When Harry thinks about it, he never had been to Hermione's. The house is bigger than the Dursley's, his uncle and aunt would be so jealous and envious. Nothing against the Weasley, but he prefers the atmosphere in the Granger house, calm and warm. Of course, he loved the Weasley's house, but sometimes all the noise gave him a headache and he can play fly on his broom there too. He never had that much fun on the muggle side, he visited the museum, the zoo, and the cinema and they even went to see a football match. Of course, Hermione took him to the public library.
Today, it's time to get on the train, Hermione's parents have to see them off early to catch the train.
"So Harry, are we going to sort ourselves in Gryffonders or another house? and what do we do about Ron ?" Hermione ask him anxiously.
"I think it would be easier to stay in the same house as last time since Professor McGonagall is the head of that house. About Ron, I'm not sure what to do" Harry replied.
"You're right it would be easier to explain the development of a close relationship with her. I suggest with don't force thing with Ron.
And Harry, please try to not take the bait when Malfoy tries to have a fight with you." Hermione said.
"Oh but Mia, it's so much fun and I was counting on it," Harry said with a false sad tone.
"Harry!" Hermione said glaring at him
Someone interrupted them… it was Neville who lost his toad. Hermione decided to go help to look for it, like last time. She will discreetly accuse Trevor and tell Neville that she found it. After he thanked her, she invited Neville to join them and he nervously accepted. During the journey, they are interrupted by Malfoy who was looking for Harry Potter. They didn't meet Ron this time. They changed themselves when it was almost time to approach the station. They could hear Hagrid talking to the first years, helping them to the boat. Hermione and Harry would lie if they said that they did not have tears in their eyes when they saw the castle. A castle that wasn't damaged by the second war.
The door opens, and Professor McGonagall leads the students through the enormous entrance hall lit with flaming torches. She welcomes the first years to Hogwarts explaining that they will first be sorted into Houses. The four Houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. She takes her position at the front of the hall to sort the students. The hat begins to sing a song:
"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 folk use any means
To achieve their ends."
(Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone)
McGonagall started to call the name of each student to sit under the hat. Every one of them seems to go to the same house as last time: Hannah Abbot and Susan Bones at Hufflepuff, Terry Boot at Ravenclaw, Lavender Brown at Gryffindor… Hermione and Harry were worried that the hat will tell the headmaster about what he will see inside their head. When the professor called his name, he could hear the others talking about him. "Oh what an interesting mind, you should know that Slytherin still is a good match for you"
"Hi, no thank you, Mr. Hat, send me where I belong in Gryffindor ". Harry replied.
After some time, "Oh okay, so be it, GRYFFINDOR" the Hat screamed annoyed. Harry could hear round applause from Gryffindor (he Weasley twins screaming "We got Potter" multiple times), Hupplepuff and Ravenclaw, and some Slytherin. Harry went to sit between Hermione and Neville. Harry and Hermione watch the professor's table and saw McGonagall winking at them. Harry tried to evade the eyes of Dumbledore and Snape. After the excellent feast, the prefects call the first years to guide them to their dormitories. Oh, it's good to be home" Harry said when he enters the Gryffindor room.
