.:.:.:.:.

The friends left the carriage hurriedly, taking in the familiar surroundings as they walked up to the castle.

"I hope we aren't late." worried Ginny.

"Hurry, hurry!" scolded a prefect that seemed quite irritated.

Hermione and the others ascended the stairs, quickening their pace as they entered the Great Hall. They quietly took their seats at the Gryffindor table, awaiting the Sorting Ceremony. They glanced over to Professor McGonagall, who greeted them with a reprimanding look-she had been waiting for them.

Suddenly, the battered old hat that sat on the stool began to speak.

"Many moons ago I knew

Four wizards who were brave and true.

The wizards four began a school,

But disagreed on certain rules.

The students must have certain traits

So I was made to seal their fates.

Although the wizards are long since gone,

I, and their legacy, still live on.

Godric wanted the brave and bold,

In Gryffindor house of red and gold.

Salazar wished for the cunning and keen,

In Slytherin house of silver and green.

Helga would always have your back,

In Hufflepuff house of yellow and black.

Rowena wanted the clever and true,

In Ravenclaw house of bronze and blue.

Come on up and don't be shy,

Stick my brim over your eyes!

I'm the sorting hat, I'm never wrong.

I'll tell you where you belong.

Everyone clapped wildly, though Fred Weasley commented, "Not up to his usual standard, you know. Been a bit lazy this year, I expect."

Now, the Sorting began.

"Adams, Samantha?" called Professor McGonagall.

Almost immediately, the hat cried out "HUFFLEPUFF!".

Now it was "Burner, Richard"'s turn to be sorted, becoming the first new Ravenclaw.

A thought suddenly struck Hermione. "Ron!" she whispered, "What will happen when Professor McGonagall finds out about your-er.dispute-with Draco?"

Ron grinned. "As much as Malfoy would love to get me into a load of trouble, he wouldn't want to admit he'd been bested by a Weasley!"

Relieved, Hermione went back to watching the Sorting. Next was "Havisham, Sarah", who became a Gryffindor. By the time McGonagall had reached "Langley, Jessica", Hermione was close to nodding off. She was awoken from her drowse as the name "Malfoy, Rose!" was called out. She let out a small gasp, turning to look at Harry and Ron. Their reactions were similar. Ron let out a steady stream of curses. "Bloody hell! Another Malfoy? What a bloody-" Harry gaped, mouth wide open, and the small blonde girl who had just stepped up to the chair, pulling the Sorting Hat over her head.

Hermione glanced over to the Slytherin table. Draco looked nervous, his eyes stayed fixed on the young girl.

Several moments of silent anticipation.

"Is it just me, or is this taking an eternity?" Hermione thought to herself.

Silence.

"GRYFFINDOR!" the Sorting Hat screamed.

Harry looked at Ron in confusion. "I. I must be hearing things! I could have sworn the hat said-"

"Gryffindor." Ron finished miserably.

A few of the younger Gryffindors began clapping, their weak attempts echoing feebly in the large room. Rose didn't seem to notice the stares she was receiving. She sat down at the other end of the Gryffindor table and began chatting with the other first years.

Ginny poked Hermione in the arm. "Look over there! Malfoy looks as though he's swallowed one of Hagrid's blast ended skrewts!"

Hermione looked over, and saw Draco looking crestfallen and angry.

"It.it couldn't be Malfoy's younger sister. it just couldn't." Ron stated hopelessly.

Ron, Harry and Hermione sat in silence for the rest of the ceremony. Finally, it was the Headmaster's turn to speak.

"Ah, well." said Professor Dumbledore. The old man with a flowing white beard and half-moon spectacles looked wearier than ever, though he still seemed to be in good cheer. "Congratulations, of course, to all our new first year students. I hope you will enjoy your time at Hogwarts as the older students have before you. Another start, another year." He smiled, cleared his throat, and continued. "As always, the Dark Forest is strictly off limits, and first years are not allowed their own brooms."

Hermione glanced over to the far end of the Gryffindor table, seeing the grin on Rose's face fading. Now she looked displeased. Hermione smiled with satisfaction, then began feeling guilty. "You don't even know the girl!" she told herself firmly.

Ron interrupted her thoughts. "Anything named Malfoy is bad news," he muttered, shaking his head. He appeared to be talking to himself, but Hermione admitted, she would have to agree.