The castle was even more magnificent up close. When we finally reached the shore, all of the little eleven- and twelve-year-olds climbed wearily out of the boats. Instead of being herded through a large doorway and into a lighted hallway, Hagrid motioned for me to follow him in a more private fashion. We took a separate door and walked down a darkened hall. We took a sharp left turn and after walking a bit more, we arrived at an office. An…older woman was standing in the heart of the office, preening a decrepit…hat. I decided not understanding and knowing would be much better than knowing and understanding.
"Professor, this is Miley Stewart. The American whose owl was delayed, remember? She's here miraculously, and we're going to need her private tutor and her sorting. Can we borrow the hat so she can join her classmates as soon as possible?" asked the giant. The old lady offered me a small, uptight smile.
"Of course," she said in a somewhat Irish accent. She presented the hat with much pride to Hagrid. Then she indicated a wooden stool. I sat precariously and inhaled unsurely as Hagrid perched the hat atop my head. It made noises as it sat there, deciding my fate. I was worried. What if I was placed in the same house as that horrid Malfoy boy? I would die of misfortune!
"Hmmm," the hat said thoughtfully. "I should like to place this one in… Gryffindor!" I exhaled quickly and a smile formed on my face. I did it. I made it into my new friends' house! I jumped up and handed the hat to the lady. "Where am I supposed to go now?" I asked Hagrid joyously. He didn't look so upset himself. "Can you take me there?" I questioned. "Of course, miss," Hagrid agreed, smiling. He led me to a giant hallway with candles dancing above our heads. I scampered eagerly over to the Gryffindor table. I was halfway there when I was rudely stopped by that complete jerk!
"Miley!" he called, grabbing my arm as I passed. "Please, tell me you're in Slytherin. You can sit right next to me." He scooted over a bit and patted the vacant area beside him. He winked at me again. I can't stand that. I stared at him blankly. "Um, sorry, Malfoy, but I'm in Gryffindor. I'm going to have to pass that…kind offer. See you." I ran off quickly. Hermione repeated Malfoy's motion, but I accepted her offer. I sat down with pride, embracing the stares that wafted over towards me. I was used to it, being Hannah Montana.
"I am so glad you made it in Gryffindor," beamed Hermione. "You seemed like a Gryffindor." Ron nodded in agreement. "Definitely. The whole lot of them"—he gestured rudely towards the Slytherin table—"were hoping you'd be in their house because they all know Malfoy's got the hots for you. Malfoy's not exactly admired—more feared. And not in the respectable way, either." Harry said, "Ron's right—Malfoy's a load of rubbish. He thinks he is popular, but he doesn't know the half of it."
A very old man took the stage graciously and announced, "Welcome to Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am your headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. I am so pleased you could make it." I watched the man, intrigued, as he finished his speech. Then the first years stole the stage, each getting sorted. Slytherin received the most newcomers. "Bad batch this year," whispered Ron to Harry. Harry frowned sympathetically and nodded. Finally, after the man—I mean, Professor Dumbledore completed his speech, we all applauded enthusiastically. Suddenly, food of different types formed out of nowhere on golden platters in the middle of the tables. I immediately helped myself—it had been a tiring day!
Ron attacked a chicken leg greedily and attempted conversation with a full mouth. "Row, wa you dink bout Haaawaa?" he asked, pointing his half-eaten chicken leg at me. I giggled nervously and pushed the chicken leg out of my face. "Translation? In English, perhaps?" I asked in a joking manner. Harry explained. "He means, 'So, what do you think about Hogwarts?'" I smiled, finally understanding. "It's beautiful, from what I've seen. I can only guess there's many surprises waiting for me in the corridors."
All three of them nodded eagerly, laughing. "You don't know the half of it," Harry marveled.