Chapter 1: Sorting

Authoress: Dodge-This

Based on idea by: PookaSeraph

Disclaimer: Don't own anything, all goes to Rowling and WB.

All that remained of the student body of Hogwarts was seated in the Great Hall as the new first years filed in, awe apparent on their faces. The normally crowded tables were now peppered with a fraction of the previous year's population. The new students looked on with mixed expressions as the sorting hat and stool were brought out.

The roll for first years was called and the new students were sorted without interruption except house cheering. As the last name was called Dumbledore stood to address the room.

"Before we feast, there is one more issue to concern ourselves with. As a result of the battle, there were a number of people who were magically returned to the age they received the dark mark." He paused. "And so, we shall continue with the sorting, but this time, they shall be entering their seventh year at Hogwarts." He waved a hand toward the door, which opened to admit a crowd of 17 year old students. "These soon to be students have lost their memory along with their years, behave in accordance."

The students filed in front of the sorting hat. It sat silently for a moment before bursting out loudly:

"Although I knew you long ago,

I shall sort you based upon

what you now know."

As the sorting hat settled back into silence Professor McGonagall walked forward with a new scroll. The list was run through as students listened on with fear. The sorting progressed much as the first years had. The majority of the 'new' students were sorted to Slytherin. There were a few that were sorted to Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, but none to Gryffindor. Those sorted to Slytherin were greeted with open arms as the others were shunned from their new table. There were a few gasps that ran the length of the hall as one name was called.

"Malfoy, Lucius," The boy left the crowd and sat on the stool.

The hat let out some sort of snort. "SLYTHERIN,"

All eyes followed him as he settled next to his son, they were very similar in manner, but Lucius chose to wear his hair at shoulder length and was a little shorter.

Hermione looked to Harry with fear in her eyes. The look was returned in the green orbs.

Much of the student body hadn't noticed, but the sorting had continued. They were quickly made their way through the alphabet. It had proceeded uninterrupted until another astounding name was called out.

"Snape, Severus," the Professor stopped reading to track the young man across the hall. It would be interesting to see how he adjusted. The boy shuffled to the front sitting on the stool.

"SLYTHERIN"

Hermione and Harry shared a look. She had informed Harry that Snape was returning to Hogwarts, they both wondered if he would be as big a prick as ever to Harry.

A few more names were called and eventually a Zabini was called. Some relative of Blaise they assumed.

At the end of the ceremony Professor Dumbledore stood at the head table and waited for the chatter to die down. "Due to the Final Battle fought over the summer, our numbers have been greatly reduced. Members of our staff, as well those of our student body were among the fallen. As a result of this, there are many new professors to introduce you to." He took his glasses and began polishing grime off the lenses. "Among the new professors are Bill and Charlie Weasley." A gasp ran down the Gryffindor table as the Weasleys rose and waved. Harry and Hermione smiled morosely at the additions as they were reminded of their fallen friend. Teaching Charms and Care for Magical Creatures, respectively. Professor Sprout has also seen it fit to retire, and so, we are joined by Professor Cunningham, for Herbology, and Professor Tonks for Defense Against the Dark Arts, also, for different reasons, our own Hermione Granger shall be Potions Professor until a suitable replacement can be found."

Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville were relatively isolated from most of the Griffindors. There was silence as they all filled their plates wih food. They each were running through safe conversation topics in their heads settling on their newly dubbed teacher friend. She had chosen to have her first meal with her friends, but would move to head table later. They were congratulation her and asking her about the tests as they began to chow.

A/N: Hahahah, I KILLED RON. Bah, silly little boy. Some redheads must be exterminated to make way for the better specimens of the redhead community. That point aside, all cred for this story being begun goes to PookaSeraph, go read her WIKTT DaddyLongLegs Challenge Response, it is good, I swear on it. I know it is short for a first chapter, but I shall flush it out in the next chapter. I Promise, it has already been written. Mearly waiting to see if you all like this at all. This is my first Potter fic. I shall try my hardest to keep them relatively in character. Review por favor.