After being carried over by the various water Pokémon, the students were greeted by an older looking woman. She was eloquently dressed in a black robes with a hint of red trim throughout it. Her eyes scanned the last of the groups to arrive on the front steps of Hogwarts. Brawley and Cilan were in the last group and hustled up to Nick and Viola. Nick looked around at the other students. There were a wide variety of different types of students. Despite this, Nick felt like he was going to be top of the class. It wasn't a boast, he just looked at the competition and felt like he was the best one out of them. Ever since Alexa had described the Goblet of Fire Tournamemt, Nick had wanted to participate in that. To do that he needed to be the best of his class. Looking around, Nick didn't see anyone that could top him. Perhaps Viola, but Nick doubted it. Once Nick had something on his mind he was solely focused on reaching that goal.
"First years, I am professor McGonagall.", the eloquent elderly woman spoke. Her accent made it seem as if she came from Northern Erseen or perhaps the Aria Isles. "Now if you follow me inside.", with that the doors to Hogwarts swung open. Viola squeezed Nick's arm as she got a peak inside. It was even more wonderous than anyone could have imagined. The halls were lined with portraits of famous trainers and their Pokémon. Hogwarts was the peak example of gothic style buildings. Long, seemingly endless hallways, large wooden doors, torches providing light. Nick just took it all in. His parents had told him he would be amazed by the building, but they didn't tell him it was this awe inspiring. It was absolutely beautiful. Everyone took in the majestic beauty of Hogwarts.
Professor McGonnagall led them into, what they assumed, was the main area. Here were statues all around them. Statues of the greatest trainers of all time. There was Godric Gryffindor and his trusty Gryphorst, Rowena Ravenclaw and her Corviknight, Helega Hufflwpuff and her Buizel, even Salazar Slytherin and his Vettel. The group of first years were wide eye little deerlings as they looked around. Professor McGonnagall stopped in the center of the area. "This is the Hall of Heroes. All four founders of Hogwarts are honored here. As are the heroes of the Great Pokémon War. Even Harry Potter and his Greninja has a statue here."The professor looked at her watch and her eyes bulged. "But we are late. There is no time for a tour."The professor motioned for the first years to follow along.
They moved down the hall. They passed a strange man who watched them all with a disdain in his eyes. Even his Skitty looked like it hated the students. Professor McGonnagall led them all to a flight of stairs. The professor scanned the crowd of students making sure none fell behind. Nick, Cilan, Viola, amd Brawley all stuck by one another. Cilan seemed to be looking for something. His head kept looking all around as if he had seen something that the others could not. Peeps hs he was just taking it all in, but still it made Nick curious.
"What are you looking for?", Nick whispered.
"They say there are secret rooms and passages here. I'm just trying to get a lay of the land", of course Viola had overheard the conversation. She playfully nudged Brawley.
"Secret passages. Good for a snoging session or two", her eyebrows moved up and down sensually. Brawley meanwhile turned crimson. He had just met this strange girl yet she still would make innuendos at him. 'Keep doors locked at night' would be one of the first things the future fighting type expert mentally jotted down. Nick meanwhile rubbed his hands together. If there were secret rooms or secret passages that meant that there would be treasure or something. Perhaps some secret history not discovered before. Hogwarts had secrets and of course the eighteen year old wanted to discover them.
"Tell us more", a glint formed in Nick's eye.
"Well supposedly, during the Great Pokemon War, Harry Potter and his group had used the passages and rooms to defeat Team Illusion before they ever reached Hogwarts.", Cilan explained. The war had happened 20 years ago, but the fight in Hogsmeade was legendary. The history buff's imagination ran wild with ideas.
"Well then we definitely need to discover-", before Nick could finish the sentence, he could feel McGonagall's eyes on him. A withering state that sent shivers up his spine.
"You four need to quiet down.", her eloquent withered hand pointed at the four former compartment mates. All four hung their head in shame and embarrassment. The other 18 year olds snickered at the group. It was clear that the others enjoyed someone else getting in trouble that wasn't them. "Now, as I was saying. When we reach the doors to the Great Hall, you will wait until they call you. There has been a change in how we do this ceremony. You will be called in alphabetical order and process into the Hall. You will then be sorted into your house. After you have been sorted into your house, you will stay with your house. Now come along."
Professor McGonagall would then continue to lead the students up a flight of stairs. Nick looked over at Viola who was pale. He nudged her, but she did not acknowledge him. Her eyes were solely focused forward. Her mind raced with thoughts on what was going to happen when her name was called. She could have hidden herself a bit if she was in a large group. Plus she would have Nick with her when they got called up. Now she wouldn't have that. Instead she would walk with all eyes on her. Everyone would know that she was a Wulf. That her mom, Her flesh and blood, had been a murderer. A team Illusion supporter and now in Azkaban. Viola had to face everyone without the comfort of her friend or sister.
Nick put a hand around Viola and pulled her in close for a whisper. "It'll be fine. I'll have already been sorted into my house. So I'll be cheering for you." That brought a smile to Viola. Nick knew that this decision had made Viola nervous. Nick would try to give her some comfort after he got sorted. The group continued to make their way up the stairs until they arrived in front of the large doors that would lead into the Great Hall. Professor McGonnagall again rounded all of the newest recruits in front of the doors. She flashed a smile as she pulled out a piece of parchment and quickly scanned it.
"Now before we begin, I have just a few words.", everyone turned their attention towards the professor. She smiled, which was the first time anyone had seen any real emotion from the professor. She peered at the 1st year through her glasses. "This will be the best years of your life. Take the time to truly learn. Hogwarts will make you all better trainers. Perhaps we even have some truly elite trainers in this group." Nick Baldwin could have sworn that she was talking about him.
"Nick Baldwin!", Professor McGonnagall called. Two previous first years had gone before Nick. He had heard the cheers after their sorting. Now it was Nick's turn to be sorted. He tried to remain calm as he turned to Viola and his new chums. Nick put on a smile to try and convey that he was not nervous. Of course his right leg shaking countered that argument. Nick took a gulp as he gave a nod to the others. "Well I guess it's show time", he managed to squeak out. Now it was Viola's time to give comfort to her oldest and closest friend.
She gave Nick a hug and whispered, "don't worry Alexa texted and said to look for her in case you get nervous up there." That put a real smile on Nick's face. At least he technically wouldn't be alone. Alexa would be there to give him some comfort. He hoped that he would be sorted into her house. Nick knew that Alexa was in Gryffindor. Of course his mum had a real fit about that when she found that out. "How can a Wulf be in the same house that I used to be in", she would often say. Nick was almost positive that he would be sorted into that house this was just a formality.
Nick then shook Cilan and Brawley's hands. Professor McGonagall tapped her foot impatiently, "we haven't got all day Mr. Baldwin." Nick would then hurry to the professor and took a deep breath as she opened the doors to the Great Hall. One could hear a pin drop as Nick walked in. Now Nick Baldwin knew what it felt like to be on parade. Everyone was watching him as he walked.msuuslly Nick would have talent the time to look around at his surroundings , but not now. He was solely focused on making it to the front of the Great Hall. As he walked he would see a few students whispering, judging him. He could hear a few trying to place him.
"He's going to be a ravenclaw."
"He looks like he could be slytherin."
"No, this one looks more like a Gryffindor."
He just wanted this to be over. To get his house and be away from the judgmental people. Then out of the corner of his eye he saw a familiar smiling face. Alexa and Sparks were smiling at him. In fact Alexa was giving a thumbs up from her seat at the Gryffindor table. This brought a smile to Nick's face. His mom was absolutely wrong about Alexa. Sure her mother may have been a crazy bitch, but Alexa and viola weren't. They were his best friends. If his mom could not accept them that was her issue. Alexa had always been good to Nick and this was one of those times.
Nick, slowly, made his way to the front of the Great Hall. To his left, was a long table filled with what Nick assumed to be the professors. Nick noticed that Hagrid even took a seat there. All of their attention was focused on Nick. Nick turned looked at the center as a professor stood in front of him. His blue eyes seemed to pierce right through Nick. The professor wore white robes with blue trim. He had a rather long grey beard. A megastone hung from his necklace. Next to him stood a Alakazaam that had a beard that matched the professor. There were 5 spoons that floated around the Alakazaam. To say that Nick was awed was an understatement.
"Mr. Baldwin, please step up and be sorted", the older professor said. Nick gulped and nodded. He took a step forward so now he was on full display for the whole school to see. The alakazaam moved forward until it was face to face with Nick. The psychic type Pokémon put a claw on the eighteen year old's shoulder. The alakazaam then started to glow blue from the energy surrounding them. It's eyes then turned white. Nick could feel a coolness almost comforting feeling surround him. He then looked and saw that he too was glowing blue. Then he saw black.
"You aren't dead."Nick was confused. He was in what appeared to be Hogwarts, but no one else was around him. It was completely empty. Well no one, but the alakazaam. The tables that had been filled with students and professors were empty. Nick didn't know what was going on. Nick looked around to see where the voice was coming from. The Alakazaam seemed to crack a smirk. "Mr. Baldwin, I am the one that is talking to you.", the famous psychic Pokémon said. Nick's eyes widened in realization.
"How?", he managed to stutter out. "You're a pokemon you shouldn't be able to talk to me.", Nick had never knew of a Pokémon to communicate in Erish before. "How are you able to communicate?" The Alakazaam just chuckled. "I have always had a special bond with people. My trainer, Dumbledore, taught me your language many years ago. He called it a special gift. Which is why I am tasked with helping students choose their path." Something clicked in the eighteen year old's mind. 'So that was who had stood in front of everyone else. The great Dumbledore.'
Nick was still confused, but tried not to show it. "So how does this work? Do you read my mind and sort me or...", Nick's question was cut off by audible laughter. The Alakazaam held its belly. Nick blushed from embarrassment as it felt like the creature tasked with sorting him seemed to be mocking him. "So I guess I said something funny.", Nick mumbled. The laughter finally started to subside as the Pokémon seemed to calm down a bit.
"I already have. That's why we are here.", the Alakazaam said. "I already know your desires and your concerns." Nick raised an eyebrow in confusion. There was no way that this creature had read his mind. It was impossible. "Then what are some of my desires.", Nick said cockily. He was sure that this creature had in no way read his mind. There was no way. Sure Alakazaam's were strong psychics, but this one wasn't THAT good, was it?
The Alakazaam smiled, "you desire to become the best Eeveelution trainer in the world. To replace your father as Accordia city gym leader after beating him in battle. Unlike your father though, you want to collect the more, how do you say, less known eevelutions.", the Pokémon stared at Nick. The proud would be eeveelution master felt sick to his stomach. If he hadn't felt foolish before, he was sure going to feel it after what came next. "You also don't know if your mom is right about hour friends Viola and Alexa. Yes, you enjoy their company, but there's a part of you that doesn't know if they are truly not like their mother. You worry that you will be betrayed by them one day."
Nick's eyes glistened. There was only one way that the Alakazaam could have known that secret. It was true that it read his mind. That was the only possible way this creature could have known that. Nick had hidden it deep in the pit of his mind. Viola and Alexa were his best friends. He had no reason to distrust them. Still there was a part of him that still doubted them. Their mother had betrayed his mum and dad. Had lied to them for years. What if Alexa and Viola were just like that? Nick shook his head to try and get those thoughts out.
The Alakazaam had moved forward and looked sympathetically at the young man. "I have encountered several people with conflicts involving their friends and parents.", the voice rang out. "But I will tell you the same things that I tell them. You have three paths to go down. You have your parents predetermined path for you. You can just follow them. That was the path Draco Malfoy chose when I gave him the opportunity." There was a solemness from the Alakazaam voice. "Then there's the path that your friends want. Where you defy your parents and join with them no matter your doubts about them. The last path is to create your own. To follow your own path and make a name for yourself. To forget-what others want and to make your own way."
Nick did not even hesitate, "I want my own path."
The Alakazaam smiled and placed a hand on Nick's shoulder again. The creature and Nick being transported back to the crowded hall. Nick took a few seconds to get his barrings again as he heard a voice ring out "Ravenclaw!" Nick Baldwin would have his own path afterall.
It felt like at least four hours had gone by until Professor McGonnagall called out, "Viola Wulf." Thanksfully for Viola she was the last of the first years. There would be no one there to judge her. Well except for this Professor McGonagall who looked at her with sympathy. Viola gave a smile though there was a part of her that gated people looking at her like a freak. Yes, Alexandra Wulf being arrested was one of the biggest stories, since The Great Pokemon War had end, but Alexa was sick of the looks. The looks that gave her sympathy or looked at her like a freak. She just wanted to be treated as Viola Wulf not Alexandra's daughter. How Alexa had managed to deal with all of the looks amazed Viola.
Of course nothing compared to the looks she got when she walked into the Great Hall. The students had heard another Wulf was going to be attending Hogwarts. Now they wanted to see what the spawn of Alexandra Wulf, murderer and prisoner of Azkaban. Many students and quite a few professors had felt as if adding another Wulf was not a good idea. Sure Alexa had been an excellent addition to the school, but there were no guarantees that Viola would be like Alexa. In fact some older professors still did not trust anyone named Wulf. They had been burned by Alexandra, a former Gryffindor, and were t so sure that her daughters wouldn't do the same things. But the professors kept their comments internal. The students did not.
"Another Wulf, she's probably like her sister. A pompous bitch"
"My mum says the Wulfs are the worst family in Erseen. Disgusting Team Illusion supporters."
"Send her to Slytherin. She'd fit in there."
"We don't want her either!"
'Just look for Nick, look for Nick.", that was all Viola cared about as she made her way towards the center of the Great Hall. She scanned the Gryffindor table, she was sure that Nick would be a Gryffindor. Both his parents had been Gryffindors. It was almost certain that Nick would follow in their footsteps. So as she scanned the Gryffindor table, she was stunned not to see Nick sitting next to her sister. Alexa shrugged and pointed towards the Ravenclaw table. There Nick sat, with Brawley, in full Ravenclaw robes. Viola's eyes widened Ed as she nearly tripped on her feet. Her face turned crimson as she heard some laughter. 'How is Nick in Ravenclaw? What the hell?', so far things weren't going as planned. No this was a disaster. If Nick had not been sorted into Gryffindor then what did that mean for her? Viola gulped.
She finally made her way to the center of the Great Hall. Alexa had told her that she would be sorted into her house by Professor Dumbledore's personal Alakazaam. Viola was not surprised to see the older professor and his mega evolved Alakazaam. Dumbledore was a legend in all of Erseen. A hero in the Erseen Civil Conflict and the Great Pokemon War. His Alakazaam was also a legendary hero, having defeated several Team Illusion ghost types quite easily. Viola felt honored to be in front of them. Her eyes looked over towards the professor's table. Alexa had told her which professors to avoid, namely Snape, the potions professor. He was snake like in nature so Viola easily spotted him. But Viola had found that Snape stared back at her. Viola quickly turned her attention back to the Alakazaam.
Viola was used to being gawked out by men. Quite a few had made more than a few passes at the eighteen year old. But this was different. She felt naked and on stage. 'I feel like a glorified stripper', she mumbled. She just wanted this to be over with. But Dumbledore was rattling off some announcements thus prolonged her suffering. 'Just please hurry up', Viola wanted to yell. She could have sworn that she had heard laughter coming from the legendary Alakazaam, who stared at her too. She just stood there as Dumbledore prattled along. It felt like eternity.
"Now Ms. Wulf, are you prepared to be sorted.", Viola nodded emphatically. Just happy that her misery was over. Now she would find out what house she would be in. Though she was conflicted. If Nick was not a Gryffindor, then the odds of her becoming a Gryffindor went down in her mind. There was a real possibility that she could be a Slytherin. Everyone knew how Slytherin was the supposed bad house. The one filled with students whose parents had been connected to Team Illusion in some way. That terrified her. She did not want to end up there. That would just confirm that she was like her mother.
The Alakazaam did not hesitate after it put its hand on Viola's shoulder. It knew exactly where to place Viola. "Gryffindor!", the voice rang out.
Hardly anyone clapped.
Ooc: So we end what I call the "core" chapters. We've sorted the main characters, got them to Hogwarts, and got them their starters. Now we move onto the crux of the story. Next chapter we learn more about Twam Illusion and have the characters start catching and battling. Thank you all for reading.
