Chapter 5

Eden and Thorn stepped off the train, closely followed by Lily.

"Transfers and first years, this way," came a loud booming voice over near the end of the platform.

"I guess we go over there," Thorn said pointing to a rather large man waving a lantern.

"That's Hagrid," Lily informed them. "You'll like him. Well, have fun crossing the lake, then you get to be sorted into houses. I do hope you're in Gryffindor. That's my house you know."

"Thanks," Eden said as she stared at the man in front of her.

"Are you transfers?" the man who was called Hagrid answered.

"Yea, do we go with you?" Eden asked.

"You sure do," Hagrid answered with a wide grin.

They walked out to the lake with all the first years; they all looked nervous and ill at ease. Eden was pretty uninterested. After the long train ride and the long talk with Lily, all she really wanted to do was eat and go to bed.

CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!

The giant oak doors to the great hall swung open as the first years, Eden, and Thorn filed in. They walked down the center isle to the very front of the hall, towards the legendary sorting hat.

Lily Evans was sitting near the center of the table and just happened to be right across from Potter. He probably did that on purpose, she thought, trying with all her might to hate him. However, this task had gotten rather difficult lately. She stole a glance at him across the table.

He sat slightly hunched over, his eyes drooping with boredom. She sat, admiring his well built figure and jet black hair. In her opinion, that was his best quality. It always seemed to have a life of it's own and never seemed to lie flat. She just loved the way he ruffled his hair to make it look as if he had just gotten off his broom.

As the sorting began, the hat began to sing its little song.

There is a story in our world

Of how our dear Hogwarts came to be

I don't know if you shall enjoy it

So we'll just have to see

It all began with Gryffindor.

He was the bravest of the group.

"We'll start a school for our kind," he said

Some of you may join his troup.

Next came Ravenclaw

She was fair and wise, it was true

To them she said, "I second the motion."

As she wished to begin anew.

Thirdly came Hufflepuff

A merry old soul was she.

"Of course," she said, "why not?"

And the group of two then became three.

But lastly came Slytherin

Him and his sly ways

"Indeed, I agree," he replied

And the group finally began to blaze.

These four held the school

Up high on pillars above grime and grit

Now I'm here to sort you

To which one I see in which you fit

Now you can keep your top hats tall

And your Sunday bonnet's pretty

But fortunately, as you can see

I am far more witty

So try me on

Don't be scared

Come on now

You have been dared.

As the song ended, she wondered if that hat ever had a life. Did it sit in Dumbledore's office all year long and think up the song for next year?

Professor McGonagall then unrolled the list of students and started by saying, "Now, this year we have two transfer students. Please make them feel welcome. They shall be sorted first. McFarley, Eden!" she called out.

Eden walked out of the mass of first years as whispers broke out among her fellow students. She walked up to the stool and sat down expressionless, awaiting her doom. The hat dropped over her eyes and shielded her pale face from the throng of students.

Now, let' see, a voice whispered in her ear. This decision won't be difficult at all, it said.

GRYFFINDOR!!!

Wild applause came from the far right side of the hall as she stood up and walked towards the applauding table.

After the last timid first year had been sorted into his house, Dumbledore rose to address the students.

"Another year has come, but it has not gone. The summer has changed us all on the outside, but we are still the same students that left at the end of last year. Now we have returned to have our heads filled with knowledge. To this I only have four words to say. Twiggly, oinklet, mumsey, and flubber," and with that, the headmaster sat down as food filled the plates in front of them. For better or for worse, the new year had begun.