The time had come. The steam engine rolled to a complete stop. It was dark and foggy outside those windows. But from a distance, she could see glowing lights from a tall building. Her heart sat in her throat. She was finally here.

"You seem way too excited for school," Draco commented quietly.

Hermione didn't move her attention to his direction, "I am. It's fascinating… A school of magic… and we are the lucky ones who have been chosen to attend such a wonderful place."

Draco's face twisted in confusion. He had never heard a witch or wizard be so eager for magic. A bubbling thought grew into his mind and it wasn't one he particularly liked. He sat forward, "Granger… are you a mu-"

Before he could finish his question a tall curly, red-haired boy, yelled out, "All first years off the train. Don't worry about your luggage! It will be awaiting you in your dorms! All first years!"

Hermione raised her brows, pursing her lips into a smile, "This is exciting! I do really hope we can be friends, Draco." She reached over and patted his shoulder. She left the cabin and placed herself into the crowded aisle.

The cluster of students moved themselves to the platform where a very tall, grizzly man stood awaiting them. Her head flung back as she gazed up at him. HIs hair was just as wild as her, perhaps a little more curly, but messy all the same. Wow… She then heard Harry a couple people down from her say, "Hi, Hagrid!"

"All firs' years o'er here!" Hagrid called. He held a dim-lighted lantern up, "Follow me!"

Hermione pressed her robes down with shaky hands then put them in her pockets. They walked for a good five or so minutes until they reached a body of water. There was an abundance of boats awaiting them.

"Four to a boat!" Hagrid said loudly.

Hermione began to make her way to a boat when she saw Harry waving for her to come to his. She hurried over and sat down next to him. Neville and Ron got into the boat as well. The four of them sat quietly, much to Hermione's surprise. She expected Ron to at least be blabbering another silly spell. Then she realized that it was quiet all around her. No one was talking. Everyone sat by themselves, nervousness was evident in each and every face. This made her feel loads better, as she wasn't the only one.

The wild haired girl looked around for paddles. She assumed they'd be starting their venture soon, when suddenly, the boats began moving all by themselves. A few ohs and ahs were heard around her. She couldn't help but slip out a giggle, "This is amazing!"

Harry glanced over at her, "It really is, isn't it?"

She nodded, "When Ms. er… Professor," she corrected quickly. The woman had told her once she started Hogwarts it'd be Professor McGonagall, "McGonagall came into my home and told me I was a witch, I was angry. I thought they were trying to send me to a loony bin."

Harry snorted, "I honestly thought the same thing when Hagrid told me… you see my mum and dad died a long time ago… and I grew up with my aunt and uncle who are very much against the thought of anything out of the ordinary."

Hermione shook her head, "That's terrible. I am sorry you had to go through that…."

Harry shrugged nonchalantly, "Sometimes, we are just dealt a bad hand. Look!" he pointed to before him. The castle was huge, reflecting a yellow glow from the lights in the dark waters.

"Wow…" Ron whispered.

Hermione turned to him and grinned at his drooping jaw.

The boats came to a stop. All of the students were sitting quietly once more, awaiting direction of what to do next. Hagrid removed himself from his boat and stood before everyone, "Welcome to Hogwarts!"

The tall door from the entrance of the castle opened slowly and wide. A tall woman stepped out from within the golden hues. She wore a witch hat, her spectacles sat upon the edge of her nose, and the robes she wore were elegant and shimmering.

Hermione instantly knew who it was. It was Professor McGonagall. Hermione leaned over to Harry, "That's Professor McGonagall."

Minerva didn't say anything. She nodded her head at Hagrid, then went back inside the castle, leaving the door open.

"Everyone form a line! Walk through these doors and wait for yer next move. Good luck to ye all!" Hagrid said boisterously.

Hermione tried to stay close to Harry but Ron ended up pulling him along toward the front. She dropped her shoulders but squeezed herself between two other students. Everyone began walking up the stairs and into the building. There was a hum amongst them as they all crowded inside a hallway before two more giant doors.

Hermione made her way through the people toward Harry. He greeted her with a grin but he wasn't paying much attention to her, as he was listening to what Ron was saying: "There's not one witch or wizard that hasn't gone bad in Slytherin."

Hermione read about all of the house and though Slytherin wasn't her top choice of houses, she could hardly believe that everyone who resided in that house was evil… "What house do you think you'll be in?" Ron directed his question toward her.

Hermione was slightly taken aback, "Oh, uhm… I would think Ravenclaw… I am quite studious. I work hard. I'd like to think I've got a bit of wisdom and wit about me."

Ron shrugged, "I'll probably be in Gryffindor. That is where all of my family was placed. How about you Harry? Where do you think you'll be?"

Harry shook his head, "I have no idea."

"I'll bet you'll be a Gryffindor, too!" Ron said confidently.

"I didn't realize who you were when we met at Madam Malkins."

Hermione knew the voice, but it was an icier tone than he had held on the train. Draco stood before her, Harry, and Ron. Behind him were two other boys who looked just as smug as he did at that moment, "This is Crabbe and Goyle." He pointed over his shoulder. "The famous Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts. You'd be wise to choose your friends carefully here," he said with a sneer.

"Why would anyone want to be friends with a complete arse like you?" Ron started coolheaded.

Hermione was shocked that the boy was able to say something like that so confidently.

"Heh…" Draco chortled, "lets see… red hair and a hand-me-down robe. You must be a Weasley."

Ron's face began to redden and appeared to step forward to push Draco, but Harry placed a hand on his shoulder, holding him back.

"I think I can figure out who I should want to be friends with, thanks," Harry stated coolly.

"That is the first mistake you've made, Potter." Draco spat. He got quiet when he got patted on his shoulder. He turned around to find Professor McGonagall standing there, peering down at him with dismay.

Hermione bit on her bottom lip. Draco was exactly who he said he was… and that sort of broke her heart. She guessed she hoped that she might've helped him want to be better here… but like her mother had always said: you can't save everyone.

Draco and she shared a quick glance between each other. She could tell he was upset, but there was nothing she could do or say to make things better. Draco clearly made his choice on who and what he will be. There wasn't a speck of guilt in his eyes.

"Welcome to Hogwarts!" Professor McGonagall began, clapping her hands together. "Now in a few moments you will be passing through these doors to join your classmates! But before all of you take your seats you must be sorted into your houses." She skimmed over the crowd of hesitant faces.

"The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Now while you're here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points and any rule breaking, you will lose points." She cleared her throat, "Mister Longbottom, it appears you have lost your toad again…," as she pointed next to her feet.

Hermione furrowed her brows. How had the witch known that Neville had lost it in the first place? Neville trudged up embarrassed and took hold of his familiar.

The older witch resumed speaking to everyone, "At the end of the year the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup!" She turned and opened the double doors, "Follow me!"

The first years scurried behind the woman and into the Great Hall. Hermione noticed Harry staring up at the ceiling in awe, "It's bewitched to look like the night sky! I read about it in Hogwarts, A History."

He nodded in appreciation. He, too, had the book, but only skimmed it. He wasn't allowed much time to read at the Dursley's. By the time nightfall had come he'd be too tired from school and all the housework they put upon him.

The children walked between four long tables, which were already filled with other students of different ages. There were a lot of friendly faces sitting amongst the first three tables. The last table against the windows of the other side of the room sat with cold arrogance.

Hermione inwardly agreed with herself, that must be Slytherin. The parade of students stopped in their tracks once they met a long row of tables. This was where the professors sat. Hermione recognized a few of them from Hogwarts, A History.

The man sitting in the middle in the big oak chair had to have been none other than Professor Dumbledore. He was exactly as her mother described. The girl could not wait to have a proper meeting with him.

"Now, when I call your name, you will come up and have a seat. I will place the Sorting Hat upon your head…" Professor McGonagall opened the scroll she held within her hands, revealing many names listed.

Hermione tensed up. Her heart raced and her palms sweaty. She blew out her cheeks. How bad could this be?

"Abbott, Hannah," the tall witch called out.

A short blonde girl, who also appeared tense, began walking toward the front of the room. She made her way to the stool and sat down. She was visibly shaking. No one heard anything, but all could see that Hannah was nodding, then smiled. Loudly, the hat shouted: HUFFLEPUFF!

A table full of students wearing yellow and black ties, jumped up and cheered, welcoming the young newcomer into their house.

Hermione smiled. What a welcome that was! She only hoped the other three houses were just the same.

Another student was called, placed in Ravenclaw, and was just as welcoming as Hufflepuff…

A Slytherin was called and surprisingly enough, that table was the loudest of them all. Hermione jumped at the sudden celebration for a new member being placed amongst them. Hmm… she thought. Maybe they aren't as bad as the whispers.

"Granger, Hermione!"

Oh. Hermione went stiff. She hadn't realized they had hit the letter of her surname. She took a deep breath, and placed one foot in front of the other. The girl didn't make eye contact with anyone. She couldn't even find the nerve to look up at Professor McGonagall to say hello.

"Hello, young… Morganna", the hat spoke into her head. Hermione jumped. She wasn't ready for that.

Hermione closed her eyes, she knew she needed to speak back to the hat, but not out loud for everyone to hear, "Err, hello. My name isn't Morganna. It's Hermione. Morganna is my second name and my birth mother's name."

"Ah, yes. I see. I see, but much more than you know to be," the hat said, not quite making sense. "You are wise beyond your years. You have a large heart. You are ambitious, like your father… Alaric."

Hermione gulped, "And what house was he?"

"Slytherin."

The young witch let out a shaky sigh. She guessed she was expecting that response.

"You are the epitome of every house, girl. Yet, you may only join one. You will do well in any of the houses. Where do you wish to go?"

Hermione opened her eyes to find the eyes of the crowd staring back at her. She had been sitting up there much longer than any of the other students had thus far. She glanced at Gryffindor, their faces seemed kind and welcoming. Moving her gaze to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, she didn't find comfort in any of their smiles; though they were friendly, she knew she didn't belong. Finally upon Slytherin, she found her body going cold. "Gry-gryffindor, please."

"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat yelled out, causing commotion across the room. The students accented with maroon and gold stood up, clapping, cheering, and welcoming her to their table. She knew she'd made the right decision. Finally taking a moment, she peeked up to Professor McGonagall who nodded her head in acceptance and pride.

"Welcome to Gryffindor," a tall redhead leaned over, holding out a hand, "my name is George Weasley and this is my brother, Fred."

Hermione took the redhead's hand into her own and smiled at the two identical boys, "Thank you."

The ceremony lasted about an hour more, then food magically appeared onto the tables. Hermione hadn't realized how hungry she was until just then. All the ruckus of the day must've distracted her from noticing. She hadn't paid much attention to anyone else being called up and placed; she was too much in a daze. Her nerves were still shaking within her.

"This is wicked," Harry said to her, a huge grin split his face.

"It is. I am glad you're in this house too, Harry," Hermione said to him suddenly. "Maybe it'll make things easier for us… living in the Muggle world and all."

Harry nodded as he placed a bite of chicken into his mouth. He made a curious look toward himself, as if he were holding a conversation in his mind. He then turned to the long table of Professors and cringed in what seemed to be pain.

Hermione almost asked what was wrong until that was interrupted by, "I knew I'd be in Gryffindor!" Ron smiled, his mouth full, and both hands holding eating utensils filled with more food.

Harry seemed to have been brought out of his trance of discomfort by Ron's loud mouth.

The girl tried to ignore his ignorance and held up a glass of juice, "Congratulations to us then!"

The boys clinked their glasses against hers in cheers. Hermione still looked on at Harry, his eyes weren't smiling like they had been before. She made a mental note that she'd try to talk to him later.

After dinner, everyone got into four separate lines and followed what were called, Prefects. They were a sort of disciplinary student security of the school. Each house had their own. Hermione was surprised to find that it was actually another one of Ron's brothers there at the school. He apparently had two more brothers and a sister to go along with the twins she'd met at the feast and the one before her now. She couldn't imagine having that many siblings! Baby Alfie was already a handful.

The body of students approached a large portrait on the wall on the seventh floor. It was of a large woman, who sat upon stone stairs, dressed in venitian type clothing, and a goblet in her hands. Hermione had read about each other's houses having their own means of entering, but it didn't quite reveal exactly what had to be done in order to enter. This was interesting to say the least….

"Good eve," The portrait greeted the students. The portrait's tongue held an odd accent, not one that could be identified. It almost seemed… made up.

Hermione and Harry beamed at one another.

"Hello, we would like to enter! Have to get these first years inside and ready for their first day of school tomorrow," Percy said, bored.

"Well, welcome first years! I, too, have rules! Don't wake me from my sleep. If you do, it'd best be an emergency." She grimaced, "Password?"

"Caput Draconis…" Percy answered stiffly.

The portrait opened wide, revealing an opening to the other side.

Hermione didn't feel very good about Percy… Perhaps it was because of his title, but he seemed very posh. And from who she had met from the Weasley family, he had no business acting in such a way.

Professor McGonagall met the first years in the Gryffindor Common Room. It was large. There were a couple maroon sofas (which were already spoken for). Tables flanked each of the three windows that peered over Hogwarts grounds. A large lion-faced rug decorated the floor. There were a few pillows and cushions here and there. A fire crackled behind them. Empty portraits on the walls were filling with people, as if they were there to listen to the rules as well.

Hermione stayed close to Harry and Ron. McGonagall went over the rules of Gryffindor House. Many students were full of questions. Normally, Hermione being one of those, found herself instead, very exhausted. She was swaying on her feet and wished very much to be dismissed so she could have a lie down. She paid most attention once they were told where their dormitories were.

"I do not care the time you wake as long as you are in class by nine o' clock. Otherwise you will be deemed late and could potentially lose points for your house." Professor McGonagall looked around at each student. "Breakfast starts in the Great Hall at seven-thirty. There will be a plate of muffins and juice to go each morning here in the common room, but as always, it's best to grab a good first meal of the day."

"Students have a curfew of ten o'clock. So up in your dormitories by then." The woman glanced at the large grandfather clock in the corner of the room. "You've enough time to shower and ready yourselves for bed. See you all tomorrow," she tilted her chin, "and best of luck!"

Hermione yawned. "I think I am off to bed. See you tomorrow," she said to Harry.

He nodded with a grin, "Yeah, see you."

The girl climbed the stairs to the dormitory. Opening the door, she was met with four poster beds, with maroon curtains hanging down and around the bed itself. There was a fluffy comforter on each of them and a pillow as well. Her trunk was already sitting before the bed next to a window - which she was grateful for. She always enjoyed the view. A dresser stood next to her bed, along with a lamp dimly lit on top of it.

It was a cozy room. She reached her trunk, not worrying too much to shower just now and pulled out a pair of pyjamas. Getting onto her bed, she closed the curtains and quickly changed out of her robes and into the comfortable duds. She crawled to the end of her mattress and swiftly threw her robes on top of her trunk and closed the curtains back. "Mmm…" she wiggled herself beneath her blankets. Goodness, she was tired. She rolled to her side and fell asleep; never hearing any of the other girls.