❝Chapter 4 - The Sorting Ceremony❞

Instructions

Chapter 4 - The Sorting Ceremony The Hogwarts Express whistled happily as it pulled into Hogsmead Station. The moon and stars shone in the night sky and their glow glistened on the Black Lake. It would take a little while to cross the lake to get to Hogwarts, but Veronika was filled with so much anticipation that she didn’t think she’d be able to stand it. As soon as the train stopped, Veronika, her new friends, and everyone else on aboard opened the doors of their cabins. It took some time to get past everyone exiting the train, but as soon as the Express was empty, Veronika spotted Draco making a mad-dash to the boats. Evidently, he hadn’t forgotten about their race. Veronika was fine with him winning just this once, because she needed to talk to Xavier. He saw her coming and walked up to meet her. “Xavier, at first I was excited about coming to Hogwarts, but now I’m feeling a bit apprehensive.” Veronika explained to him. “Why, Vera?” Being two years older and much taller than Veronika, Xavier bent down to meet her eyes. “What if I’m put in Slytherin?” “If you are, then Slytherin will have gained the brightest little witch I know.” Xavier smiled and hugged her, “Whichever house you’re put in, I know you’ll do great.” “Thank you, Xavier.” As Veronika walked away, her worries dulled as she thought over what Xavier had said. She spotted all the first years gathering around the boats, and she hurried to join them. Veronika spotted Hera almost instantly and decided to stand next to her. On Hagrid, the gamekeeper’s, command, the first years hopped into the little boats. They pushed off and floated out into the lake. None of the three friends felt like talking, they were all to captivated by the view. Not long after, all the first years stood waiting on the Marble Starcase for Professor McGonagall, chatting amongst themselves. Veronika looked around for Draco and found him talking to another boy at the top of the stairs. She wasn’t sure whether he was taunting, threatening, or simply just talking to the poor kid. “Lay off, Draco.” Veronika advised. Just then, Professor McGonagall came through the door to the Great Hall, “They are ready for you.” She announced and led them into the Great Hall. Veronika had to stifle a gasp as she looked around the Great Hall. Four long tables spanned the room and floating candles filled the air. The roof high above them seemed to be enchanted to reflect the night sky. The new students were led down a wide aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables and stopped just before they reached the last long table where the professors sat. In front of them was a wooden stool, and upon it was a shabby, old hat. When Veronika caught a glimpse of Draco’s disgusted expression as he looked at the hat, and she could barely keep from laughing. Professor McGonagall produced a scroll, unrolled it, and read, “Chang, Tarian.” Tarian looked a little nervous as he sat on the stool and Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head. After the hat seemed to be thinking for a couple seconds, it shouted, “RAVENCLAW!” There was clapping to be heard from all around the Great Hall, especially at the Ravenclaws. Tarian happily jumped off the stool and sat down next to his sister, Cho, at the Ravenclaw Table. The sorting ceremony went on steadily down the list. When Draco’s turn came, the Sorting Hat hadn’t even touched his head when it said, “SLYTHERIN!” As more applause filled the room, it dawned on Veronika that she was next. “Malfoy, Veronika.” Professor McGonagall announced. Veronika walked timidly up to the stool, sat down, and McGonagall placed the sorting hat upon her head. “Ah yes, very interesting…” the Sorting Hat whispered in her ear. “Where shall I put you? You have courage and intelligence, ambition and loyalty. So I will let you choose. Which house will you choose?” Veronika had no idea, “Anywhere but Slytherin.” She muttered only loud enough for the Sorting Hat to hear. “Anywhere but Slytherin…” the hat repeated, thinking, “hmm, I do see very clearly that your logic and common sense will get you far in life. I have decided that you shall be in… RAVENCLAW!” A loud roar of applause rose, echoing and bouncing off the walls. Veronika was filled so full with joy. She was in Ravenclaw, not in Slytherin, and the world hadn’t collapsed. She leapt off the stool and slid into an empty spot on the bench at the Ravenclaw table. When Al the first-years had been sorted, Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster, rose from his seat and made an introductory speech. When he finished, beautiful trays and towers of delectable food blossomed on every inch of the 5 tables. Veronika stared in awe at the caramel apples and the dish of steaming noodles. “Veronika, right?” A girl next to her asked. “That’s me. But you can just call me Vera.” “I’m Artemis, but a lot of people call me Art.” Veronika smiled, she couldn’t wait to make many more friendships.