Chapter 5:

"Attention all students! We're nearing Hogwarts, so please put on your uniforms at this time." The announcer repeated her news once more before ceasing. Renee shook Leah out of her daze.

"Come on Leah, it's time to get dressed; we're almost home!" Renee ran over to her trunk and took out her school robes. Leah shook her head, got back to reality, and also got dressed, even though she couldn't seem to get Draco Malfoy's name out of her head.

"Just wait there for Prof. McGonagall to call your name, then you sit on that stool and the Sorting Hat will sort you into your house. Don't panic, it'll be fine, so long as you don't get Slytherin." Harry patted Renee's arm and smiled at the two friends before walking off to sit at Gryffindor's table.

Before they arrived, Harry decided to explain everything to them, thankfully!

So Leah and Renee slowly followed the smaller, new students to the front of the magnificent hall. Leah and Renee soon noticed that Dumbledore sat directly in the middle of the room, facing them. Prof. McGonagall, a crude looking woman, looked to Dumbledore, who nodded to begin the ceremony.

Leah and Renee found it odd that they weren't called out at the beginning because when it involved last names first, they were among the top ten. But no, Prof. McGonagall called the last student, who was sorted into Ravenclaw, and suddenly the whole school was watching Renee and Leah, who scooted even closer together. Thankfully, at this moment in time, Dumbledore stood to gather everyone's attention.

"Students and staff of Hogwarts, may I please have your full attention!? I have an important announcement! As we all know, about three years ago our school became vaguely popular when the infamous Harry Potter joined us; yes, but this year is totally different. This year we have two very important women who will need guidance…" Dumbledore looked to Harry, who nodded, "And please welcome them with open arms. They are to be joining all third year students in class, but we will speak more of that later." Dumbledore winked at Renee and Leah. He then stood proud and high.

"Hogwarts, I would love to introduce: Renee Blankly and Leah Braxton." Dumbledore's voice was then drowned out by gasps and cheering, causing both girls to blush.

"You may step forward Renee." Prof. McGonagall spoke over the crowd. Everyone watched as Renee walked gracefully to the stool and elegantly sat down. Prof. McGonagall then placed the Sorting Hat upon Renee's blonde head. A raspy voice shocked Renee at first,

"Ah! I see pure brilliance,

no words can express,

the gratitude of her appearance,

such relief to loads of stress.

Intelligence apparent

And bravery galore,

May many students leap and shout

For you belong to Gryffindor."

With that, everyone from the Gryffindor table stood up in an instant and began cheering as if there were free cookies. Prof. McGonagall raised the Sorting Hat from Renee's head and she stood. After majestically walking down the steps, she smiled to Leah and embraced her.

"You'll be fine." Renee whispered in Leah's ear. Renee sauntered over to Harry and Hermione, joining them in Gryffindor. Leah felt her legs begin to shake as Prof. McGonagall motioned her forward.

Not as pleasingly as Renee, Leah stumbled up the stairs and sat down on the stool with a sigh; half of it was over. But then, when Prof. McGonagall placed the old, ragged hat on her auburn head; it instantaneously came alive with a gasp.

"Oh, now this is a first,

Not knowing a place for you,

Every action in the future

Doesn't even hint a clue.

Bravery, loyalty,

Smart and true,

But which house to choose,

I don't know what to do.

A difficult choice,

Only one destined fate,

But which to choose

For it may be too late.

Innocence to be seen,

Yet evil stirs inside,

But where to put you,

One friend to confide.

Your journey will be grand,

No matter which house you're in,

Passionate paths lie ahead,

That's why I choose Slytherin!"

The room was filled with gasps of shock! Leah looked to Prof. McGonagall who's face was contorted in awe. Leah gulped, gently taking off the Sorting Hat, but as she placed it back down on the stool, it began to talk again, to her!

"Just wait one second,

For I must say,

Your destiny is chosen,

But there's another way.

You will be brave

And shine forever more,

Thus you are granted

To side with Gryffindor."

The hall was silent. Leah's hands shook from astonishment. Dumbledore even appeared a tiny bit stunned. Leah gave a silent nod and bowed to the hat; soon after clumsily tumbling toward the Gryffindor table.

Leah stood in the middle of the hall, looking at every face, when she felt a familiar feeling she knew so well: she was out of place.

Suddenly she felt two people take hold of her arms and began to lead her out of the hall. Once outside, the two rather large doors closed, allowing Leah to let out the breath she was holding. After calming down, she looked up to see Harry and Renee who were pale as ghosts. They were staring at her in total alarm.

"No lie, but I'm about to slap both of you! You're killing me!" Leah nearly started crying. She walked over to a nearby wall and plopped down on her butt. She rested her arms crossed over her knees and her head in her arms.

"Leah, what happened?" Harry asked, standing still a few feet away from her.

"As if I know!!" Leah shrieked toward the ground. A moment later, she felt Renee sit beside her and began friend mode. She rubbed Leah's back in support.

"Hey, it'll be okay! You get to live with us!" Renee comforted, trying really hard to sound unconcerned. Leah began to sob.

"But why Slytherin!?" Leah cried out. Renee sighed; she didn't have an answer to that question.

"Because your destiny can't be changed at all." Dumbledore walked out to the Great Hall; Leah noticed everything was back to normal in there. Leah gave a weak grin to Dumbledore. He walked over and sat on the other side of her.

"I'm sorry Leah. I had no idea, in a way. Do you know how rare this truly is?" Dumbledore asked.

"Cha! It's never happened!" Leah gasped in frustration.

"Actually, it has…" Dumbledore said in a solemn, scary-like tone. They all knew he wouldn't tell them the story; until the time came…

So, what'd you think? I think it was GREAT!!!!! Oh yeah! If you liked it, PLEASE review!! I've got more, so get ready!