//------------------------------// // The Sorting Ceremony // Story: Cinematic Adventures: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone // by extremeenigma02 //------------------------------// After the wondrous boat ride, all the students were escorted and led deep within the castle. The Mane Six and Spike were led to another corridor to meet with their fellow-co-educators for the school year. Meanwhile, as they climb the long stairs, a familiar witch, McGonagall, waited along the top of the stairs to address the students. It’s not long before all the kids finally reach the top. “Welcome to Hogwarts,” McGonagall greeted. “Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.” At the very mention of the last house, something did not sit right for the Young Six. They turned toward a pale-haired boy and his two cronies, who smirked at the name. Even worse… a terrible thought occurred to the group: They might not even share the same education together! “Now, while you are here, your house will be like your family,” McGonagall continued. “Your triumphs will earn you house points. Any rule breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup. Suddenly, a light pipping sound was heard along McGonagall’s feet: A toad which a young boy. Revealed to be Neville, immediately noticed. “Trevor!” The boy jumped forward while some of the students laughed. He grabbed his toad from the top step before looking up towards McGonagall’s stare. “Sorry,” He apologized, backing away nervously. “The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily,” McGonagall spoke. “Now… are there any questions?” Unexpectedly, a light-blue hoof raised toward the air, causing the students to take notice and back away from the strange creatures in the crowd. McGonagall looked carefully toward the Young Six, but especially Ocellus, who lightly trembled with her hoof still raised, feeling as if she were being watched. “Yes?” McGonagall spoke. “You have a question?” “Uh…” Ocellus argued. The changeling might have kept silent before Smolder cleared her throat loud enough, breaking through Ocellus’s nerves. “YES!” Ocellus shouted. She covered her own mouth while some students laughed at this changeling acting like a deer in headlights. Eventually, they stopped when they noted the death glare from her dragon friend. “What is your question, miss?” McGonagall asked again. “My… my what?” Ocellus mumbled. “Oh, my question! Yes. What I want to know is… why are there four houses, and how do they differ?” “A very good question,” McGonagall replied. “This school, as you will soon learn, was founded over a thousand years ago by four of the age’s most powerful witches and wizards: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Now, when these four came together to form the students’ houses that would make up Hogwarts, they each chose to select their own students by testing the traits that each founder valued. “Gryffindor, being a chivalrous, daring, and noble wizard, longed to find students who shared his heroic attributes. Hufflepuff placed great emphasis in fair play, hard-work, loyalty, and patience, and thus encouraged her students to act the same. Ravenclaw believed in selecting students who valued the mind over might, in those who possessed a strong intellect, exemplary creativity, and a thirst for knowledge. And finally… Slytherin wanted to educate those who he believed could become great leaders: ambitious, resourceful, cunning… and above all… self-preserving, not just of themselves, but for the whole of wizardkind. When you are sorted into one of the four houses, it shows that you exemplify the traits most valued by your house’s founder.” While Ocellus’s question was ‘technically’ answered, it did nothing to ease her fears shared by her friends. McGonagall soon left to prepare for the Sorting Ceremony. While this was going on, the pale-haired boy from earlier spoke out. “It’s true then, what they’re saying on the train,” He spoke. “Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts.” This caused whispering amongst all the students in the crowd, all of them realizing that the Harry Potter was now in Hogwarts as a student. “This is Crabbe… and Goyle,” The boy introduced his lackeys. “And I’m Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.” This produced snickering from both Ron and Silverstream. “’Mouthful’?” Silverstream snorted. “Now ain’t thata silly wizard name? It’s so funny~” Unfortunately, Silverstream did not know the full intent by her innocent observation. As Draco approached Ron, who stifled his own laughter, and the hippogriff, who pretty much was unaware of the insult she gave. “Think my name’s funny, do you?” Draco asked, offended. “Well… it is a little funny,” Silverstream replied. I mean, ‘Dragon Mouthful’? Sounds like something Smolder would come up with!” Silverstream kept giggling while Draco glared at her until she noticed that Draco wasn’t laughing. Her giggling slowly dyed down to a dull roar and then… silence. “Uh… something wrong, Mouthful?” “It’s Malfoy…” Draco enunciated venomously. “Draco… Malfoy. Best remember that next time…” The boy then turned toward Ron. “And you. No need to ask yours. Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley.” “Wait!” Smolder interrupted. “How do you know his family, kid?” “Not personally,” Draco replied. “But my father’s known his long enough to learn how to recognize one anywhere. He’s also taught me well to know how to spot one.” Draco then turned his attention toward the Young Six as a whole. “And you lot… I don’t need much to know who YOU all are. Apparently, your arrival has spurned much at my father’s job at the Ministry of Magic. He wanted to keep you lot from ever coming here. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the votes needed to get that done.” “But… we are all students here now,” Silverstream insisted, showing her wand. “We got our wands and everything!” “A wand does not a real witch make, least of all in the talons of an airheaded bird like yourself.” As Crabbe and Goyle laughed, Gallus growled softly towards Draco… before giving a crude chuckle as he stepped in. “What’re you laughing at?” Draco asked. “I’m just laughing at the fact the only threatening part about you is that bleached, greasy ‘do of yours,” Gallus chuckled. Draco’s thugs stopped laughing, while Draco glared towards the griffon. “Excuse me?” “You heard me, Mouthful,” Gallus spoke. “What? Did you go through a rebellious phase as a baby or did your dad just bleached your hair to teach a lesson? As for the grease…” Gallus sniffed the air briefly. “Whoo! I can practically smell the stuff off you. How much gel does an eleven-year-old need for hair? If I were you, I’d best think about that nexttime you think about dissing one of my friends… Dragon Mouthful~” Draco didn’t utter another word, but the expression on his face made it clear the roasting worked in Gallus’ favor. “Oh, and FYI… that airheaded bird is my best friend, and she is awesome!” The hippogriff smiled over Gallus’ words, while the griffin himself stood proudly at his first victory. Draco swiftly turned back towards Harry. “You’ll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter,” Draco advised. “You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort.” Ron and the Young Six frowned, knowing that Draco was not hiding his discontent for them. And to add insult to injury, the bleached boy offered a hand to Harry as a gesture of a friendship. “I can help you there,” Draco offered. Harry stared towards Draco’s open palm, but his mind was already made. “I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks,” Harry replied, rejecting the offer. Draco glared toward Harry’s decision before McGonagall returned. She lightly tapped Draco’s shoulder with a scroll, forcing him to retreat but not without one final glare. “We’re ready for you now,” McGonagall declared. “Follow me.” <> All the students followed McGonagall closely, as she lead them toward a set of large ornate-looking doors. As they drew nearer, the doors opened on their own and on the other side was the most amazing sight any of them had ever seen. Four extremely long tables stretched all the way toward the end of the Great Hall with the other students seated. It seemed that the students sorted into the four respective houses sat at their own separate table. They all looked upon them, as the first years continued to follow McGonagall toward the end of the hall. Along the way, everyone looked upward and noticed the ceiling of the hall looked as though it were the night sky itself. As if the ceiling itself was completely non-existent and all they could see was a sky full of stars. The Student Six stared toward the ceiling and they couldn’t believe their eyes. “Hall have no ceiling?” Yona questioned curiously. “Well that certainly wouldn’t be good if there was a storm now would it?” Silverstream added. “Don’t worry, it’s not really the ceiling,” Hermione explained. “It’s just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.” Gallus turned toward Smolder and Sandbar. “Like I said before,” Gallus grumbled, whispering. “I really hate stuck-up know-it-alls.” Drawing nearer toward the end of the Great Hall, the young creatures noticed a single old hat sitting upon a stool before the teachers’ table. At the head of that table sat none other than the Hogwarts Headmaster himself: Albus Dumbledore. Not only that but standing at his sides were the Mane Six along with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and even Shining Armor. McGonagall climbed a small set of steps and looked back toward the students. “Now if you could wait along here please,” She instructed. The students came to a halt just along the bottom of the stairs. They continued to look around the gigantic hall in utter amazement. “Now before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words,” McGonagall announced. Dumbledore stood from his seat and looked toward the student body in the great hall. “I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce,” He spoke. “Firstly, I would like to welcome back to Hogwarts for the first time in twelve years, our recently renewed allies from the world of Equestria.” The student body and the teachers clapped as the princesses, Shining Armor, and the Mane Six stepped forward and waved toward the students. “Now as many of you may recall, it was the alliance between the Founding Four and the three magical tribes of Equestria that founded this castle over a thousand years ago. It was their combined hope to construct a school in which students of both Wizard and Pony alike could study magic in harmony. Before I continue, I wish to allow Princesses Celestia and Luna to step forward and say a few words on the alliances’ behalf.” The crowd clapped once more as Dumbledore stepped aside, as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stepped up before the mass of students. “Thank you all so much for your warm welcome and attention,” Celestia smiled. “It was a few hundred years ago that myself and my sister Princess Luna stepped through those same exact doors that many of you just came through. At that time, witches, wizards, and ponies alike sat at the same tables as all of you. I cannot even begin to express my joy and jubilance to once again stand in this very hall where so many have stepped before.” Luna stepped forward to speak her piece. “Even after the first alliance was ended all those years ago, Equestria still maintained communication with the Wizard world till a time came that our worlds would unite once more. This year, not only do we have six students from Equestria attending school this year…” Luna gestured toward the Student Six amongst the first years. Everyone looked down at them, which made Ocellus so nervous she quickly transformed back into her mouse form and hid in Yona’s fur. “… but also our greatest heroes, the Elements of Harmony, will also be taking roles at Hogwarts as assistant professors.” The crowd clapped once more as the Mane Six stepped forward and took a bow. Though much like Ocellus, Fluttershy too was quite nervous to be in front of such a huge crowd and hid within her mane. “With that being said,” Celestia continued. “On behalf of myself, as well as my sister, Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor, we wish you all the best of luck!” The crowd clapped once more as Celestia and Luna bowed their heads as they stepped back to rejoin their fellow rulers. Dumbledore once again stood before the masses to continue with his earlier announcements. “Now then, onto my last notices,” He proceeded. “To the first years, please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also our caretaker, Mr. Filch…” He gestured toward a mean-looking man standing by the entrance to the Great Hall, a little tabby cat stood by his side. “… has asked me to remind you that the third floor corridor, on the right hand side, is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you.” The old wizard sat back down in his seat, as the Student Six faced each other nervously. “Well that certainly wasn’t creepy at all,” Gallus stated sarcastically. “No need to fret,” Sandbar assured. “As long as we just follow the rules and do what the professors expect of us, we can get through this school year without breaking any rules.” “Where’s the fun in that?” Smolder replied. <> Up upon the teachers table, it was clear Rainbow Dash shared similar thoughts. She leaned over toward Twilight, whispering in her ear. “I know he’s a friend and all, but sweet Celestia he can be eerie at times!” “Sh!” Twilight shushed loudly. <> McGonagall took center stage upon the platform again, unfurling the scroll she had earlier. “Now when I call your name, you will come forth,” She announced. “I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses.” Everyone looked at the old hat upon the stool when the weirdest thing happened. The hat actually started moving, as though it were alive. Even weirder than that, it started to break out into song! Sorting Hat (Sings): 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! Most of the students stared silently upon the hat, though Silverstream enthusiastically clapped heartily for the hat. “Oh great…” Smolder groaned. “We landed in the ‘musical’ version of this universe!” “Do another song!” Silverstream cheered. “NOOO!!!” The group shouted. <> Up at the teachers table, Twilight, Spike, and the remainder of the Mane Six looked toward the Sorting Hat with their eyes bugged out and mouths agape. “Okay, ah change mah mind,” Applejack spoke, shocked. “That is the weirdest thing ah have ever seen!” “Agreed darling,” Rarity nodded. “Ditto!” Rainbow gawked. After the random musical number, McGonagall began to read off the students one by one for the Sorting Ceremony. “Hermione Granger!” Hearing her name called out first, she slowly made her way up the stairs. Needless to say, she seemed very nervous. “Oh no,” Hermione spoke to herself. “Okay, relax.” “Mental that one, I’m telling you,” Ron commented. Harry nodded in agreement, yet still looked on in concern for the girl. Eventually, Hermione takes her seat at the stool as McGonagall placed the sorting hat upon her head. “Ah, right then…” The Sorting Hat spoke. “Hmm… right. Okay… Gryffindor!!” The students at the Gryffindor table cheered, as Hermione jumped off with a smile. “Draco Malfoy,” McGonagall called out. Draco sauntered up the steps proudly. The tattered hat nearly flipped out before touching down on Draco’s head. “SLYTHERIN!” The students cheer, though not as loudly as Draco made his way to Slytherin with a smug grin on his face. “There isn’t a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn’t in Slytherin,” Ron whispered to the group. “No! Bad guys in Slytherin house,” Gallus replied sarcastically. “Imagine that…” “Susan Bones!” McGonagall called out. As a small, redheaded girl approached Harry looked around the Great Hall. Until eventually he noticed a black greasy haired, pale man, Severus Snape, giving him a sinister look from his seat at the table. All of a sudden, Harry Potter felt a searing pain on his forehead and quietly cried out as his scar started to burn like it were on fire. “Harry, what is it?” Ron asked, concerned. “Nothing… nothing, I’m fine,” Harry assured. The rest of the Student Six looked worried at first, silently sensing a sign that something was wrong. But they had no time to weigh in their thoughts, as the Sorting Hat made its decision for the girl. “Let’s see… I know… Hufflepuff!” Susan Bones made her way toward the Hufflepuff table, as McGonagall continued to call out names. “Ronald Weasley!” Gulping nervously, Ron slowly climbed up the steps. He sits upon the stool, as the hat is placed on his head. “Ha!” The Sorting Hat laughed. “Another Weasley. I know just what to do with you… Gryffindor!!” The students cheer as Ron sighs in relief, knowing he’d be among his brothers at Gryffindor. The Student Six applaud for their friend as he made his way toward his seat at the table. “Harry Potter,” McGonagall called next. All at once, the entire Great Hall went silent. Everyone, from student to faculty, watched as Harry Potter walked up and sat down along the stool. The Sorting Hat gets placed along his head, as Harry sat waiting for his fate to be determined. “Hmm… difficult, very difficult,” The Sorting Hat pondered. “Plenty of courage I see, not a bad mind, either. There’s talent, oh yes, and a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?” “Not Slytherin,” Harry whispered to the hat. “Not Slytherin…” “Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It’s all here in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness! There’s no doubt about that. No?” “Not Slytherin…” Harry whispered, with his eyes shut. “Anything but Slytherin.” “Well, if you’re sure… better be… GRYFFINDOR!!” Immense cheering is heard, as Harry made his way toward Gryffindor table. “We got Potter!” Fred and George cheered. “We got Potter!” As Harry sat down at the table, he turned toward Dumbledore. The old wizard lifted his goblet and slightly waved if, as if wishing congratulations for Potter. The Mane Six, the other rulers, and Spike applauded for Harry Potter with warm smiles. As Harry joined his fellow Gryffindors, one-by-one the remaining first-years were sorted to their respective houses. Until at last… only six were left for sorting. “Gallus Griffon!” McGonagall called out. Gallus appeared as if he were about to stand… before sitting back down. “With all due respect, Professor?... I’d rather not.” This caused a slight commotion in the Great Hall. Murmuring between students were passed, as well as amongst the faculty already seated. “Well, if you would prefer to be Sorted last,” McGonagall spoke. “Perhaps we can move onto the next—” “Uh, actually…” Sandbar interrupted. “What my friend means to say is… you see, the thing is… well…” “Yona and friends not want to be split!” Yona called out. And because of Yona, the murmuring grew increasingly louder. “I beg your pardon?” McGonagall asked, dumbstruck. “Look teach, we all know how important this is,” Smolder spoke up. “Heck, we wanted to come here ever since we were told about it. But well…” “We’re afraid we’d be split into different Houses,” Ocellus added. “Forced to compete against each other… for points!” “And we all love each other too much to even consider competing!” Silverstream cried out. “Please don’t split us up!” “I understand this is a difficult time for you,” McGonagall spoke. “But the rules say that—” “Professor!” Ocellus stood up. “You said the moment we are Sorted, the house we are sorted into becomes our family. And well… we’re a family, too!” “True, none of us look alike,” Silverstream shrugged. “We may even come from different places… but we look out for one another.” “Plus, I don’t think it’s fair risking our friendship just to fight over a silly cup!” Gallus remarked. The Slytherin House at their table frowned at the Griffon, his words sparking a bit of an uproar. “So… we don’t wanna cause any trouble…” Smolder began. “We hope you understand…” Sandbar added. “But either friends get Sorted in same house… or not get Sorted at all!” Yona concluded. This affirmation of their friendship as a family stirred a silent commotion, especially amongst the professors. Headmare Twilight looked fearfully, wondering if her students made a grave error. So worried, she couldn’t bear to work even as Spike tried to calm her. All of a sudden, Dumbledore rose from his seat to address the Young Six, and the entire commotion went silent. “Under ordinary circumstances…” Dumbledore began. “I would have asked that the six of you be Sorted, in accordance with the by-laws of our school or risk a fair expulsion from our academy.” A sense of agreement is exchanged amongst the faculty, as Twilight buried her face to hide her embarrassment. “However… this is not the case… for these six have demonstrated… the unity we at Hogwarts… wish to pass down to the next generation of wizards and witches.” Twilight looked up after hearing Dumbledore’s words, shocked by his stirring words. “To ask these six to sacrifice their unity to be Sorted… is something I would not wish to impose. Therefore… I request that only one of you volunteer to be Sorted. Whichever House the one is Sorted to the others shall be Sorted into as well.” The Young Six widen their eyes over the surprising arrangement before conferring with each other in a low whisper, discussing their options for a moment before addressing the Headmaster. “Headmaster, we’ll accept the terms,” Ocellus nodded. “And since it’s technically my turn…” Gallus reminded. “I’ll be the one to decide which House we go to.” “Very well,” McGonagall nodded. “Now that we have the matter sorted, please… come to the podium, Mr. Griffon.” Gallus briefly turned back around toward his friends. “Are you guys really sure you want me to decide what House we’re gonna be students of?” Gallus asked. “You trust me that much?” “Sure we do, Gallus~” Silverstream assured. “Besides, wherever we end up, as long as we face it together, we can handle anything~” “Even playing nice with Mouthful?” “Uh…” “Let’s wait till we cross that bridge to address it, ‘kay?” Smolder suggested. “Now, go on, oh fearless one~!” Smolder playfully shoved Gallus forward toward McGonagall and the Sorting Hat itself. Gallus gulped deeply as he slowly approached, turning his head briefly back to his friends who gave him reassuring looks. Soon… he stood before Professor McGonagall. “Are you ready?” McGonagall asked. Gallus took one more look toward his friends before releasing another gulp. “I… I guess I am,” Gallus nodded. “Lay it on me, Professor.” As Gallus faced the crowd, McGonagall carefully placed the hat upon the griffon’s head. The hat immediately comes to life and began to assess Gallus’ mind. “Well, now…” The Sorting Hat examined. “Now this is an interesting mind, I must admit. Sharp of thought and of tongue, plenty of nerve as well. And beneath that lies an uncertainty of worth and then under that… an ambition to rise above your own station. But… where to put you for the best credit given? Hmm…” The hat leaned toward Slytherin, which Gallus could feel above his head. “Perhaps… the best place would be—” “Please, not Slytherin!” Gallus hastily whispered. “Not Slytherin…” “Another refusal for Slytherin?” The Sorting Hat asked, surprised. “Are you quite sure this is what you want? You have what it takes to survive, even thrive, and it’s all here in your head. Plus, Slytherin will give you the tools needed to become the greatest leader among all. Isn’t that right, yes?” But the muttering Gallus made, refusing over and over, said otherwise. “Hmm… aha! Now I see your true core. Beneath all your desires and self-doubt, I see an innermost wish to belong to those who acknowledge that which you are and not that in which you pretend to be… well, such a thing won’t be of much use in Slytherin… but perhaps it is best served in… Gryffindor!” As the crowd cheers over the announcement, Gallus opened his eyes and released a sigh of relief. McGonagall removed the hat and Gallus flew into the embrace from his friends, all of whom congratulating him. Not only do they get to spend their education together, but they shall spend it with Harry and their new friends. The Young Six looked toward their own Equestrian teachers cheering not just for their being Sorted, but for standing by the convictions of their lessons at the School of Friendship. Amongst all the proud faces upon the table, Headmare Twilight was the proudest of them all. The Young Six soon break up their hug to join up with Harry and the other Gryffindors. <> Later, soon as all first-year students were sorted in their houses, the entire student body talked amongst each other. McGonagall dings her spoon along her cup to gain everyone’s attention. “Your attention, please!” McGonagall called out. The commotion grew silent as Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair. “Let the feast… begin.” All across the Great Hall, food magically appeared on all the tables. Everything the students could ever imagine, all the edible concoctions they can savor, sat right before them. Meats and protein, milk and dairy, fruits and vegetables, more food than they could ever eat. The entire hall is filled with awe and chatter. “Wow!” Harry gasped. “Oh, we are eating good tonight!” Smolder declared. Draco especially looked at all the food, raising his eyebrows and proceeds to dig. All the students gathered as much food they can either fill on their plates… or right down their mouths. Ron especially stuffed his face, with a chicken wing in each hand. Smolder and Gallus savaged ripped the flesh of the wings cleaning the meat off one bone at a time, consuming the meat ravenously like a competition. Sandbar grabbed himself some vegetables off a platter, while Ocellus nibbled on some bon-bons and Yona gulped down every sweet heavy with vanilla extract. As her friends ate, Silverstream sat near an Irish student conversing with Neville, Seamus by name. And as it seems, Silverstream was already making friends. “No kidding?!” Silverstream spoke. “Is that true?” “That’s right,” Seamus nodded. “I’m half-and-half. Me dad’s a Muggle. Mam’s a witch. Bit of a nasty shock for him when he found out.” “Fascinating! That’s kind of like my parents too! My father shifted to a hippogriff up on Mount Aris, while my mom decided to stay in Seaquestria as a Sea Pony. So in a way, you could say I’m ‘half and half’ myself.” As Silverstream and the boys shared a laugh, Harry sat beside one of the oldest Weasley brothers, Percy. Looking back toward the faculty table, Harry couldn’t help but eye a rather suspicious looking character. “Say, Percy,” Harry spoke, leaning over. “Who’s that teacher talking to Professor Quirrell?” Percy looked over, as the two professors were sharing a conversation together. “Oh, that’s Professor Snape, head of Slytherin house,” Percy answered. “And… what exactly does he teach?” Ocellus asked. “Potions. But everyone knows it’s the Dark Arts he fancies. He’s been after Quirrell’s job for years.” “A disgruntled school professor unsatisfied with his job, ambitious for more,” Gallus replied, between bites. “Hmm… that’s not suspicious at all.” Ron, having just finished another chicken wing, reached into the bowl for more. All of a sudden, a ghost popped out and scared the boy out of his willies. “Hello!” The ghost greeted. “How are you? Welcome to Gryffindor!” As the Young Six and the Gryffindor students looked in shock, they suddenly looked up as their eyes went wider. Through the walls and even from the floor, numerous ghosts suddenly poured into the Great Hall. Men and women alike, spirits of Hogwarts’ past, sailing and wailing along in midair. Among them, a kooky looking ghost waving a rapier and laughing. “Look, it’s the Bloody Baron!” A girl called out. “How do you like that for luck?” Smolder asked. “Ghosts wandering the school and we don’t get one back in Equestria.” “Not to worry, Smolder,” Percy assured. “They’ve resided here at the school as long as we can remember. Most of these ghosts are harmless… but they can be a little mischievous.” Percy turned back towards the older ghost, who slowly rose from the table. “Hello, Sir Nicholas. Have a nice summer?” “Dismal!” Nicholas replied. “Once again, my request to join the headless hunt has been denied.” As the ghost made to leave and join his brethren, it slowly dawned on Ron. “I know you! You’re Nearly Headless Nick!” “I prefer ‘Sir’ Nicholas if you don’t mind,” Nick replied. “Nearly headless?” Smolder and Ocellus said, in unison. “How can you be nearly headless?” Hermione asked. “Like this,” The ghost replied. Grabbing his head, he pulled it toward the side. Before the eyes of the students, the ghost’s head hung by just a thread. “Ahh!” Ron and the Student Six yelled. Hermione moaned in disgust; Harry simply rolled his eyes. Nick reattaches his head back to his body before floating away. Of course, the students weren’t the only ones freaking out as the Mane Six saw the display from their own table. “Whoa!” Spike called out. “Dude that’s creepy!” “Sweet Celestia!” Rarity cried out. “I nearly lost my lunch!” “Well, least them ghosts are friendly,” Applejack reassured. “Ain’t that right, Pinkie?” Applejack waited for a response but answer there came none. “Uh… Pinkie?” Applejack turned to the side and all at once her eyes went wide. Using a butter knife, Pinkie Pie spread some peanut butter not on a piece of bread… but strangely a pickle slice. Once the pickle was fully spread, Pinkie leaned over and placed a slice of pineapple on top of it. The girls looked on with deep confusion as Pinkie took a big bite, and a loud crunch echoed. “Pinkie, I really shouldn’t be asking this,” Twilight spoke up. “But since when do you like pickles with… peanut butter and pineapple?” “Hmm… I don’t really know,” Pinkie replied, with her mouthful. “I suddenly been having a craving in my tummy and I just couldn’t say no. Crazy right? Hey Fluttershy, are you going to eat that pumpkin frittata?” Pinkie Pie pointed toward the dish on Fluttershy’s plate. The Pegasus uttered not a word, but merely slid the plate toward Pinkie Pie who proceeded to pig out with the dish. Twilight Sparkle turned towards Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the two ponies sitting together, but all they could offer is a shrug as the night rolled on.