The Sorting Hat (rewritten)

As I finished explaining my situation to Elias and how I discovered my wizarding abilities, I could see the fascination in his eyes. It was a moment of revelation, a door to a world I never knew existed.

But our conversation was interrupted by the creaking of the compartment door. I turned to see two girls entering. One had blonde hair and a fair complexion, her face reflecting the weariness of a difficult day. The other girl, of the same height, had brown hair and brown eyes, but her appearance seemed to evoke the image of an old pug.

Both girls glanced at Elias and me, and the one with the pug-like face, whom I later learned was named Pansy, began to speak disparagingly.

"I feel sick when I see this, Daphne," Pansy remarked, her voice dripping with disdain. "I don't want to be around them, next to these Mudbl-"

But before she could finish her sentence, Daphne, the blonde girl, raised her hand to interrupt her friend.

"Pansy, you know where my family stands and what my opinion is about purity," Daphne said firmly.

Pansy persisted, "Yes, Daphne, I know, but still, I don't want to sit next to them. Let's look for another compartment, maybe with better company, like Draco's for example... pretty please?"

Daphne's expression remained unchanged, but I could sense her disagreement with Pansy's words. She then turned to us and offered an apology.

"We apologize for the inconvenience," Daphne said courteously, addressing both Elias and me. She then turned back to Pansy and suggested, "Let's go, Pansy, let's find Tracy. Maybe she had more luck finding a compartment."

With that, Daphne closed the compartment door, leaving Elias and me alone once again.

"Well, that was strange," Elias commented.

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, strange indeed."

Elias sighed. "I hope not all our colleagues will be so strange."

I couldn't help but be realistic. "Unfortunately, I don't think we can hope for that."

A few minutes later, a trolley filled with sweets came by our compartment. A cheerful woman greeted us.

"Anything off the trolley, dears?"

Elias turned to me with excitement. "Did you have the opportunity to try the magical sweets, Arth?"

I shook my head. "No, not really. Do you think what I'm thinking?"

We both smiled and said in unison, "We'll take the lot!"

Soon, Arthur and Elias were sitting together, indulging in a variety of sweets. Among the treats were Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

Elias held up a package and examined it. "Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans?"

I reached over and took a closer look. "Let me check."

As I examined the package, I noticed the wide variety of flavors it contained. "There are every flavor beans! There's chocolate and peppermint, and there's also spinach, liver, and tripe, and so on."

Elias couldn't resist the temptation. "Wanna try?"

I grinned mischievously. "You dare to provoke me, old friend? You know I don't back down from a challenge."

We both reached into the package and selected a green bean. With a sense of excitement and trepidation, we bit into them simultaneously.

Elias quickly spat out his bean. "Ugh, it seems I win this time, Eli. I got the lemon-flavored one. What about you?" I asked him between laughs savoring the victory. "A bogey-flavored one, and let me tell you, it's disgusting." he said

Our adventure with magical sweets continued as I picked up a blue box with gold edges.

"What are these?" I wondered aloud. "They're not really frogs, are they?"

Elias speculated, "Nah, most likely a chocolate one. Open it and see."

As I opened the box, a chocolate frog unexpectedly leaped out onto the floor.

"Oh man," I muttered, somewhat startled.

Elias, however, seemed unfazed. "Don't be sad, Arthur. It's finally my time to shine. Pay attention to what I learned this summer."

He cleared his throat and with a flourish of his wand, declared, "Acc.."

The moment was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a girl with frizzy, untamable dark hair and brown eyes. She was dressed in robes and entered our compartment abruptly.

"Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville lost one," she inquired.

Elias and I exchanged puzzled glances and then replied in unison, "No."

The girl seemed determined. "Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see then."

Elias took the opportunity to showcase his magical prowess. He cleared his throat and confidently cast the spell, "Accio!"

The chocolate frog obediently flew into Elias's hand, leaving the girl astonished.

"That... that's impossible," she stammered. "Of course, I've only tried a few simple spells myself, but the spell you used was not in the first-year book... How?"

Elias grinned and simply replied, "I'm that good."

The girl, who introduced herself as Hermione Granger, frowned at his response. Elias and I exchanged amused glances, silently acknowledging that Elias was reveling in the moment.

I couldn't resist applauding Elias's magical display. After all, I had my own tricks up my sleeve, but there was no need to steal his thunder.

Hermione extended her hand, seeking introductions. "I'm Hermione Granger... and you are...?"

I introduced myself, "Arthur, Arthur Belmont. Nice to meet you."

Elias followed suit, "And I'm Elias, Elias North. Nice to meet you as well."

Hermione nodded and efficiently concluded, "Pleasure. You two better change into your robes. I expect we'll be arriving soon."

With that, she departed, leaving Elias and me to exchange amused glances.

"Energetic one, isn't she?" I remarked.

Elias agreed, "Yeah, but she's right. We better change into our robes."

As night fell, the train reached its final destination. A huge man with a lantern guided the students as they disembarked from the train.

"You know, Elias," I commented, "the ride was shorter than expected."

Elias chuckled. "Well, Arthur, I agree, but only because of the good food."

I couldn't help but mention the unusual encounter we had. "Elias, don't forget about the strange company we had."

Before we disembarked, we encountered a pair of red-haired twins who tried to sell us various items. Though we didn't buy anything, their humorous banter left us amused, and we couldn't resist mimicking their unique way of speaking.

As we made our way off the train, a large man approached us and enthusiastically welcomed the first-year students.

"Right, then! First years! This way, please! Come on, now, don't be shy! Come on now, hurry up!"

Two familiar students, a redhead and someone with untidy black hair, approached the large man, who seemed delighted to see them.

After a few minutes, the large man redirected us toward some boats that were waiting to ferry us

The night was shrouded in darkness, but the sky above was a tapestry of stars, each one shimmering with anticipation. Elias and I climbed into one of the boats, and to our amazement, it seemed to have a mind of its own. With no need for oars, the boat glided effortlessly across the calm, reflective waters.

The lake seemed to come alive beneath us, its surface glistening with an ethereal glow. It mirrored the starlit heavens above and the distant silhouette of Hogwarts Castle, which grew larger with every moment. The only sounds were the faint laughter and excited chatter of fellow students.

As Elias and I sat back, hands free, I couldn't help but exchange a glance with my friend. Our eyes held the wonder of children on the cusp of an extraordinary adventure. The towering spires of Hogwarts Castle drew closer, seeming to welcome us into it. The castle exuded an aura of magic that was palpable even from a distance.

Elias couldn't contain his excitement. "That's awesome!"

I could only agree, my eyes fixed on the magnificent castle that was to be our new home.

We proceeded toward the castle, eventually entering its hallowed halls. As we ascended a grand staircase, we noticed a professor waiting for us on a higher level. She tapped her fingers on a stone railing and then ascended to the top of the stairs to address the newcomers.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."

She continued to explain the importance of house unity and the house points system, emphasizing the significance of earning and losing points throughout the school year.

Suddenly, a boy named Neville Longbottom, looking rather flustered, spotted his toad near Professor McGonagall. He rushed forward and exclaimed, "Trevor!"

But the toad hopped into my hands. I couldn't help but sigh, knowing that I had been drawn into an unexpected situation.

"You should be Neville, right?" I asked as I handed the toad back to him.

Neville seemed hesitant, as if he wanted to say more, but he caught a stern look from Professor McGonagall and thought better of it. "Sorry," he mumbled and retreated.

Professor McGonagall then announced the commencement of the Sorting Ceremony. The Great Hall fell into a hushed anticipation.

"The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily," she declared before stepping away.

Elias leaned over and whispered to me, "Hey, Arth, I overheard a boy saying that his brothers told him we need to beat a troll. Do you think we can make it?"

I considered his question and replied, "If it comes to that, we'll stick to our plan. You'll distract it, and I'll do what needs to be done."

We both shared a quiet snicker, feeling prepared for whatever challenges Hogwarts might throw our way.

Our conversation was interrupted when two boys in front of us engaged in a heated discussion. One was a young boy with an evil-looking demeanor, short blonde hair, and a sneer on his face. The other was the untidy black hair boy who talked with the large man, i think his name was Hagrid. he who wore distinctive round glasses.

then his new name will be glasses, better than untidy hair...

The evil-looking boy addressed the one with glasses. "As I said, Potter, let the problems that the adults have to be resolved by them. We don't have anything to gain from fighting each other for something we don't understand."

He then introduced his two companions. "This is Crabbe and Goyle. And I'm Malfoy... Draco Malfoy."

As he mentioned his name, a redhead, resembling the twins we met earlier, couldn't contain his amusement and snickered. The comment on his name seemed to irk Draco.

"Think my name's funny, do you?" Draco retorted. "No need to ask yours. Red hair and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley. Well, you'll soon find that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. Don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."

The boy with glasses, Harry Potter, retorted confidently, "I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks."

Draco did not seem pleased with Harry's response, and the tension in the air was palpable. However, before the situation could escalate further, Professor McGonagall returned, effectively ending the confrontation.

With her guidance, we entered the Great Hall, a sight more splendid and magical than I could have ever imagined. It was illuminated by thousands of floating candles, casting an enchanting glow on four long tables adorned with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the head of the hall sat the teachers, among them my Aunt, engaged in conversation with a professor with striking red hair.

The instant my Aunts eyes fell upon me, a radiant smile danced upon her lips, and my own mirrored the sentiment. It was a fleeting exchange, a silent acknowledgment across the room.

However, as I basked in the warmth of our reunion, my gaze inadvertently met that of the professor who had been conversing with my aunt. Their fiery red hair framed a face contorted in astonishment. The air crackled with unspoken questions.

Why, in Merlin's name, did my presence elicit such a reaction? I pondered, my curiosity piqued...

The ceiling of the Great Hall was a breathtaking masterpiece, resembling a velvety black sky dotted with stars. Hermione Granger, standing behind me, whispered, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History."

The enchantment left me awestruck, making it seem as if we were dining under the open sky.

Professor McGonagall led us to the front of the Great Hall, where a peculiar hat sat upon a stool. The Sorting Hat, as it was known, suddenly came to life and began 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 are sleek and tall, For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat And I can cap 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 have a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin You'll make your real friends, Those cunning folks 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!"

The entire hall erupted in applause at the Sorting Hat's performance, and I couldn't help but join in. It was a captivating introduction to the Hogwarts tradition.

Professor McGonagall continued, "When I call your name, you will come forth, I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses."

Professor McGonagall's commanding voice reverberated through the Great Hall, setting the stage for a magical moment.

"Hannah Abbott," she announced, and a brief pause was followed by the decisive proclamation of the Sorting Hat.

The Sorting Hat declared, "Hufflepuff!"

The sorting process unfolded systematically, each student finding their destined place among the four venerable houses.

Next in line was "Hermione Granger." Behind me, I overheard two boys whispering their opinions.

The redhead among them muttered, "Mental, that one, I'm telling you."

His companion, a boy with yellowish hair who bore a disagreeable pustule, nodded in reluctant agreement.

Hermione confidently took her place on the stool as McGonagall gently lowered the Sorting Hat onto her head. The Sorting Hat's deliberation was evident as it finally made its choice.

The Sorting Hat declared, "Ah, right then...hmm...right. Okay...Gryffindor!!" The students erupted in cheers as Hermione's smile lit up the room.

McGonagall then summoned "Draco Malfoy" to the stage. Draco, oozing confidence, approached the stool, and even the old Sorting Hat seemed taken aback before delivering its verdict.

"Slytherin!" proclaimed the Sorting Hat, though the cheers that followed were notably less exuberant.

Elias leaned closer, whispering, "I swear the hat didn't even touch his head."

I nodded, in agreement, sensing that others had observed the same phenomenon.

A voice from the crowd chimed in, "There isn't a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin."

As McGonagall continued the sorting with "Susan Bones," a petite redhead stepped forward.

I glanced upward and caught sight of a captivating woman with luxuriant, dark red hair cascading down her shoulders and striking, almond-shaped, bright green eyes. She was the same professor who had been conversing with my aunt moments ago, and her gaze seemed to linger on me.

A strange force enveloped me, as if warning of an impending shift. It was then that I noticed my aunt tapping the woman's shoulder.

I learned that if I concentrate I can improve certain senses, hearing, is one of them so I concentrated, attempting to eavesdrop on their conversation, and the mysterious force seemed to lend me its aid.

Iris's voice held a note of caution, "Mrs. Potter, if you don't stop now on what you are doing, we will have a problem."

her curiosity aroused, questioned, "But, you never told me he had a child... Why?"

Iris responded with an air of indifference, "Because I don't think that it matters if you know or not; this is none of your concern."

Mrs. Potter, protest trailed off, and I found myself frustrated with my waning concentration.

Elias inquired, concerned, "Is there a problem?"

I shook my head, determined to regain my composure. "No, nothing. I'm fine."

The Sorting Hat's voice broke through the tension, announcing, "Let's see...I know...Hufflepuff!"

As McGonagall continued to call out names, including "Ronald Weasley" and "Harry Potter," the students erupted in cheers.

Finally, McGonagall called my name, "Arthur Belmonth Prince."

The Great Hall fell silent, and I realized that my moment had arrived.

I shuffled towards the rickety stool and plopped myself into the chair. The ancient Sorting Hat, a quirky old thing with a personality as peculiar as a twisted broomstick, was unceremoniously plopped onto my head. It slipped down over my eyes, muttering to itself like a cantankerous old warlock.

"Ah, another one," the hat grumbled, its frayed brim obscuring my vision. "Arthur Belmonth Prince, eh? Let's see... you've got some Gryffindor in you, but there's a dash of Hufflepuff as well. And is that a sprinkle of Ravenclaw curiosity I detect? Slytherin too, perhaps?"

I couldn't help but ask, "Which house do you think suits me best?"

The Sorting Hat seemed to chuckle in my mind. "Every house at Hogwarts suits you, Mr. Belmout-Prince, but that's the question I want to ask you. Do you want to entertain this old hat?"

I considered the hat's words and replied, "If entertaining you means that I will reach my full potential, then..."

A raucous and infectious laughter rippled through the Great Hall, a laughter so contagious that even the portraits on the walls seemed to be chuckling. Everyone present couldn't believe their ears; never before had the Sorting Hat displayed such uncharacteristic behavior.

It bellowed with a gusto as if it had momentarily forgotten its identity or purpose.

Sorting Hat: "I like your answer, Mr. Prince, very well be it then, Slytherin!"

Silence enveloped the Great Hall for a brief moment, and then the Slytherins erupted in cheers, their table showing the most enthusiasm. It seemed that my unexpected placement had surprised everyone, including myself.

With a sense of finality, I plucked the Sorting Hat from my head and gently set it down on the worn stool. But just as I was about to retreat to the welcoming embrace of my new house, the hat's voice reached me again, a mere whisper in the bustling Great Hall.

"You know what's hidden inside me, I don't have to tell you, after all, you're a Belmont... It belongs to you, you just have to tell me... it's yours to take after all," it said, its tone now tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

I leaned in, my voice a quiet secret shared between us. "I'm not sure I know what you're talking about..."

The Sorting Hat seemed to chuckle, its fabric rustling as if it were clearing its throat before sharing its cryptic wisdom. "Ah, young Belmont, the secrets of our world are often hidden even from those who bear the most famous names. But fear not, for in time, you shall discover the truth, in time of course..."

With that enigmatic message hanging in the air, I left the Sorting Hat behind...

But before I could make my way to the Slytherin table, Elias cleared his throat and reminded me, "Aren't we forgetting something?"

I knew exactly what he meant. With a playful smile, I reached into my pocket, pulled out a gold coin, and tossed it to him. Elias caught it effortlessly, and our bet was settled.

"I never forget a deal, Mr. Belmont-Prince," Elias quipped. "A pleasure doing business with you."

The Great Hall remained silent for a moment longer, the events that had just transpired sinking in. Then, the Gryffindors burst into laughter, having learned the details of our bet from Elias. It was clear that our unexpected journey at Hogwarts had just taken an intriguing turn.

The bet had been a simple one: I believed I'd be sorted into any house other than Slytherin, while Elias had confidently wagered that I'd follow in my father's footsteps. As it turned out, Elias was right, a fact that offered a rare respite from my usual certainty. It was oddly refreshing not to be the all-knowing one, and I hoped such instances would remain infrequent.

Approaching my new house, I resolved to keep my senses sharp, my ears open, and my instincts finely honed. If need be, I'd strike where it counted most.