Sage LeClair

Chap.13

 "Ravenclaw!"

I stood up, a million thoughts racing through my head. I worried about Mother and Father, what they would think of me when they found out that I wasn't in Slytherin. Then again, did I really want to be in Slytherin? NO I decided was my answer. I made my way towards the cheering table, and John greeted me, pulling me into a hug when I reached the table. I sat down next to him as the name continued until we heard.

"Noterli, Quinn!"

Quinn slowly walked, keeping her head bowed, and plopped down onto the stool. The hat was placed on her head, and Quinn's eyes scrunched up. It was at least 3 minutes when...

"Ravenclaw!"

My mouth flew open, cheering so loudly I felt like my throat was on fire. I was so excited that we would all be in the same house! I pulled her into a hug. and John pulled all three of us into a big one. Quinn's face was smiling, and it was genuine and beautiful. And then for the first time ever, I heard her voice. 

It was soft and comforting, like after you've just dried your fluffy blanket in the the winter, and it comes out all warm and soft, and you just want to snuggle with it for hours. I think that moment was when we truly became friends.

"I'm so happy." she said grinning. "I thought I was going to be put in Slytherin. Thank goodness I wasn't. I don't like the feel of that house." she finished, looking at them and shuddering. "I'm sorry Iv'e been so quiet. I don't do well with new people,and I'm more of a listener. So...hi I guess."

"It's okay Quinn," I remarked." You be you in front of us. I wouldn't want to be friends with someone who doesn't act like their true self."

Her olive skin seemed to glow with joy, and her hazel eyes lit up. She looked so happy, and pulled me into another hug. We all sat down and the names continued on. We cheered when someone was Sorted with us, and clapped for the others. By the end, I felt my stomach growling and hoped that there would be food soon. 

Then, after"Zabini, Baise" became a Slytherin, the sorting was over. Professor McGonagall had rolled up the long parchment, and taken the sorting hat with her. I watched as a silver-haired man with half-moon glasses rose, and was smiling at the hall, his arms wide, welcoming them. 

"Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Be fore we begin our banquet (My stomach growled) , I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"

He sat down. I was thoroughly confused, but I just leaned over, wanting to hear Quinn's voice again, and said, 

"DO you know who that is?"

"Oh, that's Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster. He's a bit odd I hear, but, I guess you get used to it."

"OK"

Then food appeared everywhere. My jaw dropped, staring at it all, as I took some of everything. There were about a million different types of food on the table, I couldn't possibly list them all. I ate as much as I could, and finally I was full. Nobody at our table talked much, we just ate, where as the Gryffindor table seemed to be trying to eat and talk at the some time, food still being chewed while they spoke. The Hufflepuffs were all just talking, sometimes biting  when they were listening. The Slytherins, like us, just ate, no much chat happening. Then came desserts, and after the desserts disappeared, Dumbledore rose again. 

"Ahem- Just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." His eyes flashed in the direction of the Gryffindor table." I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor and the right had side is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a very painful death. And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" 

His wand flicked and a long ribbon flew out and twisted itself, making words. "Everyone pick their favourite tune, and off we go!" 

I just tried to sing along with everyone else, as we sang.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we are old and bald,

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we forgot,

Just do your best, we'll learn the rest,

Until our brains all rot."