Harry Potter and the Rise of Hope

Chapter Five

The Sorting

Blaise sat back in his seat thinking. What was the girl's name Grint, Gront? Grant? That was it. "Hey Grant, what's with the mask? Surely your face isn't that bad,"

She answered as she took it off.

"I'd rather have people look at me when they talk, not the ground." Then she looked at him. Blaise was stunned. Down the left side of her face ran two scares. One along her cheek, the other ran down her cheek twisting the corner of her mouth upwards. There was a third. It was barely an inch long it missed her right eye by centimeters. He sat back in his seat. How could any one be so cruel as to do something like that, for fun? How could anyone serve such a master?

~*~*~*~*~

They got off the train and into the horseless carriages that stood waiting. Neville Longbottom (another Gryffindor) joined Harry, Ron, and Hermione, while Ginny and Arora were joined by a most unwelcome Malfoy. Even after being hexed he still had his sights set on Ginny.

They made it inside, around Peeves (who was throwing Jellow filled Balloons), and into the Great Hall. Harry watched as the first years filed in. Every one became quiet as an old hat was placed on a rickety stool. A rip near the brim opened and the hat began to sing:

Gather round come one come all,

I have a tail to tell.

You all knew them, four wizards once,

Their houses now here dwell.

The lion roars for Gryffindor,

Braving any storm.

As he crosses wild moor,

Never to be forlorn.

Serpent strikes for Slytherin,

Sly as any fox.

Stocking cross oozing fen,

Him no one ever mocks.

Badger digs for Hufflepuff,

Who's fair in every way.

Strolling through valley broad,

She's loyal day to day.

Eagle soars for Ravenclaw,

Smart as any owl.

Gilding past hidden glen,

One could never call her foul.

All for our great Hogwarts,

'Twas here they chose to build.

With all these many students,

These rooms they hoped would be filled.

One problem these great leaders,

Came across with out glee.

Who would sort these houses,

One who requires no fee.

So taking me off his head one day,

Gryffindor chose a charm.

I now choose the houses,

Without causing harm.

So sit thee down and put me on,

I swear it won't take long.

I'll take a look inside your mind,

I've never yet been wrong

Every one clapped, and Harry could see a couple of first years sighing with relief. McGonagall brought out her list and the first student stepped forward.

"Amael, David."

"Hufflepuff!" . . .

"Johnson, Tony."

"Slytherin!" . . .

"Quirk, Devin."

"Ravenclaw." Harry was a little disappointed but then, he realized watching the boy stick his tongue out at his sister, you can't have them all.

"Sinclair, Raven."

"Gryffindor." Harry cheered and watched as she sat down next to Hermione. The curly red head that had defended Draco was sorted into Slytherin and the sorting ended. Looking up at the staff table expectantly Ron nudged him, "Harry, what's he doing here?" Harry looked were Ron was pointing. Sitting just to the right of Professor Flitwick was a blond man in Violet robes. Gilderoy Lockhart (Harry's Defense against the Dark Arts teacher second year) was beaming at the school. Harry grimaced but didn't say anything as Dumbledor stood.

"I would like to welcome you all to another year! First years are reminded that the forest is out of bounds, as is the village to all those under third year. I would like to announce a new Dark Arts teacher. Now don't get upset! Professor Monroe has simply moved into the astronomy department. Her place will be taken by none other than a returning, Professor Lupin!" the hall erupted in cheers. Lupin was remembered quite fondly by those above fourth year and most of the younger students had heard rumors.

"Also returning to our staff for a second time is Gilderoy Lockhart." The fifth, sixth, and seventh years groans were drowned out by the shrieks of the younger girls. Even some of the staff were looking annoyed. Perhaps Dumbledor noticed because he raised a hand for silence and said.

"He will be staying in his own house in Hogsmead, but his offer to restart a dueling club has been accepted. I expect you all to take advantage of this opportunity, because it may help you in some of your other classes," here he winked at Remus.

"I have only one thing more to say! Eat well!" With that, he sat down and the feast appeared on the tables.

Before Harry new it Ginny was calling for the first years, and the rest of the table was heading up to the dorms. Upon entering the room Ron fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. After removing his glasses Harry did the same.