Flames ( HP Fire Series #1)

5. The Sorting

Autumn's p.o.v.

Beauxbatons was amazing! Awesome! Wizard! The pastel pink castle with its magnificent turrets stood proudly and strikingly against the tranquil background. The trees and hills stood majestically around the castle, giving the air a sweet scent. "This is definitely smashing." Rose whispered, in awe with the beauty. As we entered the protective barrier of the castle, I sensed a great deal of magic running through my body. The barrier must be ancient and yes, unbreakable. "First years, follow me!" Professor Gemini shouted over the crowd, giving me a slight wink.

"Come on, Rose. Let's get ourselves sorted." We formed a line and trotted into the Great Hall. 

Chandeliers and candles surrounded the tables, giving the Hall a soft warm glow. The three house tables, Bellefuerille, Ombrelune and Papillonnisse formed a semicircle, facing the teacher's table. 

"When I call out your name, please take this quiver and shoot. The colour of the sparks will determine our house. Allison, Will."

The small boy stumbled and clumsily picked the quiver up. Blindly, he shot towards goodness knows where and I snickered. Without warning, the arrow whistled towards my face and I acted out of instincts. With a burst of light, I summoned a protective shield so strong that the the air tingled with electricity and power. Under the gasps of the students, the arrow bounced off my shield harmlessly and burst into sparks of grey. Still stunned, the Ombrelune table burst out with applause as Rose stared at me. "Since when did you learn wandless magic?" I shrugged nonchalantly. "It was nothing." I murmured, well aware that the whole hall was eyeing me with interest. 

After a few more names, Professor Gemini called. "Evans, Rosalil." I squeezed her hand and smiled encouragingly. Taking a deep breath, Rose shot the arrow with perfect balance and a shower of green sparks made me so happy for my friend. Winking at her, I stepped forward as my name was called.

The hall went silent. "So, this is that girl whose magic is so powerful yeah?" "Wandless magic..." "A shield so strong, even I can't conjure with a wand..." Ignoring the whipers, I launched the arrow. There were small sparks of grey and purple, and I started to panic. What if I wasn't sorted into Bellefuerille? Then, great flares of green that were so blinding lighted up the hall and the chandeliers shattered. Blimey, I was really prone of causing mayhem and wrecking havoc. I sighed with relief. After the debris cleared, I saw mainly looks of shock on the faces of the professors while the headmistress, Madame Maxime looked impressed and amused. Waving her wand, everything returned to normal and the Sorting continued.

"Really, Autumn. I can't think of what you're going to do next." Rose voiced, half amused, half admiring. "To be honest, I was really starting to panic when I saw the small sparks." I admitted. "You're basically a legend! No one has ever seen the arrow so confused before!" At last, food, no wait, PLATES?! Bloody hell, empty plates appeared in front of us. Confused, Rose and I shared a look. Really, I'm so hungryyy! "Where's the food? I'm starving!" I whined loudly.

"Seriously, just say what you want!" A third year looked at us strangely and we finally understood. "Umm, let's see, spaghetti with meatballs." I ordered. A plate of steaming spaghetti appeared as I stuffed my mouth with food. This is just so cool! 

Rose and I had second helpings until we were full to the point of bursting. Then, the plates disappeared. The headmistress, Madame Maxime stood up and silence graced the hall. "Welcome to another year at Beauxbatons. I have a feeling that this year's going to be interesting." She caught my eye and I blushed. "I'm not going to say much more, enjoy your beauty sleep!" She gestured to the doors and the students rushed out. 

Rose's p.o.v.

Autumn's Sorting was, well, unique, I could say. I've got feeling that she is be really powerful for someone so young. Her metamorphmagus powers, wandless magic... I kinda wonder what she will do next. The most amazing part was that her arrow sparked the colours of all three houses before deciding that she's best fitted in Bellefuerille. I can't believe it! I've read in 'Beauxbaton's History' that the arrow will usually emit sparks of only one colour. She will be a legend, I thought. 

I zoned out a bit during the headmistress' speech but was brought back to reality by the last words of her. 

"Enjoy your beauty sleep!" She gestured to the doors. Prefects tried to order the students in line but failed miserably. Dozens of students trampled here and there as Autumn and I were swept outside along with the crowd. The headmistress seemed amused but didn't comment while a stern-faced professor who conducted the Sorting just now looked disapprovingly at the students. I quite liked the headmistress.

Autumn's p.o.v.

"Madame Maxime seems nice." Rose commented. "Uh huh, but we have more serious issues to face." I mumbled. "And that is?" Rose frowned in confusion.

"We're seriously lost! Where are we going to sleep tonight?" True enough, the students dispersed so quickly that we accidentally wandered off by ourselves.

"Great. We're lost. What fun." She said sarcastically.

"Wait Rose. I know! Let's explore the castle tonight! We might even accidentally find our common room." I exclaimed excitedly. "I don't know...we might be expelled..." 

"Come on! I thought you were more fun!" I pouted. "Alright alright." She surrendered. "Yay! You're the best!" I skipped happily, pulling her through the corridors. It was amazing! Great marble walls with magnificent staircases that are constantly transforming was so cool! We sneaked through the passages and were examining a statue when we heard footsteps. "Quick! Hide!" I hissed to Rose. Being a metamorphmagus, I switched my body to morph with the colours of the surroundings. I was practically invisible. "You are so dead, Autumn Rivers." Rose grumbled. Hearing the footsteps coming nearer and nearer, I desperately called for Blaze. A warm, musical chirp answered me and Blaze my phoenix materialised in front of us. "Quick! Grab on his tail!" Rose nodded, obviously in a panic and both of us disappeared in a flash. 

"That was so close!" Rose panted. "It was definitely fun!" I exclaimed, stroking Blaze who perched on my night stand. "He was so intelligent! He took us straight to our dorms!" Rose tried to stroke Blaze but had her fingers scorched instead. "That's just unfair." She pouted. "Yeah yeah, he's amazing!" I murmured sleepily. "Night Rose." 

"Night Autumn."

I lovingly petted Blaze again before tumbling into bed, eager for tomorrow.