Chapter 7: A New Home

With the last student sorted, Professor McGonagall rolled up her parchment and carried the Sorting Hat and stool away. The applause settled, and the room grew quieter as the last echoes of the ceremony faded.

I glanced around the Gryffindor table. It was strange to be sitting here among so many unfamiliar faces. But there was something comforting about the cheers and camaraderie that rippled through the group.

The Sorting was over, and I was officially a Gryffindor. I ran my fingers along the edge of the table, marveling at how real it all felt now. So this is it, I thought. Gryffindor. The Sorting Hat had seen something in me—courage, bravery, qualities I hadn't always associated with myself. Maybe it was right.

The hall was alive with whispers and conversations. Across the room, I noticed the Slytherin table, where Blaise Zabini had just been welcomed. Their table was quieter, the applause polite but restrained. The students there seemed cooler, more calculating, their table more subdued compared to the cheers at Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.

My gaze shifted to the Ravenclaw table, where students were already leaning toward each other in quiet conversation. I felt a small pang. I would have liked Ravenclaw. Wouldn't I? But the warmth of the Gryffindor table was undeniable, and I was hoping that it would stay and I would belong.

Beside me, Neville was still fiddling nervously with Trevor's cage, though he smiled shyly at me when I caught his eye. Across the table, Ron and Harry were deep in conversation. Ron was gesturing animatedly, and Harry was listening intently, though his gaze kept drifting toward his empty plate.

My own stomach gave a small grumble, and I realized I was starving. When will the food get here?

Albus Dumbledore stood then, and the hall fell silent. He spread his arms wide, a beaming smile lighting up his face. There was something about him—his presence filled the room, but he wasn't intimidating. If anything, he looked delighted to be here, surrounded by students.

"Welcome," he said, his voice warm and cheerful. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

He paused, as though waiting for us to react.

"Thank you!"

He sat back down, and the hall erupted into clapping and cheering.

I blinked, startled. What? The words seemed so absurd, yet the students were clapping as though Dumbledore had just delivered the most profound speech imaginable. I joined in hesitantly, glancing around to see if anyone else was as puzzled as I felt.

Before I could dwell on it, something extraordinary happened. The empty plates and goblets in front of us suddenly filled, as if by magic.

My mouth fell open. The dishes were now piled high with food—more food than I had ever seen in one place. There was roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, sausages, bacon, and steak, all steaming and perfectly cooked. Potatoes of every kind—boiled, roasted, mashed, and fried—sat alongside bowls of peas and carrots, dishes of Yorkshire pudding, and even an assortment of sauces and gravies. There were condiments like ketchup and, for some reason, a bowl of peppermint humbugs nestled near the center of the table.

I blinked, utterly mesmerized. Magic, I thought, my chest swelling with awe. Real, actual magic.

The delicious smell wafted up, and my stomach growled loudly, pulling me from my thoughts. Grinning sheepishly, I piled my plate with a little bit of everything, steering clear of the peppermints. As I took my first bite—a perfectly crispy roast potato—I nearly sighed with delight. The food was better than anything I'd ever tasted.

"It's incredible, isn't it?" a voice said beside me.

I turned to see the older boy I'd noticed earlier. His red hair was neatly combed, and he carried himself with an air of importance.

"Absolutely incredible," I agreed, dabbing at the corner of my mouth with a napkin. "I've read about meals at Hogwarts, but seeing it in person is... well, it's magical."

Percy chuckled lightly. "It is, though I imagine it's quite the adjustment for Muggle-born students like yourself. Percy Weasley."

He held out his hand. I shook it politely. "Hermione Granger, pleased to meet you. It is, but I'm so excited to learn. I do hope lessons start right away—there's so much to cover. I'm particularly interested in Transfiguration. Turning something into something else! It's fascinating, though I've read it's supposed to be very difficult..."

"You'll be starting small," Percy said, setting down his fork. "Just matches into needles and that sort of thing. But it's important to get the basics down first."

"Of course," I said eagerly. "It makes sense to start with fundamentals. But I can't wait to work my way up to bigger spells. Do you know much about the curriculum?"

Percy straightened, clearly pleased to be asked. "As a Prefect, I've been through most of it. Transfiguration requires precision and focus, but it's one of the most rewarding subjects. Professor McGonagall is brilliant—strict, but fair. You'll like her if you pay attention and follow the rules."

I smiled, relieved. "I do plan to take it seriously. There's so much to learn, and I want to make the most of my time here."

Percy nodded approvingly, and I found myself feeling a little more at ease. His serious demeanor was oddly reassuring.

After dessert, which appeared just as magically as the meal had, I allowed myself one small slice of cake. It was rich and sweet, and as I savored each bite, I could almost hear Mama reminding me not to overindulge. "You don't want to ruin your teeth, Jeanie," her voice echoed in my mind. With a small smile, I set my fork down, determined to pace myself despite the temptation of the treacle tart and spotted dick nearby.

As the desserts vanished from the plates, leaving them spotless once again, Dumbledore rose to his feet. The hall fell silent instantly, all eyes on him.

"Ahem! Just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered," Dumbledore began, his tone warm and light. "I have a few start-of-term notices to give you."

I straightened in my seat, brushing a stray crumb from my robe as I focused on his words.

"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils," Dumbledore said, his gaze sweeping the hall. His twinkling eyes lingered for a moment on the pair of red-haired twins down the Gryffindor table, who grinned back at him with matching mischievous expressions.

The Forbidden Forest? My curiosity flared immediately. What could be in there? Dangerous creatures? Magical plants? Surely there must be something extraordinary if it's forbidden.

"And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well," Dumbledore added, his gaze still on the twins.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors."

I nodded slightly. That's reasonable. The corridors are for walking, not for spells. It would be chaos otherwise.

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."

At this, the Gryffindor table buzzed with excitement. Ron, sitting a few seats away, perked up noticeably, his eyes bright with interest. Across from him, Harry looked curious but not as eager.

"And finally," Dumbledore said, his tone growing a touch more serious, "I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall. My back stiffened slightly as I frowned. What kind of warning is that? What could possibly be in the school that's so dangerous it would warrant such a threat?

Harry let out a short laugh, one of the few who did. I turned toward him, raising an eyebrow. Does he think it's a joke?

"He's not serious?" Harry muttered to Percy, who was sitting nearby.

"Must be," Percy replied, his brow furrowing as he glanced at Dumbledore. "It's odd, because he usually gives us a reason why we're not allowed to go somewhere. The forest's full of dangerous beasts, everyone knows that. I do think he might have told us prefects, at least."

I felt a small pang of irritation at Percy's comment. What difference does it make if the prefects know? If Dumbledore says it's off-limits, then it's off-limits. End of story.

Before I could dwell on it further, Dumbledore's voice brightened again.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!"

I blinked, startled. A school song?

Dumbledore flicked his wand, and a long golden ribbon soared into the air. It twisted and curled like a snake, forming glittering words above the tables.

"Everyone pick their favorite tune," Dumbledore announced with a wide grin. "And off we go!"

The hall erupted into song, though "song" might have been too generous a word. Everyone seemed to choose entirely different melodies, and the resulting noise was absolutely dreadful.

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something, please..."

I joined in hesitantly, though I couldn't help but cringe at the absurdity of the lyrics. "Young with scabby knees"? What kind of song is this?

By the time the last lines rang out, most of the hall had fallen silent. Only the red-haired twins continued, their chosen melody a slow and mournful dirge. Dumbledore waved his wand like a conductor, his expression utterly delighted.

When the twins finally finished, Dumbledore clapped the loudest, his laughter echoing through the hall.

"Ah, music," he said fondly, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "A magic beyond all we do here!"

I couldn't help but smile at that. He was eccentric, certainly, but there was something endearing about him.

"And now, bedtime!" Dumbledore said, spreading his arms wide. "Off you trot!"

We Gryffindor first years followed Percy out of the Great Hall, weaving through the chattering crowds and into the wide marble staircase beyond. The warmth of the feast lingered in my stomach, and my eyelids felt heavy, though I was far too excited to give in to sleepiness just yet.

The corridors were even more magical at night. Torches flickered on the walls, casting golden light that danced on the stone. The portraits whispered and pointed as we passed, some leaning out of their frames for a better look. Twice, Percy led us through hidden doorways concealed by tapestries, and I marveled at how the castle seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction.

We climbed staircase after staircase, and my legs began to ache from the effort. Just as I thought we might never reach the top, Percy stopped abruptly.

A bundle of walking sticks floated in midair ahead of us.

"Peeves," Percy muttered, glancing back at us. "A poltergeist."

Before he could say more, the sticks flew toward him, clattering noisily against the walls.

"Show yourself, Peeves!" Percy barked.

With a loud pop, a small, mischievous figure appeared, clutching the sticks and grinning wickedly. "Ooooooh! Ickle Firsties!" Peeves cackled.

We ducked as he swooped toward us, his laughter echoing in the narrow corridor. Percy finally shouted, "Go away, Peeves, or I'll call the Bloody Baron!"

Peeves stuck out his tongue before vanishing, leaving the sticks to fall with a thud onto Neville's head.

Finally, we reached the Gryffindor common room. Percy gave the password—"Caput Draconis"—and the portrait of a very fat woman swung forward to reveal a cozy, circular room.

I couldn't help but gasp at the warm glow of the fire, the squashy armchairs, and the deep red tapestries that lined the walls. This is home, I thought, my heart swelling with anticipation for the days to come.

Percy directed the girls through one door and the boys through another. We climbed a spiral staircase, the stone steps worn smooth from years of use. My legs ached from all the walking we had done, but the excitement buzzing through me pushed away my exhaustion.

At last, we reached the first year room, and the sight of our dormitory made my breath catch. The room was warm and inviting, with three four-poster beds arranged in a neat half circle. Each bed was draped in deep red velvet curtains, shimmering faintly in the soft light from the sconces on the walls. My trunk sat neatly at the foot of the bed closest to the window, and I could see the inky night sky stretching endlessly beyond the glass.

Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil were already exploring the room. Lavender twirled in the center of the floor, her springy black curls bouncing as she spun. Her warm brown skin glowed in the firelight, and her expression was one of pure delight.

"This is just like a fairy tale!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe we're actually here!"

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Parvati said, tracing her fingers along the edge of her bed. Her long black braid hung over her shoulder, and she looked radiant, her dark eyes shining with excitement.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should join their conversation. Finally, I stepped closer. "It really is," I said with a small smile. "I can't wait to see more of the castle tomorrow. There's so much history here."

Parvati turned to me, her smile kind and genuine. "I bet you know loads about it already," she said. "You seem like the type who'd read about Hogwarts before coming. Hermione, isn't it? I remember you from Madam Malkins."

Lavender giggled, glancing at me with a playful grin. "She's probably read every book there is about this place."

I felt a small pang of defensiveness but nodded. "Yes, hello. And also yes, I've read Hogwarts: A History a few times," I admitted.

Parvati nodded approvingly. "I should probably borrow that. I bet it's fascinating."

Lavender, however, seemed more interested in unpacking her things. She pulled a small mirror and a bottle of perfume from her trunk, setting them carefully on the bedside table.

I glanced at my own trunk, wondering if I should start unpacking too. But the day's events had left me drained, and the thought of climbing into bed was far more appealing.

We changed into our pajamas, the soft rustle of fabric filling the room. Lavender and Parvati continued their quiet conversation as I drew the velvet curtains around my bed.

Settling under the thick blankets, I allowed myself a moment to simply breathe. The room was quiet now, save for the faint crackle of the fire below and the occasional creak of the wooden staircase. I stared up at the canopy above me, my mind swirling with thoughts of the day.

From the Sorting to the feast, to Peeves and the winding corridors of the castle—everything about Hogwarts felt larger than life. It was magical in ways I hadn't even imagined.

My heart fluttered with a mix of nervousness and excitement as I thought about the next day. Classes would begin, and I would finally start learning magic. Spells, potions, charms—it was all waiting for me.

This is it, I thought, a small smile tugging at my lips. The start of something extraordinary.

The warmth of the blankets and the quiet hum of the castle wrapped around me like a comforting spell. With my thoughts full of wonder and anticipation, I closed my eyes and let sleep take me.