Chapter 2: The Sorting Hat Who Wants to Retire
A/N: Hi! Nomomi here. I thought I wouldn't update this, though I already have plans for this work until its 5th chapter. But thanks to those who followed/marked as favorite this novice work of mine, I finally decided to revamp this one. 😊 Hope you enjoy this!
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"Welcome, dear students, to Hogwarts!" was what entranced the four wizards-in-the-making, as they alight from their respective carriages.
Professors of various age brackets greeted the flock of newcomers who arrived last after the excruciating travel from the poorly maintained roads to the disturbed waves of the river adjacent to the entrance of the hallowed Hogwarts. These observations were easily agreed on by Hayley, Sophia, Megan and Cassidy, whose secret agenda has been solidified during in their train trip.
"Now, now, let us all settle, shall we?" said the man standing atop the grand stairs. "It's nice to see a lot handsome gentlemen-in-the-making here, isn't it?" He jovially added, as he glanced towards the female professor on his side.
"Don't discriminate the girls, okay?" the woman said.
"I don't know what discrimination you are talking about," the man said jokingly, as he closed into one male batch mate standing in front and hugged him. It was a tight hug as can be gleaned from the reaction that the male kid elicited.
"To all boys, will you please line up in front of me?" the man said.
"All the girls should line over here then!" the woman shouted.
"He's into boys, huh?" Sophia whispered to the three, as they slowly paced to the forming line of girls.
"His star-shaped pink tattoo near his left eye is a give-away," Megan said, to which Cassidy nodded in agreement.
Hayley, on the other hand, was busy looking for Josh on the opposite line.
"This one's a give-away as well," Megan said, pointing out how obvious Hayley was in doing her "surveillance" of Josh.
"Quiet please," shouted the woman who lead the line of female students.
"I am Professor Daven Leande," shouted the man who tattooed a star-shape on his face. His pink-dyed hair was in complete mess, same as his robes worn loosely. "The lady over there is Professor Janeth Arguilla, do forgive her messy attire," he added.
"Daven!" said the furious Professsor. Eventually, she cleared her throat and introduced herself, "I am Professor Arguilla. Just call me Professor Jane. You will be marching inside the hall in short while. Immediately after, you shall be sorted to your respective houses care of our Sorting Hat. After the few words of our new headmaster, then, you can have your sumptuous dinner."
The crowd of newcomers jeered at the instance of hearing the word dinner, including Sophia and Cassidy who even jumped to show how excited – and hungry, perhaps – they were.
"I still can't see Josh," Hayley murmured, preoccupied on her visual search of her partner.
"I don't think any accident will transpire here," Megan assured Hayley, "seven professors are within our short distance."
"Seven?" Hayley asked, which successfully took her attention away from Josh. "I can only see two," she added.
"They must be good at surveillance," Megan concluded. "You should be able do the same, checking on him without being extremely obvious," Megan continued.
The gigantic doors of the school suddenly opened, which made Hayley oblivious to her intent to reply to Megan's demeaning remarks. She was a pure-blood after all. Trained to be the best.
"Here are this year's first years!" echoed a flashy voice coming from the insides of the hall.
Slowly, everyone picked up the pace towards the halls of Hogwarts. The room was exponentially gigantic than how it can be observed outside. The stone walls reach a surprisingly extraordinary height. Innumerable candles and glistening objects float around the area, and were sporadically multiplying as well! Hayley could even hear loud cheers from the crowd dressed in red, yellow, and blue. At the far end of the hall, however, were people robed in green, who weren't participating at all. They were seated on their own corner and seemed to have started the dinner while the rest was engrossed at welcoming the newcomers. Though the greens were standing out due to their eerie demeanor as compared to others, the astonishing mien of majority – yelling and flying in their broomsticks, among others - were too blinding that Hayley did not bat an eyelash towards the silent group.
"This is crazy!" Sophia said in delight.
"I'm glad I came here at Hogwarts!" Cassidy shouted in response to Sophia's reaction.
The two seemed loss in the fascinating entrance that welcomed them, and even Hayley admittedly almost fell for it, ONLY THAT something – someone – thieved her admiration for the glorious moment - She saw Sinclair.
Robed in the same garments as Hayley, the mystifying raven-colored long-haired girl was on her trails. This familiar face belongs to someone she could not ignore. Sinclair was the biggest mistake she and Josh did.
The first violation they made upon their being pure-blood –
Two purebloods befriended this outcast muggle amidst the prohibition.
Purebloods have long lived in isolation from muggles and mixed-bloods since the demise of You-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Hayley remembered.
"Hayley! Hey there lovestruck!" shouted Sophia, who took Hayley's attention away from Sinclair.
"Is there something wrong?" Cassidy asked.
"You were staring at the back for quite some time," Megan observed.
"I never imagined mingling with muggles and mixed-bloods...," Hayley thought. "Is this another mistake?" She asked herself. "I'm fine," Hayley finally responded.
"Told you so! She was just looking for prince," Sophia said.
"The Sorting Ceremony is about to start," Megan repeated.
"One hurray there for the success of our plan!" Cassidy shouted, as she raised her right arm, asking the three for a high five, which they reciprocated awkwardly.
"Hurray!" Cassidy shouted in conclusion.
"Good evening, everyone!" A loud voice exclaimed. "I am this year's headmaster, Professor Augustus Meitus L. Allenegui. Previously a consultant at the Ministry of Magic Central Branch, Professor Emeritus of Potions and Herbology, and a champion seeker at Quidditch. Oh memories, that was really a long time ago, isn't it?"
The crowd cheered wildly, though jeers were quite noticeable as well.
The headmaster cleared his throat, and continued, "A pleasant welcome to all wizards and witches to-be, especially to our graduating class and to our first years. This year is prophesized to be a dangerous year to be at Hogwarts, which I prefer to call as "an interesting year" instead. But fear not...for the strongest wizard extends his protection for each and everyone here!"
A loud applause filled the whole room immediately, amidst the likewise growing taunts.
"Now, let us begin this joyous occasion by means of the Sorting Ceremony!" Professor Allenegui exclaimed, as he whisked his wand. A stool suddenly appeared in the middle of the stage, where Professor Leande placed a black hat.
The hat was living. It was the ages-known Sorting Hat. "When can I retire from this job?" The hat spoke, smug and aloof. It glanced on its sides and back to the line of freshmen, and continued, "Wasn't there a prophecy that killings will take place this year? Why are there still plenty children?"
"Mr. Sorting Hat, please," Professor Leande responded, "Just finish your work." Professor Leande stepped forward and held a long roll of parchment.
"If your name is called, please proceed in front and wear the hat," he explained.
"Ascott, Abegail!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!" the hat shouted.
"Starde, Russel!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Good thing is, the names aren't in alphabetical order," Megan whispered.
"That's true! But I really hope that we'll be together in one house..." Cassidy muttered, noticeably down-trodden.
Sophia whacked the back of Cassidy upon hearing her doubts, and said, "We will be! Don't make me depressed."
Cassidy nodded, her smile grew as if Sophia's words were gospel to her.
"Diaz, Sophia!"
"Oh! Here I go! See you later, mates!" exclaimed Sophia, as she strode towards the stage.
"She's really brave, isn't she?" Cassidy said.
"Gryffindor through and through," said Megan. Straightaway, the Sorting Hat exclaimed "GRYFFINDOR!"
Those in red shirts cheered so wild. Confetti magically conjured up air, as the groups competitively ran towards her, as if a competition on who hugs her first was on-going.
"Rowle, Josiah!" Professor Leande shouted.
"Josh!" exclaimed Hayley.
"Let's hope that he gets sorted to Gryffindor," Megan said.
"RAVENCLAW!"
"What a fine young man to be on my house!" Professor Leande commented, as he placed his hands on the boy's shoulder. "Welcome to Ravenclaw," he whispered.
Josh went down the stage and immediately proceeded to the group in blue. Most of them were extending their hands to him for a handshake, while others kiss him on the cheek.
"Can you see the sophistication exuded at Ravenclaw?" Cassidy commented with her trembling voice.
"I must be sorted to Ravenclaw," Hayley whispered to the two.
"At least one of us must," Megan corrected her.
"Rowle, Sinclair!" shouted Professor Leande.
"Rowle? Are they related to each other?" Cassidy asked Hayley after hearing the next name.
Hayley shook her head as response.
As Sinclair approached the stage, murmurs were suddenly heard – most of them were praising how beautifully she looked, with her slim body and lustrous straight hair. She was white as porcelain as well, often described as a living doll.
"Hmm," said the Sorting Hat. "Do you prefer the blue or the green?" the sorting hat inquired.
"I think that's your job, Mr. Sorting Hat," Sinclair responded.
"My guts tell me to place you Ravenclaw, but you fit perfectly at...hmm" the hat mulled.
"Not to Ravenclaw, please," Hayley told herself as she clasped her fidgeting hands.
"All right, SLYTHERIN!" the hat finally said.
There was a faint applause, but contrary to the three houses, enthusiasm cannot be gathered from the green group.
"Ricks, Darlene!" Professor Leande yelled.
"I will convince the Sorting Hat to place me to Ravenclaw," Hayley said, as she remembered what Josh said on the train earlier...regarding her impossibility on being in sorted to Ravenclaw.
Cassidy smiled at her, and said, "You can do it!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Avery, Hayley!" Professor Leanded exclaimed.
"Here I go," Hayley said, as she raised her left arm and waved back at Cassidy and Megan.
"Good luck!" Cassidy shouted.
Hayley stepped forward, and wore the hat. Hayley could see everyone craning to get a good look at her, since she was self-admittedly looking stunning as well. Her curly brown hair that reaches her bust was a perfect contrast to her green eyes and fair complexion. However, what consumed her attention the most was her burning desire to be sorted to Ravenclaw.
"Ravenclaw, Ravenclaw, Ravenclaw," she repeatedly whispered.
"That's the reason why I won't place you there," The Sorting Hat said. "No Ravenclaw does that, stupid kid. SLYTH–" BUT the Sorting Hat was put a stop when Hayley suddenly grabbed its mouth and hushed it completely.
"No one calls me a stupid, you rude hat!" an exasperated Hayley shouted as it shook the constricted hat hard. I was called stupid twice this day? What? Hayley furiously realized.
"Ms. Avery, stop that!" Headmaster Allenegui intercepted. Stunned, Hayley instantly freed the hat.
"Agh – kids these days! Brave! Too brave! The hat yelled. "GRYFFINDOR!"
A really, really loud laugh burst in the gigantic room. The loudest can be traced to those in red – Gryffindor. Packs of confetti, and even mini-fireworks, were conjured everywhere, flooding the whole room with unwanted pieces of colorful paper.
"No- No wait, I—" Hayley said, but she was grabbed by a Gryffindor who immediately run towards the stage to pick her up.
"Next, Muse, Megan!" Professor Leande shouted. "Muse, Megan!" He repeated.
Hayley was dragged by an unfamiliar face, but that didn't matter to her for now. She wasn't sorted to Ravenclaw. She will most probably, not be able to do lookouts! It's the end. The plan failed. The plan-
But, she was forced to leave her deleterious thoughts when she felt a strong whack on her back. "That hurts!" Hayley screamed.
"At least one of us is sorted to Ravenclaw!" Sophia grinned.
Puzzled, Hayley was pondering why Sophia was grinning. She wasn't sorted to Ravenclaw. Why would she be happy about it?
"Hey! Are you listening?" Sophia asked.
"Huh?" Hayley responded.
"What 'huh'? I said, Megan was sorted to Ravenclaw!" Sophia said, waving towards somebody.
Hayley turned around and saw Megan waving back at them. Then, she raised a thumb up, seemingly reassuring the two that she'll carry on with their plans.
"It was obvious though, that she will be sorted to Ravenclaw," Sophia muttered. "Oh hey! It's Cassidy's turn now!" Sophia yelled, as she crossed her two fingers.
"HUFFLEP-" said the Sorting Hat.
"No! I don't want to! I want to be sorted to Gryffindor!" Cassidy said, as she imitated what Hayley did earlier: she grabbed the hat on its mouth, and repeatedly demanded to be placed at Gryffindor.
This time, Professor Leande snagged the hat from Cassidy's hands. The hat, unrestrained from the constriction, irately yelled, "I'm seriously considering retirement! Gryffindor!"
Cassidy's tantrums were a success. Cassidy immediately ran towards Hayley and Sophia, almost causing the two to tumble to the ground due to her initiated strong glomp.
"We're together!" Cassidy yelled, a tear falling from her right eye.
"I predicted that you were to be sorted at Hufflepuff, idiot," Sophia said, freeing herself from the surprise group hug.
"I was inspired by Hayley's determination!" Cassidy said. "And of course, I was extra-motivated to be with you, Sophia!" Cassidy continued.
"I-Idiot," Sophia said.
"But Megan is not with us," Hayley said, worried that her plan failed.
"Oh, she actually told me that everything was going right according to her plans," Cassidy said, finally freeing Hayley from her hug. "She told me that you were going to sorted to Slytherin or Gryffindor...Hufflepuff for me, and Gryffindor for Sophia. She likewise knew that she was going to be the reconnaissance in our plans," Cassidy confessed.
"How can she be that pin-point in her predictions? Seems like you're losing to her, Hayley," Sophia nagged.
Hayley stood in silence, relieved that her plans were still in motion.
"I must thank Ms. Muse later," Hayley said, conceding to Sophia's remarks.
The trio decided to pay their attention back to the sorting ceremony, and learned from others that only three were left.
"Lowry, Michaelis!" Professor Leande shouted.
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Amorante, Martin!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Lastly, Palafox, Gabriel!" Professor Leande yelled in relief.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
The trio clapped loudly with rest, as the headmaster returned to the main podium. "Before we proceed to our dinner buffet, I have a few reminders. I am confident that I can protect everyone here, however, to satisfy the demands of the Ministry of Magic, I order all the heads of each houses to do whatever you deem fit, to add additional level of safety to our students," shouted Professor Allenegui.
"With that," he added as he whisked his golden wand, "have a great night, everyone!" As he stepped off the podium, various food, entrée and desserts filled the tables – almost leaving no space for each student's respective plates.
"T-This is fantastic!" Cassidy said, as she stuffed everything her hands grabbed on her mouth. "Disshi sho ood~ Aine er aysted ood ood~"
"You know, this dish is made from the rarest porcupine in the Southern Nebraska," Sophia chattered as she spoke to seniors and freshmen alike, thus gaining a significant attention.
Hayley, on the other hand, couldn't even start her meal because of the swarm of Gryffindor babbling how brave she was earlier. As much as Hayley wanted to eat in peace, just as how she was used to, her desire was futile.
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