The Sorting Ceremony
After changing into my robes I begin my journey back to the compartment, attempting to dodge other students, when I bump into someone, lose my footing, and fall back onto my butt.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” Squeaked a boy, holding his hand out to help me up. I take his hand while he pulls me back to my feet.
“It’s okay…” I begin when all of a sudden the door behind us opens.
“Oui, Black! Falling for someone new already?!” Fred’s boisterous voice sounds through the corridor, bringing his hand up to his chest in mock hurt, “and here I thought I was special.”
“Oh Freddie, you are special…just not in the way you think.” I quip back. I can hear George’s bark of laughter behind him, and smile slightly, glad someone thought my attempt at a joke was funny.
“Wow. Harsh Steria…and just when I was beginning to like you.” Fred states rolling his eyes, smirking at me, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, before he turns to the boy who helped me up, zeroing in on our hands, still connected, “And who are you?” He questions.
The boy quickly releases my hand, his face flushed with embarrassment, “uh…Cedric. Diggory. Cedric Diggory.” Holding his hand out for Fred to shake. Fred ignores his hand and studies him, causing Cedric to pull his hand back in what I can only assume is discomfort.
“Hmm, nice to meet you Pretty boy Diggory.” While cocking his head slightly, “I’m Fred Weasley. That’s my twin, George.” Gesturing over his shoulder where I see George now standing behind him, “and the girl you were just holding hands with is OUR best friend Asteria Black.”
My heart leaps at the title of ‘best friend’, but in an effort not to scare a possible new friend off, I contain my excitement.
“It’s nice to meet you all…” the Diggory boy stutters anxiously.
“Nice to meet you too Cedric!” I say, apparently making friends isn’t as hard as I had initially thought, he turns his head to me and smiles until Fred clears his throat.
“Well…I have to go. But maybe I’ll see you guys at Hogwarts?” He says as he turns to walk away.
“Okay.” The three of us state in unison, watching him walk away quickly. The twins turn back into the compartment, with me following behind them, just now noticing they too have changed into their robes.
“He was nice,” I state as I sit back down in my original seat.
“Oh yeah, he was nice alright.” Said George smirking softly, “nice and intimidated by us.”
“That he was George. He was awfully intimidated, just wait until he meets Charlie and Bill…He’ll never come near her again.” Fred says.
“What do you mean?” I question.
“What we mean is-“ starts George.
“He likes you.” Finishes Fred.
“Wha-“I begin before Fred cuts me off.
“Which means it’s our job, to intimidate him, and any other boy who even thinks about you like that.”
“You two are ridiculous…he doesn’t like me.” I state, “does he…?”
“Only time will tell.” Says George. “In the meantime, we’ll tell Bill and Charlie.”
I nod softly, thinking about what they said, before remembering.
“Do you guy’s really think we’re best friends?” I ask smiling at them.
“Course we do Asteria. You’d be completely lost without us.” Fred states, rolling his eyes jokingly, George nodding in agreement.
I can feel my smile growing, I must look completely crazy I think to myself before I leap out of my seat, pulling them both into a hug. The two of them freeze in surprise, before slowly wrapping an arm around me.
“Jeez, Charlie’s got her hooked on these…” Fred teases.
“Clearly…didn’t think she’d initiate one so soon, let alone a group hug…” agrees George.
“It’s just- I’ve- I’ve never had a best friend before, besides Dobby, let alone two,” I state before pulling back, as we all return to our seats.
“Well, we’re not going anywhere.” They say together.
I smile at them, “even if we're sorted into different houses?” I ask.
“Not even then,” Fred confirms.
All of a sudden the train starts to slow to a stop. I grin at the boys across from me in excitement. “We’re here!!”
We all stand and begin to collect our belongings, before we leave our compartment, and head toward the nearest exit. We join a cluster of other students, all varying in age, waiting at the door, at the front we see Bill smiling and joking with a friend, and Charlie talking animatedly to a girl with pink hair. Bill notices the three of us over the heads of our peers and waves.
We all feel the train come to a complete stop, and lurch slightly at the stop of motion. Bill raises his wand and cast a spell, creating light at the tip of his wand, that begins to flicker, drawing those around us attention.
“Alright, everyone! We have arrived at Hogsmeade station, returning students, go to the right and head to the carriages, those will take you up to the castle. To our incoming first years, head to the left, you will find Hogwarts gamekeeper, Hagrid waiting for you to take you all to the castle a different way.” Bill states loudly, “First-year's this is just a reminder, your trunks will be taken from the train to the castle, and then to your dormitories as soon as you're sorted.” He opens the door and begins directing the flowing crowd, giving the three of us a smile when he sees us step onto the platform, directing us to the left.
We follow the path and come to see a group of first-years already forming in front of an incredibly large man holding a lantern. I shrink back slightly at the size of him, only to be caught by Fred.
“Careful, you almost stepped on my foot.” He says laughing, “Besides that’s just Hagrid, he’s harmless, Charlie talks about him all the time, always rambling about some new creature he’s shown him.”
After his reassurance, I nod and look back at the giant.
“Hello, ev’ryone! I’m Hagrid, gamekeeper, I’m here ter bring yeh up ter Hogwarts!” The large man explains, “Now, if yeh’d all follow me.”
Hagrid turns and gestures us to follow him, holding out a large lantern to light our way, we begin our trek down a small hill, towards a wooden dock. Upon our arrival, we see a collection of boats.
“Now four ter a boat. Don’ go rockin em’. Don’ wan’ ter go fishin’ any o’ yeh out.”
One by one students all begin to climb into boats, when it comes to our turn, Fred climbs in first, holding his hands out to help me in, grasping them tightly, I shakily step down into the boat, turning to help George, who waves me off as he hops down in. Feeling the boat start to rock, I quickly take my seat so I don’t lose my balance. Fred takes the seat next to me, and George sits across from him, as the final student joins us, our boat magically departs from the dock, the four of us lurch forward slightly, looking down at the oars rowing us in amazement.
As we leave the dock, we are briefly surrounded by darkness, the only light being Hagrid’s lantern in the distance, and then we turn the corner of the shore and are greeted with a magnificent sight.
A large castle comes into view, seeming to be held up by magic, there is a glow coming from within, only visible by the small windows lining its walls, torches go down the side of the cliff and disappear behind a small boathouse. Behind the castle is a curtain of stars, all shining brightly, as if they're welcoming us. It’s…magical.
I grin at Fred and George in excitement, they return the smile. The boat begins to rock slightly, I look over the edge into the dark water we’re floating on, slightly worried about falling overboard.
“You know, Charlie told us there’s a giant squid down there.” Says Fred teasingly.
“Really? Is there anything else down there…?” I ask shakily looking between him and the water.
“Dunno,” he shrugs, “you’d have to ask him. He’s really into all the magical creature stuff.”
I nod, making a mental note to ask him. When George begins to speak,
“I wonder where we’ll be sorted.”
“Gryffindor, of course.” Exclaims Fred, throwing his arms up, causing the boat to rock more. I lean away from the edge and back towards the center of the boat. “Honestly Georgie do you expect us to go anywhere else?”
George shrugs in response before looking at me, “What about you Asteria? Where do you think you’ll be.”
“I don’t know…” I trail shakily scooting further away from the side of the boat, closer to Fred. “In my father’s letter he wasn’t sure, he was a Slytherin, Mum was a Ravenclaw. So I suppose one of those. My Uncle wants me in Slytherin though.”
“You okay Steria?” Fred questions, “If you get any further from the edge of the boat you’ll push me in.”
“sorry… water freaks me out…” I trail looking back at the edge, scooting slightly closer to it, giving Fred more room.
“Why?” Asks George.
I open my mouth to answer, when we suddenly run into something, causing all of us to jump. We look around in confusion, it was dark. Then we see Hagrid rise out of his boat, and onto a dock.
“Alrigh’ ev’ryne, carfull climbin’ out of the boats. Then yeh can follow me up ter the castle.” Hagrid calls loudly over the heads of bustling first years. The extra boy sitting with us climbs out first, waving at us, and walks off to join Hagrid at the bottom of the stairs. George climbs out and turns back to us holding his hands out, I slowly stand up to take them, and when I feel Fred standing behind me, I look back at him and he smiles, holding his arms out to catch me. I slowly raise my foot up to the dock and pull myself up, bracing myself on George's arms. I let go of him, as Fred joins us, and the three of us join Hagrid and the rest of our peers at the bottom of the staircase.
Once everyone was gathered we begin our journey to the castle. The Climbing didn’t take nearly as long as I thought it would, Fred and George making time move faster, when we approached the castle, we all shuffled inside, congregating on a giant stone staircase, at the top a woman was waiting for us.
She was an older woman and had a rather stern expression painted on her face as looked down on us in observation. The twins continued to talk animatedly about some prank they pulled on their younger brother, not noticing how the kids around us quieted. The women continued to stare at them when I gently nudged the two of them with my elbows. They both jumped and looked at me questionably. I nodded my head in the direction of the women in front of us. She nods at the three of us and begins to speak.
“Welcome to Hogwarts,” she said, “The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room.” She takes a deep breath before continuing, “The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting.”
Her eyes scan over the crowd of first-years, taking each of us in, her eyes settle on the twins and I one last time before stating “I shall return when we’re ready for you. In the meantime, please wait quietly.” And then she’s gone, walking through the door.
I look between the twins, nervously picking at the skin on my thumb.
“Well… she seems fun.” Fred states rolling his eyes.
“Oh yes. I think she likes us already Freddie.” Says George.
I smile at the two of them, rolling my eyes at their antics.
“She seems nice enough.” I state, “a little stern maybe, but nice.”
“Oh Merlin, you’re one of those.” Fred laughs.
“One of what?”
“One of those students who wants all her teachers to like you.”
“Well, I guess so.” I say, “don’t you?”
The twins look at each other, then back at me, “Meh.” They shrug.
The woman joins us once again.
“We’re ready for you.” She states, “ now form a line, and follow me.” All of us shuffle into a line behind her. George stands in front of me, and Fred behind, as we walk through the door into the Great Hall, the chattering of children gets quieter, all turning to face us. Some are smiling and waving, others just watching us in boredom. We walk down the center isle, all of us looking around the large halls catch sight of bill and Charlie, and they smile warmly, bill points up at the ceiling, gesturing me to look up.
I follow his finger and gape in shock. The ceiling was the night sky, with thousands of stars twinkling, if I didn’t know any better I would have thought there was no ceiling at all. I look back towards the two of them smiling brightly. They both seem to be chuckling at my excitement.
We come to a stop at the from to the fall, where a wooden stool stands, with an old brown hat sitting atop it, the hat didn’t look like anything particularly special, but it must’ve been. Suddenly the hat begins to sing;
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
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 Hufflepuffis 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 folk 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!”
As the hat falls silent again, the hall bursts into applause and the hat bows gently to each table and stills back on the stool. The woman sweeps forward now holding a long scroll of parchment.
“When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted,” she states, “Miles Bletchley.”
The boy from the boat slowly climbs the stairs, sits on the stool, and the professor lowers the hat onto his head. It didn’t stay there very long when the hat shouts;
“SLYTHERIN!”
He rose from the stool smiling and walks over toward the cheering table.
“Roger Davies.”
“RAVENCLAW”
“Cedric Diggory.” The boy I ran into on the train takes a seat and waits for the hat.
“HUFFLEPUFF!”
He smiles brightly and joins at the cheerful-looking house. The sorting continues, student, after student being called up, until;
“George Weasley.” She calls.
George walks forward confidently, sloping himself down on the stool, she brings the hat over his head, and as it brushes his hair, it shouts
“GRYFFINDOR!” The Scarlet table cheers in excitement. Fred and I clap excitedly for him as he joins his older brothers.
“Fredrick Weasley.” She calls. I feel his hand on my shoulder as he passes me,
“Good luck!” He says softly, as he follows his brother's path. He sits confidently on the stool, and just like his brother, the hat immediately calls;
“GRYFFINDOR!” His smile brightens as he joins the still cheering table, and sits down next to his twin. I clap with the rest of the hall watching my two friends smile at each other.
“Asteria Black.”
My name is called and suddenly the hall is whispering around me. As I slowly make my way to the stool.
‘Asteria black? Like Sirius Black? The murderer?’
‘ I didn’t know he had a kid.’
‘I wonder if she’s crazy too?’
‘Probably a Slytherin.’
I clench my fists as I climb the three stairs and sit on the stool, I look over at the Gryffindor table, and see the twins, Bill, and Charlie watching me, with soft smiles, nodding in reassurance. Suddenly my vision of them is blocked when the hat is placed on my head, and falls over my eyes.
“Hmm,’ said a voice in my ear, “ Another Black I see. Difficult. Very Difficult. Not quite like the rest of your family eh? I think it's safe to say we can expect great things from you.”
Believe it or not, you're not the first person to tell me that recently, I think to myself.
“Hmm, it seems not.” It responds. “I could place you in Slytherin, like your father and the rest of your family, you’re ambitious, but not in the way your family expects you to be. Or Ravenclaw, like your mother, smart, very smart. Wise beyond your years, yes Ravenclaw would be a good home for you…” it trails. “But what’s this? You have courage, and lots of it, much like your uncle before you…he was a Gryffindor too, you know?”
I nod softly.
“Yes, Gryffindor would be a wise option as well…” the hat goes quiet for a few moments. The only thing I could hear was a slight muttering, I wasn’t sure if it was the hat or the students on the other side of it.
‘Are you still there?’ I ask it timidly.
“Yes, child, I'm still here.” It responds, “hmmm, what’s this? Loyalty… yes. Fiercely loyal to those around you. You’re mother and father, though you don’t know them, Your newly found friends, the Weasley boys…little trouble makers.” I smile at the thought of Fred and George. “Yes. Those ones. They seemed rather fond of you too. But, back to business, where to put you… you’re the hardest one I’ve seen in quite a bit… hmmm well I think we can rule out Slytherin…ambitious yes, but you’re afraid of the path you’ll follow there, mmm no Slytherin is out. Ravenclaw? maybe… however you aren’t very inquisitive, you don’t thirst for knowledge, no. not Ravenclaw. How about Gryffindor, where your new friends reside…hmm maybe you’re rather brave, following a path that will no doubt bring you struggles, but it will be worth it in the end…yes… perhaps Gryffindor. However, there is always Hufflepuff… yes, your loyalty, and kindness to those others look down upon… you would do well there…’ the hat trails, thinking and muttering quietly.
This feels like it’s taking a long time…is this what did my aunt call it…?
“A hat stall.” Came a reply, “yes child this is what is referred to as a hat stall. I don’t have them very often the last was while your father was at school here… back to the topic at hand. Gryffindor or Hufflepuff? Hmmm…..” That hat continues to mutter, searching for its answers.
‘Would you like to ask me something? Perhaps that will help you decide.’ I think to him.
“Well, there’s an idea. Okay, I will ask a question or two.” The hat confirms. “Who are you?”
‘I’m Asteria Black…?’ I question as he already knows this.
“HA,” the hat scoffs, “yes. I know that. Who are you though? Who do you think you are meant to be?” It questions.
‘Oh…well I don’t know, aren’t I a little young for that question?’
“Hmm maybe.” He answers, “Okay Miss Black, what is the most important thing to you?”
‘Anything?’ I clarify.
“Anything.”
‘Well, I suppose the people who care about me…my family, my mom, and dad… my new friends…’ I respond.
“Hmm, that’s insightful. And what do you want to be?”
‘I want to be good. I want to do good.’
“Don’t you mean to do well?”
‘No, do good. I want to do good in the world, help… my family has done a lot of bad in the past. I want to do good.’ I say quietly.
“Ah…do good…yes.” The hat mutters, “Well, Miss Black, believe in yourself. Try. Do good. Better be;”
“HUFFLEPUFF!”
The hat was pulled off my head, eyes squinting at the sudden brightness, there was no overwhelming cheer after my house was announced. Instead, I was greeted by an entire hall of shocked and confused faces staring at me. I can feel my face heating up, and I quickly look at the professor standing next to me.
“Well,” she clears her throat, “go join your house, Miss Black.” She nods gesturing me off the stool and down towards the table. I stand quickly, make my way down the stairs, and take a seat across from Cedric. He sends me a smile, and then looks back towards the front of the room, watching the last few students be sorted. I look over his shoulder, and look at the twins, only to find them already looking at me.
Both their eyes are wide and their three older brothers were whispering to each other. I give them a questioning look. They shrug in response and look back over to their brothers, I follow their lead and look at Bill, Charlie, and Percy, only to find them already staring back at me.
I offer up a small smile and feel a rush of relief when they smile back. Bill smiles warmly before looking over and saying something to the twins, Percy nods in reassurance, before focusing his attention back on the sorting. Charlie, however, gives me a large smile and shoots me a thumbs up.
The twins move their gave off of bill and back to me, presenting me with bright smiles, and exaggerated winks. I laugh at them silently and turn back to the sorting.
After the last few students are placed into their houses, the stool, list of names, and sorting hat vanish. And the headmaster rises from his seat, and begins to speak;
"Welcome," he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!” The returning students rise to their feet and cheer loudly, and the first years clapped slowly in confusion.
Suddenly, like magic, food began to appear in front of us, and the banquet began. The hall burst to life with several different conversations. I begin to pile food onto my plate, and as I’m reaching for the serving spoon in the mashed potatoes my hand comes in contact with another. I look up and meet Cedric's eye’s as he smiles awkwardly and moves his hand away, gesturing me to go first.
“Go on.” He says.
“Thank you.” I smile softly. He nods and scoops some of his own potatoes, he stares at me for a few seconds, shakes his head, and begins to eat, I tilt my head in confusion, did I have something on my face?
“What is it?” I ask
“Hm?”
“You were looking at me funny…”I tell him, “do I have something on my face?” I ask raising my hand and touching my cheek.
“No!” He shouts, before blushing and lowering his voice “No. Nothing’s on your face…I just was gonna ask something, but mum always says it’s rude to ask personal questions when you don’t know the person.”
“Oh. Well, you can ask me if you want… if it’s too personal I won’t answer it.” I tell him logically. He nods softly while taking a sip of his drink.
“Okay…” he says “well, I was wondering…how it felt to have the hat stall while sorting you?”
I pause, my fork halfway to my mouth, before I place it back on my plate, clearing my throat.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“The hat stalled while it was sorting you. How did it feel?”
“The hat stalled?!” I ask.
“uh… well yeah. I mean how long did it feel like you were up there for?”
“I don’t know…maybe a minute or two,” I say softly.
Cedric's eyes widen, “Asteria, you were up there for nearly ten minutes!” He exclaims, “that’s got to be the longest hat stall ever!!”
The boy across from me was practically vibrating with excitement, as I furrow my brows, ten minutes…I couldn’t have been up there for ten minutes. I just couldn’t, I know my aunt mentioned I could potentially have a hat stall, but I didn’t think it would actually happen. My thoughts were interrupted by a voice from beside me, bringing Cedric and I’s attention over
“He’s right you know?” An older boy states.
“What?” I ask.
“About the hat stall. They don’t happen very often, maybe once every 80 years, and they usually only last five to six minutes. Yours lasted double that. I don’t think there’s ever been one that long.” He states. “I’m Conner by the way. Conner Murphy.”
Cedric and I nod,
“I’m Cedric Diggory and that’s Asteria Black.” Cedric introduces himself while gesturing at me.
“Nice to meet you!” I say smiling slightly, my thoughts still consumed by the information I just received.
“Black? Like Sirius Black?” Conner questions. I sigh softly before nodding.
“He’s my uncle,” I respond quietly, looking back at my plate, there goes any potential I had of making friends…
“Oh. Okay.” Conner shrugs, “Anyway back to your sorting. If you want to know more about it Dumbledore would be a good person to talk to, or you can go see Madam Pince in the library, and she can recommend a book or two. Dumbledore’s probably the more friendly of the two though!”
I nod in understanding, “How do I get a meeting with Dumbledore anyway? I have a form I need him to sign a permission slip for me.”
Cedric looks at me in confusion, “how do you already have a permission slip for him to sign? We just got to school.”
“Ollivander gave me a note to pull a book on wand-making out of the library’s restricted section, but I need Dumbledore to sign it before I can go get it, and since I want to talk to him about my sorting, I might as well kill two birds with one stone right?”
Cedric and Conner look at me bewildered.
“Are you sure you should be in Hufflepuff? Because you’re sounding an awful lot like a Ravenclaw…” Conner states laughing lightly.
“I don’t know, I mean the Hat took 10 minutes to sort her…maybe it got it wrong.” Cedric teased. Conner threw his head back as laughs tumbled out of his mouth.
“Good point.” He says while pointing his fork at Cedric.
I roll my eyes at the two boys and continue eating my meal.
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After dinner, the few Hufflepuff first years were led by Molly, the head girl, to the common room, she lead us out of the great hall, and down a flight of stairs in the entranceway. We descended the stairs into a brightly lit stone corridor, lined with paintings that smiled and waved at us as we passed welcoming us to Hogwarts.
Eventually, after we passed a painting of a very large bowl of fruit, we stopped in front of three large barrels, where Molly turns to us.
“Well, here we are guys! This is the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room, now no password is required to enter, all you need to do is tap the barrel two from the bottom in the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff, and the entrance shall be revealed to you! It’s simple enough really, only don’t get it wrong…”
“What happens if you get it wrong?” A boy behind me asks.
“You get doused with vinegar and barred access. So not only will you have to wait for someone else to come along and let you in, but you’ll also smell.” She says with a grimace, “So needless to say we don’t want to get the rhythm wrong, do we? Now watch closely.”
The group of the first-year’s around me nod in agreement and watch as she takes out her wand and taps the correct barrel, causing the face of the barrel to roll open, revealing a bustling common room.
“Now, follow me.” She says as she spins on her heel and walks through the entrance, the rest of us following behind her.
As we walk in, I’m greeted with warmth, one I’ve only experienced once before in Charlie's hug. That’s how it felt like the round room was wrapping you in a great big hug, the floors were warm wood, and there were large carpets under all the cushy couches and armchairs, where students were engaging in conversations and playing games in front of warm fireplaces, the walls were a pale yellow color with shelves of the same wood on the floor, holding trophy’s, plaques, and potted plants.
“Welcome, to the Hufflepuff common room! This is where you will spend a majority of your free time, now a couple of reminders; first, be careful of some of the plants, some like to eat things, or spit at you, so always read the card, and if you don’t know, ask an older student, second, we’re Hufflepuffs, known for our friendship, and loyalty, so friends from other houses are allowed but they aren’t allowed in the dormitories, and third if you need anything, anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask!” She says as she gestures around us, “Now, boy’s dormitories are to the left, down the hall, and girls are to the right down the hall, you’ll find all your stuff has already been brought to your dorms, you’ll find your name on the door! Professor Sprout will hand out your schedules tomorrow morning at breakfast in the great hall! Now, go explore your new home, and find your dorms, welcome to Hufflepuff, everyone!” Molly gives us a final smile before she goes to join a girl with bright pink hair.
The first year's glance around taking in the sight of the common room, Cedric and I glance at each other before walking towards one of the circular windows and looking out it, only to see it dark.
“What’s up Firsties?” Conner asked while throwing his arms around each of their shoulders.
“Hi, Conner.” We respond still looking out the window.
“Uhhh you guys are aware you aren’t gonna see anything right? It’s pitch black out there, look again in the morning.” The older boy states while flopping down onto the nearest couch.
“What’s out there anyway?” Cedric asks as we walk over to join him.
“Nothing too exciting if I'm being honest. Just hills, and some flowers, from certain windows you can see down to the greenhouses though!” Cedric nods at his response.
“Hey, Conner?” I ask.
He just hums in acknowledgment.
“What year are you?”
“Oh, I’m a third-year!” He responds smiling.
“Then why are you helping us?” I question.
“Uhhh to be nice…? I don’t know Asteria, would you rather I be mean to you?” He questions laughing at me.
“Well, I guess not…” I say
“Exactly.” He finishes firmly.
“You never answered my question at dinner you know. How do I get a meeting with Dumbledore?” I ask again.
“Honestly I’m not sure, I guess you could ask professor Sprout when she hands out our timetables tomorrow.” He says.
I nod softly, before Molly reappears, “Okay first years, I know you’re all excited to be here, but if you haven’t already, please make your way to your dormitories and get settled in if you haven’t already! You have a busy day tomorrow!”
Cedric and I rise from our seats by Conner, and wave goodbye.
“Bye guys! See ya in the morning!” He yells smiling brightly.
The two of us wave and walk toward the dormitory entrances, he looks left and I look right.
“Well, I’ll see you in the morning Asteria,” Cedric says smiling softly at me.
“Yeah. See you then Cedric.” I respond softly.
I begin my journey down the hall, looking at each door as I go, looking for my name. Finally, after walking for a minute or two I come across a door with my name and four other girls listed on a gold plaque.
Asteria H. Black
Riley T. Matthews
Hope A. Mikaelson
Allison M. Argent
Hannah G. Elise
I take a deep breath before opening the door, and behind it I find 4 girls talking to each other, and the plush seating area in the center of our dorm. At the sound of the door opening they all go silent and look at me.
“Hi! You must be Asteria!! I’m Riley!” Exclaims a very smiley girl, standing and walking over to me holding out her hand. As I reach out to shake her hand I notice she is significantly taller than me.
“Hi, yeah I’m Asteria, it’s nice to meet you,” I say softly while shaking her hand, as the other three rise to introduce themselves.
“I’m Allison! It’s nice to meet you Asteria!” Says another tall girl with dark hair.
“I’m Hannah!” A girl with glasses introduces.
“I’m Hope.” Says the final girl.
“It’s nice to meet you guys, I’m Asteria like the door said…” I say trailing off, looking around the room, each of our trunks placed beside our beds.
“Our trunks were already by the beds, we all kind of decided to just stick to them, but we can switch if you want?” Informed Riley.
“Oh no it’s okay, I’m sure wherever I’m at is fine,” I say softly.
“Awesome!” She exclaims.
The four girls migrate back to their original positions in the center of the room, as I go and find my black and gold trunk, placing my cloak and bag on my bed, taking another glance around the room. The room is round, with light wood floors, just like the rest of the Hufflepuff common room, with cream, almost white walls, on the border of the room, five beds were burrowed into the walls with sheer white curtains held back by gold hooks, creating a sense of privacy, above each bed was a half-circle window with yellow bench seats, looking just big enough for a person or two to sit on, with more white curtains held back by gold hooks. The bed’s in the room were a decent size, smaller than my bed at the manor but a comfortable size nonetheless, the bedspreads were all yellow, with white sheets covering the mattress and pillows, at the foot of each bed there were shelves built-in, most likely intended to hold each students books, school supplies and pictures from home. After I’ve had a good look around I hesitantly walk back over to the girls, sitting gently on the couch next to Riley.
“It’s cool isn’t it?” The perky brunette asks, “being here, at Hogwart’s, I didn’t even know magic was real!”
“Me either.” Said Allison.
“Ahhh so you guys are muggle-borns?” Hope questions, looking between the two of them.
“Muggle- what?” Asked Hannah.
“Muggle-borns. They’re witches or wizards who are born from non-magic families, muggles, that’s what we call them at least.” I explain.
“Okay, so three Muggle-borns, a half-blood, and what are you Asteria?” Ask’s, Hope.
“Oh, well I suppose I’m a Pure-blood, I don’t know all that much about my mother's family though, so I suppose I could be either…” I tell them.
Hope nods in thought, while Riley, Allison, and Hannah all look confused.
“I don’t know about you guys but I’m confused…” trails Hannah, looking at the other two.
“Yeah…me too.” Confirms Allison, “what’s a half-blood, and pure-blood?”
“Well, a Half-blood is someone with both magical and non-magical bloodlines.” Hope begins, “for example, I’m a Half-blood, my father’s family is primarily magical, and he’s a wizard, but my mother’s family is Muggle, there has never been any magic in their bloodline until I was born.”
“Exactly, so since my father's family is entirely magical, and has been for generations, I’m what is considered pure-blood,” I explain softly.
“What about your mother’s family?” Riley asks.
“I’m not sure…” I begin looking down at my hands for a moment before continuing, “she died when I was little, so I don’t know much about her or the rest of her family.”
“Well, why can’t your dad tell you?” Hannah asks softly.
“Uh- well, he-he died when I was two, so he didn’t exactly have the chance to tell me much about them…” I begin, all my attention focusing on my hands, “and my aunt and uncle who have taken care of me, don’t exactly like my father and his choices, so they refuse to talk about him.”
As I finish my explanation, there was silence in our dorm room, when suddenly I yanked into a hug.
“Oh, Asteria. I’m so sorry peaches…” consoles Riley, holding my head to her chest as she strokes my hair gently.
“Yeah sorry for asking Asteria…” says Hannah, “I shouldn’t have asked so many personal questions…”
I sigh softly and pull away from Riley, meeting the gaze of my new roommates, and find hope and Allison nodding in agreement.
“It’s okay guys…” I begin, clearing my throat, “Honestly. It’s kind of nice being able to talk about it…I haven’t been able to talk so openly about it, for as long as I can remember… my father is kind of a forbidden subject in my current house.”
The girls all nod softly, before Hope clears her throat, “well,” she says standing from her seat, “I don’t know about you guys but I am exhausted.”
“Me too.” I laugh, grateful she changed the subject.
After the five of us changed, we all climbed into the sheets of our beds, closing the surrounding curtains, before we hear Riley giggle softly,
“Goodnight, new friends!”
A small round of giggles fills the room, all of us saying goodnight to the ball of sunshine.
Then for the first time in what feels like ever…
I fell asleep, feeling safe…
Warm…
And at home…
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