The Twin Legacy: the Shadows of Dusk

Chapter Two

"Move along now," said a sharp voice. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."

Professor McGonagall stood tall as each ghost floated away through the opposite wall.

"Now, form a line," Professor McGonagall told the first years, "and follow me."

Artemis stood in line, behind Apollo and Mia behind her. They walked out of the chamber, back across the hall, and through a pair double doors into the Great Hall. It was it by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, packed with students. Glittering golden plates and goblets laid on top of the tables. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. Professor McGonagall led the first years up here, so they came to a halt in a line facing the other students, with the teachers behind them. Artemis gulped down her nervousness, as she's never been out in public since she was five. Not alone being the center of attention in front of hundreds. She glanced her eyes to the flags hovering above each table, wondering which she will sit under.

At the corner of her eyes, Professor McGonagall placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. On top of the stool she put a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. There's no way I will let a hat this dirty on top of my head. I won't allow it!, Artemis thought. For a few seconds, there was complete silence. Then the hat twitched. A rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth and it began to sing:

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty;

But don't judge on what you see,"

Too late, what in the bloody he—, Artemis' thoughts were interrupted with the continuation of the awful singing.

"I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell yo

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindor apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!