Werewolves, Vampires, and Witches

The Sorting Hat

Above: Gryffindor common room.

Ember

Walking up to the castle and into the Great Hall, I felt my nerve desert me. I was about to be Sorted. What if I ended up in a different House than the others? Or worse, in Slytherin?

I had to calm down. It wouldn't do to loose my cool in front of everyone. I'd still freak if I was put in Slytherin, though.

The Headmistress, Professor McGonagall, had us stand in a straight line. I ended up with Lily in front of me and Ella behind me, with Anna behind her.

The Sorting Hat. McGonagall placed it on the stool in front of us. At least I had some time to calm myself. There's always the song, and my last name is Evans.

The Sorting Hat opened its mouth, which was really nothing more than a tear in the brim, and began its song:

"In times of old when I was new
And Hogwarts barely started
There lived four wizards of renown
Who's names are still well known
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted
They shared a wish, a hope, a dream
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers
Thus Hogwarts School began
Now each of these four founders
Formed four houses, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones they had to teach
You might belong in Gryffindor
Where dwell the brave at heart
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors 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 real friends
Those cunning
folk use any means
To achieve their ends
Now slip me snug about your ears
I've never yet been wrong
I'll have a look inside your mind
And see where you belong
I sort you into houses
Because that's what I am for
But this year I'll go further
Listen closely to my song
For though I am condemned to split you
Still I worry that it's wrong
Though I must fulfill my duty
And must quarter every year
Still I wonder whether Sorting
May not bring the end I fear
Know the perils, read the signs
The warning history shows
For Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes
We must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you
Let the Sorting now begin"

A brief silence followed the Hat's song, then McGonagall started reading off the names.

"Abbot, Susan."

A girl from the back of the line walked towards the hat. The hat seemed to think for a moment, then shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

The Hufflepuff table cheered their newest member as Susan went to sit with them.

"Blithe, Eva."

"RAVENCLAW!"

The list went on.

"Donald, Steve."

GRYFFINDOR

"Evans, Ella."

Ella stepped out of the line to try on the hat. It thought for a minute.

Ravenclaw would be good.

Curse her. Ella had accidentally let me in.

"GRYFFINDOR!" it finally shouted.