𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗵.𝗷.𝗽

Chapter 6: The Sorting

Standing outside of the Great Hall, I could hear laughter mixed with conversations. I fiddled with my finger behind my robe. The uniform was very fitting. No colors or crests were visible on them yet. They will be there very soon, I thought. 

"I suppose it would be a rather intimidating experience for you two here, considering this is the first time Hogwarts has ever accepted transferring students," Professor Snape said lazily as he eyed us. "I expect the gates to be open any moment now." 

Snape was introduced to us when we stepped into the Hogwarts ground. McGonagall "handed" us to him since she was needed in the Great Hall as the Headmistress. I didn't like the expression on Snape's face. He stared right into my soul as if looking to find something beneath the skin.  But I must admit, he was right. I was indeed anxious. Cassius had previously informed me of the history of the houses, and I had a slight idea of where we would land, I just hoped my prediction was for the best. After a few moments, the hall suddenly quieted down. 

"I suppose that's Minvera giving her speech. You will be entering momentarily," Snape began monotonously, showing no interest. 

After some tedious and dull silences, a sharp and clear voice entered my eardrum. 

"...please give your warmest welcomes to Mr and Miss Everard." 

McGonagall's voice echoed through the Hall as the golden gates opened. I had no time to process everything presented before me as Snape moved forward and led us into the Hall. 

It was so mesmerizing, unlike anything I'd ever seen. The starry night sky above us was vast with floating candles surrounding it like stars. The gigantic window towered over everything else, reflecting the dim lights of the candles. 4 long tables were placed vertically with one next to the other, which was crowded with students. Directly in front of us, another table filled with teachers and staff was placed horizontally. I tensed up as all the attention was directed toward me, and I felt Cassius stiffen in front of me as well. People muttered and whispered as we passed by. I should be used to it by now, but I wasn't. 

Quickly scanning over the tables, I spotted the trio that we encountered at the train station. They were all Gryffindors, as they had a lion crest on their robe. They were absorbed in a light conversation as they eyed me. My stomach lurched suddenly as one of the boys made eye contact with me. What was that, I ask myself in my head. It was such an unusual sensation. I never experienced it, and I didn't know what it was. When we reached the very front, Snape stood aside and gestured us towards a shabby-looking stool with a worn-out witch's hat. 

"Now, if you will please, Mr. Everard," Snape gestured him forward as Cassius moved doubtfully. 

 Immediately after Snape put the hat on his head, it made a contemplating "hmm" sound.  

The hall was dead silent. 

"Ok, alright, hmm, ok, yes. This is tough," the hat muttered curiously. "That clever brain of yours is full of wit and intelligence, you have knowledge that others seek to possess. You are willing to learn and discover new materials. Your competence and individuality would benefit you greatly if you were to be placed in Ravenclaw.

"However, you and I both know that you are destined for another house. A house that can lead you to the right path. What do you say, Mr. Everard?" the hat questioned Cassius softly. He gave no answer. 

"Very well, let it be... SLYTHERIN!" The hat boomed as the hall exploded with applause. Cassius gave me an "I knew it" wink as he made his way to the Slytherin table. 

"Miss Everard," Snape said to me as the hall quieted down. I nodded as I walked towards the stool. 

"Miss Isla Everard," the hat announced. "You are also a tough one, even more difficult than your brother, I dare to say. You reminded me of another student, who I sorted 6 years ago. Both of you have similar traits. It would be a waste if you are not placed in Gryffindor. Your determination is far beyond anything I have seen, and your sacrificial and chivalrous senses, as well as your courage and bravery, would make you a flawless one. Gryffindor would certainly make your future brighter and clearer." 

The hall roared at the sound of this. 

"But you're just like the other boy, Mr. Potter," the hat echoed into my brain, speaking directly to me. "Slytherin would greatly benefit you and allow your true nature to thrive and adapt. You are resourceful, and your ambition seems to be overpowering any other traits. If I am being honest, even 'till this day, I am still regretful of putting the boy in Gryffindor, and I think I've learned my lessons." 

It seemed like the hat had finalized its choice. I had no objections; after all, it is where I should be, according to the hat. It definitely knew better than me. Murmurs were starting to rise from the crowd. I'd just come to the realization that this whole time, the hat was speaking directly to me, and me only. No one had heard anything.  

"Well, Miss Everard, good luck to you on your journey, for you shall succeed in Slytherin," the hat said finally before announcing his decision to the crowd. "SLYTHERIN!" 

The familiar cheering was back as they accompanied me to the Slytherin table. I'd realized just now that Slytherins were the only ones showing excitement and enthusiasm, none of the other houses seemed to be hyped. I guess this proved my house's reputation here at Hogwarts. I sat next to Cassius as the other Slytherins did greetings and introductions. 

"At least, we are stuck together. Better than doing this alone," Cassius whispered to me under his breath. I supposed he was right. 

"Zabini, Blaise Zabini. Glad to have you here, Isla," a boy across from me said politely, shaking my hands as he gave me a warm smile, which I felt very welcoming. 

"Pansy Parkinson," another hard-faced girl introduced. She had short hair that was styled rather fashionably in my opinion. "And this is Draco." 

She pointed towards a boy sitting diagonally across from me. He had a rather pointed face with a pair of icy grey eyes. His platinum blond hair was styled very sleeky. 

"Oh come on, Pansy, I was gonna do it myself," the boy rolled his eyes dramatically as he smirked. The whole table broke into snickers. 

Whatever McGonagall said next, I would never know. I was still processing everything that had happened in the past 15 mins.

This really is wild.