Percy stands at the back of the line of first years, wishing his last name could have been Anthony, Black, or anything that doesn't start with a letter so far at the end of the alphabet. The longer he waits, the more the anxiety sets in.

"Clearwater, Penelope!"

He shifts, eyes on the Sorting Hat. He's afraid of what it will tell him, yet he smiles. He's here at last. Hogwarts is no longer just a story that Bill and Charlie have told him. He's here, he belongs, and the Sorting Hat will tell him exactly where.

"Oxheart, Melinda."

Not long now. Percy taps his foot, squirming with anticipation.

"Quit fidgeting," Oliver Wood murmurs under his breath. "You're killing me here."

Percy smiles sheepishly, forcing himself to settle down with little success. "It's exciting, isn't it?" he whispers. "The magic put into the Sorting Hat must be powerful. It-"

"Blimey, Weasley, shut up," Oliver groans.

"Weasley, Percy."

Percy steps forward, glancing back at Oliver. In spite of his companion's previous annoyance, the other boy gives him a reassuring smile and a thumbs up.

Taking a deep breath, Percy closes the distance, sitting on the stool. The hat drops over his head, plunging him into darkness.

"Curious," a voice whispers, and Percy nearly jumps. He'd assumed that Charlie had been taking the mickey when he'd said the Sorting Hat talks. "Such a brilliant mind. And the ambition. And there's that courage your family has."

Percy snorts. He isn't very brave. He doesn't belong in Gryffindor.

"Sure about that, are you?"

Pretty sure.

"Your brothers were easy. But you..."

Percy frowns at the mention of his brothers. He wonders if they would be disappointed if he is placed elsewhere.

"Ah. Perhaps there's some loyalty in you after all. Hmm... Difficult. But if you're so concerned about your family... GRYFFINDOR!"

Percy throws the hat from his head, smiling nervously as he makes his way to his new home.