Chapter 10:
Stepping into the—newly refurbished—halls of Hogwarts, Harry couldn't help but feel a bit hollow inside. Nothing was going to be the same after the war. She had known, but it had felt so surreal the past two months. It was as if she was going to wake up, and everything was going to return to normal. Draco looked down to her creased forehead and grabbed at her hand. Harry looked up—can you believe it, up!—at Draco's smiling face. Her thoughts of death and depression slowly melted away, though the thought still lingered in the back of her head.
The doors to the Great Hall opened to show—where were the four tables? In the middle of the hall was a large semicircular table, where there was a small opening—big enough for two people at a time to fit through—and benches on either side, connected to the table. Hermione sighed next to Harry, and she turned to talk to Ron. "I thought this would happen."
Ron shook his head, "What? I mean—why? Where are the tables?" Hermione shook her head with an exasperated look on her face.
"Haven't you noticed? Ever since 3rd year McGonagall has been talking about 'house unity' and getting along with other housemates. Well, now it's actually going to happen." Ron shook his head and grabbed Hermione's hand, pulling her to an open spot by a group of Ravenclaw girls. Draco looked around the hall and squeezed Harry's hand.
"Meet me at the hall doors after supper?" Harry barely had a chance to nod before he walked briskly towards the small remaining group of Slytherins, who were sitting as far away from everyone else as possible. Though, with everyone avoiding them, it wasn't too hard. "Harry?" Harry spun around to see Neville and Luna, holding hands shyly.
"Are you coming?" Neville gestured his head towards a bunch of Gryffindor boys and girls—though that group was also noticeably smaller than it was at the beginning of 6th year, before the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry grimaced at the missing Parvarti and Lavender, along with Collin Creevy and many others lost. As she sat with her friends, she noticed that at least 30 students from each house were lost.
Soon, the sorting arrived to greet more 1st years than Hogwarts had seen since Harry herself was a 1st year. McGonagall stepped up to the Headmaster's Podium. "Good Evening. This year we welcome our 1st years as a priority. After the traditional Sorting song, "she said with an air of gusto," Please step up to the front when I call your name and place the Sorting Hat on your head." The hat opened its mouth and began to sing.
I know I don't look all appealing,
And that some of you laugh at my voice.
But I sing with heart and with feeling,
Though often I wonder: is it my choice?
Many are feeling contempt at themselves
And many are racked with grief.
But in Hogwarts we stand together,
the strong side by side with the weak!
The rivalry between houses
Is it often a game that they play?
Yes, the smaller, unnoticed, will soon become the famous,
in the game of the best for the rest.
So remember, together, as you all stand in stride.
Hogwarts is based off of knowledge.
Not off pride.
The hall was silent… Harry herself thought the Song was a bit…off. It wasn't like the usual songs, but she supposed that he did have to come up with a song in the span of a summer. The hall slowly, politely clapped as the hat tipped it's top and McGonagall started the sorting.
Sorry its late, and small. I'm not going to offer any excuses, because they probably aren't worth your time, but thanks for sticking with it! R&R. Thanks, lots of love!