The Eight Part Soul

Sorting Hat

We all went to the carriages. Harry was staring at something in awe and looking at it, I couldn't help saying it was majestic.

The dead looking horses, Thestrals... they are one of the animals in the Underworld and actually liked me. It's no difference with this batch who nickered at me and was neighing happily. No one noticed apparently except Harry.

"What are those?" Harry asked aloud to no one in particular.

"Thestrals," I answered quietly and Harry jumped at the sight of me. That has become second nature that I ignored it and continued, "They can only be seen by those who have seen death."

"Oh..." he said, nodding, "Your mother..." he said, gesturing to the horses. He can see those horses because of his parents and he assumed I could see them because of my mother.

My eyes became lifeless and I simply nodded.

"How... how did she die?" Harry asked.

If anything, my eyes became even more lifeless and the shadows cling to me.

"Lightning," I answered quietly, "If you don't mind, I don't like talking about it." Then I went into a carriage and the horses pulling nickered happily.

The rest filed in with Harry looking at me before looking away. I was more interested in the view.

'It's him, the Son of Hades.'

"Who's there?" I asked. They all looked at me peculiarly.

'No, it's us, sir. The Thestrals, speaking in your mind. We are honored by your presence.'

'Thank you,' I said, mollified, in my mind.

"What did you hear?" Hermione asked.

"Nah, just the wind," I said.

When the castle came into view, I was awestruck. It was certainly beautiful, Annabeth would be jealous that I could see such a sight.

I decided to take a picture and took the phone to snap one but it started buzzing.

Hermione noticed this, and said, "Technology doesn't work in Hogwarts. There's too much magic in the air."

"Dang," I said. And there goes the convenience of texting.

"What did you want to do, anyway?" Hermione asked.

"I wanted to send a picture of this to my friend. She loves architecture," I said.

Hermione nodded, "Alright, I can get a picture if you want."

"How? You said tech doesn't work," I said.

"Tech doesn't include an old fashioned camera," she said.

"Thanks," I said.

"Look," Harry said, pointing to some hut, "Hagrid's really not here."

"Don't worry, mate," Ron said, "He's just busy, alright?" He gave a sideway glance at me.

I went out first and the horses were all over me. One of the animals who actually liked me and I petted one. It neighed with happiness. Everyone looked at me weirdly.

Then, we were all over the threshold and I was grouped with the first-years waiting to be Sorted.

Everyone was looking at me like an oddity but I was able to blend in the shadows even with the darning robe. I reminded myself to ditch it as much as I can. At least it's only school hours.

"It's time for the Sorting. If you'll follow me..." a regal looking professor said.

We all trooped under her and was in something called the Great Hall.