The first-years stared at the hat in puzzlement until a wide slit opened near its brim like a mouth. The hat writhed and launched into a nonsensical song. When it finished, the entire hall erupted in applause. It bowed to each of the four house tables in turn, then fell still once more.
"Looks like all we have to do is wear this hat," a red-haired boy muttered to the person beside him. "I'm going to kill Fred. He goes on about fighting trolls as if it's actually going to happen."
Not only he, but many others around him showed clear indignation, including Hannah and Susan.
At that moment Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a roll of parchment in her hands.
"Whenever I call your name, come forward, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and await the Sorting," she instructed. She paused only a beat before calling out without glancing at the list.
"Hannah Abbott!"
Hannah stumbled out of the line of first-years, climbed onto the stool, and pulled the hat over her head until it covered her eyes. A brief pause followed.
"Hufflepuff!" the Hat shouted.
The students at the right-hand table burst into applause and welcoming cheers. The fat monk ghost waved happily in her direction.
"Susan Bones!"
"Hufflepuff!" the Hat called again. Susan hurried over and slid into the seat beside Hannah.
"Terry Booth!"
"Ravenclaw!"
The Sorting continued without pause. Justin Finch-Fletchley joined Hufflepuff, while Hermione Granger—that big-toothed, beaver-like know-it-all—found herself placed in Gryffindor.
No surprise there; her outgoing nature made Gryffindor the only house that could contain her.
"Draco Malfoy!"
The blond boy swaggered forward. The Hat barely touched his head before shrieking, "Slytherin!"
Oh, so that's Draco.
Henry recalled the information his personal advisor, Sir Arnold, had compiled.
By now only a handful of names remained. Mohn… Nott… Parkinson… then the Petit twins… then Sallyn Boxts… and finally the main event of the evening.
"Harry Potter!"
Whispers rippled through the hall. Henry studied the obviously immature, green-eyed savior.
The Hat lingered on his head for a long time before declaring him Gryffindor.
A thunderous cheer erupted from the Gryffindor table, louder than any that had come before. A pair of red-haired boys who looked like exact copies jumped up and shouted, "We have Potter! We have Potter!"
Professor McGonagall called the next name.
"Henry Welsh!"
Henry stepped forward, sat down, and allowed Professor McGonagall to place the hat on his head.
Hermione, seated at the Gryffindor table, only then showed a flash of sudden realization and utter shock.
Yet no one paid her any attention; every eye in the hall remained fixed on Harry Potter.
Henry sat waiting. The hat stayed silent for what felt like an eternity.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a voice spoke inside his head.
"Quiet down, I'm thinking!"
"What are you thinking about?" Henry asked inside his mind with genuine interest. "Or rather, as a hat, do you even know what thinking is?"
"Because I think, therefore I am," the Sorting Hat replied.
"An interesting point," Henry countered, "but I still believe that matter determines consciousness, so I think, therefore I am."
"Perhaps you are right, but this isn't the philosophical question we are here to settle," the Sorting Hat answered, its tone sounding somewhat pleased. "If you have time later, you can come to the Headmaster's office and we can discuss it in detail. I do sense some Ravenclaw qualities in you; after all, no one but those eagles would bother with such philosophical questions."
"So you're going to sort me into Ravenclaw?" Henry asked with interest. "It's not a bad house."
"No, no, no—you also possess courage," the Sorting Hat continued. "Of course Slytherin could fulfill your ambitions… Although you are already quite brilliant, Slytherin could lead you to even greater glory."
"So you're going to sort me into Slytherin?" Henry pressed. "Can't Hufflepuff work? I see most Muggle-born wizards end up there."
The Sorting Hat fell silent.
After a long pause it spoke again, its voice a little dry.
"Remember what I sang just now?"
"What?" Henry did not grasp the Hat's meaning, yet his intuition warned him the Sorting Hat was up to something.
The Hat's voice grew drier still. "The people there are honest and loyal. Hufflepuff students are persevering and honest, unafraid of hard work."
"…I'll take that as a compliment," Henry replied with mixed feelings. "What about Ravenclaw? Didn't you sing that only the cleverest minds could go there?"
"But your mind is too clever, so…" The Sorting Hat paused, then announced in a loud, clear voice that rang through the hall, "Slytherin!"
A round of applause rose from the Slytherin table—polite, not overly enthusiastic, yet far from cold.
Henry walked over and took the empty seat beside Draco, then turned to watch the rest of the Sorting.
At that moment the Hat announced Ron's placement, and Blaise Zabini joined Slytherin. Professor McGonagall rolled up the parchment, lifted the Sorting Hat, and left the hall.
Albus Dumbledore rose to his feet. He smiled broadly at the students and opened his arms wide, looking even more delighted to see them all gathered together.
"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to Hogwarts for the start of the new school year! Before the feast begins, I'd like to say a few words. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!**"
"Thank you, everyone!"
He sat back down. The students applauded and cheered.
At the same instant a dazzling array of food appeared on every table.
Henry was not particularly hungry; he simply selected a few healthy portions and ate slowly and elegantly.
Just then Draco spoke.
"Looks like you're one of us." His voice carried a hint of arrogance.
"One of you?" Henry asked.
"Yes—not like those families with too many children to afford and no manners." Draco stared maliciously toward the Gryffindor table.
Henry followed his gaze and saw Ron gripping a chicken leg in each hand, looking every inch a reckless berserker warrior.
A true hero.
"Draco Malfoy." Draco extended his hand.
Henry set down his knife and fork and took the offered hand. "Henry Welsh."
Upon hearing those words, Draco suddenly frowned.