The Great Hall buzzed with chatter. Hermione walked with Cheneya and Marilu, trying to locate some of her other friends. Then, out of nowhere, a finger of light flew beside her and curled around her waist. Hermione turned around and saw the stream of light winding through the crowd so that it eventually traced back to Fiona's wand. She smiled as Fiona followed the light all the way to her.
"So," said Hermione, "I see you've learned some spells over summer break."
Fiona grinned and nodded as she flicked her wand and the light faded away. "Mum was okay with it as long as I practiced in the basement. She doesn't want to risk the Ministry finding out."
"I didn't have to practice in the basement," said Hermione, "because I stayed at Grimmauld Place, which is extra secure."
Fiona shoved her playfully. "No need to show off."
Marilu walked up beside Fiona. "Ready for another year of Hufflepuff?"
Fiona gestured to her yellow and black tie. "Of course I am."
Hermione noticed Neville walking towards them (making a beeline for Fiona), and gently nudged her friend.
Fiona's face lit up like the summer sun upon seeing Neville.
"Hi, Nev," said Fiona as Neville approached.
"Hi, Fifi," Neville responded.
Hermione and Marilu exchanged a knowing glance. The exaggerated use of pet names was the tip of the iceberg when it came to these two.
While Fiona and Neville engaged in their usual flirtatious conversation, Hermione and Marilu headed over to the house tables. It was there that they had to separate, Hermione going to Gryffindor and Marilu to Hufflepuff. Hermione found Harry and Ron and sat down beside them.
"Neville's with Fiona," she whispered.
Harry laughed while Ron shook his head.
"Why aren't they together yet?" asked Ron. "Everybody knows that they like each other."
Hermione shrugged. "It's just a matter of time, I guess."
"Good thing the Sorting Hat put Fiona in Hufflepuff," said Harry. "We wouldn't want her and Neville in the same house. Could be troubleā¦"
Hermione punched his arm. "Harry! Show some shame!" she scolded.
"Attention, please!" said Professor McGonagall, cutting out the conversations vibrating through the room. She placed a familiar scrappy black hat on a little stool. And so the Sorting Ceremony began.
As Professor McGonagall went through the customary routine of calling up students in alphabetical order, Cheneya quickly walked by Hermione and handed her a note before hurrying back to Ravenclaw.
Hermione opened the note. It had only two words on it:
Library, tomorrow.
