Disclaimer: See chapter 1 for disclaimer.

Chapter 5

Harry was dumbfounded, Gnarl was in his head talking to him, and the hat knew who Gnarl was, "Gnarl, how did you get here in my head?"

Gnarl responded rather unsurely, "Did I not mention that I can talk to you through the wand?"

Harry replied rather angrily, "No, you told me to summon you when I needed to talk to you!"

"My bad master, yes you can talk to me through the wand and I you. Now back to the issue at hand. So Godric how are things, still sorting students?"

The hat, now known as Godric, replied, "Yes, I am. Now where should I put Mr. Potter?"

Gnarl sounded rather contemplative, "Well, he would be good in Ravenclaw since he is smart and wants to learn, but at the same time Slytherin would do well for him since he would learn to manipulate his enemies. However, both of these only focus on one skill area that an Overlord needs, Gryffindor would be the best since he can learn much there from many different arts plus he can befriend that Hermione girl to help him out if he gets stuck. It is also the best house since he can learn to manipulate a few of his more clueless housemates to help him keep the Slytherins in line plus it allows him to integrate himself in the other houses except for Slytherin since there is less stigma between the houses. This would allow him to make allies easily, and for some reason it feels like he is being lead on a path and this would allow him to find out who that guide is."

Godric nods mentally, "Well if you're sure, better be… Gryffindor!"

The hall erupted in applause, but Harry did not care, he calmly took the hat off his head and walked to the Gryffindor table, when he arrived he was welcomed by the Weasley twins and the Weasley prefect as well as the Gryffindor ghost which had his arm feeling numb and cold. Harry took a seat next to Hermione Granger. "Hello, Hermione, care if I sit here?"

Clearly Hermione was not expecting Harry to sit next to her. "No, I don't mind but why are you sitting by me, I figured you would be sitting up at the front of the table or save a seat for Ron when he gets sorted?

Harry considered how he should answer her rather detailed question. "The truth is I have very little knowledge of the Wizarding World despite what everyone else seems to know about me. You seem like you know what is going on and could help me understand what everything means. You also seem to be rather a lot of knowledge of magic, if that little trick on the train was anything. As for why I would do not sit next Ron, he is a complete idiot. He tried to perform a spell that he heard about from his brothers, which turned out to be a dud. They clearly look like a pair of pranksters, so they may have done this before and Ron never wised up. He also has quite bigoted views on magical society. Another thing, I have observed that he most likely a very pitiful work ethic. While I have no doubt that being around him would be fun and entertaining. I am not that kind of person. I want to learn, grow, and become stronger. I see you as someone that can help me learn more about this world I have found myself in. Also, you would simply make a better friend than Ron. Now shall we enjoy this fine food?"

While Harry and Hermione were talking, the sorting had finished, which had Ron being sorted into Gryffindor. Dumbledore had also given his usual Headmaster speech, and now everyone was digging into the dinner provided.

AN: The school year has started. Harry has denied Ron's offer of friendship and instead approached Hermione as a possible friend. How will the rest of the year play out with a Harry and Hermione friendship and what will Harry do to further his Overlord dreams.