Harry Potter and the Story Without Delphi

Chapter Three: The Sorting Hat Gets Salty

When the first years had finally got off the boat and walked through the gigantic gates, they were overcome with a sense of wonder. Nova, who had never grown up around magic, seemed to be utterly astounded. She commented on just about everything, but Albus could hardly be annoyed. He was to busy soaking it all in.

"Is that floating? Is that dancing? What is this place?"

Albus's dad had forewarned him about the infamous poltergeist named Peeves, and he did not fail to disappoint. Out of the blue, spitballs rained from the ceiling, accompanied by an evil cackling. However everyone seemed to find this even cooler. This only added another sense of astonishment.

When they finally were outside the door to the Great Hall, Proffesor McGonagall, who also frequented Albus's dad's stories, made a short introduction to the school and the sorting.

"At Hogwarts School, which I, Professor McGonagall, is headmistress of, we have four house, in which you will eat, sleep, play quiddicth and, generally have classes with. The four houses are Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and, Hufflepuff. They each have their merits and are all an honor to be a part of. The Sorting Hat decides which house you are best suited for, and you will be all sitting at your house tables soon enough. If you would just follow me through these door..."

She opened the two huge doors and the crowd of first years walked in. It was absolutely incredible. Hundreds of candles lit the ceiling and long tables seated masses of students. Up on the raised platform, placed gently on a stool, was The Sorting Hat.

Proffesor McGonagall began to call out names. He knew for a fact that there were many to get through before his, and a fair bit before Scorpius, but he realized he had no clue of Nova's last name. Well, this was her time to fulfill her Slytherin dreams.

"Nova..."

Professor McGonagall seemed utterly confused and peered closer at the scroll. It was as if "Nova" was the only thing written there, devoid of last name. Nova herself didn't seem to mind, or even be surprised. She just walked up, took the hat from the last person who had been sorted, put it on, and screwed her eyes shut. It took a while, and it was as if she was arguing with the Sorting Hat, but finally, a yell tinged with annoyance said the words she must have wanted.

"Slytherin!"

Albus saw Nova let out a hearty "Yes!" and run over to the Slytherin table where there was ample applause.

When Professor McGonagall called Rose's name, Albus felt a pang of guilt. Sure enough, the hat took no time to declare her a Gryffindor.

Soon enough, it was Scorpius's turn and it was only a few seconds before the hat let out another "Slytherin!" He went to the Slytherin table and sat beside Nova. They both turned to face him, anticipating his house.

By the time it was Albus's turn, he was completely torn. His new found friends were waiting for him in Slytherin, while his families past and Rose was waiting in Gryffindor. Albus knew if he became red and gold, Rose would probably make up with him, and they would go on being best friends, like that had been for their whole lives. But when he was Nova and Scorpius in anticipation staring at him, he realized that they had liked him for him and decided to be his friend on their own free will, not because their parents pushed them together. On top of all this, he didn't even really get to decide which house he ended up in. Wrestling with all these thoughts, he took the hat and sat on the stool. Instantly the hat started talking to him inside his head.

Hat: Torn between house huh? Either to embrace the past or await the present.

What should I do? Rose has been with me as far as I can remember, but Scorpius and Nova sought me out and seem really nice.

Hat: Listen, I'm really not here to solve your girlfriend issues.

She's not my girlfriend!

Hat: Whatever. I'm the house guy. House hat. Usually I would let the student chose in this situation, because both houses could suit you, but your dad had the choice and chose Gryffindor, but he really would have been good for...

"Slytherin!"