Extraordinary (Sign it Series; BOOK 2)

Chapter 15

Merlin's Beard, that was morbid. signed Maddy, her lips pursed tightly together. I'm going to fight in this war like there is no tomorrow.

Simon narrowed his eyes, "Is it normally morbid?"

Maddy shook her head, before putting her finger to her lips, and pointing at McGonagall.

"Abercrombie, Euan."

A terrified boy with prominent ears stepped forward. "GRYFFINDOR!"

Maddy's eye caught Fred's, who was clapping politely to Euan. Maddy noticed her rucksack on the bench next to him. He gave her a thumbs up, which she returned.

Maddy couldn't tell whether she was nervous or not, but her anticipation and excitement was making her almost deaf. She could sort of hear McGonagall and the hat droning on, but she couldn't hear coherent words. Her ears were filled with the beating of her own heart. She was almost exactly in the middle of the alphabet, and felt that the clump she was standing in was slowly diminishing.

"Lomen, Simon"

Maddy was surprised she heard his name, but elbowed him. He gave her a queasy smile, and slowly made his way up to the stool, his different coloured eyes shut tight.

Maddy wasn't sure how long he was there. It felt like forever to Maddy. Maddy strongly suspected it was one of the longest sortings of the night.

Simon was biting his bottom lip, tears silently slipping down his face. Maddy's face hardened as she noticed Simon wiping his eyes. He nodded, and Maddy wasn't sure if it was to himself or the hat. "GRYFFINDOR!"

Simon gave a sad smile, as if uncertain, but took off the hat, and placed it on the stool, taking a seat next to George.

"Lupin, Madeline"

Unlike most of the others, who walked slowly up, as if questioning, Maddy skipped up, all feelings forgotten. She flashed McGonagall a smirk.

The hat was placed on her wet ponytail, and Maddy cursed in her mind as a trickle of water fell down her face.

Very colourful thoughts, Madeline.

Maddy nearly jumped out of her skins, letting out a string of words that would make her father take away her broom for a long time. I didn't realise you could hear me.

That takes out Ravenclaw. joked the hat. I read thoughts, Madeline. You don't need to talk for you to think.

Should I be offended?

No. You're smart, but more booksmart. Ravenclaws are witty and creative, and I can safely say you lack both qualities. While we are at it, I don't think you'd make a good Slytherin either. You lack ambition, most of your memories are you acting spontaneous. Like this memory of you almost fighting Sir Cadogan.

I forgot about that! Maddy chuckled. I should go find him. Do you know where his portrait usually is?

Listen, Madeline. Truth is, you're a Gryffindor through and through. Not because you're a quote on quote good guy. Every house has good people. You heard my song?

Yeah. If you knew I was a Gryffindor, then why am I still here? Maddy went to stand up, getting some odd looks from around the hall.

A warning.

Maddy plopped back down. A warning?

We are falling into a bad time, not everyone's as innocent as they look. Be careful, and trust only those you'd give your life for. And don't go getting into fights you can't handle.