Neville Longbottom and the Boy Who Lived

Chapter 7 - The Sorting Hat

The next month seemed to drag on forever. Neville began a cycle where he would get a good night's rest the night he took the potion, but every night thereafter the dreams would slowly creep back in. Although he was getting enough rest to function, his coordination remained suspect, and his memory lapses continued. True to her word, his grandmother no longer pressured him about the dreams, but in her typical style she continued to harp on his mistakes.

His ticket for the Hogwarts Express arrived in the second week of August, and Gran felt it best if she hold onto it. In the weeks leading up to September the first, several arguments had broken out about which house Neville should be in. When they started yet another round, Neville disappeared to the living room, where he could eavesdrop without drawing attention to himself.

"Both his father and grandfather were in Gryffindor," Enid said. "Chances are he'll be placed in that house.

"And what is wrong with Ravenclaw?" Gran asked. "I myself was a member of that fine house, and we put the Gryffindors to shame. We won the house cup five of my seven years there. One year, Gryffindor finished with no house points at all; they had lost them on so many childish adventures and rule-breaking sprees."

"Ah, Sis," said Algie. "You know the boy doesn't have the intellect for Ravenclaw. And after our misadventure with the broom, I can't say I see him in Gryffindor either. Well, there's always Hufflepuff. Neville can be loyal and hardworking. My hunch is he ends up there. Most of the wizards that came from Hufflepuff turn out fine, even if they aren't an extraordinary bunch."

"Algie, you are selling them short. Alice was a Hufflepuff and Head Girl," Enid reminded. "And she was one of the most talented Aurors of her generation."

"Luv, she's the exception that proves the rule. And do you really think Neville has even a tenth of his mother's talent?"

"You have a point there, Algie," Gran conceded. "Between these dreams and his clumsiness it will be a wonder if he makes it through his first year in one piece. You're probably right; Hufflepuff will look after him, and keep him out of trouble. It's the most logical, and likely, the best for him."

"I think he will prove both of you wrong on every count you have listed here today," Enid said. "I see no reason why he couldn't be sorted into Gryffindor. And if he is sorted into Hufflepuff, he could very easily excel there, like his mother did."

*****

The next morning, Neville packed his stuff into his father's chest, and Algie helped him carry it down the stairs. Enid had noticed the name still read F. Longbottom, and used her wand to change the F to an N. But before Neville could leave the house, he had to find the now elusive Trevor. The toad had a distinct habit of hiding when Neville wanted him most, and this morning was no different. Eventually they found him hiding under the bed, and the child quickly put his pet in his pocket.

The family Flooed to the Leaky Cauldron, and caught a Muggle taxi to King's Cross station in London. They arrived at the station twenty minutes after ten, and as Algie loaded Neville's trunk onto a trolley, Gran paid the driver. The four then made their way to platform nine.

"Take care, Neville," said Enid. "Don't worry about things you can't control. Study hard, and look out for those around you. Show them the good person you are, and you'll make friends in no time. I know you can do it." She enveloped him in her hug.

Algie broke in. "Neville, I expect we'll be tossing the ol' Quaffle around next summer, once you get over your fear of flying. Don't sweat the small stuff, and make sure you have fun. Life is not all rules and studying." He gave Neville a quick pat on the back. "All right. You better get going. Enid and I will wait for you over by the taxi stand, Sis."

Neville took hold of his trolley, and side by side with his grandmother walked through the barrier separating platforms nine and ten to get to platform nine and three-quarters. A large red sign with gold lettering which spelled out "Hogwarts Express" greeted them as they emerged from the barrier, and Neville pushed his trolley to the luggage porters. After his trunk was stowed, he made his way back to his grandmother.

"We only have a couple of moments before you need to get on the train, and I have a couple of things I need to tell you. Keep quiet and your head down while you are on the train. You don't know which house you will be in, and until you do, you won't know who to trust with your friendship. Be polite, but wait until you are sorted to answer personal questions. It will be easier that way.

"I know you wish it was your mum and dad here to send you off. I know in many ways I'm a poor substitute. I have tried my best to keep you safe and instill in you a set of rules and values you can use to make your own decisions. And even if I don't always trust your abilities, I trust your heart.

"Do try not to break any school rules, or get yourself into any trouble. I know you've started keeping secrets, and that's your own business. But I hope you realize you can tell me anything, even if you think it might hurt me, or disappoint me. I will always be there to support you the best way I know how."

"I know, Gran. I'll try my best. And I'll try not to keep too many secrets from you. And I'll..." Neville reached into his pocket. Somehow the toad had got loose again. "Uh, Gran? I've lost my toad again."

"Oh, Neville," she sighed. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a spot of green making its way towards the front of the train. She took out her wand and said "Accio Trevor," and the toad soared back to her hand with a croak.

"Thanks, Gran. I really will do my best. I love you, and I'll try not to let you down."

"I love you too, Neville. Have a good term." Gran kissed him on the check, and as Neville boarded the train, she made her way back through the barrier.

*****

Neville found a seat in a compartment occupied by three other first year students as the train started off. The two girls and one boy sharing the compartment all smiled at him as he opened the door, and asked if he could join them.

"Hello. Have a seat. I'm Justin Finch-Fletchley. I'm glad another bloke came in. I don't know if I would have survived the ride to Hogwarts with three girls."

The blonde in pig-tails elbowed him in the ribs. "If there were three of us, we would have traded you for a fourth. That way you wouldn't be so put upon," she giggled. "My name is Hannah Abbott. This is so exciting isn't it?"

"I guess. I'm Neville Longbottom."

The bushy headed brunette girl next to him looked up quickly. "Longbottom? Are you related to Frank or Alice?"

Neville's throat went dry as he tried to work out how much to tell these strangers. "Uh, yes. They're my mum and dad."

"Really? They're quite famous. They were Aurors weren't they? That's right, they were in Modern Magical History for their battles against You-Know-Who. What are they doing now?"

Neville really didn't want to answer. "Um, they're retired." Although it was technically a lie, it was close enough to the truth he could probably remember it. Gran was right. He really didn't know who he could trust. It would be best to keep quiet until they reached Hogwarts.

"Oh. How nice for them. I'm Hermione by the way. Hermione Granger."

Neville looked at the girl. In a lot of ways she reminded him of Gran. She was very sure of herself, and had clearly done a lot of reading ahead of time.

"Yes, I find all of this fascinating. I have read everything I could get my hands on since I discovered I was a witch."

"When did you find out?" Neville asked.

"On July the twenty-fourth, when the strange letter came by owl. My parents are dentists. Everyone thought the odd things I did were coincidence until we were convinced otherwise." Both Justin and Hannah nodded as well.

"Are you two Muggle-born also?"

"Yeah. It answered some questions and raised a bunch more," Justin said.

Hannah looked at Neville questioningly. "Why are you here?"

"I'm going to school like you," Neville replied.

"No, that's not what I meant. From what Hermione said earlier, it sounds like you're a pureblood wizard. Why sit with us?"

Neville thought a second. "Because you let me. Even though I have always been taught about the Longbottom legacy, my dad told me it's not a wizard's blood that matters, it's his heart." He hesitated. "Do you mind if I stay? I don't want you to be uncomfortable, and if I'm making you feel that way, I'll go."

"Of course not," Hermione said defiantly. "Stay, Neville. It seems even us Muggle-borns need to get over some preconceptions."

The four spent the better part of an hour talking about their expectations of Hogwarts. Neville told what little had been relayed to him by his family, and Hermione was there to fill in the blanks from her reading in Hogwarts, A History. As the countryside passed by the window, the food trolley came and Neville bought a little bit of everything so his new friends could find what they liked. When he reached into his pocket, he didn't think about why he had easy access to his money bag, but when he put it back, he worked it why that was.

"He's gone again!"

"Who's gone, Neville?" Justin said.

"My toad, Trevor. He keeps escaping from me. I've got to find him."

"We'll help you," said Hannah. "What does he look like?"

"He's green with big brown eyes, and when you say his name, he'll turn towards you."

"Justin, you and Hannah head towards the back of the train. Neville and I will go towards the front," Hermione said. She was clearly used to being in charge.

Neville made his way towards the front, one compartment at a time. After going through most of the train he began to despair. How could I lose my toad before I even get to school? They were right. I don't belong here. By the time he came across the compartment with only two boys and a rat, he was almost in tears. He poked his head in anyway.

"Sorry, but have you seen a toad at all?" They both shook their heads. "I've lost him! He keeps getting away from me!"

The dark haired boy with glasses gave him a compassionate look. "He'll turn up."

Neville wasn't so sure. "Yes. Well, if you see him..." he trailed off pointing in the direction of his compartment. The door was almost shut when he heard the red-haired boy speak.

"Don't know why he's so bothered. If I'd brought a toad I'd lose it as quick as I could."

The boy's callous attitude towards Neville's loss stung. Hermione, who had been checking compartments on the other side of the train came up to him.

"What's wrong, Neville?"

Neville was trying so hard to keep the tears in. He was afraid if he said a word he would start bawling, so he pointed to the compartment he had just left. Hermione walked to the door he had indicated and opened it.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one." Her voice had lost much of its empathy and had taken on a very bossy tone.

"We already told him we haven't seen it," said the red-haired boy. They had clearly interrupted the two boys doing something against the rules.

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it then."

The red-haired boy attempted a spell that failed miserably, and Hermione quickly criticized him. She told him about her family, and the fact she had already read the course books. Then she introduced herself.

"I'm Ron Weasley," muttered the redhead.

"Harry Potter," said his companion.

Neville was stunned. This is Harry Potter? He looks so normal. Neville looked hard at the boy who had done what his father could not. He didn't look like a hero. In fact, he looked as lost as the rest of them.

The mention of Harry's name sent Hermione into another discourse. Neville clearly was at a disadvantage, not having read any of the books she mentioned, and in that regard the boys looked equally lost. He tugged on Hermione's sleeve.

"...Anyway, we'd better go and look for Neville's toad. You two had better change, you know, I expect we'll be there soon." Hermione turned quickly and led Neville back out of the compartment. After Neville closed the door, she turned to him. "Why don't you go see if Justin and Hannah have found Trevor. I'll check the last few compartments up here.

Neville started making his way back down the train, when out of nowhere a door opened and smashed him in the face.

"Good one, Crabbe," said the boy Neville recognized as Goyle.

"Yeah that was cool," said Crabbe.

"Come on now. Cry for us. Now that your old hen isn't here to protect you. Come on. Cry." Crabbe pushed Neville to Goyle who caught him and pushed him back.

"Excuse me, what is going on here." The voice came from an older boy with red hair. He had the Gryffindor crest on his robes and a prefect's badge. "Leave the boy alone or I will report you to the head of whatever house you end up getting sorted into."

"Come on Goyle. Let's go find Malfoy," Crabbe said, and the two vanished towards the front of the train.

"Are you all right? My name is Percy Weasley. I'm the fifth year prefect for Gryffindor. Are you Neville Longbottom?" Neville nodded. "Good. Professor Dumbledore asked me to look out for you. Why don't we get you back to your compartment?"

"Thanks, Percy." Weasley, he had just heard that name. "Are you related to Ron? I just met him and his friend Harry."

"Yes, he's my brother."

"He must be really lucky to have a brother who's a prefect and can look out for him."

Percy smiled. As they approached Neville's compartment, Justin waved.

"Is this him?" Justin asked. Hannah held out her hands, and the tears Neville had been holding back came out in a rush.

"Trevor! Thank you. Thank you very much." He smiled at Justin, Hannah and Percy. Maybe this school thing wouldn't be so bad after all.

*****

When the train pulled into the station it was dark. They left their luggage on the train as instructed, and Neville heard a voice call out "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" Neville looked up into the face of the largest man he had ever seen. He was at least three times taller than Neville was, and looked like he could eat two of Neville for breakfast and still have room for tea and biscuits.

He made his way towards the large man behind Hermione and in front of Justin. The group started down a dark path and soon the station was out of sight behind him, with only darkness in front. Neville could barely see his hand in front of his face, and twice he almost fell. His whimpering had caught the attention of those around him.

"Neville, it will be all right. Just relax," Hermione whispered to him. She sounded as scared as he was, but was trying not to let on. The students rounded a bend, and there before him stood a beautiful sight. An enormous castle sitting on the edge of a cliff, light pouring from its windows within, and bathed in the moonlight above. The view elicited "Ooh's" and "Aah's" from everyone.

Soon the students had come to the edge of the lake and the large man told them to get in a boat. Neville followed Hermione into one of the first boats and found he was sharing it with the two boys, Ron and Harry. As the boats sped across the lake, the castle grew until it looked the size of a small city. The boats docked, but Neville couldn't take his eyes off the castle. He didn't notice when Trevor slipped again from his pocket.

But the man did. "Oy, you there! Is this your toad?"

"Trevor," Neville cried. As he reached up to take his pet from the man, he could hear the snickers of other students, particularly the two large boys who pushed him around on the train, and a smaller boy who they now seemed to be following. They laughed out loud when the man asked him if he still had his toad following the short walk to the castle. Neville decided whatever house they were going to be in, he wanted no part of it.

The group of first year students came to a stop outside a large oak door. The man knocked three times and quickly the door swung open. Standing in the doorway was a very stern looking witch, who had the same air of formidability Neville had come to recognize in Gran.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," said the man.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." She pushed the door all the way open and motioned for the students to follow her. He could hear a large crowd in the hall beyond, but the professor passed up the main entrance and led them to what appeared to be an antechamber just off the to the side.

The professor welcomed the students and informed them as to what was going to happen. She explained the concept of the four houses, and how the house served as a sort of family while at school. She also talked about the house cup, and exhorted them to be a credit to their houses.

Then her eye seemed to land on Neville. "I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." Neville looked at his cloak to find it had become twisted around the clasp during the trip from the train. He shoved Trevor back inside his pocket, and tried to fix his robe.

The students surrounding Neville started to talk about the sorting in McGonagall's absence. Ron Weasley said his brother had told him it involved a painful test. Hermione, on the other hand was whispering about various spells that could be used depending on what the test was. Neville tried to take in as much information from her as he could.

At least until the ghosts arrived.

It was wonderful and frightening at the same time. Neville knew about ghosts but he had never seen one before. Now he was counting at least a dozen distinct patterns floating about the antechamber. One in particular, a monk by the looks of him, greeted the children.

"New students! About to be sorted, I suppose?" Neville nodded. "Hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old house, you know." Neville looked at the ghost, wondering how long it had been since the monk had attended Hogwarts.

Just then, Professor McGonagall returned and snapped the first-years to attention. "Move along now," she told the ghosts. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to start." As the ghosts exited she turned her attention back to those still living. "Now form a line and follow me," she said, and with that she turned on her heel and strode through the doors.

The doors parted to reveal a room that resembled a cathedral more than a cantine. Inside the room were four long tables, and a short table on a raised dais at the end. Above each of the long tables were banners Neville could only assume referred to their respective houses. Seated at the tables were children of various ages, all waiting quietly. Some looked anxious, some bored, some hungry, but none dared speak.

Neville was suddenly more self-conscious then ever before in his entire life. He knew he had some magical ability. But now he was convinced his ability paled in comparison to not only those seated at these tables, but also those who were waiting with him. After all, if a smart girl like Hermione was in his year, not to mention Harry Potter, how would he be judged by comparison?

The Professor motioned for the group to follow, and they all proceeded towards the table at the far end. The only thing Neville could think about was not to trip. He was staring down at the floor, watching where to put his feet, trying hard not to step on his own robes, or the robes of the person in front of him.

"It's not real, you know," said Hermione, walking in front of him. Neville looked at her questioningly. "The ceiling." For the first time since they had entered the castle Neville looked up, and was amazed at what he saw. The night sky majestically unfolded above him, so high he couldn't see the rafters above. "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, a History."

The students in front came to a stop and Neville, whose eyes were still on the ceiling above, stumbled into Hermione. "Sorry," he mumbled, and he cast his eyes down upon the ground unable to face anybody for fear they might snicker. His downward glance was only momentary as a voice started speaking in rhyme. Neville looked up to see who was speaking, and was shocked to realize the words were coming from a split in the brim of an old worn hat.

The hat continued its song detailing what type of students each house routinely took, and when it was finished the hall applauded the hat's effort. Professor McGonagall then unrolled a roll of parchment and prepared to read. "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. And then she called out, "Abbott, Hannah!"

The pig-tailed girl with whom he had shared the train compartment slowly walked to the stool. She was clearly afraid of whatever test was about to take place, and looked like she would rather be anywhere else. After a moment, the hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

Professor McGonagall worked through the names on her list. Neville knew he had no interest in Slytherin once Crabbe and Goyle were sorted into that house. Justin was sent to Hufflepuff with Hannah, and his mother's old house was looking attractive. However when Hermione was sent to the Gryffindor table, Neville was conflicted. He only had an instant to worry about it before Professor McGonagall spoke again.

"Longbottom, Neville!"

Neville suddenly was aware that everyone in the room was watching him. He started forward nervously, looking around for a potential exit, and in doing so misjudged the step leading up to the stool. His foot slipped off the step and down he went in a heap, to the snickers of three tables, and the guffaws of one.

Don't cry. The worst that can happen is they'll send you home and you'll never have to see any of these kids ever again, Neville thought as he picked himself up and with his eyes firmly planted on the floor ahead made his way to the stool and sat down. The Slytherins still hadn't stopped laughing as Professor McGonagall set the Hat on his head.

"Ooohh! A Longbottom! I haven't had one of these in years. I'd forgotten what a jumble they are. So, boy, what do you have to say for yourself?"

What is the hat talking about? Is it telling me to explain why I'm here?

"Not why you're here, but where you should go."

You mean I get to choose?

"Yes and no. I always take into account the wishes of the student. After all, if I place someone entirely against their will without reason, they won't be happy at Hogwarts.

Well I definitely don't want to go to Slytherin.

"Yes, and Ravenclaw won't suit you either. No, you definitely need to be someplace that will protect you. And then you in turn will be able to protect others."

But isn't there more to life than to protect and to be protected. I've been protected all my life, and all that has happened is that I doubt myself even more. Please, don't place me where I can be protected. Place me where I can learn and grow.

"In that case, there's only one house that will suit you. It takes a lot of courage to turn down a friendly shelter for personal growth. Yes. It may be difficult but remember you have it in you, otherwise I wouldn't have placed you in GRYFFINDOR!"

Only the last word was said aloud to a stunned Great Hall. Neville opened his eyes and looked around. The Slytherin table was laughing louder than ever, and even the Gryffindors were stunned. But then something happened for Neville that he could never have dreamed. The Gryffindor table began to applaud, and the noise became deafening. Neville could no longer hear the jeers and catcalls. He jumped up with the biggest smile on his face and ran straight to the table.

"Excuse me, Mr. Longbottom," Professor McGonagall said.

Neville looked back, and realized he was still wearing the hat. He ran back, took the hat off and said, "Thank you, Hat," very softly so no one could hear. He handed the hat back to the Professor, and with tears of happiness in his eyes, took his seat next to Hermione.