The Sorting Hat's Decision
As Peter stepped off the Hogwarts Express along with James, Sirius, and Remus, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he looked around. The towering castle of Hogwarts stood proudly in the distance, its turrets and spires reaching up towards the sky. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as the first year students followed the half giant along to the lake.
Peter walked along the dirt path, his heart pounding like never before. He had heard stories of the legendary Sorting Ceremony, where the Sorting Hat would determine which house each student belonged to. It was a momentous occasion, a rite of passage into the world of Hogwarts.
As the first years gathered near the edge of the lake, Hagrid Stood in front of them, his stern expression softened by a small smile. "Welcome, first years!" he said, her voice carrying across the crowd. "In just a few moments, you will cross the lake and enter Hogwarts as students! You will have your sorting ceremony and be placed into your new house!"
Peter glanced at his friends, seeing a mix of excitement and nervousness on their faces. He knew that their friendship would remain strong, no matter which houses they ended up in, but he couldn't help but wonder where the Sorting Hat would place him. He was filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. What if the Sorting Hat placed him in Slytherin? It wasn't that he thought all Slytherins were bad, but he had heard stories about the house's reputation for cunning and ambition. He longed to be in Gryffindor, where bravery and courage were valued and where his new friends would probably be.
"This is going to amazing, can you guys believe we're finally here?" James piped up, Peter looked over with a nervous smile and nod.
"Hopefully we all get the same house, we could pull off some pretty wicked stuff." Sirius grinned, looking over to the castle and the other students before looking at the group.
"The castle is just amazing... This place is incredible..." Remus quietly said "I just think as long as we have each other we'll be fine."
Peter nodded as he watched the boats arrive, gliding smoothly across the water's surface, and he took a deep breath as he and his friends climbed aboard. The cool breeze brushed against his face as the boats moved steadily towards the castle, the light from its windows casting a warm glow on the lake. While his friends were chatting along his mind was consumed with thoughts of where he would be sorted. The sight of Hogwarts Castle looming in the distance only intensified his nervousness. The castle stood tall and majestic, its towers reaching toward the sky, welcoming the new students into its hallowed halls.
When the boats reached the castle's entrance, the students were guided into the Great Hall. Peter's eyes widened as he took in the grandeur of the room. The ceiling was enchanted to mirror the night sky, twinkling with stars and a full moon. The four long tables were filled with students from each house, eagerly awaiting the Sorting Ceremony.
As the first years lined up in front of the staff table, Peter's heart raced with anticipation. He watched as Professor McGonagall, who had sent him the acceptance letter, stepped forward with a tattered and weathered hat in her hands – the Sorting Hat.
One by one, the first years were called forward to be sorted. Peter listened intently as the Sorting Hat whispered in the students' ears, announcing their fate. The hat seemed to have a deep knowledge of each student's true nature, placing them in the house where they belonged.
Finally, it was Peter's turn. He took a deep breath, his hands slightly trembling, as he sat on the stool and felt the Sorting Hat placed on his head. The moment the hat touched his brow, a flood of thoughts and voices filled his mind. It seemed to be debating, struggling to make a decision.
"Gryffindor or Slytherin?" the Sorting Hat's voice echoed in Peter's thoughts. "You possess qualities from both houses, Peter Pettigrew. Courage and determination on one hand, ambition and resourcefulness on the other."
Peter's heart pounded in his chest as he considered the choice before him. He knew the reputation of Slytherin, but deep down, he felt his true desire was to be in Gryffindor. He yearned for the bravery and camaraderie that the house represented. He wanted to prove himself and rise above the doubts that had plagued him.
"Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat suddenly declared, breaking the tense silence in the Great Hall.
A roar of applause erupted from the Gryffindor table, and Peter felt a surge of relief and joy wash over him. He removed the hat, a wide smile spreading across his face as he joined his new housemates. James, Sirius, and Remus were cheering and clapping enthusiastically, their support and acceptance evident.
As he took his place at the Gryffindor table, Peter felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. The doubts and insecurities that had haunted him seemed to fade away, replaced by a newfound confidence. He knew that he had made the right choice and that his friends would stand by him no matter what.
Throughout the rest of the Sorting Ceremony, Peter watched as more students were sorted into their respective houses. He marvelled at the unity and camaraderie within Gryffindor, feeling grateful and proud to be a part of it.
Little did Peter know that this decision would shape his future in ways he could never have imagined. Gryffindor would become more than just a house to him; it would become a symbol of courage, loyalty, and the strength to stand up for what is right.