"First years! First years, over here!" A loud, deep male voice called out from one end of the platform.

Harry and Hermione linked hands and made their way towards him, amazed at how large he was. The man was bushy, his hair and beard thick, dark, long and hadn't been brushed in a long time. He was tall, about 12 feet in height, and 8 feet across the shoulders, and while he would look dangerous, both tweens could sense that he was a kind and good soul, just misunderstood.

By the time they got to the large man, he already had a large group of kids around him and was doing a head count, "Good, good, got you all. Alright, into the boats, 4 in each."

The duo eagerly hopped into one holding a sandy blonde, plump boy, and a strawberry blonde witch, sitting in the front of them. The boats moved slowly but when they breached a curtain of ivy, every eye in the boats widened in wonder. Towering ahead of them was a castle, windows lit up everywhere, looking like something from a tale than their lives. As they gazed on, the boats arrived at a dock and they all exited, walking up the stairs before them.

Halfway up, the doors at the top opened, and an older witch appeared, her face stern, "Welcome first years, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Professor McGonagall, deputy headmistress, Head of Gryffindor House, and Transfiguration professor. Follow me, single line, to get sorted into the houses that will be your family during your schooling here."

Harry stepped in front of his friend, his hand still wrapped in hers, and followed along with the group. They continued up the stairs and into a small antechamber, before entering a large room filled with the other students and professors. From where they were walking, the duo spied Severus sitting on the High Table, with an expressionless face. He had told them previously that he would be like that a lot; he had appearances to uphold or else hint that there was more to it to his boss, so they weren't that surprised nor did they react.

Once they were at the front, a stool with a ratty old hat sat waiting. The brim of the hat split open and spoke,

"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 Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

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 folks 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!"

When it went silent, the other students and professors clapped politely, while McGonagall removed a scroll from her robes, "When I call out your name, please step forward and place the Sorting Hat on your head. Abbot, Hannah."

On it went until it was Hermione's turn, "Granger, Hermione."

With a reassuring squeeze from Harry, the witch went up and placed the ratty old hat on her head, only to feel it shudder, "Oh dear, this is not something I was expecting. A demigod, oh not good at all. Very well, best to sort you, incredibly smart, cunning, loyal and brave, you would fit anywhere. I will not tell anyone of your status my dear, and will place you where it will be best, GRYFFINDOR!"

A stunned Hermione removed the hat from her head and all but ran to the house currently cheering the loudest, finding a seat that had an empty seat beside it, placing her hat there to save it for Harry. It was a few more students until the professor said, "Potter, Harry."

The entire room went silent as Harry walked up to the hat, not even placing it completely on his head before it called out, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Hermione was cheering loudly and hugged her friend when he sat down next to her, whispering, "Didn't want to have to sort two demigods I guess."

"Who cares, we're in the same house is all that matters," the boy replied.

The friends sat patiently, watching the rest of the sorting, groaning as Ron was sorted into their house. Finally the sorting was over and the white haired headmaster rose to his podium, "Welcome to another term at Hogwarts. A few messages before we eat. For a list of prohibited items at the school, please check the board in Mr Filch's room. As always, the Forbidden Forest is forbidden, and this term the 3rd floor corridor on the right hand side is to not be entered unless you wish a painful death. We welcome back Professor Quirrell, returning from a year-long sabbatical from Muggle Studies; he will be taking over as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. With that said, dig in."

The tables began creaking at the sudden weight of food on it, and everyone began reaching for their dinner. While they didn't participate in the conversations, Harry and Hermione listened in as their fellow Gryffindors talked about their families, their previous terms, and various other things, interested in knowing as much as possible about the people they would be spending time with over the years. From where they sat, they caught a disgusting glimpse of the redhead eating, happy that they had treated him as they had.

Soon the food vanished and Dumbledore allowed them all to leave, the Prefects calling for the first years to follow them. Making their way to the large portrait of the Fat Lady, they learnt the password and saw the Gryffindor common room for the first time. Even though it is amazing, the day's events catch up to both Harry and Hermione, and they embrace in front of the stairs, "Night Mia."

"Night Harry, have fun with the redhead," the sleepy girl laughed as her friend scowled.

The two 11 year olds slowly made their way to their beds, Harry being sure to draw the curtains around his bed tightly before going to sleep.