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This is it.

The voice in Ralph's head had continued to repeat that phrase for the last week and a half. Even though he had known all his life that he would be going to Hogwarts, and even though it came to no surprise to him that he, himself, would be getting a letter, going school supply shopping for robes that fit him, and even boarding the train instead of standing there on the platform like a baby -- despite all this, Ralph was still awed by it all.

He floated through each of his tasks as if he were in a dream. A dream come true, mind you. Ralph had dreamt of the day where he was the one trying on all the fancy robes, where he would be waving his new, precious wand around like he actually knew how it worked. Oh yes, Ralph had dreamed of this for a very, very long time.

Especially now that he and Effy would be together more often! The thought made him especially happy and he found himself beaming with joy every time he thought about all the fun the two of them would have. They would be able to hang out in the common rooms together and play hide and seek in the greenhouses.

Even Tristan could be better here... right? Ralph hoped so. There were many nights leading up to today where Ralph wondered if his cousin, Tristan, would act different than he did at home. Maybe even, well, worse different.

The train ride hadn't been half bad, though. Tristan seemed to have been grumpier than usual, but Effy was trying to be cheerful for the two of them. She knew exactly what this meant to Ralph so she had tried to keep him smiling. To help lighten the mood, they had all bought some chocolate frogs to snack on for the ride from the trolley lady. Tristan had immediately tossed his chocolate frog to the side, more interested in his jerky than anything, and Ralph had also barely nibbled on his, the chocolate beginning to melt onto his hands. He was a right mess, but he was so distracted with the changing landscape outside the train window. Everything was exciting for him.

Effy had dropped him off to where he needed to go, but the only way he had obeyed her and gone with the group of first years was the whispered promises that they would be reunited before dinner. This pleased Ralph to hear, so he mustered up his resolve and watched Effy disappear off into the night, dragging Tristan behind him like she always did lately.

Then there were the boats, over an inky black lake that Tristan had warned Ralph about. "There's a giant squid down there, you know," Tristan's voice echoed in Ralph's brain as he looked at his reflection in the water, "And even worse things that like to eat little kids like you." Ralph ducked his head back into the boat and sheepishly looked around. Was anyone else worried about the big, giant SQUID down there? Ralph wanted to scream, but the anxiety of the evening kept him silent like a knife to his throat.

And now here they were, waiting to get sorted into their houses. Houses which would follow them for the next seven, whole years! They would have to be friends with the people in their houses, and work together like a family. Ralph wanted to get into Slytherin. He wanted it badly. That was where his own family was. Slytherin was where he belonged!

The worst thoughts played in his mind as he stood there amongst the other children. What if he didn't get into Slytherin? The despair of the moment hit him like a tidal wave. He tried to remain calm by taking deep breaths, but it was hard to get over the idea of something like that occurring. Ralph really didn't know the answer to that question, and it bothered him. He, instead, focused on the fact that it was nearly impossible - not even a chance! - that he wouldn't get into Slytherin. Ralph found comfort in that thought. He held onto it even as his name was being called.

"Ralph Thomas Hastings!" The deputy headmistress announced. Ralph froze and gulped. This is it, the phrase echoed again in his brain. It was the motivation he needed to start moving forward.

All eyes were on him now as the crowd parted in front of him. His head was down, eyes glued to the floor, but his face was full of determination. His goal was the stool. Seven years of his life was hanging in the balance and he could feel the weight of the event pressing down on him like an anvil. The woman standing by the stool was watching him, too, with a kind face and dark eyes. Ralph liked the way her hair looked; it seemed soft and had a pretty color to it. She was very young to be a professor, Ralph thought to himself, but immediately found himself not caring in the slightest because this was his moment.

She lifted up the hat - the hat! Oh my goodness, there it was! - Ralph was beyond himself with excitement. He hopped onto that stool like it was his birthright, wiggling in it as he got comfortable. Ralph's eyes scanned the Slytherin table and immediately locked gazes with Effy. She was practically beaming, and he was sure he was too. They had both been talking about this moment until they had separated about an hour ago. It was all Ralph could think about.

Finally, after what felt like years, the hat was lowered onto Ralph's head and the voice of the hat came to him.