Ancient: The Legacy of Slytherin

You're Late.

Year Five. Hogwarts.

From the minute we set foot inside the castle, I felt a pull within me, although I wasn't sure what towards. The events of the last two hours had me absolutely reeling. I couldn't believe I had to face the whole school right now. Fig could sense the anxiety radiating off of me.

"You're going to be ok. I'm here, and I won't let anything bad happen to you." He peeked through the doors to a room called the "Great Hall."

"Damn, it looks like we're late to the sorting ceremony. Merlin's beard, Phineas is walking this way."

Great, late on my first day of wizarding school and four years late to being a Hogwarts student. "Late" was frankly an understatement.

"Who is Phineas?"

"For your purposes, Headmaster Black. He's technically my boss and runs the operations here at Hogwarts. And he's a proper git. Don't tell him I said that."

I giggled watching the normally put together Fig become so flustered at his approaching presence.

"Hmm, let me transfigure you something not covered in blood and dirt, or we may really tarnish your first impression here." With a wave of his wand, I was wearing a white shirt, long grey skirt, and a black robe.

"Eleazar Fig! You are late for the sorting ceremony. I have half a mind to make this student wait until next year to be sorted."

"It's my fault Phineas, I have much to tell you. But don't punish the student, she's waited long enough for this moment."

"Fine. You," he literally pointed at me. "Go in there and sit on that chair so we can figure out which house is lucky enough to get you and your tardiness for all of fifth year."

"Phineas, surely she can take the hat in private as is custom for transfer students."

"Ah but she's not a transfer student, is she? On with you, then!"

Fig was right, he was a proper git. There were so many other things to worry about right now, surely fussing over this silly ceremony was not one of them.

I pushed through the double doors as Fig and Black stayed behind to talk. I didn't realize the doors would be so loud, and the room was completely silent. Every single student turned to look at me as I approached the stage. My cheeks must have been flushed at this point. I wasn't exactly embarrassed, I could just do without all the attention on me. With all the confidence I could muster, I pressed forward to the stage.

"Ah, you must be our new fifth year! Please, take a seat. 'Save the best for last,' they always say." An older woman with bright red hair and glasses greeted me. Her reception sent a warm feeling through my bones. She seemed caring, motherly almost. I didn't know what that was like, but I assumed she'd make a good one.

I sat down and the room was just as silent as before. Everyone stared as the woman placed a hat on my head, which then proceeded to talk to me! How peculiar! Although, this must be one of the more normal things that happens in the wizarding world, if today's events were any indication.

"Ah, yes, I see. Interesting. You only just discovered your magic, but you are powerful. You seek adventure, but you also value learning. Loyalty is the most important thing to you. You have a tough exterior and don't trust easily. If you needed to, you could take on the world alone."

Ok, this was getting a bit personal. Did this hat always speak everyone's deepest feelings out loud?

It continued: "You're brave, like a lion. But you are also cunning like a snake, because you always needed to be. It's gotten you in trouble before, and it will get you into trouble again. I know what I must do."