The Fox In A Snake Pit!

Slytherin! ~Jan 27, 2024

As Jade continued to walk through the room, she felt a renewed sense of excitement and curiosity. She knew that she had stumbled upon something truly special, a place where she could grow and thrive alongside these remarkable individuals. It was an opportunity she never could have imagined, and she was eager to embrace it fully. 

The four tables were covered with golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall, a grand sight awaited the first years. It was a long table where the teachers sat, presiding over the gathering. Leading the way, Professor McGonagall guided the nervous first years, positioning them in a neat line, and facing the other students. The teachers, sitting just behind the first years, added a sense of authority and support.

As Jade stood there, her heart raced in her chest. The hundreds of faces in the hall stared at them, their expressions illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight. Each face seemed like a pale lantern, capturing the attention of the students and creating an atmosphere of anticipation and curiosity.

There was no way she could tell if it was nervousness or not. However, she felt like whatever the feeling was, it could make her ill if it didn't stop. It was a strange sensation, an unsettling mix of anticipation and unease that seemed to grip her entire being. Her heart raced, her palms grew clammy, and her breath quickened. It was as if her body was preparing for something, but she had no idea what.

In a mist-like light, ghosts stood among the students. They were ethereal and translucent, their forms shimmering in and out of focus. Some were mere glimpses, while others lingered longer, their presence felt like a chill in the air. The students seemed oblivious to their presence, going about their business as if nothing was amiss. It was an eerie sight, a reminder that there was more to the world than what met the eye.

To avoid all the stares, Jade looked upward. She needed a reprieve from the strange atmosphere in the air. As she tilted her head back, her eyes met a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars. It was a breathtaking sight, a stark contrast to the unsettling presence of the ghosts below. 

Jade stood in awe as she heard a girl named Hermione Granger share a fascinating piece of information. According to Hermione, the ceiling had been enchanted to replicate the appearance of the sky outside. She had come across this intriguing fact while reading "Hogwarts: A History." 

The concept seemed almost too incredible to comprehend. It was as if the ceiling didn't exist at all. Unable to tear her eyes away from the enchanting display above, Jade slowly shifted her gaze downwards. She noticed Professor McGonagall approaching. Her movements were silent and graceful. In front of the students, the professor placed a four-legged stool, seemingly preparing for something of importance. The air was filled with anticipation as everyone waited to see what would happen next.

On top of the stool, sat a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched, frayed, and extremely dirty. 

'Hope I never have to touch it.' Jade thought as it sang; 

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty but don't judge me by what you see. 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 you Where you ought to be. 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 got 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! And don't get in a flap! You're in safe hands (though I have none) for I'm a Thinking Cap!"