The Sorting Hat
After her somewhat strange, albeit funny interaction with Professor Lupin (who she later learned would be teaching Muggle studies, a class she was forbidden to take, but put into her timetable nonetheless) she had made her way off the train, said her goodbyes to the professor, and followed the first years to their sorting ceremony. She felt awkward to be among them- she was much older than any of them, being 15 in a sea of 11 year olds. But she knew she had to attend the sorting ceremony, so she simply went with them. They were all following a loud, large man, who she learned was named Hagrid. Feeling out of place among the youngsters, she opted to shove her way to the front hoping that she would have more luck with socialization around Hagrid.
"Oh 'ello there miss, you look a bit old to be with this lot, you sure yer in the right place?" Hagrid questioned her.
"Oh- yes sir I am, I transferred here from Beauxbatons and this is my first year. I was told to follow the first years to the sorting ceremony."
She didn't miss the way the man's cheeks grew slightly rosier after the mention of Beauxbatons, but looked past it.
"Sounds about right there miss. Well, no use standin' around, hop on in!" He gestured to the boat in front of him, one that already had a few first years chattering enthusiastically. Y/N climbed into the boat, smiling at the children around her who were speculating what house they would get into. A few of them eyed her nervously- she was older than them after all, but didn't know any more about Hogwarts and the sorting ceremony than she did.
"U-um, which house do you think you'll be in?" one of the first years, a chubby, blonde boy, asked her cautiously.
She thought for a moment before her reply, "Slytherin. My entire family have been Slytherins for many generations." The child who asked her looked nervous at this- he'd likely heard many of the rumors surrounding Slytherins, though they were mostly true. The rest of the boat ride was spent in silence, the children around her 'oohing' and 'aweing' at the sight of Hogwarts at night, illuminated by the surrounding candles and lanterns.
A while later, the boat pulled into the dock and everyone exited their boats and made their way into the castle. The castle itself was breathtaking- Y/N, being a daughter of a noble, pure-blood family, was used to seeing beautiful, ancient buildings. However, there was something different about Hogwarts. She could feel the magic thrumming through its walls, like a beating heart beneath the tiles. She and the first years made their way up a few sets of staircases where they were greeted by a woman who she later learned was Professor McGonagall. The woman explained the sorting ceremony and that each student would be placed into a house based off of the choice of an old hat. Y/N had heard about the sorting ceremony before. Her father, brother, and a few of her brothers friends had given her a general idea of what to expect. Of course, everyone expected her to be sorted into Slytherin. She hoped that she was, as she knew her father would not be pleased if she wasn't, but she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be a Gryffindor, a Ravenclaw, or maybe a Hufflepuff. She quickly brushed those thoughts away- she would be a Slytherin, she had to be a Slytherin. Generations upon generations of her family were such, and she could not disappoint.
Once Professor McGonagall was finished explaining, she herded the group of children into the Great Hall, where they each awaited their names being called to be sorted. As Y/N walked through the hall, she locked eyes with several students who sent her warm smiles. Even people who weren't in Slytherin! If other houses already seemed to be showing her kindness, then just how bad could they possibly be? She quickly pushed those thoughts away, remembering what her father had told her about associating with the proper sort. However, one person she had locked eyes with had stuck with her. A girl in robes with red and yellow accessories- must be a Gryffindor. This girl, with her luscious brown curls and warm eyes had sent her a kind smile that soothed some of her nerves. Maybe making friends wouldn't be as difficult as she thought.
Several names were called, children were sorted, each house cheering and celebrating each time someone was sorted into their house. Soon, her name was called.
"Y/N Nott." McGonagall had called.
At the mention of her last name, some of the laughter and celebrating had quieted down, sending nerves throughout her body. She steadied herself with a deep breath, and made her way to the chair at the front. She locked eyes with Theo, sending him a quick glare, while Draco sent her a reassuring smile. She smiled back again, and looking around the rest of the room locked eyes once again with the girl from the Gryffindor table who sent her a soft smile. At this, the nerves began to settle and she took her place on the chair, where the old sorting hat took its place on her head.
"Ah," it began, startling her, "Another Nott."
She gulped and hoped it wasn't noticeable.
"Generations upon generations of Slytherins... but where to put you?"
She noticed Theo's eyes narrowing at the hat's speech.
"I see much courage, much care... and wisdom beyond your years."
She silently begged in her mind for Slytherin, hoping the dingy old hat could hear her. She had to be Slytherin- she didn't even want to think about what might happen if she was sorted into any other house? What would her brother say? Her father? Would she still be his daughter if she was sorted into any house but Slytherin?
"But," the hat continued, "I see in your pride, cunningness. You will do great, great things child. Better be.... SLYTHERIN!" it shouted, as cheers erupted from the Slytherin table, Theo looking more at ease now. Y/N silently thanked whatever force of nature was looking out for her at that moment, making her way to the Slytherin table, but not before meeting eyes with that Gryffindor girl again, who upon meeting her gaze simply looked down and continued eating her meal. Y/N was a bit upset by this, but no matter. She was a Slytherin, she was above these others. She would make new friends, friends worthy of her time and status. With her head held high, she marched over to the Slytherin table, being greeted by her other housemates.
'This wont be so bad,' she thought, and prayed that she was right.