Chapter 5

The dorms.

"Now, may we all find our beds." Professor Dumbledore smiled at the students. Everyone got up and started to file to their dormitories.

"Oh, and Mr Harry Potter, I would like a word, If I please,"

Harry's heart squelched. Was he already expelled? Well it might be worth it - I mean… Hufflepuff for goodness sake! It was enough to make anyone suicidal. He waited untilt eh hall was silent.

"I believe the hat did not put you in a pleasing house?"

Harry paused for a moment, then shook his head. "To tell you the truth, no." He said bluntly. Dumbledore smiled.

"Well, for one, I believe that you should be in a comfortable house in which you are suited to you. I ah… er, do not think Hufflepuff will er… shall we say, nurture your talents."

"Tell me about it…"

"Ah, do not interrupt Harry, patience is a virtue. I think personally, as a courageous you student, Gryffindor would suit you better. You shall share a room with Mr Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnagun, and Dean Thomas."

Harry grinned. "Cheers Mr D." He turned to leave.

"Err, Harry, before you depart for bed, I hope and not the messing about that first years normally practise, because I know you'll want to be on your best behaviour…. Is there anything, you wish to ask me?

The question in Harry's mind rang like several alarm bells. Of course he did… but he was afraid to ask.

"Er yes, sir… why is your pet hat, err, why, do you let him publicly humiliate hundreds of people each year without the slightest regard to their poor battered, bruised and humiliated egos?"

Dumbledore looked surprised. "Err, I see you feel very passionate about this, Mr Potter. Well, the sorting hat has been at Hogwarts since this school was founded. We cannot simply get rid of him. It would be sacrilege!

"Although you'd like to, wouldn't you Albus?" Came a muffled squeak from between Professor Dumbledore's armpit.

"Shut up you insufferable hat." He squawked. Harry sniggered. Always follow your elders, they set the example, came to mind.

"Well. He really was alright before this became a mixed school. Shall we say?"

"Well you're still virgin Proff…."

"SHUTUP!"

"Touu-chy…"

"I'll deal with you later…" Dumbledore said through the corners of his teeth, before plastering a big fake smile all over his face. "Now you err, run along Harry, we'll see each other soon…"

"Beewaaare Harry, Beeeewaaare….." Came the last reply Harry heard as he ran out of the hall in hysterics.

"Welcome Misterrrrr, Harry Potter!" Screamed Ron, catapulting himself off of his double bed onto Harry. "Hey mate - bloody hell - weren't you supposed to eb in Hufflepuff. Ah well, we don't mind. We don't blame you because you're thick…."

"Oi - I'm not thick!" Harry laughed, but his whole heart wasn't in it.

"Oh right - sure Harry. Hey thanks for the show up there, we were in fits of laughter!"

"That hat needs putting in line!"

Ron, Dean and Seamus burst out laughing.

"No honestl…"

"I don't get it." Neville interjected. This just made Harry's new companions laugh harder.

"I'm going to bed." Harry huffed, pulling his hangings closed.

inote: Sorry If this is a bit - er, bitty? It's a work in progress, and I'm a fraid I haven't all the time in the world :) By the way, my reviews are empty, and they say they are getting lonely... hint hint hint...