Chapter 6 At the Sorting Ceremony
When they finally arrived at Hogsmeade Station it was dark, together the night, the dim light of the station and the heavy smoke from the train all made the platform a shadowy mysterious place. Pallas hadn't seen Draco since he had past her carriage earlier in the day and she couldn't find him on the platform now. She looked around almost frantically, peering into the gloom for that bit of reassurance that would come from seeing him once more, a familiar face in her strange new world. "Firs years," boomed a commanding voice making Pallas jump. Pallas found herself following the owner of the voice from the station. Through the woods with the other first years she followed Hagrid, along the dark, narrow uneven path. Tree branches and roots seemed intent on tripping them or tearing at there faces and clothes as they passed. Finally the path opened out on to the edge of the great lake. On the other side stood the vast castle that was the seat of Hogwarts School, soon to be Pallas' home, its windows sparkling a welcome in the starry sky. This was her first glimpse and it was every bit as impressive as she expected. Pallas and Megan boarded one of the small boats together along with two of other new entrants. "Everyone in?" shouted Hagrid, who as normal required a boat to himself, "Right then - FORWARD!" The small fleet moved off in unison, gliding noiselessly across the still lake and into the darkness that led right into the heart of the Hogwarts grounds. Megan giggled as she ran her hand through the cold water grateful that she would not be swimming tonight. After arriving at the harbour they all trudged wearily up the stairs and out in front of the vast oak door of the school, which was firmly closed. They all waited, huddled together in mutual support each wondering what would happen next. In a ceremonious manner adopted over many years of accompanying the first years Hagrid raised his gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door. The door opened and there stood Professor McGonagall the Deputy Headmistress. She pulled the door open wide and led them through the Entrance Hall and into one of the smaller empty chambers that led off from it. As they entered the school Megan pointed out the ghosts to Pallas, who were drifting together through the Entrance Hall towards the Great Hall beyond where the noise of the older students could clearly be heard. Nearly Headless Nick doffed his head to the Professor as he passed. "That will do Sir Nicholas," she scolded, as many startled screams broke the silence of the first years behind her. In the side room they were able to regain their composure as the Professor explained what was to happen in the Great Hall. She then led Pallas and the rest of the first years out into the Great Hall; the sights took them all aback. Pallas knew a lot about Hogwarts and its ceremonies from her parents and her brother but it was still not as she imagined. She had been looking forward to this opportunity to finally experience the atmosphere for herself. As she wended her way between the long dining tables packed with Hogwarts students, her eyes wandered up to the bewitched ceiling beyond the candles which bobbed gently above her head showing a clear starlit night. Pallas marvelled at the freedom of that sky. She could almost feel the wind on her face; this was going to be her opportunity to prove herself, to step outside the shadow of her family and be herself for once. A paper dart striking her right cheek rudely interrupted her thoughts; she turned to see her brother once more, pointing her out to the rest of the Slytherins at his table. His drawling voice could be heard above the general noise. "Yes, that's my sister, but we won't need to worry about her. I'll keep her in her place now that I'm a Prefect." Pallas looked away in both despair and disgust. It was then that she caught the eye of some of the other students. Pallas was momentarily rooted to the spot by the piercing green-eyed gaze of a boy of about fifteen, the same age as her brother; she realised that he was the boy she had seen the day before dropping his books. Up close she could see that unlike her brother's pale drawn face, his was altogether more agreeable; she even detected a kindly smile at the corner of his lips.
Pallas continued with more courage, determined that her days at Hogwarts would not be spent like her brother's in bitterness and bullying, she wanted to make friends not acquire cronies like Crabbe and Goyle that seemed to follow her brother around like dopey rotweilers. Finally, the group reached the dais on which the teachers' table stood. Pallas looked at the line of seated teachers in awe, wishing that she would be able to prove to them that she wasn't like her brother. But she was afraid that the name Malfoy would haunt her forever, like a permanent shadow. The Sorting Hat and stool were brought out; a murmur went through the group of first years in anticipation, as many had not seen such a thing before. As they peered past each other to where the hat lay it started its song of welcome in preparation for the Sorting.
Welcome all to Hogwarts.
A merry band are we,
From turret top to dungeon bare,
All there for you to see.
I will be your guide tonight,
Although you need not one,
To lead you to your one true House,
Slow down! You need not run.
A gently glimpse inside your head,
Is all that I will see,
So try me on and I will tell
Just where you ought to be.
A mighty lion, a cunning snake,
A patient Hufflepuff
Or wise with words the Ravenclaw
One peek will be enough.
So come along and put me on
There is no need to worry
I've got all night to sort you out
I'm never in a hurry.
As the song ended, with many of the first years looking no less worried following the witty song, Professor McGonagall proceeded to read out the names of the first years that were due to be sorted into the Houses of Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Slytherin and Ravenclaw. But Pallas was now too nervous standing there waiting, to take anything in. She was vaguely aware of the other first years around her being called forward and wondering if their hearts were pounding in their chests and their legs turning to jelly like hers. The Sorting Hat acted quickly though and as the new students were sorted into their houses great shouts of welcome echoed around the hall. "Malfoy, Pallas" read out Professor McGonagall. Suddenly Pallas felt nervous and vulnerable. She stepped onto the dais and sat on the stool looking out onto the rest of the school from her elevated position, she felt very small indeed even though she found herself taller than most of her classmates. She looked across to her brother for support, but he was busy talking with Crabbe and Goyle. Her eyes scanned the room, the green- eyed boy and his friends were looking at her, whispering and pointing at Draco. Pallas' heart sank even further, she felt she would never be able to get out of her brother's shadow; she bowed her head as the tears began to well up in her eyes. Then she heard the voice: "Well what have we got here then?" It was the Sorting Hat; she hadn't noticed Professor McGonagall putting it gently onto her head. "Another Malfoy then!" continued the hat. "I remember all the Malfoy heads I've ever had to sort, but yours is somehow different. Very curious," said the hat in its studied tone. Pallas wasn't sure if she was the only one who could hear the voice or not and sat rooted to the spot, she could feel the hat moving around. " Malfoys are always in Slytherin but," the hat paused as if lost in deep thought. "I see something in you that will be better nurtured in GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted out the house name and the room fell silent, Draco fell off his chair, and everyone was looking uneasily at each other. Professor McGonagall moved across to Pallas and removed the Sorting Hat. Placing her hand gently on her shoulder she spoke to Pallas in a low voice that even the other first years around her could not hear. "Och, don't worry my dear, Gryffindor will be your family from now on." Pallas managed a weak smile and walked slowly down to the final remaining chair on the Gryffindor table. Draco had by this time got back to his feet and was glaring at the Sorting Hat as if he had the power to change its mind. He didn't want to be bothered by Pallas whilst she was at Hogwarts, but there was no way he wanted her in Gryffindor House. Professor Dumbledore sensing the feeling around the room quickly called for the feast to begin. Soon the Hall was filled with noise again as students piled their plates from the giant servers filled with delicious beef, potatoes and vegetables that had magically appeared on Dumbledore's command. Only Pallas remained silent, half-heartedly picking at the broccoli spears in front of her.
At the end of the meal, all the students left the hall. Pallas and the other first years followed a Prefect who would take them to their dormitory. As the group started to climb the stairs to the Gryffindor common room, Professor McGonagall caught up with them,
"One moment Mr. Jordan, I need Miss Granger and Miss Malfoy to come with me to see the headmaster," said the professor.
Pallas could not believe it. She hadn't been in the school for a day and she was already being called to see the headmaster. Maybe he was going to tell her that she couldn't be in Gryffindor after all and that she had to go to Slytherin like the rest of her family before her, or worse still her father had somehow found out and was removing her from the school altogether. The thought of having this first chance snatched away from her before she had really even started was devastating. 'Pallas' heart sank.
Professor McGonagall opened a door at the end of the corridor that led into a side-room and ushered them both inside. "Here they both are, Professor Dumbledore," said Professor McGonagall as she closed the door behind them and stood patiently like a sentry in front of it.
"Thank you Professor," said the headmaster. Albus Dumbledore's eyes twinkled through his flowing white hair and beard. "Please sit down, both of you. I expect you're wondering why I've brought you here this evening." Hermione quickly stood up and approached the Professor.
" I'm so sorry Professor Dumbledore," she started, "I really tried with my Charms homework but I could only take one book of Charms with me on the aeroplane, and I'm sure I must have missed some very important information. I promise I will do better this year," she continued in a breathless rush.
"Miss Granger, you quite clearly misunderstand why I have brought you here," said Dumbledore in a gentle voice. "It is precisely because of your good work and excellent record that I wish you to do me a favour. Do you think you will be able to?"
"Of course," replied Hermione eagerly.
"Thank you, Hermione. Not many students would agree so eagerly to assist me without knowing what I wanted them to do." Hermione blushed. " Hermione, I would like you to look after our new first year here, Pallas Malfoy. She will be entering Gryffindor tonight and I am sure that there are those around who will not be very happy about this." Pallas remembered the look on Draco's face as he fell on the floor in the Great Hall at these words. "I want you to make sure Pallas' work does not suffer, and that she will be made to feel welcome."
"But sir," Hermione started to say a look of dismay filling her face. "That will be all for now, Hermione. Thank you again for your assistance. If you could just wait outside for a moment while I talk to Pallas alone," responded Dumbledore with an air of finality.
As Hermione left, Dumbledore's attention now turned to Pallas. She had been sitting motionless on one of the hard, wooden school chairs, waiting nervously to find out what the headmaster wanted her for. Her initial fears that an owl from her father had been received had been partly reassured by Dumbledore's request of Hermione. But she still couldn't lift her head to look into his eyes for fear of what they might reveal.
"Pallas, my dear," Dumbledore gently began. His voice sounded so kind that Pallas found the strength to raise her head. The face that she saw was also kind, she noticed that every line of his face and whisker on his chin seemed to reflect this gentleness and kindness. For the first time that evening Pallas smiled.
"That's better," he continued just as gently. "Now I know it must be a great disappointment to you not to be in Slytherin, but with Professor McGonagall's and Hermione Granger's help I'm sure you will be just as happy in Gryffindor."
Pallas did not have the courage to say that she thought that Gryffindor was probably the only place that she would feel happy at Hogwarts, but nodded her reply with a quiet, yes Sir, I will do my best.
" Very good, very good," responded Dumbledore in a much more assured tone. "I'm sure you're tired now, it's been a long day for everyone. Miss Granger will show you to your dormitory."
Professor McGonagall opened the door once more and Pallas went out to where Hermione was waiting. Hermione was not looking quite as horrified as she had done in front of Dumbledore and silently led Pallas back towards the Great Staircase. As they started to climb the stairs Hermione turned to Pallas.
"I'm sorry that I didn't welcome you earlier. I'll take you to meet some of the others in Gryffindor House. I'm sure that everything will work out alright," she smiled although not all that convincingly.
When they finally arrived at Hogsmeade Station it was dark, together the night, the dim light of the station and the heavy smoke from the train all made the platform a shadowy mysterious place. Pallas hadn't seen Draco since he had past her carriage earlier in the day and she couldn't find him on the platform now. She looked around almost frantically, peering into the gloom for that bit of reassurance that would come from seeing him once more, a familiar face in her strange new world. "Firs years," boomed a commanding voice making Pallas jump. Pallas found herself following the owner of the voice from the station. Through the woods with the other first years she followed Hagrid, along the dark, narrow uneven path. Tree branches and roots seemed intent on tripping them or tearing at there faces and clothes as they passed. Finally the path opened out on to the edge of the great lake. On the other side stood the vast castle that was the seat of Hogwarts School, soon to be Pallas' home, its windows sparkling a welcome in the starry sky. This was her first glimpse and it was every bit as impressive as she expected. Pallas and Megan boarded one of the small boats together along with two of other new entrants. "Everyone in?" shouted Hagrid, who as normal required a boat to himself, "Right then - FORWARD!" The small fleet moved off in unison, gliding noiselessly across the still lake and into the darkness that led right into the heart of the Hogwarts grounds. Megan giggled as she ran her hand through the cold water grateful that she would not be swimming tonight. After arriving at the harbour they all trudged wearily up the stairs and out in front of the vast oak door of the school, which was firmly closed. They all waited, huddled together in mutual support each wondering what would happen next. In a ceremonious manner adopted over many years of accompanying the first years Hagrid raised his gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door. The door opened and there stood Professor McGonagall the Deputy Headmistress. She pulled the door open wide and led them through the Entrance Hall and into one of the smaller empty chambers that led off from it. As they entered the school Megan pointed out the ghosts to Pallas, who were drifting together through the Entrance Hall towards the Great Hall beyond where the noise of the older students could clearly be heard. Nearly Headless Nick doffed his head to the Professor as he passed. "That will do Sir Nicholas," she scolded, as many startled screams broke the silence of the first years behind her. In the side room they were able to regain their composure as the Professor explained what was to happen in the Great Hall. She then led Pallas and the rest of the first years out into the Great Hall; the sights took them all aback. Pallas knew a lot about Hogwarts and its ceremonies from her parents and her brother but it was still not as she imagined. She had been looking forward to this opportunity to finally experience the atmosphere for herself. As she wended her way between the long dining tables packed with Hogwarts students, her eyes wandered up to the bewitched ceiling beyond the candles which bobbed gently above her head showing a clear starlit night. Pallas marvelled at the freedom of that sky. She could almost feel the wind on her face; this was going to be her opportunity to prove herself, to step outside the shadow of her family and be herself for once. A paper dart striking her right cheek rudely interrupted her thoughts; she turned to see her brother once more, pointing her out to the rest of the Slytherins at his table. His drawling voice could be heard above the general noise. "Yes, that's my sister, but we won't need to worry about her. I'll keep her in her place now that I'm a Prefect." Pallas looked away in both despair and disgust. It was then that she caught the eye of some of the other students. Pallas was momentarily rooted to the spot by the piercing green-eyed gaze of a boy of about fifteen, the same age as her brother; she realised that he was the boy she had seen the day before dropping his books. Up close she could see that unlike her brother's pale drawn face, his was altogether more agreeable; she even detected a kindly smile at the corner of his lips.
Pallas continued with more courage, determined that her days at Hogwarts would not be spent like her brother's in bitterness and bullying, she wanted to make friends not acquire cronies like Crabbe and Goyle that seemed to follow her brother around like dopey rotweilers. Finally, the group reached the dais on which the teachers' table stood. Pallas looked at the line of seated teachers in awe, wishing that she would be able to prove to them that she wasn't like her brother. But she was afraid that the name Malfoy would haunt her forever, like a permanent shadow. The Sorting Hat and stool were brought out; a murmur went through the group of first years in anticipation, as many had not seen such a thing before. As they peered past each other to where the hat lay it started its song of welcome in preparation for the Sorting.
Welcome all to Hogwarts.
A merry band are we,
From turret top to dungeon bare,
All there for you to see.
I will be your guide tonight,
Although you need not one,
To lead you to your one true House,
Slow down! You need not run.
A gently glimpse inside your head,
Is all that I will see,
So try me on and I will tell
Just where you ought to be.
A mighty lion, a cunning snake,
A patient Hufflepuff
Or wise with words the Ravenclaw
One peek will be enough.
So come along and put me on
There is no need to worry
I've got all night to sort you out
I'm never in a hurry.
As the song ended, with many of the first years looking no less worried following the witty song, Professor McGonagall proceeded to read out the names of the first years that were due to be sorted into the Houses of Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Slytherin and Ravenclaw. But Pallas was now too nervous standing there waiting, to take anything in. She was vaguely aware of the other first years around her being called forward and wondering if their hearts were pounding in their chests and their legs turning to jelly like hers. The Sorting Hat acted quickly though and as the new students were sorted into their houses great shouts of welcome echoed around the hall. "Malfoy, Pallas" read out Professor McGonagall. Suddenly Pallas felt nervous and vulnerable. She stepped onto the dais and sat on the stool looking out onto the rest of the school from her elevated position, she felt very small indeed even though she found herself taller than most of her classmates. She looked across to her brother for support, but he was busy talking with Crabbe and Goyle. Her eyes scanned the room, the green- eyed boy and his friends were looking at her, whispering and pointing at Draco. Pallas' heart sank even further, she felt she would never be able to get out of her brother's shadow; she bowed her head as the tears began to well up in her eyes. Then she heard the voice: "Well what have we got here then?" It was the Sorting Hat; she hadn't noticed Professor McGonagall putting it gently onto her head. "Another Malfoy then!" continued the hat. "I remember all the Malfoy heads I've ever had to sort, but yours is somehow different. Very curious," said the hat in its studied tone. Pallas wasn't sure if she was the only one who could hear the voice or not and sat rooted to the spot, she could feel the hat moving around. " Malfoys are always in Slytherin but," the hat paused as if lost in deep thought. "I see something in you that will be better nurtured in GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted out the house name and the room fell silent, Draco fell off his chair, and everyone was looking uneasily at each other. Professor McGonagall moved across to Pallas and removed the Sorting Hat. Placing her hand gently on her shoulder she spoke to Pallas in a low voice that even the other first years around her could not hear. "Och, don't worry my dear, Gryffindor will be your family from now on." Pallas managed a weak smile and walked slowly down to the final remaining chair on the Gryffindor table. Draco had by this time got back to his feet and was glaring at the Sorting Hat as if he had the power to change its mind. He didn't want to be bothered by Pallas whilst she was at Hogwarts, but there was no way he wanted her in Gryffindor House. Professor Dumbledore sensing the feeling around the room quickly called for the feast to begin. Soon the Hall was filled with noise again as students piled their plates from the giant servers filled with delicious beef, potatoes and vegetables that had magically appeared on Dumbledore's command. Only Pallas remained silent, half-heartedly picking at the broccoli spears in front of her.
At the end of the meal, all the students left the hall. Pallas and the other first years followed a Prefect who would take them to their dormitory. As the group started to climb the stairs to the Gryffindor common room, Professor McGonagall caught up with them,
"One moment Mr. Jordan, I need Miss Granger and Miss Malfoy to come with me to see the headmaster," said the professor.
Pallas could not believe it. She hadn't been in the school for a day and she was already being called to see the headmaster. Maybe he was going to tell her that she couldn't be in Gryffindor after all and that she had to go to Slytherin like the rest of her family before her, or worse still her father had somehow found out and was removing her from the school altogether. The thought of having this first chance snatched away from her before she had really even started was devastating. 'Pallas' heart sank.
Professor McGonagall opened a door at the end of the corridor that led into a side-room and ushered them both inside. "Here they both are, Professor Dumbledore," said Professor McGonagall as she closed the door behind them and stood patiently like a sentry in front of it.
"Thank you Professor," said the headmaster. Albus Dumbledore's eyes twinkled through his flowing white hair and beard. "Please sit down, both of you. I expect you're wondering why I've brought you here this evening." Hermione quickly stood up and approached the Professor.
" I'm so sorry Professor Dumbledore," she started, "I really tried with my Charms homework but I could only take one book of Charms with me on the aeroplane, and I'm sure I must have missed some very important information. I promise I will do better this year," she continued in a breathless rush.
"Miss Granger, you quite clearly misunderstand why I have brought you here," said Dumbledore in a gentle voice. "It is precisely because of your good work and excellent record that I wish you to do me a favour. Do you think you will be able to?"
"Of course," replied Hermione eagerly.
"Thank you, Hermione. Not many students would agree so eagerly to assist me without knowing what I wanted them to do." Hermione blushed. " Hermione, I would like you to look after our new first year here, Pallas Malfoy. She will be entering Gryffindor tonight and I am sure that there are those around who will not be very happy about this." Pallas remembered the look on Draco's face as he fell on the floor in the Great Hall at these words. "I want you to make sure Pallas' work does not suffer, and that she will be made to feel welcome."
"But sir," Hermione started to say a look of dismay filling her face. "That will be all for now, Hermione. Thank you again for your assistance. If you could just wait outside for a moment while I talk to Pallas alone," responded Dumbledore with an air of finality.
As Hermione left, Dumbledore's attention now turned to Pallas. She had been sitting motionless on one of the hard, wooden school chairs, waiting nervously to find out what the headmaster wanted her for. Her initial fears that an owl from her father had been received had been partly reassured by Dumbledore's request of Hermione. But she still couldn't lift her head to look into his eyes for fear of what they might reveal.
"Pallas, my dear," Dumbledore gently began. His voice sounded so kind that Pallas found the strength to raise her head. The face that she saw was also kind, she noticed that every line of his face and whisker on his chin seemed to reflect this gentleness and kindness. For the first time that evening Pallas smiled.
"That's better," he continued just as gently. "Now I know it must be a great disappointment to you not to be in Slytherin, but with Professor McGonagall's and Hermione Granger's help I'm sure you will be just as happy in Gryffindor."
Pallas did not have the courage to say that she thought that Gryffindor was probably the only place that she would feel happy at Hogwarts, but nodded her reply with a quiet, yes Sir, I will do my best.
" Very good, very good," responded Dumbledore in a much more assured tone. "I'm sure you're tired now, it's been a long day for everyone. Miss Granger will show you to your dormitory."
Professor McGonagall opened the door once more and Pallas went out to where Hermione was waiting. Hermione was not looking quite as horrified as she had done in front of Dumbledore and silently led Pallas back towards the Great Staircase. As they started to climb the stairs Hermione turned to Pallas.
"I'm sorry that I didn't welcome you earlier. I'll take you to meet some of the others in Gryffindor House. I'm sure that everything will work out alright," she smiled although not all that convincingly.