It took a moment but soon all of the first years were gathered from the train. Together we were taken to Hogwarts and led to a small chamber where we were told to wait. I stood near the back of the group as we all waited to be called in for the Sorting Ceremony. Near the front I saw a few people who stood out from the rest. There was the pushy sounding girl from before, as well as the round faced boy who had apparently found his toad.
The other three were all boys, one of which had attracted the attention of a lot of other students as well. It was rumored that he was Harry Potter, the boy who lived. Standing next to him was a scared looking boy with a little dirt on his nose who looked like the twins I'd met earlier. He didn't seem as care free as his brothers though, if they were related. And finally, there was the little blond boy.
I was unsure if I should be happy to see him or not. My father had told me I should greet him warmly and be kind even after the argument we'd had. We would be going to the same school for a good amount of years so I would at least try. Still, Draco did have trouble with the way he held himself around people, and he had changed a lot from when we were children.
Not long after did Professor McGonagall come back to guide us through and into the Great Hall. It was beautiful of course; four long tables given to each of the student houses, with one for the staff at the front. Professor McGonagall stood us in front of everyone for a while and I saw Fred and George sitting in a table on the far left. That must be the Gryffindor table. When they caught my glance they both smiled and crossed their fingers in an exaggerated manner as if to show me they were hoping I was sorted into their group. Part of me wanted to do the same but instead I just smiled and gave them a small wave.
I turned to see that there was an old looking hat perched on a stool and, just as I started to wonder if that was part of our "test" that a few students had been talking about, it started talking. Well, singing actually. The old hat sang about all four houses and of what each was looking for in its students. They all seemed fine to me but I could see some of the other first years making faces at the sound of certain ones. Once the song was done the sorting began, that which would determine what house we would be in for the rest of our time at Hogwarts.
"Abbott, Hannah" called professor McGonagall, to my regret. I didn't know they were saying last names too... I sighed at the thought of what people would say when they heard mine.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" yelled the hat as it made its decision. The table on the right welcomed her and she sat down as the next name was called.
"Bones, Susan" announced the professor and another girl took place under the hat.
This went on for a little while as one by one each of the first years was sorted into their new house. I glanced at Fred and George a few times to see them talking to the new members of their house. Either that or they were smiling and waving at me or at that boy who must have been their brother after all. I waved back and smiled weakly hoping that they wouldn't judge me based on who my parents were. Many kids had gone, even Harry Potter who had been sorted into the Gryffindor house as well, until finally it was my turn.
"Volkov, Katerina" announced the professor and with a sigh I reluctantly made my way towards the hat.
Immediately I heard a handful of whispers of the other students as they realized who I was. I didn't dare look at the twins for fear of what I might see written on their faces. My family wasn't exactly ordinary so I had assumed this would happen when I entered Hogwarts. We had money, a lot of money, enough that I was sure I could live off of it for the rest of my life without needing to make a cent more. We were also pure-bloods which was rare in itself. But mostly it was my father, known to be a very powerful wizard who did what he had to in order to get what he wanted. It wasn't my fault that I was in this family but then again if someone was to judge me solely on whom my parents were they didn't deserve to be around me. I sighed one last time before the hat was placed on my head and began its decision.
"SLYTHERIN!" It yelled and I made my way to the table I had seen Draco walk to when he was sorted; to my new home for the next few years.