Does my bum look big in this?
FOR REFERENCE: The sorting hat is supposed to only speak to you in your mind, so what it says no one can actually hear apart from you, so what the hat says to Draco, no one but Draco can/is allowed, to hear.
ALSO, I am terribly sorry about Hagrid's accent. I find it hard but I'm trying my best with it!
AND, I apologise for the delay on the update, the next chapter will be up AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, I PROMISE! The reason for the lack of chapters is that my phone line has gone dead for some reason and it has only just been fixed. That's BT for ya. I'm only putting this in case any of you didn't read the note I put up!
**Harryforeva ~ Thanks **wink, wink**! This chapter you . . . actually, I don't want to tell you! Read and find out!! Oh, and please do review afterwards!!! Kisses!!
**Burgundyred ~ Lol, sorry, your review made me laugh so much for some reason!!! Lol, anyway, Lucius being the DADA teacher, basically because, well, Lucius insisted and everything, and Dumbledore's soft, plus Fudge was persuading him . . . and to be honest I don't know why Lucius is DADA teacher, he just is! And to that question you asked about that last bit, yes, Harry and co. were a bit like how do you know, but I didn't mention anything about that . . . and Draco just blurted that bit out I guess, it's like a hint to the rest of them that he isn't all he seems!! Thanks again!
**Wolfen-alysha-draco-dragon ~ Hehe . . . not all will be revealed in this chapter, so BEWARE, I kind of build up the tension in this chappie, so not much is going on, but there a cliffie, just to tell you!!
**Dead Lenore ~ HAHA! I am evil, anyway, you'll kill me by the end of this chapter, and you shall soon find out why . . . I'm glad you like the twist, although some people just thought it highly unlikely, thanks so much for the review, KISSES! Oh and you have no idea how hard it is for a hyper girl to try and not put too many exclamation marks on this thing.
**Forsake My Falling ~ Thanks, I came up with this idea when I got really annoyed of people writing the same stories where Hermione becomes a beauty queen, of that there's anything wrong with them . . . but you know. Hope you enjoy this chapter!!! Please review!
**ShortStuff10 ~ Haha!! Yes, the whole plot is a bit confusing for myself too . . . and I'm the writer! I want to got go America someday, or Canada, they seem cool! Thanks so much for reviewing, and I really do mean it!! HUGS!! (Sorry again about the slow update)
**Lizzie Malfoy ~ Aw, he does have a sick mind, but rest assured, Draco won't exactly get beaten, it is an empty threat, just to tell you! Hehe, here's the update, sorry it took so long!!
**Loah ~ Ohhh, thanks for clearing that up, I'm slightly dim! I can't write much because I have to get on with this, but thanks for the review, and I hope you like this chapter, although there isn't exactly a lot of 'action'.
**smileyface1314 ~ Lol, thanks for reviewing BOTH my fics, that was so nice of you! I'm glad you liked it, and the chaos won't exactly be that chaotic, but he will stir things up, and plus, I need him in Hogwarts for my plot later . . .
**Happigolucki ~ Thanks for the review, and to be honest, I have no idea WHY Lucius is teaching at Hogwarts, but all you need to know is that he has a reason to be at Hogwarts that shall be revealed soon, although the reason isn't very good. I might read your new story if I have time, remind me soon because I'm really busy right now and I hardly have time to review all the ones I usually do!
**Roses in bloom ~ Aw thank so much, well, my phone got fixed, and HERE I AM!! As much as I hear some people groaning . . . but I am updating now, and I'm glad you liked them!
**Wander Aimlessly ~ HAHA!! I know I am :-)
**Concerned ~ Thanks for the reviews first of all, and secondly, I won't take your critism as flames don't worry, I'm too soft for stuff like that anyway. As I was saying . . . all I can really say is that I hope the characters didn't seem too OOC, because that is the one thing that I don't want. I try to fix my errors, but at the tender age of twelve, I can't really, but THAT IS NO EXCUSE! For I am a perfectionist and I shall not rest until all kinks are sorted, please continue to criticise, it'll do me good!
Chapter thirteen: The Sorting
Disclaimer: As of always (I'm hoping that actually makes sense), I do not own anything, I mean that as in . . . characters etc. but I do own the main idea and plot of this fanfiction (hint the fiction and the fan part, adding to the fact that I own nothing). J.K.Rowling, who is currently continuing the Harry Potter series, owns everything, we have many sources that point to this piece of information!
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As the Hogwarts Express drew up at Hogsmeade station, Draco couldn't help the feeling of dread that dwelled in his stomach. He had never felt this troubled before, for he had always had his responsibility pushed onto someone else to deal with, he had never actually had so much pressure on himself before.
"Come on Orli, we can get a carriage over here!"
He now had two problems to add to the one he had already. One would be resolved soon, but he was in no way looking forward to it. This problem that I am ranting on about is the problem of which house he would be sorted into. He knew well enough that he was a true Slytherin at heart, and even if he now 'liked' a mudblood (fine, a muggle-born), no one could change him into a goody goody Gryffindor EVER. If his father knew who he truly was, which he had decided during the train journey that it was indeed possible, then he would get even more punished if he didn't get back into Slytherin (not abused, but definitely punished, maybe get his wand taken off him for a month or something). BUT Hermione, Harry and even Ron expected him to get into Gryffindor, like them . . .
He quietly stepped onto the carriage that would take him back to Hogwarts, not even realising that Hermione and Harry were staring at him questioningly.
"Aren't you excited Orli?"
"Hmm?"
"What's the matter? You don't seem like you're very excited about going to Hogwarts. You seem more like you're worried, you know there's really no need to be! Hogwarts is one of the safest places you could ever be!"
Harry beamed, trying his best to comfort Draco. Draco couldn't help but think more and more about whether Hogwarts was actually safe, and whether it had ever been safe at all. What he meant was, the Dark Lord had gotten into Hogwarts at least three times since Potter had enrolled, and each time it had nearly resulted in some kind of death, or sometimes even actual death. Now, his maniac father was in the school TEACHING and there was no way of knowing whether he would try anything suspicious. It would definitely be easy enough.
The rest of the journey to Hogwarts castle was a silent one, apart from the sounds of Ron crunching on some sort of new sweet from the same manufacturers of the chocolate frog.
Draco's worries grew as the Thestral drawn carriage landed straight in front of the old castle. Draco felt a mixture of emotions. He was excited, as he really did want to know what house the sorting hat would put him in, worried in case he got into the wrong house (every house seemed wrong at the moment which only added to his worries) and he felt confused, as he had no idea which house he actually WANTED to be in.
"All righ' there?"
Draco turned as he hurriedly stepped out of the carriage, just behind Harry and Ron. Hagrid (the great oaf) was striding towards the four of them, the other students quickly running out of his way as to not get trampled by the half giant. Harry and Hagrid embraced in a warm and friendly hug. Hagrid turned and frowned at Draco - he clearly didn't recognise him as the ignorant Draco Malfoy that he had been teaching for six years.
"Hagrid, this is Orlando Felton, Orli. He's new here. Orli, this is Hagrid, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, and Keeper of the Keys." Harry announced. Hagrid smiled through his shaggy beard and took a dirty worn out glove off, stretching out his hand and shaking it gruffly with Draco's.
"Nice ta meet ya, Dumbledore told me to come an' get ya. I was wonderin' who ya were, shame ya had to come the year that Malfoy is one of the teachers eh?"
Hagrid laughed heartily, then noticed that none of them were laughing with him. Draco tried his best to look confused, as he knew that they didn't know, that he even knew, who on earth Lucius Malfoy was, and why he was actually hated by so many people. Hagrid sighed at their 'lack' of humour and nodded to Draco.
"I expect you 'ave everythin'? Robes? Wand? Good, good, follo' me!!! He'll be seein' you lot later in the Hall."
Hermione, Harry and Ron said their goodbyes, as Draco was led away from them. Hagrid was silent as they walked towards the edge of the castle. They walked towards an old and dusty door that Draco recognised as one of the many dungeon doors that was normally used for emergency. This particular one he knew was just opposite Snape's dungeon classroom. 'Why were they entering through here?' He wondered.
"Now Orli is it? I 'ave no idea why on earth Professor Dumbledore told me to brin' ya 'ere to Professor Snape, but he told me to leave ya 'ere, okay? Now I'll see ya at the sortin'!"
Hagrid walked back out of the door, winking a goodbye to Draco and shutting the door behind him - hard, making dust from the edges take over the air. Draco coughed and coughed, spluttering as a shadowy figure began to walk slowly up to him. The figure tapped Draco on the shoulder, making him jump.
"Come with me Mr . . . Felton."
It was Professor Snape, also known as the potions master. He swiftly walked into his office (located just next to the dungeon/potions classroom), holding the door open for Draco to slowly wander in. He looked around, still acting the 'Orli' part. If Snape still did not know about who he really was, he wasn't keen on him finding out. The office was basically the same as he remembered: dark, smelling old, and as dusty as it could possibly be, not to mention quite clustered with old stuff that he doubted Snape actually knew how to use anyway.
"Sit down, sit down."
Draco obeyed as he continued to pretend to be interested in a cauldron that was lying on Snape's desk. Snape watched, one eyebrow raised.
"Mr Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore has already told me what happened to you, no need to act." Snape continued to watch Draco, this time for the reaction on his face. It went from fake curiosity to an expression of shock and awe.
"You are here because Professor Dumbledore thought it necessary for me to inform you that your father is teaching here as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, although I think you know already. Do not worry Mr Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore has not gone mad ('If he hasn't already'), he does realise that you may be in danger, but all staff and even some students - none of which know who you really are - are on the look out for anything that may seem suspicious about your father, and always remember that if he says anything to you, report it to any Professor immediately. We still do not know whether he knows of your true identity, but I must admit, if anyone were looking at you for quite some time, it would not be hard at all to see who you truly are."
Draco nodded as Snape stood from behind his own desk, and opened the door forcefully, indicating that Draco should now leave.
"I trust you know your way to the Great Hall for your sorting ceremony, I shall be up shortly. And might I say Mr Malfoy, your severe acne problem would solve any problem of your identity for now."
Snape's lips curved into a small smile as Draco flashed a smirk. What a time to joke . . .
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'Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in . . . actually Draco, JUST BREATHE.'
Draco's nervousness was getting the better of him, he had never felt as nervous as this in his entire life. At this precise moment, he was standing in line, along with about twenty odd eleven year olds (half of the group of new students had already been sorted by the time he had joined the line). He had seen Harry wink at him and Hermione smile brightly as he had entered; Professor Dumbledore had definitely given him a sly smile, while his father could smirk no more than he already was.
"Felton, Orlando."
Professor McGonagall called out. She smiled slightly as Draco took a deep breath and carefully walking up the stone steps, making sure that he wasn't going to trip (he didn't want any bad impressions now did he?) Slowly, he put the old and tatty (not to mention ancient and historic) hat onto his head.
'I see I've sorted you before Mr Malfoy, do tell me why you are back when even you know that you are Slytherin.' The sorting hat spoke in his mind. Draco knew that no one else could hear what the hat was saying, so he guessed that the hat knowing his real identity wouldn't really matter much.
'I know what I am, or at least I used to. I'm someone . . . else, now.' Draco thought, he knew the sorting hat could hear whatever he thought.
'But although you may appear different, it is what's inside that counts, and what is inside you, is a Slytherin.'
'But now I . . . I . . .'
'Now you are a Slytherin and a Gryffindor, something that you despise. I know Mr Malfoy, no need to explain. It's all in your head - I can see it. It is your choice Mr Malfoy, shall it be Slytherin or Gryffindor?'
Draco couldn't think, all he wanted to do now was have everything back to normal, he really did not want to be here. But if everything was back to normal, he would have to be the nasty little so and so (not that he wasn't now) to Harry and Hermione again, he really couldn't care less about Ron. He could feel everyone watching him, he had sat on that stool for at least a minute now: how long would it take for him to be sorted?
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'It has been ten minutes Mr Malfoy, and still I cannot decide which house you belong, you are not making matters easier.'
'Bite me.'
'Let's discuss the pros and cons. How about Hufflepuff? You may not be loyal and friendly exactly, but the people of Hufflepuff could do you some good.'
'NO.'
'How about Ravenclaw, where your mind can progress and learn more than you ever thought you could?'
'NO.'
'Maybe Gryffindor, where bravery may do you some good.'
'NO.'
'Perhaps Slytherin? Your old rightful house, and your home for the past six years.'
'No . . . if I was in Gryffindor, I could never live with myself, if I was in Slytherin, Granger and co. would never talk to me again, Hufflepuff is out of the question, I have none of their qualities and I really don't want any of them 'rubbing of' on me, and as for Ravenclaw, I doubt that I can handle all those smart arses in there. And anyway, aren't YOU the one that's supposed to decide where I belong?'
'I am supposed to use your mind to decide, yes, but your mind does not want to be in ANY of them.'
Draco couldn't think. What could he think anyway? Just pick one randomly? No, he couldn't . . . he needed to tell someone who he really was, someone that was his own age and someone that could help him when the time came, but who he didn't know.
'Hat . . . just decide, I don't care anymore.'
'Fine, if that is what you want, then it shall be . . . . . . . . . . .
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I know, not exactly a long chapter, but my teacher always says that it's not length that matters - it's quality! I'm not even sure whether the quality is good . . . I've tried very hard to take all advice/constructive critism (or however you spell the stupid word) that's been given, but sometimes I forget . . . so don't be mad if you've asked me to stop doing something, and I do it, bad memory, teehee . . .
Ps. Sorry once again for the late post, I blame BT for cutting me off, and I just hope that it won't happen again. Please review; it would make me VERY happy.
PPS. To my grandpa, died on December 14th 2003, R.I.P.
FOR REFERENCE: The sorting hat is supposed to only speak to you in your mind, so what it says no one can actually hear apart from you, so what the hat says to Draco, no one but Draco can/is allowed, to hear.
ALSO, I am terribly sorry about Hagrid's accent. I find it hard but I'm trying my best with it!
AND, I apologise for the delay on the update, the next chapter will be up AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, I PROMISE! The reason for the lack of chapters is that my phone line has gone dead for some reason and it has only just been fixed. That's BT for ya. I'm only putting this in case any of you didn't read the note I put up!
**Harryforeva ~ Thanks **wink, wink**! This chapter you . . . actually, I don't want to tell you! Read and find out!! Oh, and please do review afterwards!!! Kisses!!
**Burgundyred ~ Lol, sorry, your review made me laugh so much for some reason!!! Lol, anyway, Lucius being the DADA teacher, basically because, well, Lucius insisted and everything, and Dumbledore's soft, plus Fudge was persuading him . . . and to be honest I don't know why Lucius is DADA teacher, he just is! And to that question you asked about that last bit, yes, Harry and co. were a bit like how do you know, but I didn't mention anything about that . . . and Draco just blurted that bit out I guess, it's like a hint to the rest of them that he isn't all he seems!! Thanks again!
**Wolfen-alysha-draco-dragon ~ Hehe . . . not all will be revealed in this chapter, so BEWARE, I kind of build up the tension in this chappie, so not much is going on, but there a cliffie, just to tell you!!
**Dead Lenore ~ HAHA! I am evil, anyway, you'll kill me by the end of this chapter, and you shall soon find out why . . . I'm glad you like the twist, although some people just thought it highly unlikely, thanks so much for the review, KISSES! Oh and you have no idea how hard it is for a hyper girl to try and not put too many exclamation marks on this thing.
**Forsake My Falling ~ Thanks, I came up with this idea when I got really annoyed of people writing the same stories where Hermione becomes a beauty queen, of that there's anything wrong with them . . . but you know. Hope you enjoy this chapter!!! Please review!
**ShortStuff10 ~ Haha!! Yes, the whole plot is a bit confusing for myself too . . . and I'm the writer! I want to got go America someday, or Canada, they seem cool! Thanks so much for reviewing, and I really do mean it!! HUGS!! (Sorry again about the slow update)
**Lizzie Malfoy ~ Aw, he does have a sick mind, but rest assured, Draco won't exactly get beaten, it is an empty threat, just to tell you! Hehe, here's the update, sorry it took so long!!
**Loah ~ Ohhh, thanks for clearing that up, I'm slightly dim! I can't write much because I have to get on with this, but thanks for the review, and I hope you like this chapter, although there isn't exactly a lot of 'action'.
**smileyface1314 ~ Lol, thanks for reviewing BOTH my fics, that was so nice of you! I'm glad you liked it, and the chaos won't exactly be that chaotic, but he will stir things up, and plus, I need him in Hogwarts for my plot later . . .
**Happigolucki ~ Thanks for the review, and to be honest, I have no idea WHY Lucius is teaching at Hogwarts, but all you need to know is that he has a reason to be at Hogwarts that shall be revealed soon, although the reason isn't very good. I might read your new story if I have time, remind me soon because I'm really busy right now and I hardly have time to review all the ones I usually do!
**Roses in bloom ~ Aw thank so much, well, my phone got fixed, and HERE I AM!! As much as I hear some people groaning . . . but I am updating now, and I'm glad you liked them!
**Wander Aimlessly ~ HAHA!! I know I am :-)
**Concerned ~ Thanks for the reviews first of all, and secondly, I won't take your critism as flames don't worry, I'm too soft for stuff like that anyway. As I was saying . . . all I can really say is that I hope the characters didn't seem too OOC, because that is the one thing that I don't want. I try to fix my errors, but at the tender age of twelve, I can't really, but THAT IS NO EXCUSE! For I am a perfectionist and I shall not rest until all kinks are sorted, please continue to criticise, it'll do me good!
Chapter thirteen: The Sorting
Disclaimer: As of always (I'm hoping that actually makes sense), I do not own anything, I mean that as in . . . characters etc. but I do own the main idea and plot of this fanfiction (hint the fiction and the fan part, adding to the fact that I own nothing). J.K.Rowling, who is currently continuing the Harry Potter series, owns everything, we have many sources that point to this piece of information!
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As the Hogwarts Express drew up at Hogsmeade station, Draco couldn't help the feeling of dread that dwelled in his stomach. He had never felt this troubled before, for he had always had his responsibility pushed onto someone else to deal with, he had never actually had so much pressure on himself before.
"Come on Orli, we can get a carriage over here!"
He now had two problems to add to the one he had already. One would be resolved soon, but he was in no way looking forward to it. This problem that I am ranting on about is the problem of which house he would be sorted into. He knew well enough that he was a true Slytherin at heart, and even if he now 'liked' a mudblood (fine, a muggle-born), no one could change him into a goody goody Gryffindor EVER. If his father knew who he truly was, which he had decided during the train journey that it was indeed possible, then he would get even more punished if he didn't get back into Slytherin (not abused, but definitely punished, maybe get his wand taken off him for a month or something). BUT Hermione, Harry and even Ron expected him to get into Gryffindor, like them . . .
He quietly stepped onto the carriage that would take him back to Hogwarts, not even realising that Hermione and Harry were staring at him questioningly.
"Aren't you excited Orli?"
"Hmm?"
"What's the matter? You don't seem like you're very excited about going to Hogwarts. You seem more like you're worried, you know there's really no need to be! Hogwarts is one of the safest places you could ever be!"
Harry beamed, trying his best to comfort Draco. Draco couldn't help but think more and more about whether Hogwarts was actually safe, and whether it had ever been safe at all. What he meant was, the Dark Lord had gotten into Hogwarts at least three times since Potter had enrolled, and each time it had nearly resulted in some kind of death, or sometimes even actual death. Now, his maniac father was in the school TEACHING and there was no way of knowing whether he would try anything suspicious. It would definitely be easy enough.
The rest of the journey to Hogwarts castle was a silent one, apart from the sounds of Ron crunching on some sort of new sweet from the same manufacturers of the chocolate frog.
Draco's worries grew as the Thestral drawn carriage landed straight in front of the old castle. Draco felt a mixture of emotions. He was excited, as he really did want to know what house the sorting hat would put him in, worried in case he got into the wrong house (every house seemed wrong at the moment which only added to his worries) and he felt confused, as he had no idea which house he actually WANTED to be in.
"All righ' there?"
Draco turned as he hurriedly stepped out of the carriage, just behind Harry and Ron. Hagrid (the great oaf) was striding towards the four of them, the other students quickly running out of his way as to not get trampled by the half giant. Harry and Hagrid embraced in a warm and friendly hug. Hagrid turned and frowned at Draco - he clearly didn't recognise him as the ignorant Draco Malfoy that he had been teaching for six years.
"Hagrid, this is Orlando Felton, Orli. He's new here. Orli, this is Hagrid, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, and Keeper of the Keys." Harry announced. Hagrid smiled through his shaggy beard and took a dirty worn out glove off, stretching out his hand and shaking it gruffly with Draco's.
"Nice ta meet ya, Dumbledore told me to come an' get ya. I was wonderin' who ya were, shame ya had to come the year that Malfoy is one of the teachers eh?"
Hagrid laughed heartily, then noticed that none of them were laughing with him. Draco tried his best to look confused, as he knew that they didn't know, that he even knew, who on earth Lucius Malfoy was, and why he was actually hated by so many people. Hagrid sighed at their 'lack' of humour and nodded to Draco.
"I expect you 'ave everythin'? Robes? Wand? Good, good, follo' me!!! He'll be seein' you lot later in the Hall."
Hermione, Harry and Ron said their goodbyes, as Draco was led away from them. Hagrid was silent as they walked towards the edge of the castle. They walked towards an old and dusty door that Draco recognised as one of the many dungeon doors that was normally used for emergency. This particular one he knew was just opposite Snape's dungeon classroom. 'Why were they entering through here?' He wondered.
"Now Orli is it? I 'ave no idea why on earth Professor Dumbledore told me to brin' ya 'ere to Professor Snape, but he told me to leave ya 'ere, okay? Now I'll see ya at the sortin'!"
Hagrid walked back out of the door, winking a goodbye to Draco and shutting the door behind him - hard, making dust from the edges take over the air. Draco coughed and coughed, spluttering as a shadowy figure began to walk slowly up to him. The figure tapped Draco on the shoulder, making him jump.
"Come with me Mr . . . Felton."
It was Professor Snape, also known as the potions master. He swiftly walked into his office (located just next to the dungeon/potions classroom), holding the door open for Draco to slowly wander in. He looked around, still acting the 'Orli' part. If Snape still did not know about who he really was, he wasn't keen on him finding out. The office was basically the same as he remembered: dark, smelling old, and as dusty as it could possibly be, not to mention quite clustered with old stuff that he doubted Snape actually knew how to use anyway.
"Sit down, sit down."
Draco obeyed as he continued to pretend to be interested in a cauldron that was lying on Snape's desk. Snape watched, one eyebrow raised.
"Mr Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore has already told me what happened to you, no need to act." Snape continued to watch Draco, this time for the reaction on his face. It went from fake curiosity to an expression of shock and awe.
"You are here because Professor Dumbledore thought it necessary for me to inform you that your father is teaching here as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, although I think you know already. Do not worry Mr Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore has not gone mad ('If he hasn't already'), he does realise that you may be in danger, but all staff and even some students - none of which know who you really are - are on the look out for anything that may seem suspicious about your father, and always remember that if he says anything to you, report it to any Professor immediately. We still do not know whether he knows of your true identity, but I must admit, if anyone were looking at you for quite some time, it would not be hard at all to see who you truly are."
Draco nodded as Snape stood from behind his own desk, and opened the door forcefully, indicating that Draco should now leave.
"I trust you know your way to the Great Hall for your sorting ceremony, I shall be up shortly. And might I say Mr Malfoy, your severe acne problem would solve any problem of your identity for now."
Snape's lips curved into a small smile as Draco flashed a smirk. What a time to joke . . .
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'Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in . . . actually Draco, JUST BREATHE.'
Draco's nervousness was getting the better of him, he had never felt as nervous as this in his entire life. At this precise moment, he was standing in line, along with about twenty odd eleven year olds (half of the group of new students had already been sorted by the time he had joined the line). He had seen Harry wink at him and Hermione smile brightly as he had entered; Professor Dumbledore had definitely given him a sly smile, while his father could smirk no more than he already was.
"Felton, Orlando."
Professor McGonagall called out. She smiled slightly as Draco took a deep breath and carefully walking up the stone steps, making sure that he wasn't going to trip (he didn't want any bad impressions now did he?) Slowly, he put the old and tatty (not to mention ancient and historic) hat onto his head.
'I see I've sorted you before Mr Malfoy, do tell me why you are back when even you know that you are Slytherin.' The sorting hat spoke in his mind. Draco knew that no one else could hear what the hat was saying, so he guessed that the hat knowing his real identity wouldn't really matter much.
'I know what I am, or at least I used to. I'm someone . . . else, now.' Draco thought, he knew the sorting hat could hear whatever he thought.
'But although you may appear different, it is what's inside that counts, and what is inside you, is a Slytherin.'
'But now I . . . I . . .'
'Now you are a Slytherin and a Gryffindor, something that you despise. I know Mr Malfoy, no need to explain. It's all in your head - I can see it. It is your choice Mr Malfoy, shall it be Slytherin or Gryffindor?'
Draco couldn't think, all he wanted to do now was have everything back to normal, he really did not want to be here. But if everything was back to normal, he would have to be the nasty little so and so (not that he wasn't now) to Harry and Hermione again, he really couldn't care less about Ron. He could feel everyone watching him, he had sat on that stool for at least a minute now: how long would it take for him to be sorted?
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'It has been ten minutes Mr Malfoy, and still I cannot decide which house you belong, you are not making matters easier.'
'Bite me.'
'Let's discuss the pros and cons. How about Hufflepuff? You may not be loyal and friendly exactly, but the people of Hufflepuff could do you some good.'
'NO.'
'How about Ravenclaw, where your mind can progress and learn more than you ever thought you could?'
'NO.'
'Maybe Gryffindor, where bravery may do you some good.'
'NO.'
'Perhaps Slytherin? Your old rightful house, and your home for the past six years.'
'No . . . if I was in Gryffindor, I could never live with myself, if I was in Slytherin, Granger and co. would never talk to me again, Hufflepuff is out of the question, I have none of their qualities and I really don't want any of them 'rubbing of' on me, and as for Ravenclaw, I doubt that I can handle all those smart arses in there. And anyway, aren't YOU the one that's supposed to decide where I belong?'
'I am supposed to use your mind to decide, yes, but your mind does not want to be in ANY of them.'
Draco couldn't think. What could he think anyway? Just pick one randomly? No, he couldn't . . . he needed to tell someone who he really was, someone that was his own age and someone that could help him when the time came, but who he didn't know.
'Hat . . . just decide, I don't care anymore.'
'Fine, if that is what you want, then it shall be . . . . . . . . . . .
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I know, not exactly a long chapter, but my teacher always says that it's not length that matters - it's quality! I'm not even sure whether the quality is good . . . I've tried very hard to take all advice/constructive critism (or however you spell the stupid word) that's been given, but sometimes I forget . . . so don't be mad if you've asked me to stop doing something, and I do it, bad memory, teehee . . .
Ps. Sorry once again for the late post, I blame BT for cutting me off, and I just hope that it won't happen again. Please review; it would make me VERY happy.
PPS. To my grandpa, died on December 14th 2003, R.I.P.