Chapter 9: Choose with Your Heart

Catherine didn't have any memories from after she left the train. She just followed the other first-years towards the boats that were supposed to take them through the Black Lake. She found herself together with a chubby boy and an arrogant looking girl, but they didn't introduce themselves and Catherine didn't feel like socializing anymore. However, the young witch couldn't help herself but gasp when she saw for the first time the warm lights of the majestic castle against the dark sky. 

When the students entered the main building through the massive oak doors, Catherine felt a strange warm feeling inside her belly. She could sense the ancient magic of this place. It was somehow familiar and at the same time inviting and intriguing. The girl felt excited. For the first time in her life, she was looking forward for the coming days. There were people who she liked and things to learn, and nobody here talked about demons and obligations. She could actually be a kid like everyone else. 

When they entered the Great Hall, led by the tall, dark-haired Professor Minerva McGonagall, Catherine didn't pay attention to the chatting sea of black-robbed students seated at the four long tables, all of them looking curiously at the first-years. She was simply mesmerised by the Enchanted Ceiling mimicking the night sky outside. The girl could discern faint traces of the magic that created it. She was so preoccupied that she didn't realize they had stopped thus she bumped straight into the girl who was in front of her. 

"Sorry!" – apologised Catherine, quickly focusing on the wooden stool that Professor McGonagall had just brought forth. Upon the stool, the teacher placed the Sorting Hat. Though it appeared old and patched, Catherine was well aware of its formidable powers—a true magical artifact. A rip near the brim opened and the voice of the hat echoed through the Great Hall.

In Hogwarts halls where magic thrives,

A new year's dawn, our spirits rise,

Young hearts eager, minds so bright,

I am the Sorting Hat, let's unite!

From Gryffindor's courage to Hufflepuff's heart,

Ravenclaw's wisdom, Slytherin's art,

Four houses strong, unique in their way,

Let the sorting begin on this special day.

Oh, gather 'round, dear students of mine,

A journey awaits, a destiny to define,

Into your hearts, I'll delve so deep,

To find the House where you shall reap.

Bravery bold, a lion's pride,

Gryffindor's fire, you won't hide,

Or perhaps loyalty, like earth so true,

In Hufflepuff's warmth, you'll find your clue.

Creativity and knowledge entwine,

In Ravenclaw's tower, where stars brightly shine,

Resourceful and cunning, ambition your guide,

In Slytherin's embrace, you won't be denied.

Let the sorting commence, let choices be known,

Into your future, with courage be thrown,

For in unity and strength, you'll find your way,

At Hogwarts, our haven, let the magic sway.

Catherine observed as Professor McGonagall began calling names from a scroll, her heart starting to beat faster. She had thought she had everything figured out. As an heir of Hogwarts, she was most certainly qualified to be part of each of the Houses and she knew that the hat should take the student's desires into account. However, there were a few circumstances that needed to be considered. She was determined not to be sorted into the same house as Greg, so Gryffindor was completely out of question.

"Black, Sirius." – McGonagall's voice rang out. Catherine lifted her head to see Sirius, seated with the Sorting Hat upon his head. It didn't take long.

"Gryffindor!" The announcement was met with a mix of applause and hoots of derision echoing throughout the hall.

The ceremony continued as Catherine remained preoccupied with her sorting dilemma. If Gryffindor was not the right choice, perhaps Hufflepuff wasn't the best option either. She had no idea if she possessed a particularly strong sense of loyalty, mainly because she hadn't had anyone to be loyal to in the first place.

"Evans, Lily." – Catherine once again focused on the Sorting Ceremony as her friend was handed the hat by the professor. This time it took a little bit longer, but the result was loud and clear.

"Gryffindor!"

Catherine heard a groan and looked at Snape who was close by and appeared absolutely devastated. She couldn't help but smirked. The young witch firmly believed that she personally was best suited for Slytherin, but in a way, she felt relieved Lily didn't end up there. The House was notorious for its disdain towards Muggle-born students and that would have also been a problem for Catherine under the current circumstances. It was the House where both Merlin and Morgana le Fay studied and where their legendary rivalry started from. Nevertheless, Catherine was so sick of being compared to Morgana all her life that she subconsciously wanted to evade it if possible. Recently she also was not thrilled by the perspective of ending up together with Snape. 'He's indeed a pain in the ass.' – she thought looking at him with a frown. 

"Lupin, Remus."

Catherine looked up surprised that they were now doing the letter L. She had really zoned out.

"Gryffindor!"

Then it was settled. It would have been best and safest if she asked the hat to be sorted in Ravenclaw. She was certainly smart enough. Even though the witch suspected that she was not too fond of following the rules, that could have been a good place for her. 'Yes, it is decided!' – she nodded with determination while someone named Peter Pettigrew also became part of Gryffindor. Then it was time.

"Plantier, Catherine!" – announced Professor McGonagall.

Catherine stepped in front of her classmates and took the hat from her teacher. She felt reassured when she stroked the old fabric. In the moment the hat touched her head, the girl heard its voice in her mind.

"Oh, my, what do we have here? Master's descendants finally returned to Hogwarts! You had it all figured out already, didn't you?" – the hat giggled.

'I did, so hurry up!' – thought Catherine.

"You do not seem completely certain, however!" – said the hat – "The choice, young Mistress, is only valid when made from the heart. You have many blessings, but why are you denying them so hard?"

'What are you blabbering about?' – thought Catherine with annoyance – 'I am smart, send me to Ravenclaw!'

The hat giggled again. "Young Mistress, the Sorting Hat is meant to choose what is best for the student based on their talents and desires, but also their needs."

Catherine felt a burning heat under her t-shirt. The pendant, gifted by her mother, was getting hotter and hotter. Then she heard the voice of the hat both inside and outside of her head.

"Gryffindor!"

She took off the hat and went to the furthest left table where people were congratulating her. She briefly saw her brother smiling broadly. Then Lily gave her a hug before Sirius dragged her to sit between him and Remus. 

"See? I told you! Everything turned out perfectly!" – he said happily – "Now it's only James left but, it's gonna be fine – his whole family was in Gryffindor!"

"Didn't you tell me today that your whole family was in Slytherin?" – Catherine teased him.

Sirius laughed. "Indeed, and you should have seen the faces of my two cousins, Bella and Cissy. I am sure they are going to disown me."

They didn't need to wait much longer because the moment the hat touched James Potter's head, he became a part of Gryffindor. He ran to them, a huge relief on his face. The ceremony concluded shortly thereafter. Snape naturally found his place in Slytherin, and once Ethan Wilkies followed suit, heading also to the same House, Professor McGonagall took away the Sorting Hat. 

"Finally, it's eating time!" – exclaimed James, giving Sirius a pat on the back – "A little longer, and Sirius might just start howling." Laughter erupted from those gathered around. 

Suddenly, Professor Dumbledore stood up his gaze sweeping over the students with a radiant smile.

"Welcome back! I trust we're in for a splendid year ahead. Before we all enjoy our hearty meal, I would like to introduce to you our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Carter Thorne. He is an incredibly valuable addition to our teaching staff, and we are extremely happy to welcome him to Hogwarts!" – exclaimed the headmaster smiling at a handsome wizard sitting next to Professor McGonagall, who nodded politely. 

Dumbledore beamed and turned once again towards the students. "Now, I won't occupy your attention any longer. Please, enjoy!"

The long tables were immediately covered with a variety of dishes. The mouthwatering aroma filled the air, prompting the hungry students to grab their plates. Catherine selected some pasta salad and a baked chicken thigh, and began to eat, trying to ignore the animalistic sounds emanating from the boys seated around her. She glanced toward the High Table where the teaching staff was chatting merrily. The girl already knew the names of her teachers from Greg, but she was curious about their personalities, and which subject she would enjoy most. 

Professor McGonagall had already introduced herself to the first-years before the Sorting Ceremony. Seated to the left of Dumbledore, she was currently engrossed in conversation with the new DADA teacher. Professor Carter Thorne, donning impeccable grey robes, appeared very confident, perhaps even a tad arrogant. Nevertheless, Catherine noticed that he was presently flashing a charming smile at the Transfiguration teacher.

Besides them stood the Charms teacher, Professor Filius Flitwick, who was rumoured to have been a duelling champion in his youth. His small stature created a stark contrast to the imposing figure of Rubeus Hagrid, the Ground Keeper. Catherine couldn't help but think that Hagrid's size defied human norms. Nevertheless, his demeanour radiated friendliness and warmth. He was engaged in conversation with another teacher, likely Professor Silvanus Kettleburn, who taught Care of Magical Creatures, judging from the visible scars.

On Dumbledore's right side, explaining something to the Headmaster, a middle-aged wizard was gesticulating vividly. This was perhaps the Head of Slytherin and the Potions Master, Professor Horace Slughorn. Catherine also recognised the Herbology professor, Pomona Sprout, the spectral figure of Professor Binns, who taught History of Magic, and the Flying instructor Madam Hooch. While there were a few other individuals present, Catherine couldn't definitively identify them; they were likely responsible for teaching some of the elective courses.

As desserts materialised on the tables, Catherine's attention was irresistibly drawn to mountains of ice cream, stacks of eclairs, and trays upon trays of layered cakes adorned with colourful toppings. She selected a serving of her favourite mint ice cream with chocolate chips and happily indulged herself. Her enjoyment was interrupted when she heard her name being called. Scanning the surroundings, she realised it was Sirius, whose expression conveyed a sense of dissatisfaction. 

"What is it?" – asked Catherine, unfazed, and continuing to enjoy her dessert. 

"I was asking if you're looking forward to trying a broom since you've never had the chance." – the boy repeated.

Catherine looked at him, slightly puzzled, before recalling her 'Muggle upbringing.' She realised that she shouldn't reveal that she had actually flown on a broom numerous times. 

"Umm, yes, I think I might enjoy it." - she replied cautiously. 

"You most definitely will!" – James nodded enthusiastically – "I'm going to give you some tips to help."

'Oh, Merlin!' – Catherine thought, while the 'tips' went on and on, extending past the end of the feast and up to the entrance of the Gryffindor Tower.

"Then another important thing to have in mind when flying higher than twenty meters is…" – James continued.

"I'm sorry, but can we stop here? I can't hear what the password is." – pleaded Catherine desperately. 

"Lion's Valor." – said Patrick Blackwood, one of the Gryffindor's prefects, and the first-years entered their common room. 

Soon after, in the girls' dormitory, Catherine lay down in her four-poster bed. It felt strange to be surrounded by other girls who were already fast asleep, but the presence of Lily in the room helped her relax. 'Maybe the Sorting Hat wasn't wrong after all.' - Catherine thought before falling asleep herself.