Oh, so you are the one he was talking about.
Of all the first words Albus had imagined the Sorting Hat saying to him, those were definitely not it. What do you mean? he thought back to the hat. Aren’t you supposed to be focused on my house?
I rather wish I could, but I got quite the earful from that little Malfoy boy. He’s forbidden me from putting you in anything but Slytherin. Ha! I’m tempted to put you in Hufflepuff just to spite him. You’ll have to tell me the look on his face though. These old eyes don’t work like they used to, my dear boy.
Fear ripped through Albus’s insides. Please don’t!
Then maybe just Gryffindor, like your parents. Less paperwork for me to do. You’d think they would be more lenient since I’m an old hat. I should really have an intern do all my paperwork. There’s a thought...
Umm, I know Mum and Dad want me in Gryffindor, but I really do think I’d like to be in Slytherin, Albus pleaded. He was starting to sweat. This was nothing like how his dad said it was like. Scorpius seems really nice and I don’t really make friends easily and he was being super friendly and I do think we could be friends if we were in the same house—
Yes, yes. Friends, the best of friends, the other one said all that too. Frankly if I let everyone pick their own houses, then they could just replace me with an actual hat and I can get one extra vacation day a year. I think I’ve earned it after all this time. Yes, that sounds nice... Wouldn’t have to wake up so early... Zzzzz...
Albus could feel the stares of everyone in the Great Hall as he sat on the stool. He refused to look towards the Gryffindor or Slytherin tables. He wasn’t sure if James wanted him in his house or not, and he definitely didn’t want to make eye contact with Scorpius. Hello? Mr. Hat? After a full minute of silence, Albus shook his head in frustration.
Wha—Oh, hello there. Where am I?
You’re at the Sorting Ceremony, sir.
What are you still doing here?
You haven’t announced my house yet.
“Slytherin!” the Hat shouted, much to Albus’s delight. Well, that’s sorted then, isn’t it? On your way.
Albus shuffled his way over to the Slytherin table and took his seat next to Scorpius.
“You’re a hatstall, Albus!” Scorpius squealed with delight. “That’s so cool! It must have been a close call. Between you and me, I put in a good word for you.”
“Thanks,” Albus replied, “I think it helped.”
altober Day 27: Sorting Hat
WeakRevolution’s take today had me in tears - so funny!
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