The girl with the long blonde hair's name was called, and she stepped forward slightly to answer the sharp voice. All commotion ceased to a halt as hundreds of pairs of eyes turned to stare at her. Silence echoed throughout the room, but undeterred, the girl walked onward with her chin up like a queen and her eyes staring straight forward. Her Mary Jane's clacked softly against the floor and only her clenched fists and whitened knuckles betrayed her unease as she walked towards the platform.
She stepped up the 3 wood-paneled steps, conscious only of not tripping over her slightly large robes, and raise her eyes to meet the sorting hat. This hat was an old thing, with time weathered color and slightly dusty crinkles in the fabric, but sitting on the unstable 3 legged stool, it looked somehow majestic and proud. She watched as it was lifted up by a green-robed witch, took in a deep breath and sat on the stool.
No matter what anyone has told you, the sorting may be one of the most nerve-wracking and stress-inducing things you will ever encounter at Hogwarts. Well, at least in your first year. Nonetheless, even knowing so, the featherweight feel of that old black hat dropped like a ten pound weight on her shoulders. It also didn't help that the scratchy brim of it slipped over her eyes and caused quite a few of the attentive students to have to stifle their laughter.
Well, well, well. Do I make you nervous, my dear?
She jumped up slightly in her chair and her eyes darted around the room for a second, but she relaxed soon enough and gathered up her remaining dignity.
I guess you can see into my mind and tell me what I'm feeling, can't you? So I guess you're the boss. But in your defense, I suppose voices in your head coming from inanimate objects have never bothered you, now have they?
Touchy, touchy, the hat chuckled, but anyway, down to business. You need to be sorted.
Sure, sure. I know. But certainly, take your time! It's isn't like there are ten other kids waiting to get sorted after me or anything.
Certainly has a Slytherins' sense of humor.
That shut her up pretty quickly.
Alright, let's see here. Fairly intelligent, could do well in Ravenclaw, but you procrastinate rather a lot, don't you? So, maybe not. Hufflepuff? Hmph, not too kind are you? I didn't think so. That leaves Gryffindor and Slytherin, together the two most oppositional houses, existing both in you. Interesting, interesting…
I may only look through your head, but I can sense the great bravery residing in your heart. You may try to hide it, but there is a caring soul behind that rock solid wall. And Slytherin. Well, regardless of how lazy you seem to be, you have a mind fit for a cunning snake. Ambition, another notable trait for that house, also seems to lace through many of your actions, and maybe, even through your veins.
Don't speak of what runs through my veins, she thought dangerously.
The hat ignored her.
The question begs through, which shall win? Head or heart? It mused, Family or YOUR family? You decide.
… I can't.
At the Staffs' table, they were growing quite impatient. Checking the pocket watch hanging at her waist for the third time, Professor McGonagall had seen that at least 10 minutes had passed, and for only one sorting! Too long, she thought. She glanced down and checked her sheet.
Eliot Aurum
She had recognized the last name when she had first called it. It was a prominent name within the ministry and, as she silently reminded herself, was known to the light as a family who dabbled in the dark arts. Considering her family, the experienced Professor was sure that this child was going to end up where they all belonged, along with all the other wealthy and snobbish (honestly fanatical) purebloods. But then why was this little girl taking so long? She checked her watch again. Five minutes. She sighed. Apparently, this was going to be a long one.
Let's see; if you were to be into Gryffindor, you would always be surrounded by friends and loved ones, and your life will run a smoother course. You will know the warmth and comfort of love and how bright the fire burns within your own heart.
Placed in Slytherin, you will know hardships not experienced by many. You will know pain and you will know hate. You will feel the ice start to build around your own heart, one that only the strongest flame can melt.
. . . But you will change the world.
In Gryffindor, you will be a part of its warm, steady everlasting fire and glow. But only apart. If you were to be put into Slytherin, you would become the only lion in a snake's hole. You will burn bright and fast like a shooting star and you will matter. You would play an imperative piece in this chess game of life.
I'll be important? Eliot thought hesitantly.
Oh yes. But you may not be loved. And that boy? He might just fall off the pages of your story altogether.
I won't let him, she thought fiercely. I control my own life.
We'll see. But, what you need to ask yourself is; what do you really want?
I don't know. You're not the only voice I'm hearing in my head right now.
Well, you know your options. Do you value the steadiness that only Gryffindor will provide, or reach for the power to make a change in this growing, ever-changing world, a gift that only Slytherin can provide? The time to choose is now. This has taken long enough. So answer me, which one?
. . . I think the fact that I'm tempted by one at all tells you my answer.
Very well. Good luck.
SLYTHERIN!
Lesson #1 for all those new first year kids; Minerva McGonagall is never, ever wrong.