Hogwarts Hogwarts

Hoggy warty Hogwarts!

Sort our friends and family and please don't make us angry. Well at least some people, but not others so there.

Yippee ki yay.

Did you like my song? Yeah, I should stick to my day job.

So anyways, sorting. Some people in houses. Colin Creevy, Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasley.

They're the most important ones. Sorry if they don't go where you want.

Let's go.

—0—

Merlot once again found herself marveling at Hogwarts' great hall. The room had a way of making her feel more wonderful that the wondrous view of the sky. The room itself was just charged with magic. But it was so much more than that. The room was a wellspring of happiness and smiles. Even the sneers between houses were good natured, all a part of a silly rivalry. Outside of the room, those rivalries were more heated. But students still got along.

The great hall was one of those places where nothing could go wrong… One of the places within the magical world that was beyond the imaginations of those who had seen limitless wonder. And it was awe inspiring every time one walked through its doors.

"Merlot! How was your summer?"

"Hannah!" The girl grinned, embracing her best friend. "It was interesting. A lot of learning how to walk without hurting my leg more. How about you?"

The girl smiled. "My parents and I took a vacation to Germany! Oh, it was wonderful Merlot. So much interesting magic!"

Merlot followed her friends every word as she launched into a long dissertation on the uses of magic in the country.

"So, Germany is well known on the international wizarding stage as ranking fourth in dueling practice, and second in beast wrangling! Of course, there aren't many magical beasts that compare to European dragons, or the Asian Zouwu, or even the Nundu, but Germany is one of the only countries in the world that doesn't have a ban on the trade of Basilisk goods! Accomplished wizards even raise Basilisks, and they have books published on how to do it!"

Merlot shook her head. "It sounds exciting. Basilisks are quite deadly."

Hannah nodded. "One of the big reasons that Germany can breed and raise them is because it is the origin country of the Gryphon, as well as the Manticore. We have them here in England of course, but Germany has a big problem with keeping the populations of the two in check. Historically, it's because Basilisks were once bred to intermingle with the other two, and in turn, all three would have their populations kept in check. Food chains and all that, right?"

Merlot nodded. "Gryphons eat snakes and fish, and Manticores hunt large mammals, but will settle for reptiles as well."

Hannah nodded. "And Basilisks, while deadly, can't compete with full groups of the two. They kill enough, but can't last. So, Germans mainly breed Basilsiks, raise them until maturity, then set them out on Gryphon and Manticore hunts."

"The poor Basilisks." Merlot pouted.

"Well, experienced wizards and witches can get them approved as licensed familiars. I think there's only one on record though."

Their conversation was cut off as the doors of the hall opened, and a line of first years was led in by Professor McGonnagal.

"First years." Hannah smiled excitedly. "Do we know anyone?"

"Another Weasley." Merlot pointed Ginny out. "Probably a Gryffindor."

Hannah nodded. "Ah yeah. You're probably right about that. Hm… Oh! That's Luna Lovegood. Her father owns a printing press."

Merlot nodded. "The Quibbler, right? They seem… eccentric."

"I hear she can be very nice. A bit loopy, but she was the only witness of her mothers death." Hannah whispered. "Apparently, it was quite violent."

Merlot nodded. "I see."

"Once again, it is time for the sorting." Professor McGonnagal spoke. "When I call your name, please come forward and sit upon the stool."

"Looks like we're getting started. Oh I hope we get some new housemates." Hannah squeaked.

"Creevy, Colin."

"Oh, look at him!"

Merlot smiled. "Seems awfully nervous."

The sorting hat went down onto the boys head, and began to twitch around a bit, before giving a shout.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Merlot applauded softly as the red table cheered.

"Not a puff to start the year off." a voice came from beside the two young witches.

"Cedric!" Merlot beamed. "How was your summer."

"It was wonderful." The boy smiled softly. "I got to visit America with my father. It was a fun trip."

Merlot nodded and turned as the next name was called. She didn't catch who it was, but they were sorted into Ravenclaw.

"Might be a dry year." Cedric nodded.

"Dry year?' Hannah questioned.

"Every few years, one of the houses won't get a new student. Hifflepuff hasn't had one for about thirty years. The last one was Slytherin, a few years back. That's why Marcus Flint rules the roost over there."

Hannah nodded. "So wait… no new students?"

Cedric shrugged. "It's possible."

"Lovegood, Luna."

"Heres one maybe, but I think-"

"RAVENCLAW!"

Cedric nodded. "Lovegoods might be a bit different, but they must have some truth behind their ramblings. Not one has ever been outside of Ravenclaw."

Merlot shrugged. "I don't see how having no new kids is a bad thing."

Hannah shook her head. "Merlot. We'll still be the youngest in the house!"

The black haired witch grinned. "So? It means that they'll still dote on us."

Her comment caused those around them to laugh, which earned a glare from McGonnagal. They quickly quieted down and continued to watch the sorting.

A large chunk went to Gryffindor, and a few Ravenclaw. They were nearing the end of the line when one went to Slytherin.

Cedric nodded. "Big year for Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. But damn, twelve students?"

"Weasley, Ginevra."

"She's last." Hannah nodded. "Guess it is a dry year."

"Another Gruffindor. What a haul." Cedric shook his head.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The hall went silent. Cedrics eyes bugged out of his head and a few upper years jaws hit the table. Merlot stared as the girl nervously took the hat from her head, looking up at an utterly astonished Minerva McGonnagal.

"Oh no…"

There were no claps as Ginny sat down at the table in green. She quickly ducked her head down as some of her house mates stared.

Everyone was somewhat snapped out of their trance as Dumbledore gave his yearly speech, and began the feast, but many eyes never left the girl.

"She's in a pit of vipers." Cedric whispered.

"This won't be good." Hannah shook her head. "With how broken up the Weasley family has been."

Merlot blinked. "People know?"

"Everyone knows." Cedric whispered. "Rita Skeeter, one of the main writers for the Daily prophet found out about it and blasted the whole thing open for everyone to see. It's a huge scandal."

"Poor Ginny…" Merlot mumbled, watching as a few slytherins scooted away from the girl.

Thankfully, it wasn't all lost. Who went to sit by the girl but Draco Malfoy, who pulled Neville Longbottom right along with him. Several more people stared, but after a minute, the girl giggled. Her giggle became a loud laugh that made several people smile, and then a witchy cackle that sent shivers down the spines of even the staff.

Draco looked at his table, nodding, before preparing his plate. A few slytherins scooted closer, and then conversation built. Soon the table was chatting happily with their new member, though it seemed that many were still looking at her as if she were diseased.

Merlot didn't like those looks, but it seemed as though the girl had support. A look over at the Gryffindor table saw Fred and George tap dancing besides their seats, waving at their sister, while Percy Weasley was glaring at her.

'What a prick'

With a shake of her head, Merlot began to prepare her plate. Ginny Weasley would be fine, she hoped. If she ever saw the girl in need, she would offer to help.

After a few minutes, everything was back to normal. Everyone was telling stories of their summer, with some showing off trinkets that they got or made, while the occasional seventh year showed off a moving photograph.

"So how about you, Merlot? Still getting used to the cane?" Cedric asked.

"It's a bit clunky, but yes." Merlot smiled. "The main thing is my wand hand."

Cedric nodded. "Right. Pomfrey couldn't fix it. Nobody else could either?"

"They all said the same thing. Rest and relax. It's only a temporary fix. I get moving and it starts shaking again."

"Damn." Cedric shook his head. "That's not good."

"Thankfully, I have a tutor this year to help me fix my spellcasting. The headmaster found them for me."

Cedric nodded. "Well… that's good. Better than the new professor at least."

Merlot looked up at the table only to be blinded as the candlelight around the room reflected off of someones teeth. "Who the heck is that?"

"Gilderoy Lockhart." Hannah sighed. "He's an awfully accomplished wizard…"

"So what's the problem?" Merlot blinked. "Other than his teeth. Is that a curse? Or-"

"He's a fraud. A lot of people suspect it at least. I've read his books and believe me, they are quite fictitious, even for magic."

Hannah glared at Cedric. "Oh yeah? Well than prove it."

"Hannah, he defeats a mummy with a drying charm. The mummy was already dry!"

Merlot laughed before covering her mouth. "Oh my. Really?"

"Apparently, he also took care of a Yeti with a color changing jinx, and seduced a series of Banshees in Russia with a light charm."

Merlot shook her head. "And how are you not convinced that these are fake stories?"

"Well he does an awfully good job at explaining how they worked. He convinced the Banshees that the light belonged to a wayward soul, which they in turn wanted to keep. So they let him go while chasing after it."

Merlot raised an eyebrow. "Possible, but not probable. Sounds like he has an awful lot of luck."

Cedric shrugged. "Well, in that case, he'll be a terrible teacher. You can't teach luck."

"But you can teach experience." Merlot shrugged. "Maybe he will be helpful."

"Guess we'll just have to wait and see… alright then. I myself am finished. There aren't any first years to lead back to the dorms, so I will see you at the party."

Merlot smiled. "I'll come along with you Cedric! I'm done, and Despereaux will want a few treats from the party before his bedtime."

"Despiroo!"

"If the rat's going, so am I!" Hannah grinned, hopping to her feet. "Let's go!"

—0—

Hogwarts Hogwarts

Sorry for the short chapter. I paused halfway through it to get some stuff ready for coming out to my grandparents, which didn't go too well.

Eh, I'm over it though. And my chapters have always been a bit wonky in length. Either way, I have a good grasp on what I want to do in the next chapter, so I'll see you then.

As always, leave a review. I SAW THE ONES ON FFN! YAAAAAY!

I'll get some replies to questions if you have any. So until then,

Adios.