The Story Behind the Name
written by Lizzie Scamander
Lizzie never wanted to leave Mantigi, the magical New Zealand school. But she has left New Zealand and is in England - attending Hogwarts. Will Mantigi always be better, or will Lizzie's opinion change? If you like this, please message me or post on my wall, I appreciate feedback! And also, by the way, this is in progress. Thank you!
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
2
Reads
622
A Ravenclaw Or Hufflepuff?
Chapter 2
The puffing black smoke thinned, and stopped emerging. The wheels screeched as the brakes protested to their progress, and the train came to a halt. Lizzie shifted nervously on her seat, feeling strange in her new, stiff Hogwarts robes. She slipped Cornix back into his basket, despite his many objections, and stood up. Cilla opened the door of the compartment, and Lizzie followed, lugging her trunk behind her, holding the handle of Cornix's basket tightly.
The train had pulled up at a small station. She could hear yells summoning first years, and watched as Cilla departed. "I'm second year, so I better go," Cilla said, smiling reassuringly. "You have to cross the lake on the boats - it'll be fine."
Really? Lizzie thought dubiously. Crossing a great expanse of water during the dark night, when there was a likely chance of falling into the cold lake? She shivered, and waved miserably to Cilla. Cornix meowed sadly.
"We have to go, Cornix," Lizzie whispered to him, with as much confidence as she could muster. She sighed, but nevertheless hurried after the assembling eleven year-olds up ahead. They were entering the boats tied firmly to the shore.
"Please leave your luggage by the train and it will be fetched during your procedure to the castle."
The voice that spoke was magically magnified to a loud, distinct volume, but Lizzie was unwilling to oblige. She looked down at Cornix, but knew she should obey. "Sorry, boy, you have to stay with my trunk," she explained. She left him on the station's platform, and he watched her go, bewildered at her betrayal. Then Lizzie was hurrying over to the boats and Cornix was lost from her sight.
She entered a boat after a chestnut-haired boy ahead of her. Awkwardly sitting down she clamped her hands in her lap and bit her lip hard. Anxiously she observed the rough water, splashing as ripples in the surface collided. She jumped as the boats set off, swaying precariously.
The boat ride she did not enjoy. She critically analysed Hogwarts castle as it came into view, the windows mere pinpricks of light shining in the darkness. She saw the tall, lofty towers, the hugeness of it all, but was unimpressed. She raised her eyebrows.
The boy next to her noticed. His blue gaze sparkled with surprise as he noticed her disapproval.
"What's the matter?" He asked.
Lizzie looked at him, and considered. "Nothing," she replied, after a slight pause.
"Why are you looking at the castle like that?"
"Give me a break," she groaned, hugging her knees. "Look, I'm just not really into Hogwarts, is all."
"Oh. Really?"
"And?" She snapped irritably.
"I'm just surprised." He looked away, apparently thinking. "Why don't you like it?"
"Because -" Lizzie hesitated. "Because I had to leave New Zealand - and Mantigi."
"Mantigi? The magical school in New Zealand?"
Lizzie nodded. "It's much nicer there."
The boy shrugged. "You don't know yet."
"I will soon - and it's true!" Lizzie's tone was defiant.
The boy didn't reply.
The boats creaked as they bumped against the opposite shore. Lizzie climbed out, deep in her thoughts. She barely noticed as they entered a back entrance to the castle and ascended several staircases, only when they entered a small hall before tall oak doors did she jerk into focus. Then the doors opened. Nervously, she entered, behind the other first-years.
The Great Hall was magnificent, set up especially well for the start of a new year. However, the four long tables and the one at the head of the hall were not laden with food - the gold platters sat empty. Lizzie felt butterflies fluttering wildly in her stomach and swallowed. A Professor was striding forwards - Professor Mitchell, holding a stool and battered hat.
"The sorting will begin," she announced clearly. "When I call your name, come forward and sit down."
There was a quiet murmur of assent.
There was a slight mumble, and then Lizzie watched as the hat opened a tatter, presumably its mouth, and blinked small holes. She had heard of the Sorting Hat, and had longed to see it. And hear its songs.
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
Professor Mitchell produced a long roll of parchment.
"Weasley, Matilda!" She said smoothly.
A girl with red hair stepped forward. She sat down.
"Hufflepuff!"
Matilda proceeded to her table.
"Tonks, Elizabeth!"
Lizzie froze. Forcing herself against her strong reluctance, she stepped forward and approached the stool. She sat down, and the hat was put on her head. It was way too big, and its brim slipped down past her eyes.
"Hmmm, let's see here." The voice was small yet decisive. "Defensive, ambitious... Perhaps a Slytherin? No, not cunning, or confident in making friends. Oh, some creativity here - but I see considerateness too, and you are hard-working, are you not? But I don't know, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff?"
Lizzie waited, wondering.
"Oh, well, I guess it has to be one. Let's go for... Hufflepuff!"
The hat shouted these words loud, and Lizzie stood up. The Hufflepuff table were clapping, and she discerned Cilla among the many faces. She slipped in to a seat beside her.
"Well done!" Cilla said approvingly, smiling enthusiastically.
And Lizzie was pleased.
