"Well, since you enrolled in Hogwarts a little late, Professor McGonagall and I thought it would be better if you are sorted into your house privately." Dumbledore turned and nodded at McGonagall, who told Dudley to sit on the chair and put the Sorting hat on. Dudley did so, and while waiting Dumbledore spoke to Harry. "Jumpy boy, isn't he?"
Harry swallowed a laugh. "He's been like that since he got his letter."
Dumbledore smiled back.
About three minutes (Harry was expecting at least an hour) the Sorting Hat screamed "GRYFFINDOR!"
'What?" Harry blurted. Dudley? Brave? Daring? Eugggghhhhh!!!
Even McGonagall wrinkled her nose.
'Well!", Dumbledore clapped his hands cheerfully. "Then that settles it. Dudley shall be in Gryffindor- along with you, Harry. Maybe you can introduce him to the rest of your year."
No way! Harry thought, and bit his bottomlip to prevent himself from saying it out loud.
"Very well, now. Let's get back to the Hall. We still have the first years to be sorted, and there is some new delicious custard cake I'd like to sample", Dumbledore said. "Harry?"
Harry, who was just about to walk out from the office, turned.
"Not too much trouble, will you?"
Harry smiled sheepishly.
While walking up to the Great Hall, Dudley was freaking about the Sorting Hat. "It talked to me!" he exclaimed.
Of course it does, you bufoon! Harry thought. "Yes, Dudley", he instead said. "It's a magic hat, of course it could talk."
They did not spoke until they reached the Hall, where Harry took a seat between Ron and Hermione. Dudley sat across them. Ron frowned at him, then grinned mischievously.
As usual, the Sorting Ceremony began. Harry saw Remus sitting among the staffs, Snuffles sitting well-behaved next to him.
After the last student was sorted, Dumbledore stood up and said pleasantle, "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I just want to give a few short notices before we sink out teeth into the delicious meals.
"I am unhappy to state that the visit to Hogsmeade this is limited to the fifth years and above only. The third and fourth years must stay withing the school grounds at all time, due to safety reasons."
There was a buzz on disappointed voices from the fourth and third years. Dumbledore held his hand to bade for silence.
"On a happier note, I am pleased to inform you that Professor Howell has kindly agreed to fill the post as Defence Against Dark Arts teacher and join the Hogwarts community."
A redhead witch Harry didn't notice earlier stood up and gave a prompt bow as the whole Hall applauded. A few minutes later it died again.
"Now", Dumbledore said. "let the feast begin!"
after the meal, Hermione led the Gryffindors up to the portrait of the Fat Lady. "the password's 'Athena's Sword'!" she yelled to the Gryffindors.
"Some prefect, isn't she?" Ron said to Harry.
But Harry hadn't much thought of it. After the meal, he realized how tired he was. By ten minutes later, he was already snoring on his four-poster bed, not caring an inch of Dudley looking awkwardly at his cubicle.