Chương 12: The Sorting

The rest of the first-years were awkwardly standing together and shuffling before another small set of steps leading to a pair of large oak doors. The main entrance to the castle. Hagrid set me down near Mathis at the rear of the group.

"You okay?" Mathis asked in a whisper.

"Yeah. Just a medical thing. I'll recover." I'd need to be more cognizant of my health and fitness. Being handicapped was very limiting. I watched as Hagrid climbed the last few stone steps to the doors and turned, scanning the crowd critically.

"Everyone 'ere now? Good." He raised a hand the size of my torso and pounded out three booming knocks. The doors swung open to reveal McGonagall, dressed in very formal-looking emerald green robes. They added an air of regalness to her stern bearing as she too surveyed the crowd gathered before her. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as they landed on me; still damp and being swallowed by Hagrid's overlarge coat. I smiled at her.

"Firs'-years, Professor McGonagall."

"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them from here." We followed McGonagall into the castle. Heads turning in every direction; taking in the suits of armor, paintings, displays, and the massive marble stairway at the opposite end of the hall. Hogwarts had an ancient 'solid' feel to it; like the stone had stood unbothered for centuries, and would for many more.

I had seen places—depictions and artwork mostly—that were far more fancy, but there was a weight to the Entrance Hall that felt more ' substantial' than any of those lesser buildings. It was like the castle was alive. A massive dragon opening an eye to examine the creatures that had disturbed its slumber. I highly doubted that I'd suddenly figured out how to sense magic. This felt more like magic was sensing me. The hairs on the back of my neck rose.

The sounds of hundreds of people could be heard from another set of large closed doors on our right. We continued past those and into an empty chamber down the hall. Something like an unused classroom, but without any furnishings. We crowded in, the space barely large enough for us to stand comfortably.

McGonagall stood before the door to this chamber and addressed us; beginning a well-practiced speech that boiled down to welcoming us to Hogwarts and explaining the importance of the houses and the school's system of house points. Nothing she was saying was new to me—and I didn't really care about the unfairly weighted competition—so I focused on mentally preparing for wearing the Sorting Hat. I was a very private person. I hated when people intruded into my space.

My head was just about my most private and intimate place. The revelation that magic existed—or rather the subsequent realization that mind altering magic exists in this world—was not pleasant. I had long since decided during my planning that learning Occlumency was going to be my biggest priority this year. Above learning any other magic, getting acceptable grades, gathering resources, making friends, or even influencing the plot. Well, biggest after not dying to the murder-vision doom-noodle of course.

My list was getting quite long. The Sorting Hat probably wasn't going to do much with what it learned from me—besides reveal all my greatest secrets to an old man I'd never met before—but it was still a massive invasion of privacy.

"I'll be away for five minutes to prepare the hall. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up," McGonagall finished. She sent me another disapproving glare. I gave her an even wider smile, with a thumbs-up this time.

"I fell in the lake!" I said with an overly excited tone. Her lips twitched, but she managed to hold onto her dignity. The other students didn't outwardly react. Too filled with nervousness, and unwilling to attract her attention. They probably assumed she was angry with me rather than amused. She exited the chamber, leaving us alone. Whispers started like terrified mice poking their heads cautiously out of their burrows. Ginny shuffled up next to me and poked me in the side.

"Mathis said you knew about the squid," she whispered.

"The best way to win at cards is to stack the deck," I replied. She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for not taking my money," she said sourly.

"But that's not what I was getting at. You know how we are sorted, don't you?" I smiled in mock innocence.

"Now that would be telling, wouldn't it?" She started poking me again, but Hagrid's coat made me immune to such tactics.

"Fine," I said, suppressing a giggle at her frustration. I really didn't want to make her mad just in case she had some influence on Riddle's targets.

"It's nothing painful or difficult—just an enchanted artifact from Gryffindor. The wizard, not the house." Our conversation was interrupted by a couple of screams. We spun around and were met with a procession of ghosts.

"I don't even know why you want to join Nicholas. They really are just a bunch of pompous twats, and what would Gryffindor do without you?" a ghost was saying.

"I could do both, or maybe treat it like a vacation, see a bit more of the world."

"I'll come. Of course I'll come, but I don't think it will do any good. Now I say, what are all you doing here?" The ghosts paused in their conversation and hovered above us.

"New students!" a particularly portly ghost in monk robes spoke up. I frowned. Deja vu going off at the interaction. Didn't Harry experience pretty much the exact same thing during his sorting? All the Hogwarts ghosts just 'happening' to fly right into the new students right before the sorting ceremony? It was scripted, I realized. They must do this every year; start up a conversation, fly through the wall, meet the unsorted. I turned my attention away from the ghosts and began observing my future classmates.

Picking out the ones who looked scared as 'probable muggle-borns' and the ones who looked particularly unimpressed as potential Slytherins. The ghosts finished their bit and right on cue, McGonagall returned.

"Form a line, and follow me." Eyepatch Girl ran to the front. I knew the order didn't matter—McGonagall was going to read from an alphabetical list—so when no one else rushed to the front, I lined up behind the other cripple. Ginny settled in behind me, and we made the quick walk back to the double doors to the Great Hall. Eyepatch Girl glared at me for a second before turning away and determinedly not looking back. What was her problem?

Was she a stickler for decorum and didn't like that I drew attention to myself? Everyone inside fell silent and turned towards us as they opened. The walk to the front of the room felt very long under the stares of so many people. Hagrid's wet coat gained a few pounds under the pressure of so many judging eyes. I never really suffered from stage fright like so many others, but being the most eye-catching target in a group of hundreds was enough to make me question whether the galleons had been worth it.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Professor McGonagall took us past the students and we came to a stop in front of the staff table, facing the students. Conveniently, I ended up right by Hagrid, and I took the opportunity to give the coat back to him. I should've done it at the entrance doors, but, to be fair, I was a little distracted by the imposing magical castle. I looked up to the dark sky above. The enchantment was nearly seamless.

If I hadn't known better, I might've assumed the Great Hall didn't have a roof. Only a few stars could be seen through the rapidly moving clouds. We waited like that while McGonagall went behind the staff table and came out with a battered old stool and an even older, more ragged wizard's hat. The silence was deafening as everyone stared at the sorting hat for a few seconds. Then its mouth opened and it began to sing.

"Another year has come and gone, New students come to me. You've crossed the lake, you've climbed the steps, You've waited in the queue. But make no mistake, this magic place, Begins and grows with you. You wonder where you ought to go, What path you're meant to take– What friends you'll find, what spells you'll cast, What rules you'll choose to break. But worry not, you're not alone– I've sorted every year. Just place me gently on your head– I'll discover what is clear.

So here you are with shining eyes, A suitcase full of dreams, A whisper of the life you knew, A future 'fore you screams. If courage burns within your soul, And daring leads your way, If right and wrong mean more to you Than what the cowards say– Then join the pride of lion-hearts, Stand tall and never yield, For Gryffindors face darkest odds With wand– and sword– and shield. Or do you crave the stars above, The secrets none can name? With wit as sharp as dragon's tooth And thirst for lore, not fame?

Then Ravenclaw may call to you, Where minds are bright and free, Where riddles reign and questions bloom Like roots beneath a tree. Perhaps you're kind and just and true, A friend through thick and thin– The quiet strength that builds the world From deep and humble kin. In Hufflepuff, the hearth is warm, The food is rich and sweet; With loyal souls and steady hands, All trials you shall surely meet.

But if you seek to make your mark, To rise through cunning art– With silver tongue and clever hand, And hunger in your heart– Then Slytherin may suit you well, Ambition is your flame, For every serpent shapes its fate And carves itself a name. So don't you fear, just take a seat, Let go of doubt and fret– Put me on, our minds shall meet, You'll be sorted– don't you sweat. No House is best, no path is wrong, You'll find where you belong– And maybe write, in days to come, A verse within my song."

While the hat sang, I inspected the hall and the older students. The tables were ordered differently from what I'd imagined; Ravenclaw on the far left, then Slytherin, Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff. Does the order swap around? Each house's table was easily identifiable through a long tablecloth. It wouldn't be difficult to swap them around. An attempt to get students interacting with other houses during mealtimes? As far as the students went, there were maybe four hundred if I included the first-years.

Only a few were identifiable. I was only really sure of the ones I'd already identified from the train. Hermione looked lonely, with space on the bench to either side of her. Movement through the window caught my attention. Everyone else was focused on the hat, so I might have been one of the only people to notice two figures hiding outside at the edge of the candlelight. When the song finished, McGonagall strode forward, unrolling a sheet of parchment and began calling out names.

I did my best to memorize them and take note of what I could from each individual's bearing and clothes. Eyepatch Girl turned out to be named Cordelia Bellamy, and was the student placed into Ravenclaw. Colin was placed into Gryffindor; nothing unexpected there. The name Harper sparked a memory. It took me a second to place it—him not being a major character—but once he was sorted into Slytherin I identified him as the Seeker who would replace Malfoy on their quidditch team during the sixth book.

He was a much better Seeker if memory served; almost beating Harry, where Malfoy never came close. Luna got sorted into Ravenclaw, as expected.

"Orpington, Nerys." Joined Slytherin a few names later.

"Parish, Lyra." I have a very unfortunate name, I realized. Can't wait for people to be yelling 'Parish' at me from now on. I walked up to the stool, removed my own hat and took a seat. Gryffindor. I began reciting in my head. Gryffindor. Put me in Gryffindor. The hat was lowered over my head, coming to rest on my shoulders and blocking out my view of the students.' Hmm, interesting. Very interesting.' Which part? I thought back, already annoyed at the invasion.

The vague hope that my mind would be impervious to mental influence, now torn away. My past life or what I know of what's coming? I continued.' Oh, you aren't the first student with more memories and knowledge than a child should have. Not by far. No, I'm interested in your desire for Gryffindor; you really aren't suited for that house, you know?' So, not only was I lacking in immediate talent, I also wasn't completely unique in circumstance. Not interested in an upcoming war? Or any of the rest of it?

I thought back, dubiously. And what do you mean I'm not suited to Gryffindor? I'm plenty brave when needed. I literally just jumped into a lake in order to be grabbed by a sea monster and took the leading spot in line when no one else could muster up enough courage to take it.' When needed. Yes. In general? You don't hold bravery in any esteem. For you, it's a means to an end. Nothing more; often less.

A Gryffindor would not consider poison and bringing in overwhelming numbers as an acceptable method for dueling—let alone the go-to strategy. And no; I don't share any of what I learn from those who wear me, with anyone—not even the Headmaster.' So you can stop trying to hide those darker parts of yourself from me. It isn't working. Darker parts? My mood soured further. Desiring a longer life—or even a willingness to commit murder with significant enough reason—shouldn't be called 'dark'.

Trying to survive was never a crime, and a person should know where they draw the line. I just didn't want to negatively impact Dumbledore's view of me given what I knew of his morals. I refocused. Doesn't everyone value bravery as a means to an end? And Dumbledore knew you wanted to put Harry in Slytherin.' Many value bravery for its own sake. And if someone—like yourself for example—learned a secret I discussed with another, that is on their own actions and abilities, not on my proverbial loose seams.'

So Dumbledore either knew from Legilimency, or from Harry just being obvious about his concerns in light of the Parselmouth reveal. So, I shouldn't be revealed by the Hat unless Legilimency can be used on it.

'No Headmaster of Hogwarts has ever tried,' the Hat supplied. Checking on these assertions should be a simple matter of just waiting a few days to see if Dumbledore reacts to what I know. If he didn't, I'd have to get his attention another way to discuss the Chamber or the war. I did have time. The first attack occurs two months from now on Halloween. I should steal a rooster and hide it in the Room of Requirement though, just in case.

I couldn't remember exactly when Ginny killed the birds, so I'd have to act fast if I wanted to be sure I could grab one.' Lying to yourself about your goals is never healthy. I am not a judge of morality, but—speaking as a hat that has never involved itself in war—taking advantage of the crimes of others for your own benefit is a valid option. Anyway, let's get back to the sorting now. You are not a Gryffindor.' I frowned at the callout. Of course I would choose to help others with my foreknowledge…

finding an option that benefited me as well was just common sense. Full self-sacrifice wasn't just unhealthy and unsustainable; it was idiotic. Should I try to press for Gryffindor? Insist I could grow an appreciation of bravery or something? People could change, and not being in the same house as Harry was going to limit what actions I could take to influence things for the better. However, wearing colors other than red and gold was recoverable.

Avoiding the worst result—the result the Hat seemed to be leaning toward—was more critical than achieving the most ideal. I decided to cut my losses. Not Slytherin, Not Slytherin, Not Slytherin.' Are you sure? I've rarely met someone so ambitious, so prideful, so willing to do anything they view as necessary. Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness.' Was the Hat reading that Lyra really did have magical parents? Probably not; this is mind reading, not a genetics test. So more 'me' personally than my body.

No. It won't. I consider myself born and raised by muggles, and the current state of Slytherin is extremely elitist.' You could change it. Political power is greater than any one individual can achieve, and you know it's easier to change an institution from the inside. I know you've considered it. I can see it right here in your head.' Considered and dismissed it. I have more social experience than any student at Hogwarts, but those skills don't come naturally to me.

The mere fact I need to resort to manipulation to get by in normal interactions is a damning indicator of my potential there. It'd be an uphill struggle. One that I would despise. I'd be miserable every day– forgoing what I want to learn in favor of what I needed to get by.

I may have been musing more on social skills over the days following my recovery—particularly in light of lacking physical ability or the modern equipment for displaying technical skill—but being better with words than a typical eleven year old was not anything near expertise. AND all of it could become useless in an instant if Voldemort revives and suddenly decides to 'make an example' of the mudblood who tried to reach beyond their means—soiling his precious ancestor's house with their presence. NOT Slytherin.

I repeated. I want to learn and I want close friends. I value both intelligence and hard work. If I don't qualify for Ravenclaw, then put me in Hufflepuff. I know they're willing to accept anyone. Dumbledore said our decisions are what truly matter, and I agree. I choose anywhere except Slytherin.' A well-put and well-reasoned argument.' The hat chuckled,'I think in that case we will go with:'"RAVENCLAW" Cheers broke out and I let some of my tension go.

Swapping hats back to mine, I hurried over to sit next to Luna. That was a lot more stressful than I'd wanted.

"Congratulations," Luna said softly once the clapping died down.

"I know you wanted Gryffindor, but I'm glad you're here."

"Thanks Luna. I'm glad I'm here too." Here at Hogwarts. Ravenclaw was acceptable. I reflexively reviewed the conversation with the Hat. Frowning as I realized it should've picked up on my thoughts about Slytherin from the beginning. I had compared the houses and my qualifications or issues with each of them long beforehand. Why had it pressed? Another name was called. The ceremony continued… The ritual… a ceremony was a ritual. I twitched. There was more going on than picking places for students to sleep.