This is very late, but it's better than nothing!

Angel: Maybe. But they might not like what you do in this chapter...

Me: Angel, don't give it away.

I felt very out of place. Iggy and I were surrounded by 11 year olds waiting to be sorted.

Gasman and Angel had run off with Catylyn and Catalina. The twins had met up with someone they claimed to be Cairo. Cairo had tanned skin, dark brown hair, and friendly green eyes. He greeted us warmly, and he must've only been 8 or 9.

The 5 went to a table with a red and gold place tablecloth. They were chatting with 2 others who I didn't bother to examine closer.

An old witch named Professor McGonagall set an old hat on a stool, which promptly opened it's 'mouth' and sang.

I didn't listen to the words-sue me-but it sounded a lot like a warning at the end.

"This year, we have some new editions that are not first years, though one of them is. I'm sure you all know Cameron, Opal, and Phoenix Glen, and how special they are. This year, we must introduce a few more. They will go first." McGonagall said flatly.

I knew who sorting worked. I knew about the houses. Gryffindor was the brave one, Ravenclaw was the smart one, Hufflepuff were the misfits, and Slytherins were cunning.

I think I could fit in any of those categories.

"Iggy Ride!"

I guided Iggy slowly to the stool by his arm. He grabbed the hat and pulled it on his head.

I heard a small voice asking things, and I looked to see where it was coming from, getting no clues.

"Gryffindor!" The hat erupted.

The table with the red and gold cloth cheered. Once again I guided Iggy, this time to Gasman and Angel.

Maximum Ride!"

I was already up aiming for the tattered hat. My head was soon covered.

'Where to put you?' A voice whispered. "Gryffindor, for the bravery, Hufflepuff for the loyalty, Ravenclaw for the wit, Slytherin for the cunning. My dear, 4 of your main qualities split into different houses. Then it's up to you isn't it? Brave, loyal, witty, or cunning. You must pick which one you are most.'

So a hat was talking in my head. That's not weird.

But I thought about what he said.

I was pretty brave, fighting with wolf-men and all that. I was pretty loyal, sticking with my family no matter what. I was pretty witty, always having a sarcastic remark at hand. I was pretty cunning, sneaking through things, always winning before-mentioned fights.

I really didn't know. Then I remembered the crest on my letter. A Lion, A Badger, A Serpent….and an eagle.

A bird. Wings that go flappity-flap-flap.

"RAVENCLAW!" announced that witch hat.

A table with blue and bronze coverings burst into applause.

One boy looked at me intently. As I walked closer, I got a good look at him. He had bright fire truck red hair and fair skin. His eyes screamed 'fire'. They were honey-color, with streaks of red, but seemed to be covered by a film of brown. Bright red lips were pulled into a small smile, and he sat, talking to no one.

I smiled back at her.

She grinned widely.

"Oceana Glen!" McGonagall. (O-shee-an-a)

An 11 year old with platinum blond hair that fell in waves to the small of her back, icy-turquoise eyes with a slightly dazed look, and very pale skin almost danced up to the stool with how graceful she was.

Yeah, that was one sentence. I rock.

Anyway. She closed her eyes and sat still as a stone. 1 minute passed. 2 minutes. 5 minutes.

"RAVENCLAW!" The hat exploded. My table cheered, me along with them. The boy across form me stood up and clapped and cheered louder than anyone.

Oceana smirked and hugged the red headed boy.

"I'm glad I'm in this house, Phoenix." She stated in an almost monotone, even though her face was lit up with a smile.

Phoenix smiled at her.

I gave small smile as well. Oceana beamed back.

More students went up to the hat, waiting for its loud answers.

Soon everyone was sorted, but I hadn't been paying attention to it. I'd been watching Phoenix and Oceana. They were smiling at each other, usually embracing. And at some point, little Catylyn ran up to sit by Oceana, hugging her until the older girl gently pried her off.

They were a family. A winged family, just like mine.

"Now, eat up!" Yelled Dumbledore, just as piles upon piles of food appeared, making my mouth water.

I grabbed too much to be inconspicuous, but it didn't matter, so did Phoenix and Oceana.

After a minute or so, I saw a little blond girl with a full plate walk over and sit next to me.

I swallowed and mumbled, "Hey Ange."

"Hi Max!" She chirped.

She began to dig into her food, cuing me to get back to mine.

"There's a big surprise." Angel whispered in my ear.

"Really?" I asked.

She nodded, mouth stuffed full.

I ate again, wondering now.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and stood up, beginning to speak.

"So! Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it.
As ever, I would like to remind you all that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year.
It is also my painful duty to inform you that the inter-house Quidditch Cup will not take place this year. This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teacher's time and energy- but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts...
May I introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher? Professor Moody."

A man full of scars stood up. He had a wooden leg, and one electric blue eye, and one gray. His face looked like it had been marred by a bear, or perhaps a tiger.

"As I was saying, we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event which has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

"You're joking!" yelled a red hed boy, maybe 16.

"I am not joking Mr. Weasley, though, while you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag and a leprechaun who all go into a bar...er...but maybe this is not the time...no...where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament...well, some of you will not know what this Tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wonder freely.
The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years, as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry- Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The school took it in turns to host the Tournament once every five years, and it was generally agreed to be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities- until, that is, the death toll mounted so high that the Tournament was discontinued. There have been several attempts over the centuries to re-instate the Tournament, none of which have been very successful. However, our own Departments of Magical Co-operation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that, this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger.
The Heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Hallowe'en. An impartial judge will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money.
Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts, the Heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on the contenders this year. Only students who are of age-that is to say, seventeen years or older-will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration. This is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the Tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts Champion. I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen.
The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October, and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. And now, it is late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop chop!"

I didn't know what almost any of those words meant, I would have to ask someone later.

But I did pick up one thing. Beauxatons and Durmstrang. I would get to see Fang and Nudge.

Please don't kill me over the house thing! That was Dumbledore's actual speech, which I do not own.

Angel: Yep.

Me: Why?

Angel: I wanted to say something.

Me: Yeah...okay. Happy new year!

Flying out.