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. Arenāt you supposed to be focused on my house?
I rather wish I could, but I got quite the earful from that little Malfoy boy. Heās forbidden me from putting you in anything but Slytherin. Ha! Iām tempted to put you in Hufflepuff just to spite him. Youāll have to tell me the look on his face though. These old eyes donāt work like they used to, my dear boy.
Fear ripped through Albusās insides. Please donāt!
Then maybe just Gryffindor, like your parents. Less paperwork for me to do. Youād think they would be more lenient since Iām an old hat. I should really have an intern do all my paperwork. Thereās a thought...
Umm, I know Mum and Dad want me in Gryffindor, but I really do think Iād 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 donāt really make friends easily and he was being super friendly and I do think we could be friends if we were in the same houseā
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 Iāve earned it after all this time. Yes, that sounds nice... Wouldnāt 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 wasnāt sure if James wanted him in his house or not, and he definitely didnāt want to make eye contact with Scorpius. Hello? Mr. Hat? After a full minute of silence, Albus shook his head in frustration.
WhaāOh, hello there. Where am I?
Youāre at the Sorting Ceremony, sir.
What are you still doing here?
You havenāt announced my house yet.
āSlytherin!ā the Hat shouted, much to Albusās delight. Well, thatās sorted then, isnāt it? On your way.
Albus shuffled his way over to the Slytherin table and took his seat next to Scorpius.
āYouāre a hatstall, Albus!ā Scorpius squealed with delight. āThatās so cool! It must have been a close call. Between you and me, I put in a good word for you.ā
āThanks,ā Albus replied, āI think it helped.ā
altober Day 27: Sorting Hat
WeakRevolutionās take today had me in tears - so funny!
@altobers-blog @clemandben @eleonorapoe