Well, this took me a bit longer than I had anticipated.. but, that's what comes with job hunting! Hope y'all like it. Trust me, there's sooo much more coming up in the next chapters! If you recognize it, it's property of JKR. If you don't, then it's a compilation of my own messed up thinking. Read on!

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Chapter 2

Hermione sat at the edge of the lake for an immeasurable amount of time, long after her stomach stopped protesting her rash decision to bolt from the feast. She turned to take in the lights from the Great Hall, noticing the glow was a bit dimmer than it had been when she rushed out here. The feast must be over with and the students must have already gone up to their dorms. Her throat tightened when she realized she'd have to go to the Gryffindor Tower instead of Ravenclaw's.

She sighed to herself. Where was the level-headed girl she'd been her entire life? Hermione never made a scene such as the one she had a couple hours ago. In all honesty, what was the worst part about being resorted? Having the entire student body judge and talk about her? Or having to change how she was, stepping out of her comfort zone?

At least she wasn't a Hufflepuff. Things could have been a lot worse. Her least favorite part about this switch, she thought, was the fact that there was animosity between her friends and Gryffindor. She'd always been able to stand on the sidelines when it came to Malfoy and Potter's spats. But now, she was a lion. Lions were fiercely loyal. What would happen the next time the boys got into it? Would Potter expect her loyalty because they were housemates? Or would the Slytherins demand that she stood next to them?

Hermione touched her temples, tired of going round and round like she had been since she ran out here. These thoughts had been bouncing through her pounding skull this entire time. With her eyes closed, Hermione didn't notice that she was suddenly in someone's shadow.

"'Ermione," a gruff voice called out. Her eyes shot open and she tilted her head back to see her visitor's face.

"Hagrid!"

His beard twitched and Hermione knew he was smiling at her since his obsidian eyes softened. She hurriedly stood up to hug him. She almost chuckled at the way her arms didn't even reach halfway around the giant.

"Why're yeh out here?"

She sighed. "I know you saw what happened."

He shrugged. "So? Gryffindors're alright. Yeh'll be fine. But why're yeh out here?" He glanced around at the darkness. "'S not safe."

She smiled softly at him. "I've got my wand, Hagrid. I'll be fine. Besides, being near the water soothes me."

He eyed the lake cautiously. Hagrid loved the creatures of the Forbidden Forest- the more dangerous, the better in his mind- but the lake always made his skin crawl. As a giant, he wasn't the best swimmer. The thought of being helpless in something as large and as deep as the lake, with countless creatures ready to pull him under… Hagrid kept his distance.

"'Mon 'Ermione. Dumbledore sent me ta come find yeh. Said he'd be wantin' ta talk ta yeh."

Hermione followed him, thinking about her predicament. What was she going to do? And why had it been so necessary that she switch Houses? What could possibly be so important that she'd need to be surrounded by lions instead of eagles? Was Dumbledore trying to protect her from something?

Hagrid led her to the gargoyle that stood watch outside of Dumbledore's office. "Chocolate frog," he bit out. The stairs started to rise, taking them up to the headmaster's door. When the stairs stopped, Hagrid knocked firmly.

"Come in, come in," Dumbledore beckoned. "We have been wondering when you'd join us, Miss Granger," he said softly. He motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk. McGonagall stood next to the headmaster's desk, peering over her spectacles, and Professor Victore sat in the chair next to the one offered to Hermione. On a table next to Hermione was a large platter of various foods from the feast. "Eat," Dumbledore said with a smile when he saw her eying the food. She didn't hesitate to dig in.

The headmaster thanked Hagrid for bringing the girl to his office and told the giant he would see him in the morning at breakfast. Properly dismissed, Hagrid escaped the room. For several minutes, the only sounds in the room were of Hermione chewing or her silverware scraping the plate. The moment she set down her fork, signaling she was satiated, Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair.

"Miss Granger, I apologize that the news of your resorting shocked you so," he began. "Perhaps the situation could have been handled in a more delicate manner. However, what's done is done and we must move on. I trust you will not rebel against the Sorting Hat's wishes?"

He had gestured to the Hat in question, which was perched on top of a bookshelf to his right. Hermione studied the wrinkles in the Hat, biting her lip as her brain went over every possible outcome of their conversation should she wish to challenge the Hat's decision. With a sigh, she nodded. "I accept the resorting, Professor." She felt defeated. "I do have some questions for you, however, if that's alright?"

He nodded and indicated that she should begin speaking. Professor McGonagall remained standing, watching the interaction with what was supposed to be a blank expression. Hermione could see her emotions swimming in her eyes, however. Next to her, Professor Victore uncrossed and recrossed her legs as she settled in to listen. Hermione had no idea why the woman was present for this particular conversation, but figured she'd get around to that question in a moment.

She chewed her lip as she glanced around the room, looking for inspiration to help her decide which question to ask first. Finally, she settled on what she thought was a relatively easy question for her headmaster to answer. "Why was I resorted?" She had figured that it was an inquiry that would help set the tone for the rest of the conversation. It did.

"Ah Miss Granger," Dumbledore murmured as he dipped his head ever so slightly, his blue eyes apologetic. "I'm afraid this is one thing I cannot tell you. Not at this present time." She opened her mouth to protest but he raised a hand to ward off her indignation. "You will know in due time, my child. I swear it. However, for now, it must remain a mystery."

Hermione grinded her teeth before moving on, looking only slightly pacified by his words. "Alright then." She brushed her hands down the front of her skirt to remove any imaginary dirt or blemishes. "How was I resorted?" she asked instead. "Is this something that has ever happened before?"

Professor McGonagall opened her mouth to answer, but Dumbledore was quick to beat her to it. "Only in very special cases." The two professors shared a look that didn't go unnoticed by Hermione. McGonagall looked stern and a bit angry, perhaps because Dumbledore cut her off? Or maybe there was something more that she thought Hermione should know? Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with secrets as he gazed at McGonagall warningly. Hermione's eyes narrowed as her gaze shifted back and forth between the two. Professor Victore sat quietly beside her, also watching the exchange.

Hermione's teeth gritted as she fought with her raging emotions. Why wouldn't they answer her truthfully and honestly? What were they hiding? She'd always felt like she was an emotional being, but her logic usually threw water on the flames of her passionate nature and calmed her down. She scrambled for her level-headedness and tied to grip onto her careful thinking with tight fingers.

Suddenly she couldn't hold in her anger anymore and abruptly exploded at Dumbledore. "Why did you tell me I could ask you whatever I wanted, if you aren't even going to answer me properly?" she demanded with a shout. She immediately slapped a hand over her mouth. She had never spoken to someone in an authorative position with such disrespect before. "Forgive me, Professor," she murmured with a bowed head. "I was merely lost in the heat of the moment."

He surprised her by chuckling, and her head whipped up in surprise at the unexpected reaction. "My dear Miss Granger," he said with a smile that lit up his eyes, "I daresay you are already on your way to falling in sync with your new Housemates."

Hermione's stomach churned in protest of his words even as she blushed at the reference to her actions moments before. "I don't want to be like the Gryffindors." Her eyes sought out Professor McGonagall's face, which looked slightly displeased. "No offense, Professor." McGonagall merely sniffed and turned her face away fractionally. "I would still rather be in Ravenclaw, Professor Dumbledore. It's all I know. I'm comfortable there."

"No you are not," an alluring accented voice spoke up. Hermione turned to take in the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. "I could tell before the feast ever begun that you do not belong with the eagles."

Hermione studied the woman's icy blue eyes. Her skin was flawless, her hair was shiny and smooth, her eyes were wide and enchanting… Hermione had a hard time focusing her thoughts for a moment, and she knew it was the Veela's captivating nature that was drawing her in and confusing her. She could only imagine what it would be like when classes started in the morning.

Veelas had an abnormally strong ability to attract other beings, females and males alike. Veelas often mated with wizards or witches that had caught their attention, and as a result, there were half-Veelas, fourth-Veelas, and even eighth-Veelas. The more enticing they were, the more Veela blood in the their veins. Most descendents of Veela and human relationships ended up being sex slaves or sex-witches or wizards. It was rare to see a partial Veela in such an esteemed position.

Hermione frowned at her, feeling her earlier ire returning. "How could you possibly know that, Professor Victore?" she asked in a forcibly calm voice. She did her best to keep a lid on her suddenly rioting emotions. "How would you know that I don't fit in with my Housemates?" After a short pause, she corrected herself. "Former Housemates. How could you know to pay attention to me long enough to see that I would have rather been somewhere else?"

Professor Victore watched her for a moment, unblinking, as she considered her next words. "I watched you because that is what I do," she said softly. "I am Veela and you are…" She shared a glance with Dumbledore. "You are a very interesting girl." Hermione frowned at the stress the woman before her had put on the last word. "Besides, I have never seen snakes so taken with a creature such as yourself before."

Hermione blushed deeply again. If she wasn't careful, her face would permanently represent her new House's most prominent color. "Taken?" she repeated.

Professor Victore sent her a knowing smile, her eyes filled with wisdom. "The males can't get enough of your presence."

Hermione ducked her head, mortified, causing Dumbledore to chuckle softly. "My dear, it is nothing to be ashamed of. But it is something to watch cautiously."

"We're just friends," she mumbled as she fiddled with the end of her sleeve. With her head bowed, she didn't see the look all of the professors shared. Nor did she notice the suddenly forced smiles that donned their lips.

"Regardless, "Professor McGonagall said after a moment. "You need to be careful around men."

Hermione snorted and glanced at her guardian. "You only say that because you're like a mother to me and you don't want anyone to corrupt your best student." She smiled fondly at her favorite professor, and McGonagall's tense smile melted into something genuine.

"Regardless of my reasons, I repeat: you need to watch yourself, Hermione." The girl frowned for a moment but nodded anyways.

Dumbledore turned to take in the face of his clock. It was similar to a Muggle clock but had a few different features. For instance, on this particular clock, constellations replaced the numbers. Also, the face of the clock was constantly changing. Hermione had done extensive research after first seeing Dumbledore's timekeeper, but had found nothing that would explain how to read the time on it. As far as she could tell, Dumbledore was the only one who understood it.

He clapped his hands. "It is late, my child. You must get to bed if you are to wake bright and early for classes! Please, come by my office tomorrow to visit with me and we'll talk more then. In the meantime, remember that this is just as surprising for others as it is for you." He gestured at her guardian. "Minerva, would you be so kind as to escort your new lioness to her dormitory?" McGonagall nodded curtly. "Excellent! Sabine, a word in private my dear?" The new professor dipped her head in acknowledgement.

McGonagall wasted no time ushering Hermione out the door, down the stairs, and into the hall. She ignored Hermione's protests the entire way. When they reached the staircases, McGonagall finally stopped prodding Hermione along. She sighed in defeat as her student continually fired one question after another.

"Hermione, breathe." Grudgingly, she listened to her professor. "Firstly, I know Professor Dumbledore will be able to answer your questions tomorrow. I would advise you visit him at lunch. I'll make arrangements for your food to be served in his office. Secondly, remember that I am not the Hat. I did not decide to put you in Gryffindor, although I don't doubt that my House is a perfect fit for you. I did not call you up there at the front of the Hall to be resorted. I have no real knowledge of any details of this situation. I can only try to help you through this transition."

Hermione was silent for a few minutes, contemplating this little speech. They finished the climb to the correct floor and were just a few turns away from the entrance to Gryffindor Tower. "I understand, Professor," she finally murmured. "That's about the only thing I do understand in this situation." They walked in silence for a few more minutes. "Why is Professor Dumbledore determined to answer my questions with such vague responses? Shouldn't I know what all is going on? Is there more to this resorting than meets the eye?"

McGonagall looked uncomfortable with this line of questioning. "I have been advised to try to curb your curiosity until our headmaster can tend to it. I do not know much, but yes, you will know everything relating to your resorting. In due time. We must take things slowly, Miss Granger."

Hearing "Miss Granger" come from McGonagall's mouth, especially when it was just the two of them, made everything suddenly very clear to Hermione. "It's something serious, isn't it?"

McGonagall stared into her eyes with an unreadable expression. "Yes, Hermione. It is very serious. Switching Houses isn't the only thing you'll undergo this school year."

They had reached what Hermione assumed was the portrait hiding the entrance to Gryffindor Tower. She'd never seen it before. The fat lady in the portrait stumbled all over herself as she noticed the Head of House. Hermione almost snorted with laughter when her guardian sent a Silencio at the painting.

"Get inside now. The girls' dormitories are separate from the boys' dormitories. I'm sure you'll find a prefect to help you figure out the rules and going ons of the Gryffindor common room. If one of them is unavailable, ask someone else in your year. They should know." She turned to the fat lady, who was scowling. "Nymphaea lotus." Clearly grumbling, the portrait swung open for Hermione to enter.

She stood at the entrance, staring in for a long moment. Taking a deep breath to settle her nerves, squaring her shoulders and clenching her fists, she stepped inside. She had cause to worry about the welcome she would get.

As the portrait closed with a soft bang, all activity in the room ceased. Hermione felt her cheeks inflame as all eyes turned to her. It took her a couple swallows before she could make her voice work. "Um, hi."

Most simply blinked at her, but some were nice enough to send her an encouraging smile. Then again, some immediately started whispering amongst themselves. Hermione frowned as she took all this in. Suddenly a red headed girl stepped forward. Ginny Weasley.

"Come off it, all of you!" she yelled to the room. "Go back to minding your own business." Most of her Housemates heeded her words. She turned to Hermione with a smile. "Hermione Granger, I'm Ginny Weasley. I've seen you around school before, but it's nice to formally meet." She held out her hand and Hermione gratefully shook it.

"Thank you. I wasn't sure what to do with that not-so-welcome hello."

Harry, Ron, and Neville came over to them then. "Hello again, Hermione," Harry said with a grin as he slung an arm across Ginny's shoulders. "Welcome to Gryffindor."

Hermione smiled easily in response. Harry had always been kind, as far as she could see. Now she knew why so many- sans Slytherins- liked him. He was a very easygoing guy. "Thank you, Harry."

Neville smiled at her as well. "Hello."

"Hi."

Ron simply nodded at her, looking uncomfortable. Hermione returned it but wasn't too worried about his reaction. Maybe he was uncomfortable with hellos as well.

Ginny chuckled as Hermione looked around the room with wide eyes. "Different than the eagle's common room?"

Hermione nodded earnestly. "Yes, very. The size is the same, but I think that's where the similarities end. There are desks in places where you have cushiony armchairs and bean bags. We have two couches, while you have four. The colors are so different too. And don't get me started on all the bookshelves we have; they're filled to the brim!"

The group before her chuckled. "Is it something you could get used to?" Neville questioned.

Hermione shrugged. "Not that I have much of a choice, but yeah. I'll miss the books though." She chewed her lip for a second. "What do you think of my being resorted?"

Harry frowned. "Honestly? It's weird. I mean, why would you need to be resorted? Unless you just don't possess any of your House's qualities, but even then, it seems unnecessary. It is our last year after all. Besides, you seem like a Ravenclaw through and through."

Ginny seemed to agree with her boyfriend. "The smartest witch of our generation? It seems like they'd want to keep you in Ravenclaw, nurse your need for knowledge and all that."

Neville looked puzzled. "I just don't see why the Sorting Hat would want you in Gryffindor. Maybe it knew you would need friends like us." Hermione returned his smile.

She looked over at Ron, who seemed to be clamping his jaw shut. "And what about you? How do you feel about the resorting?"

His blue eyes flashed with strong emotion. "I don't like it!" he hissed. "The Hat knows how much Gryffindor and Slytherin loathe each other. Why would it send you, a friend of Slytherins, to Gryffindor?"

Hermione blinked as he fumed before her and the rest of their little group watched him with wide eyes. "Well," she finally started. "I don't know much about the animosity between Harry and Malfoy, but I don't want to be in the middle of it. I haven't been in all the years we've attended Hogwarts and I don't plan on starting now. If he's out of line, then I'll stand by Harry." She glanced at her new Housemate in question. "But if you are, I won't hesitate to tell you. Deal?"

Harry smiled softly and nodded. "Fine by me. I don't like dragging anyone else into it either."

Ron sputtered. "How can you even stand them? They're vile!"

Hermione's face flashed with a dark form of anger. "They are my friends. I'd advise you, Mister Weasley, to stop your protests of our relationship right now."

Ginny was grinning as her brother's face flushed dark red. "Just call him Ronald when he makes you angry. That's what the rest of my family does. Except the twins. They call him 'Ronniekins.'"

Hermione snorted with laughter. Growling, Ron spun on his heel and marched up what Hermione assumed were the stairs to the boys' dormitories. It made her realize how exhausted she was.

Harry chuckled as she tried to stifle a yawn. "Why don't you head to bed? We can meet up in the morning and head down to breakfast together."

Hermione smiled at his efforts to make her feel welcome. "Thank you, Harry. I appreciate it. I must admit, I was more than nervous about how I would be received. It wouldn't help my anxiety to not have one ally in my House. Now that I'm separated from Luna, I need all the friends I can get."

Neville looked confused. "Didn't you get along with more than just Luna in your House?"

She shook her head. "Besides Luna, my only actual friends were the Slytherins. And a couple house elves and Hagrid. I mean I'm friendly with others, just not friends." Neville nodded understandingly.

"Come on Hermione," Ginny stated with a smile. "We don't have the same dorm room, since I'm a sixth year, but I'll walk you up there."

The girls bade goodnight to the boys and walked up the other staircase. Ginny stopped by the door to the sixth year dormitory. "Just up there is the last door. The seventh year dorm. I'll be up around seven-thirty to head to breakfast with you."

Hermione smiled at her. "Thank you Ginny. So much. I appreciate you all taking me under your wings."

Ginny grinned in response. "Who knows? Might be in our favor to have the smartest witch in Hogwarts on our side!" They shared a laugh before Ginny called, "Goodnight!" and slipped through the door.

Hermione went up the stairs and into her new bedroom, unsurprised to see her trunk and other belongings piled around one of the beds. She had learned that anything can happen in Hogwarts. And it was extremely possible the elves had moved her things up here before the resorting ever occurred.

The other girls were still downstairs in the common room, probably running their mouths about the scandal that was Hermione Granger. Too tired to contemplate the trouble there'd surely be tomorrow, Hermione changed and crawled into bed. For now, she wanted to sleep away her worries. She'd deal with tomorrow when it arrived.

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And there it is! Okay, I know you might be disappointed about the confrontation between Hermione and her professors, but if you choose to read on, you'll find that there is another confrontation coming up. And this one should be MUCH more enlightening for our little eagle! Er, lion… review or PM my pets! :)