Lions, Magic, and Snakes

Chapter 6:

The rest of the week seems to fly by. I write my parents telling them how everything is going so far, in great detail. I also apologize for being so dramatic our last day together. I tell them how I'm probably going to be sorted Friday and how I'm going to try out for my Quidditch team.

Friday during Defense Against the Dark Arts a letter zooms in under the classroom door and flies to Umbridge's desk. She glares at the little paper for a second before opening it. She reads it quickly then waves her wand and it flies over to me. She sniffs disgusted that she had been interrupted, before turning back to whatever she was doing. I open the paper curiously leaning closer so Hermione can read it too.

'Please tell Kaitlyn Moon to head to my office after class. Signed Minerva McGonagall.' My heart speeds up and I stare at the paper, fear working its way into my heart. 'It's finally time I find out what house I'm going to be in.' I subconsciously clench my hands into fists on the table. Hermione touches my arm lightly and gives me an encouraging smile. I meet her gaze and take a few slow deep breaths reeling my emotions back in. I relax my hands and nod gratefully before we turn back to our books pretending to read.

Once we're dismissed, I hold up the paper and Ron snatches it out of my hand and Harry leans over to read it as well. "Well, this is it I guess." I take a deep breath trying not to let me anxiety show.

"It'll be fine." Ron says simply giving me a massive grin.

"Just remember we'll always be your friends." Harry says touching my arm softly and giving me a bracing smile.

I swallow my fear and give him a warm smile back. "I appreciate it guys. I'll see ya'll at dinner?"

"Of course!" Hermione says beaming. I turn away unable to take any more of their positivity. I keep thinking about Draco and Blaise being so sure I'd end up in Slytherin, and how much the trio I'm walking away from hates Slytherins. I walk quickly and silently to McGonagall's office. I knock once and she opens the door.

"Hello Miss Moon, are you ready?" She asks as she walks out of the room past me.

"Yes ma'am." I say softly following her.

"Don't be nervous you'll end up exactly where you are supposed to be. I'm sure you'll make friends wherever you go." She says matter-of-factly before she catches the look on my face. "I can also assure you that your current friends will not abandon you if you end up elsewhere." I give her a small smile and she nods satisfied. "Lemon-drop." She barks at a gargoyle, which jumps out of her way revealing a staircase.

We climb to the top to find a wooden door. She knocks firmly and a kind voice answers, "Enter." My eyes sweep over the beautiful office and all of the cool things whirling and spinning. Then my eyes fall on the most magnificent creature I've ever seen in person, a Phoenix. My mouth falls open slightly as I take in its' stunning fiery plumage.

"Wow. You're spectacular, aren't you?" I croon softly to the bird unable to help myself. It turns its' head taking me in before it lets out a lovely little tune and spreads its' impressive wings wide.

"Fawks quiet likes you Miss Moon." A warm voice says from beside me. I look over and up meeting a pair of sparkling blue eyes behind a pair of half-moon glasses. "I'm sure you can pet him if you'd like." He says encouragingly.

My eyes light up and I turn back to the bird. I step forward confident, but slowly allowing him time to relax. I reach out and he eyes my hand for a second before rubbing his beautiful head against my fingers. "What a handsome boy you are. Thank you." I whisper softly as he coos to me. I run my finger lightly over the top of his head grinning like a maniac. After a few moments I step away from him and turn towards Professor Dumbledor. "Thank you, sir."