The 6th year

The Sorting Ceremony

DISCLAIMER: Although some characters are my own, most of them have been created by J.K. Rowlings. Everything regarding the wizarding world was also created by the author. This is only a fanfiction. If you notice some incoherent facts throughout the book, please let me know so that I can make this story as accurate as possible to the actual Harry Potter books. Enjoy!

The Great Hall was buzzing with activity. The students were all gathered around their houses' tables, exchanging stories about the summer that had just passed. The febrility was at its peak, so much so that only a few students noticed the first years entering the room. Alena Liston was one of them. She immediately noticed the look of fear on the faces of most students. Her thoughts wandered back to 6 years prior, when she was at their place. She could still remember how cold she was after crossing the lake by boat, her feet wet from all the water that had gotten into the boat. Her eyes softened at the sight of a little girl with flaming red hair trembling at the sight of Professor McGonagall holding the Sorting Hat.

"Did you even listen to me, Alena?" asked Jenny Lopaw, sitting on her left.

The young girl looked away from the first years and brought her attention back to her friends. Jenny, the small blonde girl with an attitude twice her size, was furrowing her brows at her. If she wasn't the most loving person Alena had ever met, she'd wonder whether the Sorting Hat might have made a mistake by not placing Jenny in Slytherin. When the blonde was angry, it was hard to remember what made her a Hufflepuff.

"I'm sorry, answered Alena, I was distracted by the new students who've just arrived. Look at them, they cannot wait for the Ceremony to be over.

-I remember almost passing out when McGonagall put the Hat on my head. My brother had made me believe that my parents would kick me out of our house if I were a Slytherin. I hope he did not give my little sister the same speech this morning. Can you see her?" asked Freya Kayens, standing up to have a better sight.

Once she noticed a little brunette who looked like an identical, only smaller version of herself, she lifted both of her arms over her head and waved them to catch her attention. The little girl kept her eyes locked on the floor in front of her.

"Something tells me you're making a fool out of yourself for no reason", said Nathanson Hawtson, nudging her with a large grin.

"Shut up Nate! Only because you do not know what it is like to have a healthy sibling relationship does not mean the rest of the world is like you", defended Jenny.

Nate put both of his palms over his chest, pretending that the words had affected him. The five Hufflepuffs broke into laughter.

"I can't blame you for saying that. After all, for six years, you've witnessed numerous incidents showing that as a child..."

He took a dramatic pause, shaking his head and looking up to the Gryffindor table where his twin brother was seated.

"He received too many Bludgers to the head."

Almost on cue, Terrence Hawtson lifted his head and gave his brother a dark look. Nathanson, noticing his brother's animosity, blew him back a kiss. Both tables were too far away from each other for his brother to have heard the joke, but the Gryffindor Quidditch superstar always seemed to know when someone was making fun of him.

"How did you two get along during the summer break?" asked Alena.

"Pretty good actually. He spent most of his time flying around the backyard, practicing his piquet and whatever other Quidditch technique I know nothing about. He's trying to become captain of Gryffindor's team next year, so he's been working harder than ever. It's never going to happen if you want my opinion. At least not with Potter still around."

Jenny was about to ask another question when Professor McGonagall, using magic to amplify the volume of her voice, asked the students for silence.

"The annual Ceremony of the Sorting Hat is about to begin."

Unrolling a large parchment, the professor starting reading the names of the new students, calling them up to the small wooden stool at the front of the room.

"Abbot, Sarah!"

The tall girl clumsily walked over to the seat, tripping on her robe. The hat barely touched her head before shouting:

"Ravenclaw!"

The girl looked towards the Hufflepuff table, searching for her sister, a 6th year. Hannah Abbot waved to her sister, showing her with a reassuring smile that although they were not in the same house, everything would be okay.

"Claiz, Andy.

-Gryffindor!"

The red and gold table exploded in acclamations of joy, the older students patting the young boy on the back as he made his way to the middle of the table, where seats had been left empty.

The Ceremony went on, sending Charny, James to Slytherin and Dallas, Rose to Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff's first new student was a shy boy called D'Youville, Francis. He sat down a few seats away from Alena who turned to him with a bright smile.

"Welcome to Hufflepuff!" declared the girl with shiny eyes.

Alena had always loved the Sorting Hat Ceremony. At least, ever since she had had to put on the Hat.

Francis returned her smile before quickly bowing his head, a shade of pink coloring his cheeks.

When Kayens, Ursula was called up, Freya interlaced her fingers in a prayer position.

"Not Slytherin, everything but Slytherin," murmured the brunette.

"Slytherin!"

Ursula stood up from the stool, her face pale like Nearly Headless Nick, who was floating around the room. Cheering was heard from the Slytherin table. As Alena was scanning the table, she noticed that the only one who was not clapping was Draco Malfoy. His head down, he was staring at the table, a blank expression on his face.

She looked away, forgetting all about the blonde boy when Ursula sat down next to Pansy Parkinson, who stared her up and down before turning her back towards her. The poor first year, intimidated, sank into the bench, starring at her thighs.

Freya sighted, telling her friends:

"I'm not surprised. For months, I have had a feeling that she was going to be sorted in Slytherin. I was hoping I would be wrong, but in a weird way, I know she will fit in perfectly. She might be 5 years younger than me, but she has always scared me. I just hope Pansy won't be too much of a pain."

After half an hour, Youri, Karl was placed in Gryffindor and the Ceremony was over. Professor Dumbledore said a few words before flicking his wrist and making the buffet appear on the table. Ravenous, the kids all threw themselves on the food.

"I've missed this!" declared Nathanson, his mouth full.

"You have gravy on your shirt", told him Alicia Friensky, sitting in front of him.

"Not already!" sighted the boy.

The six wizards all laughed together, happy to be reunited for another year.