Seranis Incantari: A Harry Potter Adventure

Ravenclaw

Ravenclaw.

Ravenclaw.

Ravenclaw.

The words echoed in Kelsey's mind over and over like a chorus. Ravenclaw, Ravenclaw, Ravenclaw. She sat there on the stool, too stunned to move. This was not the outcome she had hoped for. Kelsey had so longed to be a Gryffindor, and now that hope was dashed. Ravenclaw. A slight ahem shook her from her stupor and she slowly rose off of the stool, scanning the crowded great hall. The Ravenclaw table had cheered and screamed for her but now they were silent, clearly confused as to why she did not rush over to their table. Kelsey's heart pounded in her chest, feeling like it might explode. Her ears still rang with the words of the Sorting Hat. Ravenclaw, Ravenclaw, Ravenclaw.

Why Ravenclaw? Why not Gryffindor? Did she not wish hard enough? Was she not qualified enough? Was she not Gryffindor material?

Kelsey found the Ravenclaw table and slowly walked over to them. She stood in front of the table, feeling a thousand eyes on her as she gazed down the length of the house table. She walked down the aisle and found an empty spot on the bench, and sat down. Her heart was in her throat and she fought the urge to cry. She looked down at her plate and her reflection stared back at her.

At least it wasn't Slytherin.

She drowned out the sounds of the other students being sorted, barely heard the roaring cheers of the tables as they got students assigned to their houses, until someone slapped her on the back, bringing her back to the present.

"Hi!"

It was Pepper. She had been sorted into Ravenclaw as well. Kelsey immediately felt a huge wave of relief wash over her being, and hugged Pepper tightly, burying her face into her shoulder. Pepper, taken aback by this sudden showing of emotion, was unsure of how to react before awkwardly patting Kelsey on the head.

"Er, are you alright?" she asked. Kelsey broke the hug and laughed halfheartedly.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. I just... was hoping for Gryffindor..." she sighed.

An older Ravenclaw student chuckled and Kelsey looked over at him. He was tall and handsome, and had dark brown hair.

"Don't worry, Remington. It's pretty common for students to get placed in houses they didn't want. But there's a reason the Sorting Hat thought you belonged with us. I'm sure you'll find it."

Suddenly, the tables filled with an assortment of food - a large roast chicken, potatoes, curry, vegetables, and fruits. Kelsey gasped in awe.

"Let the feast begin!" the headmaster called.

She put a bit of everything she could reach onto her plate and ate greedily, all of a sudden painfully aware that she had barely eaten anything since breakfast early in the morning. The older student chuckled again and Kelsey became self conscious. She swallowed and sat upright, blushing.

"By the way, my name is Austin Tripathy. I'm a prefect for Ravenclaw. Pleased to make your acquaintance," he said.

Kelsey nodded politely and took another bite of her chicken. The food was delicious.

"Where does all this food come from?" she asked.

"The house-elves make it," Austin replied.

"House-elves?" Kelsey was puzzled and Austin raised an eyebrow. Pepper quickly interjected.

"She's Muggle-born. This is her first time being exposed to magic."

Austin sniffed.

"Ah, I see. That makes sense then."