The Sorting began with Hannah Abbott, who was placed in Hufflepuff. It continued with Susan Bones to Hufflepuff, Terry Boot to Ravenclaw, Mandy Brocklehurst to Ravenclaw, Lavender Brown to Gryffindor, Millicent Bulstrode to Slytherin, Vincent Crabbe to Slytherin, Justin Finch-Fletchley to Hufflepuff, Seamus Finnegan to Gryffindor, Gregory Goyle to Slytherin, and finally—

"Granger, Hermione!"

Hermione inhaled sharply, but stepped up to the stool upon which the Sorting Hat was sitting. She sat on it and barely moved when the Hat was lowered onto her head. It sat there for a little while before roaring, "Gryffindor!"

The Hat was then removed, and Hermione shuffled off to the long table that hosted the Gryffindors. The older students were stamping and clapping with approval—they were certainly the most rowdy of the bunch, but such enthusiastic welcomes seemed highly encouraging.

More people were sorted, in accordance with where their last names were alphabetically on the list. Before much longer, the 'K' names were reached, and I held my breath, hoping that I wouldn't be called just yet…

I wasn't. I exhaled audibly when the 'L' last names began. Harry, who was standing beside me, mistook my sigh as a sign for nervousness and squeezed my hand. Although unnecessary, I appreciated the gesture, and shot him a grateful smile.

The following students were fairly uneventful save for a Neville Longbottom, who'd accidentally jogged off the stool with the Hat still on his head. The Gryffindors that he could now call his House chuckled good-naturedly as he approached them.

"Malfoy, Draco!"

I growled slightly under my breath. Little twerp.

"Slytherin!"

"Ooh, big surprise," I muttered. Both Harry and Ron snorted at how low my voice had dropped.

As Draco was rising off of the stool, however, he caught my eye. Noting the hostility within my gaze, he smirked and decided to wink at me.

I found myself gritting my teeth, which just made him laugh.

"Malfoy, Elizabeth!"

"Slytherin!"

"Another big surprise?" said Harry, a wild grin on his face. Seeing this careless smile, I couldn't help but return one.

Moon, Nott, Parkinson, Patil, Patil, and Perks were called to the stool and Sorted. Then it was, "Potter, Harry!"

Harry's smile vanished when the crowd went from screaming to deadly silent. It seemed that for a short time, he had forgotten about his own legacy—seeing that he was frozen, it was my turn to squeeze his hand in encouragement. He glanced at me with wide green eyes, which prompted me to offer him a nod and mumble, "Go on, Harry."

My friend swallowed and walked up towards the stool. The energy in the room was almost tangible—it was obvious that each House in the Great Hall wanted the honor of welcoming the one who'd defeated You-Know-Who to their table.

Harry sat upon that stool for close to a minute, looking exceptionally nervous. If I didn't know better, I'd say that the Hat was having a dilemma regarding where exactly my friend should go. Ron and I waited with baited breath, hoping that it would be figured out soon, for his sake.

"Gryffindor!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in screams and shouts of victory. It was the loudest the Great Hall had been all night, and Harry, obviously overwhelmed, stumbled over to the Gryffindor table, where everyone was clamoring to welcome him first. Over all the ruckus, I could somehow hear two ecstatic voices shrieking, "We got Potter! We got Potter!"

It took a moment for the Great Hall to quiet down again; once there was silence, the next name was called.

"Skylar, Belle!"

It was my turn to freeze. I looked at Ron, who grinned toothily and gestured to the stool.

Knowing that I couldn't stand still forever, I forced my feet to start moving. They were as heavy as two blocks of lead, but then I remembered: this was the next moment that I'd been anticipating for what felt like forever.

I sat down on the stool. From the lifted platform, each face within the Great Hall was visible. Everyone was straining to get a good look at me, perhaps attempting to figure out for themselves where I would be placed.

The moment the Hat touched my head, it whispered, "Evening, Miss Krum."

I fidgeted on the stool, rather alarmed that the Hat knew my true last name.

It wheezed, which seemed to be its aged way of laughing. After it coughed once or twice—the gesture ruffled my loose strands of red hair—it said, "You can't hide your real name from me, Belle. I was made to see each part of a person, and determine where they would thrive."

The Hat was then quiet for a while… as time passed, my palms grew sweaty, my hearbeat louder. I'd already lost track of how long I'd been sitting on that stool—it felt like minutes, but maybe it had only been seconds. Either way, people were starting to whisper amongst themselves again.

Finally, when I was starting to fear that maybe a mistake had been made inviting me to Hogwarts, the Hat murmured, "My dear, how would you feel about Slytherin?"

I blinked. That was not where I had thought I'd be going. I didn't think I wanted to be there, either… when I looked across the Slytherin table, my eyes fell upon none other than Draco Malfoy. He was beadily watching my Sorting, almost as though he was invested in the outcome of it.

The Hat chuckled and mused, "If you're that surprised, perhaps not. Well, that leaves me with only one other option. Gryffindor!"

That last word was shouted to the Great Hall, and again the Gryffindor table erupted in raucous thunder. I heard students banging on the tables and whistling as I gently took the Hat off my head and handed it back to Professor McGonagall.

"Congratulations, Miss Skylar," she said so that only I could hear.

I couldn't help but grin. It looked like my wish of having Professor McGonagall as my Head of House had come true.

My anxiety vanished like a puff of smoke, and I skipped over to Perce the Prefect, who was wildly patting at the seat next to him. Fortunately, I was also placed just across from Harry, who was grinning and applauding me wildly.

A pink flush took over my cheeks due to all the attention and, not wanting to have a red face, I proceeded to pretend to ignore it.

A few more names were called after mine. Dean Thomas was another Gryffindor, Lisa Turpin was a Ravenclaw, and then came Ron's Sorting. It was only about five seconds before the Hat shouted, "Gryffindor!"

More thunderous applause. Ron's ears and face turned red as he moved towards us and took a seat on my right, next to his twin brothers.

The last person to be sorted was a Blaise Zabini, who went to Slytherin. Once the Sorting was said and done, the Headmaster of Hogwarts rose from his magnificent chair at the staff table.

It was Albus Dumbledore himself, wearing long robes of red, his trademark crescent-moon spectacles covering icy-blue eyes. He looked across us warmly and cried, "Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"

And he plopped back down in his chair, satisfied with this short announcement. When he waved his hand, all of the first-year students gasped.

The gold platters and bowls upon the table now housed countless servings of food. Some of those foods included—but were not limited to—roast beef, chicken, baked potatoes, peas, carrots, mashed potatoes, gravy, and steak and kidney pie. I had no idea where to start until Ron, with his mouth full, garbled, "The mashed potatoes are great."

Grinning, I served myself a bit of everything. The candy we had on the Hogwarts Express vanished inside my stomach; I was ready to feast. Apparently, Ron and Harry felt the same way, because they were shoveling food down their gullets like there was no tomorrow.

Conversations began taking place around me, but because I was so hungry, I elected to listen rather than actually talk. To my left, Seamus Finnegan was conversing with one of the ghosts who had previously been watching our Sorting—I heard him referred to as Nearly-Headless Nick, or Sir Nicholas.

I waved to the ghost, who beamed and waved back. He then floated over towards Harry, Ron, and I and started a conversation by saying, "So! New Gryffindors! I do hope you're going to help us win the House Championship this year? Gryffindor has never gone so long without winning. The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable."

Sir Nicholas gestured loosely to the Slytherin table, where a glum looking ghost covered in silvery versions of bloodstains was floating above Draco Malfoy. Based on how cold the air had grown around Sir Nicholas, I wondered whether Malfoy was nervous about whether the Baron would 'sit' on him.

I hoped he would.

With a grin, I nodded. Since I still had food in my mouth, I didn't think it polite to respond verbally—but Seamus Finnegan had an empty mouth, and so he asked, "How did the Baron get covered in blood?"

"I've never asked," answered our ghost.

The conversation turned to other matters after that, and I decided to pay attention to my food again. People were helping themselves to second or even third servings before long—as I was about to reach for another healthy helping of the buttered mashed potatoes and gravy, Harry threw his hands up to his forehead and yelped, "Ouch!"

Caught off-guard, I yelped and dropped the spoon holding the mashed potatoes; some of them splattered across a small area of the table. My alarm morphed into concern as the shock wore off, and I asked, "What is it? Are you all right?"

Harry rubbed his forehead. "Nothing, it's… fine," he replied, but the grimace on his face told me he was lying.

Still, it looked like he wasn't willing to share anything more than that, and I didn't pry him on it. The last thing I wanted to do was come off as nosy to one of my new friends… although I soon found myself wishing I'd asked anyway, because I became thoroughly confused when Harry turned to Perce and abruptly changed the topic of conversation. "Hey, Percy—who is that talking to Professor Quirrell?"

He gestured towards the High Table, and I did my best to follow where he was pointing. I located a squirrelly man with a purple turban speaking to someone who looked rather intimidating. He was dressed in sweeping robes of black, his gaunt features were framed by long black hair, and his eyes were near the same color.

"Oh, you know Quirrell, do you? No wonder he looks so nervous, that's Professor Snape. He teaches Potions, but everyone knows he doesn't want to. He's after Quirrell's job—knows a lot about the Dark Arts, Snape does."

Whilst this was valuable information, I blinked and looked at Percy. With mild surprise, I exclaimed, "Wait, so your name is actually Percy? Not Perce?"

Percy laughed; he had a dimple on the right side of his mouth, but not the left. "Right, I'd forgotten that we never were properly introduced. Yes, my real name is Percy. Nice to meet you—you're Belle, right? Belle Skylar?"

"That's me," I replied. "Nice to meet you too."

Percy nodded and smiled, but just as he was about to speak, Dumbledore rose from his chair again and hel up a hand for silence. It was, of course, immediately given. Noting that he held everyone's attention, he declared, "Just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.

"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

Dumbledore paused for a moment, and I could've sworn he was looking specifically in the direction of the Weasley twins.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors.

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch.

"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

At this last piece of news, the Great Hall seemed to start and stare at Professor Dumbledore. A few students laughed as though the Headmaster's warning was a funny joke; the serious expression to his face informed us that it was anything but. At this realization, a few hushed whispers began hissing throughout the Hall, and there was no shortage of anxious faces.

Before I could turn to Harry and Ron and ask what they thought of such a warning, however, Professor Dumbledore dismissed us, and everyone was rising from their seats to head to the common rooms. Recalling that Percy was my Prefect, I stuck close to him as he began gathering the Gryffindor first-years around him. Once we were altogether, he declared, "All right, everyone, follow me!"

We did so, taking great care not to get lost in all the commotion. The ghosts waved us farewell as we departed, and the professors were murmuring amongst themselves. It almost seemed a shame to leave the Great Hall so soon after entering it, even if I was going to be back for breakfast the following morning…

As I was glancing backwards, however, someone nudged me hard with their shoulder, almost toppling me over.

"Blimey, my bad!" they shouted: it looked like someone from Ravenclaw, an older student who was genuinely apologetic. They were already being swept up by the crowd—I shot them a smile and a nonchalant wave to show them I wasn't offended before turning back towards my prefect so I could continue to the Gryffindor common room—

That, however, was when I realized I had lost him. In the fleeting seconds that I'd glanced back at the Great Hall and gotten budged, I'd lost sight of Percy.

Furious with myself, I whirled around, desperately trying to locate him again. Even finding another Gryffindor would help; at least then I wouldn't be alone…

As I searched the body of the older students that were trailing out of the Great Hall, I heard a familiar voice ask, "Is everything all right, Miss Skylar?"

Professor McGonagall was approaching, her previously stern gaze regarding me with some concern. Relieved it was someone I knew, my shoulders slumped. "Well, actually… no. I lost Percy as I was taking another look around the Great Hall, and I'm not really sure how else to proceed to the common room. Do you think you could…?"

I trailed off somewhat, not entirely sure what I had been planning on asking for. Directions? Another student of Gryffindor house?

It didn't matter. With a smile, Professor McGonagall said, "I wouldn't worry. This sort of thing happens—I can bring you to the Gryffindor common room."

I began to stammer my thanks, but my Head of House just smiled and said, "No need to thank me," before waving me on. Rather pleased with how things turned out, I jogged after her as she set out to the entrance hall.

As we walked through the corridors, I found myself getting distracted. The chandeliers in each room were so grand I couldn't help but stare, and it was always intriguing to watch the portraits move and communicate with one another. They were unique; no two pictures were alike, nor did they have the same personalities.

"Enjoying Hogwarts so far?" asked Professor McGonagall's voice.

I glanced over and realized how far ahead she was—my face flushed upon realizing that I'd kept her waiting and rushed forward to catch up.

"No need to hurry," she reassured.

"Thanks, Professor," I exhaled, already feeling much better. "I really like Hogwarts so far. It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen."

The portraits surrounding me erupted in polite applause and grumbles of approval, though they silenced themselves as Professor McGonagall spoke again. "I would agree with you, Miss Skylar. I've always had a special penchant for the many paintings amongst the castle. And speaking of paintings… this one in particular is one you should remember."

She stopped with these last words and gestured to a rather large painting of a rather large woman. The woman gazed directly at Professor McGonagall and, with no special reverence or recognition, demanded, "Password?"

"Caput Draconis," recited Professor McGonagall.

The portrait swung on its hinges and revealed a short passageway that led into a large, cozy room beyond. I blinked and stared down it, wondering if this was where I was supposed to go.

"This leads you into the Gryffindor common room," said Professor McGonagall. "If you don't happen to recall the way it took to get here, I'm sure you and the first-years can learn it together. If you need anything else while you're adjusting, Miss Skylar, don't hesitate to ask me."

Excited, I nodded and exclaimed, "Thanks again, Professor McGonagall."

She gazed down at me with a thin smile and a warmth to her eyes before walking away. After I clambered through the passageway and into the common room, I noted Percy was waiting for me. With a relieved smile, he exclaimed, "There you are! Now, let me show you around…"