Optionless with Draco Malfoy

2. The Sorting

Juliette

The Sorting Hat began its poem about Hogwarts. After it finished, everyone in the Great Hall began to clap. Students were called up one by one and sat on a stool where the Sorting Hat would place them into one of the four houses based on their characteristics and how well they portrayed them. I felt so nervous, and focused on the Sorting Hat, that I blocked out all of the noise from students. I was thinking of a way to not be sorted into Slytherin but worried about what my parents would think. 

Professor McGonagall called the name, "Draco Malfoy," I watched as the hat was inches of being on top of his head, but before it even was put on, it yelled, "SLYTHERIN," everyone from the Slytherin table cheered gleefully and pumped their fists into the air.

Ron was next, the Sorting Hat took a few seconds to mumble something and placed him in Gryffindor. Then, he was followed by Hermione who I thought would be placed in Ravenclaw, but instead, Gryffindor as well.

Harry Potter was called and the Hat took a while to place him into a house. After a long moment, it yelled, "GRYFFINDOR," the Gryffindors began cheering him on, even some professors clapping as well.

A few more students were sorted until Professor McGonagall called my name, "Juliette Trails," I could feel my heart beating out of my chest as I stumbled towards her.

I sat down on the chair, and I could hear the Sorting Hat's voice, "Smart, just like your parents, could succeed in Ravenclaw, needless to say, there's not much for Hufflepuff... hmm, I can see you loathe for Slytherin, but my dear, you must know you can become a great witch there. Bravery doesn't just come from Gryffindor. I've sorted many into Slytherin just like you, who had strong ambition, which led to bravery."

The Sorting Hat made a few noises and paused, "Seems like you really do want to be a Gryffindor. Well, let's see... bravery is key and is something you'll learn on the way from Slytherin! You'll fit in just fine in, it's all in your head, dear. Trust me. SLYTHERIN," the Hat roared to the students.

I smiled, feeling somewhat relieved, but also a wave of sadness. Of course, I wanted to make my parents proud, and then and so many other people who I've spoken to have expected me to be in Slytherin. My entire family line has been Slytherin. However, I do want to follow my own path, and maybe they didn't feel it, but I feel this desire to be in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. It's probably for the better that I'm in Slytherin. This way, my parents will be proud of me.

I looked up to see the entire Slytherin table standing up and cheering me on. I saw Malfoy gesturing me to come sit with him. There were few seats, so I took one a couple of spots away from him. As the headmaster spoke, I thought of what would've happened if I was placed in Gryffindor. I'd be beside Harry and Ron, the three of us glad to be in the same house as each other.

The Prefects led us to our common room and I ended up sharing a dorm with two girls, Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode. I unpacked, but realized that I decided to choose a room with the two most annoying, snobby, girls among the first years. They are literally female replicas of Draco Malfoy it is disgusting.

I couldn't fall asleep as I thought about how long this year might be. Maybe I could pick out a few positives to being a Slytherin?