Jamie shuffled nervously into the Great Hall along with the other first years. The other students around them, sitting a the long wooden tables stared, smiling drowning any of Jamie's hope that they would be supportive. She looked around at her fellow first years and relief flooded her as she realized that they were just as anxcious as she was.

"Look at the ceiling!" Someone said near by, their head tilted upward and their mouth open in awe. Jamie followed their gaze and her jaw dropped also. It was just like the night sky outside, only, this was inside. It must be trasfixed, Jamie concluded.

"First years, this way." A sharp voice broke Jamie's train of thought. They idled up to a woman wearing a long black cloak. She appeared to be holding what looked like a very old rag of some sort, but as Jamie drew closer, she realized that it was not a scrap of clothing, but a hat! "I am Professor McGonagall, Headmistress at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will now be sorted alphabetically. When I call your name, I want you to place yourself on the stool." She looked at the first years in the eye one by one with a peircing gaze. Then read the first name on the parchment. "Kaite Bean!"

A small and timid girl walked with shaking knees up to the old wooden stool. She nearly fell as she sat down and the whole room chuckled, making Katie go completely pink.

Professor McGonagall placed the dirty hat on the girls head and suddenly it seemed to come alive. It began to mutter to it's self and then the girl nodded slowly. The hat whispered one more thing and then shouted "Hufflepuff!" and Professor McGonagall yanked of the hat and gave Katie a light push toward the Hufflepuff table wear she was greeted warmly.

A few more children were called and suddenly Jamie realize that she was next.

"Jamie Griffin!"

Suddenly, Jamie was weak in the knees. Her stomach was on a tramopline as she staggered up to the stool. When she sat down, the sorting hat was placed on her head and she began to hear it's voice in her head.

"Griffin, 'ey?" It's voice a low murmur. "I remember your mum. Smart and quick she was. Never less than average, always top of the class. Oh yes, I see it in you, too. Brains, wit, yet theirs a streak of courage in you, oh, no doubt about that. Bet you got that from your dad....well, you may be difficult, but I know just where you'll succeed. Oh yes...." The hat paused. "Ravenclaw!"