To start this off, I want to say I am so sorry for how long it took to get this chapter out, hopefully it will be worth the wait. Now, I also have a few things I'd like to announce so to start, this is the first chapter that I've done this but I am dedicating this chapter to a very wonderful person. She knows who she is so I don't think I'm going to tell the rest of you. I have to have some secrets you know. ;) Also I would like to let people know that I am looking for a beta reader so if you're interested, feel free to send me a message. Now that that stuff is out of the way, one last thing to say before you get to the story. I am keeping a few things cannon friendly but there will be a good number of things I'm making up as I go along, so if you don't understand something once again feel free to message me and I will answer or explain things as long as it doesn't give away what I have planned in the future. I'm done now, go read and I hope you all enjoy.
The Girl who lived
Chapter 5
When Hermione woke she was incredibly disoriented and panicked when she felt fingers running through her hair. Flailing her arms wildly she calmed when she heard Minerva's voice.
"It's okay, Hermione. You're okay."
Breathing heavily Hermione looked over to Minerva and saw Minerva smiling down at her. Calming down, Hermione looked around and the day she arrived at Minerva's home came flooding back to her. Closing her eyes and breathing a sigh of relief Hermione felt the calming effect Minerva's presence was having on her and opened her eyes after a few seconds. Looking back at Minerva, Hermione sat up in the bed slowly, he back resting against the head-board.
"Did it work? Is the block gone?"
Hermione watched Minerva as she waited for her to answer, seeing her hesitating Hermione started to panic again. Her eyes widened and she started to shake slightly.
"What is it Minerva? Is something wrong?"
The panic in Hermione's voice brought Minerva out of her musings and back to the present. Placing her hand over Hermione's to calm her, Minerva smiled and ran her thumb over the back of Hermione's hand.
"Everything is fine Hermione, the block is gone. There are some things you need to know however. You were asleep for a bit longer than I thought you would be. An extra 5 hours than I thought. During that time I took another look at your core and made sure everything was okay. Once I was sure that you were alright I had to take a little trip to see a friend."
It was here that Minerva stopped talking and grew pensive again. Remembering the conversation that took place, Minerva wondered just how much she should tell Hermione about what was happening.
-Flashback-
Minerva stood in front of the solid oak door, never had it been so imposing to her than it was right now. Her hand shook as she held it above the door, afraid of knocking on the surface, but the answers lay beyond the door. Steeling herself she knocked and entered when the voice inside bid her to do so. The distance from the door to the desk had never seemed so long to her, every step seemed to take an eternity. Minerva's eyes locked on the other's not wavering, it was time for her to get her answers.
"Albus, I hope you have a good reason for putting Hermione's father under that charm."
The blue eyes flashed, losing the sparkle that seemed to be permanently present in them at Minerva's question. Leaning back in his chair Albus pressed his fingertips together, letting his hands come to rest in front of his chin. His eyes never left Minerva as he seemed to mutter to himself, low enough for his words to be hidden from even Minerva's ears. Minerva's arms crossed over her stomach as she waited for Albus to speak, frustration peaking at his lack of answers.
"I did it to help Hermione, Morgan is in no danger and the charm will have expired for quite a while by now."
At Albus' answer, Minerva's eyes could have frozen Albus to the chair he sat on with its intensity. Albus found himself staring wide-eyed at one of his oldest friends as she shouted at him.
"What do you mean expired for quite a while!? I was just there not 5 minutes ago and he was still under its effects!"
When Albus heard those words, he sat up straight, his eyes wide. Jumping to his feet and rushing over to one of the instruments he had in his office, Albus tapped it with his wand and muttered under his breath once more. He felt his eyes widen again as he realized Minerva had spoken the truth, he quickly used the instrument to cancel the charm over Morgan. Walking back to the desk and sitting back behind it Albus sighed and looked up at Minerva.
"The Compulsion Charm has been cancelled Minerva, it was supposed to have expired on its own as soon as you left, I'm not sure why it remained but it is gone now. I know you have many more questions so, to save some time let me explain from the beginning. When I first examined Hermione the night Jean was killed I found a rather big surprise. Hermione's magical core was already quite strong, but there was something else making her core even stronger, it wasn't long before I found what was happening."
Sitting down in one of the chairs across from Albus, Minerva settled herself down as comfortably as she could, knowing she would be here for a while. Motioning for him to continue, Minerva was thankful for her good memory, knowing she would be repeating a great deal of this to Hermione.
"When the Killing Curse backfired on Voldemort, his magical core was somehow duplicated and fused with Hermione's. Slowly integrating with hers, giving Hermione his strength in addition to a number of other useful skills. The problem with this is, with all the dark magic Voldemort had done, his core was damaged. However I noticed upon further checks that Hermione's combined core was healing the damage. I was able to isolate the damage so that it would heal faster and still leave Hermione to develop as she should have."
Minerva felt herself sliding back in her chair, her eyes unfocused as her thoughts whirled in circles, trying to absorb the new information being presented to her. When Minerva looked back up at Albus, he held up his hand to forestall the questions he knew were coming.
"There is more Minerva, I know you have removed the binding I placed on Hermione's core. I want you to watch her to make sure her core is fully healed, that none of the madness that plagued Voldemort is present in her. If it is we must re-bind her core to allow it to heal fully. I doubt that will be necessary but we must be sure. As for the charm I placed on Morgan, he was reluctant to allow Hermione to stay with you over the summer but it is crucial that she does. You will need to help her contain the new power she is going to have."
Nodding to Albus, Minerva sat for another few moments, still processing the information before heaving a sigh and standing.
"I should go and make sure that Hermione is alright then. Next time Albus, make sure everything goes the way its supposed to. I will be most…displeased if anything happens to Hermione or Morgan."
With her back turned and on her way back to the door, Minerva missed the shudder that passed over Albus' body. A displeased Minerva was not a good thing, especially for those on the receiving end.
-End Flashback-
Shaking her head Minerva stood and smiled down at Hermione, still holding Hermione's right hand in her left. After a quick, reassuring squeeze, Minerva released Hermione's hand.
"It is going to take quite some time to explain Hermione. Why don't you get ready for the day while I go and prepare some books you are going to need to control the new strength you will have. I'll meet you in the library when you are ready."
Smiling at Hermione once more, Minerva left and went to the library. Standing at the door, Minerva looked over the bookcases, covering the walls of the circular room from floor to ceiling and standing in rows that took up most of the space remaining, the only other furnishings in the room, a single table in the centre of the room, visible from the door, a large chair by a rectangular window facing the front of the house that took up most of the length of the wall, and sturdy table on the left side of the chair. Taking mental inventory of the books she needed before going to get them Minerva distracted herself for a moment by running her hand over the nearest bookshelf, remembering all the hours she spent in this library during her own years at Hogwarts. Smiling at the memories Minerva set out to get the needed texts and setting them on the table, conjuring another chair for Hermione when she arrived. Minerva relaxed into the chair, ordering her mind so she wouldn't leave anything out for Hermione when she asked again for an explanation.
A half hour later, Minerva looked up and smiled as she saw Hermione walking into the room. Minerva motioned for Hermione to sit next to her, waiting for Hermione to get settled before turning her chair to face the girl.
"Hermione, there are quite a few things I must tell you before we start."
At Hermione's nod, Minerva went into her explanation of what was happening with her. Minerva's pride in Hermione increased greatly as she watched the girl's reaction to her tale. Hermione sat listening to the story, and Minerva could see her mind working logically in her head, keeping a mental list of questions to ask when Minerva finished speaking.
"That's all of it Hermione, at least that's all I was informed of. These books will help to train your mind and body to control the increased magic running through you from having access to your full core now. It will be a few days before the effects of this magic will be noticeable to you but I assure you, it will help."
Hermione's only response was to nod and wait for the first book from Minerva. Nodding in return to Hermione, Minerva pulled a stack of books toward them and pulled the one from the top of the stack off and opened it.
"These magics will help strengthen your body so that when you use your magic, it won't damage your body. I have marked the spells I want you to work on. When we begin to work on strengthening your mind it will not need so many books as I will copy the needed spells into a single book for you so it is easier to read. The books will automatically open to the required pages once you open the cover. If you have any questions, I will be doing research of my own but do not hesitate to ask if you do not understand anything."
Hermione nodded once more and pulled the book towards her, noticing Minerva had thought to put parchment, a quill and ink on her left. Hermione smiled and thanked Minerva before setting out to read and take notes on the material. Minerva stood and walked over to a bookshelf on the back wall facing the door. The bookshelf was empty, or so it would seem, turning her head around to look at Hermione to make sure she was fully absorbed by the book in her hands, Minerva turned back to the bookshelf and placed her hand out so that it touched the barrier surrounding the books. Feeling the barrier open at her touch Minerva stepped closer and pulled a few of the largest, black leather-bound tomes from the higher shelves off and stepped back through the barrier, feeling it close as she did. With the tomes in her hands Minerva settled herself in the chair, placing one on the table and the other in her lap. Placing her hand on the cover of the book, Minerva felt the protections keeping the book closed fall away.
The only interruptions of the day came when Minerva's house elf, Treckle, came to inform them when their meals were ready. The first time Treckle popped in it was a rather entertaining event for Minerva, the sound of Treckle's entrance making Hermione jump and scream, knocking her chair over in her surprise, making Minerva laugh once she realized what had just happened. Turning to look at Minerva, Hermione glared at Minerva, her hands on her hips, as she sat laughing in her chair.
"And just what is so funny Minerva? That scared the wits out of me!"
Finally calming down, Minerva looked at Hermione with a smile on her face. Minerva marked her place in the tome in her hands and placed it on the table next to the chair.
"Hermione calm down, it's just my house elf Treckle. I assume our lunch is ready Treckle?"
The elf, dressed only in a tartan print cloth wrapped around his waist, nodded as he bowed to Minerva and Hermione before answering.
"Yes Madam Minerva. It is ready for you when you are ready for it in the dining hall."
Nodding at Treckle Minerva stood and made for the door, smiling as she watched Hermione thank Treckle more thoroughly than she did. After their meal Minerva and Hermione returned to the library, Hermione trying out the spells to increase her body's strength and Minerva continuing the research from her own book. It wasn't until dinner that Hermione finally asked Minerva about her own research and the books she had. Smiling, Minerva set her fork down and leaned on her elbows toward Hermione.
"The books are the McGonagall family magics. I'm looking for more things that I might be able to use to help you control your strength."
Smiling at Minerva, Hermione blushed softly as she pushed the plate away and stretched her arms up, letting out a soft yawn. Letting herself relax into the chair Hermione found herself fighting to stay awake.
"Why don't you go up to bed Hermione, you've done a great deal today. You need to let your body adjust to the changes you've made to it."
Nodding at Minerva and smiling softly, Hermione stood and walked around to Minerva, giving her a short hug before walking up to her room. After going through her nightly routine, Hermione crawled into bed and found herself asleep shortly after laying down. That day set the routine for Hermione and Minerva, it took Hermione the rest of July and half of June to finish the studying and spell work needed to strengthen her body. Hermione could heal from most wounds rapidly without aid and her magical stamina was far more than most adult humans. When the time began for Hermione's mental training Minerva added in some magical exercises to help Hermione's body get used to using magic. Hermione's training continued until the end of August, and she found herself wanting time to stop, wishing she could stay at Minerva's home and continue studying in Minerva's library. It was at Hermione's last night at Minerva's home that Minerva vocalized Hermione's feelings.
"You don't wish to leave do you Hermione?"
Hermione jumped in surprise at Minerva's question, her focus was on her thoughts and not on the food or Minerva. Hermione found herself staring at her plate as she considered her answer. Finally, Hermione placed her fork next to her plate as she looked at Minerva.
"No, I don't. My time here has been better than any other time in my life. I couldn't imagine a better place to study magic Minerva."
Minerva smiled at Hermione as she spoke, feeling her heart warm at her words. Minerva took a few moments to consider her words before responding.
"I understand how you feel Hermione. I always felt I couldn't leave here when I started at Hogwarts, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my time there when I arrived. You'll have me there to teach you as well though Hermione, you know that."
Hermione felt herself relax at Minerva's words and smiled at her, nodding softly before standing and walking into the library, running her hands over the spines of the books, smiling at the memories of her and Minerva reading the books for her training as well as for amusement. Hermione stayed in the library for a few more minutes before going up to bed to be ready for the trip to Hogwarts. When she entered her room, Hermione was unable to resist the urge to look over her trunk once more, making sure that she had everything packed. When she was satisfied that she had everything she needed, Hermione got ready for bed and felt herself relaxing and falling asleep quickly.
Hermione woke slowly the next morning and sat up in her bed, smiling as she saw the cup of tea Treckle had left on her bed side table as he had every morning since the day she woke up from her core's unbinding. Hermione knew she would miss Treckle but with Minerva's assurances she felt that she would be too busy to notice Treckle's absence. Taking a drink from the cup Hermione stood and walked into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Minerva had told her the night before that they would be taking the Floo Network to get to the platform so Hermione pulled on her school uniform robes instead of her normal clothes, thinking it would be better to get use this opportunity to get used to the school uniform now. Hermione smiled as she drew her wand from the holster on her wrist. Sitting on the bed she ran her fingers over the wood and closed her eyes, feeling the power from the Dragon Heartstring core, letting the warmth flood over her before re holstering her wand and pulling her trunk down to the entrance of the Manor.
Leaving her trunk in the hall Hermione pushed open the door to the dining hall and walked over to her usual seat next to Minerva. Smiling at Minerva, Hermione made sure to take the time to enjoy her last meal here until she returned. She promised herself she would return, the building felt as much like home as her own house ever had and she knew that she would miss that feeling. With the meal finished Hermione and Minerva stood and walked out of the dining room to pick up Hermione's trunk before walking to the fireplace. Grabbing a small box on her mantel piece Minerva turned to Hermione.
"You'll need to say "Platform 9 ¾" so it will take you to the platform. Once you're there just wait for me near the fireplace and I'll see you off okay?"
Nodding and grabbing a pinch of the powder, remembering her first experience with the powder with a grin. Hermione let the memories flood through her before walking to the fireplace. It was a few weeks after Hermione had started learning Occlumency to help strengthen her mind's discipline, Minerva took her to see Albus saying he would be able to help her learn faster. When Hermione had arrived she landed flat on her face, her laughter kept her on the floor and made her trip Minerva when she had arrived, looking up to see Minerva lying on the ground next to her, laughing just as hard as she was. Looking up at Minerva just before she stepped into the fire Hermione winked before speaking.
"I'll make sure to move if I fall this time Minerva."
Minerva started laughing as Hermione stepped into the flames with her trunk and spoke. Hermione closed her eyes as she flew past the first fireplaces, her eyes opening slightly to see when the fireplace for the platform was getting closer. Seeing the fireplace moving closer, Hermione remembered Minerva's advice, and prepared to take a step as she exited the fireplace. Smiling, Hermione moved to the side, pulling her trunk with her waiting for Minerva to exit. There were a few other people who exited before Minerva, one of them a Sandy Blond haired boy, who smiled at her as he passed, making her smile as she thought that everyone wasn't as bad as Malfoy was in the robe shop as she waved back. Minerva arrived after a few moments, smiling softly at her for a moment before her face returned to a neutral expression and started walking toward the train, nodding at people who waved, leading Hermione to the train. After helping Hermione find a compartment, Minerva pulled out a book from one of the pockets of her robes and pressed it into Hermione's hands, with a small smile.
"I figured it would help your studies while at the castle."
Looking at the book in her hands Hermione smiled and looked up to see Minerva walking out of the compartment before looking back at the book. Hermione ran her hand over the cover, a bigger smile on her face than when Minerva was there. It was the book she looked at in Flourish and Blotts, Hermione had thought Minerva forgot about the book. Sitting down in the seats and opening the book as she waited for the train to leave. Hearing a knock on the door, the boy she saw on the platform was outside the door, standing next to another boy with messy black hair and opened it.
"Hey, do you mind if we join you?"
Shaking her head and waving her hand over the rest of the empty compartment, the two walked into the compartment and put their trunks up into the rack with Hermione's before sitting across from her. The messy haired boy looked at her smiling and spoke.
"My name's Harry Potter, this is Neville Longbottom."
Putting her book to the side, Hermione smiled back at the two and held her hand out, shaking their hands before answering them.
"My name's Hermione Granger."
Hermione watched as Harry and Neville looked at each other and then back to her. She saw sadness on their face but was surprised to see it wasn't the pity she usually saw but sadness that she had lost her parent.
"We were sorry to hear about what happened with your mom Hermione."
Hermione smiled at Harry and Neville and spent the rest of the train ride talking about different things in the wizarding world that Hermione didn't know about. She had spent most of her time studying to control her magic so she didn't have as much time as she wanted to research different things, like folklore, legends and, Minerva had smiled when Hermione said this to her, transfiguration. Hermione saw Harry and Neville smile at her, knowing smirks on their faces that made Hermione ask what was so amusing.
"Hermione, Minerva is going to be our Transfiguration Professor while we're at Hogwarts."
Hermione felt her jaw drop, she was stunned, in the entire time she was at Minerva's house, Hermione had never asked her what she taught at Hogwarts. She closed her eyes and pressed her hands to her face, letting out a groan as Harry and Neville laughed. Hermione was spared any further embarrassment when the food trolley came to the door. Hermione looked at the food on the cart and frowned, watching Harry and Neville stock up on a few of their favourites while recommending things to Hermione. As they sat back down, Harry had a stack of Cauldron Cakes, a few Chocolate Frogs and a Liquorice Wand. Neville also had some Chocolate Frogs, as well as some Pumpkin Pasties and a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans. Taking recommendations from them both Hermione had some of everything the other two had, not wanting to miss out on something she may enjoy. She found she greatly enjoyed the Chocolate Frogs, even if they were hard to keep a hold of, her first one ended up jumping into Harry's face and scaring him. The three had fun exchanging stories and eating their candy, most of the trip was relaxing but Hermione was looking at the door as one of Neville's frogs climbed across it and felt a shiver as she saw Malfoy pass the compartment. Feeling her happiness slip away and remembered the hatred he felt for her, Hermione leaned back into her seat with a shiver, remembering the cold tone he used when speaking to her.
"Hermione, what's wrong?"
Shaking her head, Hermione quickly related the story to her two new friends. She was surprised when Neville had to hold Harry back from opening the door and walking out into the corridor to find Malfoy. Hermione stood and pressed her hands to his shoulders, looking at him, she saw his green eyes filled with anger.
"Harry, stop. I appreciate this but he's not worth it. I don't want you getting in trouble before you even get to the school."
Harry stopped and looked at her, his face relaxing and he pulled her into a hug, Hermione simply stood there, her eyes wide. She hadn't been hugged a lot by her friends, not that she had many growing up with most of her time spent in the library, so it was awkward for her. Luckily for her, Harry pulled away and sat back down and, by an unspoken decision, changed the subject to Quidditch. Hermione listened as Harry and Neville explained the basic rules of the game to her and Hermione couldn't help but think that it was something she'd never even think about trying. She felt her eyes widening as some of the aspects of the game were explained, like the bludgers, she couldn't imagine flying around on a broom with enchanted metal sphere's flying around, trying to cause as much damage as they could, being fun.
Hermione was just shaking her head and expressing her opinion of how she would probably never enjoy a sport like that when she noticed that they were arriving. Feeling the train stop Hermione stood and went to pull her trunk down from the overhead rack when Harry stopped her, telling her that the trunks would be brought into the school and up to the dorm rooms after being sorted. Nodding at him, Hermione exited the train with Harry and Neville and started walking down the platform of Hogsmeade station. Hermione smiled when she heard a familiar voice calling out on the platform near the gates.
"Firs' years over here, Firs' years this way."
Hermione looked over to the left of the gate and saw Hagrid standing holding a lantern with a group of students all about Hermione's age standing behind him. Harry led the way over to Hagrid with Hermione and Neville following behind him. When the trio reached him, Hagrid smiled at all three of them as he continued calling out for first year students. Hermione stood with Harry and Neville, talking about what they knew about the school. Hermione felt her nerves starting to peak up again as she waited for Hagrid to gather the rest of the students. Harry and Neville could see the nerves on her face and did their best to calm her down, it helped when Hagrid grabbed the last student's attention and they started toward the lake. Hermione smiled when she saw the boats, remembering all the times she had been in a boat with her father and Minerva calming her down and relaxing her. Climbing into one of the boats with Harry and Neville they were joined by a shy looking girl with long red hair and brown eyes, Hermione smiled at her as she spoke.
"Hi, I'm Hermione, this is Harry and that's Neville."
Hermione sighed in her mind when she saw the girls eyes widen in shock as she introduced herself. She knew she would have to get used to it but for the moment it bothered her.
"I'm Susan Bones. It's nice to meet you."
Feeling surprised once again, Hermione smiled when Susan decided not to focus the conversation on her, and started to wonder if Minerva hadn't over reacted when she had told Hermione that some people may ask questions she may not like hearing or answering. The four talked quietly, like the rest of the people in the boats were doing with most of the conversation focused on the trio getting to know the 4th member of the boat. Hermione couldn't help hoping that they would all be sorted into the same house as they talked, she found herself liking Susan a great deal as they talked more and more. When Hagrid warned them to bow their heads the talking stopped and when they raised their heads they were treated to their first look of the castle. As she looked up at the castle Hermione couldn't help but agree with Minerva's description of the castle, the towers shining in the moonlight, a few of the windows shining with lights in the dark night. Hermione found herself staring up at the castle a shiver running down her spine at the beauty of the sight in front of her. She was knocked out of her stupor by the boat bumping into the shore, climbing out with Harry's help, Hermione did her best to not stare at the school again as she followed Hagrid up a set of stone stairs toward the castle. Once at the top of the stairs Hagrid knocked on the door they were standing in front of. After a few seconds Hermione couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face as the door opened to reveal Minerva standing behind it, the light from the lit sconces on the wall making her emerald robes glint slightly.
"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid."
Opening the door wide, the group of students walked past Hagrid, following Minerva up more stairs and into the Entrance Hall, where they were led to an empty room off the hall, away from the voices that were coming from another hall. Once in the room, Minerva stood in front of the door as she looked over the group of students, her face calm as she seemed to take in every students face.
"As you no doubt have guessed my name is Professor McGonagall. I am the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts as well as the head of Gryffindor house. In a few moments I will be taking you into the Great Hall where you will be sorted into your different houses. For those of you who are unaware the houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Each house has produced amazing witches and wizards and they all have a long and interesting history. While you are here a great deal of time will be spent in the company of your housemates, any rule breaking will lose your house points while any triumphs will earn you house points. I suggest you all make yourselves presentable while you wait."
With one last look over the group of students Minerva walked out of the room and left them to wait and talk among themselves. There was a lot of nervous whispering about how they were going to be sorted, one of the boys in a group near them were talking about what his older brothers had told him about how they were sorted making Harry and Neville laugh hysterically when they heard that he was told about wrestling a troll. Their laughter brought them all sorts of attention from everyone in the room, but before the group could ask what had made Harry and Neville laugh a sneering voice from the back of the room spoke.
"So, it looks like our Mudblood saviour has finally graced us with her presence."
The crowd parted and Hermione sighed as she saw Malfoy walking forward. His face stuck in a sneer of disgust as he stared at her. Harry made to move toward Malfoy before Neville and Hermione both put a hand on each of his arms and Susan placed a hand on his left shoulder.
"Protecting the Mudblood? Why bother? She'll be lucky if she doesn't blow herself up with the first spell she tries. She and her kind don't belong in this school, they're not worthy to learn magic."
With his mouth open to continue his rant, he was cut off by a voice that rang out from the door.
"Mr Malfoy! I do believe I have already warned you about this behaviour. Seeing as how my first warning didn't make an impact I do believe you will be serving a month's worth of detention with our caretaker Mr Filch. Now, we are ready for you, please follow me."
Hermione took one last look behind her and saw Malfoy with a look of shock on his face as he walked forward, leaving Hermione with the impression that no one had talked to him like that before today. With a smile on her face Hermione followed Susan out of the room and toward the Great Hall. As they walked next to each other Hermione saw the anger on Susan's face and smiled softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder just before they entered the double doors to the Great Hall. As they entered, Hermione moved her hand away and Susan smiled and nodded at her. Their group of student's felt their eyes widen at the sight of the Great hall, hundreds of candles suspended in the air lit the room, the light glinting off the plates and silverware. The ceiling was the center of attention from the first years however, being a perfect copy of the night sky outside, Hermione smiled as she took in the beauty of it, knowing it must be some advanced spell work. Stepping up the stairs in the center of the raised platform where the other Professors sat, the students formed a single line across the platform facing the rest of the students. As the last student walked on to the platform and to the end of the line, Minerva walked forward and placed a three-legged stool on the platform, an old tattered hat in her left hand and a scroll in her right hand, turning to face the line of students she spoke.
"When you hear your name called, step forward and sit on the stool, I will place the sorting hat on your head, you will then be sorted into your houses."
There was a general murmur of relief along the line of students at this announcement as the first students were called on to be sorted. Hermione found herself too nervous to pay attention to the sorting until she heard Susan's name. Smiling at her friend to help calm her down Hermione watched Susan step forward and sit on the stool. Hermione found herself watching the hat intently as though trying to pick up whatever it was doing to sort her new friend. She was so focused that Hermione jumped softly when the hat shouted out its decision.
"Hufflepuff!"
Hermione smiled at Susan as she sat and looked up at Hermione from where she sat at the table she walked too. Hermione found herself lost in thought once again, thinking about what house she would be placed in, she began to fidget as she waited for her name to be called. Minerva's voice calling her name drove all thought from her mind as furious whispering broke out amongst the students already seated at the four tables. Stepping forward slowly, Hermione sat on the stool, her hands gripping the edges tightly as Minerva placed the hat gently on her head. It was a few seconds later that she heard a voice in her mind, one that was not her own.
"Hmmm well, well, this is one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. You have the intelligence of a Ravenclaw, your unbreakable loyalty towards those you hold dear would make you most welcome in Hufflepuff, then there's the unwavering courage that makes you a true Gryffindor and your cunning would be unmatched amongst the current ranks of Slytherins. I will not put you in Slytherin however, there is too much intolerance in that house for you to survive past your first day there. Tell me Miss Granger what house do you think you would be best placed in?"
Her mind racing, Hermione felt unable to answer the hat's question. Any response that came to her was driven out by the hat's laughter.
"Quite the conflict going on inside your mind I see. I must caution you however, not all in Slytherin are evil, just like not all in the other three houses are good. You must be careful who you make friends with, but I can tell that you have made three good choices today in who to keep as your friends."
Hermione felt her gaze drawn to Susan at the Hufflepuff table, and then her head turned over her right shoulder to look at Harry and Neville. As she turned back to look at the four tables, she saw an animal sitting at each table. At the table resting at the far left side of the hall she saw a raven on the edge of the table, it's eyes burning with intelligence that was both familiar and alien to Hermione. Moving to the next table she saw a badger, nuzzling against Susan's side before staring up at her. The next table a lion lay across the center of the table, its tail flicking back and forth as it stared at her. Her gaze moved to the far right table where she saw a snake coiled at the edge of the table, Hermione frowned when she noticed its attention on someone other than herself, but found herself drawn more to the other three so she put the snake out of her mind. She felt something in her pulling her toward each animal, a warmth spreading across her body as she looked from the raven, to the badger still sitting next to her new friend, to the lion its gaze burning into her. Hermione gasped as her eyes met with the lion's and a flash of scarlet and gold blurred her vision. As it cleared all four animals were gone and Hermione heard the hat speak to her again.
"It looks like Hogwarts has helped you make your decision. You would do well in any house but you will truly flourish among the ones in the house of Gryffindor!"
Hermione heard the house name shouted to the audience in the hall as she stood, a profound sadness in her at not being able to be in the same house as Susan but conflicting with her sadness was the warmth of happiness and belonging as she walked toward the Gryffindor table. So lost in thought was she that she hadn't noticed the bench she sat on shaking with the applause she had received when she sat down at the Gryffindor table. She was brought out of her thoughts when a hand was placed on her right shoulder, making her look to her right in surprise.
"Sorry to bring you out of your mind, but I thought you may want to join us. My name's George Weasley, the less attractive one beside me is my twin brother Fred."
Hermione broke down laughing at George's last statement, luckily for her the applause of her sorting was just dying down so it covered her laughter and she was able to quiet back down as the next student stepped up to be sorted. Hermione found her gaze directed once more to Susan, to see her smiling sadly at her, but Hermione was shocked to see the badger at her friend's side once more. Smiling at Susan for a moment, Hermione looked at the Ravenclaw table, where she saw the raven while being sorted and was surprised to see it absent. Looking down the table she sat at, Hermione saw the lion and was surprised to see it walking towards her and sitting down in front of her, it's left paw moving to come into contact with her right hand and for the second time that night, Hermione found another voice in her mind that was not her own.
"Welcome young one. Do not be alarmed, I am the spirit of the founder of your house, it is rare but we may choose to contact one in our house who shows great potential but needs guidance, you are one of them and such great potential has never been seen by any spirit of the houses. You will be able to call me anytime you are in need of guidance but I would ask that you do not tell everyone in the school of our existence, you may tell your closest friends however."
Hermione nodded in the slightest to show she understood and heard a laugh in her mind once again, making her smile as the same warmth that she had felt when being sorted flooded her body at the sound of the laugh.
"You may speak to me with your mind young one. I will hear what you say as though you were speaking it aloud. But for now it is time for me to take my leave, don't worry your Hufflepuff friend will be well taken care of, she has been chosen by the spirit of her house. She will take good care of your friend."
Hermione's eyes closed as she felt the warmth leave her as the spirit's paw was retracted and when her eyes opened once again, the lion was gone, as was the badger next to Susan. Turning her eyes to the front stage, Hermione was pulled from her thoughts only when Harry and Neville were being sorted. With them both joining her at the Gryffindor table, Hermione clapped along with the rest of her house as Neville sat next to her and Harry sat across from her. The sorting finished soon after Harry was sorted and Hermione watched Minerva roll up the scroll and take the stool and hat behind the table on the platform. Hermione watched as she sat next to Albus and noticed that Albus was standing, waiting for quiet among the students before speaking.
"To our new students welcome to Hogwarts, to our returning students, welcome back. Now with the welcoming done, I thought we should start this year a little differently than we're accustomed to."
Albus had to stop here as a chorus of groans sounded from not just the students but from a good number of the teachers as well, Hermione smiled as she saw Minerva with her hand covering most of her face as she shook her head.
"This year we will start with a riddle, the first one to answer it, will earn their house 50 points and the start of the feast will begin afterwards. So, the riddle is, when you fall in me you're as happy as can be, but you fall into depression when you lose me. What am I?"
Hermione's eyes widened as she recognized the riddle, a small smile appeared on her lips as she closed her eyes and stood up facing Albus as she spoke a single word her voice resonating through the silent hall.
"Love."
Feeling ever eye on her as she sat, Hermione waited and watched both Minerva and Albus as both smiled at her, Minerva's more restrained and prideful than Albus'. The hall remained silent as all eyes were on either Hermione or Albus, several moments passed before Albus spoke again.
"50 points to Gryffindor, now with that done, let's enjoy our fantastic feast."
As he sat, food appeared on the plates and people began eating and talking in earnest, Hermione was very interested in talking to the twins next to her and wasn't surprised to find out it was them who told their younger brother about having to wrestle the troll. The two were friendly and boisterous in their humour. Hermione enjoyed their company more and more as the feast went on. When a good portion of the food was gone the platters and dishes cleaned themselves off and deserts appeared on them instead. As they ate their fill of the deserts the conversation moved from family to the teachers and classes, Hermione found herself with too few ears as she listened to conversations up and down the table. Her attention was grabbed by George as he started telling Harry about what teachers to avoid.
"There's really only one teacher who you need to watch out for all the time, and that's Professor Snape. Unless you're a Slytherin chances are he'll give you a reason to dislike him quickly. Professor McGonagall is his opposite, you still don't want to get on her bad side but she's completely fair, she'll take points away from her house just the same as the others. All the other teachers are pretty much the same as Professor McGonagall just not as stern, but then she has to be, Transfiguration can be one of the most dangerous branches of magic if done improperly. Snape likes to say that Potions is the most dangerous and he's right about it being dangerous but not the most dangerous."
As George continued to talk about Snape he pointed the man out, Hermione looked up at him and saw him sitting next to a very nervous looking man wearing a turban. As she watched Hermione met his eyes and felt pain shoot through her scar as they did. Hermione managed to keep her cry of pain contained but when she turned back, she saw that Snape had once again returned to focusing on his conversation with the other man. The dishes cleared themselves of the deserts soon after and Albus stood once again, silence came quickly and Hermione found herself curious as to what he had to say.
"Well now that we've all eaten, I have a few announcements to make. Our caretaker Mr Filch would like me to remind you of the prohibited items list that he has put together, available outside his office or from one of your professors. I would also like to inform our new students that the entering the forest is forbidden unless accompanied by a professor or Mr Hagrid, our gamekeeper. Also there is a corridor on the 3rd floor that is no forbidden to all students, regardless of the reason. Now I think it is time for us to be off for the evening. First years can follow a prefect from their house to their common rooms."
Standing up, Hermione followed Fred and George out of the Great Hall, with Harry and Neville close behind her. They talked lightly as they walked up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room, fatigue and a full stomach keeping them from doing much more. As George told the group that they were near the common room entrance, another student joined them to tell them the password to the portrait. Finally reaching their destination, Hermione found herself standing in front of a massive portrait of a woman in a pink dress. Fred and George turned to the trio of first years as they stopped in front of the portrait.
"This is the entrance to the common room, the password Lee, the guy we met before, gave us will let us in, if he wasn't playing a prank that is."
Both redheads turned to the portrait and spoke at the same time.
"Caput Draconis."
The woman in the painting nodded and smiled at the trio.
"Welcome to Gryffindor. I hope you enjoy your time here."
With that the portrait opened, revealing a well lit room with chairs covered in scarlet fabric that gave the room a feeling of warmth and comfort that was apart from the roaring fire in the hearth. Hermione looked around and smiled as she did, turning away only when she heard her name.
"This staircase will lead you to your dorm room Hermione, it's the first door you come too, your trunk will be waiting for you there."
With that, Hermione bid the others goodnight and found herself longing for a warm bed to sleep in. Hermione pushed the door open and found her trunk sitting at the end of one of the beds. Hermione pulled out some of her sleeping clothes and climbed into the large bed before drawing the curtains around her bed to change. While folding her robe a crumpled piece of parchment fell out of her pocket. Frowning Hermione finished folding her clothes and placed them on the chair next to her bed, before laying down and smoothing out the piece of parchment. Her frown deepened as she read the letter.
Hermione,
I know it may seem difficult to accept this from an unknown source but I am a friend, but at this time I cannot reveal myself to you. I want you to know that I want to be an ally not an enemy, soon I will request a meeting with you to prove what I am saying now. Until then, I hope you can trust my word.
Folding the parchment up, Hermione spent her first night at Hogwarts staring up at the ceiling, her mind racing as to who would have sent her the note. She finally drifted to sleep long after she heard her new roommates enter the dorm and fall asleep. She would worry about the note tomorrow.
Well, there you have it, the next chapter in Hermione's adventure. I know I promised the M rating would be earned in this chapter but I decided to cut it short before I got to that part as it was getting a little long for my tastes and I didn't want anyone to be bored. So, next chapter and this time I'm super serious about that.