I'm sorry the last chapter was so short, I'll try to make sure future updates contain more content. Without further ado, Chapter 2!
William looked around at all the other first years. A look of anxiety, perhaps even fear was written on their faces. Will, however, was thrilled to escape his mundane life at Spinner's End, filled with rainy days stuck indoors, and biting cold in the winters. Aleksander looked rather surprised, as if he hadn't imagined Hogwarts would be so magnificent. But then, William supposed, he wasn't from England, so this was probably to be expected. Cassandra, whom he considered to be somewhat unpleasant, just looked bored. Sullen as she was, he couldn't help but see the look of one of the legendary Weaselies in her, scarlet hair and all.
They were led off the train towards a fleet of small boats by a tall man in black robes, with a rather large mustache. "Erhm, come now, into the boats. Maximum capacity is 3." He added, glancing at a large group of giggling girls attempting to pile into one tiny rowboat. Will, Aleksander and Cassandra clambered into one, and as soon as all the students were in, the boats glided smoothly towards the castle. The castle, of course, stood on a large cliff, and Will instinctively ducked as the little armada sailed beneath the ivy curtains masking an entrance to a tunnel. The boats slid to a stop as the tunnel ended, and the first years were led up a flight of stairs towards a great door, flanked by two gargoyles. The tall wizard, who had said his name was Darvis, knocked on the gate three times. Slowly, the massive contraption opened, and the first years were led inside the keep.
They waited for a bit outside a smaller set of doors that Will could only assume led to the eating hall. At last a man with a long nose and bizarre green hair opened the doors, and whispered, "You're on. Stay calm, the hat won't bite, so long as you don't insult it." True enough, as they were led, single file, into the hall, a rather beaten old hat was sitting on a stool, and it appeared to be singing. The sound was somewhat unpleasant, and William couldn't make out what it was saying. After it's song, (if you could call it that,) was over, It began to call out names in a croaky voice that echoed throughout the hall. "Abbott, Maximus!"A small boy with brown hair and large ears nervously walked up to the stool. A short old man plopped the hat on his head, and, after a slight pause, the hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" All the students at one of the four great tables cheered and clapped, and so the Sorting commenced.
The hat called names in alphabetical order according to last name, so William had to wait a bit. Aleksander had already been sorted into Gryffindor, at which several gasps were emitted from students, but he received a warm welcome. However his reception paled to Cassandra's, as she had been welcomed with a veritable roar from the Gryffindor students. After "Spanners, Timothy" had been sent to Ravenclaw, and was welcomed by all, the hat uttered "Snape, William". There was a silence as Will stepped, nervously, up to the stool. As the hat was put on his head by the old professor, the hat muttered,"Hmm, yes yes, there is much history with your family in Slytherin...yes indeed. But there is also a fire in you, my boy, one I haven't felt in some time… yes this way is best. " "GRYFFINDOR!" William was stunned, but he headed over to the table anyways, and sat next to Alek, who gave him a warm pat on the back. The rest of the house welcomed him for the most part, which was something Will didn't expect. He had always expected to be a total outcast.
After a young boy named Randolph Zistain was shown the Hufflepuff table and greeted with cheers, the man with green hair stood up and cleared his throat for silence. As everyone quieted down, he spoke in a clear, but somewhat soft voice," It is my regret to inform you that Professor Drentwood, the Headmaster, will be unable to attend this feast, because of personal matters. However, he wishes me to bid you all a grand new year here at Hogwarts. Thank you." Heaps of food of every kind suddenly filled the plates of the hungry students, and the hall was filled with noise. Will ate voraciously, as he nor Alek had anything to eat on the express. The food was delicious in every way imaginable. After 3 plate's worth of food, he couldn't force another bite down his throat, and stopped to look at the other people nearest him. He spotted Maximus Abbott, who was conversing with another first year he was somewhat certain was Auna Harris. An older boy wearing a prefect badge walked up to him, and stuck out his hand. "Hello, William. My name's Fred, I'm Head Boy this year, I'll be showing the first years to their dormitories shortly. Welcome to Hogwarts."
About an hour or so later, William was lounging on his bed, twisting his wand between his fingers. It felt as if the day had been a blur, and he could not wait for classes to start the next day.
As usual, please let me know what you think of the story so far, and please, PLEASE offer up any suggestions you may have, most of you are probably much smarter than I am, and better writers to boot. The next chapter will come soon.