CHAPTER 4: Enter 'Hogwarts'

A/N: Hey guys sorry for the delay. I know that this chapter may turn off some people but I want to say true to my vision and hope that you understand. Thanks.

Harry was sitting cross-legged on the bed skimming through his potions book. After a few more swipes he closed it with a thud and rubbed his forehead to clear all the headache that was starting to form.

Tomorrow he'll be off to Hogwarts for his first term and he felt just as inadequate now as he did when he first opened his books the night he came back from his trip to Diagon Alley. Nothing made sense to him. Maybe I am just too stupid he thought, but he found it really hard to believe that kids with muggle parents could follow the wizarding curriculum without any guidance. He would be quite proud of himself if by the end of the first term he had some semblance of understanding in one of his classes let alone all of them.

Though he did find the book about Defence Against the Dark Arts rather fascinating but that was mostly due to its more practical based learning.

There were other books like History of Magic and Potions that focused a lot more on theory but he simply found it too boring.

He wondered if his mother felt just as lost but he diminished that thought as he recalled Dumbledore saying that she was one of the brightest students.

He put the book on the nightstand and moved till his back touched the wall. His eyes swept the room and he still had a hard time believing that he was now sleeping in Dudley's old room and has been since his trip to Diagon Alley.

…..

Harry closed the door behind him and carried his luggage to the cupboard. He put Hedwig's cage down and opened the door. The feeling of joy and lightheadedness he was feeling from his trip washed down the sink as he stepped inside. Fear crept inside him like never before as his eyes scanned the empty space. He never thought that the Dursleys would kick him out for his morning outburst in the kitchen. A shiver ran down his spine as his brain conjured up horrific images of him being homeless and living on the streets. A feeling of numbness swept over his body as he stood in shock for what felt like forever but was only two minutes.

A hand on his shoulder brought him back to his senses and he turned around at breakneck speed and almost lost his balance as he came face to face with Aunt Petunia. He noticed she looked tired and had bags under her eyes but that didn't matter to him. All he could think of was that she came to tell him off and then kick him out. He turned his eyes downcast as he prepared himself for the worst. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear her speaking. He glanced at her face after a while and perked up his ears after seeing her mouth moving and caught the last couple of words.

"All your belongings have been put in the room."

He furrowed his brows in confusion as he tried to figure out what she meant. After a while, she got agitated as he simply stood there with the same dumb expression and huffed "Well, get a move on."

Harry picked up his luggage and started walking towards the door. He was 5 feet from the door when her voice stopped him.

"Where are you going?" she asked, annoyed.

He turned around to look at her. "What do you mean?" His tone void of all emotion.

She pointed at the stairs. "I said to go to Dudley's room and last I checked it was upstairs and not outside."

"Why?" he was starting to get angry by now. Couldn't she just let him walk away in peace? He had no intention of saying goodbye to Dudley. He figured it was best he stayed away from him at the moment.

"Weren't you listening to anything I just said?" she bristled. "Go up to Dudley's room. It's yours now. All your belongings are up there." she finished pointing upstairs.

It took a moment for Harry's brain to catch up with what she just said. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His first thought was 'Wait, What?', quickly followed by 'I'm an idiot' as he regained some common sense and inwardly berated himself for thinking that they would actually kick him out. Of course, they wouldn't as they would get in a lot of trouble.

After slowing down his beating heart he took a deep breath and followed her upstairs. He entered the room at the end of the corridor and looked around. A single bed was situated in the middle of the room which was twice the size of the one in the cupboard. There was a nightstand right next to the bed that had three drawers with a lamp upon it. A wooden cupboard stood in the corner across from the bed. A small table with a chair was placed facing the window that overlooked the front porch.

"Your clothes are in the cupboard. I've added a few more of Dudley's t-shirts and a pair of trousers. The rest of your accessories have been put in the drawers." with that, she walked out of the room.

Harry closed the door before dropping his trunk and placed Hedwig's cage atop it. For the next 5 minutes, he browsed through the cupboard and the drawers to make sure that all of his belongings were there. He sat on the bed and stared out the window trying to make sense of all that happened.

'Why now?' he kept repeating the question over and over again, trying to come up with some sort of an answer. The answer, however, came in the form of a knock on the window. He jumped off the bed and looked wide-eyed at the window where a tiny grey owl was perched upon the window sill.

Harry walked over and opened the window to let the owl in. He noticed it carried a small package that was tied to its right leg. He untied the package and was about to open it when the owl hooted.

Harry, unaware of what to do in this situation simply stared at it, as that would give him an answer. After a while in which both just stared at each other, the owl hooted loudly and bit him on the finger before flying away.

Harry winced and put the finger in his mouth to wipe the blood. He opened the package and a huge grin split his face in half. He took out a handful of sweets that Dumbledore had last given him. 'Guess that answers the question'. He popped one into his mouth and closed the window before walking back to the bed. He sat down and spent the rest of the night looking through his books and enjoying the sweets.

…..

Ever since that morning, he was part of all 3 meals at the dining table though no one ever talked to him, which was more than fine by him. The only person who tried to act more civilly towards him was Petunia. She washed his clothes as she did for everyone and never once told him to clean the dishes or do any of the other chores that were a part of his daily routine.

Harry was in the middle of folding his clothes when Hedwig came in through the window and went straight into her cage.

"Took an extra longer today eh Hedwig," he asked without turning to face her.

She hooted in response.

"I get it. You want to enjoy your last day. Hopefully, you'll have more freedom at Hogwarts and won't be cooped in the cage for so long"

Harry closed his trunk and walked over to her. He gently patted her feathers and she keened in contentment. He smiled before closing the cage and changing into his pajamas before crawling under the covers on the bed.

He rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. There was no drawing of his parents like the one in the cupboard below but by now he had it memorized and can picture it whenever he closed his eyes. He did this every night ever since he shifted rooms so that his mind was at ease before going to sleep.

….

Harry rolled his trunk down the stairs and placed it near the front door. He put Hedwig's cage next to it before going back to his room to check that he had everything he needed.

Vernon and Dudley had left for work and school not 5 minutes before. Today was Dudley's first day back and he let everyone know he was not happy about it by whining and crying and Vernon had to drag him out by the collar.

He walked into the living room to find Petunia knitting a sweater. He cleared his throat to get her attention.

She kept working on the sweater and acknowledged his presence with a "Hmm"

"It's time. Hagrid should be here soon so I am going to wait outside," he said.

Her only response to him was a nod as she kept knitting. He stood there for a couple of seconds before turning to leave. He only took three steps before her voice halted him.

"I made some sandwiches." she said, while continuing working.

Harry looked towards the dining table to find a couple of sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil. He walked up to the table and grabbed one. "Um, thanks." he said, not sure how to respond to this rare act of generosity.

He almost missed the slight nod of her head in reply which was even more surprising for him.

"I'm going to wait outside. Hagrid should be here any moment."

"One won't be enough" her voice halted him as he turned back around to find her for the first time that morning looking at him. Not knowing what she meant he just stared at her.

Her eyes shifted towards the other sandwich on the table before looking back at him. "An empty stomach wouldn't do you any good on a day like this"

"Umm, Hagrid said that they serve food on the train so I'll be fine," he said recalling how fondly Hagrid spoke about the services of the train staff.

"It's not free. I remember Lily saying that they always charged more" she said.

He was getting annoyed with her newfound generosity. Why all this sudden interest in his wellbeing. "I'll be fine," he answered coldly. "I withdrew magical money from my vault that my parents left for me." He saw her flinch and got satisfaction at seeing it. Before she had a chance to respond he'd left the room.

Harry was standing on the driveway, his luggage sitting next to him. He was silently fuming, thinking of the interaction he just had with his aunt not 2 minutes ago. Thankfully he didn't have to think about it for much longer as just then the Knight Bus stopped right in front him.

The door to the Knight Bus opened and Hagrid's big blooming face came into view. Harry's bad mood evaporated like dust as he was enveloped in a hug by the giant.

"'Arry, How are ye," his hold on him tightened even more.

"Hagrid. Can't Breathe" Harry wheezed, trying to get himself free of his hold. Hagrid let go of him and picked up his trunk.

"So ye ready?" he asked with a smile.

Harry rubbed his arms. "As ready as I'll ever be" he responded.

….

Harry was looking around in awe as they entered Kings Cross station. He'd never imagined it being this big. They came across escalators that went down and Hagrid stopped. Harry looked up at him in confusion.

"What's wrong Hagrid?" he asked.

Hagrid gave him a nervous smile as sweat started to form on his forehead. "Eh ye see, I've never got the hang of these things." he finished with an embarrassing chuckle.

Even though it was a bit funny that someone as big and strong as Hagrid would be scared to step on an escalator, Harry was happily surprised that he shared something so personal and vulnerable with him. It made him feel that he could be more open with him in return and share some of his fears without feeling awkward about it.

He held Hagrid's hand. "Come on, let's do it together." Hagrid gave him a winning smile and nodded. "Just lift one leg." He demonstrated by lifting his left leg and hovering it over the moving steps. Hagrid followed his movement and together they placed their foot on the same step. "See. That wasn't hard" said Harry as they were steadily coming down.

"Well that's because yer with me 'Arry," Harry blushed at the compliment.

They reached the lower level and walked towards the trolley rack. Hagrid put the trunk and Hedwig's cage on the trolley before telling Harry to take hold of it.

"C'mon 'Arry. It's time for me to leave. I best show you how to get to platform nine and three quarters though" he said checking his wristwatch before guiding Harry.

Harry looked around in confusion as they reached a wall that had a board hanging on either side with 10 and 9 written on them.

"Hagrid, are you sure that we have the right address?" he asked, looking up at him.

Hagrid ignored his question and pushed him forward. Harry was about to repeat his question when something caught his eye. A girl, a few years older than him holding a trolley with luggage similar to his was running straight into the wall between platforms 10 and 9. He watched with wide eyes as she ran straight into the wall and disappeared. He stood there with his mouth hanging open and looked around to see if anyone else had seen what just happened but no one seemed any wiser as people were going about their daily business as if nothing extraordinary happened.

He came out of his shock when Hagrid pushed him forward and made him stand in the middle of the two platforms.

"Yer see how she did it 'Arry. Ye gotta do the same thing. Just run straight into the wall"

Harry looked up at him with fear. "What? You saw that" he asked, afraid to know the answer.

Hagrid gave him a warm smile and knelt placing a hand on his shoulder. "Yes 'Arry, I saw it. This is the only way students get to Hogwarts. Even your mum and dad had to go through it" he finished with a wink. He stood up and positioned the trolley correctly. "Now c'mon before someone else comes along. I'm sure you'd want to find a compartment all to yerself"

Harry nodded before leaving his trolley and hugging him. "Eh, what's that for. I'll be seein ye in a few hours," Harry broke the hug and stared up at him.

"Really?" he asked with hope.

"Really. I'll be waitin for ye when ye get off the train. Now c'mon off you go," Harry grasped the trolley tightly and took a deep breath and closed his eyes to steady himself. He stared straight at the wall, ignoring all the ruckus around him and ran straight at the wall. He closed his eyes just as he was about to collide with it. But the collision never came. He opened his eyes before turning around and touched the brick wall behind him.

"Woah" he breathed.

He jumped a foot in the air at the sound of a loud train whistle. He moved his trolley to the right and his vision was blurred by smoke coming out of the engine. He maneuvered his way through the smoke still not getting a clear look at the train. When the smoke cleared he saw a red locomotive train that had 'Hogwarts Express' written on its head. He saw a sign hanging above him that had platform nine and three quarters written on it. There were not many people around as he pushed his trolley forward.

"Excuse me, but is this your first time?" A boy a few years older than Harry with red hair came up to him. Harry nodded his head. "Fantastic. My name is Percy Weasley. I'm a 5th-year prefect and as per my duty I'm here for your help" he said proudly and held his hand out.

Harry, relieved at knowing that he wouldn't get lost, shook his hand. "I'm Harry"

"Well nice to meet you Harry and let me just say that you're the first person to ask for my help on my first day as a prefect, so consider yourself lucky" he finished with a toothy grin.

Harry wanted to mention that he didn't ask for his help but kept his mouth shut and instead managed an awkward smile.

"Here let me guide you to the luggage rack" he showed Harry the way to the luggage carrier where he stored his trunk before walking over to place Hedwig in a cage with all the other pets.

He followed Percy into the train. "Where would you like to sit Harry? It would be easier for us if you had a preference" he said, turning around to look at him.

"Umm anywhere where there are not many people," he said looking around.

Percy chuckled before he resumed his fast-paced walk. "You're quite lucky that not many students have arrived yet so the compartments are mostly empty. But I would recommend sitting near the middle as students mostly prefer to sit at the front or back. I always preferred to sit at the front to spare myself of the troublemakers. They tend to create a ruckus at the back. But I wouldn't have to worry about that now because prefects get their separate compartments that students are not allowed to enter." he said haughtily.

"Ok. I guess the middle would be fine" Harry said hesitantly. He was starting to feel sick at the notion of students crowding the train.

"Brilliant," said Percy walking further down the carriage. He opened the door to an empty compartment and moved aside to let Harry in. "I hope you have a fantastic first trip to Hogwarts Harry. Actually, it's my little brother's first time today also. He should be here soon. If it's alright with you, I'm sure he'd love to sit with you and chat about quidditch. Merlin knows he can never shut up about it. What do you say?"

Harry thought about it for a second before replying "That would be nice. Thank you" he only agreed to not sound rude, plus he didn't mind Percy even though he seemed a bit snobbish, so if his brother was just like him he wouldn't mind it much.

…

Harry was looking out the window as parents bid their children farewell. Some kids were clinging to their parent's shoulders and openly crying while some tried to maintain distance in order to avoid embarrassment. A small smile broke out of Harry's smile as he watched a young boy holding on to his brother's leg to stop him from going. Finally, their mother came and scooped him into her arms.

After a couple of minutes the sound of the engine went off and the train slowly started moving before catching speed.

Ten minutes into his journey, Harry was looking out the window when his compartment door opened. He turned his head to look at a boy his age entering before closing the door behind him.

The first thing Harry noticed about him was his red hair and he assumed that he was Percy's younger brother. He was also a couple of inches taller than Harry. He turned around and shot a nervous smile towards Harry.

"Hi, My brother said that I can sit here" Harry looked at him with a blank face. "If you don't mind that is" he added quickly.

"I don't mind," said Harry gesturing at him to take a seat. The boy smiled before sitting opposite Harry.

"My name is Ron Weasley," he said, extending his hand and offering a friendly smile.

Harry shook his hand offering him a smile of his own. "I'm Harry Potter," He inwardly cursed himself the moment he felt the word leave his mouth. His fear was realized as Ron's eyes widened and his mouth formed a silent 'O'.

The last thing he wanted was the entire train knowing that he was traveling alongside them. Hagrid had informed him to only introduce himself by his first name to avoid people clambering over him.

"No way!" exclaimed Ron. Harry put a finger to his lips to shush him and looked at the door to see if anyone heard it. "Sorry. Mum did mention that you were the same age as me" He got a sheepish look on his face and leaned forward. "Umm. Can I see your scar? If you don't mind that is?" he asked hesitantly.

Harry sighed and lifted his hair from his forehead to reveal his scar.

"Wicked" breathed Ron in awe of the lightning-shaped scar. Harry covered his forehead and matted his hair to obscure it back into hiding. He went back to looking out the window. Ron flushed at his behavior and leaned back. "I'm sorry. I get carried away sometimes."

"It's okay. I'd appreciate it if you don't mention it to anyone else," he said, facing him again.

"I won't. But you do know that everyone is going to know who you are during the sorting ceremony right."

"What's that?" the same sinking feeling was starting to form in his stomach again.

"Well, how do I explain this? Basically, all the first years stand in the great hall in front of the entire school and wait for their turns to be sorted into a house. There are four. Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Gryffindor which is where all my brothers are" finished Ron feeling quite proud of himself at his description of the sorting process. However, he didn't notice the colour leaving Harry's face.

Dread came over Harry as Ron's words 'in front of the entire school' kept repeating in his head. He felt his breathing get heavier the more he thought about it.

At that moment the door to their compartment opened. Harry snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the door. A bushy brown haired girl with big front teeth stood at the door. She was already wearing her school robes and was carrying a thick leather-bound book that had Hogwarts: A history printed in it. Her eyes examined the compartment before landing on the two boys.

"Would it be alright if I stayed here for the rest of the journey? I wanted to get some light reading done but the noise level in my carriage got high and I couldn't even hear my own thoughts let alone concentrate" she said all this really fast and waited for the boys to respond.

Harry and Ron looked at each other and shrugged. Ron got up and moved to sit next to Harry.

"Thanks" she smiled and walked over to sit on the spot Ron just vacated. "I'm Hermione Granger."

"Ron Weasley" Ron dropped his sugar quill that he'd taken out just a couple of minutes ago and extended his hand.

Hermione shook his hand. "Pleasure" she made a disgusted face and wiped her hand to get rid of the stickiness.

"Sorry. I haven't eaten since breakfast" he apologized sheepishly.

Hermione looked like she wanted to reprimand him but stopped herself. "It's okay" She then looked over at Harry who was cleaning his glasses and gasped. "Oh my god, you're Harry Potter"

Harry looked at her wide-eyed before putting his glasses back on and matting his hair.

"I have read all about you, you see. With your history, it seemed only natural. I first came across you when I read History of magic but you're also mentioned in Modern Magical History, The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century.

Though I must say I didn't find the latter to be a particularly good read mind you as it sensationalized a lot of events including yours"

Harry was starting to feel agitated and wanted nothing more than for her to be quiet but it didn't seem like she had any intention of slowing down anytime soon.

"It's just bad journalism in my opinion to portray something so tragic as fiction. I have also read about your parents. Did you know that your mum was considered one of the smartest witches of her age? Who am I kidding, of course, you do? I hope to follow in her footsteps and-

"WOULD YOU SHUT UP" bellowed Harry, halting her speech. Ron jumped a foot in the air and nearly landed on the floor. Hermione looked wide-eyed at him as there was absolute silence for about five seconds before "I don't care what bullshit you read in which book. No one asked you for any information and NO ONE CARES, so you don't have to show off and make yourself look smart. I'm sure that's probably the reason why you were kicked out of your carriage. Not because you wanted to read but because you couldn't shut your mouth. You're just a know-it-all who wants to show how better you're than everyone else. And don't ever talk about my parents" Steam was coming out his ears as he finished and his face was flushed with anger.

Ron had backed himself further into a corner and was looking back and forth between them with wide eyes.

Hermione looked ashen as she stared back at Harry in horror who was breathing heavily. Tears were starting to form at the corner of her eyes but Harry paid them no attention as he got up and left the compartment.

That was all it took for the dam to break and tears started to stream down Hermione's cheeks as her shoulders shook silently.

Ron got even more horrified at seeing that since he had little to no experience on how to handle a crying girl. He had a younger sister but was usually the culprit behind her tears.

He thought about leaving but didn't think his mother would be proud of that move so he just awkwardly sat there. He tried to come up with something funny to say to break the silence but then thought against it due to the fear of upsetting her more.

Finally, after a couple of minutes in which only the sound of Hermione's sobs were heard, he got up from his spot and moved to sit next to her.

He took out a sugar quill from his pocket but just held it in his hand.

"C'mon Ron, you can do this" he murmured to himself to gain some courage.

After taking a deep breath he tentatively tapped her on the shoulder.

Hermione turned her head and looked at him. Ron gulped at seeing tears openly cascading down her cheeks before clearing his throat.

"Umm here, my mum always gives me sweets whenever I'm sad. It always helps my mood. Here, take it. You will feel better. Trust me." he held out the sugar quill for her.

He was regretting his decision as she just kept staring at his hand without moving. He was about to apologize and leave when she spoke.

"I'm not-'sniff'-allowed-'sniff'-sweets" her voice broke and she sounded so weak and unsure of herself compared to the confident young girl from earlier.

"How come? You're just a kid and every kid is allowed sweets" Ron said bewildered at the thought that her parents would not let her taste sweets.

"My parents said they are bad for my teeth," she said, wiping at her cheeks with her sleeve. Tear stains were starting to form on her cheeks.

"But surely you can have one. I can promise one sugar quill is not going to ruin your teeth. Trust me, I've lost count on how many I have had but it's a lot and my teeth are still fine" he emphasized his point by showing her his teeth.

A small smile broke out on Hermione's face upon seeing that. "Okay. Just this once" she took the sugar quill from his hand and took a small bite.

Ron breathed a sigh of relief at seeing her smile, thinking he did alright. "It's good isn't it," he said after she took another small bite.

Hermione chewed before nodding. "Thank you." she gave him a smile which Ron returned. She then looked down and became solemn again. "I'm never going to have any friends. I thought it would be different this time but I can't seem to shut up" she looked up at his face again. "My mum always says that I should never change myself to fit in with other kids and that they should like me for who I am" More tears started to form on her cheeks but she hastily wiped at them. "But I don't think I'll ever make friends" She stared down at her hands in her lap as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"I'll be your friend," Ron blurted out. Hermione turned her head to look at him, shock evident on her face. "Really, I'll be your friend," he said, looking nervous. "If you want me to be"

"Really?" she asked, hope evident in her voice. Ron nodded and she beamed at him widely, fully displaying her front teeth. "I'd love that"

"Great" He looked at the forgotten sugar quill on her lap. "You better eat that before it sticks to your uniform," He said pointing at it.

Hermione chuckled before taking a bite. They were silent for a while and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery outside.

"Do you think I should go and apologize to him?" she asked, turning towards Ron. "It was never my intention to make him angry. I was just really excited and-" she huffed frustratingly.

"Best to stay away from him at the moment I think. Just give him some time and I'm sure he'll come around. I just met him now for the first time myself and he seemed fairly nice" he shrugged his shoulders.

Hermione nodded, furrowing her brows in contemplation before turning to look out the window again.

…..

Harry was standing at the rear balcony of the carriage, leaning on the iron railing. Ten minutes had passed since he left the compartment after his outburst and he was still seething with anger.

'Who does she think she is? Telling me she knows more about my parents than me.' His inner monologue was disturbed by the opening of the door. He turned around and came face-to-face with the boy he met at the Owlery. Cedric Diggory.

"Harry! I was not expecting to find you here," he said, coming over to stand next to him. "So how's your first train journey to Hogwarts been like?"

Harry turned around to look at the vast open fields and shrugged his shoulders.

Cedric nodded looking at him before following his vision. "Want to talk about it?". Harry shook his head. "If there's a problem you could talk to me, you know. I may not have the answers but I'm always here to listen"

They stood in silence for a minute, admiring the contrasting beauty of nature. "A month ago I didn't even know about magic," Cedric turned his head towards him. "I had no idea that something like this existed or that my parents were a part of this world or that people know more about them than I ever did. Plus everyone I meet treats me like an alien as if they have never met another person and I hate it" he hissed in the end.

Cerdic stayed silent for a moment and looked at the sun setting over the mountain peak.

"Yes well that's for you to deal with Harry" Harry turned his head to look at him. Cedric arched an eyebrow and nodded. "It's your problem. Always will be. You can't just assume people are bad by how they react when they first meet you. That's absurd. Try to think from their perspective Harry. Imagine meeting a person who you'd only heard these legendary stories about and then suddenly meeting them, it's a wonder people haven't started worshiping you.

You are not an ordinary wizard Harry. You may not like it but it's the truth." Harry was about to argue but Cedric cut him off. "Look I'm not saying that don't be wary but try to be a little more patient when you meet new people alright"

Harry didn't want to admit it but he knew what Cedric said was right. It will always be his problem and only he can fix it. "I'll try" Cedric's mouth twitched at the corner. "So want to tell me what's an alien" Harry opened his mouth to speak before Cedric cut him off chuckling. "I'm kidding. I take muggle studies. Creepy-looking creatures if you ask me" He said making a face. Harry shot him an amusing glance before turning his head as they simply admired the view in silence.

…

The train came to a stop at Hogsmeade station. Harry was in the middle of a line of students behind Ron, who were slowly moving. After spending an hour on the balcony Harry walked back to his compartment and was relieved to find only Ron sitting. Ron had already changed into his robes and went out so that Harry could do the same. They had not spoken since Harry had come back.

Finally, after what felt like forever to Harry he stepped out of the train.

He started walking in line with other students while looking around. It was nighttime so he could not see much, however, when he turned his head straight ahead he saw none other than Hagrid standing, carrying a lamp and shouting instructions at students.

"Firs' years follow me. The rest to the carriages." he boomed over the chatter of the students.

Harry walked up to him and tugged on his coat. Hagrid looked down and a huge smile split his face in half.

"'Arry!" They embraced in a hug. "So, how was yer ride?" He asked, pulling back. Harry simply shrugged his shoulders. Hagrid gave him a knowing look before nodding. "C'mon then, let's get you inside the castle"

….

Harry was in complete awe as he ascended the stairs to the first floor of the castle. He still couldn't get the boat ride to the castle out of his mind. It looked translucent in the pale moonlight.

The students stopped walking as they came to the top of the stairs and saw a tall, stern-looking old witch with black hair drawn into a tight bun standing before them.

"I am Professor McGonagall. It is my pleasure as a deputy headmistress to welcome you all to Hogwarts. The sorting hat ceremony will begin shortly and I must warn you all to act smartly once you're in the great hall. Now please form two columns. The boys on the right and the girls on the left"

Everyone started shifting for the next couple of minutes. The chatter between students grew before Professor McGonagall held her hand up.

"Quiet please," she said sternly and the chatter immediately stopped. "Follow me"

She turned around and started walking as the big oak doors that led to the great hall opened and a loud rambunctious noise met their ears. Harry felt the air leave his lungs as he entered the great hall. He was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the space. It was the most beautiful place he'd ever seen. He looked up and felt like he'd stepped into an imaginary world. There was no ceiling. He could see the night sky with all it's stars shining brightly or so he thought before someone behind him pointed it out.

"The ceiling's been enchanted to appear that way. I have read it in Hogwarts: A History."

His admiration of the hall ended as his eyes landed on the students sitting all around him in four long tables that stretched the entire length of the hall. This time he felt his breath leave for a completely different reason and he nearly stumbled. He'd forgotten about what Ron had told him about the sorting ceremony.

They stopped walking as Professor McGonagall reached the podium and stood next to a wooden stool with an old looking pointy hat atop it.

Harry looked behind it and caught Dumbledore's eye who winked at him. He was seated in the middle of the long staff table.

"Please come forward when I say your name." She opened a long roll and spoke aloud.

"Abbott, Hannah." A girl with golden curls walked with her head down and sat on the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. The hat had barely touched her head before it shouted "Hufflepuff"

Harry watched as McGonagall called out the names of students as they were sorted into the four houses. Most seemed happy with their house, others not so much.

Harry winced as a sharp pain shot through his scar and touched it with his hand to stop the pain. He had never felt his scar hurt so much. He looked up and caught the eye of a man sitting at the far left corner of the staff table looking at him with a piercing stare. He had greasy-looking black shoulder-length hair and a long nose. They held eye contact for five seconds before Harry broke it.

"Granger, Hermione," Harry watched as Hermione practically bounced her way to the stool. McGonagall placed the hat on her bushy head. He watched closely as Hermione kept murmuring something in her mouth with her eyes closed.

"Gryffindor!" A huge sigh escaped her lips before she opened her eyes smiling widely and walked over to the Gryffindor table. He noticed Ron clapping enthusiastically next to him.

A couple of more students were sorted in Gryffindor. Two boys named Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnegan.

Harry was only paying attention to students that were sorted into Gryffindor because that's where he wanted to be ever since Hagrid told him it was his parent's house.

"Malfoy, Draco" A boy with slicked black blonde hair and a smirk on his face sat on the stool. The hat was a couple of inches from touching his head before it shouted "Slytherin" The Slytherin table whistled and clapped as he hopped off the table sporting a lazy grin and walked over.

"Potter, Harry" There was dead silence for ten seconds before students began to whisper furiously among themselves. The noise level grew louder as more time passed and Harry started feeling nauseating and sick to his stomach.

"SILENCE" Dumbledore's booming voice rang through the hall and everyone quieted down immediately. Harry looked at Dumbledore who gave him a nod and a warm smile.

Ron placed a hand on his shoulder, pushing him forward. "C'mon mate. Everything will be fine."

Harry didn't know how but his footsteps started moving of their own accord. He felt as if he wasn't in control of them. Everything seemed to happen in a daze until he sat on the stool and McGonagall placed the hat on his head. Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath to prepare himself for the worst.

'Hmm. What do we have here?" Harry's eyes snapped open. The hat was talking to him. He was pretty sure he couldn't hear it from where he was standing so it only seemed to be speaking to the person it was placed upon.

"Bravery. Lots of it in fact. Some would say recklessness" it spoke in its low rumble. "Also ambition and a need to prove yourself. You would do great things in Slytherin"

Harry's eyes grew wide and his whole body tensed. 'No, please. Gryffindor. I want to be in Gryffindor' he kept repeating it in his head.

Seconds that felt like hours to Harry passed on agonizingly. His knuckles turned white from the fist he made.

"Oh Alright. GRYFFINDOR!"

A/N: Alright guys bring on the comments. let me reemphasise that there will be no bashing in my fic and I was not bashing Hermione. She has been my second favourite character in the HP universe since the start and I love her. As you can see Harry and Hermione's relationship didn't get to a steady start and will progress slowly. Let me know what you think. Next chapter QUIDDITCH