Hermione walked with the Slytherins into the bustling hall. Hogwarts has always enchanted her, the majestic castle walls, so intricately decorated, enamored her entirely. It wasn't a hard task for her to pretend to be amazed by its beauty, every year she was swept off her feet. It thrilled her endlessly to call this grand castle as her second home. Hogwarts wasn't unlike how she had imagined it, with its cold, dark dungeons to the tallest towers. The beautiful scenery of the Scottish highlands around the castle always managed to serenade her. Even the Black lake, and the Forbidden Forest enthralled her. Her precious library, the Gryffindor Tower and the Room of Requirement (which they had discovered just last year) were some of her favorite places in the castle.

Hermione faltered slightly, upon realizing that she probably won't be able to visit the Gryffindor tower this year, and will have to accommodate herself in those cold and dingy dungeons that housed the Slytherin common room. Her companions seemed to notice her stopping, Blaise turned to her

"What's the matter?"

"Oh.. Nothing, just admiring your beautiful castle..This is the Entrance Hall isn't it?" she quickly recovered. "I am supposed to meet Professor McGonagall here" she added, looking around for her.

"And there she is, old snooty McFace" Malfoy pointed out. Hermione frowned at him, clearly annoyed at his disrespect.

Mumbling a rather hurried goodbye to them, Hermione walked quickly towards McGonagall. The deputy headmistress noticed her and smiled as the witch walked towards her.

"Hello again Miss LaRoche. I was just looking for you." McGonagall said, shaking Hermione's hand. "We will wait here for the first years to arrive and then shall proceed for the Sorting Ceremony." She noticed some of the students still lurking about and shouted "Off with you lot, into the Great Hall now."

They quietly waited for the first years to arrive with Hagrid and upon their arrival McGonagall started with the same speech Hermione had heard her give in their first year, about the houses, points and the sorting. She smiled at Hermione when their eyes met and beckoned all of them to follow her.

Hermione walked behind the bunch of rather excited first years, similar to how she had been in her first year. The gates of the Great Hall opened in a dramatic fashion and they walked inside. Hermione felt many curious looks at herself, most of the students were talking and pointing at her. Hermione held her head high, and walked forward ignoring them all, arrogantly swaying her hips. She could feel the stares from the Gryffindor table, and slightly tilted her head to look at them. Hermione immediately spotted them, sitting together, smiles on their faces as they saw her. Harry smiled at her, while Ron turned slightly pink, as if realizing just how beautiful Sophie LaRoche was. Ginny winked at her, before turning back into a conversation with Dean Thomas and Colin Creevy. (Who along with Ginny had been made the Gryffindor fifth year prefects this year).

They stopped as they reached the Sorting Hat, and it began its song. Hermione, for probably the first time in her life wasn't paying attention to its song. Her gaze travelled over the house tables, over so many familiar faces of her classmates. At the Hufflepuff table she spotted Hannah Abbot, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Susan Bones, and Ernie Macmillan. Turning towards the Ravenclaw table, she saw Luna sitting with her friends, blabbering about Nargles; Padma Patil, Terry Boot and Michael Corner having a serious discussion about something she couldn't figure out.

Hermione's gaze travelled over to the Slytherin table, and completely unaware that she was staring at Malfoy. Her mind was still unable to comprehend what happened between them. He wasn't flirting with her any longer, but was being critical and suspicious increasingly. Malfoy like most people wasn't listening to the sorting hat as it proudly sang its new song, but was talking in hushed whispers to Pansy, who had a big smile on her face, and stared at him adoringly.

As if he knew of her eyes upon him, Malfoy, suddenly looked away from Pansy at her, his cold grey eyes burning into hers. Hermione didn't dare break the connection. She lost herself somewhere in this contest, the world breaking apart around them, feeling like time slowing down indefinitely.

As if looking at him for the first time, she noticed much finer and insignificant details about him, both the times she'd seen him in different clothes on the train- He had several lines around his eyes, But what could he be so stressed about? She wondered. Her gaze travelled down towards his torso. His school robes and those he wore earlier, were a shade of midnight black; that contrasted rather elegantly with his pale skin, were full sleeved. It was still slightly hot, the summer had just ended, and Hermione saw no reason for him to be wearing full sleeves.

Could he be hiding something? A scar? A tattoo? Maybe the Dark Mark? No, that's Just stupid. He was way too young for that. Voldemort wouldn't want a sixteen year old to join would him, would he? It seems highly unlikely.

Before Hermione could ponder more about this, McGonagall's voice, interrupted her thoughts. The Sorting Hat had finished its song, and had begun sorting the first years. She turned towards them, not before glancing towards Malfoy, who also seemed to be watching the sorting, looking rather bored.

"Abbot, Minnie" McGonagall announced. A blond haired, timid looking girl stepped forward and sat on the stool. McGonagall placed the hat over her head, which after a moment shouted "RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers as the little girl ran and sat down. The sorting continued, sorting the first years. "Burke, Michael" "HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Carrow, Laura" "SLYTHERIN!"

"Cornfoot, Ryan" "HUFFLEPUFF!".

Hermione cheered inwardly when "Davies, Jason" became the first Gryffindor; and henceforth for all following Gryffindors. She shuddered when a Slytherin was sorted, reminding her of her own fate. Finally the last one "Zimmer, Terrence" was made into a Ravenclaw. And everyone's attention turned towards her.

She held her head high, ignoring the stares and whispers all around her, looking at the Teacher's Table, when Dumbledore finally stood up and spoke, "Welcome to the new students and Welcome back our old students. This year is a another special year for us. This year Hogwarts has entered into the coveted Inter-School Student-Exchange Programme, participated by almost every wizarding school of the Northern Hemisphere. In this programme, the top students of the school are sent to complete their education for the year in another school, to understand new cultures, learn new experiences, develop friendships and promote unity. Our own top student, brightest in her year, Ms. Hermione Granger has been selected for this programme and will be attending Beauxbatons Academy this year. And please help in in welcoming Ms. Sophie LaRoche, from Beauxbatons, who will be attending Hogwarts this year," clapping his hands. Hermione smiled at everyone present, who clapped and cheered for her. Some boys even stood up and hooted, making her blush.

"Now, now let's not get carried away, I'm sure you'll all make Ms. LaRoche at home, so without further delay, shall we begin with your sorting?" Dumbledore calmed everyone, looking at her for the last part. She nodded and stepped and sat down on the stool again, the feeling of Déjà Vu rocking her slightly.

McGonagall placed the old and frayed hat on her Sorting hat spoke in her ear,

" Hello again Ms. Granger, Nice to see that your mind hasn't changed a bit in the last five years. You would still do well in Ravenclaw, and your Gryffindor bravery grows everyday."

"But you have to sort me in Slytherin" she whispered at it.

"Yes, my dear I'm aware of that fact. Not that I'd have to force my decision, you can automatically fit in there,"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I mean that you are slowly showing your Slytherin like traits, they are more than you know, and ever evolving. They have always been a part of you, Miss Granger, like I told you the first time I sorted you. Don't you find yourself becoming more vindictive, your plans underlying your cunningness? You cannot lie to me Ms. Granger, I an see it all in your head. Hence I wouldn't need to lie by saying -SLYTHERIN!", it said shouting the last part to the whole room.

The Slytherin table erupted in cheers, while the rest politely clapped, the boys all around especially, looking crestfallen. Hermione hopped from the stool and sat down on the Slytherin Table, between Blaise and a girl in her year whose name she didn't know.

Blaise had a huge grin on his face, "I knew you'd join us, I can smell a snake right away. Welcome to Slytherin, Sophie". Hermione smiled at him. The girl on her side turned to her and welcomed her as well.

"I'm Tracey Davis, sixth year as you. We're going to be sharing dorms! It's going to be so much fun." "Yeah, I guess," Hermione added uncertainly.

Dumbledore got up from his seat, and asked them to tuck in, as the Opening feast began, the dishes magically appearing in the middle of the table. Hermione's eyes travelled over the dishes, it seemed like Dumbledore had asked the house-elves to prepare some French dishes in the honor of their 'exchange student' from France.

"What is this? Some kind of disgusting French food? The standards in this place have gone to hippogriffs!" exclaimed Pansy, who was sitting across Blaise with Daphne besides her, sniffing at a dish with distaste. Hermione glared at her.

"It's a bouillabaisse, I expect that the Old Coot had it especially prepared to make Ms. LaRoche feel welcomed," snapped Malfoy, looking thoroughly disinterested and irritated at Pansy's bitching. All nearby eyes, including Hermione's turned at him, he was sitting on the other side of Theo (who sat besides Daphne); sneering with Goyle. To Hermione it had seemed that he hadn't even been listening to their conversation, so his remark had surprised her.

Pansy, clearly annoyed by Draco's remark, scowled and said "Draco, no need to snipe, I was merely commenting on the increasingly lowering standards of food here, that to satisfy one witch, they'd make us all suffer through this crap."

"But I like French food, Pans, does that mean that if I eat it you won't talk to us anymore?" asked Theo, rather hopefully.

"Of course not Theo, I'm merely expressing my distaste for French cuisine, I promise it won't hamper our friendship" Pansy replied, pouting in what she assumed must be a cute expression. Hermione rolled her eyes looking at Tracey who had a gagging expression on her face. Theo looked crestfallen at Pansy's reply, clearly hoping to get away from her incessant blabbing.

"Yeah, well Pansy I happen to enjoy French cuisine and consume it monthly at the Manor during the holidays, maybe if you don't like it, you should probably stop visiting then. Merlin knows I love French gourmet and wont stop consuming it just for you!" Malfoy said, interrupting what would have been the start of another whine from Pansy when she discovered that her favorite Treacle tart had been replaced by a flaming French dessert.

Pansy looking scandalized at Malfoy's retort, pouted at him but he ignored her, and started filling his plate, glaring at a fourth-year year who tried to take the last piece of an apple pie in front of him. Hermione also started eating her dinner, alternating between talking with Tracey and keeping an observant eye around the Slytherins.

Hermione, amidst Blaise's flirtations, managed to get a good look around the Hall, noticing her surroundings for any suspicious activity. Her gaze fell upon the Gryffindor table, where her friends seemed to be having a merry time. Ron was stuffing chicken in his mouth, mimicking a hungry troll; Harry, Ginny and Dean Thomas laughed boisterously on some new joke, while Neville and Seamus sniggered. Hermione felt herself relax, this used to be a everyday environment for her. She always used to scold Ron for eating with his mouth open and talking at the same time, who used to roll his eyes at her and continue anyway. Harry would smile upon this, Ginny winking at her as she attempted to flirt with Harry, who seemed oblivious to her actions. It all seemed like a fond memory now, as she gazed at them from the Slytherin Table.

She noticed rather late that several pairs of eyes had followed her gaze, her fellow Slytherins looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"That's Harry Potter, isn't he?" she asked to nobody in particular, hoping her fond gaze could be interpreted as curiosity.

"Yes, it is Saint Potter and his gang of misfits minus Granger of course" replied Malfoy, looking at her, a frown demarking his pale face.

"I thought so, he looks better in his pictures."

"Do you mean to say that Potter looks any better than a Blast-ended Skrewt?" asked Pansy, mockingly. Malfoy's looked at her pointedly, and Hermione who had a retort ready on her tongue, swallowed to stop herself form falling into a not so subtle trap.

"Though I have no idea what these Blast-ended Skrewts are, I can assure you that I did not imply that. Parkinson, stop twisting my words. I meant that Potter looks less of a scrawny, speckled disaster of a wizard in his pictures than in real life".

Blaise and Theo clapped and cheered, no doubt entertained by an almost cat fight between the girls. Daphne had an approving smirk, while Crabbe and Goyle laughed thunderously. Tracey looked a little surprised, but Hermione had her eyes on Malfoy, who was undoubtedly pissed that she had successfully dodged yet another bullet that might prove her anyone else that who she claimed to be.

Blast-ended Skrewts, indeed! As if she would ever fall for that. She was Hermione Granger, any other witch or wizard might have fallen into the trap, and commented about the Skrewts, thus establishing them as a liar, only Hogwarts students and those who had attended the Triwizard Tournament would have encountered Hagrid's Blast-ended Skrewts. Hermione could see through his traps easily maybe that's why she was chosen for this job, her attentiveness, quick-thinking and logical approach made her a brilliant asset for the Order.

The rest of the meal continued without much happening. Pansy continued grumbling under her breath, Malfoy was involved in a conversation about a new Quidditch regime with the Slytherin Quidditch Captain Marcus Flint, while Crabbe and Goyle stuffed their faces and glared at laughing first years. Hermione, conversed with Tracey Davis and Blaise throughout the meal, and found them bearable. Tracey was surprisingly friendly, quite unlike what Hermione had judged about Slytherin girls. While cunning, she was much softer, and non judgmental. When dinner was over, Dumbledore got up, and began his list of announcements, which Hermione listened uninterestedly.

"- the Quidditch tryouts will begin from next week, those wishing to try out should contact their respective Quidditch captains. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch has put up a list of all the banned items in front of his office- ".

"Do you have individual house teams for Quidditch?" she asked Blaise. "Yes, why you don't at Beauxbatons?"

"No," she replied. "We have teams divided according to our year. Although first and sixth years aren't allowed to play. We have our O. W. L. s in our sixth year and N.E.W. T. s in eighth."

"Oh, that seems interesting." He commented, uncertainly.

"-Welcoming our new head boy and girl, Miss Cho Chang and Mr. Roger Davies, both of Ravenclaw house." There was a cheer from the Ravenclaw table, as both Cho and Roger got up and bowed to all. Hermione politely clapped, wishing that she could also get the honor of becoming the Head girl next year. She probably would, depending how this year would go. She ran through her mind a list of suitable candidates for Head boy. He had have best of grades, so it would probably be a Ravenclaw or Slytherin, she realized to her horror. Also, the sports criteria was taken into question, that narrowed down the list to just one candidate.

Draco Malfoy.

No, it cannot be, bloody hell, No! Dumbledore wouldn't make him the head boy would he? Not an arrogant, prejudiced, prat like him. But Dumbledore did make him a prefect, didn't he? Hermione found herself wondering if he was starting to lose his marbles and going senile with his age.

"-are you listening Sophie?" Tracey's voice shook Hermione out of her thoughts.

"What?" she asked the blonde haired girl. She looked around, everyone was getting up from their seats, Dumbledore must have dismissed them.

"I asked if I could show you the way to our common room?" Tracey repeated. "Oui, Let's go".


Hermione followed Tracey and the other Slytherins to their common room memorizing the way through the dungeons. She maintained some small conversations with Blaise and Theo, pretending to be awed by the castle and its secret passageways, like first timers would do.

"We also have a poltergeist, Peeves, who loves to play tricks and wreck havoc. The Slytherin ghost, The Bloody Baron is the only one who can control him, so if you have a good relationship with the Baron, Peeves won't dare prank you" Nott explained.

They reached the door to the Slytherin common room; It wasn't much of a door, just a crack between two large walls, that were adorned with tapestries. The crack opened to reveal a large doorway when the password was spoken.

"Oi Nott, what's the password?" asked Blaise.

"How am I supposed to know? You were leading us all so I assumed that you must be knowing it," he countered, shrugging his hands from his pockets.

"Look there's Draco." interrupted Daphne.

"Hey Draco," she waved at him. He walked over arrogantly, "

Did you idiots forget to ask the password?" Nott shrugged. Malfoy gallanted in front of the crack and said, "Chimera", there was a loud hissing noise and the crack expanded, exposing a hidden doorway.

"Chimera? That's the password! The lion headed creature?", Blaise asked disbelievingly.

"The very same. Although I believe it had a dragon's hind and tail also." Hermione interrupted. Everyone turned at her, surprised expressions on their faces.

"Top of my class remember?" she said mockingly.

"More like a know-it-all" Malfoy muttered.

"Don't tell me that we've gotten another one! Merlin! Finally it was going to be an alright year, with Granger finally gone, and now we're stuck with you. I hate his place!" exclaimed Pansy rather dramatically. Hermione glared at her. Blaise, sensing hostility immediately tried to diffuse the tension, winking at her

"Now, now Pans, no need to be so hostile. Know-it-all or not, you still are my number one girl!" Pansy rolled her eyes.

"Shall we go in or are the lot of you planning on sleeping here?" Malfoy, looking thoroughly bored said.

Blaise gestured at Hermione in a 'ladies first' way, and she slowly made her way through the doorway behind the other girls.