Authors Note: Sorry for such a long gap between chapters, we've just finished our mocks so we've been swamped with revision and homework for the past few months. Hopefully now that we're on our summer break we'll be able to write more and finally get Year 1 over and done with. Also sorry that this chapters a bit short, the next one will make up for it.

This chapter was loads of fun to write so I hope you will all enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it! Also, happy 48th birthday to J.K Rowling and Harry Potter.

Disclaimer: Still not J.K Rowling. Go figure.

Chapter 5

After a long and most enjoyable train ride, where among other things, I learnt the inner secrets of how to win at exploding snap, and all the Hufflepuff third year dirt (who knew thirteen year old boys would gossip so much?); we cautiously stepped off the train. Arms linked as we looked around the hustle and bustle of students young and old, all with a much better idea of just what they were supposed to be doing. My only relief being the shaking, but equally firm arm that was linked with mine. Hermione's deep sense of calm in many ways helped to calm my nerves.

"First year's over here!" A deep, gruff voice echoed towards us. This could only be one person, one person who was making my toes curl in anticipation.

As we got closer and closer towards the towering figure I was all the more sure of just who this was. A few seconds later as the same gruff voice from before, all but bellowed, "'hello 'arry!" That I knew for certain who this was.

It had seemed the film had got him right in size and features. With, nearly all of him (unlike other people I had met), being an almost exact copy of how I imagined and saw him to be.

"Hello," I said loudly, immediately drawing Hagrid's attention to me. Unlike, nearly all the other first years standing in the little huddle in front of him, I was pretty much the only one who wasn't shaking in their shoes just from looking at him. It was understandable-their shaking. Hagrid was, after all, over 7 foot. If not for the fact that I knew him to be completely harmless and one of the kindest people- in the whole of the Harry Potter universe- I probably would have been shaking. He was terrifying, to put it bluntly.

"I'm Ruby, who are you?"

He smiled widely, "Hello Ruby, I'm Hagrid," And with that, he went back to shouting "First years over here!"

Jaw open slack in amazement, Hermione was the first to say anything, "That was very brave of you, I would never of had the guts to speak to him like that!"

I frowned, bravery wasn't my intention, "Umm, well I wouldn't call it bravery, but it was obvious he was going to be nice, he is in charge of bringing the first years to Hogwarts and they must pick a nice person for that,"

She only looked shocked at my fool-proof logic.

Less than 5 minutes after that we were in our boats, on our way to the castle. The lights twinkling more and more, as we got closer and closer, sending tingles down my spine as we sat and marvelled at the beauty of our home for the next seven years.

As we approached, I heard a scuffling in the adjacent boat. Of course, Neville had lost his toad, again, which was a cause of great amusement for the students in the vicinity. His troubles were soon forgotten, however, as the castle loomed on the rocky shore next to the lake, the lights inside twinkling warmly despite the shadowy exterior. Soon, we were almost directly underneath it, and the boats began to drop the students off. With a horrible jolt, I recognised the dimly lit building as the boathouse - the very same boathouse where Snape had died. No, where he was going to die, in less than eight year's time.

The thought was almost alien, knowing where someone was going to die. Could I do anything about it? Could I alter the future so as to save him? No, because Voldemort was pretty much unstoppable, certainly by my standards of power. I doubted very much that in seven short years of "training", that I would be strong enough to take him on. That task was very much left down to Harry. Harry, who was currently an innocent 11 year old, not yet scarred by the horrors that awaited him. Yes, he had already been raised horribly, but he had no idea what was in store for him. He would already face death before the school year was out. He seemed so young, it seemed so criminal to allow such a thing to happen...

I was once again brought out of my reverie by Hermione, tugging on my arm and telling me to hurry up. I realised that we were already halfway up the huge staircase leading to the castle, and it hadn't even hit me. My feet were just automatic. Huh, strange that I was able to zone out so easily, considering where I was. The lights were even brighter now that we were closer, and I could just make out the shapes of lamps in the lower windows, illuminating the school. A surge of energy rushed through me, and I began speeding up, forgetting all about the fates and destinies I had just been contemplating. Hell, I was at Hogwarts! How could I worry at a time like this?

We got there sooner than I had expected. We ascended the staircase up to the main hall, free of luggage now. I had been reluctant to let Sootica go, as she had already been nervous about the train ride. Plus, I freaking loved her, and didn't really want to see her go if I didn't have to. However, Hagrid had reassured me that he would take good care of her, as he was the one that looked after the pets as we were all being Sorted. He also had told me that I would have her back by bedtime.

There were about forty of us, and we were told to wait at the top of the stairs for McGonagall. However, she apparently prided herself on punctuality, as she was already waiting for us by the time we rounded the corner on the final flight of stairs.

"Students." She began, scouring us over with those emerald eyes as we slowed to a halt at the top of the stairs. "Welcome to Hogwarts. By now, your luggage has been taken from you, including all pets-" It was at this point that Trevor - Neville's toad - decided to show up, ribbiting loudly from the banister. Neville exclaimed, and rushed over to retrieve him, earning both of them a hard look from McGonagall, before she continued talking.

"Soon, you will all enter through these doors, and be Sorted into your respective houses. They are, for those who don't know; Ravenclaw, who pride themselves on intelligence and creativity; Gryffindor, who are noble and brave hearted; Hufflepuff, who are always loyal and just; and Slytherin, who are known for their cunning and wit. However, you will learn more about your house once you are Sorted into it." She explained. Of course, I knew all about the houses, so didn't listen very hard at this part, though I did note that she said 'Slytherin' with slight disdain, as well as listing it last. Interesting. I guess even she was a little biased, but it was understandable. After all, she was the head of Gryffindor house.

She finished her piece and told us to remain where we were as "final preparations" were

made. Whatever that meant.

I recognised a white-blond boy approach me in the crowd, and my heart jumped a little as I recognised him as Draco Malfoy. I had spotted him at the station and on the train earlier, but I hadn't really thought about it. He wasn't Tom Felton, but that certainly wasn't a bad thing right now. I mean, he was 11, but damn. He was actually kind of adorable, though I could tell he was gonna grow into something amazing.

"So, Potter." he spoke in his childish voice. It took me a moment to realise he wasn't talking to me, but to the messy haired boy next to me. I realised that they had already met, in the compartment, not on the stairs, like in the film. So I had already missed that opportunity to watch them conflict. Oh well, this was new anyway. I couldn't recall them talking at the top of the stairs in the books. Maybe JK just left it out...? Or this universe wasn't totally accurate. I shook my head a little as I listened to the rest of their conversation.

"So, what house are you hoping to be sorted into? Personally, I'm hoping for Slytherin, but then, you already knew that. Probably be Hufflepuff, but then, it's you, so I wouldn't be surprised." he scorned.

Harry stood, watching him through newly repaired spectacles, frowning a little.

"I suppose I'll just have to see." he replied shortly. So much for a snappy comeback. Malfoy looked mildly irritated that Harry hadn't given him anything to work with, but he wasn't deterred.

"I expect Weasley here will be in Gryffindor, with his brothers. Mind you, there's always a black sheep in the family, and I get that sort of feeling from you, Weasley." he spat at him.

Ron rolled his eyes, just as McGonagall returned. She glared at Draco, and even he crumbled under her gaze, returning to Crabbe and Goyle, who were shorter than the films had depicted.

"In you go." she told us, turning her gaze to the hall doors and waving a hand, opening them magically.

A collective gasp ran through the crowd, as the golden hall was revealed to us. The ceiling shimmered with the image of the outside world, stars shining almost as brightly as the levitating candles which occupied the airspace. The smell of melting wax filled the air, as well as the faint aroma of cooked food, too many smells to pinpoint just one. I imagined that was from the kitchens downstairs, with house elves working hard to feed us all. We began walking, a few hundred faces turning to watch us enter, the other students already seated and probably hungry. The sooner this was over, the better, in their opinion, though I could tell a few recognised Harry walking behind me, the scar on his forehead out in the open.

And then the hat started to sing the song we all knew. I knew it too well and couldn't hep but zone out as I began to get worried about where I'd get sorted. I'd just assumed I'd get sorted into Slytherin but now since I had struck up a friendship with a Hufflepuff maybe I'd end up there.

I tried not to groan outwardly as doubts races around my head. What if this? what if that?

Not that it would matter that much; this wasn't inception and dreams didn't last for ever, or at least make sense forever.

The hall was filled with applause. It was time.

I glanced over at Harry and Ron, who were whispering to each other as Ron shot angry looks at his brothers. Seemed Ron was as gullible now as he was in the books. I didn't need to glance over at Hermione to know what was going on in her head, I could hear it.

"You shall go where you're supposed to go Hermione, yeah you will." She repeated over and over like a mantra.

McGonagall walked to the front of the room, "When I call your name you will come forward to be sorted!" She announced. "Abbot, Hannah!"

I won't even pretend I didn't zone out again, I knew where everyone was going, how everything played out. Then again I will admit that I elbowed Ron pretty hard when he made that comment about Hermione.

Someone nudged me. "It's your turn."

Trust me.

"Thompson, Ruby Cara?" McGonagall called.

I walked up to the chair quickly, unable to keep down the blush that was fast enveloping my face.

"Good luck Ruby!" Cedric yelled from the Hufflepuff table, giving me the confidence to step up to the hat and risk the dream ending.

I gave him a thumbs up as the hat covered my eyes.

Nothing. Nothing happened no voice, no ruffling through my mind.

Oi, I thought. Get on with it!

"Not usually the response I get," a small voice grumbled inside my head. "First years are usually too scared to say anything, but then you aren't a first year are you?"

I won't tell if you don't.

The little voice chuckled. "You're not making me this very easy for me, all these years of knowing you've practically sorted yourself..."

Yes

"You've got the brains for Ravenclaw that's for sure, but you use them to scheme away. You hope to change time itself, no small feat so you are ambitious. You're kind, you treat people equally, as people, all houses as one. And yet you're brave, you're fearless..."

Oh no you don't! I interrupted. Don't put me into Gryffindor, please don't, I want to be in Slytherin, I can make them good! I can help them! Plus I don't suit red.

"It's not up to you. You'd do well in Slytherin yes, and if it weren't for this knowledge you have I'd place you there. I should place you there, but it's not going to happen.

Now you listen here Mr. hat...

"This knowledge you have won't help if you're in Slytherin. You think they'd listen to you? Talk to you? I've been in Ron's head, you're going to have a tough time converting him to any type of house unity even if you become a Gryffindor. This is bigger than you, do you understand me girl?"

I felt myself nod.

"Good! You better visit me after I sort you! Dumbledore never talks to me anymore and I get so bored! Good luck, little big girl. Better be GRYFFINDOR"

I stood up numbly, placed the hat down and forced a grin onto my face.

He was right of course. This was bigger than me. There were lives depending on me now. Plus what was wrong with Gryffindor? It was the house of my heroes, I'd been able to deal with it.

Actually, I realised. I'd love it.

Hand clapped and my friends whooped. Cedric gave me a hug and a congrats as I went towards Hermione and the rest of the first years at the front of the table.

As soon as I sat down I started to stuff my face with food. Merlin's balls, this was good. No screw it this was amazing. I had to suppress moans as I had culinary orgasm after culinary orgasm.

Then my ears pricked up. I nudge Hermione. "Who did they just say?" I asked as the hat boomed out another GRYFFINDOR and Rons name was called.

"Bem Williams," she provided before going back to cheering 'good luck' at Ron!

My fangirl heart sped up. Bem? The only known Hogwarts student to switch houses in Hogwarts history? Bem, the token black boy who'd been added to the films. Bem, the wonderfully depressed wizard awarded with such brilliant lines as 'Black could be anywhere' and 'it's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands'.

"He's real?!" I spluttered. This was the boy who'd made Harry Potter Marathons both bearable and hilarious.

Hermione just raised an eyebrow at me, not quite bothering to care what I was going on about. Everyone else on our table seemed to be sharing that sentiment. Figures.

Thanks to everyone for reading. Quick question, would you prefer/ do you think the story would benefit from being converted to third person?

Any responses would be helpful!

Review, follow and favourite if you enjoyed!