The Halfwolf (Year 1)

The Sorting

The boys slowly maneuvered their way along the platform toward the far end, where they heard a loud booming voice over the crowd.

"Firs' years this way!" Hagrid. Teddy had met him once or twice, and he was extremely hard to forget. He could be seen at the end of the platform, towering over the group of first years at his feet. Teddy grabbed Matt's robe sleeve and drug him along to where Hagrid stood. Teddy was a bit taller than most of the others in his year, and his teal and blonde hair stood out vividly against the darkened crowd. Hagrid smiled down at him as they pushed their way forward.

"Hello there, Little Lupin. Nice ter see ya again," Hagrid said quietly. Teddy grinned up at the burley looking man. When the last of the first years got to the end of the platform, Hagrid led them down the path to the little boats below. They were sat four to a boat. Teddy and Matt sat with two scared looking girls, one with dark brown hair and brown eyes named Erin and a red head named Becca. The boys stared in awe at the castle looming in front of them as they got closer. When the boats docked under the castle, they were led up the stairs into a wide hallway, and onto another set of stairs. A large set of doors stood closed in front of them. They were instructed to stay put. Teddy looked around at his classmates, trying to see if anyone he knew stood out to him. No one seemed familiar. Matt was trembling beside him, so Teddy nudged his shoulder gently. When he looked up, Teddy gave him a small smile to help reassure him. He smiled back weakly and continued to look around at everyone surrounding them. After a few minutes, a short, round woman with graying hair appeared at the top of the stairs. Silence fell over the first years.

"Good evening. I am Professor Sprout, deputy headmistress here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In a few moments, I will lead you through these doors and into the Great Hall to be sorted into your houses. The house you are sorted into will be like your family over your time here at Hogwarts. The houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each house represents a set of unique traits, which their students show themselves. I, being head of Hufflepuff house, welcome each of you and look forward to seeing your journey." Teddy smiled. Professor Sprout seemed extremely kind and honest. He looked forward to having her as a professor during the year, whatever it is she taught.

"The sorting ceremony is about to begin. Please follow me." Professor Sprout turned and started towards the giant doors. The first years followed after her, eyes darting around. The doors opened and revealed the Great Hall, with its four massive house tables lining the floor side by side. The staff table stood at the top of the hall, where all of the teachers could be seen. Teddy followed a little behind Professor Sprout, still clutching Matt's sleeve in his hand, dragging him along. She stopped them at the bottom of the steps that led to the staff table and walked off to the side. She picked up an old three-legged stool and a disheveled looking hat. She sat the hat upon the stool and it's wide brim split open and it began to sing. Teddy, choosing not to listen to the song, was instead scanning the staff table. He was curious about the teachers until his eyes met a pair of brilliant green ones and his mouth hung open. There, next to the headmistress, sat his godfather.

"Uhhhhh Teddy? Are you ok?" Matt nudged his side, seeing the look on Teddy's face, unsure if it was horror or shock. Teddy snapped his head to face Matt, then jerked his head to the side, indicating the staff table. Matt followed his motion, but was unsure why he looked so stunned. They were teachers, he didn't know any of them. Clearly, however, Teddy did. Matt was just about to ask him again when Professor Sprout started speaking.

"When I call your name, you will come forward and sit upon the stool. I will then place the sorting hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses. Matthew Castor!" Matt's eyes widened, and he nervously shuffled forward. He turned to look at Teddy, who smiled broadly at him. He walked up and sat on the stool, and she plopped the hat onto his head, which promptly covered the small boy's eyes. He sat for a few seconds until the hat came to a decision.