SNAKE

6 | sorting

Four long tables stretched through the hall filled with students, each had different colored robes for each of the houses: green, blue, red and yellow. Above, instead of the ceiling the night sky could be seen and a bunch of candles were floating all over it.

"It's not real the ceiling, it's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History", said Hermione walking in front of Cora, who was next to Draco.

"Know-it-all", whispered Cora to Draco. He laughed.

The group stopped before a couple of steps at the end of the hall. There was a stool with a ragged brown witch's hat on top of it, and behind it a long table that was perpendicular to the other four and sat a bunch of adults, who Cora assumed were the teachers and staff.

"Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words", the woman said.

The man with a long white beard and half moon glasses who was at the middle of the table stood. "I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce. First years please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the third floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds.. to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you."

Every first year furrowed their eyebrows. Creepy, thought Cora. Why tell everyone not to go somewhere? We'll just want to go there more...

"Now when I call your name", continued the woman, "you will come forth, I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses." She raised the ragged brown hat and pulled out a long list filled with names.

"Hermione Granger"

"Okay. Relax", Hermione muttered to herself as she walked up the steps and sat on the stool. The woman placed the hat on her head. "Mental, that one. I'm tellin' you", said Ron to Harry. He didn't respond, but Cora heard and laughed silently.

Suddenly, the hat stared to speak. "Ah, right then, hmmm, right, okay... GRYFFINDOR!" Hermione jumped off the stool smiling as one of the four tables erupted into cheers.

"Draco Malfoy"

"Good luck", whispered Cora. Draco smirked at her and walked up to the stool. The hat barley touched his head before it yelled, "SLYTHERIN!" Draco smirked widely and one of the tables cheered for him, Cora joining in.

"There's no witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't in Slytherin", whispered Ron to Harry. Cora heard and turned to Ron, "Prejudice much?" He glared at her.

"Susan Bones"

While the hat was deciding on the girl that just walked up, Harry made eye contact with one of the Professors. Suddenly, his scar hurt and so did Cora's and they hissed a bit.

"What is it?", asked Ron. "Mind your business", said Cora at the same time that Harry said, "Nothing. Nothing, I'm fine." There's something odd about those two..., thought Cora as she followed her brother's eyes and watched the two Professors sitting by the end of the table.

"I know... HUFFLEPUFF!", exclaimed the hat and brought Cora's attention back to the sorting.

"Ronald Weasley"

Ron walked up to the stool with a nervous face. "Ha! Another Weasley", started the hat. Just how many are there?, thought Cora. "I know just what to do with you... GRYFFINDOR!" Ron sighed in relief as the Gryffindor table cheered for him.

"Harry Potter"

That caught the whole hall's attention. Some murmurs could be heard. Dumbledore also payed close attention to what would happen. Harry walked up to the stool with a bit of hesitation.