Goal for bonus chapters coming week 1.
2.
Now lets jump into the chapter.
Chapter 25 The Sorting The sight of Hogwarts was absolutely breathtaking.
Even having seen it on screen, nothing could have prepared me for this.
I choked up, the feeling of actually being here hitting me hard.
The castle stood there, proud and inviting; the very air felt different as we got closer.
It felt like being embraced by a mother, like I was safe and loved, like I belonged.
A place with more secrets than any other in the world, dangers and wonders both.
The lights from the castle reflected in the water, giving it all a look like it did not belong to some place as mundane as Earth.
I took a shaky breath, steadying myself as the boats came to a stop at the small Hogwarts docks.
We were here.
We got out of the boats and followed Hagrid as he led us through the castle towards where McGonagall would meet us.
Whispers of wonder and gasps could be heard as we went.
Waiting on the steps of a staircase was McGonagall.
She looked exactly like the actor who played her, Maggie Smith, unlike Hagrid, who had the same face as his actor but was a bit bigger.
She stood proudly before us, living up to every expectation I had come to have.
She did not need to tell us to be silent; no, her presence demanded it.
“Follow me.” She led us up the stairs and we came to a halt before the doors to the Great Hall.
She turned back to us and spoke: “Welcome to Hogwarts.
In a few moments you will pass through those doors and join your fellow students.
Before you do, you will be sorted into your Houses.
The Sorting is one of the oldest traditions of this school, and the House you join will become your family while you are here.
The Houses are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin.
Your successes will earn your House honour.
Your mistakes may cost it points.
You will study, dine and sleep alongside your Housemates, and I expect each of you to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of Hogwarts.
Shortly, you will be sorted.
While you wait, I ask that you remain quiet and present yourselves as best you can.
Wait here.” As she left, whispers again broke out, which I quickly tuned out.
“Don’t meet the eyes of anyone who could know Legilimency, and the moment I get the chance, I’ll try to find something on Occlumency.” A scream rang out from a first-year close by.
I turned to see what the yell was about and was treated to the sight of a ghost coming towards us through a wall.
The ghost gave a little bow and said, “Greetings, new students of Hogwarts.
I bid you most welcome!” Soon more ghosts followed and floated around us, some giving different welcomes to others in their own conversations as they floated past us and through the doors to the Great Hall.
I spotted Nearly Headless Nick in a conversation with another ghost, trying to get support for his upcoming application for the Headless Hunt.
Soon McGonagall returned and said, “They are ready for you now.
Follow me.” The doors swung fully open and the sound of chattering students reached us.
The Great Hall was astonishing, with beautiful large windows behind the teachers and the ceiling spelled to look like the night sky.
I fell behind as the others started walking because I was so taken with the sight.
I took a few steps to catch up as we walked between the two centre tables, students all around us watching.
I spotted Tonks at the Hufflepuff table as we walked past, giving her a quick smile.
We moved towards the hat that was waiting atop a chair before the main table.
“I really hope the hat does not read minds, but instead sees traits.
Or at least can’t share what it sees…” We came to a stop before the Sorting Hat and it began its song.
I listened with half an ear, but most of my attention was on the hall itself.
I had felt the difference in the magic at Hogsmeade Station, but it had not stopped there; the density of magic had kept increasing until we reached the castle itself.
In here, it was so dense I could almost see the magic rather than sense it.
I looked towards the head table, careful not to meet anyone’s eyes.
Flitwick looked very little like any of the actors who had played him.
A younger-looking Alan Rickman sat far to the left.
Hagrid, of course.
Madam Pomfrey was a little different but recognisable.
Sprout was very close to her actor, only a little thinner and with brown hair.
There were a few more I could guess and a few unknowns.
My eyes then swept towards Dumbledore, more careful than ever not to look towards his eyes.
That was lucky because the man was looking towards where I was.
He gave a small, almost knowing smile, like he recognised what I had done earlier, looking around at the air.
“Did he see me notice the magic density?” The hat had finished its song, and McGonagall stepped forward again, interrupting my thoughts.
“When I call your name, move forward, take a seat upon the chair and I will place the hat on your head.” She began.
“Ethan Ashecombe.” A boy moved forward to the chair and sat down, and the hat was placed on his head.
“Hufflepuff!” the hat yelled.
The Hufflepuff table cheered, and he smiled and ran to take a seat.
The Sorting continued.
I gave a sigh when the nameless asshole from the boat was placed in Slytherin.
Five students ended up in Slytherin before my name was called.
Two boys and three girls.
“William Walker!” My name was called.
This was finally it.
I walked forward at a calm pace, leaving the last two students behind, and moved up to the chair.
I sat down, and the worry from earlier came back just as the hat was placed atop my head.
“I can read your mind, boy.
Don’t worry too much, though.
I cannot reveal anything I find.
My enchantments won’t allow it.” I decided I might as well respond.
“Thank you for informing me.
That is good to hear.
It is good to meet you.
I’m William.
What is your name, Mr Hat?” I figured he got very few proper greetings.
I might as well be polite to one of the oldest living entities in the castle.
“Oho, the last time someone asked for my name was 529 years ago.
I don’t usually give it freely.
Perhaps you will earn it in the future… There is something strange about you… Well, well, aren’t you the special boy—or should I say man?
A reborn soul, ain’t that something.
And even more… You can freely travel to other worlds?
How fascinating…
Though that will have to wait, for now at least.
Right now I have a job to do.” I thanked my lucky stars that he claimed to be bound by his enchantments not to reveal anything he found.
“I have to say, I agree with you about where you belong.
Very few see themselves so clearly, good and bad.
I wish you luck in the future, William.
If you want to have another conversation, I’d be happy to.
You know where to find me.” “Slytherin!” CREATORS’ THOUGHTS arre131 Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
This and perhaps the last two chapters have been shorter.
This is kind of a weird transition phase where I still want to keep the chapters as they are to cover a theme.
My future chapters will mostly be longer.