"When I call your name, you will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and it will tell you which house you ought to be in." McGonagall said, unrolling a scroll. "Abbot, Hannah!"
Hannah wore the hat for a few moments, until...
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
On and on it went, until finally,
"Deland, Natalie!"
Natalie walked up to the stool and allowed McGonagall to put the Sorting Hat on her head.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Natalie smiled, and hurried towards the Gyffindor table. Harry once again zoned out until he heard,
"Potter, Harry."
Slowly, Harry walked up to the stool.
Hm... The voice in his ear said. You will do great things, that's for sure... I think perhaps... Slytherin?
"No!" Harry gasped/muttered. "No, not Slytherin, anything but Slytherin!"
But Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness, no doubt about that... No? Well, if your sure... Better be...
"GRYFFINDOR!!!"
Harry breathed a deep sigh of relief, and hurried over to sit by Natalie.
"Well, now we just need Ron." Harry whispered.
Luckily, Ron was indeed placed in Gryffindor. Soon after Ron was Sorted, the Sorting was over, and Dumbledore stood up.
"To the first years, welcome, to our older students, welcome back!" he beamed around the hall. "Now, before we all get muddled from our excellent feast, I have a few things I need to say! First years, please note, the forest on the ground is strictly forbidden. And a few of our older students should know by now, too."
Dumbledore's eyes flickered to the Weasley twins.
"Mr. Filch would like me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is also strictly forbidden. And the third floor corridor is off limits to anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Now, I think that is all of importance. Tuck in!"
Harry, Ron, and Natalie stared at Dumbledore as he sat down.
"Is he serious?" Ron asked uncertainly.
"I think he is." Natalie said, frowning. "I wonder why?"
"Well, let's think about that tomorrow." Harry said. "Let's eat!"
Natalie rolled her eyes, but Ron cheered quietly, and the trio spent a delightful evening having the feast with their friends, and went to bed smiling, so happy to finally be at Hogwarts.
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