A Tragic Procession

The sorting hat

Grace's p.o.v-
  Still patiently waiting outside I can hear the sounds of what I'm guessing is the choir sing. After the song had ended I heard a round of applause before hearing "Welcome, Welcome to another year at hogwarts." I could recognise the voice of Dumbledore as he spoke loud and clearly.

"Now I'd like to say a few words, before we all become to befuddled by our excellent feast, firstly I'd like to welcome professor R J Lupin who's kindly consented to fill the post of defence against the dark arts teacher, good luck professor" another loud round of applause was heard.

I zoned out for a few minutes but quickly regained focus again on Dumbledores speech "teacher has chosen to retire this year in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs-" what the fuck is that meant to mean? I asked myself quickly. "Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own Rubius Hagrid" I heard a larger applause this time and then the sound of falling glasses following in more applause and I swear I could hear Hermione cheering, I giggled softly to myself.

"On a more prescribing note I've had a request from the ministry of magic, hogwarts will until further notice play host to the dementors of Azkaban until Sirius Black is captured." I heard my parents mention Sirius black once he isn't a death eater though so I don't know how he ended up in Azkaban. "The dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the ground and whilst I've been assured that their presence will not disrupt our day to day activities, a word of caution; dementors are vicious creatures, they will not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one that gets in their way therefore I must warn each and every one of you give them no reason to harm you, it is not in the nature of a dementor to be forgiving..." I sucked in a breath as I remembered the thick black cloak and the eerie cold feeling of being in the presence of a dementor. "But you know happiness can be found even in the darkest times, when only remembers to turn on the light." I think Dumbledore had finished his speech which meant he had to introduce me next. I quickly changed my attitude from nervous to a cold stare and hopefully no one could read my emotions.

"Finally, I'm guessing most of you are wondering who the stranger was who rode the train with you this morning." I heard most people hold their breath and I slowly got closer to the door. I looked into the room to see four tables which I'm guessing are for the fours houses, everyone was looking at Dumbledore.

I could see the sorting hat and the stool at the front of the hall. "Well in that case may I please introduce Miss. Grace Jenkins" Dumbledore spoke slowly and motioned his arm towards me and I immediately began walking down the hallway finally reaching the end keeping my eyes on the floor the whole way.

People gasped when they looked at me I wouldn't blame them I'm not and average witch, I have a side shave and headphones stuck around my neck. "Of course, Grace was meant to begin as a student here the same age as you but couldn't because of certain circumstances so she needs to be sorted into her house now, just the same as all of you did. Professor McGonagall if you would please" my eyes were glued to the floor as I heard heels reach closer to me causing me to turn around to face the stool.

The woman who I am assuming is professor McGonagall motioned for me to sit as she picked up the hat I smiled wearily at her and sat down. I finally looked up at the crowd and met 4 different eyes, Hermione, Harry and Rona eyes made me feel relived meanwhile I met the gaze of Malfoy and I instantly felt scared for the result. I felt the hat being placed on my head and prepared myself for the roast of my life. "Hmmm.. Well another Jenkins here... Huh? Your not exactly like them are you? Originality... A lot of intelligence, extreme courage and determination but still patience and loyalty. You are still extremely cunning, resourcefulness and ambition. With some of your skills you could be greater than any of your ancestors.. But." The sorting hat suddenly stopped its sentence causing you to hold you breath. "Oh... I'm sorry for you, I think.." It was like the hat read her mind well it can probably do that. Under her breath Grace whispered "have mercy please?" And closed her eyes for the answer and to see if that one word meant she was going to die a lot sooner than she thought or live another day. "Slytherin!"

The hat shouted and you let out a breath you didn't realise you were holding in. As the hat was removed and the applause started and Malfoy was staring at me again and it made me uncomfortable. I walked over to the Slytherin table and most of the hall groaned but I could see from the corner of my eyes a smiling Harry, Ron and Hermione. She did well for them at least.