A/N: So here is my second chapter of the night, once again I hope you enjoy
Entrances and Exits
Hermione was walking around platform nine and ten at Kings Cross station contemplating how would you, if you were a magical architect, hide platform nine and three quarters when she saw the unbelievable. Someone was running head-on into a brick wall and instead of crashing he sailed straight through the solid wall. Well, then that answers my question she thought, halfway between the sign for platform 9 and 10 through a brick wall. How else would you get to a magical school?
Without thinking too much about it she ran straight towards the wall to pushing trolley and trunk through, she emerged onto the other side, her eyes full of wonder. She seemed to be a bit early as the only other person on the platform was the older boy she had seen run through he was no sporting robes with a pin badge saying head boy, well that explains why he's early. The Hogwarts express, however, looked magnificent unlike all the trains she'd seen. It was a crimson steam engine, but she had read all about them in books, she enjoyed learning about the mechanics behind the machine. It was just so magical she climbed onboard and unloaded her trunk off of the trolley glad of the feather light charm. It contained all her clothes, her equipment and some of her course books. It was keyed into her magical signature so only she could open it, she thought about that precaution, she certainly didn't want anyone stealing anything especially after all the hard work she'd put into getting them. She found an empty compartment right at the back. She settled down into and opened her bag trying to pick what book she wanted to start with. She finally decided on Hogwarts: a history. She had read most of the extra course subjects so now she decided was a good time to find a bit more about where she was heading off to. It too was fascinating she was currently reading all about how the castle had minor muggle repelling wards on it and was charmed to look unsafe to enter.
About an hour later the train pulled out of the station and she was off, the rhythm was rather relaxing, and deciding to forgo the book for just a little bit she started out of the window watching the outside world flash by. Houses and streets soon gave way to fields and trees; she loved every minute of it. She started thinking to her park, would anyone there notice she was gone, would the librarian miss her. Probably not she thought. It wasn't as if anyone played real attention to her, she was just that girl, and she doubted anyone there even knew her name.
Her peace was soon interrupted by the pudgy boy she had stolen the cauldron off of. Great she thought, let's just hope he either doesn't recognise me or realise I was around when he left his cauldron.
"Have you seen a toad anywhere around here? I've lost my one, His names Trevor?"
"Um no, but I could find him for you if you like," Hermione thought that this was the least she could do for the boy and he didn't even question the cauldron.
"Thanks, I'm Neville Longbottom, by the way"
"Hermione Granger" she replied.
Hermione closed her eyes and pictured Neville's toad flying towards her, and sure enough, the toad flew down the length of the train, and into the boy's arms. Neville stood there with his mouth wide open. Feeling as if she had repaid him for the cauldron asked if he was ok. He acted as if she had tried to full-on kiss him this time and rushed out the door and down the train as fast as his short legs would carry him.
Feeling slightly deflated she resumed reading, she thought after all the work she'd put into getting his toad he could have at least said thank you. Never mind, and anyway, when did she start expecting manner from people. This time it was a little longer before she was interrupted and had managed to go onto the house system. It was by a sweet old lady pushing what seemed to be a trolley full of sweets, the lady inquired if she'd like anything and not really knowing what was what asked if there was anything she would recommend. She ended up coming away with two chocolate frogs, a box of Bertie bots every flavour bean, a sugar quill and a pumpkin pasty. She may as well enjoy herself if she could.
She looked at the Bertie Bot beans and read the label on the outside; she was not expecting that, earwax flavours, grass, dog food. What the hell was wrong with these people? Did they enjoy these? Quickly putting them away she turned to the pumpkin pasty, these turned out to be rather nice, as too were the sugar quills. Next, she moved her attention to the chocolate frogs. She opened her packet to find the frog literally jumped out of it, climbed up the window and flew out of it. Well there goes that one, she opened the next but this time caught it before it climbed out. Once it touched her hand the frog solidified and went still simply becoming a chocolate shaped frog. Within the packets contained two cards, on one read Merlin, the most famous wizard, from Slytherin house at Hogwarts and famously became part of the court of King Arthur. And on the other was a picture of a golden bird, underneath it read, Phoenix, live for many centuries due to the regeneration, every time it bursts into flames. Its tears and song are famously known to have healing powers.
Then suddenly two boys barging into her compartment, one relatively tall with bright ginger hair. His limbs were long and lanky, completely out of proportion to the rest of him, with a face covered with freckles and he had a dirt splodge on the left of his nose. The other had black messy hair, was smaller and had broken glasses upon his nose, not much better than dirt Hermione thought. His hair was covering what to Hermione looked like a lightning bolt scar. That seemed important, what was she missing. The two boys looked quite angry, there posture domineering, as if they were trying to intimidate her. Hermione almost laughed, two eleven-year-old boys had no chance of doing that. Wondering what could have got them so riled up she decided to more this staring contest on a bit.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger, can I help you," she said mildly annoyed
"What did you do to Neville?" the ginger one spat back, malicious intent drowning out his words leaving the threat alone in his tone
"Sorry, what are you on about?"
It was the skinny one that replied
"He hasn't said a word since he came out of your compartment you much have done something to him"
"For your information, all I did was find his toad, now if that's all, would you mind leaving me in peace, I was trying to read" Hermione spat back ice filling her voice. She was already regretting helping someone. Why did she even bother with all this?
Both of the boys looked at her disgusted.
"We know you did something, just remember we'll be watching you, I bet you'll become a slimy Slytherin." The redhead spat as he slammed his way out of her compartment. The other followed quickly staring at her one last time before turning and walking back
Just charming Hermione thought to herself. Deciding to get ready, she started changing into her robes, before she thought she was disturbed again. It turned out her robes were miles too big hanging limply on her small body, they pooled around her shoulders, and were far too long she could hardly walk she wouldn't even make it to the school like this. Well, she thought nothing a bit of magic couldn't fix, after a bit of concentrating they shrunk down to fit her perfectly. That was much better. She then set about rectifying the rest of her appearance, walking off to find a bathroom.
The first port of call was her hair she brushed it into a tight ponytail, trying to manage the uncontrollable. It was nearly hopeless but at least it was out of her eyes. Then came her teeth, getting her toothbrush out of her bag, then finally she splashed some cold water onto her face. She was so ready for this.
She was just about ready when the train slowed down and pulled into the station. She heard the prefects telling them to leave their belongings on the train, so she put her treasured bag into her trunk and made her way to the group of first years that were crowding around a giant of a man, who was yelling for the first years to follow him. They all flocked after the man not wanting to be left behind. They had to travel single file down a narrow and steep path, it was Hermione thought not the safest thing to do in the dark. They were lead to a sort of dock where they housed little boats with lanterns adorned on the top. The large man started yelling again, "No more than four to a boat."
She scrambled towards three girls that were stood in a cluster and asked if she could join them, two of them were identical twins; she learned that they were Parvati and Padma Patil. The other girl seemed to already know the twins, who introduced herself as lavender brown. They were all extremely pretty with perfect proportions and their robes hung of them to show their already forming curves. Hermione noticed that they were all wearing subtle traces of makeup. She wondered why the hell they had started this early she had so much more to worry about than those petty girl things.
After the pleasantries had been exchanged they found a boat and all sat down shakily. Hermione at the back, almost jumped when the boats set off, of course, they were powered by magic. As they rounded the corner, Hogwarts came into view. It was amazing, a castle stood atop a sheer drop of cliffs, it had turrets scattered around the main hall. This was a school; it looked more like a palace. The bombing voice filled the air and they were told to duck under an ivy curtain that covered what looked like a stone archway. They entered a brightly lit stone cavern under the school and was met by...
Oh no, Hermione thought it's the crazy lady, who had come to the library. This is not going to end well. Hermione shrunk back so the lady didn't see her and followed her up the stairs what choice did she have. She could hardly have got back on the boats and ran away. So, slinking at the back of the first years, they arrived in front of two massive double doors. It was then that professor McGonagall started waffling on about the house system and how she was going to check if they were ready for them. She was just trying to avoid her seeing her when finally she left; Hermione sighed and started to relax.
Then a commotion broke out a boy, who looked strikingly similar to the man she had stolen the money from, seemed to have taken an interest into the black scruffy haired boy who accused her of upsetting Neville's. She learnt during this that one was Draco Malfoy and the other was the famous Harry Potter. He didn't look allot, everyone had been so hyped up at the return of the boy who lived, but he looked like a regular annoying boy. If he was meant to be a soldier for the good guy's maybe he should start by not accusing people of things they didn't do. Harry then rejected Draco's friendship proposal. Well, we're not even day one and the drama has already started.
Before the group could start arguing, an echo of screams radiated around the room, Hermione turned in the direction to come face to face with a white translucent man, dressed in a habit. Oh. Of course, the ghosts! The man in front of her exclaimed
"New students about to be sorted! Hope to see you in Hufflepuff"
And before she knew it they had all floated off.
When Professor McGonagall came back they were lead through into the great hall. It was so beautiful the sky was more magical that described depicting thousands of stars, and the floating candles illuminated the whole hall. Wow, she thought to herself this is amazing.
The misfit group hovered in front of a stage, which contained a three-legged stool and an old looking hat. This, Hermione, had already read was how they were sorted, she had no preference over the houses; she didn't think she would end up in Hufflepuff though, they sounded very nice and trusting two qualities she didn't associate with herself. Gryffindor also seemed to be out they seemed so upfront and brave, neither seemed like a good thing. She knew she wasn't brave in that sense she normally ran away if she could. But the other two sounded fine, ultimately she'd leave it up to the hat to decide.
The hat upon the stool burst to life and started singing
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuff are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaws,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on!
Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
The hall all started to applaud and soon enough the first name that was read out belonged to Susan Bones, this was the girl whose robes she had stolen, and she'd have to find a way to say sorry about that. She ended up in Hufflepuff; well I suppose it was obvious with all that apologising.
It was soon Hermione's turn, she walked up into the stage but on her way up made eye contact with the headmaster, which she recognised as the crazy florescent man, oh no. Memories of their encounter flashed through her mind. The man's eyes filled with fury as he stood up quicker than he should have been able. He was suddenly in front of her; she was terrified. He drew his wand out of his pocket. What was she going to do? But before she could do anything though a red light flew toward her and everything went black.
Snape looked at the gaggle of first years enter a look of but his eyes looking for two students in particular. He easily found Mr Potter, the blessed boy who lived. He looked exactly like his idiotic father and by the look of it also made friends with the Weasley. Dumbledore will be thrilled he thought to himself cynicism filling his mind. The other student was a little harder to find, tucked at the back as if not wanting to be seen, that's odd.
Soon enough the sorting hat had finished its song and the sorting had begun, he only really paid attention when an old pureblood family was involved or when the hat shouted Slytherin unexpectantly. The first few girls were Hufflepuffs he snorted, what a surprise, but after a while s few Slytherins emerged, Draco, of course, Parkinson, Crab and Goyle. Brilliant, two idiots to keep Malfoy occupied. It was then the turn of Hermione she walked up the stage and froze looking at the headmaster. Turning, Snape saw hatred rage and anger flash before Dumbledore's eyes. What the hell was going on?
At this point, McGonagall was also looking angry, but then before he could do anything Albus shot across the table with more speed than he could have ever thought and then shot a stunner at the girl. He jumped out of his seat and rushed over to where her limp for lay on the floor.
What had gotten into the pair of them to think stunning an eleven-year-old was acceptable. He lifted her body off of the floor nodding at madam Pomfrey ran straight to the infirmary. When he got there, he lay her down on one of the bed and along with poppy ran diagnostics on the girl. Thankfully he found she would be fine, but that was no excuse.
The first thing Hermione noticed as she awoke was a pounding headache; the second and much more worrying thing was she was in a bed. She never slept in a bed. Never. It felt too weird. What the hell happened, the memories of earlier came flooding back. This was not good.
Shouting interrupted her worrying. There were four people arguing, and it took a while though before she could work out what was being said.
"What gave you the right to stun her Albus" a woman she'd never heard before shrieked
"She is a threat, and I must protect the students of this school" replied Dumbledore
"What you mean to say is that she could have been a threat to your precious potter" another voice cut in
"No, I meant what I said, the whole school"
"A threat she is a mere wisp of a thing, a threat against the great Albus Dumbledore"
"She performed a memory charm on me"
McGonagall was the next one to give her opinion "Albus was only doing what he thought was best, it was clear she is dangerous and doesn't belong in Hogwarts."
Hermione had to stifle a cry of despair, even when she thought she had found somewhere to belong she wasn't wanted. She knew now she just wasn't going to fit in, she should have never bothered with any of this. I suppose there was any number of warnings she mused, Dumbledore and McGonagall, then not having any money, not having a wand, Harry and Ron the list just went on and on. Right then let's get out of here it's obvious I'm not wanted this should be easy.
She closed her eyes and wished like anything she was invisible and sure enough when she held her hand out she couldn't see it. She slipped out of what she now knew was the infirmary and saw all of the adults at the end of the wing, Dumbledore, McGonagall on one side shouting at Severus and a lady she didn't know she assumed she was a nurse from her dress. Never mind who she is it doesn't matter now, she opened the door a fraction trying not to attract attention, thankfully all of the staff were too busy immersed in themselves and their argument. After she shut the door behind her she started wandering about, trying desperately to find an exit. Why was this so complicated, there were so many passageways. She passed numerous classrooms, many staircases she didn't dare try to navigate and many doors that didn't even open. It was only then she noticed a door out to a courtyard, yes this looked promising. She walked out thankful for the cold biting air to ground and calm her. It reminded her of her park, the familiar feeling of being free instead of stifled, free and outside, the stars twinkling above her infinite across in every direction. It was going to be fine she'd be far away from here before she knew it. She looked around and started walking in a random direction away from the school; she was heading for a dark ominous forest. In reality, she didn't care where she was going even this looked more inviting that stupid castle.
Suddenly a voice called out of the darkness, from behind her
"And where Miss Granger are you off to"
Without even bothering to turn around, she wished her invisibility away knowing who stood behind her. He sounded slightly out of breath.
"Anywhere is better than where you're not wanted"
"What on earth are you on about?" his voice filled with frustration
Mimicking professor McGonagall's posture she turned down and in a perfect intimation of her voice Hermione retorted
"It was clear she is dangerous and doesn't belong in Hogwarts!"
Snape sighed,
"She didn't mean that."
Hermione didn't even justify that with a response she simply raised her eyebrow,
"I concede maybe she did, but you didn't make the best impressions."
Hermione snorted,
"Well how on earth was I meant to know that when a complete stranger dressed in the weirdest of clothes tell you that they teach witchcraft, at a magic school no less, then proceed to grab your arm and try dragging you off out of a public library they mean no harm! Oh, I'm sorry I must have just got the wrong end to the stick, it was all my fault, I'm so sorry"
Snape's expression looked mad, "that's what happened then, they tried to grab you and drag you away in the middle of a street"
"Yes, and when I reacted badly and started screaming for help, like any normal child I may add, they managed to magic them to ignore me, which made me feel so safe. These crazy people not only were dragging me away but nobody else seemed to care, what would you have done, gone willingly with the crazy looking people"
Snape started laughing
"No wonder you modified their memories, how did you do that?"
"I simply wished for them to go away and to forget all about me"
Snape started laughing again.
"I think you're going to fit right in here Miss Granger, maybe not with the kind of people Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall are but I'm sure you'll find you're place"
Hermione weighed up her options now she had calmed down, she didn't even know where she was and he was offering back up, maybe one more chance wouldn't hurt.
"Fine but if they stun me or whatever I go far away from here"
"I think that is a perfectly reasonable condition"
On the way back to the castle the sun started to break and the two of them started conversing about general things.
"So what subject do you teach," Hermione asked curiosity creeping into her voice
"Potions "he replied highly amused as if it was her curiosity, not the question that amused him.
"That looks so interesting I've only read a few extra books but it's the subject I'm most looking forward to, it looks very similar to organic chemistry" she replied excitedly
Snape just smiled, this girl he had a feeling would break Hogwarts
"Well I'm glad you think so"
Soon enough they were back in the infirmary where she found the three adults were passing.
As soon as she reappeared Dumbledore nearly pounced on her fury lighting up his eyes
"Where have you been?"
"Oh, I needed the toilet and got a bit lost" innocence filling her voice
Snape started chocking and Hermione smiled at him.
She just lied to the headmaster of Hogwarts without batting an eyelash Snape thought, this is going to be fun, I doubt she'll even need me.
Heroine continued
"You know as it's my first night here and I have no ideas where anything is"
Everyone continued to stare at her.
McGonagall was the first to speak
"How do we know she's whom she says she is and not a death eater in disguise?"
Whatever a death eater was it certainly didn't sound good.
"I'm eleven, and I certainly don't like death with my breakfast so how the hell would I be a so-called death eater" Hermione flung back getting mildly annoyed
"Minerva you can see clearly she is no death eater, for goodness sakes she's muggleborn."
"Fine fine, well now that it's breakfast we can do you're sorting then if you'd like to get changed we'll give you some privacy," the headmaster said smoothly
Hermione actually went to find the bathroom and dressed in some new robes which she had to once again resize and then emerged from the curtain to find Severus waiting for her.
She looked up at him,
"Right then let's go to breakfast" her voice shaking slightly the events of the morning finally catching up with her.
Snape smiled back "I'm afraid we don't stock death on toast so you may be disappointed, but I hear the full English is quite satisfactory"
Hermione started laughing and all nerves left her. Probably for the best she thought. Severus reminded her it was now professor Snape rather than Severus and he would have to call her Miss Granger. Hermione sighed reluctantly, she looked a bit crestfallen, pushing all of those thoughts to the back of her mind as they reached the now ominous double doors once more.
Snape looked down at her to reassure her
"If you ever need my assistant you shall always have it"
"Thank you professor" she replied nodding at him
And then the doors opened…
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, either way please review, good or bad just let me know.
