Chapter Six

Sorting

You go out on Friday night/ I stay in but that's alright/ Because I have found a clique to call my own

~Good Charlotte

"Here we go!" James exclaimed to Sirius as the Hogwarts Express pulled in to Hogsmeade Station. James turned to look out the window, trying to catch his first glimpse of Hogwarts Castle, but apparently, the train station was a fair distance away from the castle. A little crestfallen, James turned back to the others. The three other occupants of the compartment had all stood and begun to collect their things. It was time to get off the train.

"How do you think we get to the castle?" Lily, the red-haired muggle born girl James had helped find the platform asked her friend, Snivellus or whatever he was called. James was a little surprised to hear the same level of excitement in Lily's voice as he felt. He liked this girl.

"It's boats for first years, horseless carriages for everyone else," Sirius responded, though he didn't turn to look at either Lily or her friend. Instead, he quickly exited the compartment and made his way into the crowd of other students trying to make their way off the train. James hurried after his friend, not wanting to leave Sirius lest he somehow get lost in the crowd.

"How'd you know it's boats?" James asked once he'd met back up with Sirius. His parents had told him a fair amount of Hogwarts lore, but this was one part they'd never seemed to talk about.

"My dad has a weird obsession with the boats. Apparently, they were one of his favourite parts of Hogwarts, which tells you how much fun he had at school." Sirius responded. The two boys had made their way out of the train and onto the platform. The older students were, almost lemming-like, heading in the same direction off the platform. James turned to his new friend, asking if they should go the same way. Sirius nodded in response and the two quickly joined the group.

"Firs' years!" a loud, booming voice rang out over the din of conversation that pervaded the platform. "Firs' years this way!"

James turned to Sirius; the other boy just shrugged, saying that he wasn't sure what was going on. However, they quickly decided that it would probably be best to follow the loud booming voice. It seemed like it had some authority.

They quickly came across a very large man standing away from the rest of the crowd. A small group of students, all about the same height as James, and looking a combination of either anxious or nervous, stood around him.

"Firs' years!" the tall man yelled out again, trying to corral all the first years in one spot. James took the opportunity to scope out his fellow first year students. James' mother had always told him to not judge a book by its cover, or a person by your first impression, but from what James could see, the group of boys and girls who would be his classmates for the next seven years were less than impressive. Aside from Sirius and Snivellus, most of the first years looked like they were ready to faint or like they'd rather be anywhere else than their current location. Hopefully, there would be some more people willing to go o adventures and cause a little mayhem.

"All righ' Firs' Years! Gather round! We'll be takin' the boats into Hogwarts. There's only four to a boat. Watch yer step! Also, keep yer hands and feet in the boat" the large man said, motioning over to a collection of small boats that were moored on the edge of a large body of water not too far from where they were standing. The small group slowly picked their way towards the water's edge, and James felt his anticipation growing. It was only a matter of moments before he would finally set his eyes on Hogwarts.

"Hey! Sirius, right?" a sharp, almost birdlike voice called from behind James and Sirius. The two boys turned around to see a small girl with dark hair and bright green eyes. James didn't recognize her, but from the jovial smile that crossed Sirius' face, it appeared the other boy did. James felt his heart flutter, worried that Sirius had already made another friend and, now that they had reconnected, Sirius would have no further need of James.

"Yeah. Moira, was it?" Sirius asked in response. The girl smiled, sticking close to James and Sirius and getting in their boat alongside them. "Did you end up getting that broom? Did your mum buy your story?" Sirius asked. James assumed that, much like him and Sirius, this girl and Sirius met at Diagon Alley, in the broom store to be precise.

"No. She thought it was too expensive. Hey, did you know that apparently there's a giant squid that lives in this lake?" Moira seemed a little uncomfortable to be talking about her family, and quickly changed the subject. James made a note of her behavior.

"A giant squid? Where'd you here that?" Sirius asked, his tone jokingly incredulous. It was clear that, despite his father's apparent love of the first year boat ride, he had never mentioned the presence of a giant squid. Moira looked Sirius dead in the eye, clearly showing that his haughty demeanour meant nothing to her.

"My older sister saw it three years ago on her boat trip," Moira responded. She took a step closer to Sirius; they were now so close that their noses were only a few inches away from each other. James wasn't sure if they were going to kiss or start a fight. Either way, he felt he needed to intervene.

"Okay you two. Let's see who's right and get on the boat. I'm sure if there is a squid, we'll see it!" James responded, grabbing Sirius' sleeve and pulling him towards an unoccupied boat. Moira, a smirk on her face, followed suit.

The boats glided seamlessly across the lake. Ripples and the wake of the other boats seemed not to affect the boat as it moved towards Hogwarts castle. James, Sirius and Moira spent most of the trip hanging over the edge of the boat, gazing at ,and occasionally poking, the water. At the mention of the giant squid and the potential of a mystery to solve, James had completely forgotten his anticipation at seeing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He missed his first look at the castle, but he was almost positive he saw a giant tentacle moving through the water beneath his boat. Sirius says he didn't see anything, but James knows what he saw.

Finally, the boats began to slow and headed towards a crevasse in the rocky ledge upon which the castle sat. James and Sirius turned their attention to their voyage and James got his first, very quick sight of the castle before they were too close to the rocks to see much more. The crevasse loomed large and, at first, James wasn't certain that the boats would fit through, the opening looked quite small, but each sailed through without a problem.

In only a few moments time, James would be standing before the entirety of the Hogwarts student body and be sorted into a house. His entire family had been in Gryffindor, he was certain he would be joining them. There wasn't another house that he even considered. It was Gryffindor or bust!

The boats came to a stop and the first years disembarked. They quickly grabbed their belongings and headed after the giant man towards a set of large, ornate doors. Standing before them was an elderly man. He had short, ear-length silver hair and warm brown eyes. His robes were a dark midnight blue, denoting that he was most likely a member of Ravenclaw house.

"Professor Greensleigh," the giant man spoke in welcome to the man standing before the door.

"Hagrid," the man responded, "pleasant trip, I assume." Hagrid nodded gruffly before motioning to collection of students standing behind him.

"I got all the firs' years here, safe and sound, Professor." The giant man, Hagrid, then left the group standing before the aged Professor Greensleigh. James looked up expectantly. The Professor cleared his throat before launching into a speech of welcome.

"Good evening, boys and girls. Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This place will be your home for the next seven years as you explore and learn about magic. Now, tonight is all about celebrating, which begins with the traditional start-of-term feast. It is a time to enjoy yourselves with your fellow students before the rigors of your schoolwork begin. Before the eating can commence, however, each of you will each be sorted into one of the four houses. Think of the houses as your family while you are at Hogwarts, as you will be spending essentially all of your time with the members of your house.

"These houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each is named after one of the founders of our great school and represents traits that each founder held dear. Your house will not only be your family but share in your triumphs and losses. Triumphs will win your house points, while losses will lose points. The House with the most points at the end of the year will win the House cup, a great honour indeed.

"Now, without further ado, let the Sorting Ceremony begin!" Professor Greensleigh finished with a flourish and the doors before him opened up. Slowly, the first years made their way into Hogwarts.

Before the students entered the Great Hall and were sorted, they were led into the entrance hall. They entered through a side door, barely visible to a passer-by. The hall was very grand, with a high ceiling and an elegant chandelier blazing brightly in the middle. On either end of the hall were two sets of large, ornate doors. They were engraved with the Hogwarts crest and motto. One led back out to the grounds, empty and darkened. The other led towards the Great Hall and the rest of their lives.

The group turned towards to doors to the Great Hall. Excited voices sounded from behind the wood. It was a cacophony of noise. Voices, cheers, ruffling, and scraping denoted the fact that there was a large group gathered. The pressure mounted; they were only a few steps away from the Sorting Ceremony.

Students, most likely muggleborns, grew increasingly nervous, wondering what the ceremony entailed. Some of those with magical blood began to stress over which house they would be sorted into, really feeling the family pressure that the selection of houses inspired. Not being sorted into the correct house could mean disinheritance. It was all very momentous.

Finally, the doors opened. The loud noises that had been emanating from the Hall ceased as the entire student body turned to watch the first years enter. The students were seated at four long tables, separated into their houses. The Professors sat at a fifth long table at the front of the Hall. And, placed before the Professors' table were a single wooden stool and a beaten and worn old hat. Whispers quickly broke out amongst some of the first years, obviously wondering what was going on with the hat.

The first years gathered before the stool. Professor Greensleigh went to stand in front of the front table. The rest of the school turned to look at the hat. Everyone was silent. A few of the muggleborn first years looked more and more confused and concerned. Finally, the hat began to move. A rip near the brim widened and a melody issued from the hole. The magical hat was singing.

Gather round, young boys and girls,

I've got a tale to tell

Of important this and that's

So, listen to it well.

I may look too plain and simple,

But looks can sure deceive.

From me your place at this fine school,

You will, in time receive.

I will gaze deep into your minds

And see what's hidden there.

All your secrets and desires

Before me are laid bare.

Four houses you will have to choose

Each unique, and old, and grand.

They represent the Founders four.

Greatest wizards in the land!

One such house is Gryffindor.

The bravest of them all.

With courage, heart, and chivalry,

Gryffindors stand tall.

Another house is Hufflepuff

Where loyalty is key.

Kindness, patience, and hard work

Make it the place to be.

Or possibly in Ravenclaw

Is where you'll find your place.

Such witty, wise, and learned ones

Always with a book before their face.

And finally, there is Slytherin

Where dwell quite cunning creatures.

They will achieve all their desires

And get around their teachers.

So, step on up, and put me on

And let me look inside.

There is no place for you to go,

Nowhere that you can hide.

You will be sorted, here and now

I promise to be fast

And once I've gone and sorted you

At home you'll be at last.

The hat finished its song and then became motionless once more. The hall quickly burst out in applause, James enthusiastically joining them. Each year, the hat started the Sorting Ceremony with a song lauding the traits of the four houses. It was his father's favourite part of the year, and now James could see why.

The applause died away and Professor Greensleigh stepped forward, a scroll clutched tightly in his hand. He cleared his throat with a gruff cough and the hall was once again silent.

"When you hear your name, come forward and put on the hat. You'll be sorted and then you can join your new house. Once all of you have found your place, Headmaster Dumbledore will say a few words."

"Abernathy, Kevin," Greensleigh called. James watched the boy names Kevin, a meek looking boy with blond hair, make his way up to the stool and have the hat placed on his head. It slipped down to his ears and the gathered students held their breaths.

"Hufflepuff!" the Sorting Hat called out. Kevin jumped off the stool and quickly hurried toward the applauding table.

"Black, Sirius," Professor Greensleigh called. Sirius took a deep breath and stepped forward. James gave him a thumbs up and then began to worry. He was sure he would have no problems making other friends, but he really wanted his first friend at Hogwarts to be in the same house as him.

The hat was silent for what felt like a lifetime before it finally shouted out, "Gryffindor!"

The proclamation of Sirius' house was met with startled silence. Slytherin House looked absolutely shocked, mouths dropped open and eyes bugged out. Sirius slipped the hat off his head and made his way to Gryffindor's table. The students then seemed to come out of their stupor and, Gryffindor table especially, began to cheer and applaud. James applauded right along with the table and then turned back to the Sorting Hat, awaiting his turn to be proclaimed a Gryffindor.

James sat right where he belonged. It felt like home. It felt absolutely right. Only a few minutes prior, his name had been called and he'd confidently made his way to be sorted. He hadn't really been worried. Potters had been in Gryffindor for generations. There were very few individuals with the Potter name not in Gryffindor. James was going to be in Gryffindor.

So, when the Sorting Hat proclaimed James Potter as a Gryffindor, he was not in the least bit surprised. He confidently, and maybe with a slight swagger, crossed the hall to the loudly cheering table. He took his rightful place beside his new friend Sirius Black. He turned and nodded to Sirius, acknowledging that they'd both gotten exactly what they wanted.

"Gryffindor," James commented, a wide smile on his face. Sirius returned the smile. The pair then turned back to the sorting. There were only a few more first years left. One of them, looking extremely nervous and dejected, was the boy from the train, the one they had bothered about wanting to be in Slytherin. James turned to his right and saw, looking relatively sad and upset herself, the red-headed girl who was with the boy.

'Lily,' James thought, remembering her name from their encounter back at King's Cross station. She and her greasy haired friend had been planning to be in the same house, Slytherin. But now, they would both have to be in Gryffindor, which seemed very unlikely. That boy was definitely not Gryffindor material. Even just looking at him, James felt like he was slimy, a clear-cut trait of Slytherin.

'If he gets into Gryffindor,' James thought. He couldn't even complete that thought because it was so ridiculous. That nervous, slippery, slimy boy –Snivellus- belonged with the equally slippery and slimy Slytherins.

Scott, Moira was called, and James briefly recognized the girl that had shared their boat trip over with them. She was sorted into Slytherin, which James found a little strange. Moira had seemed like an alright girl. He hadn't suspected she'd be a Slytherin.

"Snape, Severus!" Professor Greensleigh called. James watched him carefully. He made his way to the hat, his movements hesitant and, in James' estimation, fairly snakelike. He sat on the stool, had the hat placed on his greasy black hair, and waited. James knew that the Hat was delving into Snivellus' brain to try and sort him. Perhaps the hat would even hold a brief conversation with him.

James' sorting had been relatively brief. The Sorting Hat had quickly picked up on James' naturally courageous personality. It had seen that, while James was very smart and able with magic, and extremely loyal towards his friends and family, courage was the biggest part of James. It had taken the hat about 20 seconds to figure this all out.

However, as James focused in on Snivellus' sorting, he realised that the hat seemed to be taking an inordinate amount of time. His father had told him about Hatstalls, where the Sorting Hat couldn't decide which house to place you in to; your sorting would take minutes as opposed to seconds. This sorting was looking much like that, when finally, the slit just above the brim of the hat opened and spoke.

"Slytherin!"

James let out a sigh of relief. As the time had extended on, James had become more and more concerned that Snape might be sorted into Gryffindor. If that were to happen James would have been forced to essentially re-evaluate his entire world view. Thankfully, that didn't happen. James settled back into his calm, confident emotional state.

However, in that moment, James made a mental note to keep a close eye on Snivellus. Something about him set James on edge.