Chapter 2

When she finally caught up to Draco, he was already up the steps into the castle. He stood just inside the door, staring ahead of him at two large closed doors.

"It's the great hall," he said without turning to look at her. "I've been waiting for this my entire life, you know. MY chance to make my family proud. And now that I'm here, about to be sorted, it just… it feels…"

"Surreal?" Hermione suggested.

He turned to look at her and nodded. The doors behind them closed, signifying the last sortee had entered.

"Merlin," Harry huffed, "You two run waaay to fast."

Draco snorted, "No, you just run abnormally slow, Potter."

"Bugger off, Malfoy."

"Come on guys, we've got a hall full of students waiting for us," Hermione informed as she dragged the boys to where the rest of the students were gathered.

Hermione came to a stop just behind the Longbottom boy, who was standing beside a poorly dressed redhead.

She nudged Draco who turned toward her, "Who's the redhead and what is he wearing?" she whispered.

Instead of answering her directly, Draco elbowed Harry and spoke loudly," Do you smell that Harry? It smells like, broke." He enunciated the last word.

"I think I'm getting a hint of ginger, Draco."

"Yes, I think you might be right," Draco continued.

The redhead turned to glare at Harry and Draco. Hermione raised an eyebrow when Longbottom turned as well and began to defend the boy.

"It's rude to mock people because of their financial status, Malfoy."

"Rude?" Hermione smirked. "You want to know what's rude, Longbottom? Sticking your fat arse in the middle of the aisle people walk down."

"Who the bloody hell are you?" the redhead asked her.

Hermione turned her smirk onto him, "I'm Hermione Granger, who are you?"

"Ron Weasley," he scrunched his eyebrows. "Granger? I've never heard that name before."

"It's not one your lips are worthy enough to speak, Weasley," Draco sneered.

Ron opened his mouth to retort, but a voice spoke before he could.

"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, students," a woman wearing an actual witch hat said. "You are beginning your studies in year one, commonly referred to as first year. As per Hogwarts tradition, you will be sorted into houses based on your individual personalities," she met the eyes of every first year as she spoke. "The houses are as follows: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff," she paused, "and Slytherin. In a few short minutes, you will all proceed into the Great Hall to be sorted. I will call you up in alphabetical order by last name. The Sorting Hat will be placed on your head and will decide which house you will be placed in," she surveyed the room once more, "any more questions?" at the silence and shaking of heads, she continued, "Then let us begin."

The woman flicked her wand and the giant doors opened. She ushered the first years forward and into the Great Hall.

The room erupted into cheers as they were led inside.

The first years were directed to sit at a table towards the front of the hall, while the woman stood and faced the students, "Let The Sorting commence!" She looked down at a list that had appeared before her, "Abbot, Hannah."

A blonde girl stood from her seat and walked to the front center to sit on a stool the woman had conjured. An old looking witch hat was set upon her head. After almost a minute, the hat spoke aloud, startling Hermione.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Hannah made her way towards a table whose occupants were cheering loudly.

"Bones, Susan." was called, then, "RAVENCLAW!"

More names were called, Hermione clapped as two of her new friends, Crabbe and Goyle, were sorted into Slytherin, until finally, her name was called.

"Granger, Hermione."

She could feel her friends eyes on her. Barely registering Draco's hand squeezing her shoulder, she stood. Everyone's eyes were on her now. She walked to the stool trying to ignore the eyes on her. She sat down again and felt the witch set the hat on her head.

"Hmmm," she heard in her mind.

What the hell? She thought.

"My, my, Miss. Such language."

Are you in my mind?

"Of course not, I'm only reading it."

What? That makes no sense. How does that even work?

"Such thirst for knowledge, you would be a good fit for Ravenclaw. You're definitely too brave for Hufflepuff. Gryffindor maybe? But the tongue-lashing you gave that poor boy on the train… yes, I think so. It would definitely be a good fit for you."

What? What would be good for me?!

"SLYTHERIN!"