Chapter 22 - Hogwarts (2/2)

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've 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 moment the sorting hat finished its song, the entire hall burst into applause. With a slight bow to the seated students at each of the four tables, the sorting hat grows still once more. Most of the students sigh in relief with a few like the shy witch from before remained pale as ever.

McGonagall steps forth with a lambskin parchment in hand. ”When I call out your name, please put on the sorting hat and take a seat on the stool to be properly sorted,” Professor McGonagall instructed, before calling the first name, ”Abbott, Andrew!”

A round-faced, blond boy with a fearful face walks up and puts on the hat, before taking a seat. After a minute, the hat shouts, ”HUFFLEPUFF!” The table on the right side is filled with Hufflepuffs as the entire table explodes in loud cheering as the Fat Friar waves cheerfully at Andrew.

The list continues as Sirius Black and Lily Evans are properly sent to Gryffindor as promised. Severus on the other hand dimly watches Lily go as he eyes Rowan with mixed feelings. On one hand, he was proud of Lily and on the other hand, Rowan had told him, that he would be in Slytherin. What was he supposed to do now that they were in two different houses?