THC, Round Three, Slytherin, Charms Stand-in. Standard

Prompt: [Setting] Great Hall

Word Count: 1140

Beta's: IRiS EaGLes, CupCakeyyy.

Hermione Granger had read every book available to her about the wizarding world. She was extremely excited to be a part of this world and attend such a prestigious school. Every book contained information she hadn't even dreamt of in the past; it truly was magical. Though the books presented all of the new information as facts, the eleven-year-old was skeptical. Being a Muggle, she had been raised with the knowledge that magic wasn't 'real', it was a fantasy, a dream; it was pretend.

Despite everything that had been told to her, and what she had seen with her own eyes, she found it difficult to truly believe it all. However, any doubt that was left in her mind had disappeared the first time she walked into the Great Hall. She had read about the ceiling design in Hogwarts: A History. The fact that she could see the truth was enlightening.

The Great Hall was grand. Bigger than her own home! It was mesmerising! She shared her thoughts with the person next to her, who didn't seem to care, that didn't change her feelings. However, now this was all real, it wasn't a dream anymore. She was at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and would be learning all about this new world.

One by one, each new student was called up to be sorted into their house. The place that they'd spend the next seven years of their lives - barring holidays. That was very nerve-wracking. What if she didn't like the house? Or the people in them? Or worse, what if she wasn't liked? Hermione had never fitted in very well in her previous schools, but this one she'd live out. There was no escape at the end of the day to spend time with her parents.

Granger, Hermione.

She had been called, summoned. This decision would directly affect the next seven years of her life and that made her nervous. No, the feeling that was flooding her at that moment was more powerful than nervousness - she was anxious. Doing her best to remain calm, she stepped forward hesitantly and followed the instructions given her.

The stool felt too big for her. Her hands grasped the edge of it to keep herself stable as an old leather hat was placed upon her head. It spoke to her. She hadn't expected that! What else was she not aware of?

Gryffindor!

Her fate was set. Hermione couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face. The hat thought she was brave and courageous. She jumped down from the stool with more confidence and crossed the space to the Gryffindor table. This would be the one where she ate and conversed with her fellow housemates.

Being congratulated by the others at that table made her feel so welcomed. So ready for this academic year. Her first one as a witch.

Hermione Granger woke up in her Gryffindor dorm bed. She couldn't stifle the yawn as the tiredness seeped into her bones from the lack of sleep, however, excitement overcame that. This was the first time she had ever slept away from her parents; she had never been invited to sleepovers unlike the rest of those in her class. So this was extremely exciting for her.

Even though it was early, she still dressed, packed her school bag, and went down to the Great Hall before anybody in her dorm was even awake.

Her body felt like it was shaking as she moved through the halls, examining the moving paintings, even greeting those who were awake. It was exhilarating! So many magical aspects! They were everywhere! Moving paintings, moving staircases, floating candles, appearing food, and much, much more!

Walking into the Great Hall was just as incredible as yesterday. It being early meant that there weren't many students present, however, she spotted Professor McGonagall and another professor, a female, shorter one, who she later found out to be Professor Sprout, sitting at the front.

Using the emptiness to her advantage, she took her time to look around and take everything in. Yesterday was overwhelming. So much so, that she missed a lot of the intricate details. Even with her paying close attention, she couldn't find any fault with anything here.

It was all real.

All of it.

Hermione decided to sit in the same seat that she sat in yesterday; it just felt right. She wasn't expecting anything and jumped slightly when a few selections of food appeared in front of her. Her mouth remained agape as she chose a few things for her plate. Though, she took her time to eat them, savouring the taste.

After finishing her breakfast, she pulled out one of the books and started to read it. She simply yearned to discover as much as she could about this world and all of the subjects taught at Hogwarts.

When the Great Hall began to get busier, she actually found herself distracted by everybody and everything going on. She was greeted. People actually acknowledged her!

The Great Hall was such a friendly place to be, and nothing would ever change her mind on that.

Hermione Granger took a deep breath as she stared at the entrance of the Great Hall. One of the most magical and friendly places she had ever entered. One of her favourite places. It was high on her list with the many amazing libraries she had been to, her family's holiday trips, and her parents' home - or at least, where she grew up, her parents were no longer there.

As she stepped into the once grand and magical room, her eyes flickered over the carefully laid out bodies of those who perished. The fallen included students who still attended Hogwarts, some younger than herself. She saw Fred, lifeless on the floor, no longer that grinning child who welcomed her to Gryffindor all those years ago. Remus, his hand almost touching his wife, her former professor who now couldn't raise his son. Colin, the youngest one her eyes recognised, he was the sweetest boy ever. Always taking photos. The two of them had spoken in the hospital after being petrified. He hadn't deserved to die. Lavender Brown, even though Hermione had never liked her, she was her age, taken from this world before she had even finished Hogwarts.

So many lives were gone from the world.

Hermione walked past more and more bodies and tried to drown out the sorrow from all around them. Winning the war wasn't a triumphant occasion right now; it was a memorial.

She stood in the exact spot she used to sit in when she first started Hogwarts. The place she sat after being sorted, the place she sought out on numerous occasions, the place she felt welcome.

Those feelings were gone.

The magical Great Hall was now just a room tainted by the war.