So this is the second chapter, I hope you all enjoyed the first one!


Chapter Two: The Sorting

"First years, 'ver 'ere! Common up you 'ot!"

A deep voice called above their heads, and Hermione looked up into the face of a huge man, so huge, that there is no doubt of who or what he really is. With a wild mane of hair and small, crinkling black eyes, she was that he, is what people call, a half-giant. Why on earth would a half-giant be working here was a mystery. But, seeing as Albus Dumbledore being the headmaster, she really shouldn't be surprised.

"That's Hagrid, the game-keeper." Draco whispered into her ear." He was two years below my grandfather, and got kicked out of Hogwarts in his third year. But Dumbledore somehow convinced the headmaster to let him stay as game-keeper. A great oaf of a man, that's for sure."

Hermione laughed. Seeing as the Dark Lord had been in the same year as Draco's grandfather, she wouldn't be surprised if he had had a hand in Hagrid's failure.

When they arrived at the heavy wooden doors, Hagrid told all of them to wait and knocked three times. A moment later, then the door was opened by a strict looking old woman in an emerald green and black robe. At first, Hermione thought that this professor must have been a Slytherin, for she was dressed in traditional colours. But then she saw her tight bun of hair.

Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration teacher and head of Griffinder House, known for her intellect and strict personality. Why on earth was such a Griffinderish person dressed in Slytherin colours she might never know.

Professor McGonagall led them to a room on the side of what she could only assume as the Great Hall. She made a small speech about Hogwarts, left for a while, then came back to lead them into the Great Hall.

Hermione heard gasps of awe as the first years entered, hell, even she had to admit that she was impressed, and she's from one of the richest wizarding families in the world.

Professor McGonagall unrolled a long roll of parchment and began to call out the names.

"Bones, Susan Millie."

A girl with blond pigtails stumbled forward and sat on the three-legged stool. McGonagall placed the hat on her head, and a moment later, announced her a Hufflepuff. Shame, her grandmother Amelia Bones had been a Ravenclaw. Hermione thought.

"Brown, Lavender Nellie."

"GRIFFINDER!"

"Nott, Theodore Lawrence."

"SLYTHERIN!"

The list went on and on. Soon, most of the students were sorted, including her new friends. All of which, were sorted into Slytherin. Only a few were left, including Hermione and Ronald Weasley.

When Potter's name was called, the hat took at least five before the hat finally sorted him into Grinffinder. Pity, Hermione thought. He would have fitted well in Hufflepuff.

"De Granger, Hermione Mira Dorea Mecarto."

Hermione held her head high, walked to the stool, and sat primly down on the three-legged stool.

Why hello Ms. De Granger. Quite a long name you've got there.

The longer the name, the purer the blood. Hermione said in her head. It was a common family motto, and made Hermione cherish her name ever so proudly.

Very good Ms. I see that Demetrius has taught you well.

So did my mother. Hermione added.

Of course. Lady Lyra Mecarto is it.

Yes, Mr. Hat. Hermione paused. It's nice talking to you Mr. Hat, but I really ought to get going.

No probs, Ms. I also enjoyed talking to you. And seeing as you already know where you are going, I see no delaying you to joining your friends. See you in SLYTHERIN! The hat shouted the next words for the whole crowd to hear.

Hermione smiled admits the applause. And just as she was about to take the hat off her head, she heard it mutter into her ear.

There is no one in the world who belong with Slytherin more than you, Ms. De Granger. Remember that.


"What took you so long?" Pansy asked, when the applause subsided.

"Yeah, it took you ages." Blaise put in.

Hermione shrugged." Just having a conversation with the hat."

Draco raised his eyebrows." Oh? What about?"

"My family." Hermione replied shortly. Somehow, she didn't feel in the mood to share her new secret with her new friends. She watched the last couple of students behind sorted, before Dumbledore got to his feet.

"Welcome!" He said." Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

"Thank you!"

He sat down, and Hermione couldn't help smirking as everyone else cheered. Dumbledore was every bit as wonker as her father told her.

"Potatoes, Hermione?" Draco asked. And Hermione's mouth watered at the desplay of food before her.

Piling her plate high with potatoes, beef, pork and other stuff, she dug in, still keeping in mind the table-manners her mother taught her. Though she had to say, the Hogwarts elves were marvelous cooks, as good as her ones back home.

When they finished, Dumbledore told them to sing the school song. And everyone bellowed:

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot.

Everyone finished at different times. At last, only the Weasley twins were left singing along to a slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand.

"Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes." A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"

"What are we, horses?" Grumbled Pansy, and Hermione smirked. This was going to be a good year indeed.


Well, that's the second chapter, written and finished. Thanks for the reviews!

~ Jasmine