VII. Hogwarts Express and Sorting
After her meeting with the vampire, the rest of the summer passed calmly, without problems. Kelly got her wand and tried a few spells with it. Her lessons with Iworven were boring, but necessary. Over those days she learned that she can speak with Elvandra even when they are apart. Anyway, today was the day she started her journey through Hogwarts.
"Dad, come on, we will be late." Kelly shouted at her father who was still lying in bed at ten in the morning.
"We are apparating, we won't be late." Just as Sirius was saying that his mother came in and shouted: "Sirius Black, get your lazy ass out of bed!"
"Fine, fine, I will get up." Sirius said grumbling. While he was getting up, Elvandra, with her magic made a little bit of ice and he slipped and fell on arse.
After they finished getting ready, they apparated to the platform. It was very busy and they hurried to get Kelly on the train. Her trunk went up into the luggage compartment and she said her goodbyes. After that she got on the train and went to seek Draco out. Finally she saw him in a compartment with a tanned boy. She made herself comfortable and said with a serious expression, imitating Narcissa: "Draco, I've been looking for you. You cannot just wander of somewhere!" Draco ignored the comment completely and said to the boy next to him: "She is my cousin, Kelly Black. Kelly this is my friend, Blaise Zabini. Mother does not approve, but mother is not here."
"Good. Dad wanted me to tell you, that if you end up in Slytherin and don't prank Snape, he will make you wear pink hair for the whole summer."
"And what will he do to you? You will obviously go to Slytherin", said Draco.
"Nothing. How can you even suggest that he would do anything to me? Grandma would kill him and Elvandra would make his entire alcohol freeze." After trying unsuccessfully to get attention, Blaise shouted over them: "Will anyone explain to me why is it important if I was approved by Draco's mother?"
"Because Narcissa is a pureblood fanatic and that does not sit well with me. So, what's your favourite colour?"
"Wow, Kelly, you win an award for random questions", Draco said and Kelly responded by sticking her tongue out.
"Blue", Blaise said trying to prevent another round of bickering.
The rest of the journey passed peacefully. Blaise even met Elvandra.
When they got to Hogsmead station they could hear the giant's voice booming for first years to come with him. They got into the boats with instructions that no more than four are allowed in. The three of them ended up being in the same boat as little Susan Bones.
When they got to the castle the same voice said: "The firs'-years, Professor McGonagall", and the professor replied with: "Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." After it she turned towards students.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin 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 like your 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 your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. 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 the school. I suggest you all smart yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." After she finished the obligatory speech that she knew by heart, she led them to the great hall.
Kelly listened only until the part when she was called out which included Sorting hats song and the first sorting.
Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
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 top 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 steady mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk 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!
McGonagall climbed on the raised section she said: "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted."
"Abbot, Hannah!"
"Hufflepuff!"
"Black, Kelly!" A hat was placed on her head and she couldn't see a thing.
"Yes, I see a bright mind, your majesty", the hat said in her head and paused.
"What are you waiting for? Did you expect me to be surprised?"
"Well, yes, that's a point of this."
She mentally raised an eyebrow and the hat shouted: "Slytherin!"
After the sorting ended Dumbledore stood up: "Frist of all: welcome to all new students and welcome back to the all old ones. I am pleased to introduce you to our new staff. First, Lilly Potter, who will be teaching Muggle Studies class. Next, James Potter, who will be taking Defence Against the Dark Arts. As the last announcement I want you to know that third floor corridor is off limits to all who don't want to die a very painful death. Enjoy."
After the feast was over, prefects led Slytherins to their rooms. They were told that there will be a house meeting tomorrow morning at seven sharp before they were sent to sleep. Every one of them had their own room.