3, 2, 1

Chapter 7- Sort of sorting and a rather frightened elephant

The man cleared his throat, "Frank Zhang."

Frank walked up confidently, even with his insides squirming. He closes his eyes as the hat is placed on his head.

Wow, such a gentle heart for someone who has killed and would kill again if he had to. I wish placing you could be easy but it will prove difficult, although... yes, I believe you are a... "Hufflepuff!"

Frank slides off the chair and walks over to the Yellow table. Hazel claps, smiling brightly.

The man blinks once or thrice too many times before reading out the next name, "Hazel Levesque"

Hazel takes a deep breath before walking up and taking a seat, the hat sits neatly on her curls.

Hazel, you are easier than the others before you, although still rather difficult. It was easy to narrow it down to two but now is the hard part. Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff? Hazel thought as hard as she could, Hufflepuff, Hufflepuff. You know why as much as I do but as you wish... "Hufflepuff!"

Hazel jumped off and gladly joined her boyfriend in yellow.

The man held his glum expression as he read out the next name, "Jason Grace."

Jason hugged Piper before walking up past the man and onto the stool, the hat seemed to like his head.

Wow oh wow, it feels like an honour your thoughts are so guarded, even more so than the others. It's like you hide half the thoughts from yourself but I see them. Oh, this is fascinating. But never mind that, I need to place you. Uh, huh... "Gryffindor!"

Jason felt his head clear as he stumbled towards the cheering red table.

Leo clapped his hands wildly but stopped as the man yelled out his name.

"Leo Valdez."

He was so nervous about setting this talking hat on fire that he thought he might... well, catch fire.

Don't you dare! I must do this quickly, I do not wish to be ash. Anyway, you would do best in... "Slytherin!"

Leo felt a jolt of fear run through his body, how would the school treat him if he was in the 'evil' house.  He brushed that aside and went to join his new housemates.

The man watches as Leo sits and starts joking around with the other students, then he continues, "Nico Di Angelo."

Nico sighs and ducks his head as he makes his way towards the stool, and soon the hat sits gently on his head.

You expect me to place you with your friend, Leo. You two are very different but I have to agree, your ambition to be different from your siblings before you, not intending Hazel or Bianca, fits you in perfectly. So you understand you're a... "Slytherin!"

Nico stands up and joins Leo, not changing his expression.

The man surveys the remaining three, "Perseus Jackson."

Percy laughs and briefly glances at Annabeth who gives him an encouraging look.

I guess, you want to be with your girlfriend, unfortunately, that's not how this works. Let's see, loyalty, bravery, well I see you tend to be a bit reckless when it comes to saving your friends. I would consider Hufflepuff if your fairness was higher up your trait list. Now, Ravenclaw might be out of the question, and Slytherin, I doubt you'll fit in there at all. Yes, you're fit for... "Gryffindor!"

Percy looks at his girlfriend sadly before rushing to join Jason.

The man looks between the two girls, curious as to which was which, "Piper Mclean."

A whisper fills the hall as Piper steps forward and she resists the urge to snap at them, knowing the effects of charmspeak on wizards.

Oh my, you're very angry for a girl who is obviously being praised. But the question you want answered is 'where am I going?'. I can tell you now that it's not that easy. You see your brain is filled with amazing thoughts and I'm sure you would fit with many houses. Oh... Gryffindor or Slytherin, a rare combination and I see you wish for Gryffindor as your partner is there but I see a great future for you in Slytherin, besides you seem very Slytherin material. I must make a decision... "Slytherin!"

Putting all sad thoughts behind him, Jason stands and claps as Piper hurriedly walks towards Leo and Nico.

The man looks at Reyna, glad that they are almost finished, "Reyna Ramirez Arellano."

Reyna stands as a true leader and marches up to the front, she takes a seat as the hat goes on.

A leader indeed, you would do well in two houses, that is clear. Gryffindor or Ravenclaw? You seem to have thought this through a lot during the ride over with some rowdy Ravenclaws. I believe your choice can be taken into account. Yes, okay then... "Gryffindor!"

Reyna smiles as the hat is taken off and she joins the two former predators.