Thanks for all the reviews, favorites, and follows. I really wanted a Sorting Hat song, but I'm really terrible at writing poems.
Chapter 7 – The Strange Sorting
From a window on the second floor, Percy watched the returning students clamber out of magical, horseless carriages and into the castle. After practically being by himself for a week and a half, the excited laughter and constant chatter was almost deafening.
His seventh school in seven years, he was going to be the new kid, again, which was never fun. Percy knew the drill pretty well by this point. He was familiar with the stares and whispers in the halls, and every bully sizing him up, trying to decide if he'd be worth the effort to torment. But this time it would be even worse because not only was he the new kid, but he was coming in a year late (technically two since he was already thirteen) and was from a different country.
Once the last student had entered the castle, Percy slowly headed down to the entrance hall to wait for the first years to come up from the lake. He tried to hide in the shadows next to the door as the first years streamed in. Several gasped as they took in the size of the hall and the gleaming marble staircase. If they thought the entrance hall was impressive then they'd flip when they saw the Great Hall.
Percy's plan to go unnoticed was ruined by Professor McGonagall. After she gave everyone the your-House-is-like-your-family spiel, she turned to him, "Oh and Mr. Jackson, I suggest you look sharp because you will be going first."
"Great," Percy muttered as Professor McGonagall swept out of the hall.
Instantly, all the first years started muttering to themselves, but one enthusiastic voice seemed louder than the rest, "Hiya, Percy!"
Colin Creevey made a beeline straight to Percy's hiding spot. "This is so cool! We're in an actual castle! Where were you by the way? I was going to save you a seat on the train, but I couldn't find you. You seem kind of old for a first year."
Percy smiled at the little guy's enthusiasm and felt touched that he had tried to save him a seat even if a long train ride with Colin might have driven him insane, "Hi Colin, good to see you. And I'm actually going into second year, but this is my first year at Hogwarts, so I spent a few days reviewing with the teachers and still need to get sorted."
"Wow!" Colin exclaimed, "so you already can do magic!" Percy just had time to nod before Colin rushed on. "So, do you know how they're sorting us?"
"No, I think they're keeping it as a surprise for some reason," Percy answered.
A shy voice near Percy said, "My older brothers said we had to fight a troll." It was a small red-headed girl who blushed as she quickly muttered, "but I think they were joking."
Colin looked a little panicky at the thought. Percy, however, had a feeling that he'd prefer a fight with a troll than whatever they would have to do. He doubted that a troll would be any worse than the Minotaur. Just then Professor McGonagall returned, "We are ready for you. Form a line and follow me."
The forty or so students shuffled into a line and entered the Great Hall. As all the first years gasped and gawked at the ceiling, Percy was suddenly uncomfortably aware that he was nearly a head taller than all the other first years. Already he heard the whispers flying. "Looks a little old for a firsty," a dark-haired boy said from the table on Percy's left.
They walked all the way to the teacher's table before Professor McGonagall had them fan out and face the students. She placed the ugliest hat Percy had ever seen on a stool in front of them. It looked like it might have been a new wizard hat back when Kronos was vomiting his kids back up. Now, it was patched, shabby, and extremely dirty. Percy was pretty sure at least half of the Aphrodite cabin would have fainted if they'd had to touch it. Then a tear near the brim of the hat opened and the hat began to sing.
Percy's mouth fell open in shock. Just when he thought that nothing else could possibly surprise him, it seemed like something always did. Despite all the strange things he'd seen so far, singing headwear was definitely a new one. By the time Percy's mind caught up to what his ears were hearing, the song was almost over, but Percy had the gist of it. All they had to do was put on the hat, and it would sort of read their minds to determine which house to put them in.
The hall filled with applause as the hat bent down the middle in a small bow to the four House tables. From behind him, Dumbledore said, "This year we have one new student entering the second year from the United States of America due to an agreement between myself, the Ministry of Magic and Magical Congress, and his family."
Well that was one way to put it, Percy thought as he felt all the eyes in the hall once more shift to him. Though, he was not sure how much agreeing the magical governments did between the gods' and Dumbledore's influence. He also hadn't been expecting an introduction, but he assumed Dumbledore wanted to give the students an easy explanation for his presence here. "Jackson, Perseus," McGonagall called out, lifting the ugly hat, "If you would come sit on the stool."
Percy hesitantly shuffled forward. At the moment, he really wished he was battling a troll. At least he was fairly sure he could do that without embarrassing himself too badly, and it didn't involve a mind reading, talking hat. As soon as he sat down, Professor McGonagall placed the hat on his head, but it was far too large and fell down to his eyes making Percy feel even more ridiculous than he usually did.
Suddenly a voice spoke in his ear, "Huh, a demigod! I haven't had one of you in half a century."
Percy jumped, then he realized how much trouble he could be in, so he desperately whispered, "Please don't tell anyone. I'm in enough trouble as it is."
"Not to worry, child your secret is safe. Now let us see. Hmm difficult, very difficult. Very loyal and brave. Not a bad mind, but clearly no love for learning which I think we can conclude rules out Ravenclaw for you. Not particularly ambitious, but lots of talent I see and a desire to prove yourself . . . particularly to your father. Hmm very resourceful and cunning as well." A replay played in his mind of how he had tricked Crusty onto his own waterbed. "You could do well in Slytherin." Percy glanced to the table on his far left that he knew was Slytherin because they were under the green banner with the snake. Besides the black robes, many of the kids that sat there looked like they could be the rich kids at any of Percy's previous boarding schools. He knew from experience that they weren't all bad. Some had even been nice to him, but he wasn't sure if he would really fit in with that crowd or want to fit in. "Yes, you could do very well in Slytherin," the hat reassured him, "especially given who your grandfather is. Perhaps you would be good for the House as well."
His grandfather, who's his grandfather. No one knew who his mom's father was but his dad. . . if Poseidon was his father that meant Kronos was his grandfather. He shuddered as he remembered that cold, cruel voice he had heard in his dreams and how he had manipulated both Ares and Luke, "No, not Slytherin" thought Percy, "I don't want to be anything like my grandfather."
"I suppose not," the hat managed to sound amused, "And your clear lack of self-preservation is most un-Slytherin like. Very well, Hufflepuff or Gryffindor then." The hat was silent for a long while, so Percy took the opportunity to examine his potential housemates. The kids under the red banner that he knew was the Gryffindor table thanks to Nick seemed cool enough. They joked with each other and laughed. He probably would fit in with them pretty well. Then he looked at the Hufflepuff table. The kids there just looked welcoming, friendly, and nice for the most part. Something in his chest clenched, and he suddenly felt extremely homesick as he realized the kids at the Hufflepuff table reminded him of his best friend Grover. Finally, the hat spoke again, "Gryffindor would be a good fit. You have bravery and courage in spades. Very well then better be GRYFF–" the hat started to shout the last word out loud, but Percy stopped it.
"Wait! Can I be in Hufflepuff?" Percy thought at the hat. The whole hall had started to clap as the hat shouted but then stopped in shock. Percy guessed that the hat didn't usually stop mid-shout.
The hat paused considering, "While your loyalty to your friends and family would make Helga proud, it wouldn't be my first choice. You seem to be rather impatient and confrontational which are more often less celebrated characteristics of Godric's house, but I suppose your housemates could help you develop some control. I always did say that placing students with those of similar characteristics prevented well roundedness and future character development, but no one ever listens to the hat. Is Hufflepuff where you truly want to be?"
Percy glanced at the tables once more and noticed a boy at the Hufflepuff table with curly brown hair giving him an encouraging smile and a thumbs up. "Yes," Percy responded, mind made up.
"Interesting, Mr. Jackson, unlike another student who I sorted last year, you wish to be in Hufflepuff not because you believe that you lack the qualities of a Gryffindor – because even when you are afraid you do not let your fear stop you which is the true definition of bravery – rather you believe you will form stronger connections with those in Hufflepuff because you admire their loyalty, kindness, understanding, and acceptance. You will be a most interesting HUFFLEPUFF." The last word was shouted, and the rest of the hall hesitantly started to cheer as if making sure that the hat wouldn't change its mind again.
Percy's new House, the table on his left, cheered the loudest. The boy with the curly brown hair quickly made space for Percy and motioned for him to sit beside him. As Professor McGonagall called the next student, the boy extended his hand to Percy and whispered, "Justin Finch-Fletchley, I'm a second year too!"
Percy shook it and whispered back, "Percy Jackson, thanks for the seat." Justin smiled before turning his attention back to the sorting as the next student was sorted into Ravenclaw.
The rest of the sorting was much more enjoyable now that he wasn't standing in front of the whole school, but he still noticed several people looking at him curiously, including Dumbledore. A glance along the rest of the staff table revealed that the teachers from his crammed study week were there. Plus a few he didn't recognize especially the wizard dressed in a shocking shade of aquamarine. He didn't think anyone could wear brighter robes than Dumbledore, but this wizard had. At the end of the table, Hagrid caught his eye and waved. Percy returned it much more discretely, but he realized one teacher was missing, Snape. Maybe he was antisocial and skipped these things?
Colin was sorted into Gryffindor. He gave Percy a sad shrug before dashing off to the table on the far right. Personally, Percy was a little relieved that he would have some space from the overly enthusiastic boy. Percy noticed that for some students the Sorting Hat made its decision quickly while for others it took more time, but it never changed its mind for anyone else. Finally, as Percy's stomach started to growl, McGonagall called the last student, "Weasley, Ginevra" who was quickly sorted into Gryffindor.
Professor McGonagall removed the stool, and Dumbledore stood up, "Welcome to all our new students, and to our old students, welcome back." Great, Percy thought another speech. "I have an announcement: Let the banquet begin."
Everyone clapped and cheered and the students around Percy laughed. "Typical Dumbledore," the boy next to Percy muttered with a smile before piling mashed potatoes on his plate. Percy gasped because the table was now covered in food. If he thought his first night at Hogwarts had been impressive it was nothing compared to this. There was beef, chicken, pork chops, sausage, several versions of potatoes, peas, carrots, and more.
Forcing his mouth closed, he quickly joined the others in filling his plate, "Don't worry, Percy we all looked like you at the Welcome Feast last year," Justin said knowingly. He waved his fork around, "This is the rest of the gang." He pointed to the stout boy sitting on Percy's other side, "Ernie Macmillan and next to him is Susan Bones. They're the ones you go to for homework help." Both stopped eating long enough to shake his hand.
"So Percy, not Perseus?" Ernie asked.
Percy nodded, "Yeah, I prefer Percy."
"I would too if that was my name," a skinny, blond-haired boy with an upturned nose rudely declared from across the table. "Sounds like a Slytherin, pure-blood supremacist. Although, I'm not sure Percy is any better since people might confuse you with that pompous Gryffindor prefect, Weasley."
"That ray of sunshine," Justin pointed with his fork to the blonde-haired boy, "is Zacharias Smith. He's the one you go to if you want brutal honesty, though he tends to give that to you whether you want it or not."
"What can I say, it's a gift," Zacharias replied with a shrug and a smug smirk. That was when Percy decided he wouldn't tell anyone that his grandmother was Elizabeth Smith. They might think he was related to this guy. Percy just hoped he actually wasn't because he had enough jerk relatives as it was.
"Looks like the new guy passed the Hufflepuff test," a girl with blonde pigtails said from her seat next to Zacharias. "Managed not to slap Zacharias after he opened his mouth."
"Does it count if I'm still thinking about it?" Percy asked which made everyone laugh. Percy even saw Zacharias' lips curl into a tiny smile. Maybe he wasn't so bad.
"That," Justin continued with his introductions, "is Hannah Abbot. She's the one you go to if you want a laugh or the latest gossip. And over there is Wayne Hopkins and Megan Jones." The last two were farthest from him so they just waved, "Wayne knows lots of random trivia, and Megan is the best artist in the House. She makes these incredible signs for our Quidditch matches."
"And in case you haven't figured it out yet," Ernie added, "Justin's the extra kind one that can make you feel better, no matter how bad your day was. And he's also great at Transfiguration."
Justin blushed at the compliment, "I have to be good at something to make up for how bad I am at Potions."
"It's just Snape," Ernie stated, "I'm sure if we had a teacher that didn't enjoy intimidating and tormenting his students, you would do better."
"We all would do better," Hannah added. Percy was relieved that at least Snape seemed to give everyone a hard time unlike Mrs. Dodds who had focused all her evilness just on him. "Speaking of our beloved potions master, where is he?"
Zacharias shrugged, "Don't know, but he snuck out right after Jackson's sorting."
They all glanced at the head table. "McGonagall and Dumbledore are gone too," Ernie noted.
"I bet this has something to do with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley not being on the train," Susan guessed.
"Harry Potter?" Percy asked trying to remember why that name rang a bell.
"Yeah, he's in our year, in Gryffindor," Justin explained, "suppose you heard about him even all the way in the States since he defeated You-Know-Who and all."
That's right. Harry Potter was the baby that defeated the evil, wizard Hitler. "He and his sidekick Weasley are always getting in trouble," Zacharias complained.
"But they did stop Professor Quirrell from stealing the Philosopher's Stone last year," Ernie reasoned, "which did cause Slytherin to lose the House Cup for the first time in seven years."
"He just wanted to be the hero again," Zacharias argued. "I think he likes the attention. Besides that made us come in last instead of second to last."
"My Auntie said Harry received a warning from the Ministry for using magic this summer," Susan reluctantly admitted.
"See," Zacharias proclaimed. "Bet Potter was showing off to scare those Muggles he lives with."
"I don't think Harry would do that," Hannah defended. "He seems nice."
At that point, Percy stopped paying attention to the argument because the dinner platters vanished and were replaced by desserts.
"So, what about you Percy? Where in the States are you from?" Justin asked.
"New York," Percy answered in between scoops of ice cream and some sort of sweet pastry with golden syrup.
"Cool, the Big Apple, itself! I visited there with my folks a few years ago," Justin shared, "Now, that's a big city! So, why Hogwarts?"
This was a question he'd been dreading, but luckily, the night before he and Annabeth had figured out safe responses to this question and any involving the family. As she had pointed out, an orphan circus caravan cover story wouldn't work at Hogwarts. "Well it is supposed to be the best school for magic in the world."
"It most certainly is," Ernie proclaimed proudly.
"But they don't just let anyone come here, especially from a different country," Zacharias retorted. "So why did you get to?"
That guy was really starting to get annoying. But he knew if not Smith then someone else would ask it, so he gave the second answer they'd come up with, "I got into some family trouble, so my mom and dad and Dumbledore all thought it would be safest if I came to Hogwarts."
"Well, everyone says Hogwarts is the safest place in the world," Susan reasoned. "Even when You-Know-Who was at his prime, he couldn't take the school."
Before his Housemates could ask any more questions, the desserts disappeared, and Dumbledore, who must have returned to the feast at some point, stood, "Now that we have all enjoyed a delicious meal, I have a few start-of-term notices."
Then came the traditional don't-break-these-rules speech similar to the ones Percy had heard at all the other boarding schools he had attended. Granted the other ones didn't include the word magic or ever-bashing boomerangs which did sound pretty cool. The Welcome Feast ended with everyone enthusiastically singing the school song which somehow was even more ridiculous than Percy's favorite camp song, "I Am My Own Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa," so of course he loved it.
"Come on Percy, I'll show you our common room," Ernie said as all the student poured out of the Great Hall.
"He's practicing for when he's prefect one day," Hannah remarked, getting a few polite sniggers from the others. "I'll see you there, I'm going to see what I can find out." And she disappeared in the sea of students mingling in the entrance hall.
"This way, Percy." Ernie directed him to the door that led to the kitchens. "We have the best common room because it has the most central location compared to the others which are either in towers or the dungeons. And ours is right next to the kitchens."
They passed the picture with the ticklish pear and stopped at a pile of large barrels half hidden in a shadowy corner. Ernie held up his hand to stop a group of older students and importantly said, "Got to show our new Badger how it's done. Now, Percy pay careful attention because if you get the barrel wrong or tap it incorrectly you will get sprayed with vinegar."
Ernie pointed to a barrel two from the bottom in the middle of its row and tapped it with his wand as he said "Hel-ga Huff-le-puff," with a tap for each syllable of the founder's name. The barrel lid slid open revealing a narrow passage gently sloping upwards. The passage widened to a large but cozy, circular room with a low ceiling. "Welcome to the Sett!"
Everything was yellow and black reminding Percy of a cheerful bumblebee. Plants and cacti were everywhere providing additional color. The older students all patted Percy on the back as they passed him and congratulated him on his sorting. As Percy took in the bright, friendly atmosphere, he finally felt at home for the first time in weeks.
On top of the mantle smiling down at them all was a portrait of a plump woman in a yellow dress holding a gold cup. "Is that. . ." Percy started to ask.
"Helga Hufflepuff?" Ernie finished for him, "Yes, our honorable foundress." And his supposed ancestor. Percy looked closely at the portrait, but all he saw besides the similar hair color was a ghost of his mother's smile though that could have been his imagination. "We should grab some seats before it gets too crowded," Ernie recommended as he claimed one end of a comfy looking sofa, and the others joined him. Percy took a nearby armchair.
Hannah found them a few minutes later looking like she was bursting to share the news, "You'll never guess what they did! Harry and Ron flew from London to here in a flying car and crashed it into the Whomping Willow!"
"You're joking!" Susan exclaimed, but Hannah shook her head.
"Typical attention seeking Potter," Zacharias muttered from his corner while Justin asked, "Are they okay?"
"I think so," Hannah answered as she squeezed next to Susan. "No one mentioned anyone going to the hospital wing."
"The real question is," Ernie proclaimed dramatically, "are they going to be expelled?"
Hannah shrugged, "No one knows yet. Everyone's still speculating."
Percy was impressed. Even he had never done something like that, at least not before the first day of class. Now, he felt silly worrying about getting expelled for an exploding potion even if it did make his teacher erupt into boils. Maybe his mom and Chiron were right, if crashing a flying car was a maybe expulsion, then that left him with a lot of wiggle room.
Before they could discuss it anymore, an older boy and girl maybe seventeen led the twelve new first years into the Sett, and everyone started cheering. Eventually, the older boy raised his hands, and everyone settled down. "Good, looks like we're all here. As most of you know, I'm Gabriel Truman. I'm a seventh year and the senior Hufflepuff prefect."
He paused and someone else shouted, "Don't forget Keeper for the House Quidditch team too."
"Thanks for that Ganders," Gabriel flashed a smile. "Anyways I'd like to welcome all of our new members," his eyes flashed to Percy, "and if ever you need anything please don't hesitate to ask myself or any of my fellow prefects. Now, I thought we should start the year by helping our new housemates understand what it really means to be a Badger. Let's start with second years, MacMillan, what does it mean to be a Hufflepuff?" Great Percy thought more cheesy orientation activities.
Ernie looked a little flustered at being called on but quickly recovered and stood up, "Well we Hufflepuffs are loyal, so we've always got each other's back."
"Here, Here," someone shouted from the crowd as everyone clapped. Hannah and Justin both patted Ernie on the back once he sat back down.
"Alright, Summers for the third years," Gabriel continued.
A girl with curly brown hair stood up from across the room, "Hufflepuffs are hardworking, so if we don't get something right at first, we'll keep at it until we do." Again, the statement was met with polite applause.
"Very good, fourth years – Diggory." This time there was cheering before Diggory even said anything as a few boys a little older than Percy playfully shoved another boy to the front of their group. Percy was surprised that even Zacharias was clapping. Clearly, this Diggory guy was pretty popular.
As Diggory straightened his robes, he repeated the question, "What does it mean to be a Hufflepuff. . . The other Houses may think of us as duffers. They assume because we aren't in Slytherin or Ravenclaw or Gryffindor that we aren't ambitious or smart or brave." He started pacing around the center of the room. "But what they don't know is that we are the only House that got it right because we accept everyone and are all the better for our diversity. Sure, we aren't the most winning House when it comes to competitions, but that's because we know there are more important things than just winning, like integrity and loyalty and helping each other. That's what it truly means to be a Hufflepuff. We may not come in first, but by Merlin's beard, we will make sure that we all finish the race together. We're kind of stubborn that way. Hufflepuffs know that we are stronger together. Something the rest of the school has forgotten. Our House is the sticking charm that holds the school together and that is something to be proud of."
Diggory stopped then and looked around at everyone's stunned faces, "Umm, sorry, Gabriel, guess I got a little carried away."
Gabriel chuckled and clapped the younger boy on the shoulder, "No need to apologize for House pride, Digory. Just try not to get in a duel over it."
That's when the cheering started up again, and someone started a chant, "Digory for Minister!" which caused Digory to smile and duck his head in embarrassment.
Once everyone calmed down again, Gabriel said, "Well, I'm pretty sure Cedric said everything worth saying. So with that, girls' dorms are on the right, and boys' dorms are on the left. You will know which door is yours because it will have your year on it. And I suggest everyone at least try to go to sleep soon. Classes start early tomorrow."
They said good night to the girls, and then Percy followed his new dormmates into their room. The room was round and lit with a warm glow from copper lamps. Five beds just like the one he had in his temporary room were against the wall though these had patchwork quilts. At this point Percy wasn't too surprised to find that his trunk which had been in his room upstairs a few hours ago had been carefully placed beside a bed.
A few hours later, as Percy tried to fall asleep, he thought back to what Diggory had said, and it made him realize what the Sorting Hat had meant by its long-winded explanation when it agreed to put him in Hufflepuff. In short, Hufflepuff was a house full of underdogs, and in every school, he had ever been in, Percy had always befriended the underdogs. That was how he had met Grover. Maybe it was because he hated bullies and liked fighting them. Maybe, part of him liked helping the "little guy." But maybe, it was just because the underdogs were always the nicest. They never judged him for his terrible grades or odd behavior. They always made him feel like he belonged.
Sorry for those who wanted Percy in Gryffindor. Besides the fact that I think, given the choice, Percy would pick Hufflepuff as stated in the chapter, I wanted more freedom to develop characters and to be able to look at the golden trio from more of an outside perspective. Since I'm a Gryffindor according to every single test out there, I read "Finding Himself" by Minisinoo to help me understand Hufflepuff better. Therefore, my take on the House and Cedric are definitely inspired by that work. It's an incredible read if you haven't read it and are old enough for the Mature rated stories. Next update probably won't be at least for a month, sorry.