Chapter 4
"Excuse me, sons and daughters of Hogwarts," Headmaster Dippet began wearily, as though he had said this statement so many times that it was just a reflex, "I have an announcement that I am sure all of you will want to listen to." A surprised look graced his wrinkled face, and a few eyes widened at the staff table. All the students were completely silent, eyes riveted to the diminutive forms of Mimosa Grant – Hermione Granger – and Harry Peterson – who was truly Harry Potter. "For the first time in many, many years, we have transfer students," Dippet continued, willing to make the most of the ambiguous quiet. "Children, I now introduce you to Ms. Mimosa Grant and Mr. Harry Peterson!"
There were a few scattered claps, several wolf whistles, and an outbreak of giggles. Harry didn't know if that was a good sign or a bad one.
"Now, we shall Sort them," Dippet harrumphed at the lack of enthusiasm. The students really didn't know what to make of the new students. Were they competition or potential new friends?
"Professor Dumbledore, will you please bring out the Sorting Hat," the Headmaster infused a sort of wounded dignity in his voice and the Hat was immediately carried out and set on a wooden stool.
"Do you think that Hat is going to sing again?" asked a second-year Ravenclaw. "It is the second day; do you think it will have had time to create a new Sorting Song?"
"I really want to study the properties of the Hat," Hermione whispered to Harry with great vigor. "It's strange that I never saw any books about it in the Hogwarts Library itself. Maybe Flourish and Blotts would be a better bet..."
Harry had stopped listening after the word "Library." It was just so typical of Hermione to try to turn a trip to the past into a research project.
Then, the hat opened its brim, and to the astonishment of the other children, burst into song...
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy warty Hogwarts
First created to be a refuge, a haven, not a school for friends
Now, Gryffindors and Slytherins, to unite, they must start
Along with Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, to achieve common ends
Gryffindor, the magnificent house of lions
Crimson and gold, for the brave, mighty, and chivalrous
But not this entire noble house personifies Godric's beliefs
One must wonder, to be Gryffindor, must you be courageous?
Ravenclaw, the smart and knowledgeable, for bronze and blue
Intelligent, but criticizing
Obsessive, but patronizing
Brilliant perfectionists, looking at the bigger picture, quite true
Slytherin, house of the sly, calculating, and ambitious
Constantly clawing up others to reach positions of power
Slytherins have the potential to be tremendously vicious
But only a few take revenge, while the rest are not so sour
Hufflepuffs, constantly underestimated, those in yellow and black
Are the most loyal, hard-working students that Hogwarts can gather
When a friend is in danger, a Hufflepuff will always have his back
Though these Badgers are also leftovers, from the other houses, rather
Each Hogwarts House contains its own inner flaws
But they must learn to work together, or never work at all
Else this school of old shall crumble from within
The Sorting Hat has spoken, and now the Sorting shall begin!
Rebellious murmurs once again broke out across the hall and several people pointed rudely at Hermione and Harry.
"See, I told ya, Diggory," a Hufflepuff said tactlessly. "I bet ya ten galleons these weirdoes are actually Germans in disguise."
"I don't think Dippet would let our enemies into Hogwarts, Aster," 'Diggory' replied.
"You actually think Dippet – "
"Grant, Mimosa," Deputy Headmaster Dumbledore called gravely.
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed, before hurrying forward and sitting carefully on the stool. It tipped from side to side – obviously, its legs hadn't been cut correctly – and the girl nearly shrieked. And then, a thin, reedy voice slid into her mind.
Another new student to sort... what are you doing here at this time of year, dearie? Oh, ho! From another time I see... Hmmm, very interesting...
You won't tell anyone, will you?
Oh, of course not, child. Sorting Hat-Student confidentiality, you see. Hogwarts Charter Page 16, Paragraph 4.
What house will be the best for me?
You aren't going to beg for Gryffindor this time? (amused) Why ever not?
I mean, Gryffindor seems okay, but I really don't think I'm very brave. I might not make any friends there again, just because none of them value knowledge.
It looks as though Ravenclaw would be the best place for you, but your ambition to become a top student may land you in Slytherin...
Please, no. I'm a muggleborn, and Slytherins – especially around this time – detest any one of my kind.
Unfortunate, that. You would have done well in Slytherin, had the discrimination lessened.
(choking noises) Don't put me there. Please.
...Your unwavering loyalty to Harry Potter could push you into Hufflepuff. Ah, what is this? Some love thrown into the mix?
(blushing) Don't tell him.
I repeat – Sorting Hat-Student confidentiality. I couldn't tell dear Harry about your less than pure intentions even if I wanted to – which I don't. Everything is better with a little dash of romance added. But, ask yourself, do you think he has done enough to receive this blind devotion, and your love?
He has many qualities that I admire.
Whatever you say, darling. And do remember to visit me soon, will you? RAVENCLAW!
Professor Dumbledore pulled the Hat off of Mimosa's head and smiled at her in encouragement. With a jolt, she realized that her tie had changed color from a uniform black to striped blue and bronze. Mimosa stumbled to the Ravenclaw table uncomfortably and perched on the edge nervously until a little second-year scooted up to her.
"Hey, Mimosa, my name is Gemma Walters, and I want you to know that it's a pleasure for you to be a part of our house," the red-headed girl said, smiling, and revealing a slightly-chipped tooth.
As Mimosa's eyes danced across Gemma's freckled cheeks, dimpled cheeks, and bright blue eyes, the corners of her lips twitched into a smile, too.
"You're worried about Peterson, aren't you?" Gemma asked, nodding at the trembling Harry. "I just want you to know that I hope he's in our house..."
The earnestness on Gemma's face and her placid calmness reminded Hermione inexplicably of another third-year outcast in another time, in another house. And, lost as she was in her thoughts, she almost didn't hear Dumbledore call "Peterson, Harry!"
Harry was afraid. Hermione was in Ravenclaw, and he knew that his bravery could land him in a different house – namely Gryffindor. What if Hermione – never mind. He sat down on the stool slowly, dreading the inevitable intrusion of his most private thoughts by said intruder – the Sorting Hat. It wasn't long before the brim of the Hat obscured his sight and a familiar wispy voice penetrated his chaotic thoughts.
Hello, Mr. Potter. I have – or will – Sort you eventually.
How do you –
Ms. Granger, my dear boy. I daresay most of her memories are of you... (chuckles)
She's my best friend. Which house will you put me into? Personally, I'm favoring Gryffindor, or Ravenclaw, to be –
With the Granger girl. Ah, I see... Intriguing. (chuckles increase to full blown laughter) So you love her then...
I do.
Foolish child, you know nothing of love. Love is more than the little-boy crush you have on the girl at the moment. But I am not here to argue or waste time.
How dare –
Hmmm. I was right when I told you before – or when I will tell you later – that you will do well in Slytherin. You possess the ambition, the drive, the hate, the anger, and can potentially become manipulative enough to brave the House of Snakes.
If I'm brave, why can't I be a Gryffindor?
There are many different kinds of bravery...
Wait a moment!
And you have in great amounts the one that will sustain you in SLYTHERIN!
Author's Note: Ended with a cliffhanger. I wonder how Tom's going to react if/when he finds out that Harry and Hermione are time travelers. Oh well. Hope you like.
*smirks* The song is all mine, though.
And by the way, please read and review!
~Cat Seeker~ XD