Sage LeClair

Chap. 12

       We sat in the room for a few minutes until I heard screams. My head whipped around looking for where they had come from. About twenty or so ghosts had just entered the room through the back wall. They were pale white and transparent, they glided, barely noticing the screamers, the gaspers, or frankly any of the first years at all. They were arguing about something, that I couldn't quite make out. Then a ghost wearing a ruff and tights suddenly noticed us. "My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not really even a ghost- I say, what are you all doing here?"

Not a single sound slipped out of anyone's mouth.

"New students! About to be Sorted, I suppose?" said the Fat Friar, a smile gleaming on his face.

A few people, including me, nodded in silence.

"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" My old house you know" said the Friar, exiting the room with the other ghosts.

"Move along now" said a loud voice as the ghosts filtered out of the room. I looked and saw that Professor McGonagall had returned. I felt my legs shaking. It was time to be Sorted, whatever that meant. I looked over at Quinn and John who were also looking quite nervous, as McGonagall said something that I couldn't hear. Everything seemed mute as I was pushed along into a line. Quinn had taken my hand, and John was trailing along behind us. From there on I don't remember what happened. The next thing I knew I saw a hat sat on a podium. I glanced around seeing that I was in a large room, with a ceiling that looked like the real sky. There were four long tables and they were all set with glittering silverware and plates and bowls of all shapes and sizes, but there was no food on them. I spotted the hat, and so did others, murmurs breaking out among the first years.

The hat had many patches, of different styles, patterns, and conditions. Some were fraying around the edges, and the colour was fading, whereas others seemed like they could've been sewn on yesterday. The hat had many stains, and looked filthy, but now, as I noticed, everyone was staring at the hat woth a look of expectation.

And then, she noticed a large rip near the brim. It opened up wide, mouth-like, and a song flew out.

"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge 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;