Alix33: Lavender's mom very specifically gave her a run down of who and what she needs to look-out for. What better source of information for her gossip column than her own daughter after all?
Pulling into Hogsmeade station, Harry again started grappling with his anxiety about the situation. Even seeing the friendly face of Hagrid, who began to direct him towards a dock full of small boats, fails to truly ease Harry's worries. Fortunately, Hermione stays steadfastly by his side for the entirety of their journey, and procures the seat next to Harry's as they board the small boats.. Each boat could fit five students, in two pairs and then a single. Harry and Hermione take their place as one of the pairs, Neville and Hannah as the second, and a red-haired boy that Harry had previously caught a glimpse of on the train as the single.
"Why do you think they have us first-years on boats instead of in the carriages like the other students?" Harry asks the group at large. Hannah and Neville swivel slightly in their seats to look at their new friends.
"I-I think it's because of where we're supposed to go for sorting," Hannah says nervously. She's wrapped her hand in Neville's in an attempt to calm herself down. Whether or not it's succeeding, it is causing Neville to do a sublime impression of a tomato. Harry laughs internally at his new friend's struggle.
"Hogwarts: A History mentions there being some kind of sorting, but doesn't say what it is. I hope it's not a difficult test, I don't think I've studied enough," Hermione says, starting to shake in her seat.
"I don't think it would be a test, that would be pretty unfair for people like me who only just learned about being a wizard. Maybe it's like a personality quiz? A no wrong answers kind of thing?" Harry says, grabbing Hermione's hand. That seems to calm her down a bit, so Harry ignores the mild embarrassment he feels at holding a girl's hand.
"Now that I think about it, no one has ever actually told me how students are sorted," Neville says. "I know Gran and Uncle Algie had to have been sorted, but they've never told me how it happened."
"My parents haven't either, must be a secret so you can't influence the sorting too much," Hannah says, seemingly calmer. The hand-holding must be working.
"What are they sorting us into anyway? I'm still playing catch-up here," Harry says.
"There are four 'houses' at Hogwarts, where you dorm, as well as where you determine who you have classes with. They are supposed to be separated by personalities. Gryffindor is the house of the Brave, Ravenclaw the house of the Clever, Slytherin the house of the Cunning, and Hufflepuff the house of the Loyal," Neville says, counting them off on his fingers, as he spoke.
"Well, then Hermione's a shoo-in for Ravenclaw!" Harry says laughing. Hermione grips his hand tighter.
"I'm not that clever. I just really like books," Hermione says softly, seemingly sinking into herself.
"Well, wherever you get sorted, I'm sure you'll do great. As will Hannah, and Neville. You guys will do amazing!" Harry says confidently. He does truly believe that the three with him, as well as Tracey will do great. Their time together on the train had convinced them of that. What Harry was not so sure about was his own chances.
"Yeah, yeah. We're the best. You guys are annoying." The red-haired boy speaks up. "Let me tell you how it actually is. Gryffindor is the best house. All the good wizards come from Gryffindor. Ravenclaw is full of annoying know-it-alls, and all Slytherins are evil. Hufflepuff is where they send the worthless ones."
"That doesn't seem very nice. There have been plenty of great wizards from all houses, and not all Slytherins are evil." Hannah says, looking at the boy.
"Sure, keep telling yourself that." He says, before the boat magically begins moving, shocking the quintet of first-years; and they all sit in stunned silence as they watch the other boats also begin to move.
The trip across the lake started out eerily, with the lapping of the waves against the hull of their small boat being the only thing the five could sense, as night had fallen and the moon and stars was doing little to light up the dark waters of the Black Lake. Hermione had gripped herself tightly against Harry's arm, and he could see the faint outlines of Hannah doing the same to Neville. Thankfully, after a few moments, the lantern at the front of their boat lit itself, and Harry saw the seven other boats that had departed with them also alight. Looking up, Harry then saw the image of Hogwarts castle, illuminated against the night sky.
The castle was truly breathtaking, the ancient structure standing as a singular monolith atop a large hill, seemingly impossibly tall against the flat surroundings. Light poured from its many windows and Harry was absolutely awestruck..
The boats began to congregate in a small grotto before an older woman began to direct them off of the boats and into a small crowd in front of a large set of doors.
"Hello all of you. I am Professor Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here in a few moments you will be led into the great hall, where you will be sorted into your houses. Your house will be like your family here at Hogwarts, and you will be required to sit with your houses at the various event feasts throughout the year, including tonight. I will be calling you alphabetically to sit at a chair below the head table in the Great Hall, which is beyond these doors. You will be sat on the stool and I will place the Sorting Hat upon your head. It will look into your mind and determine if you are to be in Courageous Gryffindor, Brilliant Ravenclaw, Ambitious Slytherin, or Loyal Hufflepuff. The hat alleges it has not missorted a student in its history, although it will admit that some students may have fit well in more than one house. Your individual sorting may take anywhere from a few seconds, to several minutes. I myself took nearly six, as it couldn't decide if I was better suited for Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. In the end it decided I was to join the house of the lions, and I am now their head of house. Now, please line-up as I call your names.