Chapter Twelve: A Choice in Houses
Lamplight gleamed overhead as Albus stepped onto the platform. He looked to where the mass of students was flooding, which seemed liked a bank sloping downward. A still black expanse filled the space between the edge and the great walls of Hogwarts, sparkling with candlelight. Smaller lights appeared to transverse the space and Albus realized they were boats carrying students across what must be a river. His excitement swelled as he rushed to grab his suitcase. Albus hadn't waited for either his cousin or the others when the train had stopped, but found them near the pile of baggage, in the middle of a commotion. Scorpius was between two older boys, also adorned in Gryffindor jumpers, who tossed a suitcase between them. Albus looked on helplessly and shuddered as a hand tapped his shoulder.
"Hey calm down," it was James. His brother shook him playfully, but as one of Scorpius' tormentors recognized him, he frowned, "Come on, Al, lets get your bags and go."
"James, hey, James," One of the boys threw the suitcase towards him. James caught it, but looked unsure about what to do next, even after locating its owner. Albus scrutinized his brother, who had let the suitcase hang limp in his grip, confused at his dilemma.
Grasping the handle, Albus pulled the suitcase from his brother, who looked surprised, but didn't resist. He walked up to Scorpius and handed it to the boy, who was beaming at him so gratefully that Albus reddened with discomfort. The other boys looked incredulously at the brothers.
"Hey what's with that?" A broad, blonde boy began to approach Albus. This seemed to snap James back into motion. He quickly strode up to the boy and placed himself protectively in front of his brother, "Aye Peter lets get going, you're gonna lose us points before we even start classes."
"Is that your brother?" the blonde boy turned back to Albus. James shrugged, "Yep, sure is. See ya Al." he half-nodded in Scorpius' direction. But Peter still seemed dissatisfied, "You should tell him which wizards are worth sticking up for then," and flicked his wand at Scorpius once more. The clasp on the boy's suitcase popped open, spilling its contents onto the ground.
James looked confused once more and hurried his classmate. "C'mon, lets go" Pushing him more firmly away.
Albus knelt to fold a few of the clothes that now lay in a tangled heap, not looking at Scorpius as he felt his face reddening once more. He was disappointed, "Scorpius...I...I'm sorry about my brother..."
Scorpius glanced at Albus thoughtfully, "Oh it's fine Al, James seems nice," Albus perked up, confused. "Well it's obvious he didn't like what they were doing. I mean, its hard to go against your friends like that."
Albus breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at Scorpius. A few students were still milling about near the train. Rosie and Jeya suddenly appeared among them.
"Ah there you are Al, oh!" Rosie spotted the pile. Looking around she took out her wand and swept it across the clothes, "Well I suppose I can use this now that we're here. Pack!" The contents organized themselves into the suitcase, which shut neatly. Scorpius picked up the luggage and regarded Rose, "Thank you," he said hesitantly.
Rosie still looked stern from the train's conversation, but replied firmly, "It's no problem, there's no reason for that, " she gestured towards the lake, "Shall we get going?"
The four alighted on a small canoe guided by a single hanging lantern. Albus couldn't help but gape in awe as the castle walls enlarged as they glided nearer, rising to victorious heights of shear stone and spires.
Scorpius still seemed uneasy with Rose, "Thanks again, I mean it. I...you're very good at spells you know. I can't... I've never cast a good charm before."
Rosie smiled, making up her mind that perhaps the Malfoy boy was indeed as sincere as he seemed, "It's really fine, I'm guessing someone didn't like you?" Scorpius' face confirmed her thoughts, "well, I don't like them."
Scorpius settled back contently and Albus also found himself sighing in relief.
The boat settled near an archway at the base of the castle. The children stepped off onto the stone walkway and joined the gathering of other First Years, crowded around a tall blonde woman with wide-set eyes and an impressionable yellow robe.
Rosie emitted a delighted sound and turned to Scorpius, "It's Luna Lovegood or Professor Lovegood I suppose! You were right, " Scorpius looked in awe at the family friend.
Jeya nudged Albus and raised her eyebrow at her friend, "He's definitely got a crush, I think he might drool if his mouth hangs open any longer, " Albus chuckled as Jeya continued, "He showed me all the books she's published, her husband's too- he has them all."
Albus looked at her, "How long have you known each other?" but Jeya shrugged off the question as Luna started to talk.
"Okay now students, my do you look excited. " She had glanced in Scorpius' direction and nodded friendlily at Rose and Albus.
"We'll be going into the Great Hall shortly where you'll be sorted..." she paused, gently sweeping her hand above a perplexed boy's head as if swatting some invisible insect, "The Hat will introduce you with a song, it's quite good this year I've heard. Now if you'll file in two rows alphabetically by last name please, no rushing." She led the organized group through the entryway.
The hallway shone in flames by torches fixed to the walls, flickering the students' shadows into wild dances. As they reached the inner part of the castle, the walls became decorated with fine paintings that moved and greeted the students.
"My another year is starting? Good luck to you all!"
"Well look at these bright young wizards!"
"Don't forget the Witches!"
"I believe they'll be the best year yet!"
"Well they keep getting better don't they?"
"Definitely better looking I'll say"
Albus saw Jeya in front of him, looking in bewilderment as a photograph saluted her.
"Oh well don't those eyes look familiar!" A knight gazed keenly at Albus, who blushed and shied away.
"So you are a Potter aren't you?" The boy next to Albus held out his hand, "Me Mum's a colleague of your Dad's, few years younger than him in school- Francis Portland." He grinned.
"I'm Albus, Al" Albus shook the boy's hand. In front of him, he saw a girl turn her head and fix her eyes on him, considerably less friendly.
The students suddenly stopped at two great wooden doors. Albus trembled as he heard the busy chatter of other students inside the Great Hall. Luna walked through the First Years, arranging them into straight lines and flourished her wand at the bolts, which wrenched the doors wide open. The students filed between the middle tables glancing left and right at their fellow wizards. At the front of the hall, a long table filled with the various professors at Hogwarts was raised above the rest of the hall. And just in front of them, a simple stool stood with a raggedy brown hat set atop.
The chatter settled for a moment as the witch in the center of the head table rose. Albus took a moment to recognize Minerva McGonagall, who was adorned in a brilliant plum robe and deep blue academic hood that sparkled so animatedly, it seemed to be reflecting the night sky that currently shown above on the charmed ceiling. She clapped her hands once, and the entire room fell silent.
"Welcome all returning students. It's wonderful to see you all again. And a special welcome to our newest witches and wizards," She nodded formally down the middle aisle, "Who will be welcomed into the Hogwarts community very soon. I have a few announcements and a delicious feast for you all, but first, let me introduce our very wise companion, " settled into her seat as the rumpled hat rose on cue, the folds of fabric twisting into a lopsided mouth and hooded eyes.
'Welcome, Welcome, come right in,
You magical folk about to begin
The spells and charms you know not yet
In Houses where your kind are sat!
So let me tell you what you're like
And I'll do my best to sort you right!
You might like knowledge, wit, and scholar
The cleverest ideas that make your mind scour
With excitement of discovery, you fill with awe
You'll find the best friends in Ravenclaw!
Or perhaps you value that close companion
Of cavernous trust deep as a canyon
Integrity is certain, loyalty enough
You won't settle for anything less than Hufflepuff!
Or maybe there's bravery deep in your bones
To face any challenge with friends or alone
I see boldness, kindness, and then something more
When I look in the head of a true Gryffindor!
Of course what are these virtues with no application
A leader is determined, with grit, aspiration
Something to prove to others or within
That's when I know you belong in Slytherin!
So come right up here and I'll search a little inside
To see what your mind in me will confide
I'll pick out the parts that make you this or that
And sort you straightaway for I'm the sorting hat!'
The hat concluded his song with a small bow and settled again on the stool as Headmaster McGonagall rose once more. Clapping politely, she extracted a list from her robes, "Thank you, thank you for that lovely poem," The hat nodded in acknowledgement, "Now, shall we begin? Arryn Gabriela!"
A girl with curly chestnut hair timidly rose and placed the hat on her head. She jumped a little as the hat began moving about and listened intently to a conversation that she could only hear. After a few moments the hat shouted." Ravenclaw!"
The students to the left of Albus roared with delight and stood up from their seats to welcome the newest member of their house.
McGonagall continued throughout the list of students and the hat continued to sort, deciding almost immediately with some and deliberating for many minutes with others.
"Arthur, Quinn Claire" "Slytherin!"
"Avery, Malachi" "Slytherin!"
"Bodleian, Delilah" "Ravenclaw!"
"Bronsin, Ryan"" Gryffindor! "
"Caster-Davies, Ava" "Ravenclaw!"
"Chance, Rudolf" "Hufflepuff!"
"Chester, Gwendolyn" "Hufflepuff"
"Creevey, Aldo" "Gryffindor!"
Albus watched the small boy positively squeal with delight as he nearly tumbled from the stool. He forgot to remove the Hat and scrambled up once more to hand it to the next student. He sat right next to James, who whispered something in his ear. They both scooted a little in their seats.
"Drummond, Reginald" "Slytherin!"
"Geller, Jakob" "Hufflepuff!'
"Gibbs, Amos" "Gryffindor!"
"Granger-Weasley, Rose" "Gryffindor!"
Rose had barely placed the Hat on her head when he announced his decision. She smiled at Albus before sitting near the front of the table.
"Gupta, Anya" "Gryffindor!"
"Hadley, Elizabeth" "Ravenclaw!"
"Huxley, Jade" "Slytherin!"
"Isner, Florence" "Hufflepuff!"
"Krum, Elena Maria" "Ravenclaw!"
Francis whispered to Albus, "That's Viktor Krum's daughter! Strange she would be here instead of Duramstag."
"Lee, Mai Pao" " Ravenclaw!"
"Longbottom, Edwin" "Gryffindor!"
Albus recalled that Prof. Longbottom had also been sorted into Gryffindor. Was it normal for children to follow suit?
"Malfoy, Scorpius"
The students became quiet as the blonde boy meekly approached the seat. The Hat seemed to be explaining the Houses once more as his eyes darted from table to table. Finally the decision came.
"Ah yes, well you are quite different I must say, but still my decision remains the same...Slytherin!"
Albus couldn't tell if Scorpius looked relieved or disappointed as he sat at the farthest table to the left, considerably away from the next student at the table.
"Manchester, Henry" "Hufflepuff!"
"Markov, Milo" "Slytherin!"
"Markov, Natalia" "Slytherin!"
Albus stared, along with several other students, at the twins. Their robes had an obvious wear and they seemed faded and gray. There was a ragged look about them in their mannerisms too. They sat near Scorpius but neither party showed any form of interaction.
"Parkinson, Vanessa" "Slytherin!"
" Patel-Sivaseelan, Jeyamar" Jeya approached the Hat and confidently fitted it around her ears. She was positively enjoying the entire experience, gazing up at the twinkling ceiling and even behind her towards the professors.
"Hufflepuff!"
She sprang to her feat and joined the loudly cheering House. Everyone seemed to be amused by her character and she was enthusiastically greeted by several students. Albus noticed Scorpius had sank slightly in his seat.
"Potter, Albus Severus!" Albus started as he heard his name and darted up to the Hat, who seemed to be puzzling over him already. He took a breath, "Just choose Gryffindor" and gingerly placed the Hat on his head.
"Ahh well what do we have here. Well it seems your father let you in on one of my little secrets eh?"
Albus wasn't sure where the voice came from, shaking his head as it rebounded between his ears.
"Ha! Curious, Ravenclaw perhaps? hmmmm... but you were an awfully good friend to that poor boy on the train... even standing up when your brother couldn't... and I put him in Gryffindor perhaps it is a Potter thing..."
"yes please, Gryffindor" Albus thought with all his might.
"Ah yes, yes I know. Your father gave you the advice to choose...hmmm...but what's this? Have you forgotten your mother's advice as well?"
Albus paused his pleading to remember the early morning conversation. He looked towards the Gryffindor table to where James and Rose sat and gazed beyond them to Peter and the other students who had tormented Scorpius. For the life of him, Albus couldn't see how they fit the idea of courage and kindness. Of course his father was very much a Gryffindor, Albus could see that even as an adult, his mother too. But the people there in the House at this very moment, Albus had to admit he would never want to become friends with them... but still...
He gazed over at Jeya and wondered why she wasn't in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, for the Hat could surely see that she was bright and even braver than himself... loyal yes, but...
"Ahh now you're starting to understand, ha!" The Hat interrupted Albus' thoughts once more, "No, you don't get to tell me where you'll go, what if that were true I wouldn't need to sort you out! No you choose what you value because (or despite) what you are. That's the entire secret, and I can see you value something despite, very much like your father actually... and so I've made my decision..."
Albus' heart leapt momentarily. He was like his father! He excitedly turned towards Rose before hearing the Hat's announcement. Rose and his brother sat still as he descended the stool and after a second, Albus realized that none of Gryffindor was cheering for him, instead, the roar came from the edge of the Hall and Albus could pick out one voice in particular.
Scorpius.
He had been sorted into Slytherin.
Somehow, Albus had carried himself towards the table and now found an available seat next to a beaming Scorpius. Across from them, the Markov twins seemed pleasantly surprised by their housemate and shyly grinned. Quinn also regarded Albus with some respect, " Wow, I'd never thought I'd get to meet you" She held out her hand.
Albus took it and smiled. But as he glanced over her, he caught the eye of his brother unabashedly staring at him. When he saw Albus' return his gaze, James grinned goofily and shrugged, clearly miming the phrase, "It goes with your eyes" as he pointed to the green emblem hanging above the table. Still, as James broke the connection, Albus saw him sink into a melancholy expression and he whispered once more to Aldo Creevey, who shifted near him once more, closing a small gap where another student could have fit.
A few more First Years had been sorted. Francis Portland had been placed in Ravenclaw, as well as Keira Thompson and Leon Thoreau. A Frida Sagasti, Samuel Travis, Ida Turner, and Maybelle Vance had joined Gryffindor. Mia Pressley, Jack Redding, and Terrence Rucker made Hufflepuff.
Two students remained.
"White, Rowan" "Hufflepuff!"
"White, Martin" "Ravenclaw!"
"Do you think they're twins as well?" Quinn whispered to the other First Years at the Slytherin table. Albus wondered the same thing. Martin was clearly Irish, with pale freckled cheeks and strawberry blonde hair. Rowan, who Albus tentatively decided was a tomboy-ish girl, had deep, almost burgundy hair, hastily chopped to a length just longer than a pixie, and a tanned face with prominent ruddy cheeks. Yet both, like the Markov twins, wore shabby, graying robes and had an air of untidiness about them. The Slytherin pair even seemed to acknowledge the two as they were sorted and seemed disappointed in their placement.
"They are," said Natalia.
"Alright, Alright!" Minerva had risen again to silence the students, "I hope you all enjoy your Houses and are looking ahead to a wonderful year. A few rules have changed since the past year: There will be no access to the dungeons this semester, I know many of you use the passages as shortcuts to class or to avoid certain professors when you haven't shown up to class, " She eyed the Gryffindor table, where James reddened and grinned. "As it is, they will be guarded this year by staff to prevent such mischief. The Eastern Wing of the Seventh floor will also be off-limits due to a breach of structural integrity. Construction will be finished by next year. Please note that your History of Magic Classes will now be held on the Second Floor." McGonagall paused for a moment and chatter started to return as the students prepared for the feast that was expected to appear. After a few seconds, silence settled again as the Headmistress remained standing. She continued, "I know you, as well as I, have heard many familiar names arise in this year's new students. Of course, as time turns onward, these names are bound to repeat. But I must warn you, witches and wizards are neither defined nor bound to their legacy, " She fixed a stern glare around each of the tables, "And I strongly hope that you treat each other with that in mind."
With that, she rapidly brought her hands upward, and a great banquet of food solidified on the tables. Albus heaped a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto his plate, followed by a chicken leg and a succulent raspberry tart. Scorpio was filling his plate as well, but stopped to look at the Markov twins, who hadn't reached for anything and looked rather bewildered at the amount of food before them. Scorpius pointed to a thick chowder, "That's quite good, would you like some?" he held out the ladle towards them. Milo looked confused, "But we don't have bowls..."
"Oh watch!" Scorpius poured the stew onto the plate. the edges immediately curled, keeping the liquid securely inside. "Do you not have those? Are you muggle-born? I...sorry... you don't have to answer that. I don't care." From the middle of the table, a Third Year sneered at Scorpius and waited for the twins to answer.
Milo and Natalia looked at each other for a long while. Finally Natalia answered, "We, no, we didn't grow up with magic."
That struck Albus as an odd answer, but Scorpius was too embarrassed to pursue further. He filled up Natalia's plate as well and settled into his own meal quietly. The older student continued to eye the twins disparagingly. Albus grew irksome, he turned to the boy and said in a voice much braver than himself, "Do you have anything to say?"
The boy had a flat, broad face with large teeth and a slight overbite. He seemed taken aback by Albus but regained his sneer. "Well some of us do care about family legacy" He glanced up at Minerva, "And I would like to know how many of you are old wizarding folk, like you," He pointed to Quinn, "Arthur isn't a common wizarding name..." Quinn set her utensils down firmly.
"Both my parents are muggle-born wizards. I don't know what that makes me in your eyes but I've heard all the categories and I must say that they are extremely limited, much like the minds who made them in the first place."
Scorpius and Albus looked at each other and then at the boy, who had continued on after a moment of shock. He turned to the darker boy near Scorpio, "Drummond's a recognizable name and Parkinson as well." Both students nodded and Vanessa surveyed the other students with distain.
"Malfoy and Potter, well those names mean nothing to me, you might as well be mudbloods," Even Reginald and Vanessa started at the slur. "And you, " He finally turned to Jade, who had kept to herself since being sorted. She regarded the boy coolly, "Pureblood." the word revealed a heavy accent that Albus couldn't quite place.
"Huxley doesn't ring a bell."
"Yes well we're immigrants. There aren't many resources for wizards in Niger since the Cairo Academy closed. I've only been here for a year." she concluded her explanation with a dismissive wave and continued with her meal.
Albus felt uneasy for the rest of his meal. Of course there would be bullies in every house, but were the Gryffindor boys worse than the Third Year (Albus discovered the boy's name was Gregor Rosier) who unbelievably held such prejudice?
The thought plagued Albus long into the night as he laid in his dormitory, covered in green and silver sheets and curtains. What did it mean to value something despite? He thought of the passing joy when the Hat had noted his similarity to his father. But why had he placed him in a House so opposed to his legacy?
Albus could hear Scorpius shuffling under his covers. He turned towards him and found him awake as well.
Scorpius smiled sleepily, "I'm glad we got put together Al."
For Albus this much was true as well. "Yeah me too."