Ghost Child (^Harry Potter OC Story^)

Chapter 3

It seemed like ten kids took forever. But once everyone else was gone, McGonagall looked down at the parchment.

"Talitha Hudson," McGonagall called out as Talitha went up the stairs. She sat down on the stool as Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head.

Silence.

The sorting hat didn't say anything at first, then it started to mumble. "I see two of you. Kind, courageous, brave, loyal, trusting, and helpful. But there is another. Cunning, ambitious, resourceful, shrewd, powerful, and determined. You seem to be the perfect combination of both Slytherin and Gryffindor traits. Plenty of courage I see, not a bad mind, either. Always wondering with ideas of the future and questions of the past. There's talent, oh yes tons of it, and a thirst to find yourself."

"But there's also one who counters all of this. A cold storm with determination to keep moving past the end. A mind with all the answers to the past and a shield for the future. A talent that has already been achieved; and fulfilled. Someone who knows who they are, and what they can do." The hat said as the entire room stayed silent.

"It's like two are fighting for dominance. Like the forces of lava and ice. But, there is..." The hat stopped talking. Everyone was quiet. Waiting, wondering, assessing. Some were confused as too what was happening, scratch that, most were confused. Even the teachers have never seen the hat be so quite before. Everyone was holding their breath. Only three could understand, only three weren't cold in the room.

Tabitha looked to Alastor who was standing in front of the hat. His eyes were glowing a sharp blue and he was looking directly towards the hat. "Hello, old friend." He said with a sadistic smile. The hat's eyes widened as the room became cold. But he wasn't as cold as the rest, there was a warmth around him.

It was coming from the girl. The hat was about to talk but, Alastor quickly floated forward. He pointed his ivory wand to the hat. His black hair in a ponytail slipped over his shoulder. "Ah ah ah. If you don't want to be pulled to threads, I recommend you don't speak." Alastor said as the sorting hat closed its mouth. Alastor backed away slightly with a smile. "Good."

"Now my request is a simple one," Alastor said placing the side of his wand to his lips. "Put her in Gryffindor," Alastor said glaring daggers towards the hat.

"She belongs in Slytherin." The hat said under her breath.

Alastor pointed his wand towards the hat as a blue glow appeared on the tip of it. "Think again." He said as Alastor's blue glow around him became brighter. He walked towards the hat taking large steps until he disappeared inside of it. The room's coldness went away as the hat winced slightly. Talitha smiled brightly as she looked up towards the hat.

The hat chuckled slightly. "Gryffindor!" It yelled out as the students from the Gryffindor table cheered Professor McGonagall removed the hat as Talitha went to join her fellow Gryffindors. Once she sat down, she looked to see Alastor appear out of the sorting hat. Of course, he had possessed it to say Gryffindor. The hat would never be able to tell the difference between the two, if Alastor hadn't told him his self.

Everyone started to talk to others as McGonagall dinged her spoon against a cup. "Your attention, please."

She called as Dumbledore stood up. "Let the feast...begin." He raised his hands as food magically appears on all the tables, and the hall is filled with awe and chatter.

"Wow!" Harry said astonished. Draco looks at all the food, raises his eyebrows and digs in. Ron stuffs his face as Talitha grabbed anything that looked good and placed it on her plate.

A tiny boy starts to speak. "I'm half and half. Me dad's a Muggle. Mam's a witch. Bit of a nasty shock for him when he found out." Neville laughs.

Harry is sitting next to Percy and Talitha. He leans over. "Say, Percy, who's that teacher talking to Professor Quirrell?" He questioned as Talitha looked to see Alastor floating behind all the teachers.