A/N: i know this ones short again but im writing longer chapters for you guys...but they might not be for a few more chaps...cause ive already written the next few short...so bear with me...please?...thanks for the reviews..i know this is pretty complicated but thats how i want it...you guys figure things out as they figure things out...ok so enjoy!

Chapter 8 Growing Pains

Snape finished yelling at his class of fifth year Gryffindors and Slytherins, taking points, and giving no less than five detentions when the bell rang. "You are all to head to the Great Hall to be resorted now. Dismissed." he said as the door flew open and his students fled.

"Professor?" Ginny asked nervously, "Did you get my test graded?"

"Yes, I did Miss Weasley. I am pleased to inform you that from now on you will be continuing Potions under my private instruction." He said a hint of a smile on his face.

"I take it I did well then?"

"Well? Ginny, you did better than Miss Granger and scored the same as young Mr. Malfoy. You're bloody amazing is what you are!" he nearly shouted, his excitement getting the most of him. She started laughing.

"I never thought I would hear you say "bloody" in a good way Professor, and the look on your face! One would almost think you're proud of me." She said slyly.

"Right, well, best be off, you have to get sorted. Wouldn't be right if the one girl who wanted to be re-sorted missed her chance now would it?" And she was out the door and down the hall before his cheeks started to color.

Ronald Weasley groaned as he walked out of Transfiguration, Harry and Hermione right behind him. "What's wrong Ron? Stomach going ballistic again?" she said laughing.

"We've got Care of Magical Creatures now…"

"And?... Since when have you not liked visiting Hagrid?" Hermione asked getting huffy.

Harry took that as his cue to jump in, "No 'Mione, it's just that we have to get re-sorted is all, it's our turn…" he stated wearily. So the Dream Team headed off towards the Great Hall with trepidation.

When they arrived they waited in line to be sorted as it was being done in order of arrival instead of alphabetically. So they waited, all the while, Hermione trying to remember what she had done with the Potter family tree. Before they knew it, Ron was up and the hat shouted "Gryffindor!" after a matter of seconds on his mop of red hair. Then it was Harry's turn and instead of speaking to him the hat simply shouted "Gryffindor!" again. Harry, slightly confused, joined Ron in waiting for Hermione so they could all go back to the common room. Only the hat seemed to be taking longer with Hermione than it had anyone else, and then to everyone's surprise the hat shouted "Ravenclaw!" and Hermione ran from the room. Harry's and Ron's gasps echoing in her ears.

Draco watched as Potter looked confused on why he was still a goody-gryf and he even had an up-close view of the book-worm being named a Ravenclaw, and then it was his turn.

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy so good to see you again." It whispered in his mind. "You already know where you belong but you've grown-up since the last time we met. You're different now, something's changed."

"What's your point?" Draco growled.

"Protect her young Dragon…Slytherin!" and he too, fled the room.