{Chapter 2}
The Sorting Hat's 'Slip'
Firs' years, this way!" Trixi heard a man bellowing when she stepped off the train. There were so many people that her tiny body was being pushed everywhere as she tried making her way toward the voice.
The crowd was thinning as many of the older students separated themselves from the first years. Trixi was able to make some progress now, following a group of first years to a large man with messy, thick, black hair. The man had to be at least twelve feet tall!
"Nice lookin' bunch we have here." the giant man commented. "I'm Hagrid. Everyone ready?" he asked the large group that was shivering from the damp weather's cold and excitement. "Of course ye are!" he said with a laugh. "Come on, this way!"
Trixi did a quick guess that there may have been about forty or fifty first years, and they weren't too quiet as they followed Hagrid down a long narrow path that was extremely steep and slippery. Grunts and yelps could be heard every so often from someone'sefforts to keep from , they stopped, and silence fell among them as they absorbed their first sight of Hogwarts.
A massive lake that seemed to go on for miles was separating them from the Hogwarts castle. Trixi had seen pictures of the castle before, and they had all been very beautiful and majestic; but on this particular night, be it from the awful weather or the darkness, she found it a bit eerie. The only lighting that came from it was the many twinkles in the darkness of several windows from the towers that stood in a cluttered horde. If she didn't know any better, she would had turned around and ran away.
It's just a spooky night. She told herself with a shiver. It's cold and raining, and that dementor didn't help matters. So naturally, you're going to be a bit jumpy.
"Listen up!' Hagrid spoke. "Arrange yerself in these here boats." he pointed to a fleet of small boats. "No more than 4 to a boat now, we don't want yeh overcrowded."
Everyone then noisily gathered themselves into a boat. Trixi made an effort to avoid the others and was able to find an empty boat of her own.
A large boy soon stepped awkwardly into Trixi's boat, sending it into a dangerous rocking motion.
"S-sorry!" he stammered. "I can't swim!"
"Right." Trixi held on tightly to the sides, hoping that it would not tip much more, or they would be taking on water. "If you make careful movements, the boat will be a whole lot more stable." she told him, trying to sound as polite as possible.
Before the boy could reply, a skinny, tall girl with blue, spiky hair stepped in. "Come now, sit down!" she said to the boy impatiently. "All the boats are full, and I need a place to sit!"
The boy instantly sat down, gawking at the girl's hairstyle. The boat rocked aggressively from his abruptness and Trixi's grip stiffened, but the other girl kept her balance gracefully as she sat down in an elegant matter.
"What on Earth is that repulsive smell?!' she demanded distastefully.
"It's called water." a boy nearby answered with a chuckle. Many laughed at that. Trixi could not see the speaker.
"Alright, is everyone in a boat?" Hagrid called from his own. He was so big he barely fitted into it, even though he had one all to himself. "Onward!" the fleet of boats suddenly began to glide gently across the dark water, and the kids were thrilled to learn they operated on their own by some sort of magical force.
"I hope the school is a lot cleaner than this boat!" the girl said as she adjusted herself, trying to touch as little of the boat as she possibly could.
"Gee, we know which house you'll get sorted in." The boy in their boat said with a grin.
"Which one is that?" Trixi asked with curiosity.
"Slytherin, of course." the boy answered. "Are you a Muggleborn?" he asked, eyeing her. "You don't look it."
"No, I am not. I just don't understand how you would know that just because she doesn't like dirt." Trixi said. "Besides, I'll be a Slytherin, and I don't mind dirt."
The boy gave Trixi a look before smiling. "No," he said. "You won't be a Slytherin."
"I will too!" Trixi insisted.
"Keep your limbs in the boats please." Hagrid's voice interrupted their conversation. "There are great creatures in the water that would love teh have a snack of 'em." a boy two boats away was rambling on about muggle fishing, while absent-mindedly trailing his hand through the water. Many of the students tucked their arms and legs closer to their bodies after that.
The Hogwarts castle became bigger as they got closer. Silence followed, as the lot absorbed the scene as if they would never see it again.
"Watch your 'eads now, kids," Hagrid warned as he ducked under some overgrown ivy and sailed off a cliff. Gasps and screams echoed throughout the crowd as they watched Hagrid disappear. The fleet of boats followed him, floating down diligently.
"Wow, this is awesome!" a boy was heard saying. Many of the others agreed.
Not far from them, Hagrid was spotted in a stream of water at the base of a dark tunnel. He counted the boats as they approached him, making sure they all made it.
Traveling through the tunnel, some of them had fun shouting into the darkness making their voice echo off the stone walls. One boy did an impressive hoot of an owl, and after that, most of the students had a contest of who could make the best impression.
Soon, they stopped in a hidden harbour and Hagrid assisted them off the boats. They were then led down a short passage and up a set of stone steps. Hagrid turned back, sweeping his eyes over the lot, to do one last headcount before knocking on the massive wooden door in front of him.
A tiny, old man answered the door. He had bushy, white hair and a matching beard. He peered up at them through his thin framed glasses. "Good evening!" He greeted them in a squeaky voice.
"Firs" years, Professor Flitwick." Hagrid announced.
"Thank you, Hagrid." the tiny man sent a smile to them and gestured inside.
Torches lit the massive entrance hall, casting creepy shadows on the wall. Trixi was sure there could be over a hundred people in the hall and there would still be enough room for everyone to walk around without touching each other.
Professor Flitwick led the group down the hall, stopping them before an enormous door. Trixi could hear a lot of talking on the other side of the wall that divided them.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." Professor Flitwick said, facing them. "The start of the Term Banquet will begin shortly, but first, we must have the ceremonial House Sorting. It is an important tradition we have here at Hogwarts. Your House will be like your family while you are attending the school."
Trixi paid little attention after that, she was thinking too much about how she would get sorted. How did the school know which House each person would go in? She asked her father many times, but he felt she would find it more fun to find out on her own. One of the few things he hadkept from her about Hogwarts.
Flitwick was now discussing the house names and a minor description of how they were formed. After explaining a few details on house points and how they are obtained, he slipped through the door.
Now they were supposed to wait for him to come back and retrieve them.
Some of them had already made friends and were exchanging thoughts about what was going to happen next. The majority, Trixi included, just remained quiet, scratching at itches, shifting their feet in anxiety, or clearing their throats.
Finally, Professor Flitwick returned. "We are ready for you now." and he opened the door to allow them access "Single line, please, children." he said as they entered The Great Hall.
The Great Hall was even bigger than the entrance hall they just came from. Four extremely long tables were perfectly placed where many students sat with anticipation. Their eyes surveying the first yers with heavy interest. Many of them waved to someone they knew. Trixi saw an older girl giving encouraging thumbs up to a boy that stood near her.
Candles floated, swaying elegantly above the tables and heads of people, providing a much needed light in the stony room. Glittering, gold goblets and plates were set in front of each sitting student; the plates lay empty giving Trixi the assumption that the goblets were likely also empty.
The teachers were separated from the students, their table was much shorter. It sat across at the top of the room, where they could easy watch their pupils. Trixi noticed a couple of seats were empty, not just Professor Flitwick's.
Professor Flitwick stopped them so they would stand between the students and the teachers. Someone stumbled from not looking where they were going and bumped into Trixi, but she caught her balance before she could go tumbling down.
Of all the teachers she seen sitting, she only recognized two of them, the first was Professor Dumbledore, who was an old, powerful wizard, with twinkling eyes. He had lots of white hair and a long, unkempt beard. Her father once told her that Professor Dumbledore was rumoured to be the most powerful wizard of them all, but Trixi could not believe such an extraordinary wizard would choose to be a Headmaster of a school.
The second teacher she knew at the table was, of course, her father. She was supposed to call him Professor Snape while she was at school now, and he was to call her Miss. Snape. Trixi frowned at the bizarre thought. Professor Snape sat at the end of the table, his eyes occasionally glancing at her way every so often, and then quickly would dart to another location in the room.
He's doing that on purpose. she thought and smiled at how awkward her father seemed to be. No one else would know this, of course. He knew she could sense his anxiousness, which was one reason he wouldn't look at her for long. Her father was very good at hiding most of his emotions. Just not from her.
Trixi gave him a quick wave, hoping to settle his nerves down. He tilted his head in returned, and looked away again.
The first years were then given a polite instruction from Professor Flitwick to face the direction where most of the people were.
As if we weren't nervous enough. Trixi thought to herself.
A stool stood in front of them. On it, sat a shaggy hat that only a house elf would be delighted to have. Everyone was staring at it, waiting for something to happen. The Hat formed a mouth at the brim, and spoke a friendly rasp, "That time already, is it?"
"Whoa!" the first years gasped at this.
"Look at that!"
"It talks!"
A hat that talks. Trixi thought with a smile. How brilliant!
The hat then started singing;
So here we are again I see
Another year has come to thee
From the last the friends we'll greet
This one will bring new ones to meet
You may just learn something huge
How just not to be such a stooge
You cannot trust everyone
However much they were your chum
Listen to just a bit of doubt
Sometimes there is a different route
Since we tend to jump the gun
Without giving it a second run
Into your mind I will seek
I'll search and find what you keep
Inside your head we'll do a test
Which House you will fit in the best
Gryffindor, which holds the brave
Adventure oh they do so crave
They are always quick to act;
That has always been a fact
Hufflepuff the loyal that they are,
Their love will go so very far
Though it may be a bit to say
They work hard all night and day
And Ravenclaw, where we keep the smart
Desire for learning will never depart
But not all can be found in a book
If only they will take another look
Last Slytherins the one to desire
Strive for power that is hot as fire
Their passion to be great at success
Shall never be put down to rest
Trixi joined the crowd to clap at its terrific singing. Some people even whistled.
When the commotion died down (partially because Professor Dumbledore had raised his hands slowly, requesting silence), Professor Flitwickunrolled a piece of parchment. "When I call your name," he started with his friendly squeaky voice, "You will come up here and take a sit on the stool." his voice was somehow bouncing off the walls of the Great Hall so everyone could hear him. Trixi did not hear many voices after that.
"Dennis Creevey." a tiny boy with mousy hair and a stunning smile excitedly climbed up onto the stool. The Hat was placed on his head and it instantly started twisting and turning. It's brimmed mouth moved, but Trixi could hear no words. "Gryffindor!" the hat shouted.
Cheers from the table on the far left erupted loudly, as Dennis ran to the friendly students who playfully slapped his back when he joined them. He then met up with another boy that looked hardly older than him. Trixi guessed he was an older brother, since the two looked very similar in appearance.
"Franilda Wildnox." this was the tall, thin girl with blue hair. Franilda gracefully walked up to the stool, not appearing to be nervous. She sat on the stool in such a prim matter, Trixi nearly laughed.
"Slytherin!" the Hat had not even waited for it to touch her beautiful hair.
So that boy had been right after all. Trixi glanced over at the large boy who had nearly tipped her boat into the lake earlier. He watched Franilda with interest as she made her way to a table of roaring students who welcomed her just as the Gryffindors had with Dennis. Unlike Dennis though, Franilda took her time walking.
"Neil Smith."
Oh, he must be a muggleborn, Trixi thought. She knew of no wizard family with such a surname.
Trixi remembered the boy as he passed her. He was the one that had been discussing the muggle way to fish when they were still in the boats. She grinned to herself, thinking how much fun Neil will have discovering the creatures in the wizarding world. Many of them even lived in the lake here at Hogwarts.
"Hufflepuff!"
Two Ravenclaws and another Slytherin were announced before…
"Trixangela Snape." The Slytherin table gave an outburst of support and Trixi's heart suddenly thumped faster than normal. She had trouble settling herself on the stool, as it stood over half her height, and nearly tipped it. Laughter rang throughout the room as they watched her make a fool of herself.
Professor Flitwick saw the trouble, and held the stool in place to keep it steady.
"Thanks!" Trixi said. Then she realized she said that too loud.
"It is no problem at all, dear." the old man told her with a smile.
Once Trixi was stable, she smiled at the students before her, giving them a nervous wave, and a squeaky, "Hi!" More laughter broke out, and even a few older girls were awwing, following with a comment "How cute."
The students disappeared then, or so it seemed. The Hat was placed over her head now and all she could see was a pitch blackness. It also seemed to muffle out the voices in the Great Hall.
"Well, now." the Had said in it's raspy voice. "Intriguing one you are, dear." The Hat muttered a few more things that she couldn't make out.
"Oh, you are a challenging one!" he said happily.
Trixi had a quick thought that the Hat may had been created by a Ravenclaw; they had a knack for discovery and solving puzzles.
"Very intelligent." The Hat said quietly, almost whispering. "So much like your mother. Oh, I tried to put her in Ravenclaw." the Hat paused deeply in thoughts then. "Lily Evans had a remarkable mind you know, but I suppose Gryffindor wasn't a bad choice in the end."
Trixi froze as if she had been stupefied. "Di- Wh- Ho-" she stumbled, not able to find any words.
"Oh, now, now, Severus didn't tell you?" the Hat asked shockingly. "Well, that shouldn't surprise me, he did have a lot of secrets in that head of his when he sat on this very stool 22 years ago. I suppose I shouldn't have said anything, bit of a slip really." the last bit not sounding as convincing as the earlier words.
Trixi was only half listening at that point; her mind was running in circles. Daddy married Lily Evans, and Lily Evans is Harry Potter's mother, then that means...
"The Boy Who Lived having a sister." The Hat read her mind. "Oh, but he would be thrilled to know that, wouldn't he!?" the Hat said merrily.
Anger rose up in her. All these years her father spoke of Harry Potter like he was some kind of filth, never once mentioning that he was her brother.
"I think Gryffindor would suit you." the Hat broke her thoughts. "Oh, but Hufflepuff is a good choice too." the Hat tsked with indecision.
"And Slytherin?" Trixi suddenly asked, barely audible, realizing the Hat never mentioned the House.
"No, not a good choice for this mind at all." the voice said coolly.
"But-"
"I am making a strict advisory; don't request to join Slytherin." the Hat interruptedfirmly. "You haven't got enough of your father's mind to survive in such an intense environment."
"Only if you are sure." Trixi said warily, knowing, deep down, that it was right. The only reason she wanted to join Slytherin was because of her father's pressure of it.
"And that is why you should not make such a heavy request." the Hat read her mind again.
Trixi then wondered if Occlumency would work on the hat. Not like she could do it anyway. Only her father seemed successful at that. The Hat appeared to ignore this thought of hers.
"Gryffindor!" It finally shouted.