Chapter 22
As the train ride continued, Harry and Draco continued talking, the others slowly being drawn into the conversation as Draco would question one or another of the students while discussing various subjects with Harry. 'How Slytherin of him' thought Harry, 'He's basically showing me what each of their strengths are while making them feel included, and thus, important.' Harry smiled at the thought. Then Draco asked, "So, Harry, what House do you really think you'll be in?"
"As I told that annoying redhead, I'll probably be in Slytherin." replied Harry easily.
"Yeah, we all heard you, but both your parents were Gryffindors!" Pansy chimed in.
"Well, you all heard my reasoning before, and, the truth is, I don't think I fit into any of the other houses. I mean, I won't rush into a situation without a thought – so that's Gryffindor out. I appreciate knowledge, but don't think that it's the end-all, be-all to be top of the class to flaunt that knowledge – so no Ravenclaw. And, while I trust my friends, I won't give that trust to just anyone – and that eliminates Hufflepuff." Explained Harry to the group, seeing that they were all listening, he said, "After my parents' deaths, I certainly need to be cunning and ambitious." Seeing their looks, he continued, "You know, cunning to still be alive and ambitious to keep it that way!" he said, smiling. They all marveled at how he laughed as he said this. 'He is a Slytherin!' was the thought spreading through the group.
The train ride continued through the Scottish countryside with the sound of chatter echoing through the train. Suddenly, there was a knock at the compartment door. Blaise got up to answer it, and Harry saw Hermione Granger in the doorway.
"Have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost…"she trailed off, catching sight of Harry. He looked up and said, "No, we've no toads here. There was one by earlier, but we kicked him out." grinned Harry, as the others chuckled as his reference to the incident earlier.
"What? How could you? He's someone's pet!" exclaimed Hermione. At this, the future Slytherins laughed harder.
Harry stopped chuckling long enough to explain, "No, this was a redheaded jerk variety. Probably not what you're looking for." And Harry laughed again, as the others broke up again, while Hermione chuckled in understanding.
"Oh, that toad!" she said, "You're right, he's the wrong type, but I still think he should be caged!" she chuckled, "That one has already insulted me! I hope I'm not in whatever House he's in!" she exclaimed.
"And what House do you think you'll be in?" asked Draco, politely
"Probably Ravenclaw. I love learning. I thought maybe Slytherin, because I am quite ambitious, but I'm muggle-born, so that's probably out." rambled Hermione, to the shocked looks of the compartments occupants.
"Well, Miss, um…"
"Granger, Hermione Granger."
"Well, Miss Granger, some that are thought muggle-born actually have magic in their line, it's just so far back that it's not recorded. I suggest speaking to Gringotts, as they can help you there," said Harry, "and what does your blood-status have to do with entry into Slytherin?"
The others gasped at this. They had always been told that only pure-bloods got into Slytherin.
"Don't you know that Salazar Slytherin himself was the first wizard in his line? That means he was muggle-born. That's true for two other Hogwarts Founders, as well. Rowena Ravenclaw was the only one of the four born of a witch and wizard."
All the students sat silent, they'd never heard this before.
Harry looked around at them and said, "Come on, you all must have realized that the family lines have to start somewhere!" Harry said, exasperation in his voice.
"Sounds like you might be joining me in Ravenclaw, Mr. Potter," said Hermione, smiling.
"Wait, how do you know who I am?"said Harry, slightly suspicious.
"Um," stammered Hermione, "well, I got some extra books about the wizarding world, and you're in some of them," she replied, timidly.
"Oh," said Harry, calmer now, "well, just so you know, no one really knows what happened that night and those books included me without my consent." At this point, Harry wondered if Dumbledore or the Weasleys had gotten to her yet. 'Nah, probably not until at least the troll.' He thought.
He watched Hermione think about this as she nodded in acceptance of his words.
"Well, you've certainly given me a lot to consider, Mr. Potter," she said, smiling, "I hope we can talk again soon. I still have to check the next few compartments for Neville's toad." Stated Hermione as she turned to go.
"Good luck, and steer clear of the redheaded twit variety – wouldn't want to get spots!" laughed Harry.
Hermione chuckled as she left, while the rest of the compartment broke out in laughter again at Ron's expense.