Published Jan. 17 2003
The Sorting
Katrina and Neville seemed to be getting along very well. Apparently, Katrina had always been fascinated by frogs and toads, and always wanted her own pet frog, but she could never have one because her Aunt Isabella that she lived with was terribly afraid of reptiles. Neville seemed to be better at making Katrina seem less nervous about Hogwarts than Ron, Hermione or Harry could ever do. Harry was surprised how well Katrina was getting along with Neville. He didn’t think either one like the other romantically, but he was glad Katrina had made a friend that wasn’t Draco Malfoy. After all, Neville may be a bit clumsy, but he was a really nice guy, and he was Harry’s friend.
Finally, they arrived at Hogwarts and left the train. Katrina had to join the first years in the boats to go across the lake. After all the first years were sorted, Katrina would come into the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore would introduce her, and then she would be sorted. As Harry got into his carriage with Ron, Hermione and Neville, he crossed his fingers hoping that she would be in Gryfindor.
“Your friend is a really nice girl, Harry.” Neville said. Harry just nodded. He was too nervous for Katrina to speak.
As Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table with his friends and fellow Gryffindors, he noticed that there were two new faces at the Head Table. Percy Weasley was sitting at the table looking very smug.
“Dumbledore lets him sit there during meal times.” Ron said. “He’s gloating like crazy. I’m glad your not going to sit at the Prefects table, Hermione. I couldn’t stand having you over there, and Percy over there. It’s too weird. I wish Percy would just go home.”
Then Harry noticed the other new face was none other than Drew Fordson.
“Hey, that’s one of Katrina’s friends!” Harry exclaimed.
Hermione and Ron spun around and stared.
“Oh my goodness! That is him!” Hermione cried. “I wonder what he’s doing here!”
“Maybe he’s the new Dark Arts Professor.” Ron suggested, noticing how Professor Snape was scowling at him.
“But he’s so young looking! He couldn’t be our teacher, could he?” Hermione asked.
“You never know who Dumbledore will pick these days. It’s not like he’s made the best decsions when it’s come to picking people for that job.” Harry said.
Just then, Dumbledore rose to make an announcement. Harry saw the door’s open and a long line of first years come through. Harry could see Katrina standing at the end of the line. Standing next to all those first years, she looked much much older.
“Welcome everyone to a new school year. Hopefully, it will be another wonderful year of learning and friendship. And new faces. Along with all our new students, I’d like to introduce to you our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Drew Fordson.”
Everyone clapped. Many girls seemed to be clapping extra hard. Harry judged that it was because Drew Fordson was a very good-looking young man. He was happy to see Hermione was not one of the ones going crazy. He didn’t want a repeat of what happened his second year when Hermione went nuts over Gilderoy Lockhart.
“Also.” Dumbledore continued. “I’d like to re-introduce you to Mr. Percy Weasley. Most of you will remember him as a Head Boy we had a two years ago. Percy is working here as my personal secretary and assistant. Therefore, he is an official of this school, and will be eating meals with us. I also want you to treat him and respect him as an official of this school. Like teachers, he has the power to take and give house points. Anyone who is disrespectful to him will be punished the same as if they were disrespectful to me or any other teacher or official of this school.”
Students murmured at their tables. Many of them who had to deal with Percy’s bossiness and down-to-business style were not happy about him returning. Others who had liked Percy were very pleased.
Next it was time for the Sorting Ceremony. Harry didn’t pay much attention as new Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and Slytherins joined their houses. Harry’s thoughts were on Katrina.
Finally, when the only person left standing was Katrina, Dumbledore made an announcement telling everyone her name, that she was a fifth year transfer student, the first one in Hogwarts history, and although she was British born, she had lived in America most of her life. Harry noticed that Dumbledore did not mention that she was his niece. Harry supposed people would find that fact out eventually and did not want them to think he was playing favorites.
Finally, the moment of truth came. The Sorting Hat was placed on Katrina’s head. It sat there for a few moments, and then screamed out GRYFFINDOR
Harry heard his table explode in cheers an applause. Harry himself was the loudest one.
She seemed to float on air as she came over to their table, and slid into and empty seat next to Ginny.
“Congratulations, Katrina.” Ginny said.
“Thanks.” was her reply.
Katrina smiled at Harry. “You knew I was going to be in Gryffindor, didn’t you Harry?”
Harry smiled. “How could you be in any other House?” he replied, feeling very relieved and very warm inside.
| Add your text here |