Hermione felt like a sore thumb. Everyone stared at her and she instantly knew what Dumbledore had meant. She wasn't from this time period. Though the sooner she at least got a proper uniform she could pretend to fit in. Professor Noddle's slow movements didn't help her situation. The woman was moving like a snail! Thus giving people plenty of time to gather and spread gossip.
'I'm surprised they aren't pointing and laughing as well.' Hermione thought as they turned the final corner to Gryffindor Tower.
"I'm glad we made it, finally," Hermione murmured the last word and smiled nervously when Professor Noddle turned to look at her. "I mean now that we have arrived I get a chance to meet the other students. make some friends."
'God, I have my foot in my mouth, haven't I?' Hermione mentally slapped herself. Luckily though, Professor Noddle didn't seem to care if she had even heard.
"Well Miss Granger here is where I leave you. All you have to do is say the password here to the Fat Lady and she will permit you to enter. Caput Draconum is the password you need to know. But be warned sometimes not everyone knows right away when the house Prefects change it." She nodded once then gestured for Hermione to try and enter.
Hermione walked to the portrait and smiled. "Caput Draconum." The portal inside was slow to open but what Hermione got a glance of surprised her. It was exactly the same!
"Miss Granger, you dorm room is to the top of those stairs," she pointed inside. "Most of the students will be in class now so you can take this time to ready your things and change into your old uniform. I am sorry that you can't be fitted until later. I will get in contact with the fitter as soon as possible. In fact I'll owl her as soon as I get back to my office." With that Amelia Noddle was gone, well not gone for it took her a while to dissapear from Hermione's view.
"A snail," Hermione said aloud as she walked inside the common room.
"A snail?" was the almost instant reply.
Hermione gave a slight jump and turned to see where the voice was coming from. The chair farthest from her and closest to the fire was occupied. A young man was sitting there, a book on his lap, and he was staring at her intently.
She nearly chocked when she saw what he was reading. Hogwarts, A History Taking a deep breath to keep herself from laughing she let her eyes wander back to his face. She noticed a shiny Head Boy badge pinned on his jacket.
A crackle in the fire brought her back to life.
"You did say a snail, didn't you?" his eyebrow rose. He knew she'd been staring! Hermione felt herself nod a slight blush creeping up her checks. "Did you see one in the castle?" Now Hermione shook her head no. "Then who or what were you talking about?"
"Well if you must know, person who doesn't introduce themselves, I was talking about Professor Noddle. She walks like a snail."
"Oh everyone pokes fun at old Noddle. Sometimes I think she walks slower just so the students will have something to say. And what do you mean introduce myself? A proper lady would curtsy and introduce herself. But if you want to avoid a proper greeting my name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. And you are?"
She felt her mouth drop open. What had he just said!
"Could you repeat that, it's quite a mouthful."
The man by the fire shook his head in a frustrated manner. Then, in what seemed like slow motion to Hermione, he dropped his book onto the floor and rose up from the chair. He took three steps towards her and extended his hand in greetings. There was a twinkle in his eyes and she knew that she had heard correctly the first time. Then he took her hand in his own and she could swear there were enough sparks to electrify all of muggle London. Again Hermione slapped herself, no electricity now.
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. And again I ask, who are you?"
She was forced to clear her throat and still feared that she would have no voice. "Hermione Victoria Granger."
"You're rather dull already, only one middle name?" Hermione nodded. "Well then, plain old Hermione Victoria, let me say I am pleased to make your acquaintance." He then brought her hand up to his face and gave it the slightest of kisses.
Hermione's legs nearly gave out.