Riddled

|9| The Sorting

Ginny quickly forgot the strange incident that happened on the boat when they arrived at the castle. One by one, the first years emerged from the small boats that they'd paddled across the moonlit water. The first years crowded behind Hagrid, who knocked loudly on the castle door. The door creaked open, revealing an elderly witch with sharp features and wispy grey hair peaking out from her tall, pointy hat. She wore plain emerald robes.

"Good evening, first years," said the witch. "And welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Professor McGonagall. If you'll follow me, we can begin with the Sorting. Single-file, please!"

The children arranged themselves in a neat line that trailed behind the professor as she led them into the Great Hall. It was even more magnificent than Ginny's brothers had told her. Candles floated above the table, giving the room an enchanted glow. Each house had its own table and everyone was chatting excitedly. But when they spotted the first years, everyone went silent. Then Albus Dumbledore, the famous wizard and headmaster of Hogwarts, stood up and said, "Welcome, first years!" and the Great Hall burst into applause. Directed by Professor McGonagall, the first years made their way towards a small stool at the front of the Great Hall. Sitting on top of the stool was the shabby grey hat that would seal their Hogwarts fate: the Sorting Hat.

"Let us begin the Sorting!" shouted Dumbledore, and the applause died down. Then the Sorting Hat began to sing:

"Merlin's pants! Another year,

Calm down, first years, do not fear,

For I am the Sorting Hat, to find you a place

Amongst this crowd which you face

Perhaps you'll be in Slytherin

The fierce and power-seeking lie amongst their kin

Perhaps you'll be in Ravenclaw

If you're the bookish type, that's where you belong

Or perhaps Gryffindor would suit you more

If you're brave at heart and loyal to the core

Or perhaps in Hufflepuff, you'd be more likely to succeed,

Amongst those who value kindess and purity

Whatever house you find yourself in

Is where your Hogwarts story begins

So put me on your head and I'll tell you where to go

Because when it comes to where you belong, that's one thing I know!"

The room exploded with applause once again, before Dumbledore stood up and raised his wand to silence the Great Hall.

"Let's start," he said, his voice magnified by magic, echoing through the room. "First years, when Professor McGonagall calls your name, you may go up and sit on the stool, and place the Sorting Hat on your head. Once you are sorted, go up to your house's table.

Professor McGonagall called the first name:

"Abbot, Wendy!"

Ginny recognized Wendy Abbot as the petite girl with bouncy blonde ringlets she'd shared a boat with on the way to the castle. She watched as Wendy's hands trembled as she walked towards the stool, sat down, and placed the Sorting Hat on her head.

"Gryffindor!" said the hat, almost instantly. The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers. Ginny scanned the table. She saw Percy, Fred, George... Where was Ron? And Harry? She spotted Hermione, who was looking worried. Had Ron and Harry never gotten on the train?