Chapter 7:

The Sorting Hat

Dumbledore walked into the hospital wing. "Poppy, how is Harry?"

Poppy bustled over to him. "He's fine, Albus. He's just sleeping at this point."

"How bad were his injuries?"

She shook her head, "I have no idea how he was still conscious when he came in. He had three broken ribs, a broken arm and a fracture in his skull. Not to mention several cuts and bruises."

"How long will he have to stay here?" asked Dumbledore.

Poppy shrugged, "I suppose he could leave in the morning. He should wake up later, but I would like him to stay overnight."

Dumbledore nodded, "I'm sure that his friends will want to come check on him later. Please allow them to wait until he wakes. After they have spoken to him for a little while, you may send them back to their tower."

Poppy nodded, "I will let them stay with him for awhile, Headmaster."

Dumbledore smiled, "Well, I must get downstairs to prepare for the feast. I'm sure they will be here as soon as they are through eating."

Poppy smiled, "I am sure they will be."

At just this moment the five teenagers in question were crowding into a carriage for the trip from Hogsmeade up to the castle.

Ginny piped up, "I wonder if Harry will be at the feast?"

Hermione nodded, "I hope so. You know with all that has been going on, we haven't asked the pivotal question."

"What are you on about?" replied Ron.

Hermione inserted, "Who is going to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?"

"I heard it was going to be an Auror." Neville put in.

"Where did you hear that at, Neville?" asked Ron.

"Gran."

"It makes sense." said Hermione.

Ron looked confused, "What makes sense?"

Hermione said churlishly, "Honestly, Ron, I don't know how I manage to ever have a conversation with you. It makes sense for the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to be an Auror. I wonder which one it is?"

Ginny smiled, "I, for one, hope its Tonks."

Ron grinned, "That would be great, she's a lot of fun."

"Ron, our teachers are not here to be fun." chided Hermione.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, they're here for our intellectual development or some such rubbish. Hermione, do you ever just lighten up?" asked Ron.

"I can't just lighten up because you won't take anything seriously, so I have to stay on your case." huffed Hermione.

Ginny sighed, "Harry is going to be so disappointed."

Luna looked over dreamily, "Why is Harry going to be disappointed?"

Ginny looked at Luna and grinned, "He thought that if Hermione and Ron started dating that they might stop fighting. He was obviously wrong."

Ron looked askance, "Hermione and I aren't dating."

Ginny raised her eyebrows, "The way you two were stuck together at the lips the other day, you could have fooled me."

Hermione turned beet red, "You saw us?"

Ginny grinned cheekily, "On two different occasions I might add."

Even Ron flushed at this. Luckily, at just that moment the carriage stopped in front of the castle, which allowed Hermione and Ron to beat a hasty retreat into the castle. The other three followed giggling slightly. When they walked into the Great Hall, they looked around rapidly for Harry. When they didn't see him, they made for Professor Dumbledore at the staff table in a hurry. Dumbledore looked up and saw the group making his way to him and chuckled.

Ginny got to him first, "Professor Dumbledore, where's Harry? Is he alright? He's not hurt, is he?"

Dumbledore smiled, "Don't worry. Mr. Potter is just fine. He's in the hospital wing sleeping right now. I've made arrangements for all of you to go up and wait with him after the feast. He should wake up in another hour or so. That leaves you all plenty of time to eat. Now, off to your tables."

Luna went to the Ravenclaw table, while the other four made their way over to the Gryffindor table. Once everyone was seated the doors opened, and in came Professor McGonagall leading the first years. She walked up in front of the staff table and pulled out the Sorting Hat. The mouth split open on the brim, and this song sprang forth.

It was over a thousand years ago

When the founders were united still

Before the days of woe

Before Slytherin broke the deal

Forged by the four

Who started it all.

So, Hogwarts opened its door

And many young ones answered its call.

Then, the four did divide

The throng into the favorite of each

And while the four lived, they did bide

Their time and separated those they decided to teach.

Now that the founders have left the throng

They left me to finish the split.

So, each year I use a song

To separate the students, and do my bit.

Now, let us see to which house you belong.

Step right up and we will see.

Perhaps the ambition of Slytherin is for what you long

Or maybe a brilliant Ravenclaw is what you want to be.

Some like hard work, and will go to Hufflepuff.

Others keep bravery in their heart and will become Gryffindor.

Now, onto the sorting for the tough.

So, step forward and find out what's in store.

Everyone clapped merrily as the hat finished the song. Then McGonagall pulled a list from inside her robes. "When I call your name, come up and put on the Sorting Hat. It will tell you which house you are in." Then, she began to call out names.

While she was doing this Ginny leaned over and asked Hemione, "If Harry was alright, why is he in the hospital wing?"

She shrugged, "I don't know, Ginny, but we're going to find out shortly. I guess we just have to wait."

Ginny nodded mutely as the sorting was completed and Dumbledore stood up to begin the announcements.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. We will begin with the repeated announcement, The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students, regardless of year. Quidditch Captains will be informed of their duties by their Heads of House within the first couple of days of term. Quidditch tryouts for each house will be determined by the captain. I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Ms. Nymphadora Tonks." Surprisingly, Tonks didn't react to the usage of her first name. There was much polite applause, but none as loud as Hermione, Ron and Ginny. Dumbledore continued, "Also, due to the success of the Yule Ball that was held during the Tri-Wizard tournament, we have decided to have a ball the day before Christmas vacation begins. The ball will be open to all students in fourth year and above. Although you may invite a younger student if you wish. Dress robes will be worn as it is a formal occasion. I'm sure anyone who does not have dress robes will be able to find whatever they need at the division of Gladrag's Wizard Wear that has opened up in the village. I know you are all wondering about the attack at Platform 9 ¾. It is my pleasure to inform you that there were no serious injuries incurred by any of the participants in the battle. Also, all ten of the Death Eaters that were involved were captured by the Ministry. This was a great victory for us today. It was all brought about by the hard work of one student. I ask you to raise your glass in toast to Harry Potter."

Most of the students in the hall raised their glasses and then drank a toast to Harry Potter. After this the Gryffindors especially began to look around to try and find Harry. It was readily apparent that he was not present in the hall.

Dumbledore began again, "I regret to inform you that Harry was mildly injured in the attack. He will rejoin you in the morning for breakfast. For now, however, let's eat." As Dumbledore sat down the magnificent food for the feast appeared on the table. All four Gryffindors began to put food on their plates and eat rapidly for they wanted to get up to the hospital wing and see Harry.

After a hurried meal in which Ron ate as much as any three people, the four Gryffindors got up from the table and headed for the door. They were joined by Luna and they turned to look at Professor Dumbledore, who merely smiled and nodded for them to go ahead. The five students made their way through the castle to the hospital wing. Poppy opened the door for them to enter, "Be quiet and allow him to rest. You will have to wait until he wakes up naturally to talk to him."

Ginny nodded, "We'll be as quiet as a mouse, Madam Pomfrey."

Hermione, as always, was after information, "How long until he wakes up, Madam Pomfrey?"

Madam Pomphrey shrugged, "Another half an hour to an hour at the most. Now, I have things to do, so stay right here."

Luna, Ron, Neville, and Hermione gathered around the bed while Ginny began pacing back and forth at the foot of the bed. They stayed this way for about twenty minutes until Harry began to stir. He opened his eyes and saw four concerned faces looking down at him. "Hi, guys."

Hermione said peevishly, "That's all you have to say. We've been crazy with worry all day."

Harry snorted, "I've been out that long?"

"Yes, Harry James Potter, you have been out that long. You have got a lot of explaining to do. How dare you do this to us. I don't know what I would do without you around. Then, you go running off and try to get yourself killed." burst out Ginny savagely.

The other four backed away to allow Harry to look directly at Ginny. He smiled widely. "What exactly do you think you are smiling at?" snapped Ginny.

Harry smiled even wider if such a thing were possible, "You."

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Does anyone else see what I see? Ron, I know you don't. How about you, Neville?" asked Harry.

Neville shook his head wondering if Harry had taken a blow to the head. "Then, come over here and look from my angle." Harry motioned for Neville to come and lean down beside him. He pointed at Ginny, "Notice, the almost challenging way that she places her hands on her hips. Then, look up and see the way that she is gnawing on her bottom lip. Then, you see the faint flush of anger in her cheeks. It almost matches the color of her hair. Now, as she really starts to get mad since I'm talking about her, you can see the flash of her eyes. So, now do you see it?"

Ginny burst out before Neville could answer, since she could contain herself no longer, "Just exactly what is he supposed to see, Mr. Potter?"

"That you, Miss Weasley, are an exceptionally beautiful young lady, and that your anger only makes you more attractive." replied Harry beaming.

Five jaws fell open at this pronouncement. Ginny flushed completely scarlet and bolted from the room. Her thoughts were awhirl in her mind, but one overpowering sentence thundered through her head. Harry Potter just told me I was beautiful. Harry Potter just told me I was beautiful. This continued like a mantra all the way back to her room.

Back in the hospital wing, Ron finally recovered enough to say, "I can't believe you just said that to my sister."

Harry smiled, "She's not yelling at me anymore is she?"

Ron grinned, "No, she isn't."

Hermione looked on disapprovingly, "Oh, Harry, please tell me that you didn't just say that to her to get her to quit yelling."

Harry shook his head, "No, Hermione, I didn't. I meant every word. Getting her to stop yelling at me was a bonus side effect. Although, I didn't intend for her to flee when I said it."

Hermione sniffed, "So, what happened at the station?"

Harry snorted, "I'm talking about something pleasant and you have to bring up the battle. You're no fun."

Ron jumped to Hermione's defense, "Well, mate, we are all curious as to what happened."

"Alright, I'll tell you. We expected there to be an attack on me in revenge for Diagon Alley. We knew their only chance of getting to me before I got back to Hogwarts was to hit us at King's Cross. So, we prepared for it. We won. End of story."

Luna spoke up, "No, that is not end of story. How did you get into the hospital wing?"

"Oh, that. I sort of jumped in front of an Explosion Hex that was aimed at Tonks." replied Harry.

Hermione looked horrified, "Harry, you could have been killed."

Ron and Neville looked impressed while Luna failed to show any reaction.

Harry shrugged, "I'm still here."

Hermione shook her head emphatically, "You can't take chances like that, Harry. How do you think all of us will feel if you get yourself killed?"

Harry smiled, "I'm not going to get myself killed, Hermione. I wasn't taking a chance. I was doing what was necessary. Besides, I've had worse injuries falling off my broomstick. I'm sorry that all of you were worried, but it's time that you understand that this is for keeps. I might die out there fighting Voldemort, but it's a fight that I have to keep fighting."

Ron broke in, "You need to let us help you."

"No, Ron, I don't. When all of you understand that some things are worth dying for. Then, you can go into battle. Not before."

Hermione protested, "But we do understand that some things are worth dying for."

Harry shook his head, "No, Hermione, you don't. Your reaction to what I did today proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt."

"Then, how do we show you that we understand." asked Ron.

"You won't. I'll just know. Then, I will ask the others to let you join the Order of the Phoenix. Until then, you have to stay on the bench. I hope that you can accept that."

All of them nodded. "Now, onto happier matters. What did I miss at the feast? Who is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher?"

Ron answered, "Good food. The normal announcements except for the ball, and Tonks is the new DADA teacher."

"Tonks? Excellent! Ball?" echoed Harry.

Hermione nodded, "Yes, there is going to be a ball the day before term lets out for Christmas holidays."

Harry smiled, "Good, we need to have some fun."

Ron snorted, "I don't know what you're happy about, mate. Do you remember how much trouble we had getting dates to the last ball?"

Harry shrugged, "Yeah, but they say that the first time is always the hardest. We've got that out of the way. It should be simpler this time around. Anyway, I don't understand what you're complaining about, you have a girlfriend."

Ron jumped, "No, I don't."

Harry raised his eyebrows, "You mean to tell me that after all those snogging sessions with Hermione this summer at my house, you still haven't asked her to be your girlfriend?"

Ron and Hermione both flushed red when Harry said this. "Harry, how did you know about this?" stammered Hermione.

Harry snorted, "I know my house is pretty big, but it isn't that big. Everyone that came through that house this summer knows that the two of you kept sneaking off to snog."

Ron muttered, "Well, I think its time for Harry to get some rest. I think we should be going." Neville and Luna both laughed at Ron and Hermione's obvious discomfiture.

Harry grinned broadly, "Is there a problem, Ron?"

Ron, however, was saved from answering by Madam Pomfrey. "It's time for all of you to go. Mr. Potter needs his rest." She shooed them all from the wing. Then, she brought a tray of food over to Harry. "Here, you are. Eat, and then you need to try to sleep some more. I'm sure after sleeping all day you will wake early. I will let you go back to the tower in the morning."

Harry replied as he dug into the tray of food, "Thanks, Madam Pomfrey." She looked surprised considering that Harry had not argued with her at all.

A/N: Bob33: Thanks for the review. I like the positive attitude much better than canon Harry, my self.

Dragonstorm316: I try for subtle humor. If that is what you like, I hope you enjoy the rest of it.

Hp4all: You overanalyze things. The whole point behind the Animagus training was that Harry cheated. I plan on having Harry teach the others in my alternate book seven and it will be a much more drawn out process. As to the going to be usage, I have been told that I do that. As to the use of myself and me, both of those were intentional. It is perfectly acceptable to use improper grammar in dialogue to represent a character's misuse of the English language. No one truly speaks the English language properly at all times. Thanks for the review.