Disclaimer: Can I pretend I own Harry Potter? Please? No? Fine.
So, yeah. I don't.
The train pulled into the Hogwarts grounds just as a fine drizzle began falling from the sky. Hermione stepped out of the train, searching for a familiar face. She couldn't spot Ginny, but a wide form stepped towards her in the receding light.
"Hagrid!" she cried weaving her way around students as they bustled about, calling for friends.
He swept her up in a tight hug, twirling her like she was three. She would have stayed longer, but the rain was falling harder now and she didn't want to get caught in the downpour that threatened overhead. Promising to come and visit him, Hermione raced off.
It appeared that the others had thought of scurrying to the carriages too. Most of them had already started towards the castle, and Hermione searched for an empty space to squeeze into.
Hearing her name, she turned to find Nott waving from one that was pulled off to the side.
"Hermione! Over here!" he opened to door for her, "We waited."
"Unfortunately," griped Malfoy, barely looking at her.
"Oh, don't bother with him, he's just hungry," smiled Theo. She settled in next to him and he caught a strand of her hair, studying the water droplets clinging to it, "Like an angel."
She raised her eyebrows at him and turned to Malfoy who was staring at them stonily. He blinked at her and then looked away, out the window. She did the same, and sighed as the castle came into view.
"You're fogging up the glass a bit there, Granger," Malfoy snickered, and she pulled away, realizing her nose had been pressed to the windowpane. It was just so good to be home.
The students clambered out of the carriages and up the lawn to the castle, dodging fat drops of rain. Hermione turned back to the carriages and stopped in shock, staring at the creatures that had brought them. She had never seen the beasts that drove the students to the castle, but now she could, in all their grotesque glory. She wished she had believed Harry when he first described the thestrals that pulled the carriages, knowing now exactly what they looked like.
Feeling a hand on her elbow, she half turned, not wanting the creatures out of her vision.
"Come on, Granger," Malfoy muttered quietly, "They won't hurt you, come on."
"I know," she whispered, but she didn't move to follow him.
He sighed, taking her wrist and gently pulling her behind him. When they reached the front hall, Hermione's shock wore off, and she quickly tugged away her arm. He sneered at her and did his best to drift away through the crowd.
She made to move into the Great Hall, but felt a hand on her shoulder.
Spinning, she scowled, "Look, Malfoy, I don't know what you're playing at…"
Nott smirked at her and quirked an eyebrow, "I was just going to tell you that McGonagall wants us in the classroom across the hall, but…"
She blushed and let him lead her to the classroom.
Hermione settled into a chair next to Nott and looked around at the others gathered in the classroom. She recognized the Sally-Anne she'd met on the train deep in conversation with a curly-haired head who must be Justin. A girl with coal-black hair that she recognized from Ravenclaw was laughing over something her friend had said. Hermione had just caught a glimpse of someone she thought might be Hannah when two boys accosted her.
"Hermione! Justin said he'd seen you on the train! I told you he was right," Seamus shook his head at Dean while pulling Hermione into a tight hug.
The dark boy just shrugged, "I didn't doubt him; I just said it's always good to verify a Hufflepuff's story before you take it as truth." He pulled Hermione out of Seamus' arms and pecked her on the cheek, "How are you, love?"
She grinned at the two of them, "All the better for seeing you again!"
They both looked about to speak when Theo cleared his throat and stood. The two boys' grins faltered, and they looked him up and down.
"Ah, Nott," Dean smiled in a determined sort of way and shook Theo's hand. Seamus forced a sort of smile-grimace and wiped his fingers on his robe after shaking hands.
Thankfully, the tense moment was broken by McGonagall sweeping into the room. She eyed the circle apprehensively, and waited until they had settled down. Once everyone was seated, she began.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts, everyone. I'm so glad that you could come back to finish your schooling. Before you join your classmates in the Great Hall, there are a few items we have to discuss. First, as I am sure you wondered, your ages mean that the teachers at Hogwarts cannot follow the same principles when teaching you. You are legal adults, which means, for example, that you will be allowed to use magic outside of the classroom and may go down to Hogsmede without permission. These are your rights, but if you choose to misuse these privileges," she eyed the boys near Hermione, "you will be reprimanded accordingly. Remember that this school year is a privilege, not a right. Do not misuse your time here," McGonagall warned.
Hermione drank in her favorite teacher's words. It was so good to be back!
McGonagall continued, "Because you are so much older than the others, we felt it wise to split you up. A separate common room has been set aside for you, and you will not be allowed to participate in clubs or sports with the younger students, including quidditch," several groans were heard throughout the room, "However, there are several student teaching and coaching opportunities available for you that the other students have not been given. Next week a meeting will be held so that you can learn more about the opportunities available to you this year. Until then, enjoy the start of this school year, and welcome back!"
She smiled at them all and swept out of the room.
"Do you think we can go in to dinner now?" Seamus asked.
Everyone shifted, looking around at one another.
"Well, I'm hungry," determined Nott, "let's go find out,"
At this everyone stood and shuffled toward the Great Hall. It appeared Nott had been correct; the students were still buzzing as they settled into the long benches on either side of the each house's table. Hermione moved toward the Gryffindor table, but Theo pulled on her sleeve and pointed. In between the four long house tables and the teachers' raised table was another table. It was decorated with all four houses' colors and was shorter than the other tables, clearly for a smaller group.
Hermione turned to Nott who shrugged and sauntered toward the table. She followed, meeting Ginny's gaze and smiling.
"I'll sit here tomorrow," she muttered to her as she passed, and Ginny nodded.
Walking toward the front, Hermione heard the room hush into a buzzing whisper. She looked around and discovered that nearly every eye was on the 8th years making their way to the front. She supposed that this might be exciting for the younger students, but was surprised by how much awe the teenagers seemed to create. It didn't help that Malfoy was strolling along as though he owned the world, cloak billowing and staff-thing thumping in time with his step. Was it all really necessary?
She sighed and made her way to the table, settling between Theo and Dean. Theo winked and she smiled, until she saw the expression written on Seamus' face. It was going to be an interesting year.
The teachers filtered to their seats and then Professor Flitwick pattered in through the student doors, trailing a long stream of first years ready to be sorted. They all lined up, frightened and excited, every one of them deathly pale and silent. Professor McGonagall made a brief speech about sorting, and then the excitement began.
Hermione sighed happily as she watched the children get sorted into their houses. It had been such a long time since she had been sorted into Gryffindor House, and yet the whole ceremony felt like yesterday. Of all her Hogwarts memories, this was one of the greatest. It had been so exciting to wait in a long line of her future peers, unsure of what house she would be in but determined to like wherever she was sorted. And then that exciting moment when she was at last called to the hat, her cheeks pink and heart skittering nervously. She remembered the way her whole body had trembled as the hat muttered over her, and the way she had felt when Gryffindor was finally called. At once light as a feather and dangerously weighted with the task of proving herself, she had skipped down to join her housemates, each one smiling in welcome at someone who they knew nothing about, yet instantly supported. It was truly one of the most magical feelings she had experienced in her time at the wizarding school.
She smiled and watched each student quiver with anticipation as the hat was placed on their heads, then breathe a sigh of relief as they got their desires. It was so sweet to see each student welcomed to a family that would watch over them throughout their teenage years and well into their adult careers. Hermione watched, contentedly enjoying the spectacle, until the first Slytherin was sorted. At first nothing seemed amiss as Randalls, Martin hopped of his stool to join his fellow snakes, but then Hermione noticed the reactions of the other houses. She blinked in surprise at the other students, many of whom were hissing…and even booing the poor little boy.
Hermione stole a glance at Ginny, who was trying to shut up the people around her, and scowled. Eleven year olds did not deserve this kind of treatment, especially as they hadn't done anything to deserve it. She turned to Theodore, who was whooping and clapping as loudly as he could. As the next person settled the sorting hat upon her head, he turned and muttered something to Draco, who nodded, a scowl apparent on his face.
Biting her lip, Hermione forced her eyes to return to the sorting. The next few students were sorted with no worries, but then a sweet-faced girl with big blue eyes settled onto the stool to be sorted. Her brow was decidedly furrowed, and she squirmed nervously, as though knowing what was about to happen. As expected, the sorting hat screamed "Slytherin!" and the crowd erupted. Hermione turned to the Slytherin table and saw each member cheering loudly, but the table was fairly empty. Most Slytherins, it seemed, had not been allowed back to the school that had defeated Lord Voldemort.
Henrys, Amethyst, whose fate had just been decided, cowered on the stool, unsure of where to go as Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs alike booed her existence. Hermione turned to see Ginny hitting a neighbor's head with her napkin, and decided that something had to be done. Gaining resolve, she turned back to the girl and stood, clapping for all she was worth.
A motion on her left caused her to turn, only to find that both Theo and Draco had stood too, and were clapping as loudly as they could. Clearly, they had thought of the same idea she had. Turning back to the girl, Hermione caught Dean looking at her. She smiled and he slowly rose as well, nudging Seamus to do the same. Soon, the entire table was on its feet, cheering for a girl who looked like she was about to faint.
Every table but the Slytherins had gone oddly silent, shocked that their elder members had betrayed them in such a manner. The snakes, however, were clapping louder than they ever had, determined to show the other three houses what they were made of.
Little Amethyst was having a hard time adjusting to all the praise, however, and just stayed rooted to the spot. When it was clear that she had no intention of moving, Hermione scrambled quickly for a way to help, but Theo was ahead of her. He leapt over the table, nearly knocking over several goblets in the process, and hurried to her side. Gently taking the girl's arm, he led her over to the Slytherin's table. When she was safely seated, he proceeded to kiss the blushing girl's hand gallantly, causing her eyes to go wide and the girls around her to crowd in instantly, demanding gossip.
Professor McGonagall was less than pleased, but Theo just smiled pleasantly at her and returned to his seat, grinning like mad. He muttered something to Draco, who cuffed him very hard over the head, but who couldn't help but smile slightly. Hermione shook her head; there was no end to the audacity of that young man.
When the hubbub died down, the sorting continued in a far less negative way. The other houses had learned their lesson, and no more booing was heard as several more Slytherins joined their housemates without worry. Hermione watched happily as new members joined her own house, and even got the pleasure of two of the little girls smiling shyly at her. She responded enthusiastically, and blushed happily when they beamed, one growing quite red in the cheeks.
Nott grinned at this but showed no signs of getting more attention, until the very end. The last little boy, a Xanders, Salwin, had steadily been growing more nervous as the sorting continued. He was now a wreck of nerves, pallid face gleaming with a sheen of sweat and hands shaking visibly. When Flitwick at last called his name out, the boy scurried towards the hat so fast that he tripped on his robes, landing heavily on his side. Bright as a tomato, Xanders hurried up amid a few too many snickers and jammed the sorting hat atop his head. After a good two minutes of squirming, he finally got the salvation he was looking for, and the Slytherin name was called.
Despite the fact that he was visibly relieved, Hermione couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor kid. He was no longer shaking, but he eyed his new house as though they were going to beat him up, or at least disown him instantly. She watched his eyes widen when he focused on something, and then he slowly walked towards her.
Surprised, Hermione turned to watch Nott beckon the boy closer, before he muttered something in the kid's ear and ruffled his spiky hair. Grinning, the boy stepped back and nodded, turning to his new table. Just before he walked away, Hermione noticed Draco catch his attention and nod slightly. Clearly this recognition was too much for little Xanders, who went tomato red and walked toward his seat slowly, clearly awed.
The sorting done, Professor McGonagall spoke a few closing words, then clapped her hands. Food appeared in the center of the table, and the feast began.
Helping herself to some potatoes and gravy, Hermione glanced around the table at her old friends. There were less of them than she had initially thought; it appeared only Hannah had been missed in her assessment of the group. She glanced over to where the blonde was wedged between Dean and Seamus, who were in an avid discussion about the newest racing broom and its effect on the chances of several quidditch teams. Hannah just nodded along quietly, her eyes darting between the two as they burst with enthusiasm.
Across from Hannah and Seamus, Justin Finch-Fletchley and his friend Sally-Anne were arguing over something. Hermione couldn't tell what, but the poor blonde's lip was quivering so pitifully that Hermione decided to side with her, no matter what the argument was about. Dean was sitting across from a freckle-faced girl who was clearly far more interested in the quidditch conversation than her dark-haired friend; the brunette was frowning rather harshly at this point. Nott and Malfoy were muttering to one another at the end of the table, and didn't look like they wanted to be bothered.
Trying to decide which conversation to join, Hermione nearly missed the sigh across from her, until a hand jutted across the table.
"Hi, I'm Mandy Brocklehurst," she smiled a rather fake smile, clearly disgusted with her friend.
"Hermione Granger," the girls shook hands, eyeing each other cautiously.
Deciding she liked what she saw, Mandy smiled more genuinely than before, "I would introduce you to Lisa, but…"
Hermione smiled in response, "It's alright. I'm sure I'll meet her properly later."
Mandy scowled, "I just don't understand why she finds quidditch so fascinating."
Grinning Hermione sighed, "I have a friend like that, too. She's great most of the time, but put a quidditch pitch in front of her, and poof! There goes the conversation."
Mandy laughed, and the two girls smiled at one another. Maybe this year wouldn't be as lonely as they had first anticipated.
When the meal ended, Professor McGonagall tapped her glass smartly, and eyed her sleepy students.
"I know you are all stuffed from our feast, and you want to settle into your common rooms, but I have a few quick announcements first," several people groaned, and she looked around sharply, "Our caretaker, Mr. Filtch, has asked me to remind you that we have rules at this school, and they are expected to be followed. I have asked the prefects to brush everyone up on what those rules are, but feel free to ask the staff if you have any questions. Remember: respect is earned, not given freely," She looked over at Theo sharply before continuing, "As you have realized, there is an unusual addition to our class this year. Our seventh year has been expanded to encompass some of the students from last year's graduating class. It is my hope that their guidance and support will be a benefit to you all."
She smiled out at the sleepy room, "But enough of my talk! Off to bed with you all, but as you go, one final thought. This year will be full of change, as our whole community rebuilds the standards that we all hold dear. Hogwarts will be looked on as a model for the rest of the wizarding community. It is my hope that we will show our friends that peace in our community is attainable. Remember that tolerance is not just for those who need to make amends; it is for everyone,"
She surveyed the room carefully, making sure each set of eyes met hers, before finally smiling, "And with that in mind, let us make this the best year Hogwarts has had yet!"
She waved for the prefects to lead the houses to their dormitories, and everyone cheered, although whether for the speech itself, or for being able to leave, Hermione couldn't be sure.