AN: Hello. Thank you Banner, angel de acuario, Harry Potter and the Winchester's, Anon, Nuria Maria, Dulharpa, gypsymooneygirl7733, and a guest for reviewing. And thank you everyone that's following this, it's a little unnerving. I'm sorry for how long it took to update this. Anyways, I thought long about who should go inside each House and I'm pretty pleased with what I got. Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Night Moves
And oh the wonder
We felt the lightning
And we waited on the thunder
Waited on the thunder
I awoke last night to the sound of thunder
How far off I sat and wondered
Started humming a song from 1962
Ain't it funny how the night moves
When you just don't seem to have as much to lose
Strange how the night moves
With autumn closing in
The Hogwarts Express pulled to a stop. There was a mad dash to the doors and a chatter that was hard to talk around. The Team Free Will (and those who were forced into it) hurried to the boats. There was a giant man with a bobbing lantern calling out "Firs' years. Firs' years. Over here."
Reluctantly, they split into two groups of four- or rather one group four and one of five if they believed Gabe's nonsense about including Asia as part of the Team. Dean, Sam, Cas, and Adam took one boat while Jo, Crowley, Meg, and Gabriel were forced together. It was that or be put with a bunch of wide-eyed, question-filled 11 year-olds with high voices. Crowley didn't warn them that Growley had joined them instead of running to the castle- the nice long way, Jo thought- causing Jo to nearly flip them into the lake when the Hellhound brushed against her leg. Asia launched itself down Crowley's robes in response. Dean, watching the debacle in the safer boat, was laughing so hard that Cas had to hit the boy's back when Dean began to fall into a fit of coughs. In a few seconds, the recovered Dean and Adam began talking about benefits of getting around on the ground versus flying. Sam tried to get Cas to understand the idea of moving staircases. All chatter ceased when the castle came into full view. For once, the Team finally shut up to admire the view that would be their home for the next seven years (not including vacations).
Quickly, the first years were ushered through the doors by Professor McGonagall. Crowley told Growley to wait by their luggage and protect their items considering the fact that Dean and Sam were hoarding their entire collection of supernatural-killing tools in their expandable trunks (courtesy of magic), Adam was stocked up on numerous of Bobby's books, Meg and Gabriel had a Potionmaster's dream of ingredients, Crowley had pre-made deals that he was ready to sign and "gently convince" some of his classmates to agree to, and Castiel had honey he collected himself. The students followed the professor across the flagged stone floor. Voices of upperclassmen heading to dinner were heard. The first years, however, were brought to a small chamber to the left. Professor McGonagall spoke, instantly chattered dissipated.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term banquet will start shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.
"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you house points, while any rulebreaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of school. I suggest you smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are still waiting." She looked at a few students pointedly, then left.
The Team exchanged looks. It finally set in that they were most likely going to be split up. Even Crowley, who would never admit it, wished that they could stay together. 'Better with the enemy you know' he would reason it. As others wondered how everyone was sorted, the TFW chattered about something that would make any eavesdroppers insulted.
"How are we supposed to study how more effective this magic is compared to witch-whores who make demon deals, and deal with how ignorant these people are, if we split up?" Dean growled. Cas laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. The boy straightened and gave a nod to the angel.
"We all know that the Winchesters have an unhealthy need to stick together, but is it honestly that bad?" Meg mocked. Adam started a disgruntled protest but Meg's glare suffocated anything else.
"We'll be in different houses, not different continents, Michael's Sword." Gabe replied to rile the boy up. He skipped behind Sam as Dean moved with incredible fury forwards.
"How about, after the Sorting, we just sit at a table?" Jo shrugged. She didn't care for the stupid labeling that the school was going to try and cram down their throats.
"There are no rules that prohibit us from doing that." Adam regarded thoughtfully.
"Then we sit together?" questioned Cas.
"Yeah, we sit together Cas." nodded Dean. When ghosts appeared into the room, only TFW saw him and Jo pull out knives and salt. Adam grabbed his arm, whispering loudly for the other members to hear too.
"Ghosts at Hogwarts are different. They once were wizards and witches, their magic keeps them sane for a life-after-death-time. It's briefly mentioned in Hogwarts, A History." Jo and Dean hesitantly put the knives away.
"You should've changed into your robes. They are mandatory." The bossy brunette hissed at Dean and Sam when she saw them. Sam was about to argue he was wearing robes, just not the full uniform, when McGonagall returned.
In a takes-no-attitude voice, the stern professor directed them in a single file line by last name, the Team split (and to Sam's and Adam's interest, they were right behind Ron Weasley, Dean didn't care) before embarking to the Great Hall. Upon entering the hall, the room grew quieter- not silent, but enough to cause the nervous students to sweat buckets. The room was long with four tables respectively each house and colors. At the front was the high table where the teachers sat in rather uncomfortable-looking chairs. The ceiling was black with dotted yellow stars. Hermione whispered loud enough for them to hear, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History."
Dean unconsciously immediately scanned for exits and sized the people around up. He watched with little interest as McGonagall placed a stool and mangy hat down in the front of the hall. The hat's brim opened like a mouth and began to sing causing him to flinch.
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
Dean shuffled at the words of the hat. It was weird to say the least- a hat that could look in his head. The hat could see all the mistakes and choices that Sam, Cas, and he had made. The terror and destruction Meg, Crowley, and Gabriel made. And the unfair deaths of Adam and Jo. 'Will it know who we really are? Would it tell the teachers and get us kicked out before school even starts?' Dean wondered.
Soon after, McGonagall read from a scroll of names. Each one came up, sat on the stool, and the hat yelled the house it belonged in. After Hermione was placed in Gryffindor which caused the Weasley boy to groan, it was Jo's turn.
It was uncomfortable, for what seemed like minutes to Jo was only seconds. You are not what you seem, young miss, or should I say 'woman'. Your past is quiet interesting, the hellhounds is never a beast to trifle with, though I have not seen one in centuries. Well, it's not like I asked for the sons of bitches to come after me. A brave soul. Loyalty trumped by bravery. I am sorry for your past. Easily you belong in "GRYFFINDOR." He hollered the last word. Jo whipped the hat off. She gave a reassuring smile to her friends. She turned away and shivered as the memories of the hellhounds attacked her sight.
Meg was called up soon after. She licked her lips, slightly nervous at this new place. The hat was put on her head and it spoke, nearly causing her to jump. A demon. What fates did you curse? Try God Brave, but for own gains. No point trying to be an idiot about it. Smart, but more in the cunning and deceitful way. But above all, you are loyal to your cause and stick with it. Let's put you in "HUFFLEPUFF." She was relieved when the hat was removed from her head.
The next person of the team was Crowley. He sauntered to the hat with false bravado. The hat plopped down on his head for a brief second, but the whispers seem to ring forever. A demon, now the King of Hell. Don't wear my name out. Conniving, ambitious. There is no doubt who you are, but there is always a chance for change, especially since this could be a second chance …. No? Then it better be "SLYTHERIN!"
Castiel Novak was called shortly after a few more 11 year olds. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of meeting an angel. And I a soul attached to a hat Ambitious to change the world, mistakes were made. I failed Dean, and my Father Mmmn, lots of bravery for your years as an angel of the lord. But loyalty, to Dean, the Winchesters, to God, and your hopes. Still the optimist. I don't believe I am anymore I believe you are in for a surprise these next few years. "HUFFLEPUFF."
Dean exchanged looks with Sam and Adam. Already, the group was split into three houses.
"If nothing else, at least the houses will be bonding." Whispered Adam. Sam rolled his eyes.
"Novak, Gabriel." McGonagall called to the archangel who was already on his way to the stool with a swagger in his step and trickster grin on his face. The hat spoke in his mind quietly. Another angel, my, this year is by far the most interesting. I always make an entrance. Your group is mildly surprising a bit of everything and possible for change. Are ya going to sort me? You have played dead twice, tricked for those just desserts, but you died for the Winchesters I didn't- They thought you did, you were willing to die for mere mortals. ... Family? When will you realize that that is not the way to fill the hole? Let's get this over with. For your just desserts, it shall be "SLYTHERIN!"
The entire student body had begun to mutter quite loudly when Harry Potter was called to the stool. Everyone looked expectantly at the black-haired mess with glasses. Soon, he was put in Gryffindor which caused a ruckus. Two gingers were screaming "We got POTTER. We got POTTER!" The famous black haired boy's best friend, the Weasley, went into Gryffindor as well. They sat just beside Jo.
"Winchester, Adam." McGonagall called. Adam didn't run, but more of power-walked to the stool. It spoke unnervingly into his ear. Bravery stands strong with you, chosen to be Michael's sword? It was supposed to be Dean, I was merely a substitute. I should've said no. You were trying to help your mother finish her life on earth as it should've been. It was a noble idea. Be careful with the knowledge you wield about the future events. I see much potential in GRYFFINDOR!"
Adam, with a smirk on his face, went to the red and gold table. He nodded to Dean coming up, his half-brother flashed a confident smile. Dean didn't know what to expect with the talking hat. Calm down, Dean, I will hurt you. Brave, and loyal. Knowledgeable beyond your years. But then again, you are not what you seem. I do not see much done for personal gain. A loyal soldier? Shut UP! Ah, that struck a nerve. Undeniable bravery and loyalty, but what else could you expect from the Righteous Man? This year is strange indeed. Let me ask, where should I put you? With Cas, he needs someone with him. Not just that bitch demon With your angel!? It's Cas. Sammy knows his way around, but Cas needs me. You are sure adamant about being with your angel even though you will exceed in Gryffindor. Gryffindor will suit your needs. Look, Cas and me have some problems to fix, and I sure ain't letting that demon bitch be the closest thing to Cas. You will be far better than you would in Hufflepuff Put me in the dopey house. You will forego your own future for another We both know the answer to that. So be it. HUFFLEPUFF!"
Sam snorted at the decision while his brother hurried to Cas. Then he realized, it would've put Dean in Gryffindor if not for the fact Dean felt the need to protect Castiel. 'So where do I go?'He walked to the stool before McGonagall could finish calling his name.
Adam chuckled as he watched the Michael's True Vessel hurry to Castiel. He sat by Jo who was also grinning. One of the ginger twins, who introduced themselves as Gred and Forge, turned to the boy. "Winchesters, right. Triplets?"
"No, those are my two older brothers, they're the twins."
"If they're your older brothers and it's their first year, why are you starting too?"
"I'm like ten months younger than them. My birthday is in a few weeks." He saw the ginger's expression and continued. "Nothing like that. Also, my mother died when Dean and Sam was four. Our father kind of went to the bottle. Dean, the older twin, practically raised Sam and me for a few years. It was a hard time while we tried to keep up with childhood. Our dad wasn't bad, but after losing Karen… my mom… he often found comfort in a 12 ounce bottle of booze. But then Ellen Harvelle-"
"My mom." Jo practically radiated at being able to say that to a live, normal-ish person.
"Came over one day. Whipped Bobby- dad- back into shape. She makes sure that Bobby stays our father. During the DARK TIME, my older brothers grew to rely on each other and hates being apart from family too long, so I'm with them this year. Family request." The ginger nodded sympathetically. Adam shrugged uncomfortably at the pity. Not everything was a lie. Karen Singer, Mary Winchester, and Kate Milligan died, John and Bobby did take to the bottle, and Ellen did help Bobby. Though originally he hated the idea, he was actually getting along with Dean and Sam. He turned his attention to Sam as the hat called his brother's house.
Sam felt the hat fall on his head. Ah, the final person of your self-proclaimed Team Free Will? Blame Dean for that one. You are tortured, self-loathed. Doing all the wrong things for the right reason. That doesn't fix the problems I've made. You are intelligent, as are all your friends, but you want to know. Know how to save everyone, your brother, Castiel. You do not view yourself as brave as Dean, or loyal as Castiel. In your childhood, you simply yearned for normal and to understand how the world works. Slytherin might do you well. I would die if I had to be with Crowley and Gabe for the rest of my school years. Are you sure? Yeah. I'm sure that I would do well in Ravenclaw. I want some distance, to be allowed some time to myself. It is a relatable wish. The struggle for knowledge is admirable and brave. It shall be "RAVENCLAW!"
With that, the TFW (and those who were forced into it) were sorted to begin their first year of Hogwarts. As the last of the students were called to be sorted, the Team were exchanging glances. Sam jerked his head towards Adam, who was sitting near Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Dean rolled his eyes and mouthed "Nerd." Crowley shrugged, Gabriel stared adoringly at the masses ready to be pranked; Meg and Castiel were discussing the bigotry of the wizarding world. The Team reached a consensus.
"Welcome." Albus stood up before Dean could stand up. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
"How ingenious." Meg sarcastically commented while the people around them applauded.
"Yes, quite so." Castiel quirked his head. He was seriously pondering the headmaster's words, looking for the deeper meaning.
"Let's go, Cas." Dean stood. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sam stand at the end of his table waiting for him, Gabriel playing with Asia as him and Crowley discussed some business, and Meg swiped tart as they left their table. Quickly, they made their way to Adam and Jo; resulted in many glares, stares, whispers, and blatant retorts.
"Hiya, Sammy." Dean chuckled as he sat beside Jo, Cas sat beside him. On the other side, across from Cas, sat Meg. Then Sam, Gabriel, and Crowley. "Nice job in getting with book nerds."
"Jerk." Sam replied without heat.
"Bitch."
"Ah, the joys of family bonding." Crowley rolled his eyes. "How utterly ridiculous, Moose, Squirrel."
"At least the food's good." Dean replied, stuffing his face.
"Dean, someone is coming over here." Cas tugged on the hunter's sleeve. The group looked up to see Professor McGonagall, the Headmaster, and a greasy, black-haired man in all black robes headed straight for them.
"You realize that two Slytherins are sitting at our table." The ginger twins spoke simultaneously.
"No." Meg answered airily. "Our idiot family members are sitting here."
"You're related to them?" George, or Fred, asked incredulously.
"Not by blood." Crowley inputted.
"Then what are you?" Fred, or George, demanded this time. There was only a half a second pause before the answers came.
"Enemies." Dean and Sam answered, looking pointedly at Crowley.
"Unicorn. Idiot. Michael's Sword. Lucifer's Vessel. Blondie." Meg also spoke.
"Broken business partner." Crowley stated. "Denim-clad nightmares, moose, squirrel, demon whore, trickster-"
"What are you doing?" the greasy-haired man asked, interrupting the list.
"Eating." "Sitting." "Talking." "More like insulting Crowley." "I take my nickname with pride." "Of course you would, Loki." "Discussing the derogatory names in which Crowley knows us by."
The last one came from Cas. There was a momentary pause as everyone looked at the angel of the lord who was tentatively trying the sheppard's pie.
"Ah-uh, you are aware that you are sitting at the wrong tables."
"I'm not." Jo reached for the tart treacle.
"I'm sitting at a table." Gabriel was feeding 'rabbit food' to Asia.
"Argh, rabbit food. Seriously Gabe?" Dean dramatically flinched back from the greens.
"I'm feeding a rabbit Dean-o, what did you think I would feed it?"
"He's just complaining. Speaking of which Dean, I haven't seen you touch the vegetables." Sam chuckled.
"I'm a warrior, Sam, I am not a fluffy, defenseless creature."
"The rabbit is actually quite a defense-full creature, capable of many evasive maneuvers and defense tactics against predators." Castiel monotonously added.
"You're not helping the cause, Cas."
"Poor Dean, doesn't want to eat his vegetables and grow big'n'strong." mocked Meg.
As the conversation played out, fellow Gryffindors and Ravenclaws eavesdropping began to smother their chuckles as the teachers looked at the first years with disbelief. Even Albus had a twinkle in his eyes despite his worried expression.
"Ah-em." McGonagall returned the conversation back to the matter at hand. "The Hufflepuffs, the Ravenclaw, and the Slytherins should return to their rightful tables."
"Are there any rules disallowing us from sitting at different table?" Gabriel asked, batting his eyelashes. There was a perfectly innocent look on his face.
"What?" the black haired man hissed. "Are you ignoring your houses' pride?"
"Is there any reason other than the fact that a mangy, old hat put us in Houses to keep us from sitting here?" Dean growled.
"No." the reply came after a tense moment. "But it would be best for you to sit with your Houses to get to know your fellow students considering you will sleep, have classes, and spend most of your free time with your respective Houses." McGonagall tried to reason.
"That's some bullshit." Dean muttered under his breath, in return he received a hawk's gaze from McGonagall.
"Minerva, I see no reason why they cannot sit here. It is an inter-house bonding moment and perhaps can help strengthen communication between Houses." Albus calmed the professor, then turned back to the students. "However, I would advise making friends outside your family."
The Team looked at one another and slightly flinched back from their enemies. Albus, thinking that he made his point clear, returned to the front table. The greasy man gave one last withering look at the team before following the headmaster. The hall was loud, but had dropped to help eavesdrop on the odd conversation. After the matter was resolved, the room once again was reverberating from noise.
"You really should listen to the teachers." Hermione leaned over to the group. "The tables, classes, and common rooms are all for that House only. We were placed in our Houses for a reason, for our traits, we should remember that."
"Look, you don't us very well." Dean started. "My entire conversation time with you is under five minutes and I can tell already that you are a bit of a teacher's pet, you don't know how to make friends well. You are a geeky, know-it-all that seems better suited for Ravenclaw. Not at first glance would someone consider you to be a Gryffindor. You having heart of the brave instead of thirst for knowledge? You are to have both, according to what I had been told. Hell, only a few would consider that nervous break-down case with the missing toad to be brave or noble, but everyone is more than just what their House is. Now I'm not saying all people in this school are more than the skin deep traits that their House represents, but I think somethings are more than what meets the eyes."
"I see your point, but you are quite rude." Hermione scoffed. Dean flashed a stunning smile that caused Hermione to flush.
"Sweetheart, I'm more than just 'quite'."
"I'm sorry about Dean." His brother, Sam, leaned over and whispered.
"Dean, I believe I have discovered why many people compare themselves to the bumblebee." Castiel interrupted with his quizzical expression. Dean rolled with it while Hermione was confused, again.
"Yeah, Cas?"
"Because despite its huge weight, the bee is still able to fly. Perhaps people wish to be like the bumblebee, to rise above the weight of the world." Dean nodded understandingly. "However, it might also point to the idea that flying is a release from all the tensions in the world and rise above the expectations of others to be your own person. Much like you rose above from becoming Michael's Vessel."
"No way in hell would I be that dick's meatsuit. Anyway, you can do the philosophical questions. Now if only you could do that with pop-culture metaphors or rock music."
"How exactly do rocks pertain to making music? It doesn't seem like a usable instrument, though tribes of Africa have been known to use rocks in ceremonies."
"We went over this Cas, rock music is a genre." Dean resisted the urge to face palm.
"It's okay, bro. Dean-o can explain all about being rock-hard." Gabriel butted in.
"Bite me."
"Maybe later, big boy." Gabe couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Hermione, for once in her life, felt at a loss for words. She listened to that Winchester, Dean? boy's rant. It did make sense; and contrary to her muggle schoolmates, it didn't kill her to admit she was wrong. She wasn't trying to seem shallow or something, she just thought that they should listen to the teachers. Quizzically, she studied the mismatched crew that were mocking and insult each other, but seemed to enjoy each others presence. The two girls were getting in a heated discussion while the boy in a suit was smirking at Sam. The other boy, Castiel Novak, was interesting because of his literal take on words. However, that boy Gabriel had a dirty mouth on him. She blushed deeper, maybe not knowing what the boy meant, but knew it was inappropriate. Sam again apologized.
The Team spent the rest of the dinner banquet insulting each other, talking about tablets of angels and demons, and someone named Kevin. They received many questioning looks and worried expressions. The rumors naturally flew at the speed of light. The most common rumor that would be known by the end of the week was that the Americans were gang members (because of how many times weapons were relieved from Dean's and Jo's possession and they somehow got them back) of respective gangs called the "Angels" and "Demons" seeking asylum in Hogwarts.
So the next chapter is going to be the Team's first night in their dormitories and meeting friends that they're going to make. My major OC is going to be introduced next chapter, but she doesn't becoming important until the first day of classes. The Team's influence might bring more Big-Bads to Hogwarts and change some character's views cough*Draco*cough*Ron*cough. Anyways, have a Happy New's Year! Until next time.
