Hermione had read every book on her list and even picked up a few more about wizarding culture and Hogwarts. She had tried a few simple spells, like the one that makes light appear on the tip of her wand. She had managed a few, with difficulty. Knowing that she was going to be around children for whom magic had been a reality their entire lives made her do everything to catch up.
She thought she was ready, she really was. And yet…
A boy her age had cast a spell in front of her that she was sure was far too complicated for an eleven year old, especially seeing as Percy, a fifth year student, didn't know it. But what's more, he cast this spell without uttering an incantation. And he told her that you could do magic without a wand.
As she changed, she thought about her readings. She had decided to enter Gryffindor if she could because she had read that great wizards and witches came out of this house. But, ultimately, would it really be suitable for her? Would she have friends who took their studies seriously like she did? Would she have the calm needed to learn and do her homework? Gryffindors were described as courageous, brave. Nothing was said about their studies. The few groups of students wearing red and gold ties on the train seemed exuberant and noisy.
After bringing Trevor the toad back to Neville, she chatted a little with him about the houses of Hogwarts. She was shocked to hear him say in a resigned manner that if he didn't get into Gryffindor, his grandmother would be disappointed. Apparently his father had been a lion and he had to do as well as he did to be accepted by her. It was already a shame that he had done accidental magic very late and while being put in a deadly situation by his great-uncle. Hermione gave an incensed speech about protecting children and how no child should pretend to be someone else to please others.
The path to the boats was difficult. Visibility was very poor despite the lamp of the very tall man who had gathered the first year students. She almost fell several times because of a root that she had not seen protruding from the ground. Each time, she was surprised to be caught by Harry even though he was not walking beside her at the time.
She wasn't comfortable on the small boat she got into with Harry, Ron and Neville. The boat was barely big enough to accommodate them and seemed really old.
Her worries were swept away by the first sight of the castle. The magnificence of the building was breathtaking. As the boats took them to a pontoon, no student could take their eyes off the high walls, the large illuminated windows, the proudly tall towers.
Once the children were reunited, Hagrid entrusted them to Professor McGonagall, whom Hermione recognized as the woman who had come to inform her parents of her status as a witch. She really liked this elderly lady who answered all her questions with a fond smile.
Accompanied by the three boys she had sailed with, Hermione entered the Great Hall when the Transfiguration professor asked them. She sensed that Neville and Ron were very tense and tried to take their minds off it by telling them about the magical ceiling that was bewitched to reflect the sky outside. It was not very successful but Harry thanked her for the information. He didn't seem intimidated by all the stares from the other students. His head was spinning this way and that, as if he was trying to look everywhere at once.
The long-haired boy laughed when he saw the old patched hat that the Deputy Headmistress brought. He nudged Ron lightly and muttered something about a troll. The redhead responded with a relieved smile.
The Sorting Hat sang about the four houses before the Sorting ceremony began.
.oôOÔOôo.
- Longbottom Neville!
The boy was shaking as he sat down on the stool.
- Let's see what we have here. Oh, a passion for plants, very good.
- Please put me in Gryffindor.
- Why? My boy, I'm not sure this is the most suitable house for your needs.
- But my grandmother said that my father was a Gryffindor…
- And you are not your father. Nor your mother. You are you, a unique person. No matter what your grandmother says, you have to follow your own path.
- I… I think you're right.
- Well, I'm going to sort you in…
HUFFLEPUFF!
.oôOÔOôo.
- Granger Hermione!
Taking a breath to give herself courage, the young girl went with determined steps to sit on the stool.
- Oh, here's an interesting spirit. What a thirst for knowledge! It is a shame that it is guided by such a lack of self-confidence.
- I have full confidence in myself!
- Oh really? Didn't you read the entire first-year syllabus for fear of being behind your peers? Don't you fear that you won't have any friends because of your desire to learn everything you can?
- That's… Yes, that's true.
- I see you wanted to go to Gryffindor but I don't think it would suit you. Lions have many good qualities but their education is not their priority for most. No, I'll put you with the...
RAVENCLAW!
.oôOÔOôo.
- Potter-Peverell Harry!
All heads turned towards the boy who had stepped forward upon hearing his name. Potter? THE Harry Potter? Why Peverell? The purebloods all thought the Peverell line had died out. And why did the boy seem to be skipping as he walked?
- Oh. Well, I didn't expect that. This is the first time I've seen this. How many of you are in there?
- Hello, I'm Harry. The others are Susie, Jeremy, Charlie, Fritz, Gabriel and Cassidy. They have been with me since I was little.
- I see. Well no, I don't see how this is possible but I am no longer surprised by the possibilities brought by Magic. It makes my job more complicated. You all have very different personalities, how am I going to sort you up?
- Sort Harry, replied Susie, he is the one who will have to live with the others, after all. We're not even magicals.
- Indeed. Hmm… I see a lot of courage. A great ambition. Your intelligence is also not lacking... Honestly, you could go to all the houses. But I feel that there is a great loyalty in you. To these souls who accompany you but also to your guardian whom I cannot see in your mind – another curious thing. I think the best for you will be...
HUFFLEPUFF!
.oôOÔOôo.
-Weasley, Ronald!
The redhead was extremely stressed. The few friends he had made on the train had been sorted somewhere other than Gryffindor. The only people he would know would be his brothers from whom he wanted to break away.
- Another Weasley? But how many of you are in this generation?
- Seven, there is still my sister next year. Come on, put me in Gryffindor, let's get it over with.
- The idea of joining the lions doesn't seem to appeal to you. Oh I see. You don't want to stay in the shadow of those who have already gone before you. Why would you necessarily go to Gryffindor?
- All Weasleys go to Gryffindor, that's how it is.
- By Merlin, no! This generation is very unusual for that. Honestly, although you are brave, I don't see you thriving among the lions. No, I think you will no longer have your place in…
HUFFLEPUFF!
Ron glanced towards his brothers, fearing their reaction. He breathed with relief when he saw them applauding like everyone else, a big smile on their lips. Fred and George showed him their thumbs up and Percy winked at him.
He joined the badgers' table, settling next to Harry who was sitting across from Neville.
- Potter, huh? You didn't tell us your last name.
- It's not important, and it's Potter-Peverell, my guardian officially adopted me when I turned four.
Ron turned back to the Ravenclaw table that was right behind him and gave Hermione a big smile. He had suspected that the girl would end up among the ravens.
They were all in their rightful place.
