The Big Four and The Prophecy (Book 1)

4 - The Sorting Hat

The Sorting Hat

JACK

A voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."

The train slowed right down and finally stopped. People pushed their way toward the door and out on to a tiny, dark platform. Jack shivered in the cold night air and heard a familiar voice: "Firs' years! Firs' years over here! Aye, Jackson! Alright there?"

"Yeah," Jack said, delighted to see him, although still fairly amazed by his new surroundings.

"I see you've met Hiccup."

"Yup, he's cool."

"Uh, Gobber, where would Jackson go?" Jack flinched at the name, no one calls him that except by an enraged mrs. Frost, "Will he be joining the first years or the carriages?"

"In fact, you can accompany Jackson in the boats, he needs to be sorted anyway," said Gobber.

"Wouldn't that be violating any rules?" Hiccup asked.

"Goodness no, besides North would understand. Don't worry."

Slipping and stumbling, they followed Gobber down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path. Nobody spoke much. "Ye' all get yer first sight of Hogwarts in a sec," Gobber called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend 'ere."

There was a loud "Oooooh!" from the first years, and in Hiccup's astonishment, from Jack too.

The narrow path had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers. By the shore were a row of boats lined up, "No more than four in the boats!" He then turned to the two, "You two can ride with me."

As all of them were in, Gobber yelled something that made the boats automatically move. It went gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone had their mouths open, staring up at the Castle before them.

"Heads down!" yelled Gobber as the first boats reached the cliff; they all bent their heads and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle. They reached a kind of underground harbor, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles.

They all went off of their boats and followed Gobber to a huge oak front door. He knocked three times on the castle door.

"Huh, never imagined myself standing here for the second time." Hiccup whispered in Jack's ear bringing a small shiver down his spine, it was a bit chilly after all.

The door swung open at once. A small, black-haired witch (with streaks of blue, green and purple) in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and although she was small, Jack's first impression of her was that she was not someone to cross.

"The first years, Professor Toothiana. And also, Jackson Frost and Hiccup."

"Hiccup, what're you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the Great Hall?" Said the professor.

"I am, professor Tooth, but I think it would be nice to accompany Jackson since he's new. I'll be joining my house 'til we get up there."

"Very well," she then turned to Jack, "It's a pleasure to have finally meet you Jackson. I'm the headmistress, Professor Toothiana." That was weird. What's so pleasurable about meeting him? Jack was still as confused as a puppy. Questions were swimming in his mind, causing a terrible headache.