Good Friends

Chapter Three: Getting Sorted

Luke talked to John the rest of the trip while Noelle chatted with Samantha. When the trolley passed, they each bought as many as they could without emptying the cart. At one point, John got in a very serious conversation with Noelle about wizarding chess, and Samantha, who insisted they call her Sam, asked Luke what his opinions on goblins were.

Luke stared out the window much of the time. He traded seats with Sam so he could see outside better. The train went unnaturally fast. He lost count of how many rivers they passed. They passed through farms, but the farmers seemed not to notice them at all. He suspected the train was invisible to muggles. He thought they would notice a train going right through their crops. The sun started to set and Luke turned back to his friends and listened to them talk.

They noticed the train slowing down. Samantha excused herself to go change into her robes. John was bouncing in his seat, while Luke sat feeling rather sick. If Noelle was nervous, she certainly didn't show it. She kept a commanding expression that made her look rather hardened. Sam got back and they sat in a nervous silence.

Finally, the train stopped, and Luke and Noelle both stood at the same time. John stumbled to his feet. Luke opened the door, and without thinking, ran down the hall to the door of the train, waiting for it to open. His friends stood next to him while the rest of the compartments opened and the people inside shuffled forwards. Luke's heart was beating very fast; he started counting the seconds for the door to open.

One...two...three...four...five-

The doors opened slowly, and a plump, kind woman called, "First years this way, please!"

The next minute was a blur, as all the kids started leaving at the same time. It was very loud. Luke grasped John's hand for stability as they moved toward the woman through the crowd of people. Finally, twenty first years all stood huddled together. The air outside was kind of cool, as if autumn was coming swiftly. In front, there was a river of water and a lot of boats. And ahead, a huge castle loomed, lights glaring out from it. Luke could hear the sound of other first years gasping. He heard Noelle whisper.

"It's beautiful."

The lady in front of them was short and plump. She had curly brown hair and warm brown eyes, like a baby cow. Her skin was pale, like she spent a lot of time inside. She was wearing long, blue, robes. She smiled, and Luke thought inexplicably of his mother.

"Welcome, first years. Welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Professor Sisney. We're going to take these boats to the castle, and then you will be sorted into four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. Each house has a wonderful history and all are honorable. Each house determines the classes you're in, and who you go to classes with. Throughout the year, you will try to gain house points to win the House Cup. This is an important part of school-"

John nudged Noelle and muttered, "Told you."

"-and your lives here." Professor Sisney continued. "If you would get in the boats, we can head to the castle now. Four people per boat, please."

Luke, Noelle, John, and Samantha got into a boat. Noelle, naturally, sat in front of the boat like she was keeping a look out. She looked perfectly calm. Luke, however, was chewing off his nails, which he hadn't done since he was five years old. John was getting paler and paler, he looked rather sick. Samantha was pretending to read her book, but her eyes weren't moving. She couldn't read in this light either, anyway. When everyone had gotten into their boats, the boats started moving by themselves.

Luke thought the entire way to the castle that he might just puke over the side of the boat. But he couldn't bear the look on Noelle's face if he did that. Her words still echoed in his head. "And you want to be in the House of the Brave." He was going to keep his cool. But he could see that a kid in another boat actually did throw up. He closed his eyes and tried to keep all the sweets he'd eaten down.