 Lovely™ | Captain Hurted | Ariana's Bane | Resident Antagonist | Unparalleled Delight
"Evans, Angelo," had long since been called - three times in total - but 'Evans, Angelo Milano' had not moved. He was not Angelo. He was Angelo Milano. He was Milo. He was Not Very Present. He was Not Very Well.
It had started even before the train had begun pulling into the station, a feeling of peculiarity he had been combatting on his own terms. Then, at Hogsmeade station, an uncomfortably familiar, familiarly uncomfortable feeling, one which grew heavier with every step. As they'd glided across the lake in the boats, he'd not been able to look at the castle looming overhead without malaise taking hold, whereupon it would not let go. Now, in the belly of the beast, it was near intolerable.
Milo had the hood of his school robes pulled up and over his head, covering his ears, shielding his face, and providing makeshift tunnel vision. It did nothing to help, but it did block out the extraneous information threatening to overwhelm. This room was the worst he had been in yet, the one just beyond those doors a close second. And the grounds...
When all the names had been read, Milo stood there still, and it took no great leap in logic for the problem and its solution to be found. A moment later he was sat on the stool, still with his hood pulled all the way forwards, and the hat was lowered onto his head.
Through the fabric of his robes, he heard, but didn't listen. An antique, heavy with memory, haunted. The Sorting Hat spoke softly into his ears. Later, perhaps, he would revisit this moment, but right now they were beyond each other's reach. Whether by mercy or by design, it didn't take long for the Hat to declare its decision.
"RAVENCLAW!"
The word was solid enough, sharp enough to break through. The weight of the hat disappeared from his head, and Milo found himself on his feet, walking in the direction he'd been nudged and following the noise the rest of the way.
On odd-socked feet. One purple. One green. Striped.
He'd dropped his shoes into the water, halfway across the lake.
__________________ Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You?
You are Chocolate! |