It was finally time for the big moment of truth. Garreth had wondered and hoped and prayed about this day for as long as he'd known he was going to Hogwarts. It had taken enormous amounts of strength that Garreth didn't know he had in him to keep from breaking down completely upon entering the great hall, but he'd managed it. Still, he could hardly believe he was here! This was THE GREAT HALL, the one and only. His mother had probably stood exactly where he was standing, years and years before. He saw the hall now, not only as his mother had done before him, but thousands of the greatest wizards of all time as well. His crippling nervousness and fear of the result made the boy want to put off the sorting, and just spend some time taking in the great hall. However, it didn't take long before he heard a voice call his name; "Kenway, Garreth."

Gulp.

There it was, the point of no return. He had to go up there now. He made his way out of the group of yet unsorted students and up onto the stool. There was a short moment of silence as the sorting hat's crumpled visage morphed into what could only be interpreted as a sly grin.

"Scared, are we?"

Garreth flinched. Of course he was scared! This was a big moment, and the hat was just making fun of him! He had half a mind to just run off, but he clenched his fist and decided he would make it through this, no matter what.

"Yes, I know how much bravery it takes for you to come up here, son." the hat suddenly turned serious. "Might put you in Gryffindor."

'Oh no! I mean, yes! I mean, NO! What about Ravenclaw?' Garreth's mind was racing, his heart was pounding and he was biting his lip perhaps a little bit too hard. The hat laughed and shuffled awkwardly on top of the boy's head, as if attempting to nod.

"Determined too!" the hat belched loudly in reply to his thoughts. "Yes, you certainly have the mind for Ravenclaw, young Garreth, but you have a heart fit for Gryffindor. Are you sure?" Garreth closed his eyes and focused his mind.

'Mister Sorting hat, sir - Please, if the student's preference has ever meant anything to you at all, please, please, please, please, please, please, PLEASE put me in Ravenclaw with Rachel, and Mom, and Mr. Kitridge, and the Grey Lady, and all the rest of them! I've never been more sure of anything in my life.' he thought clearly. There was a long pause as the hat stared off into the distance.

"RAVENCLAW!"