Sorted One More Time
"You know I've never done? Pulled an all-nighter on Christmas. I say we do it this Year." James stated. Remus and I slowly looked at each other. And then at James.
"Dude. We literally just pulled three all-nighters. And you want to do another one?" I asked.
James shrugged. "I think we should."
"I agree with Prongs." Sirius agreed.
"What?" Remus asked Sirius.
"Yeah, I think it will be fun. I've never done it either. I say let's do it!" Sirius stood on his bed. With his fist in the air.
"Yay! Someone agrees with me! Let's do it!" James also climbed up on his bed. Both boys looked like over excited five-year-olds.
I looked over at Remus. Raising an eyebrow. "What's one more all-nighter, huh?"
Remus shrugged. "I guess it wouldn't hurt." He looked at the other boys. "I'm in." Both Sirius and Jame cheered.
I sighed. "I'm in too." Again. Cheering. I got off of Remus's bed. "Well, if we are doing this. I'm going to get food and drinks. Anyone want to come and help me carry all the shit?"
James jumped off his bed. "I'll come." I nodded. "We shouldn't need the Cloak, right?"
I shook my head. "Nah. There's still about an hour till curfew. We'll be fine."
***
James and I were now in the Kitchens. The House-elves were busy getting our food together. We asked for a lot. This was going to be a fun way to spend Christmas Eve.
"You sure we're going to have enough? All of us know how to eat." James asked.
"Yup. I figured out how much we would need. This will be good enough." I answered.
"How did you figure that out?" James raised an eyebrow.
I shrugged. "Just a simple deduction. I know how much you boys eat. And how much I eat. So. I just did the math. And figured out how much we need. To get us through the night."
"I don't know whether to be impressed, scared, or... I don't even know what."
I smirked. "Get used to it. I'm full of surprises."
"I don't think I ever will." He paused. "And your half me and I don't even know myself sometimes."
"I know. I still don't know who I am at times. But." I shrugged.
"You know, I never asked how you liked it here. Do you like it here?"
"I stayed. Of course I like here. I wouldn't have stayed if I didn't. I would've gone home."
"What's it like there?"
"You know I can't really answer that question. But. It's alright. For the most part. Sure. There are ups and downs. But it's alright."
"You miss everyone from your time?"
"Everyday." Was all I said. Looking down at my shoes.
***
We came back with a shit ton of food. Which. We started eating right away. The first couple of hours went by ok. Nothing really much happened. It was currently about 3 am now.
"Ok. I'm going to take a shower." James said. Standing up.
"James. It's 3 am. Why the fuck are you going to take a shower?" I asked. But. I don't think he heard me. He just walked to the bathroom. A minute later. We heard the shower turn on. "I ask again. Why the fuck is he taking a shower at 3 am?"
"Trust me, weirder shit have happened." Remus answered.
"Oh come on, Moony. You aren't a swearwolf." Sirius told Remus.
"Shut up, Padfoot." Remus rolled his eyes.
Just then. We heard singing. Coming from the bathroom. It was ok. Off key at some points. But it was good. And loud.
Sirius. Got up from the floor. And walked to the bathroom door. He then banged on the door.
"Will you quit singing?" He yelled into the door.
"What?" James called back.
"QUIT SINGING. IT'S LAME."
"BOY. WHEN I'M IN THE SHOWER, TWO THINGS GET TO BE FREE. MY BALLS. AND MY SOUL. NOW LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE." James yelled back.
"Um. I didn't want to hear that." I said.
"I'm used to it. Sometimes it's Sirius who yells out the balls part. Those two love to sing in the shower. Especially in the middle of the night." Remus rolled his eyes at Sirius.
"Well. Still don't want to hear that ever again." I said.
I heard the water shut off. And a minute later. James walked out. In a new set of pajamas.
"Thank Merlin the singing is over." Sirius said.
"Fuck you, Padfoot. My singing is amazing." James shoved Sirius.
"It's still very annoying to hear in the middle of the night." Sirius shoved James back.
"You're annoying. And weird."
"Says the guy who I once caught, sneaking a biscuit, in the middle of the night, naked."
"What is with this naked biscuit story? I've heard it twice now. And have no idea why the fuck you keep bringing it up. What happened?" I asked.
"Just what we said." James walked over. And sat next to me. I raised my eyebrow at him. "Alright. I'll explain. My Mum makes these amazing biscuits. So, one night, I woke up in the middle of the night, and I wanted a biscuit. So, I went down to the kitchen, and snuck some biscuits."
"And the naked part?" I asked.
"I fell asleep with no clothes on." James shrugged.
"Why the fuck...?"
"I was getting ready for bed and I was too lazy to get dressed, so I fell on my bed, naked, and went to sleep." James explained.
"To be honest. I thought that was going to be a bit of a better story." I looked at Sirius. "What were you doing up?"
"I was also on my way to get a biscuit." Sirius gave a short nod.
"They are really good biscuits." James paused. Then nudged my shoulder. "You should come over to my house this Summer and have a biscuit."
"Just come to your house. Grab a biscuit. And leave?" I chuckled.
"No, you should stay for a night or two. I'm sure my parents would be ok with it."
"You sure? I don't want to impose." I asked.
"I'm sure. It will be fun. We can even plan a week stay for the five of us. What do you all say? Well, you three, Peter's not here."
"I'm totally in." Sirius grinned.
Remus shrugged. "Fine by me."
"I don't have a problem with it either. It'll give me a chance to get out of my house for a bit." I replied.
"Then it's settled. Week at my place. Maybe we can also plan it around the full moon too." James said. The rest of us nodded.
***
The rest of the night went good. We actually made it through the night. Christmas Morning was fun too. For once. I didn't have to buy myself presents again. It felt nice.
Also. The rest of the Break went by fine. We spent some time outside. Throwing snowballs. And just having fun. It was great.
Right now. However. Everyone is back from the Holidays. We were about to start to feast. But. Before that. You know what time it is? It's time to get Sorted into different Houses. I was excited for it. I still didn't know how many students are actually doing it. I guess I'll find out in a bit.
"Can I have your attention please? Thank you. Welcome back everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful break. Now, it is time for the students who signed up for the House Exchange Program, to come to the front of the Hall." Dumbledore called out.
I turned to Lily. Who nodded. And then we both stood up. So did two other Gryffindors from a few seats down. Looking around. I saw quite the number of kids standing up as well. Three from Slytherin. Three from Hufflepuff. And five from Ravenclaw. I knew Ravenclaw would have the most. I was surprised. I didn't think this many kids would sign up. True. It was only fifteen kids out of hundreds. But. It was still a surprise.
"Wonderful. McGonagall, if will please?"
McGonagall nodded. Taking out a piece of paper and reading the first name out loud. It was a Seventh Year Ravenclaw girl, who, was put into Gryffindor. Next was a Third Year Gryffindor boy, who was placed into Hufflepuff. After him was Lily. I gave her hand a squeeze. She walked up to the Hat. And McGonagall put it over her head. It took a few seconds. But. In the end. She went to Ravenclaw.
***
On and on the list went. Turns out. A Slytherin. And three Ravenclaws went the Gryffindor. One Hufflepuff got Slytherin. Two Gryffindors. One Slytherin. And two Hufflepuffs. Went to Ravenclaw. And. One Gryffindor. One Slytherin. And two Ravenclaws got Hufflepuff. There were only two times when everyone was surprised. And that was when a Hufflepuff boy got Sorted into Slytherin. And a Slytherin boy was Sorted into Gryffindor.
There was only one more person to be Sorted. And that person. Was me. Curse me for choosing a last name that ends in 'W.'
"Aspen Wolfe." McGonagall called out. I took a deep breath. And stepped to the stool where the Hat was. When I sat down. McGonagall put the Hat on me. And all I saw. Was darkness.
"Well, well, well. Look who we have back again. Aspen Potter. Still here, huh? I see you decided to stay. Good choice. You've had a lot of ups and downs I see. But, all in all, you've had a great time here. What I find most interesting is that your parents know. Interesting. But, we are not her today to talk about your Time Travel. I'm here to Sort you again. I'm glad you decided to do the House Exchange Program. I will let you in on a little secret. All the students who have been Sorted again, are the ones who I had a difficult time Sorting the first time. Whatever House they landed into this time, is the one I had choose between the first time. Now, with you. I see you are a great Gryffindor. You're becoming more like a Gryffindor everyday. But, you still have a lot of Slytherin in you. It still takes up much more space than your Gryffindor side. So, that being said, it looks like you're going back to your old House. I think you'll find a lot of new things in... SLYTHERIN!" The Hat shouted out the last word.
I smirked. As the Hat was lifted off my head. I hopped off the stool and made my way over to the Slytherin Table. Across from the Hufflepuff boy. I did. However. Look at the Marauders. They just shook their heads. I continued smirking.
"Yes, thank you. Now that you have been Sorted into new Houses, I wish you luck. Like I said before, any points you lose or earn, will go to your new House. You will spend time with your new House mates, eat at that House Table, you guys get the point. Also, like I said before, you will not try and sabotage your new House. I hope you all enjoy your new House for these two weeks. Enjoy your dinner." Dumbledore finished. Sitting down.
As I was getting my food. I looked up at the Hufflepuff boy. "You alright?" I asked him.
He looked up at me. "I'm fine. Just a little nervous."
"Well. Don't be. It'll be fine. What's your name?"
"Harley Stark."
"Nice to meet you, Harley. I'm Aspen." I gave him a smile. He looked so sweet. And kind. And a bit cute. Not gonna lie.
"I've heard about you. The transfer student, right?" He asked. And smiled.
"Yep. That's me." I chuckled.
"Do you like it here at Hogwarts?"
"I love it. I'm glad my parents let me come back. I never want to leave."
Harley chuckled. "I bet. It is really amazing here, isn't it? I mean, I'm Muggle-born, so everything magic seems amazing to me."
"I'm a Half-blood. And I feel the same way. I have some Pure-blooded friends who also feel the same way. So don't worry about it."
"I'll try not to." Harley chuckled. Before going back to his food. I liked him. He was a nice guy. I could see myself being good friends with him.
***
About halfway through dinner. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to the person who had tapped me. It was a girl. And. As soon as I looked into her eyes. I knew who she was. Narcissa Malfoy. Or. Black. As she is called now. But. It was Draco's mother. He had her eyes.
"Hello. I'd thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Narcissa Black." She held out her hand.
I shook it. "Nice to meet you. I'm Aspen Wolfe."
"And I'm Harley Stark." Harley answered after me.
"It's nice to meet both of you. I hope you guys have a wonderful time in Slytherin. What Year are you two in?"
"Sixth." I said.
"Fifth." Harley replied.
"I'm in Seventh. I'm also a Prefect, so if you need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Narcissa." I gave her a nod. And a smile. Which she returned.
***
The rest of dinner went by smoothly. When it was time to go back to the Dorms. Harley and I followed the Head Boy and Girl to the Slytherin Common Room. I knew where it was. But. I pretended I didn't.
"Now, the password is Basilisk. When the password changes, it will appear on the Notice Board in the Common Room, near the door. Also keep in mind, that you are not allowed to tell anyone the password for as long as you stay here. Once you two are gone, the password will be changed immediately, so you won't be able to get back in, nor would we want you back in. Do I make myself clear?" The Head Boy asked Harley and I. Mostly to me. Probably because I'm friends with James and Sirius. But. Harley and I both nodded.
They then showed us to our Dorms. After that. They left us alone. I went into the Dorm. Smiling at the familiar surroundings. God. I haven't seen the Slytherin Dorms in over two years. I missed it.
***
A couple hours later. My new Dorm mates showed up. They were nice to me. I expected them to be rude. But. They weren't. And that was nice. They told me whose bed was who. How they had a schedule in the morning. And a bunch of other stuff. I didn't mind. It reminded me of how things went back in my time. We had a schedule too. My new Dorm mates and I. Chatted for a bit. Before getting ready to bed. My bed was in the exact same place as it always has been. It was just like how I remembered. I loved it. I couldn't wait for these two weeks to begin.