The Dursley Girl

C.3 The Sorting

"First years follow me!" A large man bellows as we get off the train.

"That must be Hagrid," Albus tells me, "Dad told me all about him."

Me,Albus,Rose and Scorpius walk along with the other first years.
Scorpius ended up sitting with Albus after he left our compartment. Albus introduced us to him once we met up again when we arrived at Hogwarts.

Rose had whispered something to me about Scorpius' father that I didn't quite understand. I don't think it was a good thing though, she's been very cold to him.

On the train I learned about the four houses. Albus' older brother, James, is in Gryffindor, apparently that's the house his father was in as well. Albus told me he's worried about being placed in Slytherin, it supposedly has a bad reputation. As for Rose, she's hoping she'll get Gryffindor, like both her parents.

She was telling me that her parents and Albus's dad were inseparable during their years at Hogwarts and got into all sorts of trouble. I also learned that Albus' mother is her dad's sister. I was very confused at first but I think I'm starting to understand the family dynamic.
The four of us get aboard a little boat as Hagrid instructed.

The boat ride across the black lake consists of Rose explaining little details about the castle, and Scorpius and Albus having their own conversation.

Rose went on explaining the staircases as I zoned out slightly looking at Scorpius. He had features I had never seen before. He had blond hair with grey-like eyes and pale skin. He's deep in conversation with Albus, when I see him look my way. I immediately turn back to Rose.

We finally arrived at the castle. It's absolutely breathtaking. All the first years gather outside of a pair of large doors. I can hear voices inside, I assume it's the students in the years above. I begin to get nervous about what house I get placed in. What if no one likes me there? What if I'm bad at magic? What if-

"Lannah!" I turn and see Cian next to me.

"Hi Cian, how are you?"

"I'm good, finally got my wand after four attempts," he pulls his wand out.

"Cian, it's great!" I say admiring it.
I introduce him to Rose who's standing by me. Scorpius and Albus seemed to have been separated from us in the crowd.
Our conversation is interrupted by a Professor.

"Everyone follow me, the sorting ceremony will begin shortly."

The doors open and we enter the Great Hall. Several of the students gasp in amazement.
And I don't blame them. The Great Hall consists of high walls that lead to a ceiling that appears to be the star covered night sky. There are four long tables filled with students looking at us as we walk toward the front of the hall. At the front of the hall, there is a table that sits all the Professors.

We arrive in front of a stool that seats an old looking hat.
The Professor explains that this hat will decide which house we belong in and we will then go sit at the table of our house.

Names begin to be read off, and one by one first-years go sit on the stool and nervously await their fates. The hat calls out the houses, and each time the table cheers, welcoming the student.
My nerves start up again as they get closer to my name.

Cian notices me fidgeting and puts a hand on my shoulder,
"Don't worry Lannah. Whatever house you get will be amazing," he says.

I'm about to reply when my name is called.

"Dursley, Alannah."

As I head to the stool, I walk by Albus and hear him mutter, "Dursley? Did she say Dursley? Where have I heard that name..."

I brush it off and take my seat on the stool.

"Dursley.... Alannah Dursley... a very interesting student. I see family ties in Gryffindor," the Hat says. I assume he's talking about Grandma's sister. "And family with one of the most famous wizards at that!" Was Lily a famous wizard? I don't recall dad saying that.
The Hat continues muttering, "I see... well... I have to say... with your creativity and a little bit of competitiveness...RAVENCLAW!"

Cheers erupt from the Ravenclaw table. I breathe a sigh of relief and walk over. I get warm welcomes from the older students as I take a seat.

The sorting continues. I see Cian gets placed in Gryffindor and I clap loudly for him. I know he wanted to be in the same house as his father.

The next student to be placed in Ravenclaw is a boy named Sean Thomas. He's got dark hair and skin and is quite tall. He walks over to the Ravenclaw table after the Hat places him. I introduce myself, happy to have another first year with me.

The sorting continues and me and Sean whisper our guesses to each other before each student is placed, laughing when we're both wrong.
Several other first years get placed with us in Ravenclaw.

And then they call out Albus' name.
I hear a whisper behind me from one of the older students, "Another Potter. Gryffindor for sure," they say.

I watch as Albus fidgets under the hat, nervously. And then the hat shouts out,
"SLYTHERIN!"

An excited chatter falls over the hall as he nervously walks to the Slytherin table.
I notice Rose in the crowd of first years with a confused expression.

The sorting then continues, Rose gets Gryffindor and Scorpius gets placed in Slytherin. I'm glad Albus has a friend in his house. I see them sitting together as the Headmistress begins a speech.

"Welcome first years, and welcome back everyone. I am Headmistress McGonagall We hope everyone is prepared for an amazing year at Hogwarts..."

I zone out as I look around taking it all in.

A new home, a whole new life and identity. I feel like I belong. I think back to the times I had been picked on by classmates for focusing on school more than playing. Made fun of for pretending to be part of the fantasy world of my books. I think of my mother's disapproving looks as she drove me to the train station.

But for the first time ever, here at Hogwarts, I truly feel as though I'm somewhere I belong.