Hogwarts in 5 Seconds

Twins, Tables and Trunks

“Um... So can we sing the song?” The voices came from behind her but she was far too busy gaping at the three figures in the painting to turn around. Hermione, shooting Eleanor one last curious and concerned look, shifted her gaze to something over her shoulder.

“No, you are not allowed to sing the song!” She snapped, rolling her eyes.

Ron nodded in agreement, his eyes still on Eleanor as he tried to work out what was going on.

There was silence and then two more people entered the portrait, looking a bit like Ron but older, and identical.

“Fred and George!” She squeaked, quickly covering her mouth, but they had already heard her. Identical grins spread across identical faces as they peered out at her.

“Nice to see someone has some taste.” Fred remarked.

George rolled his eyes, elbowing his twin, “She obviously prefers me.”

“She said my name first.”

“So it's alphabetical, nothing to do with preference.”

“It is not alphabetical.”

“Shut up you dumb git.”

McGonagall cleared her throat, her thin lips threatening to disappear completely as she glared at the bickering twins, “When you’re quite finished, we have a Sorting Ceremony to conduct.”

The ginger twins mumbled an apology and Ron smirked, thrilled that his older brothers were getting told off.

“Miss Cole, are you ready?” She nodded, taking a seat facing the wall so she could still see the painting as McGonagall picked up the hat and carefully placed it on her head. The last thing she saw before the hat slipped down to cover her eyes was Harry smiling at her in an encouraging way.

You’re not a first year. A voice rasped in her ear. She flinched but managed to stay seated. Bit unusual but oh well, I’m flexible. Now let’s see. Slytherin? No, you have ambition but not the ruthlessness to use any means. Too bold for Hufflepuff and not focused enough for Ravenclaw. But have you the courage for Gryffindor?

“Can’t you tell?” She asked curiously, “Aren’t you meant to know these sort of things?”

The hat made a harrumphing sound, Got a bit of a mouth, haven’t you?

She frowned, tempted to adjust the hat but knowing it was wrong to do so, “What has that got to do with me being brave? You said I wasn’t the other three, so am I Gryffindor? Or can’t you Sort me?”

The hat twitched, and she could almost imagine it scowling, Right, well. With an attitude like that I know exactly what to do with you.  “Gryffindor!” The hat barked to the room, and with a final mutter it was lifted from her head, revealing McGonagall smiling proudly down at her.

“Well done, dear. Now, you best go rejoin the others before the feast begins.” Eleanor nodded and jumped up, running to the door at the thought of food but she paused on the threshold and looked back. The painted figures were no longer paying attention; Hermione was berating the twins while Ron draped an arm over her shoulder, and Harry stood beside them, laughing quietly.

But as she opened the door, he looked round and locked eyes with her. “Welcome to Gryffindor.” He mouthed as his friends continued to argue.

She blushed and nodded her thanks before darting out back into the Entrance Hall. The large oak doors that led into the Great Hall were still open but she could see that the majority of students had now taken their seats. Lifting her robes in one hand so she didn’t trip over them, she hurried through the doors.