Aberdeen couldn't drink in her surroundings fast enough. The cavernous hall, filled with tables and chattering students. The floating candles. Floating! Like magic! Of course, she reminded herself, it was magic. Her grin widened. And the ceiling...

'Is that even a ceiling?' she whispered to the girl next to her. 'Or does this room just... open on to the sky?'

But before the young witch could get an answer, Professor McGonagall was clearing her throat and introducing the Sorting Hat. Aberdeen stared dubiously at it. The hat was old and patched; it didn't look very magical. And how was it going to sort them? She knew that some muggle academies broke classes up by house, or by how good students were at a subject. But Aberdeen didn't know anything about the subjects at Hogwarts yet, except for what she'd read in her new textbooks. Her heart sank a little. Maybe because of her muggle upbringing she'd be placed in all the lowest-level classes by default.

But then the Sorting Hat was singing about the different qualities of each house. This was still all so new to Aberdeen that she only picked up bits and pieces. One house for intelligence, one for ambition... They all sounded like they had good qualities. She wondered which one she should hope for? Glancing around the tables to see which group of students looked the most appealing, Aberdeen found herself at a loss there too. Most of the children and teenagers sitting down seemed to be eager to gain more members. And as the song ended and the Sorting began, this became more apparent; whenever the Hat called out a house name, the corresponding table would whoop and cheer as the newly Sorted student made their way over. As the list in Professor McGonagall's hand progressed further down the alphabet, Aberdeen had no doubt that wherever she was placed, she'd be welcomed. She smiled a little. That in itself was a comfort.

Finally, they reached S, and as the name, 'Spencer, Aberdeen!' was read out, the girl bit back a nervous grin and loped over to the stool. The Hat, when on, sank down over her eyebrows.

If this hat is for first-years, how come it's so big? Aberdeen wondered.

Because originally, I wasn't made for children, an unfamiliar, but unobtrusive voice replied from somewhere in the back of her mind. Aberdeen bristled a little at the sensation.

So what were you originally? Well. Clearly the Hat was talking to her, and far be it for her to ignore a talking hat.

Quite a curiosity you've got there. You might do well in Ravenclaw.

Aberdeen frowned a little. That doesn't answer the question.

The Hat's reply was rather dry. And not shy to go after what you want. Slytherin might appreciate that.

The Sorting Hat seemed to be having a bit of trouble making its mind up. Was this why some of the students before her had taken a while to be Sorted? I don't really mind where I go, as long as I'm with people I can get on with , she offered, trying to be helpful.

Well, there is Hufflepuff, or... The Hat seemed to trail off for a moment. Aberdeen waited expectantly. Ah! I can see a small spark of something here. It's not much yet, but you do have the potential for great courage.

Really? Aberdeen beamed goofily, not caring that she was still in full sight of the rest of the Great Hall. 'Cause I want to join the police one day!

Mm. Yes, there is a fascination with solving mysteries here, no doubt, but... There's also a willingness to take risks. And the underlying desire is to right the wrongs of the world. Yes, I know where you belong. Only... Make sure you want to do the right things for the right reasons. There are those who are heroic simply for the sake of being the hero.

Aberdeen was puzzled. What do you mean?

She could almost feel that the Hat, if it had a hand, would be waving her query off. You're young. You'll learn all you need to know in

'GRYFFINDOR!'

As the Sorting Hat shouted out the word, the Gryffindor table cheered, and to Aberdeen's mind it was the loudest she'd heard yet. Whatever odd things the Hat had said didn't trouble her at present. A silly grin lighting up her face, she removed the hat and all but flew over to her new housemates.