What Difference a Handshake Can Make

The Sorting Ceremony

Art creds to alek.dar :)

Am I switching PoV too much? I'm sorry haha. I'll try do that less + write a longer chapter next :)

Harry's PoV

The loud buzz of conversation ceased as we entered the hall. Eyes followed us while we walked towards the front of the large room. Four long tables ran vertically along the floor, benches filled with students. I kept my eyes forward and tried to ignore the pit in my stomach. I never have liked attention, and the mere idea of having to sit at the front of a room full of people made me feel sick.

Draco's PoV

I watched Harry as we walked. He seemed rather on edge. I suppose I would be nervous too, had I just been introduced into a whole other world to what I was used to. But I didn't worry about the sorting hat. I knew I would be Slytherin.

3rd Person

Professor McGonagall began reading names. Hermione Granger sat on the stool for a minute or so before being sorted into Ravenclaw. She flashed a quick smile, scurrying over to the table after a loud clap. Ronald Weasley wasn't sat there for even ten seconds before being promptly sorted into Gryffindor, the house into which all of his previous siblings had been sorted. He appeared rather relieved as he joined two other red heads, Fred and George. Draco Malfoy's name was shouted, and the Slytherin table watched with interest as the hat lay on his hair for a second, immediately declaring he belonged to their house. "Harry Potter!"

The name flew about the hall before the momentary excitement came to a halt.

Harry's PoV

As soon as my name was called, my heart sank. The panic I felt only increased as i heard my name being repeated all around the room. I walked towards the small stool, my heart thumping.

Cautiously, I sat, McGonagall placing the old hat on my head. I jumped slightly as it spoke to me.
"Ah Harry Potter. I have been looking forward to sorting you. I sense strength and determination, cunningness and loyalty. Perhaps.. perhaps Gryffindor? But you would do well in Slytherin.."
The conversation between the Sorting Hat and I continued for another two minutes before...

"SLYTHERIN!"

A few gasps came from the surrounding tables, but the applause from the Slytherins drowned them out. I realised I didn't know the two people Draco was sat with. What if he won't want me there anymore? What if he was just trying to be nice? He seemed to notice I was lost, and raised a hand to beckon me over. With a sigh of relief, I approached the group.

Pansy, Blaise and Draco all talked loudly, not noticing me too much. Sure, some people would find that annoying, but I find it comforting. Talking isn't my strong point and I would hate to make a bad first impression on who I can only guess are Draco's best friends. They all seem very close anyways. I listened to their conversation, fascinated.

Draco's PoV

The end of the feast drew near, and I realised Harry had hardly eaten. He must have been too nervous! Anyways the prefects were instructed to take us to our dorms, and I was suddenly quite tired. I nudged Harry and smiled, receiving a grin back.

I couldn't help but stare in awe at the common room. The colour scheme was perfect: green, black and silver were my three favourite colours. Something about it was a bit unnerving, but it was mesmerising all the same.

We climbed the stairs leading to the dorms, and there was a quick scrabble as we claimed beds. Mine was next to Harry's, who was next to a wall. On my other side was Blaise. A wide grin on my face, I went to get ready.