You and me, Luna

by Shadream

Hermione and Luna have a rare gift within magic. A gift that doesn't come without problems. Follow the girls through their journey in life as they try to balance friendship, school and love from the dangers that constantly lurk in the surrounding shadows. Can they save the magical world from itself? Or maybe it's more right to ask if they even want to save the world at all?

4. Chapter 4

A.N: I'm sorry that the update comes so late, but the winter hasn't been good for me this year. We got 1,5 m of snow and in periods temperatures down to -25, which is considered a good winter in my area. But I also struggled with the flu and a couple of colds the last months, so my writing has suffered because of this. Fortunately, Lady Spring is trying to chase King Winter away now, and we'll soon get warm weather and green grass even up here.

I'll also thank you for the reviews I've received.

This chapter is longer than what I usually write, but there wasn't any good place to stop, and I also didn't wish to cut it in half. The progress on next chapter is going well, so it shouldn't take so long before next update this time.

XXXXXXX

King's Cross Station, Early morning, Sunday, 1st September. 1991.

"Are you sure you've packed everything?" asked Eleanor.

"Mum! We have gone through the list five times already. There is nothing that's missing," said Hermione. She shook her head and helped Luna to get her trunk on the luggage trolley. "Besides, we wrote that list together, so everything should be there."

"I wanted to make sure you had everything you need," said Eleanor.

Hermione almost had to bite her tongue so she wouldn't say something she would regret. The last days before the girls should take the train to Hogwarts had been an utter chaos. Together with their mothers, they had made a long list of what to bring with them to the school. Their school uniform, personal clothes, lots of books, the cauldron for their potions class and many other things. Pandora had added an extension and feather-light charm on each of the girls' trunk, or else it wouldn't have been room for everything inside them. Just the amount of books Hermione had brought with her would have required a trunk alone.

"Dear Mrs Granger. If the girls are missing something, then there are ways to send it to them," said Xenophilius.

"He's right, but we should begin to walk to the platform now. The train will leave soon, and the station is packed with people today," said Pandora.

Hermione pushed her trolley through the crowds at King's Cross Station. As Pandora had pointed out, and despite it being Sunday, there were a lot of people at the station. By aiming for every gap in the crowd she could find, Hermione was soon halfway to the entrance of platform nine and three-quarters. She had only stopped a few times to make sure Luna hadn't lost sight of the brunette. Luckily, the blonde girl had kept herself close and was only two feet behind Hermione.

"Did you see our parents?" asked Hermione.

Lune shook her head in response. "I'm sure my dad is the reason for their delay. He isn't used to being around so many Muggles."

"And what about you?"

"I manage."

"Okay, but tell me if you're having problems," said Hermione. She turned around and continued through the crowd. The blonde had been with the Granger's on several trips in the Muggle world over the years. So why was Hermione still worried about Luna? As their departure had crawled ever closer, Hermione's unrest for Luna's safety had become stronger. Hermione had tried to understand the reason behind this feeling, but to the girl's frustration, she failed.

"Hey, watch out!" yelled an elderly, bearded man out as Hermione almost drove over him with her trolley.

"Sorry," said Hermione. This wasn't the right place for deep thoughts, so Hermione focused on finding her way through the crowd again. Soon she stopped next to the barrier where the hidden entrance to platform nine and three-quarters was. Pandora had told the girl about it and how to get through, but seeing it with her own eyes made Hermione sceptical.

"It will not bite you," said Luna, who now stood next to the brunette.

"I know that," said Hermione. Logically speaking, the idea of running against a solid brick barrier was madness. Magically speaking, it made all the sense in the world. This was the problem with having one foot in each of the worlds. "Still no sign of our parents?"

Luna looked into the crowd. "Can't see them."

"Let us go inside. I don't want to risk the train leaving without us," said Hermione. She looked at the barrier one more time before she headed straight towards it. Right before she hit the barrier, Hermione closed her eyes and hoped to not hear a loud bang. It never came. Instead, it became silent for a second, before she again could hear the noise from a lot of people. Hermione opened her eyes and saw a train platform full of Witches and Wizards of all ages. A scarlet steam engine stood waiting on the rails, while a sign hanging on the wall said: Hogwarts Express, 11 o'clock.

"So many people," said Luna, who had followed the other girl through the hidden entrance.

"Yes, there are," responded Hermione. Many of the children were already aboard the train while others stood on the platform with their families. When she saw all the students, Hermione became worried about how she and Luna would get through all seven years without being detected. Maybe the idea of social camouflage wasn't so bad after all? "Okay, it's too late for us to go back now. Let us see if we can find an empty compartment and get the luggage on board. Our parents will find us."

Both girls pushed their trolleys down the platform towards the end of the train. It looked like the carriages closest to the steam engine were already full. The girls could only hope the last carriage also wasn't full yet. Halfway down the platform, they saw some familiar faces on the train. Fred and George Weasleys heads were sticking out of a window on one of the carriages. They looked to be talking with someone on the outside, likely their parents.

"Do you think Ginny is with them?" asked Luna.

"I believe so," said Hermione. "I would like to talk with her now, but we don't have the time."

They reached the end and luckily found the last compartment in the rearmost carriage empty. After the girls' luggage was on board, their parents finally caught up with them.

"There they are. I told you it was nothing to worry about," said Pandora to Eleanor.

Eleanor quickly came over to Hermione with a stressed expression on her face. "Why didn't you wait outside the entrance for us? I was afraid you would miss the train."

"Sorry Mum, but I didn't know how much time we had left. I decided it was best to keep going so we wouldn't miss it," answered Hermione.

"Your luggage is already on board?" asked Pandora.

Both girls nodded.

"Good," said Pandora with a smile. She looked out over all the people and became serious. When she was sure nobody could hear them, Pandora went down on a knee next to the girls. "Take good care of each other now. Remember what we have taught you about how to protect yourself at the school. Stay together. Do not seek attention if you can avoid it and the most important thing, be careful about who you trust. If you get any problems, talk with one of the Heads of Houses. They know of the situation and will help you contact Dumbledore."

"Mum, you seem so sad?" said Hermione and went over to her mother.

"I'm fine. It's so...difficult to let go of you, knowing you'll be outside of my reach. I haven't felt so helpless since...he...left us."

Hermione grabbed her mother's hands and forced out a smile. "Don't worry about me. Luna will be there to watch out for me, and I'll do the same with her."

"I know that my sweetheart," said Eleanor as the train blew its whistle. "The train is leaving. You should get back on the carriage."

The girls climbed aboard the train and into their compartment, closed the door and stuck their heads out the window as the train begun moving. They waved to their parents who became smaller and smaller as the speed rose. Not long after, they closed the window and sat down next to each other on one of the seats.

"We're finally on our way, but I don't feel as happy as I thought I would," said Hermione.

"Happiness would be preferable, but we must accept what we have at the moment and learn to live with it," said Luna. She stroked carefully over Hermione's forehead and pushed aside a few strands of hair. "This is painful for our parents, but as with us, they will become stronger and survive."

"I know, but it doesn't become easier for that reason," replied Hermione.

Then, someone knocked on the door to their compartment. Hermione looked towards the door and sighed when she saw who stood outside. She stood up, walked to the door and opened it. "What do you want?"

A tall, skinny boy with freckles and a familiar red hair stood outside in the corridor. To begin with, he only looked at Hermione with hopeful eyes before he finally spoke. "Sorry Hermione, but there are so full everywhere, and we can't find a place to stay. Could we share with you?"

"We?" asked Hermione and looked around in the corridor. It didn't take long before she discovered who 'we' was. A couple of feet away from the door, she could see two boys leaning against the wall and stared back at her. One of them was the same boy with black hair and round glasses from Madam Malkin a month earlier. The other was a very chubby boy with blond hair and blue eyes. None of them said anything while their eyes met each other, but it was clear that the black-haired boy remembered Hermione from Diagon Alley. This created a dilemma for Hermione.

The red-haired boy in front of Hermione was Ronald Weasley, Ginny's youngest brother. Hermione and Ron, whom he preferred to be called, had met each other several times in the past year. They weren't exactly friends so to speak. Most of the time, they said hello to each other and not much else. Had Ron been alone, Hermione wouldn't have had a problem with letting him share the compartment with them. But this Potter boy made Hermione nervous. "Fine, but don't make too much of a mess in here," she said and sat down with Luna again.

"Thanks, Hermione," said Ron and sat down on the opposite seat. Shortly after, the two other boys also entered the compartment. Potter glared intensively at the girls, just like in the Diagon Alley, before he closed the door and sat down next to the window. Ron sat close to the door while the blond boy hesitated before he sat down between the other two.

For a long period, there was an absolute silence inside the compartment. The girls exchanged short glances with Ron who apparently didn't feel comfortable with the situation. Potter kept staring out the window, but now and then, he gave the others a brief glance. The blond boy's eyes constantly wandered around as if he wasn't sure where to look.

Their newly arrived 'guests' prevented the girls from discussing how things would be for them at Hogwarts. The two girls had spent a lot of time on this topic the previous month, but for Hermione, there were still a few unanswered questions left. Annoyed that she wouldn't get those answers now, Hermione pulled a thick, black book out from her trunk and started to read.

This book seemed to interest the black-haired boy. "'The Dark side of Charms.' I can't remember having seen that book on my list? Also, it looks a bit too advanced for you?" said Potter almost accusing.

Without taking her eyes away from the book, Hermione replied, "You're right, it's not on the list. And you're wrong, it's not too advanced for me."

"You like dark magic?" asked Potter.

"No," answered Hermione grumpy.

"So, why do you read about it then?" asked Potter.

Hermione slammed the book together and stared furiously at the black-haired boy. "Because if you want to protect yourself from dark magic, you need to know how it works first. Besides, it's not your bloody business what I'm reading." She stood up, dropped the book on her seat and marched out of the compartment. The corridor outside was mostly empty, apart from two older girls who disappeared into a compartment further down. Hermione walked down the corridor until she reached the window at the end of the train carriage. There she stood, looking at the landscape which passed by. It didn't take long before Hermione heard steps coming towards her. But when she looked aside, it wasn't the expected blonde girl Hermione saw, but Ron.

"Hermione?"

"Who are these two?" asked Hermione.

"Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley. We met them on the platform before the train left the station," said Ron and looked out of the same window as Hermione. "They are cousins. Their mothers are sisters, and Harry's mother is an old friend of my mother. So Mum thought it would be a good idea if I kept Harry and Dudley with company on the trip to Hogwarts."

"Well, Harry doesn't seem to appreciate having you around. And Dudley,... he looks like he's ready to run away for all the wrong reasons."

Ron grinned. "Harry and I share the same feeling then. I didn't wish to do this, but you know how Mum is when she gets such ideas?"

Hermione knew well what Ron was talking about. Ron's mother, Molly Weasley, was the sweetest and kindest person you could think of. But if you did something foolish, then Molly wouldn't show you any mercy. It didn't matter who you were because Molly wasn't known for holding back on her scoldings. "And I guess Harry's mother isn't someone you should mess with either? After all, Harry follows you without any resistance?"

"Nope! He tried to protest, but he didn't have a chance at all. Harry's mother is one scary woman. I'm bloody sure that even a dragon would have obeyed her commands."

"Still, I don't like Harry. There is something strange about him," said Hermione.

"Bloody hell, Hermione. How can you know after such a short time? Are..." Ron looked around in the corridor, but it was still empty. "Are you psychic too?"

"No, but this isn't the first time I've seen Harry," replied Hermione. "When we were in Diagon Alley for our school equipment, we saw him at Madam Malkin. It seemed Harry had recently argued with another boy who stormed out the door in front of us. Madam Malkin was very stressed when we entered, so there must have been a serious dispute between Harry and the other one." The landscape continued to rush past the window while Hermione pondered on the new situation. "What about Dudley? He doesn't seem to enjoy being around Harry any more than you?"

Ron sighed. "To be honest, I'm not sure what's going on between them. Dudley hasn't said a single word so far. He follows Harry around like a frightened dog or something."

"I don't have Luna's ability to understand other people, but even I can see that Dudley have some serious problems," said Hermione.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he..." started Ron to say, but was interrupted by loud yelling. It came from one of the compartments further down the corridor.

Hermione became terrified when she realised where the yelling came from. Outside the compartment where Luna was, two unknown boys stood and blocked the entrance. With swift steps, Hermione marched towards them.

"There's nothing for you to see here," said one of the boys and placed himself in front of Hermione.

"Move away, or I'll do it for you," said Hermione with a sharp snarl.

The boy moved half a step back and seemed scared, but he continued to block the way.

Hermione had no interest in asking again. Instead, from the pocket of her blue, hooded jacket, she pulled out her wand and pointed it towards the boy. She heard Ron shout in the background that she shouldn't do it, but it was too late. "Depulso," said Hermione.

White light poured out the tip of Hermione's wand and pushed the boy with such a strong force that he flew backwards. The second boy tried to stop the first one, but instead, he was being dragged along with the first one. Both sailed across the floor and into the wall at the end of the corridor. Before Hermione reached the compartment, a third boy came out of the open door. At first, he looked at the two other boys who struggled to get on their feet, then he turned his head towards Hermione. It was the same blond boy they had met in the door at Madam Malkin.

"How dare you to interfere..." he tried to say, but quickly closed his mouth. The tip of Hermione's wand was only a couple of inches away from his head.

"Who are you?" asked Hermione.

"Malfoy, D..Draco Mal..foy," stammered the boy.

Hermione stared into the compartment and saw that everything was okay with Luna. Then Hermione moved her eyes to Harry who now stood on the floor, just as sour as at Madam Malkin. Dudley sat as far into the corner of the seat he could and tried to make himself as small as possible. Knowing that Luna hadn't been hurt, Hermione turned her attention back towards Draco. "I don't know what the problem between you and Harry is and honestly, I don't care. But if you two absolutely want to fight over it, then do it far away from Luna. Do you understand?" said Hermione.

"You have to be a filthy Muggle to not know of my family," said Draco. Some of his courage seemed to have returned.

The tip of Hermione's wand begun glowing ominously green and with a fierce growl, she said, "Get lost while you can and take the trash on the floor with you."

Draco moved backwards while his hateful glare was locked onto Hermione. Shortly after, Draco disappeared into the next carriage with the two other boys right behind him.

With a loud snort, Hermione put away her wand, pulled Ron into the compartment and closed the door behind her with a deafening bang.

"I didn't need help with Malfoy," said Harry with crossed arms.

With much more force than needed, Hermione pushed the black-haired boy down into the seat and bent forwards to him. "As long as you're a guest in our compartment, it doesn't matter what you think you need or not. If you and that other jerk need to argue with each other, do it far away from Luna and me." She then dropped herself down next to Luna and glared at Harry.

"I wasn't in any danger," said Luna with a soft voice.

"Perhaps not, but I wasn't willing to take the chance," said Hermione less annoyed.

Luna smiled. "You're cute when you're angry, but I prefer to see you with a happy smile."

"Luna!" whispered Hermione blushing.

"There's the Hermione I like," said Luna, pushing away some hair from Hermione's forehead.

"I take Harry and Dudley with me to the luggage carriage, so we can change to our school robes. Our trunks are there," said Ron and added. "If that's okay with you?"

Hermione only nodded and saw the three boys leaving the compartment.

XXXXXXX

Ron pulled Harry with him down the corridor towards the luggage carriage while Dudley stumbled after them. Oddly enough, Harry didn't protest against this treatment. He followed without a word until they reached the door to the luggage carriage.

"Ronald," said Harry, holding the redhead back.

Ron turned around and said, "Call me Ron. Everyone else does. Only my parents call me Ronald and usually when I'm in trouble."

"Of course...Ron," replied Harry. "Who are those girls?"

"I told you when we found them. They are Ginny's best friends. You remember her from the platform?"

"I heard you and remember, but still. Who are they...really?"

"Who they really are?" Ron leaned against the wall and let his head fall back until it hit the wall with a thump. What should he say? The full truth was out of the question. If anyone found out that Hermione and Luna had wild magic, they likely would discover the connection between them and Ron's sister. And if that happened, Ron could just as well find the nearest high cliff and jump. His parents would never forgive him if something happened to their only daughter because of him.

"Yes," said Harry. "I heard what Malfoy said about Hermione being a Muggle. But if that's the case, how can she already use such advanced magic? Depulso isn't something you learn in the first years at Hogwarts."

'Think,' said Ron to himself inside his head. "Do you have anything against Muggles?"

"My mother is Muggle-born," said Harry and looked at Dudley. "And Dudley's parents are both Muggles, so no!"

"I can give you the short version about them," said Ron. This would give him the opportunity to avoid certain things and not have to lie.

"Fine by me," replied Harry.

Ron searched the corridor to ensure no one could hear them before he started to tell. "Yes, Hermione is Muggle-born, but she has lived in our world since she was around two years old. I don't know why she moved here, so no point asking. Luna is born in our world, but I don't know much about her family. Only that some consider them a bit...weird. According to what my sister told me, Hermione and Luna have grown up together. You rarely see one of them without the other being nearby."

"This doesn't explain Hermione's skills within magic. My mother has taught me a lot, and I've also learned a few things on my own. But it's mostly easy magic for everyday use and nothing so advanced as what Hermione did," said Harry.

'Why was Harry so interested in Hermione's magical skills?' thought Ron. "They are both pretty smart. Hermione reads a lot and has a good memory, so it may be that she remembered the spell from a book?" answered Ron and shrugged.

"Maybe. Hermione also appears to be very protective of Luna. Do you know why?" asked Harry.

"Nope," replied Ron. "I haven't talked much with the girls, not even when they visited my family. Hermione and Luna are mostly with my sister, out in the woods. What they do there isn't my problem, and I'm not stupid enough to bother them." Ron knew well what the girls did in the forest, but Harry didn't need to know this.

"Okay. Thanks for your answers," said Harry.

"Not a problem," said Ron and was about to open the door into the luggage carriage, but stopped. "One more thing. It's not my problem to be honest, but it will save you both a lot of trouble later."

"Oh?" said Harry.

"Don't take Hermione's 'advice' on keeping your fight with Malfoy away from Luna lightly," said Ron with as much seriousness he could. "What you saw today isn't even close to how mad Hermione can get."

"How much worse? Could she...kill me," said Harry smiling.

Ron didn't laugh, he only nodded.

"You're not joking?" said Harry.

"No. I wish I were joking, but I'm not," said Ron. "It was an event last summer where Hermione...never mind. I would rather not talk about it."

"Bad memory?" asked Harry.

"Yes. A terrible one," said Ron.

"What happened?" asked Harry.

Ron sighed. He would prefer not to tell, but it could prevent any more events like the one in the compartment. "Fine. Fred and George, two of my brothers, love to create pranks and test them on other people. They had made a new one and were looking for a target. Unfortunately for them, they choose Luna."

"Then they were stupid, considering how protective Hermione is of Luna," said Harry.

"They didn't know. None of us did," said Ron. "This was only a month after Hermione and Luna met Ginny for the first time. So except for Ginny, most of us didn't know much about the girls yet."

"But I met Fred and George on the platform, and they seemed fine? Besides, how can a prank be a problem?" said Harry.

"Because as usual, my brothers didn't think ahead, and used the prank in the wrong place. Luna became so scared of the prank that she fell out of an open window on the third floor."

Harry and Dudley's eyes bulged out hearing this.

"Luckily, our house has several Charms which prevent things from falling to the ground. They weren't made to stop people, but it worked for Luna." Ron sighed again. "But Hermione didn't know about the Charms, or that they would save Luna. She only saw Luna falling out of the window, several feet above the ground."

"I can understand why Hermione became so angry with your brothers then," said Harry.

"I don't think angry are the right word for how Hermione responded," said Ron. "My brother Charlie explained it better. He said Hermione exploded with some insane rage."

"How...how...did your brothers survive?" asked Dudley.

Surprised of hearing Dudley talk, Ron became speechless for a moment. Then he said, "Thanks to Luna. She grabbed around Hermione, said something only they could hear, and Hermione suddenly calmed down." Ron looked into Harry's eyes. "The friendship of those girls are so...strange that it's hard to explain. So, like I said, don't mess with Luna. Believe me, you'll regret it."

"For me, it seems like Luna are the key to controlling Hermione," said Harry.

"Don't know why you want to control Hermione, but if you try, then you're dumber than I thought," said Ron. He still had nightmares about that day and hoped he never would see Hermione so mad again. "Fred and George stayed far away from Hermione for months afterwards. They later told me they rather would have fought with a dragon or two, than facing Hermione that day." Ron opened the door into the luggage carrier and walked inside, hoping this would stop Harry's questions.

XXXXXXX

"I know you're afraid, but I can take care of myself," said Luna.

Hermione pulled on her robe and turned to Luna, who also had finished changing into her school uniform. "I know, but it seems like I can't control myself. My fear that something would happen to you, completely removes all logical thoughts in my mind. Even after all the training we have had, I can't push the negative feelings out the window when it comes to you. The strangest thing is...sometimes...sometimes it feels like it's not my anger."

Luna tilted her head to the side and looked at Hermione. "Not your anger? Why haven't you told me about this before?"

"Because I'm not sure," said Hermione with a sigh. She dropped down into the seat and stared at the floor. "When I get angry, I reach a certain level before I remember what we have learned. I try to calm down, regain the control, but then it's like my anger is flaring up again. It pushes me over the limits of my control and...and...bad things happen."

Luna sat down next to Hermione, grabbed the brunette's hand and stroked circles on it with her thumb. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I?"

"Trust me then when I say you can control your anger. If you truly wish to protect me, do so with happiness, not with anger. Seeing you smile always makes me feel safer."

Hermione smiled while a tiny, happy tear floated down her cheek. "I shall try to...no, I will remember it next time."

"I know you will," said Luna when someone knocked on the door.

"It must be the boys who are back," said Hermione. She went to the door, raised the curtain and discovered it wasn't the three boys standing outside. Instead, it was a round-faced boy with a desperate look on his face. Hermione opened the door and asked, "Can we help you with something?"

"Sorry for me disturbing you, but...but have you seen a toad?" asked the boy.

"A toad?" said Hermione.

The boy nodded. "I've lost him, and now I can't find him."

"We'll help you search for your toad," said Luna and jumped up from the seat. She looked at Hermione with a beaming smile and asked, "Isn't that right, Hermione?"

Searching for a toad wasn't something Hermione wanted right now. But when she saw the happiness in Luna's eyes, it was hard to refuse. "Of course," replied Hermione. "What's your name?"

"Neville Longbottom," answered the boy.

"Hello, Neville. This is Hermione Granger, and I'm Luna Lovegood. Now, where did you last see your toad?"

"Trevor sat beside me on the seat inside our compartment. I only talked with one of the girls there for a minute, and suddenly he was gone," said Neville.

"Does Trevor often run away?" asked Luna.

Neville nodded, looking a bit embarrassed. "I got him from my great-uncle this summer, but it seems like Trevor doesn't like me."

"Perhaps he's a free soul and wish to explore new places?" said Luna.

"You think?" said Neville.

Hermione just rolled her eyes, but without Luna seeing it. "Since we're in the last passenger carriage on the train, maybe we should split up? It would make it faster to search for your toad."

Both Neville and Luna agreed that it was a good idea. So Neville went to the first compartment they came to while Luna moved to the one after Neville and Hermione the third one. With this pattern where each of them went to every third compartment, it made the trio's search much quicker. Which was why Hermione's had suggested it. In her mind, this was a waste of time. How should they be able to find a small toad aboard a large train?

For each compartment where Hermione asked after Neville's toad, she realised something strange. There were more students on the train than what she had seen on the platform at King's Cross. Few of the compartment's had any vacant seats. There was a free one here and there, but most places were completely full of students. Most of them were nice and answered Hermione's question, while others were less pleased with being interrupted by such a simple matter. Irritated by their rude behaviour, Hermione wanted to yell at them, but then she remembered something. She wasn't much better herself. Hermione had almost shouted at Ron when he arrived with the other two boys. And as with Neville, she had wanted to close the door in front of him. Luna could be right. It wouldn't hurt if Hermione smiled more often than she did?

Hermione soon came to a new compartment and looked inside, but instead of opening the door, she swiftly moved away from it. Inside, Draco Malfoy and the two other thugs had been sitting together with a girl and a dark-skinned boy. Fortunately, none of them seemed to have noticed Hermione. It also had been the last compartment in this carriage, so Hermione waited for the other two at the end of the corridor.

"I hope Trevor isn't with those people," said Neville when the trio was gathered again. He also had looked inside the last compartment.

"You know them?" asked Hermione.

Neville nodded heavily. "You don't want to be seen around them if you can avoid it. Some say their parents fought with You-Know-Who, but somehow avoided Azkaban after the war."

"There wasn't anything to avoid, Longbottom. Every accusation against my parents was a lie," said a voice from the compartment door they just had passed. Draco was standing there with a smug smile and looked at the trio.

Then the dark-skinned boy came out of the compartment and stared at them.

"Blaise, what do you think about this sorry lot?" asked Draco.

"Not worth my time," said Blaise and went inside again.

Now the girl stuck her head out the door, and with a superior smile she asked, "Which of them attacked you, Draco?"

"The filthy Muggle with brown hair," replied Draco.

"We should teach her a lesson. She needs to find her place in our world," said the girl.

Hermione could feel her rage increasing again and how her hand squeezed her wand inside the pocket. Ready to pull it out and 'teach' those two idiots a lesson instead.

"Strange," said Luna suddenly. "I didn't know that someone could own our world. Was it expensive? Or have you won it in a lottery?"

The smile disappeared from Draco and the girl's faces.

Hermione's anger vanished, and instead, she struggled to not giggle at how stunned Draco was looking now.

Luna kept talking in a serious tone. "I should ask my parents if we could also buy a part of our world. There is a place next to a pond not far from our house which I like. In the summer, there are growing some beautiful flowers there. And there is also a small colony of fairies nearby. I see them often around the pond. But, would it not be rude to not share this with others? Hm..."

"They allow anyone in these days," said the girl.

"Careful what you say, Pansy. The Muggle has a temper. She could begin barking at you," said Draco smirking.

Hermione walked forward to Draco who now seemed less comfortable where he stood. "You should thank Luna instead of insulting her," said Hermione. "I gave her a promise, and I intend to maintain it. Without it, I wouldn't mind showing you some other 'fun' things I've learned about magic." With these words, Hermione turned to Neville and said, "I'm sorry, Neville. I believe the train is almost at Hogwarts by now, so it's unlikely we'll find your toad before that. You should ask one of the teachers when we get to the school. If Trevor is still on the train, they can help you find him."

Neville sighed. "Well, it was worth a try. Thanks for the help."

"No problem. Luna, let us go back to our compartment," said Hermione and stretched out her hand which the blonde took. Then the two girls walked back to their own carriage.

"Aw, the Muggle got scared. Look how she runs away with her tail between the legs," shouted Pansy after them.

Hermione stopped and snapped her head around towards Pansy. Draco pushed Pansy into the compartment and closed the door so fast that the glass shattered.

"What a bunch of morons," mumbled Hermione and continued down the corridor. They could see it had become dark outside, so Hermione's assumption that they were almost at Hogwarts was correct. When they got back at their compartment, the boys had returned, dressed in their school uniforms. As usual, Harry stared out the window, but he seemed less bitter than earlier. He gave the girls a brief glance but returned soon to the window again. Dudley read 'The Standard Book of Spells', so he at least did something useful. While Ron was chewing on some sandwiches he had brought with him.

"Where have you been," asked Ron with food in his mouth.

"We helped a boy to search for Mr Trevor, his toad. But it seems like Mr Trevor don't wish to be found," said Luna both delighted and sad simultaneous.

"Okay. But Hermione, you look a bit...sulky. Don't tell me it's because of a missing toad?" said Ron, ignoring the sour stare Luna gave him.

"We met Draco and his gang under our search," answered Hermione and looked at Luna. "He was just as charming as last time, but this Pansy girl was almost worse."

"Pansy Parkinson isn't someone you should worry about. She clings to anyone who can satisfy her need for attention," said Harry.

"And how do you know?" asked Hermione.

"I've met her twice in Diagon Alley. She tried to gain my affection each time, but I dislike her kind," said Harry with a sigh. "Pansy like people who belong to one of the famous families. So it's not surprising that she's hanging around one of the Malfoys right now."

"The famous families?" said Hermione.

Harry looked astounded at her. "You have lived in the magical world since you were two years old, but don't know about our worlds most famous families?"

Hermione looked sharply at Ron who stared at the ceiling. This was one of the problems Hermione had been afraid of since she met Ron for the first time. Ron was a nice person, but he had a bad habit of talking without thinking beforehand. This made it difficult to trust him. Ginny had therefore been doing most of her training in the forest, or at one of her friends' houses. The less Ron saw, the less he could tell. "Family history in the magical world hasn't been prioritised in my studies," said Hermione.

"As I told Ron, I have nothing against Muggles," said Harry. "My mother is Muggle-born, and Dudley's parents are both Muggles. Having said that, you should change your priorities about studying the history of families in the magical world. My mother told me how her Muggle background made it difficult for her in her first years at Hogwarts. Unless you understand how the hierarchy works and how to adapt yourself to it, your time at Hogwarts could become very tough. That's why Mum told me to look after Dudley since he barely knows the magical world and its customs."

Harry was looking after Dudley? So both Hermione and Harry were a kind of guardian for someone? Except that Harry doesn't seem to take his responsibility seriously. "Why should I adapt? So I can bow for these 'famous' families and follow their commands?" asked Hermione. Under her studies of the history of wild magic, Hermione had never thought about looking into today's social system. Perhaps this was a mistake?

"I didn't say that. Think about what you told me about dark magic," answered Harry.

It took Hermione a few seconds to think back. Then she said, "To protect myself from those who oppose the Muggles, I need to understand the hierarchy and use it to my advantage."

"Not sure what benefit you expect to get, but your life at Hogwarts will be easier at least," said Harry.

Hermione sighed. What Harry in a way said wasn't much different from what the girls mothers had told them about social camouflage. Did their parents know about this, but for some reason not mentioned it to the girls? Hermione knew that within the magical world, some weren't particularly fond of Muggles. Even so, she had never thought it would be so bad as Harry had explained. This could become a severe problem for her, but Hermione had to find out more first. She was about to ask Harry for more information about the families, but was interrupted when a voice echoed through the train.

"We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."

As on a given signal, several of the doors in the carriage was opened at the same moment. Then the students flooded the corridor. The five inside the compartment soon went out to the others where they could feel the train slowed down its speed. Shortly after, it stopped with a jerk which made everyone wobbled back and forth. The doors out opened, and the students pushed their way forwards until they stood on a small, dark platform.

"It wasn't exactly warm here," whispered Hermione to Luna. Hermione regretted that she hadn't put on something thicker under the robe. She pulled her robe closer to the body in hopes it would help. It didn't.

The cold weather didn't seem to affect Luna much. "It's refreshing, don't you think?" said the blonde with a smile.

"Easy for you to say," mumbled Hermione. After all the expeditions Luna had been on with her mother, the blonde girl had become used to harsh weather.

"I could use a spell to enlarge your robe and crawl inside," said Luna. "Then we could share body heat, so you don't freeze."

Right there and then was Hermione very happy for the darkness because she blushed like never before. "I...I'll be fine, but thanks anyway," replied Hermione.

"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" said a loud voice out from the dark.

Hermione looked in the direction of the voice and saw a lit lantern who bobbed high in the air. As it came closer, Hermione thought the lantern sat on a long pole, but she then saw it was being held by an enormous hand. Soon they could see that the hand belonged to a gigantic, bearded man walking towards them and stopped next to Harry.

"All right there, Harry?" asked the giant.

"Yes," mumbled Harry. He seemed a little bothered by this, but the giant didn't care as he continued down the platform.

"Firs'-years! Any more firs'-years?"

"Harry, do you know him?" asked Hermione.

Harry nodded. "His name is Hagrid. My mother has known him since her time at Hogwarts, so he has visited us at times."

"He's a half-giant," said Luna.

Again Harry nodded. "His father was a wizard, while his mother a giantess. Hagrid's mother left him early, and his father died while Hagrid still was in school."

"So, he's one of the teachers at Hogwarts now?" asked Hermione.

"No, Hagrid is the gamekeeper here. Something happened in his third year, and he was banned from using magic ever again. He has never told me the reason for this," answered Harry and disappeared after the group who followed the half-giant.

Dudley hadn't seen where Harry went and panicked when discovering his cousin was gone.

"Dudley, what are you afraid of?" asked Hermione. "Harry will be back soon."

But Dudley didn't listen to her and also disappeared down the platform when he got a glimpse of Harry further down.

"He doesn't say much, does he?" said Luna sad.

Hermione shook her head. "No. Dudley must have magical abilities since he's here, but without Harry around, he seems totally lost. After what Harry told us, I should be worried, but for the moment I would say Dudley will struggle more than us."

"Firs'-year! Firs'-year, follow me," shouted Hagrid who now returned, followed by a large group of students.

The two girls followed the group as it left the platform and went down on a steep, narrow path. It was dark on both sides of it, but Hermione thought she could see silhouettes of some thick trees. Nobody in the group said anything, except Neville who sniffed a few times, likely because of his missing toad.

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts any second now," said Hagrid in front. "Jus' round this bend here."

A few seconds later, an "Ooooh!" came from most of the students.

Luna and Hermione were silent. Seeing the massive castle on the mountain across the flat, dark lake made Hermione feel even colder than before. Instead of the excitement she had expected from seeing Hogwarts rise against the sky, Hermione only felt a mixture of hate and sorrow.

"No more'n four to a boat," shouted Hagrid. He pointed towards a fleet of little boats which floated in the water next to where the students stood.

Harry and Ron boarded one of the closest boats while Luna almost had to pull Hermione aboard the same boat. Dudley tried to see if it was room for him too but was reluctantly guided by Hagrid to another boat where Neville also sat.

"I know how you feel right now," whispered Luna to Hermione. "I'm sensing it too."

"I don't understand," whispered Hermione back. "Of course I'm nervous about the coming time, but...but this feels different...like..." Lost for words, she sighed.

"Like you don't understand why you feel like this? Like your anger?" asked Luna.

"Yes," answered Hermione with a nod. "Luna, be honest with me. Am I crazy?"

"No," said Luna. "You're as sane as you've always been."

"But..." said Hermione, but was interrupted by a shouting Hagrid.

"Everyone in?" Hagrid sat in a boat for himself where he looked over the other boats. "Right then. FORWARD!" The echo of Hagrid's voice was barely gone when all the boats left the shore and set course for Hogwarts.

"Don't think about it now. You'll soon find the answer," whispered Luna. "You always do."

Hermione wasn't sure how to find the answer on this, but for now, she would follow the blonde girl's advice. Luna had always been good at understanding people and especially Hermione.

The boats sailed silently across the water. As the school got closer and closer, the sight of it was so overwhelming that the students were speechless. But then the silence was broken.

"What's that?" said a boy from one of the boats and pointed to something. Everyone looked in the direction the boy had pointed and could now see the same as him. A distance away, a sparkling, golden carpet was moving above the surface of the lake.

"It's coming this way," said a girl from another boat.

Hermione stared at the golden carpet and saw it was moving at high speed towards them.

"Hagrid, what is it?" asked Harry.

"Not sure," answered Hagrid while trying to get a better look without rolling the boat he sat in.

"It's Shimmering Star Faeries," said Luna. "But I didn't know they existed this far north and in such numbers."

"Shimmering Star Faeries, yeh say?" said Hagrid. "There is a colony o' 'em deep inside the Forbidden Forest. But wha' are they doin' out here? They usually don' travel far from their nests."

The golden carpet had now arrived at the boats and circled them.

"Are they dangerous?" asked Hermione.

"Faeries are kind creatures, but if you annoy them, they can become really nasty towards you," answered Luna.

"I thought Faeries flew higher than this?" said Ron.

"It's to protect themselves against predators," answered Luna. "By flying low over the water, the Faeries makes it more dangerous to catch them. Except for a few, most creatures who hunt at night don't want to risk ending up in the water. The Shimmering Star Faeries usually live on land, but they're related to the Glowing Natantis Faeries. They live next to lakes and use their huge wings to float on a small cushion of air on the water surface. I think the Shimmering Star Faeries uses the same technique right now. That's why they move so fast. If they want to slow down, they have to fly higher to use their wings better. If not, they would fall into the lake and drown."

Harry stared at Luna with enormous eyes while Hermione fought to not giggle. She was used to hearing the blonde talk passionately about magical creatures. With a slight sigh, Hermione wondered what she would have done without Luna by her side. When Hermione became too serious or depressed, Luna always pulled the brunette back into the light. At the same time was Hermione there to ensure the blonde girl didn't disappear entirely into her own world. Although, sometimes Hermione considered joining Luna in her daydreaming.

"They're leaving us," said the boy who had seen them first.

"Likely because we're almost at the school. Keep your heads down," said Hagrid. The half-giant bent his head so low as he could when passing through a curtain of ivy. They now entered a wide, hidden opening in the cliff face.

After sailing through a dark tunnel, they reached an underground harbour which had to be somewhere under Hogwarts. The students could soon leave the boats behind and put their feet on firm ground again.

"Is anyone missing a toad?" asked Hagrid after checking the boats and was now holding up a toad.

"Trevor!" cried Neville and leapt forwards to take his toad.

"It seems Mr Trevor has missed Neville," said Luna happily.

"Maybe, but how did the toad get from the train and into one of the boats without anyone noticing it was there?" asked Hermione.

"Magic of course," answered Luna. "It could be the reason why the Shimmering Star Faeries came to us. To help Mr Trevor so he could return to Neville."

There were several logical flaws with this answer, but Hermione realised it was pointless to discuss this at the moment. Neville had got his toad back, and the girls had a different, more crucial problem to worry about. The Sorting!

"Follow me," said Hagrid. He clambered up a passageway in the mountainside while keeping the lantern as high as he could. In the end, they came out on a smooth, moist grass right under the castle's shadow. The students followed Hagrid up a wide staircase of stone and gathered around an enormous door in massive oak. The half-giant made sure everyone was there before he raised his giant fist and knocked three times on the castle door.

After the third knock had landed, the door opened. Inside stood a tall, black-haired witch in an emerald-green robe and looked back at the students with a stern face.

"The firs'-years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them now," answered McGonagall. She opened the door wide and said, "Follow me, children." She turned around and walked into the castle.

Apart from Hagrid, they all followed this woman obediently. They entered an entrance hall which was big enough to fit a house inside with room to spare. Hermione looked around and saw burning torches which lit the walls, but the ceiling was still too high to be seen. They went up a beautiful marble staircase which led them to the upper floors.

Behind some massive double doors of wood to their right, they could hear the noise of hundreds of voices. Hermione assumed it was the other students from the train who had arrived at the school in another way. McGonagall led the group across the flagged stone floor and into a smaller chamber of the hall. It was quite cramped inside the chamber with all the students. Some of them became nervous about what would come next, including Hermione.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will soon begin inside the Great Hall. However, before you take your seats, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is an important ceremony at Hogwarts and is something every first-year must go through. The house you're sorted into will become your family here at the school. You will have classes with them, sleep in your house dormitory and share your free time with them in your house common room."

The last McGonagall said was something Hermione wasn't sure she would do so much. Especially if she ended up in a different house than Luna.

"The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin," continued McGonagall. "Each of them has given us great Witches and Wizards who have brought honour to our school through the history." When she said this, McGonagall looked thoroughly on every one of them, especially Hermione and Luna.

Hermione noticed this and was sure Luna also had. They had barely arrived within Hogwarts walls, and the stares had already begun. So in what group did McGonagall belong? The ones who wished to help, or those who wanted to throw them out? Luna could probably decide this better than Hermione, but she couldn't ask at the moment.

"Under your time here at Hogwarts, your triumphs will reward you with house points. Rule-breaking and other unworthy behaviours will make you lose house points," said McGonagall. "At the end of the year, the house with most points will be awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I'm hoping each and every one of you will do your best for the house which becomes yours." She looked over the students again, but this time she didn't lock her eyes on anyone in particular. "The Sorting Ceremony will soon begin in front of the other students and teachers. I suggest you spend the remaining time to prepare yourself in peace and quiet." With those words, Professor McGonagall left the chamber.

Hardly a minute after McGonagall was gone, the students started to talk among themselves. The Sorting was, of course, the main topic, while a few didn't seem to care too much about it. Hermione wasn't among the latter.

During the time Mrs Ansley had been teaching Hermione and Luna, the brunette had always been prepared for everything. It didn't matter if it was only an ordinary school-day or a test, Hermione always treated it as an exam. So when Hermione heard about the Sorting Ceremony, she searched for any information she could find. Books and other documents had been read so many times that it became boring even after Hermione's standards. Despite all this research, she couldn't find anything about the Sorting. Asking the parents of Luna and Ginny hadn't helped either since none of them could or wished to give an answer.

This was why Hermione now listened to the other students after clues. Not that it helped a lot since their knowledge wasn't much better than her own. It was an annoying situation for someone like Hermione, but she couldn't do anything about it.

Professor McGonagall came back, and after a final look at the students, she said, "The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin. Please form two lines, side by side of each other and then follow me."

When McGonagall walked out of the small chamber, the students did as they had been told and formed two lines behind the professor. Hermione slipped in behind Ron and got Luna into the line next to Hermione. McGonagall was halfway to the large double doors before she stopped and turned. The professor saw that everyone had now found a place in one of the lines. "Good," she said and continued towards the doors. Only a few feet away, McGonagall waved slightly with one of her hands, and both doors opened inward. They were now entering the Great Hall at Hogwarts.

The sight meeting them inside the hall was strange, beautiful and scary at the same time. On each side of the first-years, there were two long tables full of older students who stared at the newcomers. At Hermione's right hand, near the wall, was the Gryffindor table. On the table next to them sat the students from Ravenclaw. On Hermione's left side was the Hufflepuff house. And finally, on the inside of them again, Slytherin. Ginny had told Hermione about the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin, so the placement of the houses hadn't come as a surprise.

Chandeliers mounted on the walls had thick candles which lit up much of the Great Hall. Above the tables, thousands of smaller candles floated around. The most amazing thing, however, was when you looked up at the ceiling and could see the starry sky which sparkled towards you. After having read 'Hogwarts: A history' more times than she could remember, Hermione knew the roof was bewitched to look like the outside sky.

When they reached the other end of the hall, McGonagall stopped in front of a fifth table. It stood on a raised platform with its broadside towards the other tables. Behind this sat the teachers and looked expectantly at the new students. Most of them were unknown to Hermione, except Dumbledore and...Charlie Weasley?

"What's your brother doing up there," whispered Hermione to Ron.

"The old teacher for Magical Creatures quit the job this summer. Dumbledore had trouble finding a replacement on such short notice, so he asked Charlie," whispered Ron back.

"Why didn't Ginny tell me about it?" whispered Hermione again.

"Charlie only accepted for two weeks ago, but he needed approval from the Ministry of Magic. Mum said we shouldn't tell anyone until we were sure Charlie would get the job," answered Ron.

While Hermione was talking with Ron, McGonagall had placed a four-legged stool in front of the first-years. On top of the stool she put a pointed wizard hat. It had seen better days as it was patched, frayed and could need a wash or two. McGonagall didn't say a word, but stepped back and stared at the hat. Hermione's eyes were glued to the hat too, afraid she would miss something important. In the corner of her eye, she saw that the older students also were staring at the hat.

The next seconds felt like years, but then the hat twitched. A rip near the brim opened like a mouth, and before Hermione could gasp, the hat began to sing.

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

Except for the first-years, everyone in the hall erupted into applause when the hat was finished. It bowed to each of the tables before it became quiet again.

Hermione let out a silent sigh. She had hoped the Sorting was something which could be easily manipulated. But if the hat were true to its word, it would be quite tricky to do it. Even if Hermione found a way, would it be enough to have an influence on the blonde girl's choice?

"You can't carry the wind, so let the wind carry you," whispered Luna into Hermione's ear.

"Huh?" said Hermione and looked back at Luna. What did she mean by that? Before Hermione could ask, McGonagall came forward with a long parchment scroll and began talking.

"When I call your name, come forward, put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," said McGonagall. "Abbott, Hannah!"

A girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of the line and went to the stool. She sat down and put on the hat which was too wide for her as it fell down in front of her eyes. A moment of silence followed before...

"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat.

The nearest table to the left cheered and clapped. Hermione's eyes followed Hannah when she sat down with the Hufflepuffs. There had been no indications that Hannah had done anything, so how did she communicate with the Sorting Hat? Unless Hermione understood the song wrong, the hat used a form of Legilimency to read your mind.

"Bones, Susan!"

Hadn't Pandora said that your wishes would be taken into consideration? But as far as Hermione had seen, Hannah had only put on the hat and nothing else. Maybe the girl didn't know this and just had accepted the Sorting Hat's decision?

"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat again.

Hermione looked back towards the stool and wondered if she could get closer to see better. Instead, she watched the three next students more closely. Terry Boot went to Ravenclaw. The same did Mandy Brocklehurst, while Lavender Brown became the first Gryffindor. When Millicent Bulstrode took a seat on the stool, Hermione had still not seen anything unusual. They sat down, placed the hat on their head, and that was all they did. Nothing at all that they tried to affect their choice of house. Hermione stared at the floor and begun searching her memory for anything which could explain this.

"SLYTHERIN!" shouted the hat in the background.

The Sorting Hat used Legilimency to read your mind, that was clear. But how did it speak to you and you with the hat? It was difficult to learn Legilimency, so it's not something most, if any, children at Hermione's age could do. Hermione only knew this because of Luna.

"Carrow, Flora!"

One late evening had Hermione been reading about rare types of magic. She found some pages about Legilimency in a book, but she had only skim through them. Hermione wanted to learn as much as she could but understood that Legilimency had to wait. It wasn't until Hermione read the last page that she stopped.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The last page had a few paragraphs about a very seldom form of Legilimency. Most people weren't even sure if it should be called Legilimency. Instead of reading minds, the person with this ability could only read emotions. In itself, this would have been seen as a downgrade from the real Legilimency. But the big difference was that you couldn't be taught this. You had to be born with it!

"Carrow, Hestia!"

And who had a fantastic skill in understanding people so well? Yes, it was Luna. So, could Luna be a natural born Legilimens? Hermione couldn't prove if Luna had this ability or not, so she had set the thought of it aside. This information wouldn't help with the Sorting Hat, but it was how Hermione knew so much about Legilimency.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Hermione watched the sorting again and noticed something new. Most only sat a couple of seconds while others could sit for several minutes with the hat on. Almost as if they talked with the...of course! Why hadn't Hermione thought of this before? Where Hermione had been looking for an advanced answer, it was annoyingly simple. You didn't have to talk directly to the Sorting Hat, you only need to think the words inside your head. 'Great, Hermione,' she thought for herself. 'You're such an idiot sometimes.'

"Corner, Michael!"

The biggest issue Hermione had with Legilimency was having someone messing around in her head. It also was a little late to learn Occlumency, so Hermione couldn't prevent it from happening either. Could it be the reason why the sorting wasn't mentioned anywhere?

"RAVENCLAW!"

Luna had said, 'You can't carry the wind, so let the wind carry you.' Did the blonde girl know something? Had Pandora told her daughter what would happen? Or was this Luna's own thoughts about all this?

"Cornfoot, Stephen!"

If these words were Luna's own thoughts, it meant that Hermione should relax and not worry what could happen. Easy for Luna to say that. The blonde girl would have been carefree during a thunderstorm, on an open field while sitting under the only tree there.

"RAVENCLAW!"

But if there was a person Hermione trusted in this world, it was Luna. So maybe Hermione should follow the girl's advice this time too?

"Crabbe, Vincent!"

Hermione recognised the boy who now walked up to the hat. It was he who had blocked Hermione's way on the train. One of Malfoy's goons. Vincent seemed confident in himself when he put on the Sorting Hat. And just a second later...

"SLYTHERIN!"

The following Tracey Davis also went to Slytherin, but then it was Harry's cousin's turn.

"Dursley, Dudley!"

Dudley hesitated, but after a small push from Harry, Dudley slowly moved forward. Hermione didn't know the boy so well, but she felt sorry for him. Dudley sat on the stool for several minutes which must have been like years for the boy. Finally, the Sorting Hat shouted...

"GRYFFINDOR!"

'Gryffindor, what an odd place to put Dudley,' thought Hermione. If she remembered correctly, courage was the most important trait for someone from Gryffindor. Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he appeared more unhappy than ever before. Did Harry know what house he would get? Had he hoped Dudley would end up somewhere else than in Gryffindor? It wasn't Hermione's problem, but still...

After Dudley, there were five students. Two for both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and one Ravenclaw. The sorting was likely exciting for the other students and the teachers, but for those still standing on the floor, it had become tiresome. Hermione wondered how long it would take to finish the...

"Granger, Hermione Jean!"

Hermione had been so lost in her own mind that she didn't notice her name was called. McGonagall had to say Hermione's name a second time before the girl reacted. She took a deep breath and walked up to the stool. Hermione stared at the hat for a moment. There was no way back now. She put the Sorting Hat gently on her head and sat down on the stool. The last Hermione saw before the hat slid down in front of her eyes, was Luna.

"Another one?" said a small voice in her ear. "Hm..."

The Sorting Hat spoke so low that only she could hear it, but would Hermione be able to talk back by thinking?

"Yes, you can," said the hat.

'What did you mean with another one?' asked Hermione in her thoughts. No answer came.

Instead, the Sorting Hat said, "You're a difficult one. Lots of talent, a very good head and enough courage to match it. You would find your equals in Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, or perhaps Hufflepuff?"

'But not Slytherin?' thought Hermione.

"You have what it takes to become a good Slytherin, but I don't think you want to go there," answered the hat.

The Sorting Hat was right about that, but would Hermione had taken the chance if Luna had been in Slytherin?

"So where should we put you?" said the hat.

Hermione had no answer to this. How much time had she spent trying to find a method to manipulate the sorting? It didn't matter now since it all felt wasted. So much time reading books and manuscripts, only to forget the most important thing. How could Hermione expect to manipulate anything at all when she still doesn't know which house Luna wanted? The blonde girl's parents had been in Ravenclaw, but although it often happened, it didn't mean Luna would become a Ravenclaw too. Hermione was now close to tearing off the hat, walk down to Luna and shaking the answer out of the girl.

"So, you're anxious about your friend?" whispered the hat. "You're not the only one, but strong friendship will survive even if you're in different houses. They always do."

'You're the Sorting Hat. Can't you put both of us in the same house?' thought Hermione.

"I'm afraid that's not how it works. I was created to follow specific rules, and they're the ones who guide my choices," said the hat. It went silent for several seconds before it said, "I can sense how strongly you wish to be in the same house as your friend. What about your own wish? Where do you truly want to be?"

Her own wish? Had Hermione ever taken a choice in life without Luna in her thoughts? Should Hermione for the first time forget about the blonde girl and go her own way for once? Just abandon her? Could Hermione even do that? Panic started to spread in her and Hermione seized the edge of the seat with her hands. The stool began to shake, and for a moment, she was afraid it would fall over. Then a low rumbling could be heard inside the hall. Several of the candlesticks on the tables moved around. A few thick candles from the walls fell on the floor. Everything lasted only for 4-5 seconds, but when it stopped, the Great Hall was completely quiet. Everyone stared confused around themselves, and some students were getting up.

"Everyone, stay where you are. There isn't any danger," said Dumbledore from the teacher's table. "It only was a small earthquake. They are rare up here, but we get them sometimes."

This seemed to calm the students, and their eyes were again directed towards Hermione. She had also calmed down and wondered now what to tell the Sorting Hat. There was only one right answer.

Shortly after, the hat shouted out, "RAVENCLAW!"

Hermione put the hat down on the stool and walked towards the Ravenclaw table. She didn't dare to look at Luna. All the Ravenclaws cheered and welcomed Hermione, but for her it was still too early to celebrate. Hermione found a free seat next to an Asian girl.

"Hello, Hermione. I'm Cho, Cho Chang," said the girl and reached out her hand. "Welcome to Ravenclaw."

"Thanks," replied Hermione meekly and shook hands with Cho.

"You don't seem happy to be here exactly," said a girl with curly, reddish-blonde hair sitting next to Cho.

"Marietta!" said Cho. "Give her some time. If you had been sitting there for as long as Hermione did, you would also have been tired."

"Sorry," said Marietta. "My mother once told me something about Hatstalls. Those who experience it are more likely to end up in the wrong house. I thought you were one of them."

"Hatstall? Are you sure about that?" asked Hermione.

"Yes," answered Cho. She held up an old pocket watch. "I've taken the time on everyone tonight. You sat there for five minutes and seven seconds."

"You do that every year?" asked Hermione.

"No. I'm a second-year student, so this is only my second sorting," said Cho.

"Oh," said Hermione. She stared down at the table, afraid to meet the eyes of Luna who were standing a few feet away. "The Sorting Hat gave me a choice. I chose Ravenclaw, but I'm not sure if this is where I should be."

"Why not," asked Cho.

Hermione didn't answer. What should she have told them? If they knew how much Hermione wanted to stay with Luna, the others would think they were more than friends. Which would have been ridiculous since that's all they were, just good friends. Right?

While Hermione waited to hear Luna's name be called, two more first-years became Ravenclaws. Anthony Goldstein and Sue Lie. The students at the Ravenclaw table welcomed them in the same way as with Hermione, but unlike her, they seemed more happy to be here.

"Longbottom, Neville!" shouted McGonagall.

For the first time since she had been sorted, Hermione looked towards the stool again. Neville was the boy she and Luna had helped to search for his toad. Neville sat a long time with the hat, but then it shouted...

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Neville jumped off the stool and ran to the Gryffindor table, but then discovered that the hat was still on his head. While the laughter roared through the Great Hall, Neville jogged back and ashamed giving the Sorting Hat back to McGonagall.

"He almost became our second Hatstall tonight," said Cho while watching her pocket watch.

"Lovegood, Luna!"

When Hermione heard this name, she stared down at the table again and kept her breath. All she could do now was to wait and hope the Sorting Hat would shout...

"RAVENCLAW!"

Hermione's cry of joy was so loud that no-one else at the Ravenclaw table could be heard. She jumped down to the floor, ran towards Luna and gave the blonde an almost bone-crushing hug.

"Hermione?" said Luna's voice muffled.

"Yes?" replied Hermione.

"I like you a lot too, but I also like to breathe," said Luna.

Hermione let go of the blonde girl and embarrassed, she muttered an apology.

"No harm done," said Luna and sat down at the table.

The other Ravenclaws looked at Hermione with curiosity, but she didn't care. She and Luna were in the same house, nothing else mattered. Hermione sat down between Luna and Cho while Marietta seemed confused.

"I'm guessing you two are good friends?" asked Cho.

"Yes. We have known each other since we were about two-years-old," answered Luna before Hermione could say anything. She was still worried that some would misunderstand Luna and Hermione's friendship, but why was this a problem for her? But then she got something else to think about when McGonagall called out a particular name.

"Malfoy, Draco!"

The blond boy walked proudly forward, almost as if he owned the Great Hall. Draco had barely sat down with the hat on his head before it shouted...

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Of course he became a Slytherin. Even I could have told them that," murmured Marietta.

"You know the Malfoy family?" asked Hermione. This was her chance to learn more about the famous families.

"Not personally, but my mother, who works at the Ministry, has told me about the Malfoys. They are an old and powerful family. They are wealthy and has a strong influence on what's happening in the Ministry of Magic," said Marietta. "Mum said that Draco's father loves to interfere in the Ministry affairs. I bet he does it to get benefits for himself and his family."

"Then I understand where Draco got his attitude from," said Hermione. "We met him on the train." She wanted to hear more about this family, but the Sorting Hat shouted once again Ravenclaw. It was a girl by the name Padma Patil. When she sat down at the table, Hermione stared at the girl.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" asked Padma.

"Huh, eh, no," replied Hermione.

Padma shrugged and began talking with others around the table.

Luna leaned over to Hermione and whispered, "You noticed it too?"

"Yes," whispered Hermione back. "The same feeling like when we saw Ginny the first time."

"Do you think she is...?" started Luna to say, but was interrupted by Hermione.

"I don't know. We never found out if our feeling of knowing Ginny in the store had something to do with her 'other thing'," whispered Hermione.

"I still think we should have asked her about it," said Luna.

"Perhaps you're right, but I didn't want to scare Ginny in the beginning. Besides, what would we have told her? None of us knows why we felt like this?" said Hermione. "Not much we can't do with it at the moment."

"Potter, Harry!"

Harry's name had barely been called out before the whole hall became quiet. He went up to the stool in the same way Draco had done, but Harry seemed less comfortable with the attention he got.

"Cho, why did everyone become so quiet because of Harry?" whispered Hermione.

"You don't know about the Potter family either?" whispered Marietta.

"We shared a compartment on the train, but he didn't tell anything about himself," replied Hermione.

"You shared a compartment with Harry Potter?" said Marietta shocked. "With him?" she repeated and pointed to Harry.

"Sh, Marietta. Not everyone who begins at Hogwarts knows everything," said Cho. She turned towards Hermione and Luna. "Have you two heard about the Wizarding War?"

Both Hermione and Luna nodded.

"Good," said Cho. "The Potter family were one of You-Know-Who's most prominent opponents during the war. Usually, anyone who stood in You-Know-Who's way was killed without mercy. But the Potter family had impressed You-Know-Who so much that he gave them a choice."

"Like, join me or die choice?" said Hermione.

"Maybe not exactly those words, but yes," replied Cho. "It's been said that You-Know-Who gave the Potters three chances to join his side, but they refused each time. So one night had You-Know-Who manage to locate the Potters hiding place and went there alone."

"Like any evil bastard, I'm sure he wanted the pleasure of killing them himself," muttered Marietta.

"True, but things didn't go the way he planned," said Cho. "Harry's father gave You-Know-Who enough resistance so Harry's mother could disapparate with her son."

"What about Harry's father? Did he manage to get away?" asked Hermione.

Cho shook her head. "He was killed that night."

"Going alone was You-Know-Who's biggest mistake," said Marietta. "Harry's mother became so furious that she began a relentless hunt for You-Know-Who and his followers. Lily Potter became You-Know-Who's worst nightmare. Some even say it was she who killed You-Know-Who and ended the war."

"Some say? So it wasn't confirmed that she did it?" asked Hermione.

"Not really," said Marietta. "But my mother showed me the Daily Prophet from the day after You-Know-Who had vanished. 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead. The war is finally over?' was the headline. I still remember it."

"What you're saying is that no one knows who killed You-Know-Who, or even if he is dead?" asked Hermione. She was a bit surprised at her own interest in this.

"Well..." said Marietta unsure. "The war ended, so why should we care about who killed You-Know-Who? The important thing is that he's dead."

"But..." said Hermione, but stopped when she understood it was pointless to ask Marietta further.

"GRYFFINDOR!" shouted the Sorting Hat at last.

"Wow, six minutes and 32 seconds. Harry beat you, Hermione," said Cho.

'Like I care,' thought Hermione. She looked after Harry as he shuffled across the floor and sat down for himself at the Gryffindor table. "So Harry's mother is a kind of war hero, but it doesn't explain why people became silent when they heard Harry's name? Wouldn't it make him popular instead?"

"The war changed his mother forever," said Marietta. "Lily Potter still serves as an Auror in the Ministry of Magic. Because of her red hair and bad temper, she got the nickname the Red Dragon. They say that Alastor Moody filled half of the cells in Azkaban after the war while Lily Potter filled the other half."

"Okay, I understand why Lily Potter has become who she is, but what about Harry?" asked Hermione again.

"They say he takes after his mother," replied Marietta.

"They say? Again, nothing which is confirmed, but only a rumour?" said Hermione. She started to dislike Marietta. The girl seemed to take rumours as real facts without checking them out first. That kind of attitude was dangerous to the girl herself, but also to others. Like Hermione and Luna. It made Hermione wonder why Marietta was in Ravenclaw to begin with.

"You sat with him on the train. Did he seem a bit...special?" asked Cho.

"No!" replied Hermione. She had no interest in giving more fuel to Marietta's rumour mill. "He was a bit grumpy, but that's nothing special in itself."

"Then the rumours are true," said Marietta. "My mother told me Lily Potter never smiles. Walking past her is like stepping into an ice cold shower." She turned to other students at the table and shared her 'new' information with them.

Hermione just rolled her eyes. "Cho, I've witnessed a couple of heated 'discussions' between Harry and Draco. Do you know anything which can explain why?"

"Hm, maybe," answered Cho. She looked at Marietta who was still talking to the others. "I don't believe in rumours so much, but it's all I have on this. I've heard some people say that the Malfoys were followers of You-Know-Who in the war. But when they were caught, they claimed to have been under the Imperius Curse."

"Wait, a boy on the train told me the same," said Hermione. "That the Malfoys had been on You-Know-Who side. But Draco said that any accusations against his family were a lie."

"Do you believe Draco?" asked Cho.

"I'm not sure," said Hermione. "I don't see Draco as a trustworthy person, but I can't disprove what he said either. What about Potter?"

"The same people who mentioned Malfoys, also said it was Lily Potter who had caught the Malfoys," answered Cho. "So those two families seem to have a bad history together. It could be why they don't get along?"

"I think Cho is right," said Luna. "My mother told me how the war destroyed old ties between many of the families. Most of them haven't healed today and maybe never will. Mum said a war could have ended on the outside, but on the inside, it would continue for many years."

"It's true," said Hermione. "After the First World War ended in the Muggle world, much of the hatred lived in people's heart and mind afterwards. Almost 21 years later, the Second World War began because of the old hatred from the first war."

"Yes, I know about those two wars. My grandparents helped the Muggles in both," said Cho with a smile.

Oliver Rivers were the next first-year who was sorted into Ravenclaw. While the others gave Oliver a proper welcome, Hermione began to think through all the new knowledge she had gained. The reason behind Harry and Draco's hatred for each other had become clearer. Hermione knew she hadn't seen the last of this, but it wasn't a problem to worry about for now. She was more worried about Marietta. The girl knew a lot, but most of her knowledge was based on rumours. Loose rumours could become a major problem for Hermione and Luna during their time at Hogwarts. Both girls had to be very careful about what they said around Marietta.

The sorting was finally almost over. Emma Vane, the last girl, became a Gryffindor. Only two boys were left on the floor. Ron Weasley and Blaise, the dark-skinned boy from Draco's compartment. Ron became as expected a Gryffindor, while Blaise Zabini, which was his full name, a Slytherin. With the last first-year sorted, McGonagall took the stool and the Sorting Hat with her up to the teachers' table. There she sat down next to Dumbledore.

Albus Dumbledore stood up and looked over all the tables. "Welcome to all of you! Both new and old students, for another year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thanks!" He sat down again, while most of the students clapped and cheered.

"He hasn't changed since the last time we saw him," said Hermione, shaking her head.

"Would he be Dumbledore if he did?" answered Luna with a smile.

Hermione never got a chance to answer as the empty dishes on the table suddenly were filled to the verge with food. There were so many different kinds that she didn't know where to start. Roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops at one side. On the other side, there was boiled potatoes, roast potatoes and a large variety of puddings and vegetables. Hermione filled her plate with a blend of everything and began to eat. While she was chewing on a pork chop, she saw in the corner of her eye that Cho and Marietta didn't eat. Instead, they only stared at Hermione and Luna with bewildered eyes.

"Something wrong?" asked Hermione.

"You know Dumbledore?" asked Cho.

"Yes," answered Luna. "My mother was one of Dumbledore's favourite students when she was at Hogwarts. They still visit each other, so Hermione and I have often seen Dumbledore."

"It sounds reasonable," answered Cho.

Hermione had the feeling that Cho wasn't convinced by Luna's answer. "Dumbledore is the strongest wizard alive today, but he's still a person like you and me. Dumbledore has friends like most others and visits them from time to time. Each time he came to Luna's mother, Dumbledore gave us lessons in magic. That's how we know him."

"Sorry if it sounds like I doubt your words," said Cho. "It's so weird hearing Dumbledore, the great wizard, does something as simple as visiting ordinary people like us."

Luckily, it seemed Cho and Marietta were happy with the answer and started eating. Hermione's appetite, however, was reduced. Cho had been closer to the truth than she knew. Dumbledore doesn't visit ordinary people without a good reason. In all the years Hermione had known Dumbledore, he had never come for a cup of tea or lunch. There was only one reason why he came to visit, which was the girls' wild magic. Was this Luna and Hermione's future also? Alone, meeting people only when you had to, so you weren't a danger to them?

"Food tastes better with happy thoughts," whispered Luna to Hermione.

Hermione looked at Luna and couldn't help smiling.

"There it was. Much better," said Luna and continued to eat as if nothing had happened.

"Thanks," said Hermione. Her appetite returned, and she also continued to eat.

The rest of the meal went without problems. The girls talked together about their backgrounds and what they expected from their years at Hogwarts. Hermione and Luna were careful to not mention too much, just enough to not create any suspicions. After some time, most of the students were satisfied and not hungry anymore. At last, the dessert also disappeared from the table.

"Now that we all are fed and watered, may I ask for your attention," said Dumbledore when he again stood up. "I have a few start-of-term notices to share with you. First-years should be aware that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all students without permission." He glanced towards the Gryffindor table and added, "Some of our older students should also remember this as well."

Hermione didn't have to see to know who Dumbledore referred to. The Weasley twins were well known to bend a rule, or two, or three.

With his eyes once again facing the other tables, Dumbledore continued. "Mr Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to remind you all not to use magic in the corridors between classes. Quidditch trials will take place in the second week of term. If you wish to be playing for your house team, speak with Madam Hooch." With his hand, Dumbledore pointed to an elderly witch sitting on his right side. Madam Hooch had short, spiky hair and stared at the students with her yellow eyes which reminded of a hawk.

"We also have a few changes among our teachers this year," said Dumbledore. "Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired this summer. Luckily enough, one of our former students has on short notice accepted to take the job for this year. Give a warm welcome to Mr Charles Weasley."

When Charlie stood up and bowed to all the tables, he received a lot of cheers from the students.

"Charlie, a teacher?" said Cho. "But he finished Hogwarts only this year?"

"Do you have a problem with this?" asked Hermione.

"No! Just surprised. He was very popular among many of the students," answered Cho.

"Our second new teacher this year is Mrs Andromeda Tonks," said Dumbledore. "She has accepted the job as our new Magical Theory teacher."

Again the hall erupted into loud cheers. Hermione got a glimpse of Draco, and he didn't look happy at all.

"And finally, our third new teacher is Professor Horace Slughorn," said Dumbledore. "He has come out of retirement and will take on the job as our new Potion teacher. Our former Potions teacher, Professor Snape, will instead take over Defence Against the Dark Arts class."

This announcement made the Slytherin table cheer fiercely while all the other houses gave it a half-hearted applause.

"Snape isn't a popular teacher unless you're a Slytherin," whispered Cho. "Watch out for him."

Dumbledore continued to talk. "My last announcement is no less important. The third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bound for all students. Do not enter unless you wish to die a very painful death."

Most laughed at Dumbledore's last sentence, but not Hermione. She had a strong feeling that Dumbledore was serious despite his choice of words.

"With that out of the way, and before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" shouted Dumbledore. He waved with his wand, and a long, golden ribbon flew out of the tip. The ribbon rose high over the tables and twisted like a snake into words. "Everyone chooses their own favourite tune, and then we begin!"

Soon, the whole hall roared;

'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.'

The whole song was a big cacophony, so it wasn't a surprise that everyone finished at different times. Only the Weasley twins did still sing at the end. They had, obviously on purpose, chosen a slow funeral march which Dumbledore happily conducted to the last note. When the twins finally finished, it was Dumbledore who applauded the highest of all. "Music," said Dumbledore with a wide smile. "A magic beyond what we do here! And now, bedtime. Off with you all!"

"First-year Ravenclaws, my name is Robert Hilliard, and I'm a Prefect. Please follow me," said a dark-haired boy. He guided them through the crowd of older students who now spoke together. They followed Robert through several corridors, passed portraits which moved and hanging tapestries. After a while, they reached a spiral staircase and climbed higher and higher. "The Ravenclaw tower has an excellent view of the school grounds. You can see the lake, the Forbidden Forest, the Quidditch pitch and the Herbology gardens from there," said Robert as they continued upwards.

At last, they reached the top of the staircase where a solid door of oak stopped any further travel. Robert turned around and said proudly, "The other houses at Hogwarts hide their entrances, but we Ravenclaws have no need for this. Rowena Ravenclaw valued learning above all else, a tradition that our house still follows today. You may already have noticed this, but the door into our common room doesn't have a door handle or a keyhole. Instead," said Robert and pointed towards an eagle-shaped bronze knocker in the middle of the door, "we use this to enter. Allow me to demonstrate." He lifted the ring on the door knocker and hit once. The sound echoed down the stairs.

Seconds later, the door knocker spoke. "If you have me, you want to share me. If you share me, you haven't got me. What am I?"

"A secret!" replied Robert. With that answer, the door opened itself inwards. Robert walked into the common room with the students following right behind.

The Ravenclaws common room was a wide, circular room with arched windows along the white walls. Hermione looked through one of the windows, and even in the dark, she saw how spectacular the view really was. The high, vaulted ceiling of the room was painted like a starry sky. Blue and bronze coloured silk ribbons hung from the centre of the ceiling and to above the windows. On the floor, a midnight blue carpet with white stars filled the whole room, except for a circle in the middle. There were a large fireplace, several tables and comfortable chairs in the room. But what brought a smile to Hermione's lips was a large number of bookcases along the walls. Most of them had books she still hadn't read yet.

"Instead of keys or passwords, Ravenclaws use their bright mind to enter our common room," said Robert. "Knock once with the ring on the door knocker, and you'll receive a question. Answer it, and you can enter. It may be scary at first, but after a while, you will appreciate the challenge it gives you. The question will change every time you knock, which can be a bit frustrating if you forget something after leaving the common room. So always triple check your bags before leaving the tower."

"There is more to learn, but it's getting late now," said a girl with long, black hair who also had a Prefect badge. "The boys will follow Robert, while the girls can come with me."

The girl led the first-year girls past a statue of Rowena Ravenclaw, made of white marble, and into an alcove in the wall. There they went through a door on the left side and up a narrow spiral staircase. The Prefect stopped outside a door with the number seven on it.

"My name is Elena Pritchard," said the girl. "Professor Filius Flitwick, the Head of the Ravenclaws, has made a list of which dormitory will be yours while you're at Hogwarts. Your belongings have already been brought here." Elena pulled out a small parchment from her robe and looked over it. "When I read your name, please step inside the dormitory. Mandy Brocklehurst!"

A brown-haired girl with a thick braid walked forward and disappeared into the room.

"Luna Lovegood!"

When Luna also had gone inside, Hermione began to worry again. She knew there were eight new girls in Ravenclaw this year, and each room only had beds for five people. That's what she remembered from reading 'Hogwarts: A History.' Right now, Hermione regretted she had read that book so much.

"Marietta Edgecombe!"

'Oh, great,' thought Hermione. The one person Hermione doesn't wish to share rooms with. Well, it could be worse.

"Padma Patil!"

Not sharing with Luna would be much worse. Maybe if Hermione asked Flitwick nicely, she could switch rooms?

"Hermione Jean Granger!"

With a sigh of relief, Hermione could relax for the evening. She went inside and was welcomed by a happy Luna. They were in the same house and shared the same room. Things couldn't have gone better. Perhaps their time at Hogwarts wouldn't be as bad as Hermione had feared?

XXXXXXX

At the Headmaster's office, Albus Dumbledore stared out one of the windows towards the Ravenclaw tower. This year's sorting had been troublesome for Dumbledore, but he had hidden it from the other teachers. With a sigh, he turned around and watched the Sorting Hat, lying motionless on the shelf and waiting for its time again. It was one of many heirlooms left behind by the founders of Hogwarts. The magic inside it was too powerful to be manipulated, even for someone like Albus Dumbledore.

"Albus, what's wrong? You aren't usually sad on the first evening of a new school year," said a woman's voice behind the Headmaster.

"I'm sorry, Minerva. I'm not sad. More...relieved that the sorting went so well," answered Dumbledore.

McGonagall, who had been going through some papers on the desk, stopped and looked confused at the Headmaster. "I didn't know there was something that could have gone wrong tonight?"

"Do you remember what happened when Miss Granger sat with the Sorting Hat?" asked Dumbledore.

"The earthquake? I found it a bit odd when you mentioned it," answered McGonagall and sat down in a chair. "I've been thinking about it, but I can't remember Hogwarts has had earthquakes before."

"You're right. It wasn't an earthquake tonight or has been in Hogwarts history."

"But what was it then?" asked McGonagall.

"Something far more dangerous. The whole reason behind my worries for the evening's sorting," answered Dumbledore. He recognised the look Minerva gave him and knew right away he no longer could keep this for himself. "How well do you know Hogwarts history? Do you know about the circumstances why the founders build the school where it stands today?"

"I know a bit, but most of this knowledge is lost for us," said McGonagall.

"No, Minerva. It's not lost, only been hidden," said Dumbledore.

"Hidden? From who?" asked McGonagall, but she didn't get an answer. "How can it have anything to do with Miss Granger and the sorting? The girl wasn't even born then."

"No, she wasn't," answered Dumbledore. "But what happened tonight and why Hogwarts was built here is both related to this girl."

"Albus, you're scaring me now."

"I'm sorry. After the meeting, we should have a cup of tea together and talk. I'll tell you everything then," said Dumbledore. "But first, would you please ask them to come in?"

"Of course," replied McGonagall and got up. Before she walked to the door, she said, "It might be that I would need something stronger than tea later."

Dumbledore smiled when McGonagall disappeared out the door. A couple of minutes later she returned with three other teachers. Professor Snape, Professor Sprout and finally Professor Flitwick.

"I'm sorry for having this meeting so late, but it's unfortunately necessary," said Dumbledore. With his wand, he conjured forward more chairs so the Head of Houses had one each. When they all sat around his desk, Dumbledore began to talk. "This year's sorting is complete. Each of the houses has received one or more of the students I previously told you about. We must therefore give Sprout and Flitwick a better understanding of the matter."

This would become a long night for Albus Dumbledore.