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(Professor Flitwick) Before the Sorting Ceremony
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 11-22-12 07:09
It was not Professor McGonagall who greeted the first year students and single transfer student after the boat ride across the Black Lake, but Professor Filius Flitwick. Most of the newcomers didn't know any better to question why the diminutive Hogwarts professor would be leading them into the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony, rather than Professor McGonagall, who had done so for many, many years. A few, however, such as young Malden McGonagall, were taken by surprise.
Professor Flitwick was shorter than all of the first years, who in turn were much shorter than seventh year Colin Hawke, the lone transfer student in the bunch. He looked a bit out of place among all the eleven year olds, but then so did Professor Flitwick.
"Welcome to Hogwarts!" Professor Flitwick squeaked. "My name is Filius Flitwick. I teach Charms here at Hogwarts and look forward to seeing nearly all of you in my classes starting on Monday!" Only Colin wouldn't be in his classes, being instead in Professor Knight's N.E.W.T. level course.
"Now, let me tell you a little bit about Hogwarts…"
Professor Flitwick went on to describe the four Hogwarts houses, and then brought up Professor McGonagall's favorite point whenever she had met with the new students. "Good deeds are rewarded with house points, and as you might expect, bad deeds will result in points being taken away from your house. Whichever house has the most points at the end of the school year will win the House Cup, so do your very best not to lose any house points!"
The students smiled at this. They liked the idea of friendly competition.
"Before we go inside, do you have any questions for me?"
Several wondered why he was so short, but nobody dared ask.
"Very well," Professor Flitwick said, "let us enter the Great Hall."
(Professor Flitwick) The Sorting Ceremony - Part One
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 11-22-12 08:28
The double doors to the Great Hall opened wide, revealing four long tables packed with students of all ages wearing school robes and a single table along the back where all the professors and other staff sat. Some of the new students felt a jolt of excitement at seeing the grand dining chamber with its enchanted ceiling, but others felt nervous with all eyes on them.
Professor Flitwick led the new students down the center aisle and then stopped before the dais, turning and holding up his small hands. A few of the more eager students nearly ran him down, but nobody managed to get hurt. The group of first years and transfer student shuffled uneasily under the gazes of the whole school.
"Wait here," Professor Flitwick instructed. Then he climbed onto the dais and walked over to a three-legged stool that was only marginally shorter than he was. On top of the stool was an old hat. To the surprise of many of the new students, the hat suddenly came to life and started to sing.
It sang for about five minutes, describing the four houses at Hogwarts in far more detail than Professor Flitwick had. There was a somberness to the melody, as if the hat, too, mourned for Albus Dumbledore.
When the hat finished its song, Professor Flitwick summoned a scroll from the High Table and announced, "We will begin the Sorting Ceremony with our transfer student, Colin Hawke."
The tall, seventh year boy approached the now empty stool and sat. Professor Flitwick was far too short to place the Sorting Hat onto his head and resorted to using magic to do so. The Sorting Hat debated for a moment on where to place Colin and then shouted out for all to hear, "SLYTHERIN!"
Colin got up, handed Professor Flitwick the Sorting Hat, and then went to join his new housemates at the Slytherin table.
After the cheering died down, Professor Flitwick called up the first first year student, Devon Abbott.
A girl stepped forward. Professor Flitwick used the levitation charm to place the Sorting Hat onto her head. The hat thought for a moment and then shouted out, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Savannah Applewhite was sorted into Gryffindor next, followed by Anton Avery, who became the second student sorted into Slytherin House. Lilith Balfour was also sorted into Slytherin.
"Aderyn Carter," Professor Flitwick called out.
The youngest of the Carter siblings climbed onto the stool and waited to see where the Sorting Hat would place her.
"Hmm… Another Carter," the Sorting Hat mused, "and yet you are different. Better be… RAVENCLAW!"
Aderyn leapt off the stool, nearly taking the Sorting Hat with her, and went to the Ravenclaw table.
Ollie Choate, a ridiculously cute boy who would no doubt grow up to be a heartbreaker, was sorted into Hufflepuff House.
"Duncan Dippet," called Professor Flitwick.
A boy stepped forward and sat down on the stool. Professor Flitwick lowered the Sorting Hat onto his head.
"Interesting…," the Hat whispered to Duncan. "A good, kind boy. I know just what to do with you! HUFFLEPUFF!"
Duncan joined Devon and Ollie at the Hufflepuff table.
Next came Andrina Fricks, who was sorted into Ravenclaw House. Then came Pedro Garcia, who joined Gryffindor.
"Arielle Kent," Professor Flitwick called out.
A pretty girl approached the stool and sat down. The Sorting Hat deliberated for several minutes and then shouted out, "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Asher Kent," Professor Flitwick called next.
A boy who was obviously related to the girl stepped forward. Unlike the careful deliberation the Sorting Hat took with Arielle, with Asher the hat barely touched his head before announcing, "SLYTHERIN!"
With a self-satisfied expression on his face, Asher went to join his new housemates at the Slytherin table.
Professor Flitwick called out the next name on the scroll. "Araxie Loren."
A girl with long brown hair climbed onto the stool and waited for Professor Flitwick to lower the Sorting Hat onto her head.
"Headstrong… Artistic…" the Sorting Hat began. "How very interesting… You belong in… RAVENCLAW!"
Smiling, Araxie handed the Sorting Hat to Professor Flitwick and joined the Ravenclaw table.
Not Shy So Much As Quiet (Devon Abbott)
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 11-22-12 09:31
Devon Abbott has had trepidation throughout the day. Though very friendly she also tends to be on the quiet side until she knows someone well. This can sometimes lead others to surmise she is shy. Because of her tendency to listen more than speak and because of others thinking perhaps Devon is shy, she spent much of the train ride from London sitting wedged against a window, watching a few other of the other kids like her, first years that is, playing a game and listening to them talk in a mix of nervousness and excitement about the upcoming school year that kicks off with being placed into one of the Hogwarts houses.
Devon's oldest cousin Christopher is a Hogwarts students. He's nice but there's enough of an age difference, plus he's a boy, that they aren't all that close. She still looked to him for advice and guidance and was not above accepting a few sweets he'd bought from the trolley on the train. Christopher's girlfriend Catriona has told Devon to give everyone time, they are just as nervous as Devon and that some of these students will turn out to be lifelong friends.
Devon does know a few of them but as her parents friends either have kids older than Devon, some of them more in line with Christopher's and Cat's ages, or much younger than she is, more like her other cousins, most of the faces are wholly unfamiliar to her. Or nearly so. She has seen a few here and there in places such as Diagon Alley but those times were very much strictly in passing.
Christopher had told Devon all about Hagrid so while she was surprised a little at just how large Hagrid is, she wasn't as shocked by him as some of the others obviously were. Even those that were seemed to quickly overcome it because Hagrid's niceness is as large as his person. The boat ride across the lake was interesting, if a tiny bit chilly out on the water.
Christopher hadn't mentioned any professor who looks anything like Filius Flitwick. Devon was surprised at someone clearly so aged being shorter than she is and she is on the short end of things for kids her age. She wonders if Professor Flitwick being there instead of the Professor McGonagall Christopher had mentioned has anything to do with the death of Albus Dumbledore.
In the Great Hall itself, nothing Christopher, Catriona, or her parents had told her could prepare Devon for that first glimpse of the enchanted ceiling. Now, she wants one in her bedroom at home or something similar at the very least. Staring up at it and being, well, enchanted by it helped her forget about all the eyes on her and the other first years, and that one really tall boy who Devon guesses is at least fifteen or sixteen if not even a little older.
As it turned out, with her last name being Abbott and there not being any other A's, Devon is the first of the first years to go through the Sorting, but second after that tall boy whose name turns out to be Colin. Devon had sort of been hoping for Ravenclaw, but only because that's the house both Christopher and Catriona are in. She might not be overly close to her cousin but it would have been nice to have been sorted into Ravenclaw since she knows him the best of anyone here. Hufflepuff is good though. And nice. Her mother, Loraine, was a Hufflepuff so Devon knows it to be a good house to have been sorted into.
Relieved to have that bit out of the way, and knowing already which colors and crests go with which house, Devon scurries without hesitation to the Hufflepuff table where she is greeted with applause and friendly welcomes. Taking a seat, she looks on with interest to see into what house the next person in line is placed.
Conversation over Tea (Mockridge Townhouse)
Author: Nephele Mockridge
Date: 11-22-12 11:13
Nephele felt funny, sitting in the dining room of the Townhouse with just Kirley. The house felt quiet with Valeria off to Hogwarts.
"I do hope we'll hear from her about the Sorting later," she said.
"I'm certain she'll make Slytherin, she is a Mockridge, after all. And she has a very cunning way of getting whatever she wishes from us."
"This is true. So what did you do with your day while I met with Horace Slughorn?"
"Stopped in to see your pet Ravenclaw, actually."
"Oh? How is Cassandra?"
"She's well enough. Didn't tell me much, but I didn't expect her to. Nearly panicked when I told her she'd be welcome here for tea anytime she needed to lie low."
"Yeah, Cass always was a bit funny about things. Callie used to say something about her time of the month, but it didn't seem to be a girl thing, it seemed like it was something more."
"Well, she said something about needing to leave the country for a bit, something she needed to acquire. I'm going to see what I can do about reminding the Prophet that many of us 'perfectly respectable' witches and wizards have family members who have done things we may not agree with, but that we don't deserve to be punished for their crimes."
Nephele nodded. "That might be a wise idea, though it won't go far with that dreadful Skeeter woman."
Kirley agreed. "So how was old Slughorn?"
"Well. As much like a spider in a web as he always was. Soon as I mentioned Mother, he was ever so pleased that he agreed to take me on as a student. He'd hoped, of course, but to have it confirmed, he was immediately full of praise for the 'lovely Miss Parkinson' and even about father as well. When he read over my notes and my experimental potions, he let slip that Professor Snape had also put in a good word for me, saying that I was an excellent choice who would likely require less supervision than many of those who would go through St. Emrys."
"I told you Snape always liked you."
"Yes well, that's what happens when you study and explore farther than the curriculum says you must. But, I'm to be at Professor Slughorn's tomorrow, at ten. He wants to see my notes for that potion that Mr. Hartcrofte spilt, he said he can't remember any students pushing things that far when he taught at Hogwarts."
"Excellent. That should keep you busy while I'm at work, and give you something to do while Valeria's away. The house seems quiet without her, though she's not a noisy child by any stretch."
Nephele agreed and pushed her chair back. "Yes. Will you keep an eye out for Cass? The Ministry is closer to her store than Professor Slughorn's is." Kirley gave a long-suffering sigh and agreed. It was a sure sign he agreed that her friend was hiding something.
Staring Can Be Creepy (Basil)
Author: Jared
Date: 11-22-12 11:16
This morning on the train as the prefects were gathering for a meeting Etta had had to poke Basil in the side whispering, "Staring like that at her is creepy."
"I'm not staring."
"Then your definition and mine are very different."
Basil had had a retort ready on his lips but bit the words back. He had been staring. It's just easier for some reason to deny these things, even after spending a little time with Aleydis at Emrys Fest. Even if he'd split that time between being tongue tied and ramblings. Even after sending Aleydis a birthday gift. It didn't have his name on it but maybe she figured out on her own that the lacy filigreed bracelet was from him. Her birthday had been before Emrys Fest but he'd not said anything to her there about the gift nor had she mentioned it to him. That doesn't mean she hadn't worked out who the sender was by then or if not by Emrys Fest then by now.
It had been hard but Basil managed to get through that meeting without his eyes being glued to Aleydis. One of the few times he dared glance her way, she'd flashed that smile of hers that makes his legs go all to jelly. He'd stammered a hello after the meeting ended but Ivan showed up about then, ready to fill Basil in on the holiday his family had just taken and the girl he'd met while on it.
When it was Basil's turn to make rounds on the train, he'd caught glimpses of Aleydis. One of those times she saw him adn smiled again. He really wishes she wouldn't do that because her smiles make walking difficult. And thinking. Basil cannot for the life of him remember much about the following five minutes other than he must have somehow kept moving, continuing his rounds.
As Head Boy, Basil was one of the last ones leaving the station, having made one of the sweeps through the train to ensure no one was still there. Somehow he'd still managed to be in the same carriage as Aleydis to the castle. They were enough others that after getting out a hello, he'd not done much other than to steal side glances at her while Ivan, who'd waited for Basil, talked non-stop about the wonders of Daciana, the girl he'd met who attends Durmstrang. It's a good thing Ivan was so busy waxing poetic about Daciana or he'd have surely pestered Basil endlessly about crushing on Aleydis.
Once to Hogwarts castle and into the Great Hall Basil had been sure to sit at the Slytherin table in a spot that would allow a view of where Aleydis was. Not that he was going to stare at her the entire evening. The last thing he wants is to start coming off a some sort of creep. He's got enough of a nasty Slytherin based reputation to overcome as it is.
As the Sorting Ceremony begins, Basil is hardly aware of who gets placed where. He's too busy trying not to stare at Aleydis and too busy trying not to look creepy in the process.
(Professor Flitwick) The Sorting Ceremony - Part Two
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 11-22-12 11:17
The Sorting Ceremony was halfway over, and already there was a nice mix of new students among the four houses. Professor Flitwick was pleased with the Ravenclaws he had just acquired and looked forward to seeing which remaining first years would join his house.
He looked at the next name on the scroll and called out, "Lauren MacDougal."
The youngest sister of Liannah and Marlow stepped forward and sat down on the three-legged stool. Professor Flitwick lowered the Sorting Hat onto her head.
"Hmm…," the Sorting Hat said, only so she could hear, "Very difficult. Very difficult indeed. Perhaps Slytherin is where you belong, or perhaps in Gryffindor…?" The Sorting Hat wavered back and forth for several long minutes, then said, "Better be… GRYFFINDOR!"
Lauren looked relieved to finally have a place at Hogwarts and rushed off to join her new housemates.
Next came Mary MacKenny, who was sorted into Slytherin House. Then came Leonine Marchbanks, younger brother of Hydrangea and Baron. Like Lauren before him, he was sorted into Gryffindor.
"Sophie McCourt."
A girl with long brown hair stepped forward. Flitwick placed the hat on her head.
"A very loyal friend, you are," that Sorting Hat told her. "You belong in… HUFFLEPUFF!"
Surprised, Sophie left the dais and joined the other Hufflepuffs at the table, hopeful that her friend Caleb would soon join her there.
"Malden McGonagall."
The younger brother of Madoc and great nephew to Headmistress Minerva McGonagall climbed onto the stool. The Sorting Hat debated his placement for a time and then made a shocking announcement. "SLYTHERIN!"
Malden didn't seem to mind that he wasn't in Gryffindor like his brother or great aunt before him and quickly hurried to the Slytherin table.
"Wendy Mills," called Professor Flitwick.
A girl with long blonde hair and grey eyes sat down on the stool.
The Sorting Hat said, "Yes… a clever, diligent girl. I know just what to do with you… RAVENCLAW!"
Wendy sprang off the stool and sat down in the empty seat next to Andrina Fricks at the Ravenclaw table.
"Valeria Mockridge," Professor Flitwick called out next.
Another blonde girl stepped forward. She sat on the stool and waited to find out where the Sorting Hat would send her.
"Hmm, a different sort of cunning, but a Mockridge just the same… SLYTHERIN!"
Pleased with the results, Valeria jumped off the stool and went to the Slytherin table.
Mickey Moon, a boy who was all smiles, was sorted into Gryffindor House. Emily Murray, the youngest sister of Liam and Andrew, joined Hufflepuff House, while Ector Newland went to Ravenclaw. The Sorting Hat placed Petula Parkinson in Slytherin House.
"Caleb Quigley."
The nephew of Celeste Quigley approached the stool and sat down.
"An inquisitive boy," said the Sorting Hat. "You belong in… RAVENCLAW!"
Next came Bruno Tate, who was sorted into Slytherin, and finally Hiram Young, who joined Hufflepuff House.
Professor Flitwick rolled up the scroll of names and used his wand to move the stool and sorting hat off the dais. Then he took his seat next to Professor McGonagall at the High Table.
In Time For The Start Of Term Feast
Author: Errol
Date: 11-22-12 16:45
Ross and Errol Anderson had arrived a little earlier at the gates of Hogwarts. Noting the puffs of steam rising off in the distance and hearing the shrill whistle of a train Ross had nodded, "See, you're here in plenty of time."
Errol hadn't said much beyond an, "Uh huh," before following Uncle Ross up the path to the school, his trunk following along behind.
At the castle the trunk was deposited where Argus Filch, cradling a youngish looking cat, indicated it should go. The trunk would soon be sent on to Errol's dorm room, probably at the direction of a house elf. Ross and Errol had then gone to the Hospital Wing so that Ross could hand over some potions and pills to Madam Pomfrey and talk with her for a bit. From there they sought out Professor McGonagall. Errol couldn't hear everything they'd said and what he could he tuned out. He had a good idea of the conversation even before it took place.
Back at the main entrance the first carriage from the train had arrived. Errol was glad for that. He hadn't wanted to go sit alone in the Great Hall waiting for everyone else to arrive. That's really the only reason he'd gone with Ross to see the nurse and Headmistress. Before taking his leave Ross had reminded, "I'm staying in the village tonight then go to Brussels in the morning and there through Wednesday."
"I'm fine, Uncle Ross."
His uncle had looked Errol up and down, taking in his appearance then tapped his own temple. "Nice try." He'd paused a second, looking meaningfully at his nephew before saying, "You either contact me or talk to someone more immediate. Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, that Professor Kent."
"If needed I will." Errol has no plans to have such a need.
With one more look and an quick, somewhat awkward hug Ross had bid Errol goodbye."
Errol had watched him go then turned to follow still more arriving students into the Great Hall. He'd been seated at the Ravenclaw table for a few minutes already when Megara entered the large room. She'd scanned the table, eyes widening when spotting him. Making her way to sit beside him instead of the friends she must have been searching for, Megara's first words to Errol were, "What in bloody hell happened to you?"
With both eyes blackened underneath and his nose a mix of dark blue and dark purple, scratches and cuts on his face and one arm in a sling, he can't blame her for the reaction. It's good she can't see more of his body with the scrapes, cuts, abrasions, and bruises.
"I don't want to talk about it right now."
"When then?"
"I don't know. Maybe never."
Megara leaned towards a smaller student sitting near her. "You? You're a second year?"
"Um, yes?"
"Promise to tell me tomorrow or the second year gets hexed."
"Hey!" protested the second year.
Errol shook his head at the kid. "Don't worry. She won't."
"You don't know me at all, do you?" Megara asked.
"You can't go around threatening second years just to get your way."
"Fine, make it a first year. They're more fun to torment anyway, second only to tormenting you."
"I don't want to talk about it, Megara."
"I hear from you once through your uncle's office after you met up with my parents and me in Sacramento and then nothing. You weren't on the train yet here you are looking like this. Did your uncle beat you or something? If so, I'm telling my parents and I'll get them to get custody and legally make you my special needs baby brother."
Errol had sighed, rolling a pain pill in his palm, thinking it's time to take it and the vial of pain potion in one pocket. He takes his time doing that to annoy Megara. After he's downed the last of the liquid in the vial he finally replied, "No, Uncle Ross did not do this. I didn't write because I couldn't."
"Why couldn't you?"
"Seriously, not now, Megara. Not tomorrow. Maybe never. Just drop it, okay?"
"You know you can't tell me to drop something and expect me to drop it; but, I will let it rest for now. You know, wait for that medication to kick in. See if you get a little loopy and more pliable."
The person on Errol's other side elbows him by accident. Teeth clenched he'd sharply inhaled, wincing at the pain lancing through his side. Megara immediately asked, "What's wrong?"
"I have some cracked ribs."
She waves a hand to take in his whole body. "That happen when all this other did?"
Teeth still clenched he'd told her, "Yes."
"Ever hear of Skele-Gro?"
"I've had some. It's just not had time yet to work and I didn't have a full strength dose because of coming here."
"Explain."
"All this is recent. I wasn't wanting to miss the feast and Uncle Ross brought me instead of making me stay in the hospital but only because classes don't start until Monday so I have time to rest. I can stay here at the feast for however long I last then go to see Madam Pomfrey so I can take the rest of the potions and pills."
"What was that you just took?"
"For pain. What they gave me earlier today had worn off."
"You are injured and in pain, why in Merlin's name would you want to come to the feast?"
"Because after last school year and after, after what caused me to get hurt, I wanted to start out this one as close to normal as possible."
"And your uncle who can be extremely strict agreed."
"Yes, but not without an argument first."
"I cannot wait to hear the full story. It's got to be a bloody doozy."
Errol didn't bother to correct Megara about ever hearing the story. She'd have ignored him anyway. Besides, a group of students Errol took to be the first years and one guy several years older were being led in by a very small wizard he'd never seen before. A nudge to Megara gives him the name Flitwick but nothing more. When it's a good time to talk again, he'll deflect Megara's questions with some of his own starting with, "Who is Flitwick?"