Chapter Two
Harry and the others had gotten into one of the horseless carriages and were off to the castle.
Along the way to the Great Hall, Harry and Ginny stopped to say hello to all of their friends from Gryffindor and introduced them to Holly, explaining to them her situation. While talking to Padma, Harry saw Malfoy trying to avoid Pansy Parkinson, another Slytherin 5th year, who found Malfoy irresistible. He had a disgusted look on his face as he stood with Crabbe and Goyle. Harry rolled his eyes and entered the Great Hall with Ginny and Holly. Hermione and Ron headed off with the rest of the prefects to a small classroom near the Great Hall.
They sat down across from two seats that were to be filled by Hermione and Ron when they came back. They awaited the sorting ceremony. With a quick BANG the doors were opened and Prof. McGonagall strode towards the front of the hall, followed by first years who were having some trouble keeping up, and the prefects, who took their seats with their houses, carrying packages of papers. When Professor McGonagall reached the front the sorting hat was already there. The Sorting Hat sang its new song (something meaningful, I can't really make up songs) for the year and everyone clapped.
"I hope this is a quick sorting, I'm starving." Ron whispered, Harry nodded in agreement. Ginny rolled her eyes and Hermione sighed. Boys. After 10 minutes, Gryffindor had gained 8 new members and the last name was called;
"Whitby, Monica!" A short, black haired girl with brown eyes stepped up and sat on the stool. The sorting hat thought for a moment and then yelled out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" The girl smiled and joined the Hufflepuff table that had erupted with cheers.
Ron and Harry straightened up, ready for the feast, they were grinning.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts!" Professor Dumbledore said in delight. "I am glad to see so many bright students, new and old, as we enter a darker time." The hall was silent. "I ask you all to be cooperative and supportive of each other as this year progresses. Remember, friends are truly your best allies in times of trouble. So, before the feast starts I have a few other announcements-" Ron groaned. Ginny looked at him, and gave him a look.
"Firstly, I would like to announce the head boy for this year, who is Hunter Daniels from Ravenclaw-" a burst of applause came from the Ravenclaw table as stood up. "And head girl this year will be Angelina Johnson from Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table exploded with applause.
"Secondly, I would like to say to the first years, and to others, that the forbidden forest, is strictly forbidden. Lastly, my friends, a very quick announcement. I must make you aware of a certain situation with your owls. Unfortunately, a case of Hepatosplentitis infectiosa strigum has developed in one of the school owls, and as a precaution, all student owls should be sent immediately to the owelry for an inspection by Hagrid tonight. They will be returned for any mail or deliveries by tomorrow night.
"Now without further adieu, let the feast begin." And with that, all the plates in the hall filled with food.
Hermione grabbed a drumstick and placed it on her plate.
"Oh man," said Harry. "I hope Hedwig doesn't get that hepa infectous string thing."
"Don't worry Harry," said Hermione, "I'm sure she'll be fine."
"By the way, where did you guys have to go before dinner?" Harry asked as he grabbed an apple.
Hermione answered. "Oh. We just had to collect all the schedules for Gryffindor. We should probably hand those out Ron."
Ron was about to take a bite out of his mashed potatoes, and nodded as he quickly swallowed it. They stood up and quickly distributed the schedules. When they came back they decided to find out more about Holly.
"So, Holly," started Hermione, "do you have any brothers or sisters?"
Holly looked up, and shook her head. "No, I'm an only child."
"So am I," added Hermione.
"I would love to have siblings though. But my mom died when I was a baby, and my dad never got remarried."
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Hermione.
"It's alright, I didn't really know her, being a baby and all. What about you two," speaking to Ron and Ginny, "do you have any more brothers or sisters? I know Harry you don't." He smiled at her.
"Five," said Ron. Holly looked shocked. "Five? Wow."
"Yeah, we have five other brothers. Fred and George, they're at Hogwarts too, just down the table. They're twins, I'd watch out for them." Ginny smiled. Ron continued, "Then there's Percy, he graduated two years ago and is working in the Ministry, same as my dad. And my two other brothers graduated a while ago. Charlie works with Dragons in Romania, and Bill works as a Curse breaker for Gringott's. He's in Egypt."
"Wow, you have a very interesting family," said Holly. Ron blushed. "Yeah, I guess it's pretty interesting…" Hermione smiled. 'Someone has a crush' she thought, in a sing-song manner.
After all talk about their families, the five Gryffindors finished up their meals. Hermione and Ron led the first years to the common room, and they all went to bed, very tired, and stuffed from the feast.