movement.

Lor's long shining black hair flew back with her movement. She wore loose faded jeans that had a tiny flare with flat white shoes. Her short-sleeved white t-shirt said, "angel" in glittering blue. Dar wore dark black jeans sagging with his leather belt holding it up around his lower waist. He wore big brown shoes with flecks of red fading shimmers. His bleached hair was gelled upwards and pointed out in different directions. A red t-shirt hung loosely from his shoulders with a faded ball of fire on his chest. Red was sporting a t-shirt similar to Dar's only that it was dark green and had a faded grinning evilly smiley face on it. His long shorts reached to his calves showing white pale skin beneath. His shoes were tattered and on one of the soles was an old piece of gum.

They reached the dais and altogether performed tricky but graceful bows. They rose all at once and everything they did seemed to be in unison.

"Got lost, I presume," Dumbledore stated slyly. Lor, Dar and Red stood in a row in front of him. They glanced at each other before answering.

"Not really," they said in harmony.

"We knew where we were," Red said.

"It just took us some time to get here that's all." Dar finished.

"Well let's began shall we?" Dumbledore asked them as he sat back down. Professor McGonagall got up from her seat and briefly left the room. She came back almost immediately with the Sorting Hat and a small cushion stool in her hands. Carefully she placed it in front of them and returned to her seat.

"In alphabetical order by last name please," she murmured to them before she sat down.

"Aw, man," Dar said. "I have to go first." He sulkily plucked the hat from where it stood on the stool and jammed it on to his head. Ignoring the stool, he stood boringly watching the hat fall over his eyes.

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Are you one of the Americans? A voice behind his ear said.

What's it to you? Dar answered defiantly in his head.

Well why are you really here? Did you know that Hogwarts don't really accept exchange students?

Who asked you? No, I did not know that Hogwarts don't accept exchange students. I thought the Headmaster explained everything to you.

I rather hear it from the direct source. The Headmaster may have good ideas but they are not always right.

Oh yeah?

Yeah. He always thinks he's right and usually he is.

So? It's good to be right.

He may not be the kind to gloat but really he does. I can see it. And I can also see that you are a good person.

So what if I am?

Why are you so rebellious?

Me? Rebellious? I thought that was only sometimes. My friends told me that.

Maybe your friends are wrong.

Are you trying to get me turned against my friends?

No of course not. Would you do anything for your friends?

Yes, I would do anything them. Especially Lor. I would give my life for her.

Oh? Who's Lor?

She's just a friend.

Is she a special friend?

In a way she kinda is. She's more than a friend almost like best friend. I care about her like I would care about a sister.

So what makes her so special?

Because she is. Special I mean.

What about your other friend?

Red? Yeah, he's a good guy and a great friend too. Hold up, why am I spilling my guts to a hat?

I'm not just a hat you know. I'm special too.

And so is everybody else around here. So where are you going to put me?

Well since Americans are so big on freedom of choice, I'll let you decide.

Will my friends get to decide too?

Maybe.

Then I'm not taking that chance. What are my choices and how are they different?

Well, let's see. Gryffindor are usually the really brave. Ravenclaw are for the brilliant people those who know how to use their minds well. Hufflepuffs are extremely loyal, so loyal that you can bet your life on them. Slytherin are very cunning. They will do almost anything in order to achieve what they want.

Isn't there one that is a combination of the four? Because those are all very good descriptions of the houses but I can't think of one where I am best in. I'm not very cunning or smart. Not really loyal or brave either. So where am I going to be?

Would you rather be with your friends, Lor and Red?

Most definitely.

All right then, I will talk to Dumbledore after I go through with Lor and Red. He will set a place up for you.

Aren't you going to ask why we are here?

I'll ask one of the others.

So I'm ready to go?

Yes, but before you do, remember sometimes your friends are not your life, but be extremely careful in how you treat them.

Huh?

Just go and leave me on the stool!

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Many minutes have passed before Dar slowly took off the hat and set it gently back on the stool. Slightly trembling he went back and stood next to Lor and Red. The faces of the students were puzzled and the teachers were baffled. What house is he going to be in?

"Dar?" Dumbledore called out gently behind him. Dar turned to face Dumbledore.

"Yes, sir?"

"Did the hat mention where you would be housed in?"

"No. It said that we are allowed to choose since we are not really students of Hogwarts. It will tell either Lor or Red, but not me."

"Why not you?"

"Because we talked about other things." Dar turned and gestured Lor to the hat. "You're next." Lor carefully picked up the hat and place it on her head. She sat down on the stool as the Hat fell over her eyes.

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Are you the Hat?

Are you Lor?

Yes.

I can see that you are one of kind.

Every single person in the world is unique.

Yes, they are.

So where are you going to put me?

Don't you want to know what I told David?

If David wants us to know he'll tell us later, if not then it doesn't matter.

How can a child like you be so full of wisdom?

I believe it comes from my grandfather.

Oh? Tell me about your family.

Well, I have a mother and father. I am an only child. My parents left me to my grandfather when I was young.

Why is that so?

Because they believed that my grandfather would do a much better job with me than they would.

Why did they believe that?

Why am I so freely giving you my personal life?

Because you trust me.

I do?

Yes, I can see it in not only your mind, but also your heart.

Oh.

Yes, you feel at ease being hidden away.

Yeah, I hate to admit it but I like to hide.

Hiding is not always best. You do understand that right?

Yes. Hiding is not only hiding yourself, but also hiding your true self.

I see that you are a wonderful person, full of love and hope.

Hey! I don't need the praising. I get it a lot at home.

Oh, you do? Tell me so.

Yes, they think everything I do is some sort of miracle.

And why's that?

Everything I do is some sort of miracle. Being the first to do many things.

Like apparating into Hogwarts.

Yes, things like that. Sometimes I wish I was normal, but I can't hide the fact that I am so different that being different has also become my downfall.

It has?

Yes, it has. Sometimes being different causes me to change and sometimes that change is not for the better but for the worse of me.

I understand that you have come here to Hogwarts for that reason.

Yes, I did. David and Paul only came because they are my friends and they care about what happens to me. They are like my brothers though I have none.

You feel great love for them.

Like they were really my brothers. We have so much in common that it's not even funny anymore.

Why do you say that?

I say that because we were really born for scientific reasons and magical too.

I do not understand.

Of course you don't understand. You are only a hat that sees only what is inside the head of others. It's too bad that you cannot see the world in which you are surrounded by.

I still don't understand how a child like you is filled brimming with wisdom beyond that of many even perhaps those of Albus Dumbledore.

He's the Headmaster and a wise one at that, but like many he sheds his wisdom self from the world almost always.

How do you know this?

Not only being who I am, I am also an observer keener on details than many, but yet the details escape me to some far barren reaches of my mind. It's one of my flaws.

Yes, even the perfects have flaws.

But I'm not perfect. So where are you going to put me?

The same place where I am placing David and Paul.

And where's that?

You shall see.

So is that all?

For now, yes that is all. Place me back on the stool and tell the Headmaster that you are to end up in the same place with David and Paul.

So you understand why we are here?

Yes. I do.

Thank you for your time Sorting Hat.

I enjoyed spending it with you Lorelai.

See you later.

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Stiffly, Lor, too, took off the Hat and place it on the stool. The Hat had not called out what house she would be in. Her eyes seemed dried and tired. She walked back to Dumbledore and whispered that she would end up placed with Dar and Red. He nodded gravely. Not understanding about what is happening is giving him nerves.

"What did the Hat say to you?" Dumbledore asked quietly.

"Lots of things really. We had a nice time talking. I actually like it. I'm going to end up in the same place as Dar and Red." Lor replied smiling. "Red it's your turn." Red took off to the stool. He no longer looked nervous but solemn. Sighing he put the hat on his head and watch as the Great Hall disappeared beneath the rims of the hat.

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Hello, Sorting Hat.

Hello Paul.

How did you know my name?

That's for me to know and you to find out.

Can you read my mind?

No, I can see what's in it though.

Oh like that's going to make me feel better.

Well I'd say you are the worse of the three I have seen today.

What?!?

I'm just kidding. But you could use a few improvements.

Yeah, I agree. I'm kinda like the downer of the team.

How so?

I let them down with my foolishness and dumb thinking. Lor has great reflexes and Dar has a quick mind. But what do I have?

You have a natural talent for something else.

If you mean I can hear people approaching, trust me it's not as great as it seems. You can hear everything even if you don't want to.

Haven't you learned how to block it all out?

I've learned to filter out what I don't want to hear and allow in what I do want to hear.

So you have selective hearing.

In a way I sort of do.

But still you are useful you know.

Oh yeah? How?

Well your friend Dar is tough. He doesn't show many emotions. But you, my friend, are excellent when it comes to making someone feel better.

How would you know that?

I can see it you are that kind of person. It's in your heart and well-being.

So?

So, you are the charmer, but go easy on the charms.

I still don't understand what you are trying to say.

Does it really matter?

Not to me.

So why do people even bother?

Why? Why do people bother to do things? Because they want to change something. They want to be different. They want to do things that everyone else thinks is impossible. They want nothing more that the simple fact that they have done something useful, helpful even wonderful.

Is that why you bother to come to Hogwarts? To be useful, helpful, even wonderful?

No! I came for Lor because I want her to be better.

Than what she already is?

NO! I want her to be happy.

Even it means sacrificing your own happiness?

Yes! Of course! I would do anything for her!

Do you want to know something?

Will it ruin everything?

Not necessarily.

Okay fine, tell me.

You three kids are the best thing that has ever happen to me.

What?

It's true. Dar with his inquiring mind, always wishing for the best of things. Lor with her mind of thoughts; fascinating! And you with your caring thoughts, it's almost too good to be true.

Huh?

Yes, of course you would not understand.

Are you telling me I'm dumb?

No, of course not! I would never say such a thing to you of all people.

Why do you say that? I don't understand!

It's quite complicated but I am the Sorting Hat and it is my job to place people where they would succeed the most.

So how does that help us?

You are interrupting.

Sorry.

But since you three have succeeded much more than necessary that I cannot place you within the vortex of the other students. You may become one of them, but you will not be one.

I still do not understanding.

It doesn't matter if you understand or not. It's what you know that matters and I'm placing all three of you in the WEST TOWER!

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"WEST TOWER!" The hat called out loud. The entire school was confused. All the students looked baffled at one another asking where is the West Tower. The teachers stared at Dumbledore utterly amazed at what the Hat had said. Red took of the Hat and flung it back on to the stool. His face held the look of puzzlement. Lurching forward, he stumbled to where Lor and Dar stood, looking fearfully at him.

"What happen?" he gasped as he sat on the polished floor. His face flushed and he looked at bit sick.

"Are you okay?" Lor asked worriedly. She knew something was happening all around them, but ignored it. Crouching down near Red, checking to see if he's all right. His eyes were fuzzy. "What did the Hat tell you?" she demanded.

"Oh, the room is spinning." He groaned. Slowly he leaned over. Lor grabbed a hold of him and gestured Dar to grab his other arm.

"Let's take him to Madam Pomfrey." She said. "I'm don't care what she says, but I hope he gets better." Dar nodded his head and together they half carried, half dragged Red to the Hospital Wing. The students stared at them as they slowly left. The teachers at the Staff's table were all arguing.

"There is no such thing as a West Tower!" Professor Snape snapped.

"Oh please, Severus, of course there is." Professor Merry clamored back at him. "Why else would the Hat call it out?"

"I told you those American miscreants are trouble!" Soon Snape and Merry were having a heated argument about the Americans as McGonagall was furiously talking with Flitwick. Dumbledore ignored everybody as he sat in his seat staring dumbly at the Sorting Hat. Sinistra discussed how the Americans might affect the other students with Hagrid. The students sat in their seats waiting quietly for their dinners looking undisturbed, but felt that way. They were acting like children whose parents are arguing, staying quiet and out of their way.

Suddenly the double doors slammed open. All discussions stopped as everyone turn to see a steaming Madam Pomfrey in the doorway.

"What on earth is going on in here?" she demanded. She glanced at a nearby empty plate. "Why aren't the students eating!?!" Magically dinner appeared on every table as students hastily began gobbling down large bites of food. Madam Pomfrey, looking extremely angrily at the head table, stomped towards the staff.

"I repeat myself, what has happen that all the responsibility towards this school have been lost?!" She huffed through her teeth. "And furthermore, I have Red in my wing sick as day and yet no one has come forward to explain except for the blabbering of a petrified friend and the quiet thoughts of other one!"

"Poppy," Dumbledore said quietly, "I am begging you not speak further word of the American in front of the school."

"Since when was everyone so tough on secrets!" There was an uncomfortable silence as no one spoke. The students before them ate quietly and with little discussion. It was obvious they were trying to hear what the teachers were talking about.

"Staff meeting." McGonagall prompted quickly and stood up. She left hurriedly to the Staff's room. The other teachers too got up and brush pass Dumbledore and Pomfrey who were staring eye to eye with one another.

"Go and have your staff meeting," Madam Pomfrey stated quietly. "I will stay and watch the children."

"Thank you Poppy," Dumbledore grumbled to her as he left.