Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 8

"The Sorting Hat," read George before he poured the wispy white liquid into the basin.

Colors changed, shapes morphed until everyone realized they were now standing in the Great Hall.

For most of the group, it had been years since they have entered Hogwarts. Not much had changed as they watched the floating candles and twinkling stars overhead. There was a collective feeling of peace from being at Hogwarts again.

The double doors suddenly opened to reveal a Professor McGonagall holding a thick rolled up parchment followed by a line of straggling and nervous-looking first years.

Everyone turned to stare as McGonagall led them to the front of the hall where a familiar patched and dirty hat rested on a stool.

As the hat sang its song, Harry felt relieved no one would be hearing his thoughts and the conversation with the Sorting Hat – no one would know he was almost sorted into Slytherin.

"Granger, Hermione!"

Hermione jumped as she heard her name, not expecting it to have been called for quite sometimes.

The memory must be skipping ahead, she thought, which, as she looked, a quarter of the first years had already been sorted.

My my, what a Mind... and plenty of courage I see... but where shall I put you... I'm sure we will be expecting great things from you, Miss Granger...

Hermione and Harry gaped upon hearing the Hat. Anyone could hear!

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"I'm surprised you're not in Ravenclaw," said Ginny with a raised brow.

Hermione replied with a casual shrug.

She remembered a slight disappointment when the Hat had been thinking about Ravenclaw. She did not think it was an awful house, but at that moment, she didn't want to be known for just her brains – she felt she was more – that she could be more.

The group could hear a quiet groan from the younger Ron Weasley at the announcement from the Sorting Hat and several people in the room were now wondering how the trio became the trio.

"Potter, Harry!"

McGonagall watched the sorting more closely, curious why Harry's sorting took so long.

Sirius and Tonks cheered.

Whispers engulfed the Great Hall as everyone stared at the younger Harry in unabashed interest.

"Well, well..." started the amplified voice of the Sorting Hat.

Harry's stomach was quivering with nerves.

"Very interesting... Very interesting... talented as the eagle but with the courage of a lion... but there's a thirst... to prove yourself... so where shall I put you..."

Sirius was looking much more curious about Harry's sorting than he had been. He had thought it would have been immediately Gryffindor like James and Lily.

A voice that sounded like Harry's suddenly could be heard: Not Slytherin.

Are you sure? Slytherin would lead you to such greatness... such power... I have no doubts you would succeed to the likes of Salazar himself...

Harry looked down at the floor stubbornly as many exchanged surprised glances.

Ginny placed herself cautiously in front of Harry to get a good look at his face.

"Harry," she said quietly, but everyone could hear her anyway. "It doesn't matter what house you were put in," she hoped her smile was reassuring. "You're still Harry."