Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling and therefore do not own the Harry Potter Universe.
Harry Potter and the Stagnant Waters – Chapter Two
Summary: What if Harry, Hermione, and Draco were all sorted into Ravenclaw?
"How can you leave a room with no doors?"
Harry, Hermione, and the rest of the first year Ravenclaws had just followed Prefect Revont up five floors, past a multitude of portraits straining to catch a glimpse of the boy-who-lived. Revont had then led them up a spiral staircase to a door with a bronze knocker. It was this knocker that had just spoken, much to Harry and Hermione's surprise.
"Through a window," Revont replied.
"Quite right, good answer." The door swung open to reveal a midnight blue carpet decorated with an assortment of stars. Looking up, Harry's gaze followed bronze wall hangings to a domed ceiling with stars that matched the carpet.
Revont stepped back and allowed the first years to enter the room. As Harry passed into the room, he noticed a marble statue of a woman wearing a silver diadem standing next to a wooden door.
"That must be a statue of Rowena Ravenclaw," Hermione whispered to Harry before turning back toward Revont. Harry made a mental note to start Hogwarts, a History the next day.
"Congratulations on making Ravenclaw. We pride ourselves on earning top marks, creative endeavors, and our ability to think before we act. I trust you have all looked at your course books. It is essential that you are prepared for class. Not only does this mean reviewing material, it also means eating and sleeping properly. We Ravenclaws have a tendency to want to skip meals and sleep for reading or research. Proper rest and nutrition, however, are both crucial to success," Revont looked straight at Harry for this last part. Harry's clothes were several sizes too big for him, and it seemed as if he hadn't had a proper meal in a couple of months.
"There is no such thing as a bad question. Do not be afraid to approach a prefect to ask them. We are here to help you," Revont continued, still looking straight at Harry. "Each of you will find a map of the school on your beds. This is an enormous castle, and it is only to be expected that you will get lost. The maps are charmed to show you where you are. You will find that your classrooms, the common room, and other frequently visited locations are clearly marked on the map. If you need to add a location, please see a prefect or Professor Flitwick, our Head of House. He is available in his office from 9am to 12pm on Saturdays, 6pm to 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and by appointment. We will show you later how to contact him in the event of an emergency. Do not be afraid to approach any of the professors for help. The dormitories are through the door behind you and, as you have seen, entrance to the tower requires that you answer a riddle. Any questions?"
"Yeah, when can I get re-sorted? I certainly don't want to hang around you lot any longer." Draco Malfoy sneered and stuck his chin out.
"You don't. You will be a Ravenclaw for the remainder of your time here at Hogwarts, so I suggest you make the most out of it. If there are no other questions, I will leave you all to get settled. You are welcome to explore the castle as long as you are back by curfew at 10pm." Revont waited for a minute and then walked out through the tower entrance, leaving the first years alone in the common room.
"I am going to write a letter to my father about this," Malfoy announced as he too left the common room.
"What a prat." A boy with curly brown hair muttered to Harry, "I'm Terry Boot by the way. "
"I'm Harry, and this is Hermione. Nice to meet you," Harry held out his hand and Terry shook it.
"I wonder what classes we have tomorrow. It's a bummer we don't get our schedules until breakfast," Terry mused.
"I hope we don't have potions first," another first year joined it. He was a bit taller than Terry and had sandy brown hair. "I'm Michael Corner."
"Nice to meet you, Michael. What is so bad about potions?" The group moved toward a group of oversized blue armchairs and sat down.
"My brother, a Gryffindor, told me all about the Potions Master. Professor Snape hates all his students, even the Ravenclaws."
"Why does he teach if he hates students?" Hermione's brow furrowed slightly.
"Nobody knows for sure. My brother thinks he's just bitter because he's been denied the Defense Against the Dark Arts position every year. From what I've heard, though, I think he would have been just as nasty no matter what class he taught. Whatever the reason, I'm definitely going to review my potions text tonight so that he has less of a reason to yell at me." Michael stood up and started to move toward the dormitory. "See you later."
A/N Thanks to my reviewer and to all who read these first two chapters!
