Comfort & Cunning

2. Sorted

*Warning: Language and Alcohol suggestion*

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When we reached the castle gates I was still in shock. Tansy was practically pulling me along as I stared in awe at the gigantic building in front of me. We made our way through the Viaduct courtyard in neat rows of wide-eyed students as we were marched through the doors and into the castle.

  Before I could follow Tansy into the Great Hall, we were stopped by an older woman in a traditional pointed witch hat. Her face withered with age, still shone with kindness.

"Miss. Crowe, I presume?" Her thick Scottish accent reminded me of my grandmother.

"Yes ma'am."

"My name is Minerva McGonagall, I am Head mistress here at Hogwarts. Before you sit down for the feast you must be sorted into your house." Her face was understanding, which was a welcome thing since I hadn't noticed how nervous I was until now.

By this time, the rest of the students had already filed into the Great Hall and were seated at the four, incredibly long dining tables. It was at this point that I realized I had to sit in front of these people to be sorted. I felt my palms begin to sweat and my face began to heat up. McGonagall gave me a kind smile,

"Don't worry dear. It'll go by quicker than you think."

With that, we followed the Headmistress down the center isle of the hall. As we walked, students began to turn their heads to look at us, no doubt trying to figure out who I was and why I was being led to the front. Tansy gave my hand a squeeze before slipping into a seat at the Slytherin table, I envied her quick escape as I stood with McGonagall facing hundreds of students.

  The Headmaster was giving his speech about the year ahead while we stood quietly to the side. He said something about my transfer and my father's impressive work at the ministry, but it was hard to concentrate on his words with the entire room's eyes on me and the ringing in my ears. I snapped to attention when he asked me to join him on stage and sit in the chair to his left.

I took a deep breath as I sat myself down. I tried to focus on the house flags above the tables rather than the students' faces before me.

Professor Dumbledore lowered the large hat onto my head and I began to hear its voice.

"Ahhh...another Crowe. I sorted your father, you know. A grand Slytherin he turned out to be....you have his intelligent mind, his ambition. Quite curious you are as well, with a knack for getting yourself into trouble, no doubt. There is only one house for you.....SLYTHERIN!"

I let out my held breath as the table beneath the emerald green flag began to cheer. I smiled wide, finding Tansy in the crowd. She held two thumbs up and was cheering with the rest of the crowd.

After the large hat was removed from my head, I walked down to the table. Students of all ages patted me on the back as I walked down the line, congratulating me on being sorted into their house. As I made my way to Tansy, a familiar face caught my eye.

  There Draco sat, not too far across from Tansy. He had that sly smirk on his face as his grey eyes met mine. Those damned butterflies had returned to the pit of my stomach and were beginning their rampage yet again. I gave him a small smile and quickly looked away as I slid in next to Tansy. She threw her arms around me and squealed with glee.

"Yes! I just knew you'd be one of us. There was no way they would throw you in with any of the other houses. You look like you could eat them alive."