NOTE: the bold print in the story represent thoughts
Chapter 2: Revelations & The Sorting (S)
Professor Dumbledore held a piece of paper in his hand as he gravely looked up at Professor McGonagall. "What does this mean, Minerva?"
"It means that night there was some sort of identity mix-up. Something happened and the real Harry Potter is somewhere out there."
"What are we going to tell him?"
"Actually, Albus, it might be easier if we still refer to him as he has been known. We have a transfer student coming in this year who's in the same year - Adrian Evans."
"Do you think . . .?"
"I doubt it, Albus. However, I think our main objective should be to keep Mr. Potter under surveillance at all times with the threat of You-Know-Who."
"That is true, Minerva. Voldemort will undoubtedly try something this year." Professor McGonagall flinched at the mention of the Dark Lord's name. She was about to say something, but they both looked up as a figure appeared in the doorway.
"Professors," Snape said. "The students are arriving."
Once again, the Great Hall was alive with excitement as the Sorting Ceremony and Opening-of-the-year dinner were on their way. Harry, Ron, and Hermione found seats near the front of the Gryffindor table. They could see all the students get settled.
"How much longer until the Sorting?"
"Harry," Ron said. "Since when do you care so much about the Sorting?"
"Oh…" Harry paused, thinking about what he should say. "Um…I'm kind of hungry. I haven't eaten anything since we left the station." He didn't want to let his friends know, but he was actually more curious to find out which house the new student would be sorted in.
"Me too," Ron said. "I haven't eaten anything since Mum gave me and Ginny breakfast this morning."
Hermione stayed silent, turning her head towards the entrance. "Look," she said. "Here they come now!" Her two friends turned their heads and saw the first year students marching in, gazing around the Great Hall in awe. Right behind them came the new seventh-year.
McGonagall set the Sorting Hat out on the stool and stepped back. When it sprang to life, it startled many of the first-years. It began its little song and, when it was done, settled down to begin sorting the new students.
"When I call your name, you are to come forward and sit. Michael Alexander!"
A young boy with cropped blond hair came forward. He sat down on the stool and had the Sorting Hat placed on top of his head. It was silent for a few minutes, evaluating him.
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Laura Brown!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Adrian Evans!"
The older boy stepped forward. Everyone around him could feel the Great Hall hush up. After all, this was the first sorting of a new student which anyone (students, that is…) had seen. He sat down and McGonagall placed the hat on his head. As she stepped back, he could feel the hat move.
Oh, my…this cannot be. You have the most potential that I've seen here in awhile. Just like your parents…
You knew my parents?
Oh, my dear boy…I know all of the students which come and go. After all, I have been here for many centuries now. Yes…your parents were great people.
Okay . . . I believe you. Now, about my house?
Take your pick. You'll most likely do the best in the house that your parents were in.
And they were . . . ?
Your mother was in Gryffindor. Your father also.
Gryffindor? Isn't that the one Harry Potter is in? I don't think so . . . I'd rather make my own name in a separate house.
Very well . . . but would you live up to your potential in Hufflepuff? I don't think so . . . Slytherin would be better for you.
He could feel the hat move around his head, as if preparing to announce his new house.
Hold it! Slytherin? I don't think so . . .
Picky, aren't we? Very well . . . if not Slytherin or Gryffindor, then there is only one more house for you.
"RAVENCLAW!"
With that, the Ravenclaw table began to cheer as Adrian climbed down off the stool and went to join them.
He sat down with a couple of the seventh-years who greeted him warmly. Returning their greetings, he looked around. The Sorting was continuing, a 'Brittany Farraday' going to Gryffindor. His eyes passed over the teacher's table, stopping at Dumbledore. The Headmaster gave him a knowing smile . . . He smiled back, not wanting to offend him or anything.
"Brigitte Zambini!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
As the girl went to join her new house, McGonagall moved the Sorting Hat out of the way and then went to join Dumbledore. They let the kids talk for a few minutes before she picked up a spoon. Tapping it on a glass, she got the students' attention. "Your attention, please . . ." With that, Dumbledore stood up.
"Announcements will be shorter this year . . . Students are reminded once again by Mr. Filch that the third floor corridor is off limits as well as the Forbidden Forest," he said. "Also, if any student witness any suspicious activity by any other student or teacher, they are to report it directly to myself or Professor McGonagall. The action will be dealt with immediately."
"Now," he continued with a smile. "Let the feast begin . . ." With that, the food popped up in the middle of each house's table. Another year had truly begun.