Chapter 5- The Sorting Hat's New Friends *Dumbledore*

Returning to my office and thinking about what I could have added to my start of term speech, I notice that something is different. I feel a shimmering in the air; that unmistakeable tingle of raw, powerful magic that I haven't felt since I duelled Grindelwald all those years ago.

I draw my wand, knowing that something isn't quite right, and silently enter the room. Three figures are already here waiting for me. With some relief I recognise the young Black heir, but the others I do not know, and I don't like not knowing. Time to shed some light on the mystery.

"Good evening! To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" The unknown guests turn around with swift reflexes, and I am even more intrigued to learn why two apparently school age children would be so on edge. The young woman looks to her companion to explain. At first I am shocked; he looks entirely too similar to another of my students to be a coincidence.

"We have had a little misfortune, and landed in your school entirely by mistake, sir." He seems far too calm, like he already knows this place. The resemblance to James Potter really is striking.

"That is most unfortunate," I begin, not wanting to seem too keen to pry, "Perhaps introductions are in order. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, as you already appear to know." Now to find out who the mystery people are.

"Yes sir, you are well known throughout the wizarding world. I don't wish to be rude, but our situation doesn't allow us to reveal our identities to you. As I said, we hadn't intended to intrude upon your school. If it helps, we can call ourselves Harry and Hermione." This is incredibly frustrating! Maybe I can get them to stay here, so I find out more by observing them…

"That is quite alright," I lie, "I understand that we live in difficult times. Since you are here, would you like to stay? You appear to be school age, I could have you Sorted into a house and you would be more than welcome to join our seventh years. Term has, of course, only just begun."

I can see them considering it. It doesn't look like they have anywhere else to go, but then where had they come from in the first place? Possibly they were seeking refuge from the war, and had just escaped a terrible fate; I know I have to give them a chance.

"That would be very kind of you sir, we don't have anywhere to go right now." The female, Hermione, accepted. As I suspected, they were just children who needed a place to hide from the Dark forces. I walk over to the old school Sorting Hat, and place it on Harry's head. They seem to be having quite the conversation. Minutes trickle slowly by, and even Harry himself makes a noise of impatience.

The boy looks like he is having quite the argument inside his head, when he suddenly bursts out "No! We both know I don't belong there. There's only one place for me." How confusing. It's almost like he knows about the houses already. Maybe the Hat explained them?

"Never." This time is sounds like he's winning the argument. A short pause is followed by the Hat shouting his house; "GRYFFINDOR!"

Next I place the Hat on Hermione's head. Without waiting for any input from it, she's telling it not to split them up. It almost sounds like an inside joke. The Hat must have said something, because she replies "I think I know who you mean." Sounds like it is making comparisons between my students again… I wish it wouldn't. Wait, how would she know anyone if they just got here?

"Ok, now could you sort me please?" I chuckle; they don't have an ounce of patience between them. How Gryffindor. The only current student coming close to their tolerance level (and one of my favourites) is Sirius Black, coincidentally the best friend of Harry's apparent twin. I can't get over how similar he looks to James!

The Hat shouts "GRYFFINDOR!" once more and I put it back on the shelf. No doubt it's ready for a nap after a day like this; I know I am. The pair of them bid me goodnight, and I thank Regulus for bringing them to my office (as he must have done, there's no way the new Gryffindors would have been talking about sherbet lemons outside my office). They all leave, and I turn back to my desk. This will be an interesting year…