Chapter 4
The Suspicious Sorting Hat
After a few hours in the Hogwarts Express they finally arrived at Hogsmeade Station. They were met by a giant hairy man who everyone seemed to know apart from Rose. "Firs' Years! Firs' Years! All right there 'Arry? C'mon follow me!"
Harry nudged Rose and told her to go with Hagrid who was the giant. He immediately saw Rose and shouted her name which caused everyone to turn around and stare at her. Hagrid pushed through the crowd to reach her and enveloped her in a bone breaking hug. "Excuse me" Rose said in a strangled voice, "Who are you?"
Hagrid realeased her and said "Oh of course, yeh was only a baby when I last saw yeh. Yeh'll have to come round my hut fo' tea sometime."
They climbed into a small boat which automatically took them over a vast lake to a huge castle. She felt extremely embarrassed to be with all the first years, especially as they were still pointing and staring at her.
Meanwhile, Harry was settling down in the Great Hall to wait for the Sorting to begin.
"Oh, I do hope she is in Gryffindor!" squealed Hermione. Suddenly all the first years - and Rose - nervously walked into the hall and stood at the front. They began to go through a list of names. When they were finished, Dumbledore stood up and announced, "You will be pleased to know that we have a new student with us this year. I am sure you will all make her feel very welcome. Her name is…ROSE POTTER!"
Rose was bright red as she stumbled onto the stage and sat on the stool. She put the hat on her head.
Well, well, well, another Potter! Hmmm. A great mind, very cunning. You would go far in Slytherin…Ah I see, you don't want to go in Slytherin, you are just like your brother, but this time, Slytherin might just be the best for you…SLYTHERIN!!!
Everyone gasped. Harry choked and said "No!" The hat suddenly started speaking again.
Wait…no…I've changed my mind…GRYFFINDOR!!!
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause. Rose blindly walked to the table and took the nearest seat - next to a tall, burly boy. Rose blushed as he smiled at her.
"Your brother's a very good Quidditch player, you should go to the trials next week." He said.
"Oh, erm, er, okay, er, maybe I will." Rose stuttered.
After a very full day Rose went to bed early, she must have eaten too much because she had a funny dream about running away from a white faced with red eyes and slits for nostrils.