incantation ━━☆ a stucky au

Chapter Six: The Sorting Hat

The air was chilly enough to turn Steve's breath into a cloud, and his nose into ice. Along the water, the first years rowed their way to Hogwarts, being very careful not to capsize their tiny boats during their journey. From looking at it alone, Steve could tell that the moat surrounding Hogwarts was bitterly cold, and just the slightest bit of it would sent Steve into an uncontrollable shiver. He desperately tried his best to keep warm, pulling the robe tighter around his body and shuffling closer to Shuri.

Once the students had disembarked their boats, Shuri shyly turned to Steve and gave him a smile. She had her fists tightly stuffed in the robes pockets, as did Steve, and he cottoned on to the fact that she was grateful for the warmth they'd shared. Steve's teeth began to chatter away as they climbed the steep staircase concealed within the rocks, on the edge of the island where Hogwarts sat. His inhaler felt heavy in his left robe pocket, warning him that if he didn't take the stairs at a slower pace he would have to use it. That was the last thing he wanted; to be known as the kid with numerous health issues. For the first half of his life, Steve had been treated like glass. He hated it.

It wasn't easy, but Steve managed to climb the gruelling staircase without a single puff from his inhaler. He grinned to himself as they entered the castle, massive archways inviting them in. Long corridors guiding them, lit with lamps that adorned the brick walls. The flames danced around the hall, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Steve already felt at home.

The trio, after their lengthy and exhausting day, could barely lift their legs to climb yet another staircase. Possibly, the guides took pity on them, as this seemed to be one of the last legs of their days journey. They all audibly sighed in relief.

"Welcome, first years! I'm sure many of you were previously educated about Hogwarts and the world of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Some of you not," the woman stood atop the staircase announced, her eyes falling on a few students including Steve. "Each of you will be sorted into a house. In these houses you will win points, and be in the running for the House Cup." A round of applause caused the woman to stop, and she took the time to adjust her pointed black hat. "The houses consist of Gryffindor, house of the courageous, chivalrous, and brave. Ravenclaw, the house of the clever, creative, and wise. Hufflepuff, home to the dedicated, hardworking, and loyal. And finally, Slytherin, the house of the resourceful, ambitious, and cunning."

A round of applause engulfed the students, whistles and cheers of the hopeful first years making Steve wince at the volume. From the traits that the woman had announced, Steve wished to be placed in Gryffindor. Though, didn't everyone? It would be a wonderful thing to be considered brave and courageous,  Steve pondered. The witch atop the staircase guided them through large doors, that slowly creaked open to welcome them inside. Steve couldn't believe his eyes; he'd never seen anything like it. 

The great hall was enormous, and four long dark wood tables stretched out all the way to the front of the hall. Hundreds could be seated in here; on each sides of the tables were bench seats that ran the entire length. Steve could feel those hundreds of eyes boring through his body, and suddenly he felt incredibly small. Students of all years sniggered at the crowd of first years, dawdling down the pathway between tables, taking everything in. Steve looked in amazement above, as candles appeared to be floating before a dazzling galaxy of stars and planets. Bucky leant over and whispered into Steve's ear, that it was just an illusion, but Steve couldn't care less. Second to his acceptance letter, it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen.

They stood before a row of professors, who each introduced themselves to the first years. Steve already knew of the principal, Albus Dumbledore, who stood tall and was dressed in a grey robe. He had a long, white beard and a pointed hat, as did the woman that described the Hogwarts houses and traits. Her name was Professor McGonagall, and Steve remembered her signature scrawled at the bottom of his acceptance letter. Next introduced was Bruce Banner, the Potions professor. He gave a genuine, beaming smile to the first years, and Steve immediately liked him. The Charms professor introduced herself as Gamora, and just Gamora was all she was known as. Steve heard chatter that her name consisted of five words, so his poor memory silently thanked her for just sticking to one. She was beautiful, with black to red ombred hair, and she had a light green tinge to her skin. Steve did think it was odd, though he had just found out the ridiculous truth that he was a wizard, so it hardly phased him.

Next to introduce themselves were the professors of Astronomy and Transfiguration. The Astronomy teacher, Tony Stark,  had a distinctive facial hair style. He had a mustache and a sleek, styled goatee, which made him look very smart and attractive. Stephen Strange announced himself as the Transfiguration professor, and oddly enough his appearance was similar to that of Tony Stark's. His cheekbones however, sat very high and gave him a chiseled look.

Peggy Carter was Hogwarts' Herbology professor. Her dark brown hair framed her face in ringlets, falling at a long bob. She was beautiful, which was emphasised by her light makeup, her red lipstick made her look fierce. Steve would be lying if he said he didn't have a boy crush on the professor. The last to announce their position was Loki Laufeyson, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. His long black hair was slicked back, and his skin was porcelain, both giving him a striking contrast in appearance. The way Loki smiled at his students made Steve shudder, and to his surprise he felt Bucky do the same. 

Professor McGonagall held a pointed hat close. It looked very torn, the fabric a mixture of what looked like suede and leather. It's patched with a burlap material, and frayed on the seams. There was a tear along the brim. The professor announced that the hat would sort each student into whichever house seemed fitting. Nerves crept up through Steve's body, his anxiety making him shiver as he watched a few dozen students get sorted into different houses. 

Steve watched as Shuri confidently took her place in Hufflepuff, the Sorting Hat wasting no time in placement. The moment the hat touched her head, she was immediately sorted. Shuri beamed, proud to become a member of the house she desired.

Steve and Bucky began to shift on their feet; their aching bodies paying the price for not being the first dozen chosen. The hat was taking its time with most of the students, choosing to be very indecisive. Or maybe, these students were hard to read; too complex for even the enchanted Sorting Hat to decide with ease. As Steve began to get lost in thought, a familiar name was announced.

Bucky hid his trembling hands deep inside his robe pockets, looking visibly tense. The hat debated with itself for a good few minutes, mentioning different traits that Bucky posessed, darting back and forth between decisions. Finally, the hat decided on Ravenclaw, and Bucky's shoulders fell with relief that he wasn't placed in Slytherin, earning a chuckle from the hat as it was removed.

When the professor called Steve's name, he froze for a moment, toying with the idea of escaping his fate. Though, Steve couldn't deny that he was incredibly curious. What house would the hat choose for him?

Slowly but surely, Steve ascended the few stairs to the podium where a single chair sat. He cautiously lowered himself down, taking a seat, feeling professor McGonagall's presence to his right. The hat was weighty, the pressure surprising Steve as it was lowered onto his head. It vibrated as the enchanted hat spoke, which made Steve gasp ever so slightly.

"Ah, hmm, yes. A difficult one, I feel," the hat pondered. "I feel that this one is a leader, a very strong leader indeed. He is determined, a tad stubborn; will never back down from a fight. One might say courageous, another brave-" The hat paused after hearing Steve whisper Ravenclaw repetitively, hoping to be sorted alongside Bucky. 

"Ravenclaw? My, you are not a Ravenclaw," the hat scoffed. "I have no doubt that you, Steve Rogers, are a Slytherin!"