A/N: I don't own Harry Potter

This is for Harry Potter Fanfiction Challenges forum

The Battleship Challenge (III)

"Enchanted? Ha! Who said anything about the castle being enchanted?" — Beauty and the Beast

Harry stood staring at the castle across the lake, lights flickered from its windows.

"It's huge," he whispered. Ron nodded and Hermione was currently staring off into space trying to remember something she'd read.

"So, that's Hogwarts? We're going to be going to school in an enchanted castle?"

"Ha, who said anything about the castle being enchanted?" Hermione asked looking at him.

"Well, everything else is, so I just kind of figured... Wait, it's not?"

"It is, and it isn't. Most people believe Hogwarts has some sort of sentience and might be a living thing, much like fey hills," she stated.

"I only understood like none of that," Ron muttered. "Know it all." Hermione glared at him as they climbed onto the boats and crossed the lake. She deliberately walked away from the boys when they landed, standing instead next to a girl with dark hair.

"First years, this way please." Harry and Ron listened to the sorting hat's song while Hermione had started whispering to the other girl.

"I hope I'm not in the same house as those two," she stated.

"Why?"

"They're mean. All I did was answer a question and Ron called me names," she explained.

"Maybe you'll be in Ravenclaw, they value knowledge," the girl said with a smile. "I'm Padma by the way."

"Hermione." The sorting began and Hermione rubbed her hands against her robes nervously. She watched as several other students were sorted before her name was called.

"Hermione Granger!" She walked to the front of the great hall and sat on the stool. She held her breath as the hat was placed on her head.

"Hmm, interesting, there are two places where you would be a good fit, intelligent, loyal. Hmm, I do see some bravery. What do you think dear?" Hermione couldn't believe the hat was asking her opinion.

"Ravenclaw," she thought loudly hoping the hat would listen. She doubted Ron would be in Ravenclaw, the way he'd been talking about Gryffindor on the train. Maybe Harry wouldn't be so bad without him?

"Very well then." The hat paused for a second before yelling "RAVENCLAW!" Hermione smiled as the hat was removed and she walked over to her new home. She glanced over and gave Padma a thumbs up. The girl nodded. Hermione watched as the rest of the students were called and sorted into various houses, finally Padma's name was called.

"RAVENCLAW!" the hat announced after a second. Hermione rose and hugged Padma when she reached the table. They sat and watched Padma's sister, Parvati being placed in Gryffindor with Harry and Ron.

"See, they're not in this house," Padma stated. "Now, what's your favorite book?"

"I like a lot of classics," Hermione answered. Padma nodded.

"Me too, have you done much reading for school?"

"I've read Hogwarts: A History several times," Hermione admitted hoping Padma wouldn't make fun of her too.

"I've only read it once, but I'm from a magical family, so I know more of the basic information. What about you?"

"I'm muggle-born. Is that a bad thing?"

"No, it just means you're going to need someone to teach you all the strange and awesome magical laws and secrets. I love a project!" Padma stated. Hermione blushed slightly. She didn't want Padma to only want to hang out with her because she felt like she needed help.

"I mean," the girl corrected. "I can teach you, if you'll help me learn about muggles."

"Deal!" The pair shook hands and started eating both happy to have found a friend on their first day.