Frank Potter and the Forbidden Chemical Romance

First Lesson for Frank, Don't mess with Chemicals

Gerard looked at me excitedly.

"Now, right this way, first years," McGonagall said. We shuffled ourselves into a messy line and followed her through the large oak doors. Gerard ran his fingers nervously through his already messy bright red hair.

"How are we being sorted?" I asked him.

"I dunno. Fred and George were talking about fighting a troll," Gerard said in a terrified voice. 

"Where's Ray when we need him?" I grumbled.

"I know, right?" Gerard replied.

I looked up and saw Professor McGonagall placing a dirty old hat on a stool.

"What the hell is that?" Gerard quesioned. 

I was about to reply, when the hat opened its mouth and started to sing.

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can top them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a steady mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

Everyone in the hall applauded. Gerard and I, not knowing exactly what to think, clapped too.

"That was terrifying," Gerard whispered to me.

"I agree with that," I giggled.

"I am going to call you up alphabetically to be sorted into your houses," McGonagall said briskly.