Hello! Long time no see, I am not dead, life has just been insane. Now you're probably thinking, 'But thats not an excuse for not posting for 5 years!" and you'd be right. Some updates if anyone cares, I'm now out of the Army, and currently going back to school for HVAC, that's the guys who install yall's AC's and heaters when it breaks. I have missed writing and while I was pumping out this chapter over the past week, I forgot how much I loved it. Now that's out of the way, I have taken inspiration for Ilvermorny's uniform from a mix of a pintrest post I saw on google images which as originally posted/saved (I have no idea how pintrest works) by Tova Vanderbilt for Austin and Damiens uniform and a tumblr page called official-ilvermorny for Hazel. check them out for reference should you need it. Multiple parts of this chapter has dialouge from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and last but not least, Harry Potter and its characters are all owned by J.K. Rowling.

I hope you enjoy, and let me know what you think of the chapter and what I can improve on, and in terms of schedule I will try and a monthly to bi-monthly release depending on what I have going on in between my writing. I am not the best with keeping schedules despite three years in the military, if it is not considered of the utmost importance i.e. making sure a tank as everything it needs to be able to make it the field and making sure your junior guys dont drunkenly fight the MP's when they're underage.

This is White-3D (formerly Phoenixthefirebird) signing off until next time.

Chapter 3: The Sorting

Austin, a bundle of nerves and anticipation, peered out the window, eager to glimpse the school that would be his home for the following year. The Hogwarts Express rolled into Hogsmeade station, but the inky darkness and heavy clouds only reflected his anxious face. The train screeched to a halt, and the sound of students shuffling and gathering their belongings filled the air. Hermione and Ron, the newly appointed Gryffindor prefects, were busy organizing the chaos, leaving the rest, including Austin, to deal with the commotion of Ron's hyper miniature scops owl, Pigwidgeon, and, in Austin's personal opinion, Hermione's ugly cat Crookshanks, not to mention the scattered luggage of the other passengers in the compartment.

"I'll carry that owl if you like," Luna offered to Harry, reaching out for the small owl as Neville carefully stowed his pet toad, Trevor, in an inside pocket of his school robes.

"Oh - thanks," Harry replied, handing her the cage and adjusting Hedwig's cage more securely in his arms. Harry then turned to Austin and his friends, who were waiting for the pet situation to be sorted out, and asked, "Do you three know where you're going once you arrive at the station?" Austin looked at the two with him, and they all shook their head, "Honestly, we were going to either follow you three or find a teacher. Professor McGonagall didn't inform us what to do once we arrived." Harry nodded in understanding, "Your best bet would be to find Hagrid; he's the one who brings all the first years to the castle to get sorted into their houses. Just follow us and listen for someone yelling for them."

"Sounds good," Austin agreed as the other two gathered their trunks and prepared to follow. The air outside the train car was crisp and cool, starkly contrasting the cozy warmth inside. The platform was a vibrant hub of activity, filled with excited chatter from students. A commanding voice cut through the noise: "First years, line up over here, please! All first years, come to me!" Harry, momentarily taken aback, paused just outside the door, taking in the bustling scene.

"Where's Hagrid?" He said aloud.

"What's wrong?" Hazel asked. Harry nodded in the direction of the woman who was acquiring an ever-increasing group of new first-year students. "That's Professor Grubbly-Plank. She took over for Hagrid in Care of Magical Creatures part way through last year."

Damien looked at Austin and mouthed, "Grubbly-Plank?" He just shrugged in reply, the magical community always did have creative names.

Ginny cleared her throat, drawing their attention to her, "I don't know, but we'd better get out of the way; we're blocking the door."

"Oh yeah…" Harry said sheepishly as a small backlog of students had started to form.

Austin glanced at his two friends and then went back to Harry. "Hey, Harry, we hope your friend is okay, but I think this is where we part ways, at least for now." He extended a hand out for Harry to shake, "It was great talking with you and your friends." Harry adjusted his body to return the handshake, "Yeah, good meeting all of you, and, um, we'll see you around." Ginny waved her goodbye, as did Luna and Neville before the three started to get jostled away from the American trio by the crowd of students.

Austin turned and faced Hazel and Damien.

"Guess we fall in with the firsties then." He said before grabbing onto his trunk,

Hazel wrapped her Ilvermorny robe tighter around her body, attempting to cover her legs from the wind. "Hopefully, the trip to the castle isn't too long. I'm freezing." The boys nodded in agreement, though they were more comfortable because they were both wearing the alternate authorized uniform of a cranberry red Prussian-style cloak, which did provide more protection against the wind. But the winds of the Scottish Highlands were still surprisingly brutal for this time of the year.

"Honestly, Hazel," Austin said as they made their way over to Grubbly-Plank's group, "girls are allowed to wear the slacks if they don't want to wear the skirts, so why don't you?" Hazel glared at him before shrinking back into her robes, "I only wear the skirts at the start of the year. I'm used to it being in the 80's, damn it, not whatever's going on with the UK's weather." The two boys laughed at her before Austin pulled out his wand and cast a warming charm over the poor girl.

Hazel sighed. "Thank you." Austin smiled as he put his wand back in his holster. "No worries. We can't have you getting sick before we get sorted, now can we?" Damien nodded in agreement, "Now, after the sorting, feel free to get sick all you want." Hazel made to flick his forehead, which caused Damien to hide Austin as a shield. "H-hey, watch it; this damn chest is surprisingly heavy!" he said, trying to keep himself from falling over. Damien peaked around Austin's side and stuck his tongue out before ducking back behind him.

"Ahem." Hazel tried to grab onto Damien before someone coughed in front of them. The three of them stopped and looked up to see that they had an audience: the group of first years and the chaperone they had decided to meet.

"Excuse me, you three, but this group is for first years only; all the other students should head towards the carriages." Professor Plank said, eyeing the trio of rowdy teenagers with suspicion. The trio smiled sheepishly before Hazel said, "Sorry, ma'am, we're not from Hogwarts originally. We're the exchange students from Ilvermorny." Austin nodded before joining in. "Yes, ma'am, we weren't told where to go once we arrived, but Harry Potter and his friends suggested we look for someone called Hagrid since he usually deals with the new students."

Professor Plank's eyes relaxed after their explanation, "Ah yes, I did hear the headmaster talk about your arrival in our staff meetings before the school year started, and I suppose I should have figured that out from your uniforms; unfortunately, Mr. Hagrid had some personal matters to attend to so, I agreed to come back and take on my old post as the Care of Magical Creatures professor. I am Professor Grubbly-Plank. The three of them introduced themselves before continuing. The first years had started whispering amongst themselves about the Americans, ranging from comments about their clothes to the fact that few of them had met any Americans before, and even one girl asked aloud, "We have an exchange program?" Professor Plank quickly shushed the group before gesturing to the pile of trunks off the side, "Place your trunks with the rest of the luggage. Once you get sorted into your respective houses, they will arrive safely in your dorm rooms."

Once their luggage was added with the rest of the luggage, Professor Plank nodded and addressed the group as a whole, "Now, if you all would please follow me and stick closely, I wouldn't want to lose any of you." The group descended a shady path away from the train station. Due to the moonless night and the clouds overhead, the only light was from Professor Plank's lantern, which caused shadows to dance in the trees and the vicinity around the group. Austin found it somewhat peaceful, as the wind had calmed down a little, and the noise brushing through the trees reminded him of home. However, he nearly jumped out of his skin when something grabbed his hand. He glanced down to see a first-year, a young boy with what looked like brunette hair had latched onto him. The child glanced up at him, looking around, slightly jumping at the shadows. Austin looked at Hazel, who merely shrugged.

Austen stopped walking momentarily before kneeling before him. " Is everything okay?" he asked the child. I'm scared of the dark." The boy admitted, "I know I shouldn't since I'm too old to be scared of something as silly as that, but still…" Austin smiled. "Ain't nothing to be ashamed of; I know plenty of people much older than you, still afraid of the dark." He stood up before offering his hand again to the boy, and they continued walking, and the boy kept close to Austin.

"What's your name, kid?" Austin asked to keep the boy's mind on other things, "Jack, Jack Brewer." Jack said quietly. "Well, Jack, I'm Austin, that's Hazel, and he's Damien," Austin said, pointing to the other two. Hazel and Damien smiled at him. "Brewer, that doesn't sound like a magical name," Damien said.

Jack shook his head. "I'm muggle-born. It was a real shock to my family when we got our letter and when I first started doing magic."

Austin looked at Hazel, saying, "What's a muggle-born?"

Hazel replied, "It's what the Europeans call First-gens."

Austin nodded before turning his attention back to Jack, "That must be exciting, the first member of the family that can do magic. Do you know what house you want to be sorted in?"

Jack nodded, "I was reading on the train and talking with some of the other first-years; I think I'd like to be sorted into Gryffindor."

Austin laughed at the boy's change in attitude, "Oh? And why's that?" he asked.

"Well, Gryffindor is the house of the brave, and I'd like to think I would make a good fit, though I suppose Hufflepuff would be alright too, just as long as it's not Slytherin." He said.

The three looked at each other before returning their attention to Jack, "What's wrong with Slytherin?" Damien asked, "Well, all the older students said that Slytherin's full of bullies and that anyone who ends up there ends up becoming Dark Wizard or at least working for them." Hazel cut in, "I'm sure that's not true. I bet there are plenty of decent people in Slytherin and plenty of bullies in the other houses."

Jack shrugged, "Maybe, but that's what I heard the other students say." He glanced at the three of them, "What about you? What house do you guys want to be sorted into?" Austin stayed silent before answering, "I'd like to go with whatever closely matches my House the best."

Hazel nodded, "Same, though I wouldn't mind going to Ravenclaw."

"Hmm, honestly, I can't say. I don't know what house would best suit me. I'll be happy with whatever is chosen for me," Damien said last.

They finally arrived at a massive lake with rowboats waiting on their side of the shore. "Alright, students. Everyone, get in a boat and be careful when boarding. We will be arriving at the castle momentarily," Professor Plank called out. Once everyone was on board and seated, Austin felt a surge of magic, and the boats cast themselves off into the lake and started making their way to the castle.

"Hey, Austin, what are your guys' houses?" Jack said after he had found a seat in the same boat as the three transfer students. Austin smiled. "My House is Thunderbird, which accepts all those who seek adventure."

"Kind of like Gryffindor then; hey, maybe we might get sorted into the same house," Jack said. Happily, Austin nodded in agreement, "Maybe, but Thunderbird also belongs to those who are; how can I put this, either with to be more 'in tune' with their souls in one way or another." Jack looked confused. "I don't get it?" Austin smiled again as he always did when talking about his House, "Well, when it comes to adventure, it can take many different forms- traveling, exploring, meeting new people, reading, flying, inventing, discovering new things. Regarding the spiritual aspect, it also chooses religious and spiritual people, musicians, seers, and artists. These are the types of personalities that usually end up in Thunderbird. Our unofficial motto lies on our common room's floor: 'Wherever you may choose to roam. There shall be your hearth and home.'"

Jack nodded in understanding; he turned to Hazel, "My House is Puckwudgie; it's a house of healers and a house of heart. I can't get as detailed as Austin did, mostly because I'm still learning much about my House, but that is the gist of it."

And Damien was the last to introduce his House. "Horned Serpent is a house for scholars. From what I've understood in my two years at Ilvermorny, we focus on using and improving the mind for all types of things. Potions, Arithmancy, language, hell, even bomb-making strangely enough, though I don't think I've heard of anyone creating a bomb at school."

Jack looked slightly anxious at the end of that statement. They fell into a comfortable silence, just listening to the water slapping the rowboat hull, until another student in one of the other boats shouted, "Look!" everyone turned their heads and was in awe at the sight of Hogwarts Castle from the lake. Hogwarts Castle sat atop a cliff overlooking the lake; its parapets and towers shot up into the night sky, with a backdrop of the mountains. It was no Ilvermorny, but Austin and his friends had to agree it was indeed a sight to behold. The group then made its way toward the Great Hall, where the rest of the student body was already seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. Just outside the massive doors to the Great Hall stood Professor McGonagall, waiting to greet the new arrivals.

"The First-years Professor McGonagall, and the exchange students. Professor Plank added a mention to the three tag-a-longs, "Thank you, Professor Plank, I'll take it from here." The Deputy Headmistress.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall, "The Start-of-Term Banquet will begin momentarily, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a significant ceremony—" Austin toned out McGonagall as soon as she started talking about the sorting, more concerned about getting food into his belly as his last meal was some chocolate frogs that he had bought from the snack lady back on the train. "—the ceremony will take place in a few minutes, I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as is possible while we wait." The younger kids started to fuss about their appearance and nervously whispered. Professor McGonagall approached Austin and his friends, saying, "I'm glad you made it safely." Austin nodded and gave a slight grin, "Thank you, professor. It was a little confusing when we arrived, but Harry and his friends helped us out, as did Professor Plank." McGonagall looked approvingly at the mention of her lions helping their new schoolmates, "Happy to hear that, Mr. Bauer. Before we begin the ceremony, do you have any questions for me?"

"Just one professor," Hazel asked, "What does the sorting for Hogwarts look like?"

McGonagall gave the three of them a sly grin: "Well, Ms. Chase, I can't very well tell you it would ruin the surprise." Hazel looked miffed at having a teacher give her the runaround, but McGonagall had turned around and walked into the Great Hall before she could say anything.

Hazel then started to nitpick about her uniform, trying to find whatever creases were in her robe, skirt, and the rest of her Ilvermorny uniform. She turned to the two boys and asked, "How do I look?" Austin and Damien gave her uniform a once over before nodding in agreement, "You look good," Austin then double-checked his uniform as did Damien with his, "Oh hold on, Austin, your brooch." Hazel said. Austin glanced down at the left side of his chest and saw that the Gordian Knot Brooch that all Ilvermorny students wear wasn't on his cloak, "Oh, thanks, can't believe I nearly forgot." He reached into his left waist pocket, pulled it out, and fastened it on his chest, his uniform now complete.

Damien and Hazel gave him a nod, proudly showing their Gordian Knots. There was also a brooch for Damien, and Hazel had a necklace that sat center on her robes just above her tie. Just then, the doors to the Great Hall opened, and out walked Professor McGonagall, "Move along now," she said in a sharp voice. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to start."

-Back with Harry and Co.-

"Who's that?" Hermione said sharply, pointing toward the middle of the staff table.

Harry's eyes followed hers. They lit up first upon Professor Dumbledore, sitting in his high-backed golden chair at the center of the long staff table, wearing deep-purple robes scattered with silvery stars and a matching hat. Dumbledore's head was inclined toward the woman sitting next to him, who was talking his ear off. She looked, Harry thought, like somebody's maiden aunt: squat, with short, curly, mouse-brown hair in which she had placed a horrible pink Alice band that matched the fluffy pink cardigan she wore over her robes. Then she turned her face slightly to take a sip from her goblet, and he saw, with a shock of recognition, a pallid, toadlike face and a pair of prominent, pouchy eyes.

"It's that Umbridge woman!"

"Who? Said Hermione.

"She was at my hearing. She works for Fudge."

"Nice cardigan." Said Ron, smirking.

"She works for Fudge?" Hermione repeated, frowning. "What on earth's she doing here, then?"

"Dunno…"

"No," she muttered, "no, surely not…"

Harry didn't understand what she was talking about but did not ask: his attention had just been caught by Professor Grubbly-Plank, who had just appeared behind the staff table; she worked her way along to the very end and took the seat that ought to have been Hagrid's. That meant the first-years had reached the castle, 'As did Austin and his friends.' Harry thought to himself. A long line of scared-looking first-years entered, followed by three students who looked too old to be first-years, and whispers started throughout the Hall. The rumor mill around Hogwarts moved fast, and word of the American exchange students quickly got passed around. McGonagall led them, who was carrying a stool which sat an ancient wizard hat, heavily patched and darned with a wide rip near the frayed brim.

The buzz of the Great Hall quickly died down. The first-years and the American trio lined up in front of the staff table facing the rest of the students, and Professor McGonagall carefully placed the stool in front of them. Several of the first years looked terrified at whatever unknown test they were about to face. Austin and his friends, Harry noticed, looked intrigued, if not apprehensive.

The whole school waited with bated breath. Then the rip near the hat's brim opened wide like a mouth, and the Sorting Hat burst into song:

In times of old, when I was new,
And Hogwarts barely started,
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted.
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
"Together we will build and teach"
The four good friends decided.
And never did they dream that they
Might some day be divided.
For were there such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor?
Unless it was the second pair
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw,
So how could it have gone so wrong?
How could such friendships fail?
Why, I was there, so I can tell
The whole sad, sorry tale.
Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those
Whose ancestry's purest."
Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose
Intelligence is surest"
Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those
With brave deeds to their name."
Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot
And treat them just the same."
These differences caused little strife
When first they came to light.
For each of the four founders had
A house in which they might
Take only those they wanted, so,
For instance, Slytherin
Took only pure-blood wizards
Of great cunning just like him.
And only those of sharpest mind
Were taught by Ravenclaw
While the bravest and the boldest
Went to daring Gryffindor.
Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest
and taught them all she knew,
Thus, the Houses and their founders
Maintained friendships firm and true.

So Hogwarts worked in harmony
for several happy years,
but then discord crept among us
feeding on our faults and fears.

The Houses that, like pillars four
had once held up our school
now turned upon each other and
divided, sought to rule.
And for a while it seemed the school
must meet an early end.
what with dueling and with fighting
and the clash of friend on friend.
And at last there came a morning
when old Slytherin departed
and though the fighting then died out
he left us quite downhearted.
And never since the founders four
were whittled down to three
have the Houses been united
as they once were meant to be.

And now the Sorting Hat is here
and you all know the score:
I sort you into Houses
because that is what I'm for.
But this year I'll go further,
listen closely to my song:
though condemned I am to split you
still I worry that it's wrong,
though I must fulfill my duty
and must quarter every year
still I wonder whether sorting
may not bring the end I fear.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
the warning history shows,
for our Hogwarts is in danger
from external, deadly foes
and we must unite inside her
or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you…
let the Sorting now begin.

The Sorting began with a terrified looking boy who was sorted into Gryffindor, and then went down the line with the first-years slowly starting to thin out. The final first-year to be sorted was one "Zeller, Rose," sorted into Hufflepuff, and then it was Yank's turn.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, "Bauer, Austin." Her voice echoed throughout the now deathly quiet hall. The students watched as the first exchange student sat down and placed the hat on their head.

'I feel ridiculous,' Austin thought as the hat covered his eyes.

"Ah, an Ilvermorny student. I haven't yet had the opportunity to look at one of you."

Austin stiffened in a panic. 'What the hell?' he thought as a voice whispered into his ear.

'Calm, I mean you no harm. I only seek what I need to put you where you would fit best.' The voice said again, 'Hmmm, interesting, a strong mind, and a knack for learning, you would do well in Ravenclaw, though you have an adventurous streak a mile wide, which would chafe under their roof." The hat kept peeking into Austin's mind. 'Certainly not lacking in cunning, though I suppose your political beliefs might not mesh well with most Slytherins, but you would do well. Loyal to a fault and a large value on hard work would make you a fine addition to Hufflepuff.'

The hat delved deeper into his mind, 'Definitely not lacking in bravery, a fighter and a scholar.' The hat chuckled, "You are a tricky one, Mr. Bauer. Let's see where to put you, where to put you. AHA, I got it.'

The hat's brim opened once again. "Better be GRYFFINDOR." the hat was lifted off his head, and the table to Austin's right exploded in raucous applause. His Ilvermorny uniform changed into a Hogwarts uniform with Gryffindor red and the house crest on the robes. He got up off the chair and approached his new housemates. He glanced back at Hazel and Damien, who were cheering loudly; Hazel flashed him a thumbs up, and he smiled at her before making his way to the end of the table where Harry, Hermione, and Ron waved him over.

"Welcome to Gryffindor, mate," Ron said, patting him on the back.

Austin smiled at him, "Thanks, man. It was unexpected, but I'm glad I'll be in a house with familiar faces."

Ron's stomach grumbled again, "Though I wish the sorting hat wouldn't take so long. I'm bloody starving.

Harry and Hermione rolled their eyes, "Honestly, Ron, do you think with anything other than your stomach?" the latter huffed.

"I was just saying…" the redhead muttered quietly.

Austin chuckled at the two's antics and was about to join in the conversation when Hazel was called up to the stool. The whispers died down again as Austin waited to see which house she would end up in.

-Hazel's POV-

Hazel made her way onto the stool with clammy hands, where Professor McGonagall placed the tattered witch's hat onto her head.

'Well, what do we have here?' the same voice Austin heard whispered into her ear.

Hazel tensed slightly before relaxing. 'Um, hello, Mr. Hat. Honestly, this feels a little weird to me,' she replied.

The hat laughed. 'You certainly aren't the first, nor will you be the last, to tell me that, I assure you, young lady. As I told your other friend, I only read what I need to be able to place you properly.'

Hazel nodded, 'Makes sense. I don't want to keep you long, so I'll let you do what you need.'

She felt the hat move slightly and assumed it was a nod: 'Very well, then. Let's see, shall we,' The hat parsed through her head momentarily before continuing.

'Another bright mind with a knack for learning, I see, Ravenclaw perhaps?'

'Well, I certainly wouldn't mind going over to Ravenclaw.' she thought, 'Although I'd prefer to be in the same House as Austin, familiar face and all that.'

The hat was silent for a few seconds before giving her a reply. 'I certainly could put you in Gryffindor to be with the friends you came with and the ones you've already made, but you would not reach your full potential. Let's keep looking, and should you want to be in Gryffindor, I will place you there.

Hazel nodded and felt the hat continue to prod.

'A healer's heart and a drive to care for those around you, it is easy to see why Puckwudgie so quickly chose you. Hufflepuff would suit you quite well. Bravery in spades also, not enough of the headstrong attitude usually attributed to Gryffindors, though that certainly hasn't stopped our own Ms. Granger from flourishing.'

Hazel felt as if her sorting had been going on longer than Austin's sorting and was starting to get nervous; before she could voice her concerns, the hat continued to speak.

'Clever enough to talk yourself out of confrontations, but not a pushover should it come to wands being drawn, Slytherin perhaps?'

Hazel winced, 'Slight problem if what I've heard about them is true; I'm First-gen. I don't think they'd be too happy to learn someone like me ended up with them. Even if it is only for a year.'

She felt the hat move slightly, 'Perhaps, but you may be surprised. Not all of Slytherin believes in the nonsense pushed onto them by some of the more prominent families and their classmates.'

Hazel let what the hat said settle into her mind. The hat then asked her a question.

'Now, before I decide, do you still want to go with your friend? I will honor your choice should you choose to do so.'

Hazel weighed the options. As nice as it would be to be in the same house as Austin, she still had no idea what House Damien would be sorted into. The other houses did seem interesting to her. The reason for the Exchange program in the first place was to see how different nations taught magical education. It wouldn't do well for two out of the three to have the same perspective of the school. She nodded; her choice was made.

'I'll let you make the decision. You've done this for God knows how long, so you must have a decent track record.'

The hat laughed before speaking to the Great Hall, "Very well, Ms. Chase, then it better be HUFFLEPUFF."

The hat was taken off her head, and she could see the Hufflepuff table cheering and clapping at the announcement. Hopping off the stool, her robes automatically switched from the Cranberry and blue colors of Ilvermorny to the Gold trimmings of Hufflepuff and Black of Hogwarts, with the Badger crest appearing over her chest. She glanced over at Austin. He smiled and nodded before turning his head to something that Hermione was saying. Damien was cheering as loudly as he had been when Austin was sorted.

Hazel made her way off the stage and towards the Hufflepuff table. A blonde-haired girl stood up and walked up to greet her.

"Names Hannah Abbott; I'm one of the new 5th-year prefects for our house. I figured you should have at least one friendly face you know before you meet the rest of us. Ernie Macmillan is the other prefect for 5th-year; if you have any questions, feel free to ask us, the other prefects, or even the other students."

Hazel smiled at her. "Thanks, I'm happy to be here."

"Now, come on and sit down, there's so many questions I want to ask you." Hannah grabbed her hand and nearly dragged her to sit beside her and another Hufflepuff girl named Susan Bones.

Before Hannah could finish her first question, Damien was finally called to the stage. Hazel watched Damien sigh before steeling himself and walking up to the stool.

-Damien's POV-

'Last but not least, I see.' The hat whispered into Damien's head

'Y-yeah, I'm just ready to get this over with. I'm not a big fan of being the center of attention.'

The hat chuckled. 'Fear not, young man, this shouldn't take long.'

Damien nodded and felt the hat start to glimpse into his mind.

'Oh, much more of a combative nature than the other two, I see, and an even more analytical mind than Ms. Chase. It's exciting. You do equally well in either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.'

Damien smiled slightly, 'Back home, I was given the choice between Wampus and Horned Serpent.'

He felt the hat nod, 'I can see why. While I am not intimately familiar with how our brothers and sisters across the pond do their sorting, I have a cursory knowledge. Ilvermorny gave you two very appropriate choices, and you chose well.'

Damien felt a sense of pride well up inside of at the mention of the hat's approval of his choice.

'Now, let's continue. As sharp as you are, I fear you lack the subtlety that usually goes with Slytherin, but perhaps they could help you develop that certain skill. A certain trait I'm seeing between the three of you is your loyalty to each other and those around you. Hufflepuff perhaps?'

Damien perked up at the chance to be with at least one of his friends, and he was just about to ask if it was possible, but then the hat seemed to have made its decision.

The hat's brim opened for the last time that year, "Better be, RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw students clapped and cheered for their new addition. Same as before the minute Damiens's foot touched the floor of the Great Hall, his Ilvermorny Uniform had been changed into the recognizable blue of the ravens. Damien made his way and was met by Anthony Goldstein, one of the new 5th-year prefects. After quick introductions, Damien scanned the table. He saw the same stringy blonde hair he sat across during the train ride up to Hogwarts by herself at the far end of the table.

"Hi, Luna, mind if I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the seat across from her. Luna, who was still reading the same issue of The Quibbler she had been reading on the train, glanced over the magazine.

"Oh, hello, Damien, of course." She said in her airy voice before returning to her magazine.

"Umm—thanks," Damien said before sitting down. He noticed the side glances his new classmates were giving him, as well as the whispers of some of them.

"What's he doing sitting with Loony?"

"He might not know about her.

"No, I walked past her compartment earlier on the way up here. I saw him and the other two sitting with her, and the same was true with Potter and them."

"Maybe they're just as barmy as she is. You remember what the Daily Prophet was saying about Potter."

"Yeah, maybe the two of them can discuss 'Wrackspurts' or what was that other thing? Brumple Headed Snorlax? Kacky Snorgle?"

'Crumple-Horned Snorkack.' Damien corrected them in his head, his eyes shooting upwards in concern 'Oh God, why do I know that?'

He didn't have much time to dwell on that thought when Dumbledore stood up from his chair to greet the new and returning students before the start-of-term feast.

"To our newcomers," said Dumbledore in a ringing voice, his arms stretched wide and a beaming smile on his lips, "welcome! To our old hands- welcome back! And to our American friends, we are honored to have you. May your stay be insightful and enjoyable for the year, and I ask our native students to make them feel at home! There is a time for speech-making, but this is not the case. Tuck in!"

The students laughed appreciatively and applauded as the Headmaster sat down neatly and threw his long beard over his shoulders to keep it out of the way of the food, which had appeared out of nowhere. All five long tables groaned under the weight of the magically appeared food, which ranged from the standard dishes of pies, meats, and vegetables, and to the American's surprise, even American dishes were on the table. Ranging from hamburgers, hot dogs, and your stereotypical American foods to more regional dishes: Soul food, different types of chili, Biscuits (and proper biscuits not the little cakes that British called biscuits mind you.), and gravy, to various others. Damien grabbed a large scoopful of Mac 'n Cheese and several slices of pot roast and started to dig in. He turned around to see his friends doing the same, and Austin grabbed several servings of pizza, a slice of shepherd's pie, and a slice of sirloin. Hazel, he noticed, had a more balanced plate of rice, potatoes, corn, and a meatloaf. The two of them making conversation, smiling and laughing with their respective housemates. Damien glanced around the Hall before looking down at his plate.

'I was feeling a little nervous about this entire thing, but I think we'll be okay,' he thought to himself with a smile before digging in. ' Yeah, I have a feeling we'll do just fine.'