She’d watched the other students walk up to the podium and sit on the stool. Even though she thought she remembered something about what Sorting was, Rorie looked around nervously as the first student sat down. Was it very painful? How did the hat decide where you went? But she daren’t say anything at the moment in case she call unwanted attention to herself. Georgie seemed nice enough that she would answer the questions, but even then Rorie was scared of saying something that might come across as stupid. But she was comforted slightly by the appearance of apprehension on some other peoples faces too.

And she was too absorbed in looking at the other students when her name was called.

“Meadows, Lilibet!”

“It’s Rorie!” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them; it was so intrinsically ingrained in her to correct people on her name, she couldn’t keep the snapping tone out of her voice either.

Cheeks burning bright with embarrassment, Rorie stumbled up to the stool, very purposefully avoiding her aunt’s gaze, and sat down. Was she expected to say a speech? No. Instead something sounded in her ear and she practically jumped off of the stool.


You talk?! Can others hear you? Can they hear me? Rorie cursed herself for not asking aunt Dido more. But she supposed she better answer the questions, hadn’t she? Rorie sighed, and then thought to herself, hoping that was enough to communicate with this sentient Hat. Determined. Persistent. Understanding. There. Those were the first words that came to her mind.


We can change into animals?! Her jaw dropped. After the initial shock of realizing all of these options were something that were actually possible (though the third option was not a shock given Aunt Dido’s talent), Rorie had to settle into thinking. Aunt Dido seems to be quite content at seeing the future, but I don’t think I’d like that. Seems rather a curse, seeing as even though it came true, my parents didn’t believe her, and I don’t think I’d like to be doubted at all. So I would not like to see the future.

Changing my appearance, I suppose, would come in handy, though I can’t for the life of me think for what purpose. Would I be able to change back? — oh that’s right, you’re not answering the questions you’re just asking. Seems rather a bum deal if you ask me. Fine then, I settle for being able to change into an animal. If she was being honest with herself, that was probably what she wanted in the very beginning.


I don’t know what kinds of potions are out there, so why would I know what this potion would do? She was growing increasingly frustrated with these questions; or lack of answers, and even more so: her lack of knowledge at this entire new world. The chair creaked as she turned in her seat and cast her Aunt a clueless look. Had Aunt Dido seen what house she would be in? Rorie straightened, pursing her lips and looking out at the crowd watching her in the same manner that she watched them. Well, I suppose a potion that gave you confidence would be nice. But my brother is quite confident already, so giving someone like him a potion would be a horrible idea, so you’d have to go about it in a smart way. Is this potion supposed to be given to anyone? Perhaps not. Is there a potion to help those who truly need it? Perhaps one that knew what the drinker needs.


Rorie frowned. Make it inconvenient for them to cheat again. Once a cheater, probably they’ll cheat again.


Anyone who calls me that stupid flower name or something other than Rorie. She thought immediately. I should probably think of a spell to silence them; why didn’t you ask me this earlier? I want to change my answer on the potion question.