SON OF MAGIC

TRICKING A HAT IS EASY

After changing their robes and being assured by McGonagall that they'll find their trunks in their dormitories once they are sorted, The four of them headed downstairs to the great hall. They stopped to say good-bye to Grover, wishing him luck for his errand with the centaurs.

They stood awkwardly in the group of first years waiting to be sorted. A few names later, when all the first years were seated in their respective houses, Dumbledore stood up and announced, "We have a few students from United States who due to family complications had to change their institution.".

 By now everyone was staring at him, listening intently to his words.

"Sorting has never taken place for sixth year students. But let the sorting hat decide where to put the new transfer students.", he completed and sat down.

Every gaze was alert. This was something that had never happened before. Annabeth was worried about  how the hat would react when put on a demigod's head.

She got the answer pretty soon as Professor McGonagall called out her name. "Chase, Annabeth.", she announced. Annabeth went over and put the hat on her head. She didn't knew what she expected but silence was at the bottom of her list.

The hat sat motionless and speechless on her head, not acknowledging her at all.

"Hey", she said trying to strike a conversation.

"Hello, I do not recall who you are, dear. Mind putting me on your head so that I can try to remember?", the hat replied.

With the hat still sitting on her head, she glanced at Dumbledore who seemed to understand the problem at once.

"No need for that.", she replied to her head, "I was wondering if I could ask you something".

"Anything, my dear. Locked in the office for years, but my knowledge has only increased.", the hat replied.

"Do you know which house Albus Dumbledore was in?", Annabeth asked silently motioning Dumbledore.

"I always remember those I sort. Dumbledore would have done good in Ravenclaw but I sorted him in GRIFFINDOR.". The last world was shouted loud enough for everyone to hear and Annabeth knew the sorting hat hadn't meant to shout it.

Annabeth looked at Dumbledore, whose both hands were on the table and his right hand held his wand. The wand was slightly raised as if it had recently performed a spell. Annabeth smirked and got off the stool. 

On the way to Gryffindor table, who were applauding her, she whispered to Percy and Leo, "Trick the hat to say Gryffindor."

The next name was Percy's.

 "Jackson, Perseus", McGonagall called out.

Percy went over and put up the hat. "Hey, I have a riddle for you. Can you tell which house has the word 'griffin' in it?"

The hat blanched, "That's an insult to my knowledge. The answer is too easy. Of course, it's GRYFFINDOR."

Leo mouthed, 'Lame' to Percy, as he made his way to Annabeth.

"Valdez, Leonidas.", Professor McGonagall called.

Leo put on his hat and asked, "Which house do you think I'll be in?"

"Put me on and I'll be able to tell you.", it replied, "If you're loyal, then Hufflepuff, if you're brave, then Gryffindor, if you're ambitious, then it will be Slytherin or you'll be in Ravenclaw if you have wits."

"I'm brave. Very, very Brave.", Leo said, dramatically.

"Then I suppose when you'll put me on, I'll sort you in GRYFFINDOR."

Leo winked at Dumbledore and joined his companions at the table.

Dumbledore stood up ceasing the applause from the Gryffindor table and said, "Let the feast begin! Tuck in!".