Sorting Ceremony(Sixth years)

[Kynthia Boulais]

The carriages were already beginning to move. No one else seemed awed by the large, black, winged horses pulling them. Cherry had never heard of such a beast. Her father never revealed much about the magical world.

Cherry's parents did not want her to attend Hogwarts, because of her blood condition. Cherry had to promise many times to get to the forest on the castle's grounds for her transformations. Her dad almost didn't let her go. He had always been like that since he had to save her from a werewolf.

Cherry peered over the side of the large boat all the first years were piled into. The stars reflected off the water's surface. Cherry sat back when she thought she had spotted something under the water's surface. Cherry edged closer to the adult watching over them. Another student was talking to him very quickly. Cherry wondered if she should tell him. But he seemed oblivious to anything anyone else told him so she kept it to herself.

Suddenly, the boat began to sail. Even as the last of the thestral-powered carriages carried the older students toward the castle by land. Cherry dug her nails into the wood seat, she gripped as tightly as she could. Afraid of falling into the lake. The loud student was still talking at the adult, despite lack of response. Cherry sighed.

[Darius Valentinus]

Darren tried to look busy tying a knot in a rope. One of the first years kept speaking to him though he didn't answer back once. Darren did not like this part of his job much. But it paid well so he put up with the first years. His hair was held back by a band. He wore an old, grey cloak with plenty of tears in it. He did not have a robe or other more proper clothing to his name though. His boots were thick and were covered in mud. He had stood in the shallow and lifted every first year into the boats. Darren tried to listen to the kid that was speaking to him but he could not keep his attention on the speech. So Darren turned to steering the boats instead.

Darren looked around, already spotting the darker among them. His eyes fell on Kynthia and he could tell she was not exactly thrilled to be here. She was young. There were always more than a few with anxiety about school at first. He had been the same way, worried people would take notice of his defects and ignore his strengths. He looked ahead at the castle. It's lights contrasted with the dark sky. The stars were out to play, Darren would head out into the Forest tonight. After dinner, of course. It was unwise to frolic on an empty stomach.

[abigail]

Abigail feared water. She had nearly drowned when her family was forced to flee Germany because of a dispute between Goblins and Warlocks. Abigail's parents didn't want her to attend Hogwarts either. And Abigail was lucky that the school would have an extra bed for the first years of this year. Her father never intended to send Abigail to a school for human witches and wizards. He had actually been granted wizard status by mistake. Abigail fought with her parents long before they finally let her attend. Abigail's older brother and sister had never even dreamed of going to Hogwarts or using a wand. They were angry with her. Just as Abigail's mother had been angry with their father when he accepted wizard status from a Hogwarts Governor.

Truthfully, Abigail was afraid she might lose her temper and transform in the middle of class. She knew they would have to flee again if that happened. Abigail looked at the only adult aboard the boats. He hadn't said a word yet. She then gazed up at the towering castle. It was not far now, which helped Abigail's nerves some. She had been holding her breath as they came to dock. She released her breath slowly when she was lifted up and placed on solid ground. He must've realized her anxiety.

Abigail turned to the castle as another student followed beside her. "I wonder who built it," she thought aloud. She had always thought loudly, and remembered what she was told. Abigail began to wander toward the castle she held her wand protectively against her chest. She felt like one of the wealthy witches that frequented her mother's shop. Abigail tore her eyes away from the castle to look back at the boats, the last child had finally been picked off of them.

A tall witch came to greet the first years. She seemed stern, but almost lost that look when she gazed at Darren. Abigail was the closest to her and witnessed her slight blushing at the silent man. Natalie Fletcher regained composure quickly. "Good evening, students. This way, please." Natalie gestured for all of the first years to approach her. "Come on now. We cannot be late for the ceremony." They had lots of time to spare, but Natalie was not the type to take chances. "I will teach you Defence Against the Dark Arts this year. Give your thanks to our groundskeeper, Mr. Valentine." Natalie turned suddenly, scared she would betray her serious nature if she locked eyes with Darren.