Hi everyone! Goodness, but am I surprised by the amount of feedback I received for the first chapter. Thank you all so much! You have no idea how happy you made me. I hope you'll enjoy the second chapter as well.

That fearful sound of "fire" and "fire,"
Let no man know is my Desire.

Chapter two: That fearful sound

A couple of days had gone by in relative silence for Harry. His burns still ached but the burn cream made short work of those whenever it was applied. It was a good thing too, that said cream had such a magical effect because Harry was pretty sure that any muggle would in no way recover from such burns easily if ever. There was one long white streak curling around his chest that seemed to have somehow evaded being burned but Harry could only wonder about the cause of that.

Pomfrey had only sparsely allowed visitors but even if she hadn't, Harry was sure that he wouldn't have received much company. All of the Gryffindors had lost a lot, after all. Be they possessions or familiars, Harry could understand the distress such a loss could cause. He wondered if his Nimbus and invisibility cloak were all right. At least – by some miracle – his wand had made it out of the fire and lay on his nightstand even when he had first opened his eyes in the hospital wing. The only logical explanation was that Snape had seen it and had taken it with him. But that seemed like a far too nice thing for the man to do. In fact, Harry still wasn't sure that the professor rescuing him hadn't been a very vivid dream or hallucination.

"Harry, my boy!"

Harry snapped his attention away from his bandaged hands to focus on the source of the voice and was met with the sparkling baby blues of Albus Dumbledore.

"Professor Dumbledore," he stammered, not at all sure what to say. He could only imagine the amount of work this disaster would have caused the headmaster. Yet none of that shone through on the friendly, grandfatherly face.

Dumbledore took a seat next to Harry's bed and folded his hands in his lap. His smile was kind and reassuring and Harry couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease with the man in his presence.

"How are you feeling?" Dumbledore asked.

Harry chuckled wryly. "I've been better, to be honest," he told the man. "But I've been a lot worse too."

Dumbledore sighed heavily. "As you say, my boy. You have faced far too many tribulations in this school already. And this latest one is not any less concerning than the previous ones have been."

Harry frowned. "What do you mean?"

Dumbledore leaned forward on his knees and took a while before speaking again. "It is quite unprecedented for any structural part of Hogwarts to catch fire the way Gryffindor tower has. In my not so humble opinion, I don't believe this fire to have been caused accidentally or naturally.

Harry cleared his throat awkwardly, prompting Dumbledore to slide the glass of water on his nightstand a bit closer to him. Harry took it and held it in his lap.

"Harry," Dumbledore then continued. "Your commendable bravery and equanimity in the face of danger put you in the unique position of knowing details that may have escaped others."

"Details?" Harry asked, not even bothering to ask what equanimity meant. "I'm afraid that I wasn't really paying that much attention to the fire. I was kind of focused on trying to get out of there."

"Yes," Dumbledore said. "And helping others in the progress. Every year it becomes even clearer why the sorting hat put you in your current house."

Harry flushed at the compliment and looked at his hands again. There was something about the proud look in Dumbledore's eyes that made it uncomfortable to look at him.

"Be that as it may, Harry, I need you to try and think about the fire. Was there anything out of the ordinary about it that springs to mind? Anything at all?"

Harry bit his lower lip while he thought about it. The truth was that he didn't think he knew enough about even normal fire to be able to make any kind of observation. "Er…" he said. "I did notice that the fire spread very quickly. Almost ridiculously fast. I don't really know how it would normally go but I thought that the tower was damaged much too quickly. It was as if someone had poured gasoline on everything. Er… if you know what gasoline is."

Dumbledore nodded. "A highly flammable liquid primarily used as a fuel in most spark-ignited internal combustion engines."

Harry blinked. "Yeah," he said. "I guess that's right. But I don't think that was it either. I didn't smell anything, after all."

"Hmmm," Dumbledore hummed. "That's interesting, indeed. Was there anything else?"

Harry shook his head. "I don't think so. But it all happened so fast, I can't be sure I didn't miss anything. I'm sorry."

"There's no need to be sorry, my boy," Dumbledore said quickly. "I realised in advance that you were unlikely to recall a great many details but there is no harm in trying, am I right?"

Harry nodded when something else came to mind. "What about Snape, though?"

"Professor Snape," Dumbledore corrected. "What about him, Harry?"

"He was in there too," Harry pointed out. "He helped me get out, right? I mean, now that I think about it, it might be a bit strange that Professor McGonagall wasn't closer by but –"

"Professor McGonagall was sleeping much too deeply to be awakened by Mr Longbottom," Dumbledore interrupted.

Harry frowned. "What?" he said. "How does that –"

"Let's leave it at that for now," Dumbledore said. "Truth be told, it was lucky that Professor Snape was out patrolling the corridors so close to Gryffindor tower."

'Probably to try and punish some Gryffindors,' Harry thought.

"If he hadn't been, well, I don't dare to think of what would have happened to you, my dear, dear boy."

Not sure of what to respond to that, Harry tried changing the subject into something that he had been wondering about for a while now.

"Professor," he said. "Have you decided about the Gryffindors yet? About what's going to happen to them? Well, to us?"

"I have," Dumbledore replied kindly. The mad twinkle in his eyes burned brighter than Harry had ever seen it.

"Could you er… tell me about it?" Harry asked. "I mean if it's not a secret or anything."

"Oh no, it's not a secret," Dumbledore said gleefully. He leaned back into his chair and smiled widely at Harry. "In fact, I made the announcement this very morning."

"What announcement?" Harry asked.

"As you are now surely aware, the Gryffindor tower cannot be rebuilt very easily," Dumbledore said.

"What?" Harry said, perplexed. "But it can be done, right?"

"Oh, it can," Dumbledore assured Harry. "But it will take a long time. Not only is it impossible to use magical means to rebuild the tower if we don't want to interfere with the castle's wards, but when the structure has been completed, said wards will need to be carefully placed back where they belong. It's quite a long and arduous task, I'm afraid."

"Right," Harry said. "So…"

"We can't possibly let all of the Gryffindors sleep in the Great Hall every night," Dumbledore said. "Nor is it possible to relocate everyone into a different part of the castle. The intricate details would be beyond you, I'm afraid, but the castle would not accept any relocation of its lions. The hourglasses would stop functioning, the house-elves would get lost and even your class schedules would be disrupted quite severely."

Harry deeply wished that Dumbledore would get to the point already.

"But I came up with a fantastic idea that will bypass all of these difficulties," Dumbledore said smartly. "Every single Gryffindor will have to be resorted until such a time that it is safe to return to the tower."

Harry shot up from his bed, causing a painful sting to his broken ribs. "Resorted?" he asked. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said," Dumbledore said. "You will all need to be reassessed and placed into one of the three remaining houses which I'm certain will all welcome you with open arms."

Harry scoffed. "I'll believe that when I see it."

"Now, now," Dumbledore reprimanded gently. "There is really no other way. And I know what house you're thinking of when you believe that my idea will not work. I can only ask that you set aside your past animosities, Harry. The house one is sorted into does not define them. I believe that you will experience many surprising encounters."

"You're talking about this as if you already know where I'll be resorted," Harry said glumly, though there was little doubt in his own mind as well.

"I do not presume to know the future, Harry," Dumbledore said. "But I like to believe that I have come to know you a little bit over the years. And I know that you are capable of much more than boundless heroism and valour."

Harry shivered involuntarily. "But I-"

"I will not reconsider, Harry," Dumbledore said, the edge of his voice set with a sense of finality. "The process has already begun and I believe that it will prove to be a worthwhile experience in the dark times that may possibly lie ahead."

Dumbledore glanced at Harry who was leaning deeper into his pillows and put a hand on his shoulder. "Rest now," he said. "You still have a great deal of healing to do if you want to be able to attend your classes next week."

"Yes, sir," Harry mumbled solemnly.

"Don't worry, Harry," Dumbledore said. "Everything will work out in the end. Things have a way of turning themselves around for us."

"I hope so, sir," Harry replied. He pulled the sheets up to his chin and watched how Dumbledore got up and walked out of the hospital wing. But not before winking at Harry one last time.

Dumbledore's reassurances didn't reach Harry at all. In his mind, he was already going over the worst of the scenarios. There was one silver lining he could count on. He had been able to convince the hat the first time he was sorted. There was really no reason that he couldn't do that again. He really hoped that he could. Because if he couldn't… well, he wasn't sure he'd survive the rest of the month let alone the year.

Only one thought raced through his mind as he tried to get some more sleep: "Not Slytherin. Please, not Slytherin."

" – asleep again."

"Well, he is still recovering."

Harry woke up from his light slumber when he heard the hushed whispers around him. He opened his eyes to see Hermione look him over in concern, her eyes widening slightly when she saw he was awake.

"Oh, Harry," she said. "I'm so sorry. Did we wake you up?"

"It's okay," Harry mumbled as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "It's time for me to wake up anyway." His eye fell on Ron who was eating a chocolate frog.

"Hey," Ron said. "Glad to see you awake again."

"Yeah," Harry said. "You too. I mean, it's good to see you're okay. Both of you."

Hermione looked at him sadly. "Well, we didn't go running back into the tower," she said. "It was such a good thing that Professor Snape was nearby."

Ron snorted. "Prowling the hallways like an overgrown bat."

Hermione clicked her tongue irritably. "Well, if he hadn't, Harry would now probably be dead."

"Well," Ron stammered. "I… yeah, you're probably right about that."

"Really, Harry, what were you thinking?" Hermione reprimanded. "That was such a dangerous thing to do."

"Well, I'm still a Gryffindor," Harry defended himself. Hermione and Ron glanced at each other before looking at Harry worriedly.

"About that - " Ron said.

"I know about the resorting," Harry sighed. "Dumbledore already told me his brilliant idea."

"Well, there really was nothing else he could've done, is there?" Hermione said. "Without a proper base for the Gryffindors to live in, Hogwarts wouldn't recognise us as its students anymore, meaning all of the assignments we would complete would be useless. We wouldn't even be able to pass this year. And I would rather spend some time in Ravenclaw than flunk."

"Ravenclaw?" Harry repeated. "You were already resorted?"

"They started with the first years and moved their way up," Ron told Harry. "The sorting hat just finished all of the third years. Well, all of them except for you, of course."

"Oh," Harry said, not really believing that everything was happening so fast. "I guess Ravenclaw would make sense for you, Hermione. You are the smartest witch in the school, after all."

Hermione smiled brightly. "Thanks, Harry. That's sweet to say."

"What about you?" Harry then asked Ron.

Ron sighed heavily. "Well, it could be worse, I suppose," he said. "I mean, the hat could've put me in Slytherin and called it a day. So while I don't really like Hufflepuff, I can live with it."

"Hufflepuff, huh?" Harry said. He would much rather be in Hufflepuff than Slytherin as well, really. "That's really not so bad."

"Yeah, and I've got Neville and Seamus with me so there's that," Ron said. "Hopefully, we'll get you too."

"Oh please," Hermione said. "Harry would be a much better Ravenclaw than he would be a Hufflepuff."

"You constantly have to help him with his homework," Ron pointed out.

"Not because he doesn't understand the lesson," Hermione said snootily. "Only because he's too lazy."

"Hey!" Harry said. "I'm still here, you know?"

"Well," Ron said. "Wherever you end up, you'll be with one of your friends, right?"

Harry tried forcing a smile. "Right," he said. Then, eager to change the subject he asked, "Do you think we'd be allowed to play quidditch for our new houses?"

This caused another glance between Ron and Hermione.

"I er… think so," Hermione said. "And any house would gladly replace their seeker for you, Harry."

"But?" Harry prompted.

"Well," Ron sighed. "This is difficult. We don't really know how much you know already, mate. But the thing is…"

"Everything in the tower was burned," Hermione said. "We looked after the fire died out but… oh, Harry. I'm sorry but your broom is gone."

"Oh," Harry said stupidly. "I… kind of expected as much, I guess."

"That's not all, either," Ron then continued. "Your invisibility cloak… we can't find it but it was probably destroyed in the fire too."

Harry sighed heavily. "My photo album?" he asked, hoping beyond hope.

"I'm sorry, Harry," Hermione said sadly. "Everything is gone."

"Dumbledore said the school would replace everything that's been lost," Ron said. "So that covers our books and clothes and stuff. And maybe they'll replace your broom as well. But some things…" Ron sniffled and rubbed at his right eye with the heel of his hand.

Hermione put a hand on his shoulder and looked at Harry sadly. "Scabbers is also missing," she explained. "I think he might still be alive. A rat can easily find a way out, after all."

"Yeah," Ron said. "Maybe." He took a deep breath and sat down on the foot end of Harry's bed. "I'm so sorry, Harry. I know you lost some pretty important things as well."

Harry nodded sadly. "Yeah," he agreed. "But the most important thing is that none of the students were killed in the fire."

Hermione nodded. "I suppose we have you to thank for that," she said.

"And Snape," Harry pointed out. "However accidental it was that he was there."

"He'll probably have you in detention for risking your life like that once you're better," Ron said. "He's been even grumpier than usual."

"Ron," Hermione hissed. "He's hurt. You would also be grumpy if your whole arm was burnt."

"Yeah, yeah, alright," Ron agreed, holding his hands up in defeat. "He gets a free pass for his grumpiness for a while."

Harry chuckled, though it sounded forced.

"Well…" Hermione said. "I suppose we'll have to get back to the great hall. Break's almost over."

"Yeah," Ron agreed. "Get better soon, okay?"

"I'm doing my best," Harry replied with a shrug.

"Well, we'll see you later then," Hermione said and she gave Harry a very careful hug. "Stay strong," she whispered. The trio looked at each other once last time to share a smile before Ron and Hermione left Harry alone again with even more to ponder.

If he could decide between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, he would rather be in Ravenclaw. Ron, however, was his best friend. And wouldn't he rather be with him than in Ravenclaw tower, studying with Hermione all the time?

He sighed when he realised that the path he should take was as unclear as ever.

Harry didn't see much of Ron and Hermione in the following days. He wasn't sure if it was because they were too busy with their rehousing or if Madame Pomfrey was purposefully keeping them out, but it really made for a very boring rest of the week.

But then came the day that he was finally allowed to leave the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey provided him with a jar of burn balm that Harry would still need to make use of in the following days and made sure to tell him to stay out of the sun but after a last check-up, she finally let Harry go.

And so it was only half an hour to lunchtime that Harry found himself entering the great hall. He knew that classes were still in session at that time and that it would be a while before everyone came in but he really didn't have anywhere else to go.

When entering, he stopped in his tracks to find only three house tables remained. Where the fourth table had been relocated to, Harry could only guess. The Gryffindor hourglass was still there but appeared to be frozen in time. When Harry walked closer to inspect the others, he could see that Ravenclaw was actually in the lead for now. But not so much so that a quidditch loss wouldn't set them back.

Unsure of where to sit, Harry was left standing around somewhat awkwardly until the first of the groups started coming in. It would appear that the Hufflepuffs were some of the more punctual to get to the great hall. Ron was actually in one of the first classes of Hufflepuffs that came in and waved at Harry to come join him when he saw him. But Harry didn't want to appear to the other houses as if he had already made a decision and shook his head, smiling apologetically. Ron shrugged and took his seat.

Slowly but surely, all the students, as well as the teachers, came trickling in, most of them staring at Harry as if they had never seen him before. It was only then that Harry truly realised that he would be resorted in front of the entire school. In front of all these people who already knew him or thought they knew him. As a first-year, there was still little judgement about you going around, even if your name was Harry Potter. But now…

"Ah, young Harry," Dumbledore's voice spoke from behind Harry's back. He quickly turned around and looked into Dumbledore's kind eyes. "I see that you have finally made it out of the hospital wing. How are you feeling?"

"Much better, sir, thank you," Harry replied, very much aware that people were staring at him still.

"Excellent!" Dumbledore exclaimed. "Well, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting. Are you quite ready, my boy,"

"Er… sir, do I have to do this in front of everyone else?" Harry asked softly.

Dumbledore put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I must insist Harry," he said. "All of the other Gryffindors have and it's only fair that the outcome of your sorting is viewed publicly in order to refute any future disputes." He smiled. "You have faced far worse than this, Harry. I know you'll do splendidly. Just remember that you truly can do no wrong here. There is no correct answer."

Harry nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "Of course, sir," he said.

McGonagall came to him with the same stool he had sat on when he was first sorted as well as the sorting hat itself. There was a certain sadness in her eyes but it was barely noticeable. To anyone looking from afar, she would have appeared to be her own stern self. Harry imagined that the loss of Gryffindor – even though it wasn't permanent – must've hit his head of house hard.

"Take a seat," McGonagall said evenly. Harry did as he was told, awkwardly jumbling a bit before finding his balance. McGonagall placed the hat on his head and right before the rim could fall over his eyes the way it had first done, Harry thought he could see a head of bright red hair at the Slytherin table."

"Ah, and here we have the last of the Gryffindors," the hat said in Harry's mind. "Welcome back, Harry Potter."

'Ah, thank you,' Harry replied with unease.

"I can see what you're thinking, young one. Don't think I can't," the hat said.

'I'm not sure what you mean.'

Harry could hear the hat chuckling, the sound reverberating around his ears. "You wish to tell me where you want to be sorted, the same way you did last time. Only, this time, you aren't even sure where you want to go yourself.

'Not Slytherin,' Harry replied resolutely. 'That's all I care about.'

"But it's not," the hat pointed out. "You don't want to be in the house that does not have your best friend but you don't really want to be in the house that he is in either."

'It would still be better than Slytherin,' Harry thought.

"But you wouldn't really know that, would you?" the hat asked. "How could you if you never gave it a chance? And what better chance is there but the one you have today?"

'Please, no. The Slytherins hate me.'

"Hyperboles and misconceptions," the hat said. "While I believe that my original choice of Gryffindor was the right one for you, I have no doubt about what my second choice would be either."

'It doesn't really matter, does it?' Harry pleaded. 'It's only for a little while. Please. Not Slytherin.'

"You are still far too young to really understand what's good for you, Mr Potter," the hat said. "Worry not. You would not be the only Gryffindor who has been put with the Slytherins. This is not a matter of black and white. You'll see."

'Please no. I –'

"SLYTHERIN!"

The word echoed through the silent hall as if it were a loud church bell. It took a few extra seconds for McGonagall to remove the hat from Harry's head but he couldn't even look at her as she did so. His hands trembled where they held on to the stool and the horrible silence around him was deafening.

Then, as if he was being controlled by someone else, Harry got up from the stool and walked over to the Slytherin table. Most of the Slytherins were staring at him but some of them were also excitedly looking around as if they wanted to convey some inner thought to one of their friends. Harry's eyes searched for someone, anyone that he knew. Something to hold on to. While he vaguely knew at least some of the former Gryffindors that sat there, his heart didn't really stop beating too fast until he saw the flash of red he had seen before. Not one but two redheads sat side by side and were grinning from ear to ear as they met Harry's gaze. He smiled back at them, feeling instant relief. At least with Fred and George Weasley in the dungeons, he might still manage to make it out alive.

A/N: Okay, before anyone shoots me, I know that there was no Snape in this chapter! And I promise you that that hurts me as much as it hurts you. There was simply no room for him today. I promise you that he will be in the next chapter, though.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to review!