Oh, my, goooooooooods. I'm warning you now, this is a long-ass chapter. like, 7500 words long. Seriously, that's not normal.
Anyways, weary moaning aside, I am proud to present Chapter Two: The Sorting. I technically could have just tossed up the first third of this as its own 2500 word chapter, but there wasn't really much action, with it really just being a description of Hogwarts through the eyes of the four main characters, Draco, Luna, Susan, and Harry, who will now be collectively referred to as The Circle (You'll see why later). I only actually showed Harry's perspective, but you can assume that the others had fairly similar experiences as you read it.
So, a couple of things, as well as a question before I let you get to it. Firstly, I wasn't sure if Luna was supposed to be in Harry's year or if she was actually in Ginny's. If she was a year younger, I apologize, and you can blame it on the AU. Also, I wasn't really sure about Susan's hair color. Again, if I got it wrong, blame it on the AU. basically, just blame everything that's different on the AU. It'll help you retain your sanity.
So, the question. I am honestly unsure whether I want Dumbledore to be an evil bastard in this story, or just a general unobservant idiot like he actually was in the books, so I figured I'd ask what you guys thought. Sure, it'd would be useful to make him a prick and have The Circle have to deal with him at some point, but I could just as easily come up with another enemy and just make him meddle a bit, causing small amounts of trouble as he does stupid things. Anyways, tell me what you think.
That's all for now, i suppose, so read, review, and relax! Enjoy!
The air was heavy with magic energy as Harry stepped off the train, wrapping around him like a thick blanket. It wasn't suffocating however, instead giving off a sense of familiarity that put a warm feeling in his stomach as he looked around the mostly dark platform. It felt like he had come home, and not just because he was finally escaping the Dursleys. The platform itself wasn't very big, more like a stone walkway that just happened to run along the tracks. There were a few lanterns that warded off the darkness a bit, but only one was of any size to be effective, and it appeared to be floating towards them, a great shadow following behind. As it drew closer though, Harry heard a great, rumbling voice call out, bringing a smile to his face.
"Firs' years with me! 'Urry it up, now." Harry started to move forwards, bringing into view a familiar face, or rather beard, as he could barely see beyond the great forest of facial hair that adorned the visage of the man Harry would always be thankful to for introducing him to the wizarding world.
"Alright there, Harry?" Hagrid, as he insisted on being called, somehow noticed Harry in the sea of young students swarming around his impressive girth, calling out a greeting. Harry smiled in response, too happy to see another familiar face, especially one that had been part of some of his happiest memories.
"Excellent, Hagrid." And he was. Despite the numerous shocks he had endured that day, he was filled with warmth and happiness, as well as a sense of immense familiarity, like coming home after a long trip away. He didn't know why,but there was just something about the magic and sights around him that was comforting. Hagrid gave a nod in response before turning, and calling for any last stragglers among the ranks of the first years, strode away into the night, the swarm of students following him like ducklings following their mother toward the glittering lights in the distance. Harry wasn't paying much attention to where they were going, distracted as he was by relishing in the sensations of the magic around him, but he did know exactly when they finally crossed onto the school grounds proper, giving him an even worse shock than any of the ones he had previously experienced.
As they fully entered Hogwarts, Harry's newfound senses expanded, as did the enchantments he was already in danger of losing himself in. The enchantments protecting the school grounds were vast and intricate, strands of extremely powerful magic weaving webs the scale and complexity of which his eleven year old mind couldn't truly comprehend. He could feel it, coursing through the large grounds with such power that the previously intimidating enchantments of the Hogwarts Express was like an ant next to a giant. It was breathtaking and exhilarating all at once as he explored the vast landscape that had opened up before him with his mind, the magic seeming to shiver in welcome as he hesitantly reached out, in what seemed like welcome… and excitement. He could feel the lights of the students around him, not dimmed as they had been on the train, but brightened, like stars flickering in the night sky.
As he looked around at the people they represented with his actual eyes, Harry was shocked to to find that only of few shared the looks of awe that he was certain he was wearing. It was as if no one else could sense what he was sensing. He could only see three that shared his look, staring around at the empty air as if marveling at the energy filling it. The blonde haired boy, Draco was one, and the others were two girls, one a shy looking brunette, and the other with silvery hair that seemed to reflect the moonlight. Harry wondered why it seemed the other students lacked their senses, and if that truly was the case, why he had them. He had a sneaking suspicion that it might have something to do with the strange tattoo he had discovered that morning, as well as the sudden change of color in his eyes that he had learned of only recently, but he put those questions out of his mind as Hagrid led to a small fleet of boats waiting on the edge of a vast lake.
Each of the boats seemed to be made for six, but Harry immediately beelined for the one Hagrid had taken, resulting in him only having to share with three other students. One was Ron, the boy he had shared a compartment with, whom Harry had failed to notice following him previously. The others consisted of another familiar face, the bushy haired girl that had been searching for a toad on the train, as well as a very rotund boy who Harry suspected was Neville, the owner of said toad. If that was the case, Harry wasn't surprised at all that he would need someone else to help him find his pet. The poor boy looked like he was about to faint from nervousness.
Harry didn't pay much attention to the conversation between the other three, to busy staring out over the lake and continuing to marvel at the enchantments weaving through the grounds. The lake itself was a beautiful sight, perfectly smooth even as their little boats glided across its surface, the water refusing to be disturbed. It was as black as pure darkness, and Harry figured it must extremely deep, not to mention wide. Growing curious, he reached out with his new senses, trying to see what he could discover beneath the surface, but all he could feel was a deep, pervading sense of emptiness as something seemed to push him back. Whatever was down there, it didn't want to be found.
After awhile of sailing, his senses seemed to fade into the background of his mind, becoming less noticeable as he grew used to the feeling of the magic all around him. It didn't disappear completely, but he was no longer forced to give it his full attention. The timing of this was perfect, however, as they rounded an overhang covered in ivy to allow a different, and yet still breathtaking sight he likely would not have been able to fully appreciate otherwise.
Rising up into the sky before them, with soaring towers that reached up towards the stars and the dark shapes of hunching gargoyles, was an ancient stone castle, proud and intimidating in its size. The lights they had seen glittering in the distance before became windows, glowing merrily with candles and firelight. As their boats drew up along side the docks, Harry couldn't tear his eyes away from the knew, staring up at the imposing walls and towers, that he was finally home.
After all the first years had disembarked, Hagrid guided them up a large set of stone stairs, leading to a massive wooden door that formed the entry to the castle. This door was old, worn by the centuries, and covered in carvings and runes. Harry couldn't fully make out what they depicted, but the general theme seemed to be of people battling what looked like various magical beings, although he couldn't identify any in particular. The carvings were both beautiful and terrifying, but his attention was drawn to four figures in particular, each located at one of the corners, seeming to glow slightly. Harry drew as close as he could while Hagrid rapped on the door with his heavy fists three times, creating a deep booming sound that echoed in the space behind the door. From his new distance, Harry could see that the four glowing figures were people, two men and two women. He couldn't see many details, but their eyes all seemed to be looking at him, their smiles started to wonder who the four were, but before he could get far, the door opened and his thoughts were cut off in a sudden gasp as the tide of eager children carried him inside.
Here, the enchantments were at their strongest. The magic seemed to weigh down upon harry, threatening to force him to his knees as they washed over him in the first few seconds. As he looked around, his face feeling like it would permanently be frozen in a look of awe, Harry nearly froze at the sight. For the first time, he actually saw the magic, the strands of energy so thick and dense that they finally peeked into the visible spectrum, forming archaic swirls and patterns as they climbed the walls and stretched across the roof. A few even outlined the runes and carvings that seemed to flow from the door, covering nearly every inch of the stones, although where before there had been many more actual pictures than runes, the ancient symbols that seemed to radiate power now far outnumbered the images. It was beautiful, but yet again, few others seemed to even notice them, instead focusing on the figure of the woman who had opened the door for them.
She was draped in emerald green robes, a stern look on her face as her eyes swept the crowd in front of her. She was middle-aged, and her face was creased with frown lines, as if she was constantly disappointed. They had stopped in front of a door that was even larger than the first one, rising up behind her imperiously, although she was already plenty intimidating, or at least, Harry thought she was.
"I am Professor Mcgonagall. Welcome to Hogwarts." Harry shivered in excitement at those words, but listened closely as Mcgonagall continued. "The welcoming feast will begin shortly, but first, all of you first years must be sorted into your Houses before you can join the older students in the Great Hall." Ah, yes, the Houses. Harry remembered Draco talking about them in Diagon Alley, and he had talked a bit with Ron about which ones they thought they would end up in. Harry thought Gryffindor sounded like the best, but he didn't know all that much about each of them, anyways. "During your time here, your House will be like your family. You will eat, sleep, and attend classes with your house. I expect you all to do your best to contribute to your house, no matter which one you are placed in. Now, you shall wait here while I inform the headmaster of your arrival and prepare for the Sorting. I'd suggest you all take this time to… smarten yourselves up." She swept her gaze over the assembled students one last time like she was looking for troublemakers, and Harry, grabbed by a sudden impulse and unable to resist put a wide grin on his face, waving goodbye. Mcgonagall's eyes narrowed, but she didn't comment as she swept around and slipped through the door. He was still grinning when Ron elbowed his side, causing him to wince.
"Ow! What?"
"Fred and George said Mcgonagall was the strictest teacher ever! Are you trying to annoy her before we even start classes, mate?" Harry chuckled, earning an annoyed look.
"If she's that bad, it must be an accomplishment to get away with a bit of cheek. You should be praising me." Ron shook his head disgustedly, pointedly turning away to start talking to the toad girl from the train, although it didn't seem to be a very friendly conversation. Harry, after glancing around to find something to do while he waited, noticed a girl who seemed to be looking at the runes, peaking his interest. If he remembered correctly, she was the same brunette as before, with the really bright aura. Hers was a bright golden color, warm and friendly. With nothing better to do, harry sidled over to her, startling the girl as he spoke.
"Nervous about your house?" The girl was like a deer caught in the headlights, looking like she couldn't believe that someone was talking to her. Harry hadn't noticed her really getting along with anyone yet, but he had been distracted. Surely she wasn't that lonely? Either way, after a few seconds of waiting for him to go away, the girl seemed to resign herself to the fact that he really was talking to her, and finally responded cautiously.
"Er, yeah, I guess." Harry, hiding his amusement, nodded sagely.
"Everybody probably is. Which do you think you'll be in?" The girl bit her lip, seeming to think for a moment before answering.
"Probably Hufflepuff, but everybody says they're all a load of duffers. What if nobody likes me?" Harry had to hold in a laugh at the worried face she was wearing. It was like a little puppy dog, and he just wanted to reach out and pat her head, telling her not to worry. That would probably have been weird however, so instead he raised a questioning eyebrow.
"What, loyal, hardworking, and trustworthy? Sounds pretty good to me. I mean really, what are your other options?" Harry held up a fist, raising a finger as he listed off the houses and their traits while she seemed to blush at his praise for the Hufflepuff house.. "Gryffindor, home of the hard heads. Ravenclaw, for the obsessive bookworms. And Slytherin, where all the tricky gits reside." Each of his unorthodox descriptions earned a giggle, until the last one, which elicited full blown laughter from the young girl, earning a few strange looks from their fellow students. Harry waited patiently as she finished, before continuing with a shrug. "Besides what about your fellow housemates? Like the teacher said, they're like your family. They kind of have to like you, and even if they didn't, it couldn't be because of your house, since they share it." This seemed to satisfy her, but after a couple seconds she turned back to Harry, a curious look on her face.
"What about you? What house do you think you'll be in?" Harry shrugged, not really sure how to answer.
Would it surprise you if I said none?" The girl looked like she was confused by this answer, her brow creasing.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, i've always had decent grades in school, but they weren't amazing or anything. I've never been really clever, and I'm way too lazy to be in Hufflepuff. I have been known to be a bit hard headed, but more out of stupidity than bravery. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they just sent me packing." The brunette didn't seem to like that answer, frowning at Harry's uncaring face.
"I'm sure that won't happen. Besides, if they try, I'll just throw up a fit until they bring you back." Harry chuckled, amused that the thought of a little eleven year old girl forcing grown adults to do what she wanted.
"Sure, that might work, if only out of sheer comedic factor." The girl looked annoyed at his dismissal, but didn't respond, instead settling for glowering at the wall. Unnerved by the sudden silence, Harry glanced around, looking for something else to talk about. His eyes suddenly caught on the runes covering the walls, but just before he could open his mouth to speak, he was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a bunch of floating pale figures that could only be ghosts. They were talking about something, but Harry was too distracted by the suddenly fearful look on the brunette's face to care. Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her deeper into the crowds, away from the spirits that seemed to have scared her. Pushing her into a small alcove a bit away from the other students, he tried to calm her down.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. They're just ghosts. They can't hurt you if they're already dead." Harry continued to comfort her like this for several moments until the girl finally calmed down, looking at him thankfully.
"Sorry about that, I just don't like ghosts. I've not had good experiences with them." Harry nodded understandably, glancing behind him to make sure no one had noticed the minor panic attack.
"That makes sense. You might have to get used to them though, old castle like this." She nodded, and putting on a determined face, started to push past him. He let her go, but only after checking to make sure all the ghosts were gone. He didn't know why, but he felt protective of her for some reason, even though he didn't know her name. He didn't want her to end up embarrassing herself. That would make it difficult to make new friends, which seemed important to her. Following the girl, Harry barely made it back to the group in time for the door to swing open, revealing the Great Hall.
This hall was massive, even more so than the spacious entry area they had been waiting in. The majority of it was filled with four long tables, stretching down the length of the hall. All the older students lined them, jostling to get a decent look at the new first years. Bright torches lined the walls, which were also covered with the same glowing runes as before, providing bright light for the whole of the hall. The most surprising, and beautiful thing, however, was the ceiling.
Instead of stone, the top of the hall seemed to open out to the night sky, revealing a starry canvas. It was truly realistic, and Harry could almost believe that he truly was standing under the open sky if it hadn't been for his new senses. Instead, he could see the few strands of magic that broke off from the rest of the web, tying together to form a simple, but powerful enchantment that allowed the students to see through the roof and into the sky beyond. Harry couldn't really understand why anyone would need it, but he supposed it was still nice. Maybe people just used it to tell the weather, although he could easily do that by just looking out the window.
The last thing harry noticed as he followed the gaggle of first years down the open area in between the student tables, was the staff table. It was located at the very back of the hall, laid perpendicular to the others and seated at it were several people, although only a few stood out to Harry. One was a very serious looking man with a thin, hooked nose, and a deep emerald green aura, who looked annoyed as he was talked at by another man. This one was wearing a turban, and Harry remembered him as Professor Quirrel, from the Leaky Cauldron when Hagrid took him to get school supplies. Before, he had seemed like a somewhat harmless man, stuttering and terrified. Now, Harry instantly revised that assessment, a feeling of sheer revulsion crawling up him as he looked at the man. Quirrel's aura was twisted and darkened, bent into a horrible shape by the leeching presence that had attached itself to him. It felt like dead leaves and dust, a cold and horrifying sensation Harry could only describe as death and hatred. Whatever the presence was, it was latched onto Quirrel, the majority of it's magic centered around the massive turban hanging off his head. As harry looked at it, a sharp pain dug into his forehead, causing him to squeeze his eyes shut, before it disappeared suddenly, and the sound of a high pitched squeal ringing in his ears. It was all he could do not to plug his ears, praying that the sound would end as he looked away. Thankfully it did, and harry carefully looked back up at the table, making sure to avoid looking at Quirrel. The only other person who really attracted his attention though, was the one sitting directly in the center of the table, An old man wearing silvery blue robes and with long, flowing silver hair and beard. His aura radiated power, a deep azure blue, far vaster than most other residents of the hall. The only ones who were even on a comparable level was the brunette whom Harry had lost in the crowd, the Draco boy, and the silvery haired girl he had noticed before they sailed across the lake. Harry could only assume that this man was Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster. Harry wasn't sure what to make of him. He had a kind, almost grandfatherly smile on his face, but his aura carried an almost cold calculation with it, especially as his eyes passed over Harry in the crowd, causing him to shiver.
Looking away quickly, Harry tried to pay attention to what McGonagall was saying to the assembled students, but was suddenly distracted by a tugging on the sleeves of his robes. Turning, he found the silver haired girl, the one with a bright aura, looking at him with a mild curiosity in her strange bronze colored eyes.
"Are you Harry?" Harry, confused by the sudden question, just nodded. The girl seemed satisfied with that though, and smiled dreamily. "You're glowing, did you know? You should turn it down." She then leaned in and whispered as if they were sharing a secret. "Someone might see you." Harry tried to open his mouth to ask her what she was talking about, but she disappeared into the crowd, leaving only a trace of her deep, royal blue aura in her wake. Strange that he hadn't noticed her color before, but he supposed it had to do with being distracted. In fact, it seemed like he had just come out of a stupor, and he shook his head to clear it. Unable to do anything further, he turned back to the front of the hall, where the brunette girl he had talked to earlier was running up to the stool and hat that had somehow appeared there as McGonagall called out.
"Bones, Susan!"
Susan quickly made her way to the stool holding the sorting hat as her name was called, shaking with nerves. Calm down, remember what that boy said, she told herself, and it helped a little. Still, she was unsure as she picked up the hat, placing it on her head carefully and sitting down, gripping the stool with her hands.
"Come, child, don't be shy. I am just a hat. Now, let us have a look in your mind. Yes, yes, loyal and dedicated, good. Not afraid to work either, it's obvious where you belong." Susan held her breath, hoping that wherever the hat placed her, she would be able to make friends, and perhaps even that boy too. He had seemed nice, and didn't judge her for her fear of ghosts. "Perhaps child, and I am sure you will not have any difficulty finding friends… Oh, but what's this?" Susan went instantly still as the hat made a surprised noise, and she felt it suddenly dig deeper into her mind. "Oh, is it that time already? I suppose it has been a while… I wonder, who will your companions in this journey be? Perhaps… yes it has been gaining power recently… it may be time for that." Susan had no idea what the hat was going on about, but she got the feeling that it was quickly becoming distracted by whatever it was, so she carefully prodded with her mind, trying to get its attention.
"Um, Mr. Hat, can you please get back to sorting me? People are starting to stare." Susan felt the hat's attention return to her, and breathed a sigh of relief as it apologized.
"Ah, yes, sorry child, I get distracted easily, and please, call me Judix. Now, you have a great destiny ahead of you, and the perfect place for you to face that destiny from would be… Hufflepuff!" Susan quickly stood up and placed the hat on the stool, giving it a silent thanks right before she pulled it off her head. Running to the Hufflepuff table, she just barely caught the black haired boy from before out of the corner of her eye, not to mention his glowing crimson aura, clapping vigorously and bringing a smile to her face. Whatever happened, at least she would have one friend.
Dumbledore watched with interest as the young Bones girl joined her new house mates, noting the look on her face as she passed young Harry. He had been long awaiting the day the Potter heir would come to Hogwarts, and he was not disappointed. He seemed to be of at least sound mind, especially if he was already aking friends, so that worry was already out of Dumbledore's mind. The old headmaster had been somewhat worried about the effects his muggle family may have had on the boy after Hagrid informed Dumbledore about the difficulty in delivering the letter, but those worries looked to be needless. Still, he would have to keep an eye on the child. He had a hard road ahead of him, and any mental trauma would only make it more likely for him to fail.
Aside from Harry's mental health, however, the rest of the evening had been quite surprising indeed. To think that not only were there several students in the same year with such tremendous magical strength, but that the young Potter heir was one of them! Miss Bones had been one of them, that being the reason for his interest in her, as was the young Malfoy heir. He would need to keep an eye on that boy in particular, especially as he already sensed dark magic around him. It wasn't unexpected, considering who the boy's father was, but it would not do to allow such a powerful weapon fall into the hands of the Dark side, especially not Voldemort's. As Dumbledore mused over various ways he could attempt to wrest control over Draco away from his father, he noticed the fourth, and final of the children who had caught his eye.
"Lovegood, Luna!" When her name was called, the child who had previously been staring off into the distance slowly made her way up to the stool bearing the sorting , already putting aside all thoughts of the other students watched closely, curious as to where this strange girl would end up.
As Luna placed the strange talking hat on her head, she closed her eyes, idly remembering the discovery she had made just a few minutes earlier as she waited for whatever was supposed to happen. She wasn't at all nervous, having grown perfectly used to strange things in the magical world. Even as she thought this though, that stance was tested by the sudden voice that spoke softly in her head.
"Oh dear, you poor thing. I hardly know what to do with you. Your mind has been almost shattered from sheer exposure to unstable magic." Luna, recovering quickly from the shock of a voice suddenly appearing in her head, something that was unusual even for her, gave a slight shrug despite not being sure whether the voice could even see it. "I can see it child, and it brings me great sadness to find a child as broken as you are. How you have retained your sanity, I do not know, except that you must have a very powerful mind to have survived what you have. Sadly, it is so disoriented that I cannot find what I need without digging deeper, and that may result in more damage if I do it wrong. I wish I could avoid it, but I am magically bound to do my utmost to sort any students I come across. If I may, with your permission? It might make it easier if you willingly comply." Luna, not sure why she wouldn't, simply shrugged again. She felt more than heard the voice take what must have been the mental equivalent of a deep breath before it plunged into her mind with as much gentleness as it could muster.
"Yes, I can see now that you have a truly formidable mind, or you would if it were not for the damage done to it. My creator would have loved to meet you, and examine t herself. Sadly that is not the- wait, I believe I've found something…." The voice trailed off before giving an audible gaspin Luna's mind, bringing it back from the pretty runes she had been staring at. "Oh, thank goodness. You seem to be in luck child, for your mind will heal. Normally, II would warn you of the difficult path your life will be, but perhaps it is better this way. As long as you find those who would stand beside you as equals, I am sure you will do well. For now though, I will place you in your rightful house of Ravenclaw!" Luna carefully placed the hat back on the stool and calmly made her way over to her table, thinking. She did not fully understand all of what the hat had said, for it was now clear to her that the voice had belonged to it, but she was almost certain that it had claimed she would heal, although from what exactly Luna didn't know. What she did know, however, was that the last piece of advice it offered sounded awfully familiar, and she was determined to listen if that was the case.
Severus watched the sorting pass by, pretending to be mildly disinterested. He was not nearly as strong a sensor as the headmaster, preferring to work with ingredients rather than people, but even the old potions master could tell that something was not quite right with the first year students. The majority of his concerns, however, focused primarily on the changes in his godson, Draco.
The young boy was wearing a disinterested look on his face as well, although it did look genuine to Severus' trained eye. Only rarely did he ever look up at the students being sorted, twice in fact, both girls. They had been sorted into Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Houses separately, and normally Severus would not understand why his godson was so interested in them as they did not seem to display any of the features that would interest most boys his age. However, it seemed that the girls interested Draco for the same reason the older man was so worried about him.
Draco was giving off far more magical energy then he had the last time Severus had seen him a few weeks ago, not nearly enough time to have grown that much. He couldn't gauge it effectively, but the boy seemed to have far more power than even the average sixth year, perhaps seventh. The girls that he had taken note of were also highly powerful, bringing the question of whether or not it was for the same reason to the mind of Severus. Also strangely was the dark magic clinging to the Malfoy heir, although that could have just been residue from some powerful spell his father had cast near him, so it didn't worry Severus too much. The biggest difference to the boy, however, was all too obvious, and brought far more questions with it.
With magically enhanced sight, Severus could look his godson directly in the eye, and he didn't like what he saw there. The last time Severus had met the child, his irises were the usual Malfoy grey, colored like flint. Now though, they were a deep venomous green, somewhat startling to look. Severus had never heard of a spell that could change a person's eye color, or at least, not just an illusion. He definitely knew that even if there was a spell that could truly and permanently change the eyes, which were deemed by many magic philosophers as the gateway to the soul and as such untouchable, it would definitely not be in the realm of abilities possessed by an eleven year old, even one as powerful as Draco appeared to have become.
Severus was both worried and interested in what had become of his godson, and why he had not been informed of these changes, but for the time being he was forced to put these concerns aside as Draco's name was called by that pathetic head of Gryffindor house McGonagall, forcing him to pay attention and ensure that the Malfoy heir ended up in Slytherin, where he rightfully belonged.
"Ah, the third. This is somewhat worrying." Draco snorted as the voice invaded his mind, souting nonsense.
"Look, hat, we both know where I belong, so just get on with it." To his surprise, the hat merely chuckled at his bored tone, as if amused by the Malfoy heir.
"Oh my, you are just like him, utterly impertinent and without a care for what others think. Yes, boy, I do know exactly where you belong, but the question is, do you? Do you know where your loyalties lie?" Draco's brow wrinkled in confusion as the bloody thing kept rambling. What did it mean, loyalties? Of course he knew that he belonged in Slytherin house! He was a Malfoy, it was tradition! "Oh, child, you have a lot to learn. Just because something has always been, does not mean it should always be. And your family name matters not when it comes to who and what you are. Blood does not always tell." Alright, now Draco was about ready to burn this hat. It sounded almost like it was calling his blood worthless, like it wasn't going to place him in Slytherin. "And what if I didn't, hmm? What if I were to place you amongst the lions, or maybe even the ravens instead? What would you do then?" Draco had to clench his fists tight to keep himself from ripping the hat off his head and beating it to the ground when he heard the mocking tone that the words carried.
"Shut up and get on with it, will you? I haven't got all day."
"Oh, on the contrary, I think you've got quite a while. Still I suppose I should move on. You will have a long, hard journey ahead of you, Draco. Just remember that not all your friends will be found where you expect them while you're in Slytherin!" The hat shouted the last word to the crowd, and Draco struggled to return his face to its customary smirk as he stood and placed the hat on the stool. The hat had unnerved him, with its talk about blood and names not being important. He had always been raised to believe that as a Malfoy and a pureblood he was important, that he would always matter. Glancing over to meet the golden eyes of Harry Potter, however, Draco started to doubt.
Look at Potter. From what I've heard, his mother was a muggleborn, and a powerful one at that. Even then, he isn't famous or respected because of his parents. He's respected because of his actions, even as a child. It was at that moment that Draco decided something. He couldn't just depend on his family name, or his blood anymore, not now that he was a student just like anyone else. No, if the hat was right, he would need to prove that he deserved everything he got, including his House. Draco wasn't going to go through life with an open hand, he decided as he sat down at the Slytherin table, expecting everything to fall into it. No, he was going to clench that hand tight around his wand, and earn it.
Harry was starting to get nervous. The Sorting was getting closer and closer to him, and finally thoughts on what might happen if his prediction ranf true, and he was thrown out were starting to warm their way into his mind. He couldn't possibly go back to the Dursley's, He'd never stand a chance. Harry supposed he could always try to live off the streets, but he had no idea how an eleven year old boy would manage something like that. Maybe they'd just let him stay on as an assistant to Hagrid? Harry had felt just how vast the grounds were, and it was quite a lot for one person, no matter how large, to keep.
"Potter, Harry!" McGonagall's voice broke into his thoughts as she called his name, letting Harry practically feel the shiver of interest that ran through the Great Hall. Students were starting to shove each other aside to get a look as Harry slowly made his way to the front of the remaining unsorted first years. Trying to ignore the stares of the other students, not to mention the whispers, Harry practically tossed the hat on as he sat, pulling it low over his eyes.
"Oh, what's this? Are you scared of gossip?" Harry almost jumped at the incredulous voice that echoed in his mind. After pausing for a moment to make sure that he actually had heard what he thought he heard, Harry shook his head lightly before whispering a response.
"No, its just bothersome for people to look at me like some kind of hero. I haven't done anything, at least not that I can remember. I haven't earned any glory, so why should I get any?"
"And would you, if you had the chance? Would you fight for glory, to be worshipped and praised by your peers?" Harry, taken aback by the sudden inquiry, shook his head, somewhat more vigorously this time.
"No, I don't care for praise. I'd fight to protect people though, even if they didn't thank me."
"Oh? And why would you do that, spend your time and effort if not for acknowledgement?"
"Because someone has to, so why not me?" Harry asked with a shrug, unsure of what the hat was getting at. Who would help people only if there was something to gain? What was the point of that?
"That is a very wise way to look at things, dear boy. To be honest, I was worried I might have to place you in Slytherin when I first saw your mind. You would do well there, you know." As soon as the voice, which Harry assumed was coming from the hat, said those words, he felt an instant repulsion. Harry didn't dislike Slytherins, yet, at least. in fact that Draco kid seemed kind of decent, but somehow Harry knew for a fact that he did not belong in Slytherin. That much was certain.
"No. I don't care if you are a very powerful hat, I will burn you if you even consider placing me in Slytherin." Harry attempted to put as much venom in his voice as he could, despite the fact that he was whispering. As he said the words, though, he could have sworn that he heard the hat laughing.
"Oh ho ho, threatening me, are we? Perhaps you will be a worthy heir. I've only ever been talked to like that by one person, boy, and you have earned nowhere near as much respect as he. Still, I guess I can't help but admire your spunk. Perhaps you truly do belong in Gryffindor!" Harry grinned in surprise as he stood, amazed that he had actually succeded in being placed. Perhaps he really did have the makings of a great wizard, as Hagrid had claimed. Rushing to the table that was now in an uproar of celebration, however, Harry couldn't help but dwell a bit on what the hat had questioned him about. His answers had actually surprised himself, really. He'd never thought of himself as the self-sacrificing type, but thinking back, he supposed it could be true. There were a few times he could remember in his childhood he had drawn the attention of Dudley and his gang just to protect other kids. Maybe it came from being used to mistreatment already. Harry could certainly take a punch much better than most people. Whatever it was, he was forced to put those thoughts aside those thoughts for a later date as he was welcomed vigorously to the Gryffindor table with yells of "We've got Potter!"
After the other Gryffindor students quieted down, Harry settled back to watch the rest of the Sorting, but didn't pay much attention other than to cheer when Ron was also sorted into Gryffindor. Instead, his eyes were hunting down the three other students he had noted, each having been sorted into a different house. Luna, The Ravenclaw girl with the silver hair, was the first he found. Actually, she found him, attracting his attention by waving and smiling, before returning to reading some kind of newspaper, barely giving Harry time to respond in kind. Susan, The Hufflepuff who he had talked to in the entrance hall, was somewhat harder to find, but he eventually managed. She was at the edge of the table, trying to hold a polite conversation with a couple older Hufflepuff girls while carefully edging away from any ghost that came near her. Harry felt a pang of regret that he couldn't help, but forced himself to look away. The last of the three was the Draco boy from the train, his unique aura catching Harry's eye as he looked like he was trying desperately to escape the attentions of two rather brutish looking boys. They seemed to be following him around the table like moths to a flame, and it wasn't until the very end of the sorting that they finally slunk away, looking like kicked dogs. Harry wondered what that had all been about, but was distracted when McGonagall took away the sorting hat, clearing the way for the old man Harry had noticed before to stand up and clear his throat.
"Ahem. Now that you are all sorted, there are only a few words I would like to say before we all dig in, and here they are: Nitwit, Blubber, Oddment, and Tweak." Harry was about to ask the nearest person if the old man had gone absolutely nutters, but was stopped by the sudden appearance of more food than Harry had previously thought possible to exist in one place. His mind was instantly lost to the finer functions of higher thought as a great hunger suddenly pierced his stomach. He quickly set about filling his plate with as much food as he could and dug in, shoveling the sustenance into his moth by the forkful. Harry lost track of both time and his surroundings, only pausing in his crusade against the innumerable legions that was the welcoming feast when the actual supper foods disappeared, only to be replaced by desserts of all sorts and sizes, many of which Harry didn't even recognize, but still shoveled onto his plate anyways.
Finally, just as the final crumbs disappeared from the plates and surrounding dishes, harry leaned back, rubbing his full belly. The sudden onset of ravenous hunger had surprised him, and looking around at the almost frightened looks around him, he wasn't the only one. Funnily enough, similar situations seemed to be occurring at the other tables with the three powerful first years, Draco, Susan, and Luna. As he looked up, each were blushing as they wiped their faces, now covered in the remainds of the feast. Harry, on the other hand, refused to blush, instead grinning with food stained teeth at his surrounding students. That seemed to be a good call, because a warm feeling welled up inside of him as he realized that they were laughing, but with him, not at him.
With a satisfied grin on his face at easily being able to dodge embarrassment like the others, Harry looked back at said others. Somehow, they too seemed to have dodged too big of a deal out of their shared debacle, although they each seemed to still be getting a few strange looks here and there. Hmmm, maybe Hogwarts was a lot more tolerating of large appetites than the Dursleys. Still, it was nice to know Harry wasn't alone. Maybe it had to do with having large amounts of magic? That Luna girl did say he was glowing brightly too.
Shaking the questions Harry knew he couldn't answer out of his head, he turned to listen to the speech Dumbledore was about to give. Not much of it made sense to Harry, but he got the general gist of it. Basically, stay away from the forest and the third floor corridor in the west wing. Not that hard to do. The school song, however, was pretty fun to sing, even if Ron's brothers took absolutely forever with a really slow wedding march. Finally, the students were led to their common rooms by their prefects, and Harry watched with a pang of sadness as Draco, Luna, and Susan disappeared into the depths of the castle, although why he didn't know. Seriously, at some point Harry was going to have to figure out what was going on with all these changes, from random longings for people he barely even knew all the way down to the magical sight of the runes he could still see adorning the halls of the castle.
As Harry finally stumbled exhaustedly into the four poster bed in the boy's dormitory, having barely stopped to change into his nightwear, he took in one last sight of his new home, wondering just how he was going to feel waking up in the morning.