Caught Spying
A/N- Here is Chapter Nine for you to enjoy. Goodbye!
Chapter Nine: Sorting to the houses
Hermione and her friends walked closely behind Professor Cat, who was animatedly explaining the six unique houses of the school. The professor had a warm smile that made it easy for the students to engage with her descriptions.
"Let me tell you about the house names and their founders," she began, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "First, we have Alstroemeria, founded by the visionary Rose Alstro. This house is distinguished by its vibrant yellow colour, symbolizing optimism and creativity. Next is Bouvardia, established by the spirited Wicka Flick; its house colour is a bold and passionate red, representing courage and determination."
As they continued down the corridor, the group listened intently. "Chrysanthemum was founded by none other than Allison Gryffindor, the niece of the legendary Godric Gryffindor. This house is adorned in a lovely pink, signifying kindness and warmth," Professor Cat elaborated, her voice filled with pride.
The group stopped momentarily as they reached a grand wooden door. "Then we have Freesia, inspired by my grandmother Chloe Cat, who believed in nurturing wisdom. This house radiates a rich purple, a colour that embodies ambition and spirituality," she said, gesturing gracefully.
Continuing her narrative, Professor Cat said, "Nina Pure founded Gladiolus, represented by a fresh and lively green, symbolizing growth and harmony. Lastly, we have Delphinium, which was established by the insightful Daphne Spring; its calming blue colour represents loyalty and tranquillity."
As she concluded her overview, the gang nodded their heads in appreciation, each student absorbing the significance of the houses they might one day belong to.
Suddenly, the other three professors entered the hall, their voices mingling together as they greeted the students. Professor Cat decided to remain with Hermione and her friends, her presence reassuring amidst the excitement.
When the massive door swung open, a wave of anticipation washed over them. The group stepped into the hall, where six long tables stretched out before them, each bustling with students chatting animatedly. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter and the smell of delicious food wafting through the air.
Hermione's eyes sparkled as she took in the sight, a smile spreading across her face in sheer delight. Just then, Pansy leaned in closer and whispered something playful into her ear, eliciting a giggle from Hermione as they continued to move forward, eager to embrace the festivities of the evening.
As the group of new students made their way to the front of the grand room, Hermione's gaze fell upon Pansy, who offered her a comforting smile. The atmosphere was electric. The rich colours of each house's banner were bright against the walls, swirling together to create a vibrant tapestry of emerald greens, deep blues, fiery reds, and warm yellows. The headmistress halted, her presence commanding the attention of all gathered.
"Welcome, esteemed newcomers, to your new school and the place you shall call home," the headmistress announced, her voice warm and inviting. She was dressed in a flowing gown of brilliant blue, with long, flowing brown hair that framed her face. Her captivating green eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"This here, before you, is the Sorting Bowl," she continued, gesturing gracefully towards a large, ornate bowl that shimmered with a magical allure. "This enchanted artifact holds the power to reveal which house you will belong to. When I call your name, please approach and stand before it." The headmistress paused as one of the teachers, standing nearby, leaned close to whisper in her ear.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips, and she beamed at the students. "Ah, forgive me! I should introduce myself. I am Mrs. Perks, the headmistress of this wonderful institution."
The room buzzed with excitement as the students awaited their turn, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. One of the teachers standing beside Mrs. Perks handed her a neatly folded page of parchment.
Clearing her throat, she glanced at the list and called out, "Terry Boot!"
Terry stepped forward, nervously and excitedly, and made his way to the front of the room. He stood before Mrs. Perks, fidgeting slightly as he waited for instructions.
"Mr. Boot," she instructed gently, "please prick your finger and let four drops of your blood fall into the water. Then, swirl it four times clockwise and four times counterclockwise."
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Terry followed her directions, pricking his finger with a small, sharp needle. He watched intently as the drops of blood fell into the crystal-clear water, each drop creating ripples that spread across the surface. With deliberate movements, he swirled the water first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. Slowly but surely, the water transformed, turning a vibrant shade of yellow.
Mrs. Perks smiled brightly as she announced, "Mr. Boot is in Alstroemeria's house!"
The room erupted into cheers and applause as the students donned in yellow celebrated his sorting with joyous shouts and congratulatory claps on the back. Grinning from ear to ear, Terry walked over to his new housemates, who welcomed him with enthusiastic handshakes and warm embraces, marking the beginning of his new journey at the school.
"Haley Brown," Mrs. Perks announced, her voice clear and authoritative, drawing the attention of all the students gathered around the long, polished wooden table. Hermione turned her gaze towards the entrance, where a short girl with vibrant red hair made her way forward, her steps hesitant yet determined.
As Haley approached the shimmering bowl of water, she paused for a moment, staring contemplatively at its surface. With a deep breath, she pricked her fingertip with a small dagger and allowed four crimson drops of her blood to fall into the water. She then twirled her finger in the liquid—not once, but four times in one direction and then four times back the other way. Slowly, the water began to swirl and change colour, transforming into a gentle shade of pink.
"Miss Brown is in Chrysanthemum House," Mrs. Perks declared, her tone filled with a hint of pride. As Haley made her way to her new house, the students clad in pink smiled warmly at her, extending their hands for friendly handshakes. The girls welcomed her exuberantly into their tight-knit community with hugs and laughter.
Next, Mrs. Perks called out, "Anna Foot." The girl who approached had striking red hair paired with dark, almost black eyes that sparkled with determination. Without hesitation, Anna followed the same ritual: she pricked her finger and let droplets fall into the now-changing water. She spun in a rhythmic dance four times in one direction and then mirrored the motion four times back. To her delight, the water transformed into a vibrant green hue, signalling her acceptance into Gladiolus House.
"Miss Foot is in Gladiolus House!" Mrs. Perks announced, and a wave of cheers erupted from the green-clad students, who clapped joyously and shouted encouraging words as Anna joined them, her face alight with excitement.
Then, it was Hermione's turn. "Hermione Granger," she heard Mrs. Perks call. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, feeling the weight of her peers' gazes on her. With a steady hand, she pricked her finger and let four droplets of her blood fall into the prepared water. Following the previous instructions, she swirled her finger four times clockwise and then four times counterclockwise, her heart racing in anticipation. To her astonishment, the water shifted, displaying not just one but three distinctive colours swirling together in a mesmerizing display.
"Miss Granger has three selections of houses: Bouvardia, Gladiolus, and Delphinium," Mrs. Perks announced, her voice ringing with excitement. "Now, will the honour students representing these three houses please come forward?"
From the audience, three students stood up, making their way to the front as Hermione observed them closely. Each student donned the colours of their respective houses: reds, purples, and blues. One stood out among them—a male with striking black hair and a slender build, exuding a quiet confidence. Beside him was the first of the two females; her short stature was complemented by striking green hair adorned with multiple nose piercings, giving her an edgy look. The final student was another female, her studious demeanour accentuated by round purple glasses that perched delicately on her nose.
As they gathered before the table, Mrs. Perks gestured towards them with a warm smile. "Now, tell Hermione about your houses," she encouraged.
The green-haired female began speaking, her voice animated as she described the unique qualities and traditions of her house. Next, the male took his turn, sharing insights into the values and goals of his house with a charismatic flair. Finally, the studious girl spoke, her detailed explanation punctuated by the passion that shone in her eyes, providing Hermione with a rich understanding of each house's significance.
Throughout the process, Hermione absorbed every word, her mind racing with possibilities as she contemplated the choices ahead of her.
Hermione stood before her classmates, her keen eyes observing every nuance—the theme, the personalities, and the emotions that seemed intertwined with each word they spoke. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Mrs. Perks, the teacher, called out names one by one, guiding the students into their respective houses.
"Mrs. Perks, I will enter Delphinium's house," Hermione finally announced with quiet confidence.
"Miss Granger has chosen Delphinium. Roger, please escort her," Mrs. Perks instructed, her voice steady and clear.
A tall, slightly nervous boy named Roger stepped forward, his brow furrowed in concentration as he extended his arm towards Hermione. She accepted his offer with a gentle smile, intertwining her arm with his. Together, they made their way towards the table adorned in hues of soft blue, the symbol of the Delphinium house. The atmosphere felt both serene and inviting.
Next, Mrs. Perks called out, "Rose Green."
Rose, a petite girl with curly hair and a confident stride, approached the center, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Within moments, she pricked her finger, allowing four glistening drops of crimson to fall into the clear water before her. The liquid shimmered and transformed, shifting to a brilliant shade of red.
"Miss Green is in Bouvardia's house," Mrs. Perks declared with a proud nod. Rose beamed as she rushed toward the red table, her new housemates welcoming her with bright smiles.
"Leslie Jiles," Mrs. Perks continued, her gaze settling on a tall girl with cascading blond hair and sun-kissed skin. Leslie, confident and graceful, stepped forward. With a quick motion, she pricked her finger, and four drops of her blood fell into the water, creating a mesmerizing swirl. Leslie twisted her wrist elegantly, turning the mixture four times in one direction and then four times in the other. As she completed the movement, the water transitioned into a stunning shade of purple.
"Miss Jiles is in Freesia's house." The announcement hung in the air like a sweet melody as Leslie made her way to the table draped in purple cloth, her heart racing with the thrill of belonging.
"Pansy Parkinson," Mrs. Perks called, her tone authoritative yet gentle. Pansy strode forward with a self-assured air, her dark hair framing a face that radiated confidence. She pricked her finger as well, watching intently as four droplets of her vibrant blood cascaded into the water, creating ripples of colour. Pansy twisted her wrist, turning the water four times clockwise and then counterclockwise, and with a dramatic flourish, the liquid morphed into a rich blue hue.
"Miss Parkinson is in Delphinium house." A satisfied smile spread across her face as she made her way over to Hermione, sitting down beside her friend in a gesture of camaraderie. The tension in the room dissipated as they exchanged excited glances, eager to begin their journey together in their newfound houses.
"Ken Pond." The male with striking black hair approached the shimmering water bowl with a mix of determination and nervousness. He carefully pricked his finger with a small dagger, letting four beads of his crimson blood drop into the clear water. As he swirled the contents gently, the surface began to change, transforming into a soft, blushing pink hue. Ken's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, a clear sign of his embarrassment as he glanced around the room, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze.
"Mr. Pond is in Chrysanthemum," announced Mrs. Perks with a welcoming smile, her voice resonating through the hall. Ken, heart racing, strode towards his designated table. As he approached, his girlfriend, Haley, burst forward with excitement, planting a quick kiss on his lips before wrapping him in a warm embrace. He settled down beside her, the tension in his shoulders easing as he felt her comforting presence.
Next up was his twin brother, Scott Pond. With a confident stride, Scott stepped up to the water, mirroring Ken's actions. He pierced his finger, allowing four drops of his blood to join the mix. Then, with a deliberate motion, he turned and twisted the water with precision—four times in a clockwise direction followed by four counterclockwise spins. The transformation was immediate; the liquid shimmered and changed to a vibrant yellow.
"Mr. Pond is in Alstroemeria House," announced Mrs. Perks once again. Scott nodded appreciatively before making his way toward the designated table. He took a seat next to Terry Boot, who greeted him with a friendly nod. Both boys shifted their attention to the front of the hall, anticipation palpable as they awaited the next friend to be sorted.
"Natalie Portman." With grace, Natalie stepped forward. She approached the bowl, her demeanour calm. She swirled her finger through the air and allowed her blood to mingle with the water. As the liquid danced before her, it transformed into a rich purple hue, captivating everyone's eyes.
"Miss Portman is in Freesia's House," Mrs. Perks announced proudly. Natalie walked with purpose towards the purple table, where she settled beside Leslie, exchanging cheerful smiles as they waited for the ceremony to continue.
"Harry Potter." The room quieted as Harry walked up to the water bowl, a sense of history trailing behind him. He pricked his finger with steadiness, four drops of blood falling into the water with a soft splash. Afterward, he rotated the liquid four times clockwise and then four times counterclockwise, watching intently as the water began to respond to his actions. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the sorting ceremony progressed, each moment intertwined with the magic that surrounded them.
His water turned a deep crimson shade, swirling ominously.
"Mr. Potter is in Bouvardia's house," the voice announced, cutting through the murmurs of the gathered students. Harry rose from his seat and approached Rose with determination, sliding onto the bench beside her.
Next, it was Brad Scotts' turn. With a flicker of nervousness in his eyes, he stepped forward, pricking his finger carefully on a small, sharp object. He let a drop of crimson blood fall into the waiting basin of water, which immediately transformed into a vibrant green hue. With a respectful nod, he made his way toward Anna, who was seated at the table designated for Gladiolus's house.
"Mr. Scotts is in Gladiolus's house," the voice continued, echoing across the hall.
Then came Ginny Weasley, who stepped up to attempt the test. As the drop of her blood fell into the water, it erupted into a stunning display of four distinct colours, shifting in a mesmerizing dance. After a moment's deliberation, she decided to join Delphinium, Hermione, and Pansy at their table.
"Ronald Weasley," came the call, and Ron stepped up, a mix of apprehension and excitement on his face. He pricked his finger and watched intently as the water transformed to a rich red, just like Harry's. With a grin, he made his way back to join Harry and Rose, settling into the conversation effortlessly.
At the front of the hall, Mrs. Perks began addressing the new students, filling the air with enthusiasm as she shared tales of the school's rich history and the various classes they could look forward to. She clapped her hands sharply, and with an almost magical quality, an array of delicious food materialized on the tables, filling the air with enticing aromas.
Hermione struck up a conversation with Roger, who appeared to take on the role of prefect for Bouvardia house. He introduced her to several other mothers seated nearby, and laughter erupted among the girls as they shared stories and made connections.
As the hour slipped by, the houses began to escort the new students to their respective rooms, giving them a brief glimpse of their new home before leaving them to settle in. Hermione, Pansy, and Ginny gathered around the informative files provided to them, discussing their contents eagerly. They dove into the tests within those files, each hoping to determine their year and what adventures lay ahead.
Magicx's school had a unique structure that set it apart from the well-known Hogwarts. Instead of the traditional seven years, students attended for a total of twelve years, beginning their magical education at the tender age of six. As part of the enrollment process, each student underwent a special test that not only evaluated their magical aptitude but also indicated which year they would be placed in within the school.
At the start of the academic year, Hermione found herself in the seventh year, a position that came with both responsibilities and challenges. Pansy and Ginny, on the other hand, were still navigating their way through the sixth year, dealing with the intricacies of advanced magical subjects. Harry, along with their close friends, was split between the fifth and sixth years, reflecting their varying levels of experience and knowledge.
As the day progressed, excitement filled the air as new students explored their class selections. They learned about various enchanting subjects, from potions to herbology, each tailored to foster their magical growth. After hours of discussion and preparation, the new students now settled into their respective classes and retired to their dormitories. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of laughter faded, they closed their eyes, knowing they were ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with discovery and wonder…
…Week later….
As Hermione stepped into the bustling classroom, the familiar scent of parchment and ink enveloped her. She made her way to an empty desk and settled in next to Roger, a seventh-year student known for his kindness and patience. Roger was the sort of person who always took the time to check in on his classmates, offering them a warm smile and supportive words. For instance, she recalled how he had taken it upon himself to help Ginny Weasley with her potion assignments, patiently guiding her through the intricacies of the subject. His generosity didn't stop there—he had also come to Pansy's aid when she complained of persistent back pain, offering her advice on relaxation techniques and the best way to manage her discomfort.
Feeling inspired by her new environment, Hermione decided to write to her parents about her experiences at the school. In her letter, she described the vibrant atmosphere and how she was getting to know her classmates. She also inquired about her younger twin brothers, hoping to hear about their latest antics and adventures at home.
…..Draco Malfoy….
"Avada Kedavra!" The green light flashed from the wand of the young figure, sending their victim falling to the ground lifeless. A male figure with short blond hair stood beside them, a cruel smile on his face.
"Excellent job, my son," Lucius sneered with pride. Draco's smirk widened as he turned to face his family, relishing in their fear and disgust. His eyes landed on the youngest child, a brown-haired girl, and with a malicious grin, he pointed his wand at her.
"Crucio!" he shouted, revelling in her agonizing screams as her family begged for mercy. She managed to lift the curse off herself and turned her wand on him.
"Avada Kedavra!" she screamed. But it was too late, the green light escaping her wand too late as she collapsed to the ground, dead.
"Son, have you found that Mudblood yet?" Lucius asked eagerly.
"Not yet, but when I do, I will teach her true pain," Draco whispered darkly to his father, his eyes gleaming with malice and hatred.
Lucius nodded his head in acknowledgment as they both vanished from sight, the heavy door of their home closing behind them with a soft thud. The atmosphere shifted as Narcissa entered the dimly lit room, her expression a mask of carefully crafted amusement. A sly smirk danced on her lips as she regarded her son, Draco, and her husband, Lucius. Yet beneath that veneer of confidence, a wave of disgust churned within her. She felt a bitter tang at the thought of the madman who was weaving his twisted influence around her family, puppeteering their lives with sinister intent.
Memories washed over her unbidden—faint echoes of happier times when her little boy, brimming with innocence and trust, would scamper to her side, seeking solace from the shadows that danced on the walls. Those moments felt distant now, overshadowed by the harsh reality that the Draco standing before her was no longer the cherubic child she cherished. This was a stranger cloaked in her son's guise, moulded by darkness and arrogance, and the sight of him sent a shiver spiralling down her spine.
Silently, she weighed the consequences of voicing her thoughts. In the depths of her mind, she could still recall the repercussions of her last attempt to speak out. The brutal memory of Lucius's wrath, where words of concern had resulted in a harrowing beating that had left her on the brink of death, played like a nightmarish loop. She had learned through pain that silence was often her only shield in this suffocating turmoil. So, Narcissa swallowed her sorrow, allowing the facade of composure to reign as she stepped further into the room, the internal conflict warring within her like a tempest, unseen but deeply felt.
A/N- Oh, the plot twists! A new Draco? Until next time, goodbye!
- Alstroemeria: Terry Boot and Scott Pond
- Bouvardia: Rose Green, Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley
- Chrysanthemum: Haley Brown and Ken Pond
- Freesia: Leslie Jiles and Natalie Portman
- Gladiolus: Anna Foot and Brad Scotts
- Delphinium: Hermione Granger, Pansy Parkinson, and Ginny Weasley.