Double Trouble

A House Divided

"First years this way!" A large shadow held a lamp and gestured towards a lake. " Four students to a boat." I looked around for Raine, but I couldn't see her anywhere, so I decided to hop into the closest boat and hope that I could find her on the other side. Before I could even process what was happening, the large figure climbed into my boat. "Er i hope yer don mind me sharin yer boat." He said with a chuckle. "I'm 'agrid, keeper o' keys an grounds at 'ogwarts" he said as the boat barely managed not to flip over. Not going to lie, as friendly as "'agrid" seems, he's a little intimidating. I mean what else are you supposed to think of someone who is nearly twice your size? I really wish Raine was here, I guess it's my luck to make friends with third years...

The boats started across the lake, and I'll admit, Hogwarts was much more magical than I expected. The way the windows were lit up, they reflected all across the lake, and I couldn't help but feel like I was at home. As the boats reached the shore of the lake, we all hurried up to the castle, and started a long walk up a few flights of stairs. (That a little bit of an under exaggeration.) Are we seriously going to have to climb these everyday?

"Laney? Is that you?" I turned to see Raine behind me. "I've been looking for you everywhere!" She said slightly out of breath.

"I tried to find you at the boats, but I got lost in the crowd." I said shrugging.

"I'm so nervous..." She sighed. "What if we get put in Slytherin..."

"Hey at least you don't have to go first!" I slapped her arm laughing. "Besides if either of us get put in Slytherin, it would be you." I said sticking my tongue at her.

"Hey, you're the one who put purple hair dye in Uncle Lupins shampoo bottle, you're definitely the evil twin!" We both laughed

"You have to admit that was extremely funny!"

"Quiet down everyone!" A stern voice echoed from the front. I looked up to see a older woman wearing spectacles, and a pointy hat. "Welcome to Hogwarts. Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Now, while you are here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points. Any rule breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup"

"I really hope we don't get separated." Raine and I said at the same time. We looked at each other. Then a boy pushed past us yelling about some toad he had lost.

"He needs to watch where he's going, he could kill someone." Raine said her eyes wide as she stared at the path the kid had created.

"The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily." The lady said retreating into the hall.

"Do you think we will be separated?" I heard Raine ask someone to the right of her. I spaced out. At this point I only know people in Gryffindor. So I know I'll fit in there, but I suppose I'd do okay in any house. Most people don't know this about me, but I have anxiety about being in front of people, and not knowing what will happen, so this is a big deal for me, although, most people can't tell, because I hide it fairly well... Or at least I think i do... I was pulled from my thoughts as the doors to the great hall opened.

"We are ready for you." We all sheepishly entered the great hall, as the returning students stared at us, and we mumbled to one another about what was going on.

"Laney!" I heard Raine whisper behind me. She rushed to me and linked her arm in mine. We came to a halt.

"All right, will you wait along here, please? Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbldedore would like to say a few words." The lady said as a very happy looking man stood up from the table, and began to speak.

"I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce. The first years please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to.... Annnnnd that's where is zoned out. Rules, rules, and more rules. "Thank you." He said taking his place at the long table.

"Now, when I call your name, you will come forth, I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses." She began to call out names, alphabetical by last name, meaning that Raine and I would be going soon. Some kids weren't scared to walk up there at all, and others you could just tell that they were terrified. "Black, Laney."

Oh jeez, here goes nothing... I started my ascent to the stool. The room went silent as my last name was heard, and multiple people started to whisper. I'm knew some of them know about my dad, but I didn't realize this many did. As my thoughts disappeared, the sorting hat was placed on my head, and it immediately began to talk. "Ooh you're just a nice puzzle piece, aren't you?" What's that supposed to mean? " It means you've got lots of pieces to your personality, and I've just got to figure out which ones are your strongest." He paused. " You're definitely brave, in ways not like most." He paused again. "And with your bloodline in Slytherin, you've definitely got what it takes to fit in there." Oh not Slytherin, my dad wasn't sorted there for a reason. " Also very smart, but not one to conform to rules." My face turned bright red. " It's all here, now where should I put you..." As long as it's not Slytherin, I'm fine with any of the houses. " You seem like a..... GRYFFINDOR!" It yelled, signaling it was Raines turn. I hope she gets the house that she wants. The Gryffindor table cheered, causing my hair to turn red and gold.

"Laney! Over here!" Fred and George yelled from the end of the table. " Maybe if we're lucky, your sister will be sorted into Gryffindor too." They said in unison.

"I hope...." I sighed. Raine and I are literal opposites, so if the hat really goes off personality, then those chances are slim. As time ticked on, the hat suddenly perked up, and yelled. The Ravenclaw table cheered, and Raine made her way to the other side of the room. I was quiet.