AN: As always, the main works come from the author that shall not be named. I only own the idea of Heriman and the slight variations that occur throughout his story. Enjoy the second upload of today! More to come next week!
Chapter Six
Decisions, Decisions
The castle doors open to reveal a tall figure that was familiar to Heriman. As Hagrid hands-off the first years to Professor McGonagall, Heriman's heart races. As the group of first years follow Professor McGonagall, Heriman hardly hears what the Professor says about the Sorting Ceremony, although he's read "Hogwarts" A History" many times since getting the book. He didn't have a clue as to where he would fit into the four Houses.
Heriman feels the rest of the students moving and follows the rest of the crowd into the Great Hall. Looking up, Heriman whispers to nobody in particular, "The ceiling is enchanted." Still processing his surroundings, Heriman misses the speech that the Sorting Hat gives. He takes a deep breath as Professor McGonagall starts to call out names of the other first years. He watches as she places the Sorting Hat upon their heads and they are placed into one of the four Houses.
And suddenly, Professor McGonagall calls out, "Granger, Heriman!"
Hoping his sorting will be as quick as the students that went before him, Heriman walks up to the stool and sits down. He feels a tingle as Professor McGonagall places the Sorting Hat upon his head.
"Ah… A three-way tie." Heriman hears the voice of the Sorting Hat say. He looks at the Professor, wondering if the others had heard. "Don't worry, young Prince. The others cannot her what I tell you, aside from the House that I place you in."
Ignoring that the hat called him a prince, Heriman mentally asks the Hat, "What three Houses are tied?" Heriman senses the Hat smirking upon his head.
"The obvious Ravenclaw. There are few in your year that will be able to rival the knowledge and power you are capable of."
Heriman reasons that the Hat made some sense, but still wondered about the other two Houses.
"You are also a brave soul, becoming who you truly are, even though you will face struggles in both the worlds of muggles and magic. This places Gryffindor upon the table of possibilities."
Heriman looks down, smiling at the words of the Hat, but there was still one House to be told.
"Ah, yes. The final House. It is the House of your Past, though you may not yet know it. It could also house friends and allies of the Future. But, is it where you think you belong in the Present?" the Hat asks Heriman.
Heriman looks around, the faces of students and staff watching intently, as if they were all holding their breath. Heriman glances at Professor Snape and gets the sense that the Potions professor is aware of the mental conversation that he's having with the Hat.
"No, it isn't the right time." Something in Heriman says.
"I believe you have made your decision, cub." The Hat replies.
Heriman looks up at Professor McGonagall with a smile before the Hat shouts, "Gryffindor!" Heriman hops off the stool and heads towards the Gryffindor table. As he sits down, two red-haired boys slide into his view on the other side of the table.
"Can you believe in, dear brother?" one asks the other.
"I can't say that I do, brother of mine." The other replies.
"Believe what?" Heriman asks the two boys.
"You were up there for a good ten minutes." They reply as one.
Before Heriman can wonder about it, Harry's name is called. It seems the Hat has a short conversation with Harry before placing him in Gryffindor as well. Soon enough, the Sorting is done, with Neville and Ron also being placed in Gryffindor. During the Feast, Heriman wonders on the words that the Hat told him.
He suddenly feels many eyes on him and looks up to see the other Gryffindors glancing between him and somebody behind him. Heriman follows the glances of his fellow students to meet the emerald gaze of McGonagall. Noticing then that Professor Snape is no longer at the Head Table, Heriman returns his attention to Professor McGonagall.
"Is it time, Professor?" Heriman asks Professor McGonagall softly.
"It is, Mister Granger. If you'd follow me." She looks at Percy Weasley. "I will be taking Mister Granger to Gryffindor Tower after a quick meeting, Mister Weasley."
Percy nods before leading the first years out of the Great Hall. As Heriman follows Professor McGonagall, he can sense a question in the air. "You can ask about the Sorting, Professor." He says, looking at the Professor.
"That can wait until we are in private quarters, Mister Granger." McGonagall responds.
Heriman nods and walks in silence. Soon, the pair reach a portrait of a fox. "This is how you will get your potions from Professor Snape. Do not tell anybody of this passage or you will be made to get your potions from the infirmary."
Heriman looks at the seemingly stern witch. "You have my word, Professor." Heriman says.
Professor McGonagall looks at the portrait and says in Latin, "Acta non verba." The portrait swings open, showing a lit passage. "Follow me." Professor McGonagall says. As Heriman follows Professor McGonagall, he hears the portrait close behind them. A short while later and they arrive at a door. Professor McGonagall knocks before a voice behind the door says to enter.
Translation: Acta non verba-Actions not words.
