In another time

5 - The one with the Sorting Hat

Chapter five

James is talking to McGonagall. I hope that the conversation goes well. I really don't want to be put in Slytherin or any other house than Gryffindor. Potters go to Gryffindor. Like Weasley's'. What would James say if I will be put in Slytherin? I was so relaxed half an hour ago but now... I flinch when James is coming to me. "I tried to explain it without spilling the truth, but you've to be sorted like the first years. She will call you after all the first years." I nod, and he turns to go to the Gryffindor table.

I have to wait with all the first years. "Thanks." I murmur quietly, and he turns once more to me, so I see a big smile. "I am feeling ancient when I say this, but you will do it! You can do it!" Now, I must smile too. "You are a great granddad!" "Behave James." He only says but I see his emotions. He is looking happy, grateful.

I am grateful. I can learn more about people that died, but, more importantly, I can make memories with my namesakes and grandparents! Not only that, but I can get them to know me and I can get to know them! Deep in my thoughts, I only half-register that we are walking into the great hall. I hear the first years beneath me gasp and I must smirk.

Even if I am nervous, I see confused looks into my direction, and I am very thankful that Remus thought about changing my Gryffindor robes into simple black ones. The sorting hat begins to sing, and I watch the first 11-year-old kids get sorted. A few minutes later, the last one is sorted, and I take a deep breath. I think of James' words and smile. I can do this!

"Potter, Joe" Eh... I go right to the chair and the hat begins to murmur: "Joe? Funny. I think you are in the wrong time... But, anyway let's get you sorted. Kind, creative but also ambitious. Ambitious in a good way, I may add. Brave too... You would do well in both... Hufflepuff and Gryffindor... Definitely no Ravenclaw. You have talent, but you are not a bookworm or a good student." The hat laughs slightly and I frown. Am I this bad? "Yes. Well I think the best house for you is GRYFFINDOR!"

A loud whistle is coming from Sirius and James, and I join the Gryffindor table happy. I made it! Double Gryffindor now!  The feast is appearing, and I fill my plate with everything from chicken to turtle tart. I love these feasts! Some are raising eyebrows at my way of eating, but I don't care. I am a bloody Weasley after all.

Dumbledore says at the end of the feast: "Welcome to new students and welcome back to our older students. I want to say that we have a new caretaker: Argus Filch. He will do a list of things that are not allowed any more. For the younger students: The forbidden forest is forbidden for each witch and wizard who is currently a student at Hogwarts."

His gaze slightly drives to the direction of the Marauders, but James and Sirius are grinning wide and Remus must hold back a smirk by himself. I am not looking at Peter. I decide right now that I will not look at this stinking rat if it isn't necessary. "Anyway, now the better things: The first date for the Hogsmeade visit for third year and above will be in October. The exact date will be on the boards in each house by the end of September. Quidditch try-outs are held by each captain. Lists for this are also on the boards. One thing left to say: Classes start tomorrow. Be prepared with a good and long sleep!"

The hall is becoming emptier, and I see grandma Lily looking at James with a longing glare which is also horrified and confused. I giggle. While I am going into the direction of Gryffindor tower, I see several girls throwing looks at me. I sigh.  Do they need to love Potters? I ran my hand through my hair, and it is even messier than before. If that is possibly.

I go through the common room quite fast. I would like to know if there is even one more 'not Marauder' in the dorm. No. There are only five beds, and I am pretty sure that the clean one is mine. The one with my trunk on it, obviously. With a loud sigh, I fall onto my bed and remove the trunk, so I can lie comfortably. I really don't like going 42 years back in time. It is freaking exhausting!