Nothing is set in (philosopher's)stone

Sorting and Seating

The kids all gather at the docks, and one by one they get out of the boats. The kid from Hermione's boat had not been able to get back in, but they had managed to grab his hands and drag him all the way to shore where he could get out by himself. A small toad is on his head, croaking happily as if it were laughing at his misfortune. 

Harry felt strangely compassionate for the boy. It's not even his first day and he's going to enter the great hall where the entire school will have their eyes on fresh blood. He'll stand out like a sore thumb when he's the only one wet. Everyone will know what happened or assume to know what happened. Harry slightly raises his hand, his wand hidden in his sleeve as he holds it and softly whispers "Exaresco". Within a second the child is dry and looking around, wondering who helped him but gets no answers. 

The raven-haired boy isn't one for attention so he quickly moves on with the rest of the group that's slowly moving up towards the castle. "Where do you guys think you'll get sorted?" He casts a glance to his side as the redhead breaks the silence. 

"Well, I'm definitely going to be in Slytherin. My entire family has been in Slytherin." Draco happily chimes into the conversation.

"Cool, maybe we can stop the house rivalry then because I'm going to be a Gryffindor! My entire family has been in Gryffindor. Besides I hear they have amazing parties! What about you Harry?"

"I don't really care where I end up, so long as it's not Gryffindor. No offense Ron, I just prefer more peaceful and quiet spaces and I don't think that's a trait Griffindor is known for." He gives his new friend an apologetic smile, instantly getting a heartwarming one back.

"No worries mate, I get it. I grew up with 6 siblings, so for me, a quiet place would feel uncomfortable. But I know others who did not grow up with big families might find it uncomfortable like I don't like quiet spaces. We'll still all hang out though, right? No matter what?"

"Of course. House rivalry is ridiculous. After all, it's just to make our schedules easier. There's no such thing as houses in the work world." Draco rolls his eyes slightly at the idea of the houses, surprising Harry a little. 

"Indeed, no matter what house we get into, that should not change our judgment. I'll clap for whatever house you two get into, they're lucky to have you." Ron smiles at the replies of his new friends, feeling a weight drop off his shoulders and they ascend the staircase. Stopping in front of a rather stern-looking figure. The woman is a little bit more to the older side, having grey long hair that's slicked back into a neat bun, her black point hat neatly on her head, hands pleaded over her emerald green dress. Does she represent Slytherin? No. Draco said his godFATHER is the head of the Slytherin house. Harry smiles. Whoever this is, is not biased. Good to know. 

"'The firs'-years, Professor McGonagall,' s" "Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." The half-giant nods and leaves through a side door. He's not going to eat with the rest of the staff?

"Welcome to Hogwarts," says Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts."

Harry looks around, observing everyone's reactions to the stern head of the Gryffindor house. 

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff,Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noblehistory and each has produced outstanding witches andwizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs willearn your house points, while any rule-breaking will losehouse points. At the end of the year, the house with themost points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor. Ihope each of you will be a credit to whichever housebecomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutesin front of the rest of the school. I suggest you allsmarten yourselves up as much as you can while you arewaiting."