Mr.Sorting Hat, Mr. Sorting Hat, what house am I in?

Unlike the last chap. This time would be filled with many POV changes. Buckle up your brains, because this would be one heck of a ride… Ps. I seriously don't know what happened in this chapter, I had a short Author block doing this chap plus some sprinkle of existential crisis... welp,

(IRYAN'S POV)

"Wake up," A small nudge touched my shoulder as a soft voice landed next to my ear, "We've arrived," Mateo said,

I rubbed my eyes,

"En…"

I hovered my right hand over my mouth- trying to stifle a yawn that escaped from it. Stretching for a bit-- I heard My shoulders and neck crack a bit, uh oh.

Did I fall asleep when Matty was brushing my hair? I think I did. Why was it so comfortable when he did it? Well, I guess the fact that I also didn't get a good night rest last night is also a factor.

"Hurry, or I'll leave you behind" was what he coldly said to me, but his tone itself had no sense of urgency nor did it sound like he would actually leave me.

"How mean, Matty~" I joked, standing up and continuing to stretch my back, Ng-- that was a good stretch.

"Should we carry--" "We will be reaching Hogwarts in 5 minutes' time, please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately" A voice sounded throughout the train,

"Well, I suppose that answer's my question" Ron mumbled,

Soon, the train came to a stop. I heard rustling sounds from their directions and felt someone extending a hand right in front of me.

(MATEO'S POV)

When the train finally stopped, I stretched out a hand towards Iryan as what I would have done in the past...

But it seems I wasn't the only one this time.

Two hands were outstretched towards my dear 'Brother'. One being mine and the other being Potter's. He was staring... a bit too intensely at me, might as well say that he was glaring at me with a blank look. I could even see Weasley, who was looking awkwardly at us both, from the corner of my eyes.

Looking at Potter again, I stopped my hand from reaching towards Iryan any further and lowered it. Letting him do whatever he wanted. It would be too troublesome to argue, and it also doesn't seem like he'll back down if I don't give him a valid reason to.

Iryan trusted him, so unless he blatantly showed hostility, I'm not going to bother to argue with him. Besides, from his letter's Potter was the only one, other than me, who had been with Iryan the longest. He'll know what to and what not to do.

"Come on, let's go," Weasley said, opening up the compartment door, a bit too excitedly, "Hogwarts is right in front of us!"

I nodded and followed him,

I also think I'm starting to see a kind of pattern here. Are all purebloods' kids acting like a sunshine puppy whenever they're excited? Because so far, all of them are like that.

Well... almost all,

Just before I completely stepped out of the compartment, I took a small peek back. Iryan and Potter were talking about something happily.

And with a blink of an eye,

I fully stepped out from the small world they were currently in.

…

After stepping out of the train, I looked around and saw a densely packed field filled with heads. Taken out of context, and it'll be terrifying. But this was still scary for another reason.

"Mateo, here!!!" A redhead, Weasley, shouted towards me, but even that didn't catch the attention of most of the students here, since it was rowdy to begin with.

Spotting him was easy, going to him? It was the difficult part. As I've said before. This place was a horror in itself. I had to squeeze through several student bodies just to get to him-- Having uncle Ed clear the way like usual would have been nice in this kind situation.

I swear, this reminds me of that one shop I often visited that always had a sale going on.

"Where are Ryan and Harry?" Was the first thing He asked when I arrived,

"On their way," I glanced at him and caught the questioning look on his face, "Don't worry, they'll be fine-- see? They're making their way here"

I nudged my head towards the direction I came from, and True to my words, they were both coming in our direction. Potter even looked like he was used to squeezing through crowds.

"Here!" Weasley raised his hand to signal our position to Potter. And He saw it. He nodded and slowly made his way to where we were.

We were then led by a giant, Hagrid, to a separate path from the older students who seem to went to a wider path than where we were going.

Along the way was a peaceful stroll for me, not much can be said to the others.

The path was relatively steep and narrow. Iryan and Potter, doesn't seem to have that many difficulties too, other than the occasional small slips from the uneven road. Weasley had it worse, often tripping-- best to describe him right now was like a newly born foal.

While we walked, I took a quick glance at Iryan who seemed to be less tense than he was earlier this morning. That's good...

But why was he like that to begin with?

After several minutes passed by, Hagrid turned a corner and it was an open-spaced—

The dusk sky above us was painted by the bright stars and its reflections were visible on the lake beneath. Surrounding us was a vast and dark forest, and at the center of it all was A large castle, each of its visible windows was lit brightly.

I heard several exclamations from around me. Even Potter seemed to also exclaim in amazement.

Hagrid then told us to board a boat. Iryan, Potter, and Weasley immediately rode on one.

I was also about to follow when I felt a tug on the back of my robe.

It was Draco,

"Hey," he said,

"Yes?"

"S-- so…r, " He struggled,

And I sighed and couldn't help but thought,

As prideful as ever.

I couldn't help but scoff out a smirk at him,

"I know,"

"So-- "Heya Malfoy, who you got here?" A dark-skinned student leaned over Draco's shoulder, completely disregarding the annoyed look on the blonde's face.

Draco scrunched his nose and glared at the one leaning over his shoulder,

"Matty?" I turn my head back to where Iryan was standing, he was facing my direction with his eyes closed as usual. Behind him was Potter and Weasley, who was already inside the boat, looking at me, "what are you doing?"

"Just go first, I'll find you later," I told him,

"Okay, see you later then" he nodded and entered the boat,

"Matty, huh? I never knew the famed wanderer that traveled with Flickchered herself have such a cute nickname" He smirked at me tauntingly,

"Shut it Zabini" but I knew he wouldn't, and he didn't.

His smirk widened,

"Don't get angy, Matty~"

I ignored him and directed my attention to Draco who was grumbling at Zabini, looking uncomfortable from his hold.

I quickly pushed Zabini's hands away hand and pull Draco towards me, "The others are already in their boats. We should get on one ourself" I turn my back towards Zabini.

"Sure, sure~" Without needing to see. I could feel him following me with an insufferable smirk on his face,

"Teo… let go…" I hear Draco mumble—oh right, I forgot about him.

"Ah, my apologies" I let go of his wrist,

.

.

.

The ride was rather painful. No one said a word and it was also not a time where we could enjoy the view of the lake. I usually and would have left it there and not bother. But there is something I was curious about.

"Say… Draco, where are the two that followed you before?"

Draco glanced at me, "Crabbe and Golye?" he grumbled, "Probably with Pansy and Theo,"

"Yea, after you snapped and ran off on your own? Anyone would have"

"I did not snap!"

"Mhmm," Zabini hummed and did not say anything any further, and so did Draco.

…

Mid ride I noticed something,

It was a habit I noticed before, and I'm also quite sure most that were close to him also had noticed. Every time he wanted to say something, he would look oddly irritated and will start chewing his own lips.

"What's on your mind?"

"...nothing"

"Doesn't seem like nothing to me"

"Just—"

"Yes?" In these kinds of situations, best push the other moderately and never rush them.

"I didn't know you were A Crowell…"

So, it was still bothering him?

"I already said it's fine."

"We're here!" Zabini slapped Draco's back and hopped off the boat, which earned him a glare from Draco. "Don't look at me like that Malfoy," He smirked, "Consider it a favor I'm doing, saving you from future embarrassment,"

…

When we arrived there, we were led by a professor to a large doorway. She started explaining about the schedule and the houses. Then briefly mentioned about the sorting ceremony.

Father told us about how the sorting was done, once before, when I was visiting home. So, this could either take the whole night or finish as quickly as wiping up a simple egg sandwich.

I hope it's the latter,

Iryan, Harry, and Ron seemed to be enjoying themselves. Draco was with Zabini, Pansy, and Theo… with the other two too.

I wonder…

Will their house be different? If so, will they still talk to each other?

Father once said the housing system was disgusting. He seemed to really hate it. It's not that hard to guess why, Mother did say it made him lose a close friend of his. But I never knew the specifications, sigh… I really want to know—No, no, don't.

Don't stuff your nose to where it doesn't belong, that's what Mrs, Flickchered told me. And I also already know the cost of doing so. But…

Curiosity kills the cat,

The large door opened. And We were led inside, where all eyes there fall upon us. Tall ceilings and Four long tables, separated from each other. And…

But satisfaction,

…a podium on the center front, I saw a familiar face.

brought it back.

The headmaster of this famous school, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He greeted us with a smile.

.

.

.

(IRYAN'S POV)

I could feel eyes on me,

Well, not only me. Their eyes were on everyone that just came through the door. It was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

Ahh… after what Ron said, I really want to know what house I'm in now. The ghosts that are floating around aren't helping. They all make me want to know. Will it be Griff like they all hoped? Or will It be Huffle? Maybe I'll be in Raven or Slyth? I don't know why Mr. Crowell hate it so much. The suspense is making me antsy.

I also wonder what Matty and Harry's house would be like. I hope we're in one house.

When a song was sung, I felt someone approaching me from behind. "There are four tables," it was Matty, "evenly divided, and a podium at the front with a stool. If what father say is correct then all you have to do is go front and sat on it." He started explaining the basic structure of the place and the difference between the four tables.

I simply nodded along with his explanation.

Sounds simple enough,

…

"Crowell, Iryan"

My name was called and I went front. I thought I would have been a nervous mess. But everything went by like a blur.

I sat on the stool and felt a cloth-like thing placed on my head,

"Well, looky here. A Crowell, huh? What a blatant lie you got there" A voice sounded in my head, just like what Mr. Crowell said

"Nothing can be hidden from you sir," I tried to keep my voice as low as possible.

"An Avery, it's been a while since I saw one. Crowell huh… seems like you also know Theodore, then?"

"Yes, he is like a father to me"

"That unruly brat? It was amazing enough someone agreed to be his wife. Now he got a kid—two, even. What happened to Iliad? He's an Avery, you should have known him."

Iliad? My biological father?

"He's… in a better place, sir" I dropped my head slightly,

"I see…," The hat hummed,

"How was he? My father, I mean" I don't remember much of those times. I almost remember nothing about them. It didn't sadden me that they were dead, it was the fact I don't feel much that scared me.

"So, he was your father, huh? He was a good kid, could have been the best. Pity his life ended just like that."

"Is that so?"

"He was in Gryffindor, you know? An Irony at those times. He was also kind and got along with most of his peers,"

"I see…"

"I suppose you want to be in the same house he was in?"

"Yes,"

It chuckled, "GRYFFINDOR!!!"

I heard a cheer on one side of the room and went there,

(THIRD POV)

"GRYFFINDOR!!!" the hat shouted,

Mateo watched as Iryan strode towards the cheering table with his back straight and chin up. Now wouldn't it be hilarious if he accidentally tripped?

"Crowell, Mateo"

After making sure Iryan arrived at his seat, He went forward and sat on the same stool he sat on. But before He could even fully sit down,

"SLYTHERIN" the Hat shouted. He froze, trying to process the sudden Info. I took him a second before he stood back up and went to the Table that was clapping their hands.

On his way, Mateo took a short glance towards the still waiting students that hadn't been sorted yet. Draco seemed pleased, and so did the others. Ron seemed to be disappointed, Mateo swore, his face is as obvious as a white paper written in black ink.

And Harry, he was as indifferent as Mateo thought he would be.

The sorting went by. Some took a while, while others, like Mateo, were sorted immediately. Ron managed to enter the house he wanted; Harry somehow looked a bit irked at one point when he was on the stool and relieved when the hat shouted Gryffindor.

Did he hate Slytherin that much?

Draco and Zabini went to Slytherin as expected, and they both immediately went to where Mateo was and sat near him. While the others also seemed pleased with the house they were sorted into. Well, most of them.

After everyone was seated, the headmaster who had been watching stood up from his seat and gave us a speech before letting them eat.

The meal looked extravagant and diverse. Many kinds were plated in front of them. The other students exclaimed in delight. But all Mateo could feel at the moment was the feeling of repulse at the sight of the mountain of food in front of him.

"You good?" Draco stopped his fork that was directed towards a piece of sausage,

"Yea," Mateo took the chocolate fudge and nibbled on it, even that already made him feel full

"Still uncomfortable at the sight of foods, huh?" Draco said while putting some meat on his plate, "Don't force yourself, but you still have to eat"

"I know,"

But Mateo's comfort wasn't the only one who was bad. Soon a bloody ghost came near them and sat near Draco, who became paler than he already was.

Somehow seeing his reaction made Mateo forget about the mountain of food in front of him. He couldn't help but smirk at Draco's pale figure. Call him mean, but he couldn't help it. Meanwhile, Draco tried his best to direct his focus on his food and talking to his friends. Fortunately, the ghost doesn't seem to mind it and just sat there… menacingly.

The diner ended without a hitch and soon they were to retire to their respective houses. Each of the prefects stood up and rallied the students, especially the first years, to follow them.

Before they completely went on their separate ways, however, Mateo managed to sneak past and went to where the Gryffindors were heading and met up with Iryan.

"Hello,"

"A—you scared me" Iryan flinched at the sudden call, and Harry, who was holding to Iryan's hand was also startled.

"My apologies about that, I just want to give this before I forgot" Mateo pulled out a small notebook and gave it to Iryan, "If you wrote something there, it'll also appear in mine. For emergencies, it also has a map written in it about the directions in this castle."

"couldn't you just give that to him tomorrow?" Harry asked, a bit puzzled

"Mrs. Flickchered told me to make sure he has it"

"And you couldn't give it to him on the train?"

"I didn't know we would be in a separate house"

"…"

"I'll be off, then. Goodnight, Ryan,"

"Uh—I mean, yes. You too" Iryan held the book and nodded

"You to Potter"

"Yea…"

With that, Mateo turned back and headed towards where the rest of the Slytherin went. "Please take care of him," he whispered towards Potter's ear. Quiet enough to make sure no one else had heard it except the intended.

"…I still would have, even without your reminders"

Harry stared at the retreating figure of Mateo and move along himself and follow the Gryffindor students. Iryan was still feeling the new book he was given when Harry decides to open his mouth,

"I understand what you meant when you said he's like a robot now"

Iryan's ear perked up and he faced towards Harry's direction, "I told you!"

.

.

.

Arriving at their room, Mateo picked the bed nearest to the front door and put his luggage there. The rest were already stuffed and tired, so while they all mostly already went to sleep. Mateo took out the book 'A wild sheep chase' from his satchel and took off the cover.

'Hogwarts notes, -A.B.F.N'

The original cover looked way older and tattered on the edges. He chooses a page that was bookmarked and skimmed the page. He had read it several times already. But he couldn't help but always admire the detailed penmanship and the structure of the Hogwarts passageway system.